LCD TV Reviews

Technika is a brand that is exclusive to Tesco. Today we thought of having a look at the misty world of the superstore electrical departments where you can find LCD models at extremely low prices and find brands you have never heard of before are quite common.

We are very certain that you must have not heard about this brand, unless you have paid a visit to Tesco in search of a low end LCD TV. So, let us find out if Technika is simply a fancy, vaguely Germanic name manufactured for name sake or, is the LCD32-209 LCD TV a hidden diamond among the lot of budget craps?

Design proportional to cost:

You will not hear the Technika LCD32-209 LCD TV winning any design awards, unless the design engineers of Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic have totally gone out of their minds. This set is simply a flimsily built black coloured rectangle; nothing more and nothing less. But this has not disappointed us, because this is what we expected out of it, considering the fact that the LCD32-209 costs just about £280. This cost is just 10 pounds more than Godmans LD2667D and this model is just 26” and this one is a 32” telly. In fact, we are pretty sure that the Technika LCD32-209 is the cheapest model we had ever tested. Overall, the LCD32-209 looks its price, with a plasticky and bland design.

Surprising connectivity range:

Again considering how phenomenally cheap it is for a 32-inch TV, the fact that the TV sports two HDMIs is extremely pleasing, you must also note here that the Godmans were able to manage just one. This is not the end of the good news either when it comes to connectivity as the TV has also allotted both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs along with a subwoofer line out next to the expected SCARTs, the composite video input and component video output. We found that the only black spot in terms of connectivity is the absence of a D-Sub PC input for easy connectivity to an analogue PC.

Picture features:

It is important that the Technika LCD32-209 LCD TV has some good range of features that help with the picture quality of the set and not just with connectivity and interface. The all important resolution of the set is an expected HD Ready 1366 x 768. The claimed contrast ratio is, for what it is worth, 1000:1. Given how low this looks when compared to the 30000:1 or more that is now quite common in the world of LCD TVs, we just hope that it actually represents the native measurement of the screen, rather than being measured with the dynamic backlight feature of the set switched on. The moral of the story is that, never rely on the manufacturer’s quoted contrast ratio at ant times.

Performance:

Here, we come to the business end of the TV; that is, the AV performance of the Tesco Technika LCD32-209. Overall, the picture quality can be said to be astonishingly good in a few areas and crappy in others. We will give you the bitter news first and then move on to the sweet news.

Colour tone:

Yet another gripe with the picture is its colour tone when in Standard Definition. Particularly, the skin tones look weird all too often; it is either pasty or too pinkish. The other quite neutral colours have a tendency to look slightly soft too. If at all the Technika LCD32-209 has any colour punch at all, it is exhibited only when there is some really rich standard definition stuff such as the SKY News graphics.

Noise Handling:

The final gripe picture wise is the Noise Handling of the Technika LCD32-209 LCD TV. The sources ten to look rather, say alive with grains and even some occasional MPEG noise, in both Satndard Definition and High Definition. This is the case even having the noise reduction system on the only setting that can be contemplated as low.

Black levels:

As we had promised to you earlier, there are a few positives too on the Technika LCD32-209 and a few of those are quite surprising. The first one is the black levels; we are not saying that there are no graying parts over the pictures that are meant to be black at all, but it is not so bad to be really very distracting as found in the budget models. These decent black levels are just enough to offer a really decent deep counterpart to the bright and rich picture elements that ensure the extreme contrast material look genuinely punchy and attractive. There were no much of instability in dark areas, either, and this is the case even with the automatic dimming feature in action.

HD Performance:

The High Definition pictures  in Technika LCD32-209 LCD TV  look quite impressive too. The colours were astonishingly believable and dynamic with HD ones than what can be observed on the Standard Definition sources. Again, when it comes to relatively static material, the crispness and details of the HD images are mind blowing.

In fact, under the right settings and circumstances, the pictures on LCD32-209 can look very good indeed; it will be far better than what you can expect is possible on such a budget telly. It is a shame that the video of Technika is spoiled by its nasty habit pictures that move on a regular basis. This is the point at which all the admirable HD sharpness is immediately undone by the heavy motion smearing issue.

