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Panasonic TX-32LZD80
Finally, we can stop speculating and start declaiming. Panasonic, flatscreen front-runner for ages now, has delivered a 1920 x 1080 resolution, Full HD LCD TV of just 32 inches, with 24fps compatibility. In the past, we've posited that screens of this size may not offer picture-quality benefits over 1366 x 768 resolution, HD Ready sets. That was easy to say, because we hadn't seen a 32in Full HD screen until now.
Attention-grabbing resolution apart, the TX-32LZD80 is par for the accomplished-and-desirable flatscreen course. The standard of build is competitive, the finish compact and attractive, and three HDMI inputs will keep the Blu-ray/console/Sky HD crowd happy. Where the ergonomics of remote control, set-up menus and EPG are concerned, the 'LZD80 continues the good work of Panasonics past. They are straightforward, well thought-out and comprehensive. Sound's not bad by flatscreen standards, but that's not high praise.
Both analogue and digital TV tuners
The Panasonic's packing both analogue and digital TV tuners, and pictures from either are crisp, detailed and natural. Movement presents no significant problems, edges are generally stable and contrasts are handled with assurance. Standard definition content (in this instance our trusty DVD of Training Day) is equally impressive: the '80 produces nice deep blacks and doesn't scrimp on the details. It's adept at motion-tracking, poised with skin tones and textures, and the overall image is immersive and convincing.
So, with the crowd having been whipped into a frenzy by the opening acts, it's a shame that the big draw turns out to be a case of 'seen it all before'.
Don't get us wrong, pictures from the 3.10 to Yuma Blu-ray are delightful: generous levels of detail, even in the brightest or darkest scenes, brilliantly smooth edges and wide-ranging, natural colours. Depth of field impresses too, and motion is gripped with authority.
But we parked the '32LZD80 alongside the TX-32LMD70 we gave five stars to in March - having looked at a variety of content for far longer than is advisable, we felt that maybe - maybe - the Full HD set offered cleaner edge definition.
So our suspicions are borne out. Unless you're prepared to stare until you're cross-eyed, Full HD at this screen size seems to bring no significant gains. Of course, that doesn't stop the TX-32LZD80 being a splendid flatscreen well worth its five stars.
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