Super test: 32in LCD TVs pt2 | |  | 1 < Hitachi UT32MH70, Humax LP32-TDR1
3 Philips 32PFL7762D, Samsung LE32A656 >
4 Sharp LC-32X20E, Toshiba 32XV505 and winner >
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LG 32LG5000
LG has delivered a bewildering mix of the good and the not-so-good recently, so we really don't know what to expect from the 32LG5000.
First impressions of this relatively low-end model are promising, thanks to the classy demeanour created by its high-gloss back finish and stylishly accentuated power light.
It also surpasses its £450 price when it comes to its connectivity, thanks to its provision of three v1.3 HDMIs. And it's no slouch on the feature front either, sporting LG's XD Engine video processing and a dynamic contrast system that reckons to produce a huge contrast ratio of 50000:1.
It has to be said, though, that this contrast claim looks rather optimistic once you settle down to watch the 32LG5000 in action. For while the set's black level response is decent, it's certainly not perfect. And so while 'normal' TV fare has enough black level depth to look quite punchy, push things harder with a dark film such as Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd adaptation, and definite traces appear of the tell-tale grey clouding over parts of the picture that are supposed to look black.
There's actually a more pressing problem with the 32LG5000's pictures, too: their motion handling. In other words, whenever anything fast blazes across the screen, especially during standard definition viewing, it tends to look blurred and indistinct.
The good news is that the 32LG5000 springs to life with relatively static, bright, colourful material such as that found in the majority of daytime TV fare. Now colours look vibrant and clean, detail levels are solid for a set that doesn't have a full HD resolution, and the picture is generally very watchable.
We can also finish on a high note with the set's audio talents. For the 32LG5000 has enough raw power and bass extension to punch above its weight when pushed hard with a good action film sequence.
What this all adds up to is a TV that might not have what it takes to be a main living room TV, but could work nicely as a casual and very affordable second TV in a kitchen or bedroom.
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Plus points
Nice looker, great price, pictures look good when source is relatively bright and static, good connectivity
Minus points
Motion blur, some clouding over dark scenes |  |
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Price: £650
More info: Panasonic
Size: 831(w) x 538(h) x 103(d)mm
Weight: 15.5kg
Native aspect ratio: 16:9
Claimed max contrast ratio: 10,000:1
Claimed max brightness: N/A
Connections: Three HDMI inputs (all v1.3), component video input, two Scarts (both RGB), composite video input, PC input, stereo audio inputs, tuner input, CAM slot, S-Video input, headphone jack, digital audio output, SD card slot
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Panasonic TX-32LXD85
Much as Panasonic might favour plasma technology over LCD, it has no choice but to go the LCD route with screens as small as 32in. And on the evidence of the highly affordable 32LXD85, it's got nothing to be afraid of.
The 32LXD85 is not the most glamorous looking TV in this group by any means, yet its subtler approach may appeal more to conservative tastes. Its quiet but confident start continues with the discovery of a healthy three HDMIs and an SD slot for photo viewing among its connections.
Plus it boasts Panasonic's venerable V-Real 3 picture processing, which we've seen deliver some particularly noteworthy results when it comes to reducing video noise levels.
Even though the 32LXD85 rests relatively low down Panasonic's current range, it still manages one final feature coup in the form of 100Hz processing that doubles the image's refresh rate to counter LCD motion blur.
In fact, the 100Hz engine works very well, helping moving objects look unusually clear and clean. This in turn helps create an impression of good sharpness and detailing in the 32LXD85's portrayal of HD sources.
The V-Real processing enhances the picture's clarity still further by keeping pretty much all forms of video noise to an absolute minimum. This is particularly impressive when you think that the 32LXD85's screen isn't full HD in resolution, and so has to rescale both standard and high definition sources to its 1366x768 pixel count.
Also in the plus column, colours are punchy and generally authentic in tone, and are offset during bright scenes by a solid black level response.
Black levels are perhaps found a touch wanting during really dark film scenes, with a tinge of greyness creeping in, and the 100Hz engine occasionally glitches slightly during really fast camera pans. We guess the best full HD 32in TVs around can produce fractionally more HD sharpness than the 32LXD85, too.
But overall, with some relatively potent sound to accompany the pictures, the 32LXD85 can be considered a very nice budget TV indeed.
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Plus points
Impressive, natural pictures, impressive value, solid feature and connection support
Minus points
Black levels merely good, occasional 100Hz glitches, not particularly exciting to look at | |
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1 < Hitachi UT32MH70, Humax LP32-TDR1
3 Philips 32PFL7762D, Samsung LE32A656 >
4 Sharp LC-32X20E, Toshiba 32XV505 and winner >
|
