Super test: 32in LCD TVs pt2

< Previous page: JVC LT-32DA8BJ, LG 32LB1DB 2 1

Overview Price comparison: Panasonic TX-32LXD70 More info: Panasonic Size: 791(w) x 615(h) x 248(d)mm Weight (inc stand): 17.5kg Native aspect ratio: 16:9 Claimed max contrast ratio: 8500:1 Claimed max brightness: N/A Connections: Two HDMI inputs, component video input, two Scarts (both RGB), composite video input, PC input, stereo audio inputs, tuner input, CAM slot, S-Video input, headphone jack Panasonic TX-32LXD70 The 32LXD70 proves that Panasonic is every bit as accomplished with LCD technology as it is plasma. The good impressions start straight away, with twin HDMIs leading out a healthy all-round set of AV connections. The set also sports a tastefully subtle design. Where things really get interesting though, is with Panasonic's V-Real 2 image processing system. This contains image tweaks galore, including the ability to handle 1080p sources natively or upscale non-1080p sources to 1080p for playback; and 100Hz Motion Pro. By using processing to double the usual 50Hz refresh rate of PAL playback, the thinking goes that 100Hz can tackle LCD's traditional problems with retaining the full resolution of moving objects. The 32LXD70 is also one of the first LCD TVs to use a new 'IPS Alpha' LCD panel design, developed to improve colour response, black levels, and viewing angles. All the features we've mentioned combine to produce pictures on the 32LXD70 that are nothing short of outstanding - with standard as well as high definition sources. A spot of sports footage quickly establishes that the 100Hz system helps the set handle motion unusually well by LCD standards, keeping even a full-tilt Wayne Rooney looking sharp and clear. Also sharp and clear are the fine details that make high definition so special - even during dark scenes, where the 32LXD70's superior black level talents allow it to reveal plenty of the subtle background information that gives dark screens a sense of scale. The 32LXD70 demonstrates some terrific colour handling too, with extreme vibrancy during bright scenes that isn't achieved at the expense of natural tones. And the IPS Alpha panel design ensures that the set's colours and black levels retain their integrity even if you watch from quite an extreme angle, overcoming a common LCD failing. If we were really harsh, we might say there's still further room for improvement in the 32LXD70's black levels. But that doesn't stop it from being one of the finest 32in LCD TVs ever. Verdict Plus points Outstanding all-round picture quality, good feature count, good price all things considered Minus points Black levels could be slightly deeper

Overview Price comparison: Philips 32PF9641D More info: Philips Size: 875(w) x 610(h) x 127(d)mm Weight (inc stand): 22kg Native aspect ratio: 16:9 Claimed max contrast ratio: 6000:1 Claimed max brightness: 550cd/m2 Connections: 2 HDMI inputs, Two Scarts (both RGB), Component video input (also PC), headphone jack, S-Video input, composite video input, USB input, CI slot, RF jack, Stereo audio inputs, Digital audio in/out Philips 32PF9641D This Philips set isn't just a TV; it's also an objet d'art. Why? Well how many other TVs do you know that spill out pools of coloured light from their sides?! But this Ambilight technology - scientifically proven to make the viewing experiencing more relaxing - is really just the start of the 32PF9641D's claims to fame. For instance, as well as such customary connections as twin HDMIs, Scarts and a component video input, there's also a USB port for playing back JPEG, MP3, MPEG2 and .alb (slideshow) file formats directly into the TV. (Though there's no D-Sub PC input, meaning you have to use an HDMI if you want to view material directly from your PC.) Also potentially crucial to the TV's chances is its Pixel Plus 2 HD image processing. This isn't actually the top version of Pixel Plus, but you can still expect it to deliver much more sharpness and detail with standard definition sources, plus many smaller improvements to colours, edges, and noise levels. One final trick is Digital Natural Motion, Philips' unusually aggressive attempt at combating LCD's traditional motion-handling issues. The 32PF9641D's picture quality is terrific. Pixel Plus works its customary magic on the sharpness of standard definition sources, making them look almost HD at times. But HD sources too look uncannily crisp and detailed, with no nasty video noise to take the edge off things. The set also excels in the black level department, delivering night scenes that actually look dark rather than like grey mist. Black levels this good generally aid the production of vibrant and believable colours too, and so it proves on the 32PF9641D - with knobs on. With motion looking passably clean, meanwhile, probably the only significant issue we have with the 32PF9641D's pictures concerns the Digital Natural Motion tool. It certainly makes moving objects look more detailed, but only at the expense of making the picture look strangely unnatural. But then of course, if you don't like what DNM does, you can always turn it off!

Verdict Plus points Ambilight technology, good price, loads of features, excellent picture quality Minus points DNM is dodgy - but you can turn that off; no D-Sub PC input

2 3 Next page: Samsung LE32R87BD, Sharp LC32RD2E >

< Previous page: JVC LT-32DA8BJ, LG 32LB1DB 2 1