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Panasonic TX-26LMD70 Review |
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Reviewed: 04 April 2007
Design
With the TX26LMD70 Panasonic have removed all traces of their trademark silver livery. Essentially, the frame of this unit is the same as its bigger brothers the TX32LXD70 and 700, the only stylistic difference being the slender half inch or so thick rim which is now black rather than silver. Personal taste will dictate which you prefer, but both add a touch of class to any living space.
Features
V-Real is the collective name for Panasonic's picture processing technologies, and a major feature of the TX-26LMD70 is that it now sports V-Real II the latest incarnation of this set of technologies.
Screen size & shape: 26in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound system: Stereo Resolution: 1366 x 768 HD Ready: Yes Contrast Ratio: 700:1 Brightness: 450cd/m2 OTHER FEATURES: V-real II picture processing, IPS alpha panel, Integrated Freeview. SOCKETS: 2 HDMI, 2 Scart, S-video, component video, PC input.
Panasonic make a distinction between the 'V-real 2 Processor' part of the technology and 'V-real 2 Driver' The 'Driver' side of the equation promises amongst other things enhanced fast motion handling capabilities.
The 'Processor' has been designed to retain the quality of incoming video with a 'Digital Processing Chip' and to present the pictures in an optimum fashion with the 'Digital Re-mastering Processor'.
The major difference between the TX26LMD70 and the next step-up the Viera LCD range, the LXD70 series is the screen refresh rate. The TX26LMD70 slips down a notch with a refresh rate of 50hz rather than 100hz, and we are particularly interested in seeing what impact this has.
Connectivity on this panel is good rather than outstanding with 2 HDMI and 2 Scart connections and the normal s-video and component inputs.
Another feature of the TX26LMD70, Viera Link, uses high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connections to automatically switch between different devices, put them in standby and take control of them with full menu access using a single remote.
Rounding things off, the TX-26LMD70 has IPS alpha panel which improves the screens viewing angle horizontally, but not vertically as on the LXD70's.
Performance
First impressions indicate that the TX26LMD70 is as accomplished as its older, higher spec brothers. High Definition is again outstanding with colours that are the richest we have ever seen on a 26in LCD, and a sharpness and vibrancy that is simply unmatched on any comparable flat panel.
Colours are also deeper and more natural than anything the other major manufacturers have to offer.
The TX26LMD70 is another stellar performer when it comes to Standard Definition sources. We simply haven't seen pictures as clean and crisp as these on any other LCD screen to date. In fact, at a distance, you have to stare at the screen for some time before you realise you are watching SD rather than HD.
Fast motion scenes on the TX26LMD70 don't seem to suffer as much through the lack of 100Hz refresh rate as on the 32in model. Maybe its a matter of perception on the smaller screen size, but there was definitely an reduction in blurring (minimal on the 32in model) on this screen and it seemed to retain more sharpness and composure.
Fast panning, especially the type seen on detailed action movies or sports coverage shows some motion blur and smearing. It doesn't detract from the experience of the screen, but you are conscious of the deficiency, whereas with the LXD70/700 the overall performance is good enough for you not to notice.
Sonically the TX26LMD70 does a good job and never struggles with the more demanding parts of a movie soundtrack. It would have been nice though if it had the V-Audio Surround - Smart Sound Speaker System and SRS Trusurround XT due on the upcoming TX32LMD700.
Conclusion
The TX-26LMD70 is a great screen, and a screen that you could quite easily live with. £100 pounds or so more will get you 100Hz refresh rate although the lack of this feature on the TX26LMD70 doesn't seem to have the impact that it does on the TX32LMD70. The TX26LMD70 is a compact, stylish LCD and far more accomplished than any other 26in screen out there at the moment for this price.
