Panasonic TX-32LX800

Performance
Those who regularly browse Tech2.0 or check out visual display units like LCD TVs will know that any difference in quality is minimal, and the concept of diminishing returns in my opinion arises from the electronics and Hi-Fi domain.

However, in the case of this Panasonic, there is noticeable difference from the others, especially in the brightness/contrast department. It was actually as good as in their recent plasma that we reviewed, with good black levels and gray gradation.

The contrast found a sweet spot for me at the 73-75 level on the software menu, while the brightness hardly needs to be tweaked. There was no blooming at all around the edges at optimum contrast levels. All this was in the realm of test discs DVE and HQV HD.

Next I watched the Ratatouille Blu-ray which, as you guys know is a plethora of colors. The TV displayed colors brilliantly, though it should be kept in ‘standard mode’ preset, and the color setting should also be ‘neutral’ in the menu. I Am Legend DVD is also part of my test arsenal, and this time the TV performed did a good job of rendering the DVD video, with no sign of color bleed or patchiness.

I switched on 1080i content form my AV PC to see what deinterlacing the TV can do, and played some race car HD footage I downloaded from the Microsoft site (quite a cool place for HD stuff). The rendition was not absolutely perfect, though the ghosting and moiré patterns in the image was not at all out of control. Detail is also good.

Conclusion
At an MRP of Rs 57,900 and an operating price of Rs 51,500, the Panasonic TX-32LX800 is not cheap, but then all new 32-inch TVs worth our attention cost around 50K. Further, its performance puts it in the rarefied realm of excellence. I will definitely do a showdown between the new Sony 32-inch and this one soon, but for now I can simply say with conviction that this is a great TV.