Panasonic TX 26LXD60 |
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The Good
Impressive build quality, features, and superb colour.
The Bad
Background noise with some shimmering.
Design
Panasonic continue with there trademark black frame, which combined with excellent quality finish and understated style combine to create a desirable addition to anyone's living room.
Features
Screen size & shape: 26in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound system: Nicam Resolution: 1366x768 HD Ready: Yes Contrast Ratio: 1200:1 Brightness: 500cd/m2 Weight: 15kg OTHER FEATURES: SOCKETS: 2 HDMI input, component video input, S-video, 2 scarts, composite video input, stereo audio input, digital audio output
A closer look at the TX 26LXD60 reveals a choice of two HDMI digital inputs. Sky's set-top boxes use HDMI to receive HDTV broadcasts, while you can also watch high-definition pictures from a digitally compatible DVD player. The inclusion of two HDMI inputs means you can connect both without having to constantly switch between a single input. If you haven't switched to digital yet, a set of analogue component inputs that offer enhanced picture quality, especially if you own a DVD player with progressive scan video are available.
Panasonic has also installed a number of new picture processing technologies to help improve performance. Traditionally poor LCD contrast levels have been raised using systems such as Active Contrast Control and the accompanying Active Light Control, which claim to double the dynamic contrast range of previous models. The CATS (Contrast Automatic Tracking System) uses a light sensor that automatically adjusts levels according to your room's ambient brightness. And movement is more cohesive courtesy of an 8 millisecond motion response system that reduces ghosting and streaming movement.
Performance
The image quality of Panasonic's LCDs is rarely questioned and the LXD60 is another impressive performer that deserves a place among the class leaders from Sharp and Toshiba -- even if it is slightly more expensive.
Digital TV broadcasts are densely defined using solid black levels to expose often absent detail and contrast. Improved viewing angles mean you can sit off-centre without losing too much colour vitality and perspective.
High-definition quality images reveal more elaborate detail, especially in darkly lit scenes, and depth-defining contrast to create almost tangible three-dimensionality and realism. Brilliantly balanced colours are striking without appearing unnatural and movement is smooth and smear-free. Unfortunately, there's no escaping the shimmering instability of background noise and shadow gradations that occasionally effect complex scenes - but you'll struggle to find any LCD that has totally eliminated this problem.
Panasonic's TX26LXD60 might be pricier than its immediate peers but with a future-proof specification and advanced connectivity options to equal its undoubted performance it's worth it.