Panasonic Viera TX-37LZD80 review

Panasonic Viera TX-37LZD80 Review

Reviewed by: Ian Morris

Reviewed on: 8 May 2008

Freeview performance, on the other hand, was not up to snuff. The main problem with standard definition pictures on the Panasonic is that some aspect of the picture processing is destroying the fine detail. Looking at the TV close up revealed that things like hair are just represented as a giant smudge. Faces had an unnaturally smooth look.

At first, we thought it might be a menu setting causing all the problems. We increased the sharpness control, but that didn't make a massive difference, although there was a small increase in the detail levels. No matter what we tried, we just couldn't get the appropriate amount of detail on-screen. We did notice that when we sat a normal distance away from the screen -- a little under the couch-TV distance most people assume in their homes -- the picture looked okay, but we could still perceive the lack of detail.

Some of the problems that affected Freeview were also evident in gaming performance. Although Burnout Paradise looked and sounded great, we could tell that the image wasn't quite as sharp as it should be. In fact, this is much less of an issue than it would be for TV because games consoles sometimes output video that can look coarse around the edges. Here, the softening effect of this TV was more tolerable.

It's also worth us mentioning the TV's EPG and menu system are really good. The eight-day EPG looks amazing, and it's extremely well laid out. Using it was a real pleasure, and we do love a nice, simple menus.

Conclusion
Freeview performance badly lets this set down; the softness and missing detail in the picture means that we can't in good faith recommend it to most people. HD performance is much better, and if you are looking for a TV that will never be used to show Freeview or non-HD, then this one wouldn't be too bad. The fact remains that Panasonic itself has set the bar so high with its plasma range that it's slightly spoilt our eyes. There isn't really any compelling reason to get this over the plasma 720p TH-37PX80B.

If LCD is your display type of choice, then we'd suggest you go for the Toshiba Regza 37XV505D or the cheaper, 720p 37CV505D, both of which do a better job with Freeview than this Panasonic.

Edited by Shannon Doubleday