Panasonic TX26LXD70 Review

26in LCD

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Outstanding picture quality and motion handling capabilities make this the 26in LCD beat.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1366 x 768

Rating:

93%

Reviewed: 03 August 2007

Design

Panasonic have broken with tradition and removed most traces of their silver livery on the TX26LXD70. What remains is a very stylish thin silver border around a predominantly black screen (Note: Panasonic's Uk web site currently shows an all black finish). The TX26LXD70 benefits hugely in the style department from the mostly black finish.

Features

V-Real is the collective name for Panasonic's picture processing technologies, and a major feature of the TX26LXD70 is that it now sports V-Real II the latest incarnation of this set of technologies.

Screen: 26in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1366 x 768

Contrast Ratio: 700:1 (dynamic)

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, with the TX26LXD70 now rated at 100hz refresh rate putting it on par with the best CRT screens.

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'.

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 TX26LXD70, 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-26LXD70 has IPS alpha panel which not only improves the screens viewing angle horizontally, but vertically as well.

Performance

First impressions indicate that the TX26LXD70 like its older brother the TX32LXD70, is a hugely accomplished screen.

In fact, the two screens are nearly identical in performance apart from the display of Standard Definition pictures. With a High Definition source colours are the richest we have ever seen on a 26in LCD, with a sharpness and vibrancy that is simply unmatched on any comparable flat panel. Colours are deeper and more natural than anything the other major manufacturers have to offer.

The only area where the TX26LXD70 differs from the TX32LXD70 is in the display of Standard Definition, which it does better than its older brother. Freeview was even sharper and more vibrant than on the TX32LXD70 which itself excelled in this area.

You need to get really up close to the screen before detecting any blurriness, video noise or motion smearing.

The improved 100hz refresh rate looks like it has a big impact on this screen. Fast panning, especially the type seen on detailed action movies or sports coverage is remarkably free of motion blur or smearing.

Inconsistencies are still visible, with a tendency for loss of focus the most notable, but the TX26LXD70 is nevertheless a leap forward for LCD motion handling capabilities.

Sonically the TX26LXD70 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 found on the TX32LXD700.

Conclusion

The TX-26LXD70 is not revolutionary, but it is enough of a leap forward to make it the current leader of the pack.