Audio:

It is the uninspiring built quality on which the audio quality of the LCD32-209 belies, by actually sounding quite good. You will be able feel a nice sense of depth and width to a good movie sound track. The voices are quite clean and rich, and the treble details have been presented aggressively offered without sounding any harsh. In fact, there is even a fair bit of bass to be heard from time to time.

Warranty:

Tesco offers its Technika LCD32-209 LCD TV one year warranty for parts and labour.

Verdict:

On the boons side of the Technika LCD32-209, there is the very low cost for an HD ready 32” LCD TV, decent audio, decent contrast, black levels, HD quality and vibrant colours and on the banes side there is the nasty motion handling, noisy pictures and the colour tones that look really strange on the standard definition. Even though the motion handling issues of the LCD32-209 are impossible to be ignored, there is quite a good deal of positivity to at least make us look forward for its future releases. We cannot recommend it is a lounge product, but if you have a “Video Game addict” at your home, this might prove to be a worthy investment to give you some peace of mind for a while.

Technika LCD32-209 LCD TV – Technical Specification Table

Manufacturer	Tesco
Model Name	Technika LCD32-209
Model Number	LCD32-209
Dimensions (H x W x D) in mm	776 x 567 x 212 mm
Weight	12.3 kg
Colour	Black
Display size	32″
Display technology	LCD
Display Format	720p, 1080i
Resolution	1366 x 768 pixels
Contrast Ratio	1000:1
Brightness	500 cd/m2
Pixels	1049088
Viewing angle	176  degree
Dual TV Tuner	Yes
Integrated Freeview tuner	Yes
Colour temperature control	Yes
Remote Control	Infra Red
Picture in Picture	Yes
Audio Output	Stereo
Total output power	14 W
Connectivity	2 x HDMI 1 x Component 1 x RGB Scart 2 x Scart Sky High Definition compatible HDCP
Additional features	Noise reduction, film mode, dynamic backlight system, game mode
Warranty	1 year

Toshiba was not much popular when it comes to TV, but however, has managed to turn out to be a famous brand amongst other LCD TVs since the unveiling of their Regza series almost a year ago. Then again, the most evident omission in this series up until now is its capabilities to transmit 1080p signals.

 

Design:

Stunning looks:

The 42X3030D LCD Television definitely stands out of the crowd. It stands out from its entry-level predecessor Regza 42C3030D by boasting a black glossy bezel as against the matt finish. The end result – a stunning TV. While there are no complacent labels boasting of technological proclamations along the bezel, the only clue that hints towards this LCD’s origin are the inscriptions Regza and Toshiba, the former on the top right and the latter justified at the center in the bottom. While some might consider this as a fuss remover, others who like to show off their latest technology will not be amused. Exploring further down brings us in contact with yet another strip that sports the timer indicators along with the LED power. The grey background of this area smoothly transitions from the blacks of the speaker grille and bezel trailing to the stand’s silver finish.

42 inch Screen:

The assembly of the screen looks to be decent with a skinny speaker neatly tucked under a glossy, clean front pane. It would not be exaggeration if we said that the speakers are barely noticeable and there is a very slim grille just beneath the screen, so there is literally nothing to detract from the clean, minimalist lines. While the front panel is tastefully designed, the rear panel looks deprived by way of a cheap feeling plastic supported by an unsteady stand that is unfortunately kind of wobbly.

On-TV Controls:

Primary controls have been hidden away at the right side and can be used to adjust channels and volume or even get access to the main menu system. However, if you got to tune channels, you will not be able to do so without the tall, slender remote. There is also easy to access provided for the composite video and stereo audio inputs in the primary controls section, but the age old S-Video connections have been entirely ignored.

Remote Control:

The tall slender remote control we just mentioned looks pretty much similar to the LG 42C3030D – well quite an improvement over its predecessors, yet kind of lags behind the TV’s design in terms of style stakes. The rubber buttons does not have a great tactile feedback and the arrow ring is not as responsive as other remotes that we have become familiar with. Well not that bad though, as the buttons are fairly chunky with the remote itself being pretty flimsy. The remote looks to be fairly responsive in the Freeview EPG too. Again, it came as a big surprise when we found out it has the capacity to jump forward (at a time 24 hours).

