What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
24 SEP 2007
Panasonic TX-26LXD70
Oh, let's just say it straight out: notwithstanding price considerations, if you simply want to buy the best 26in TV currently on the market, go for this Panasonic. It really is a stunning TV.
Why the wholehearted recommendation? Well, lets begin with the specification.The Panasonic boasts two HDMI inputs, twin analogue and digital Freeview tuners - both of which deliver class-leading off-air performance.
Every resolution format
Even more impressively, the TX26LXD70 can accept any and every resolution format up to and including full 1080p at 24 frames-per-second (though the latter is only via Panasonic's own 3:2 video processing, not via native 24fps handling, so some slight judder is possible with tricky pans in Blu-ray movies).
There are a whole load of background gizmos to improve picture performance, too: 'Intelligent Screen Controller' adjusts backlighting, contrast and brightness according to the scene, resulting in dark scenes with backlighting as low as one seventh that of Panasonic's previous series. And it works: among the current competition, the Panasonic beats all comers for the depth and darkness of its black tones and its scintillating contrast.
As befits such a high-performing set, the Panasonic's colour palette is also excellent. Gradations are subtle, and there's no unwanted smearing. To cap it off, the Pana' is by some way the best-sounding TV in its class. As it will often be put in a bedroom and used without external speakers, that's a plus.
The only downside is that it's a tad expensive. But we've seen it for less, and we think it's worth every penny.
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