Panasonic TX37LZD80 Review

37in LCD

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Very good all round performance let down slightly by black level ability.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1920 x 1080

Rating:

89%

Reviewed: 10 April 2008

Design

With a much improved quality of build and employing the latest trend for a less pronounced frame (the amount by which the frame protrudes out from the screen itself) Panasonic have produced an elegant LCD TV.

A matte black finish to the frame, which curves almost imperceptibly away from the screen at its edges, gives the TX37LZD80 a stylistic quality that really makes this piece of kit stand out from the crowd.

Features

'V-real', Panasonic's collective name for their image processing technology, has evolved on the TX37LZD80 into V-real 3 and V-real PRO 3. Panasonic say they have re-engineered every element of this latest incarnation of their picture processing technology.

Screen: 37in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1

Other Features: V-Real 3, BBE ViVA™, Deep Colour, 24fps.

Sockets: 3 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input, SD card slot.

There are two major constituents to the V-real 3 equation, V-real PRO 3 Processor and V-real PRO 3 Driver. The 'processor' element works on the raw video signal to optimize the incoming stream, while the 'Driver' element works with the refined signal and optimizes panel performance to this signal.

The TX-37LZD80 sports a Full HD native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels which allows this panel to resolve every detail of 1080i and 1080p sources, rather than scaling these pictures to fit.

Elsewhere there are now 3 HDMI (v1.3) inputs (up from 2 on the LZD70). HDMI v1.3 can utilize the Deep Colour (x.v.YCC) format. Deep Colour produces almost twice the range of available colours, but you will need a source that produces this level of detail (A few HD camcorders offer the feature and possibly in the future, Blu-ray discs played through a Deep Colour enabled player such as Panasonic's DMP-BD30).

With dynamic backlight circuitry, the TX37LZD80 automatically detects the brightness levels of the incoming video signal and adjusts the backlight accordingly. Contrast ratio is up to a claimed 10,000:1 from 8,500:1.

A simple feature we really like is the photo viewer. Insert your camera's SD card into the TX37LZD80's SD slot and the screen will go into slide show mode. Your photos are then easily navigable through the TV's remote.

The TX-37LZD80 features 'Viera Link', Panasonics take on a technology which employs high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connections to automatically control similarly enabled devices using a single remote. Pop the SD memory card from your digital camera into the TX37LZD80's card slot and a slideshow presentation begins, which you can control from the TV's remote.

Acoustically, the TX37LZD80 features BBE ViVA™, a new High Definition 3D Sound technology which has been designed to create a 3D sound effect from stereo speakers.

Interestingly, Panasonic has dispensed with 100Hz processing on the TX37LZD80. We have felt in the past with models such as the TX32LXD70/700 that 100Hz processing did have a positive effect on picture performance, but not a dramatic improvement. Panasonic may well have arrived at the same conclusion.

Performance

We believe that the single most disappointing aspect of the TX37LZD80's performance, uninspiring black levels, is a reflection of LCD's inherent weakness in reaching the same level of achievement in this respect as a Plasma screen. Placing the TX37LZD80 alongside Panasonic's TH37PX80 leaves us in no doubt that LCD technology is still behind its Plasma rival in its ability to create a rich black on screen texture.

The black level performance is particularly disappointing because in every other respect, the TX37LZD80 is highly accomplished. In particular, V-real 3 seems to be working particularly well with Standard Definition (SD) sources to create a picture which is virtually free from any interference, even on terrestrial Freeview.

Illustrating how important basic picture processing ability is over 100Hz processing, the TX37LZD80 puts in an immaculate motion handling performance. As mentioned, the TX37LZD80 comes without 100Hz processing, and although we haven't been huge fans of the technology, we have seen it work, to a degree on other Panasonic LCD TV's. An indication perhaps that a screens core picture processing ability, represented in this case by V-real 3, is by far the most important element in determining its performance, the TX37LZD80 is one of the most accomplished LCD TV's when it comes to motion handling. Most fast action sequences are remarkably free of 'motion blur' and only with the fastest sporting or movie action does it become mildly discernable.

Hook up the LZD80 to a Blu-ray player and this LCD TV really shines. The Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution screen provides a stunning level of sharpness and detail. Add vibrant, but not overwhelming colour along with impressive acoustic ability to the mix and the result is a very impressive home cinema experience. It is the subtlety of colours on the LZD80 which impressed us the most. Even tricky facial tones with SD or HD material are never less than wholly realistic.

Rounding off the impressive all round performance of the TX37LZD80 is a better than average acoustic performance. The focus on sound with many flat screen TV's seem in many cases to be an afterthought. In pursuit of a stylish appearance, a number of manufacturers hide speakers or shave then down to a bare minimum. With the LZD80 the presence of BBE ViVA™ technology adds real depth and power to the TV's soundtrack.

Conclusion

Panasonic's TX-37LZD70 was and still is an excellent screen. The TX-37LZD80 is just that little bit better in every area but shares the same Achilles heel, a slightly disappointing black level performance. The TX37LZD80 is one of the most frustrating LCD TV's we have come across. Exceptional in many areas, it is one step away from being a truly great screen.

Panasonic TX-37LZD80


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