Power:

Toshiba has continued its tradition of using captive power cables on its TVs, of course a separate power cord has the advantage of being easily replaceable, but we cannot remember ever having a TV where the power cable failed.

Installation:

Set up of the Toshiba 42X3030D 42-inch HD Ready LCD TV is just a breeze as it comes with the swivel pedestal stand that is readily attached out of the box. All that you will have to do is, just lift up the TV and place it on the stand. Even the power cable comes readily fixed and tucked up neatly behind the panel, which is a change from the kettle power lead that is usually packed separately with HDTVs of this size.

Features:

User interface:

The menu system of the Toshiba 42X3030D 42? LCD Television mirrors the capabilities and range of the controls found in the earlier C3030D series.  The 42X3030D shares the same OSD as its cheaper sibling the 42C3030D, but this time around everything is applicable. The menu looks to be very obedient in taking orders from the remote and thus surfing the submenu is absolutely seamless. Although this LCD TV packs an ‘Exact Scan Mode’ in the menu, unfortunately the setting is applicable only to 1080 line panels. Well if you are wondering what the ‘Exact Scan’ means, it is nothing but the tag given by Toshiba for 1:1 pixel mapping, meaning if the 42X3030D is fed with a 1920 x 1080 signal, it tends to display images pixel by pixel, without any hint of over-scanning. As a result, you get a far superior picture sharpness wise, without any scaling involved.

Operation on the Toshiba 42X3030D is smooth and quiet, with no significant head splitting buzz or annoying high-pitched whine that afflicts some LCD panels.

Resolution:

Similar to its predecessors, the 42X3030D is a 42in LCD TV with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080, or Full HD as most of us like to call it. The Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels of the screen is compatible with all the HD signals including the most recent 1080p format used by the next generation DVD players and games consoles. As a matter of fact, Toshiba claims that the 42X3030D can deal with 1080p 60, 50, and 24 variants, which makes it a fairly flexible TV indeed. Of course, you can still happily input 720p and 1080i signals into the 42X3030D, and it will still do a very good job of displaying them more on image quality later though. Blu-ray and HD DVD movies can also be watched as they were intended using 24p scanning, which outputs even more realistic images sans any kind of audio distortion.

Freeview:

As a standard feature, a digital freeview tuner is included; it is just something that no TV should be without. If the BBC and ITV pact to offer a HD capable satellite service materialises in one or two years, we could see the introduction of HD tuners instead. The Freeview channels are tuned in automatically the very minute you turn the TV on for the first time.

 

 

Warranty:

Toshiba 42X3030D LCD TV comes with one year warranty for parts and labour.

Verdict:

It is a fact that Toshiba’s 42X3030D 1080p LCD TV is truly reserved for anybody who has his/her heart set on exploring High Definition, especially the latest 1080p format used by devices like Blu-ray and HD DVD players, and even the latest games consoles. Its affordable price means the design is slighted by average build quality, connectivity and underlying technology, but the HD picture performance is really impressive and the sound is surprisingly good, too.

The 42X3030D’s all-round capabilities make this a fairly good offer for users looking at good performance while keeping a tab on the price tag. It is not the best LCD out there, but the price to performance ratio is compelling.

Check other Toshiba LCD TV Reviews, Specs in this website.

