Panasonic TX26LXD50 review

Features
The TX26LXD50 is part of a dying breed -- a mid-size LCD TV that doesn't qualify for an 'HD Ready' badge. High definition has become such a buzzword within the AV industry that it's spilled out into the mainstream and all that's left is for the manufacturers to catch up. Thankfully, we're finally there -- we've had 26/27-inch LCDs in recently from Philips and Toshiba that are HD-ready, and the TX26LXD50 could be the last TV at this size that doesn't meet the grade.

In technological terms, the problem lies with the allocation of video inputs as opposed to any panel weaknesses. Sky has announced that its HD service will require a digital video connection incorporating high-definition copy protection (HDCP). Only HDMI and DVI inputs meet the grade, and the TX26LXD50 lacks both. Panasonic plans to rectify this with an upgraded model called the TX26LXD52. [Note: the TX26LXD52 became available shortly before this review was published.]

The television does, however, offer that other increasingly demanded feature -- an integrated digital TV tuner. This means it can receive terrestrial digital signals if you live in a Freeview area and standard analogue TV if not. It's simple to set up and the box fully supports the 7-day electronic programme guide. And as the TV houses a Common Interface slot on the rear, you can add subscription channels from TopUp TV as you wish. Cleverly, the TV recognised new channels automatically during our reviewing process, and it alerted us to the presence of new digital channel More4.

In terms of picture processing, Panasonic uses an MPEG filter to remove any image problems from DVD and Freeview. It will also compute ways of reducing the amount of motion noise when the camera pans quickly across, or if there is a lot of movement on screen. These are very welcome additions, as they help combat two of the most annoying problems with LCD picture quality. The panel resolution is 1,366x768 pixels, so it will support high-definition pictures if you can provide them via component. While Sky requires a digital video input, it's possible that other high-definition formats such as HD DVD and Blu-ray may be compatible with component video.

Performance
Panasonic's plasmas have been held in high regard for some time, but in terms of LCD it would be fair to say that Sharp is the top dog. If the TX26LXD50 is anything to go by, however, Panasonic might just score the double. While its component video performance is predictably good, it's of a benchmark standard with Freeview. The colours seem to jump off the screen and the picture is immaculately detailed, with a real three-dimensional quality. Most importantly, there's little or nothing in the way of MPEG artefacts, nor is there any colour bleed.

We tested DVDs and our new PS2 via component video, and it proved to be worth the effort. The picture is extraordinarily solid, particularly in darker areas of the picture that never seem greyed over. We actually started to wonder what voodoo magic Panasonic has employed in there to suddenly provide such good quality pictures.

The speakers are modestly powered on paper, but they filled the room with sound while maintaining a detailed performance. Philips' 26-incher included a digital audio output, which is of benefit to owners of home cinema systems, but the sound output from the built-in speakers was crisp enough for us.

It makes you wish that the television was HD Ready with more connectivity, as it's a clear winner on performance. If you're an LCD purist, keep an eye out for the upgraded model.

Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide