Panasonic Viera TX-32LZD85

The Panasonic Viera TX-32LZD85 is well made, aesthetically pleasing and most importantly a good picture even with a weak Freeview signal. It's a bit expensive for a 32" TV but does most things pretty well. The most dissapointing part is the sound quality, which is just not good enough at this price point

If you can get a good deal on this set, or a free 5 year guarantee the it's a great buy. At RRP it's still a good TV, but VfM is reduced so on ly a good buy.

I have had this Panasonic Viera TX tv for more than a month now. I have to say that overall, I am very happy with it. It is capable of 1080p high definition resolutions (not many 32 inch tvs can do this), and is a well-engineered piece of kit.

PICTURE: I have tested the 1080p mode by using my XBOX 360. As can be expected, the pictures are crisp and the tv performs very well. I do not have an HD TV subscription, so cannot comment on how it performs to digital TV high-def content. Normal DVDs look stunning, and standard definition SKY transmission is more than decent (some other high-def TVs usually suffer in this area). Colours are vivid and there is very little pixelisation, even if you are close up, or there is fast movement on screen. Panasonic have introduced very good up-scaling technology, so even standard definition signals upscale well on the screen. The only gripe I have with this model, is that sometimes, the black scenes are not good enough. Shadows and black backgrounds appear somewhat below par. This however is a generic vice of all LCD TVs, so is not an issue specific to this model.

SOUND: The sound is surprisingly good. It is clear and distinct on the trebles, and beefy and distortion-free on the bass.

FEATURES/CONNECTIONS: Panasonic have been very generous with an ample selection of inputs and connection ports offered with the LZD-85. Pleanty of HDMI (three) ports, plus all the other standard connections are available. You can hook up your hi-fi, even using digital optical cable, and you can slot in your SD memory card directly into the side of the TV to view your digital photos. Nice touch!

ERGONOMICS/BUILD: The TV looks sleek and beautiful. It will definately enhance your living room. It is pretty thin and not very heavy. The menus are well designed and the machine is easy to install and set up. The only minor concern I can say here, is that the remote has to be aimed pretty much bang on teh sensor to operate it. Surely they could have designed this abit better.

OVERALL: this is a good buy. A bit expensive, but it oozes quality. A couple of minor practical gripes,. but overall, a very good buy. My rating: 89%