Toshiba 42X3030D LCD TV – Technical Specification Table

Manufacturer	Toshiba
Model Name	42X3030D
Dimensions (W x H x D)	1027 x 725 x 333 mm
Cabinet colour	Glossy black
Weight	27.3 kg
Display
Size	42 inch
Resolution	1920 x 1080 pixels
Aspect Ratio	16:9
Image contrast ratio	6000:1 CR
Screen brightness	500 cd/m2
Features
3D Digital Comb Filter	Yes
Colour temperature control	Yes
Picture in Picture	No
Integrated Freeview tuner	Yes
HD formats	720p, 1080i, 1080p
Interactive features	Digital Text Electronic Programme Guide Fastext Favourite Channel Memory Now and Next Information Text Page Memory
Tuning	Analogue Tuner Auto Set-up Digital Ready Freeview
Other features	Integrated Signal Amplifier Off Timer Panel Lock Swivel Stand Wall Mountable
Audio
Surround sound effects	SRS WOW
Sound Output RMS	Stereo
Optional subwoofer	Yes
Speakers included	2
Total output power	20 W
Additional features	Bass Boost Internal Speakers ON/OFF NICAM Stereo Stable Sound
Input and Output (Back)
Analogue Audio Input	Yes
DVB Common Interface	Yes
Fixed/Variable Audio Output	Yes
PC input – WXGA	Yes
HDCP	Yes
HDMI	Yes
RGB (via Scart)	1
SCART	2
Composite (AV)	1
Sky High Definition compatible	Yes
Headphone	Yes
Component (Y/Pb/Pr)	1
Side AV Input	Yes
Swivel	Yes
Remote control	Infrared
Accessories	Remote control, 2x AA batteries
Warranty	1 year

From the oldest television in black and to the latest in 3D, we sure have come a long way. What used to be an evening with a whistling black and white Mickey Mouse in a rather large box has transformed slowly into an immersive and colourful House of Mouse experience with a system that is sleek enough to blend into the wall behind it. We have incorporated the latest technology which further enhances the way we watch and perceive. With technologies like High Definition and built in software like DLNA networking, television sets have evolved into nothing short of a theatre offering an amazing viewing experience.

Sharp, the well known Japanese company has always put in an effort to modernise and improve the quality of electronics that we use. Mastering in innovation, it has come with many trendsetting appliances since the beginning. Sharp is synonymous with quality LCD televisions and the likes. Sharp takes on a new challenge and introduces an LCD television backlit with LED. This is not what is new about it though. Even as everyone is scuffling about raising a hue and cry about the next big thing in television being 3D, Sharp decided to follow its own path. The television Sharp LC46LE821E is one of three in its new line of Quattron television sets and boasts the usage of the quad pixel technology, designed to spice up the way you watch. Sharp has become the first to venture with this. Why don’t we find out more?

Design:

Sleek:

Sharp has done away with its usual unique look and has come to terms with looking like most of its competitors. The 46 inch screen is quite slim and sleek. The glass coating makes it a bit heavier than most but on the other hand it is scratch-proof. LC46LE821E  46″ LCD TV is also the first of Sharp’s to use LED lighting and hence the slenderness. It weighs around a hefty 30 kilograms. The dimensions are 785 X 1127 X 39 mm (H x W x D) without the stand and just the depth varies as 340 mm including the stand.

Display:

As with the case of every LED backlit LCD television, the LCD is either illuminated from behind or from the side by the LEDs. Its touch sensitive controls are located at the bottom edge and blend in without troubling the elegant design of its exterior. The stunning display of the LC46LE821E is attributed to its one of kind and the very special quad pixel technology which we will explain in detail later on.

Features:

Quad Pixel Technology:

We guess that if the Sharp LC46LE821E LED Backlit LCD TV had any special feature to mention, it would definitely be the 4 colour pixel technology that Sharp had decided to throw in. This has won an award and plans to give 3D a run for its money. Now what do we know about the usually used pixel technology? Well, generally there are only three colours used, i.e. red, blue and green. This means we will be able to view the colours that fit into that particular colour triangle.

What Sharp has done here is, they have introduced a fourth colour, yellow. This translates to a wider triangle meaning you can experience more vibrant colours and vivid images. The company worked four hard years to perfect this technology. They had to make space for the fourth colour by reducing the size of the other three and it is probably not as easy as it sounds seeing as they took four years.

The Quad Pixel technology is truly exhilarating and also very rewarding. The introduction of this has brought it on par with the display and video performance of the Philips 9000 series and that is truly an achievement. We expected slight improvement in the vividness of the images but we got so much more. The colour and detail was animated and clearly on a whole new level.

Connectivity:

The connectivity options that are provided are also quite impressive. The Sharp LC46LE821E Full HF LED LCD TV comes with HDMI ports, an Ethernet port and RS-232 jack all to be connected at the side reducing the chaos behind the system. The Ethernet port is used to access files on a DLNA enabled computer. DLNA allows you to sync between other such enabled devices without much physical hassle. Sadly, this innovation lacks built Wi Fi that every other system seems to be coming with nowadays.

FreeView:

Enjoy Freeview HD which offers free high definition programs minus the extra cost. Just plug in and watch your favourite programs. Afraid you will miss one? Then you can also record them onto the built in 8GB hard drive.

Performance:

Video Performance:

In this regard, the quad pixel is the star of the show. It beautifully crafts the image onscreen making it more lifelike. The yellow sub pixel is everything it was hyped to be. With motion judder reduction and the 100Hz processing, you can perceive a clear image without motion lag.

Audio Performance:

Audio performance in LC46LE821E 46-inch LCD Television is decent. It is similar to what you would experience with other slim televisions and such. It is satisfactory within a certain level and turn it up beyond that, you might get hints of disoriented sound.

Power Consumption:

The X Gen panel allows a wider aperture and therefore there is more intake of colours which reduces the needs for more backlighting elements. This also helps reduce leakage current. Overall, the X Gen panel coupled with LED backlighting helps reduce power intake by a fair margin. The introduction of the quad pixel technology supposedly helps cut your power costs too.

7 Eco Technology:

7eco technology designed by Sharp features seven solutions for reducing power consumption and being environmental friendly. This consists of the X Gen panel and LED Brilliant which have already been mentioned. The next is ECO Picture Control which helps in controlling the backlight brightness. The OPC or Optional Picture Control reacts automatically modifies the brightness according to the ambience of the surroundings. The No Signal Off/ No Operation Off function also automatically acts. It switches the television into standby if there is no signal detection for more than fifteen minutes or no operation for a preset time. The last two are the main power switch and the eco power switch on the control.

Warranty:

A limited warranty period of 12 months is offered from the date of purchase. A repaired or replaced Product will be warranted for the balance of the original warranty period or for ninety days from the date of repair or replacement, whichever is the longer.

Verdict:

This is a first for Sharp, be it the cutting edge design or the technology, it has pulled off a decent innovation. The Quattron technology which was awarded the Best Innovation of the Year 2010 is bound to enthral you. Though the deeper blacks seemed rather gray and dull, it still offers a viewing experience that is perhaps better than 3D. The Freeview feature is enjoyed. Have we mentioned the Time Shift option that allows you to replay or pause whatever you are viewing? Well, it does that and also allows you to record 150 minutes of standard television and up to 60 minutes of high definition footage.

Its onscreen menu is also quite appreciated as it does not disturb your viewing while going through it. Instead, it takes care of all your needs from a corner. The huge selection of connectivity options is certainly welcomed. Also, the cost might make you want to reconsider but at the same time, it offers you a chance to experience something unique which might set a trend for the years to come.

Check other Sharp LCD TV Reviews, latest LCD TV Reviews in this website.


Sharp LC46LE821E LCD TV – Technical Specification Table

Manufacturer	Sharp
Model Name	Sharp LC46LE821E LCD TV
Dimensions (H X W X D)	1127 x 734 x 39
Cabinet colour	Piano black and mirror glass front, silver frame
Weight	Set weight with stand: 18.5kg
Display
Size	46 inches
Resolution	1920 x 1080
LCD 100Hz	Yes
Audio
Sound Effect System	HD Sound system MPEG4 AVC / MPEG4 AAC, Virtual / Dolby Surround
Sound Output RMS	2 x 10 watts
Input and Output (Back)
HDMI	HDMI V1.4 / HDMI V1.3
Composite (AV)	No
PC input (D-Sub)	1
Component (Y/Pb/Pr)	1
RF Input	1
Headphone	1
RS232C	1
SCART	1
Swivel	Yes
Features
Picture in Picture	1 Tuner PIP
Other Features	Quad pixel technology, 7eco technology.
Power Consumption	0.2 W in standby mode
Warranty	12 months

Ever since we were small, all of us had been a gadget freak with our interests being on TVs and the then radios. Later we all shifted to computers when we reached high school and to laptops and mobiles when we stepped into the Uni. But still, the craze behind TVs is a never ending one. As the time passed by, TVs evolved a lot in their shape, design and framework. What was once a massive CRT monitor has evolved to flat panels LCDs and to date the new generation LEDs with 3D display. With TVs becoming an inseparable component in our lives, for instance, at school where discussions focused on TV shows and major FIFA events surpassed the listening to some boring lectures. Much of our craze could be accounted to the discussions we shared among friends who too would race along with us to procure the latest technology.

From the time we know about TVs, Panasonic has been one of the favourite ones. They have dominated this area with high quality styles and finishes. The model we are discussing here is the TX -L32G10 series, belongs to LCD TVs category and with its subtle, sneaky design it is sure to capture the masses. This review is about this 32″ beauty which comes with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels offering you a stunning picture quality.

Design:

Display:
The Viera TX-L32G10 LCD TV comes with a 32″ inch display. It supports full HD including 780p, 1080i and 1080p formats. Set to use the IPS panel, it has a wide viewing angle making those sitting at the corners to see a picture with fewer colours and contrast loss. For movies to be played to its maximum clarity from a blu ray disc or PS3 support, it could be achieved by using this 1080p resolution which is the maximum. High definition broadcasting is supported in the 1080i resolution. Hence this display satisfies with excellent delivery of images you could wish for. With this system comes the Eco mode through which the panel responds to ambient light surrounding the screen, brightening or dimming the picture according to the environment.

V 4 real:
V4 real is the new form that Panasonic’s V real picture processing engine has taken. With this, the screens inner circuitry has been designed such that, the incoming Standard Definition source is filtered so as to improve the High Definition presentation. Pictures that this G10 series delivers are much more presentable. The HD pictures whether it is from your favourite DVD player or from your satellite tuner, they are exceptionally sharp on its full HD screen.  The IFC helps the motion look sharp and fluid provided it is placed to its low levels. With the alpha screen design watching it from a really wide angle would never be a problem. The black level is certainly good to give pictures a mixture of dark and light shades.

Ports:
As with the ports and connectivity there are 4 HDMI ports, an SD card slot which allows JPEG to be played in TVs and a D Sub PC port. There is also an Ethernet port for broadband connection through router or other freesat services. The HDMI interfaces could be used to control similarly enabled devices through a remote control. The Viera link could be used to support digital cameras.

Features:

100Hz Motion:
This is one important feature that would stick into your minds when you think of this TX L32G10 32″ LCD Television. The 100Hz motion improves the rate at which the scenes appear on the plat panel screen.  Earlier the flat panels had a problem in display which was the loss of detail or the motion blur during fast moving scenes like a sports or action sequence. 100Hz is aimed to remove this flaw by increasing the number of frames, thereby improving the appearance of motion in the screen.

Processor:
Processor is the main master brain behind processing pictures. As we just mentioned, this Panasonic Viera LCD has a 100 MHz processor. It is amazing to think of technology that has incorporated processors in Television. The processor helps in blending the pictures smoothly and making it lucid giving the users a wonderful experience. This comes to action while you watch High definition movies or pictures through satellites. Hence, no jarring or blurring of pictures would be observed.

Contrast Ratio:
Contrast ratio is a fact that determines the clarity of the picture on your TV. What makes you spellbound is the humungous contrast ratio of 50000:1 offered here. It implies that pictures are quite sharp and you would never experience the conventional problems you have with low quality LCD TVs.  So what is more? It gives you a superb home theatre experience; just enjoy your weekend with your latest Blu ray movie or with the new high definition satellite channels.

24P True Cinema:
Imagine yourself watching a movie resting in a cosy bed rest with your favourite drink and popcorn by your side. There is nothing so relishing as enjoying your favourite film in your home cinema system. Provided, if you are a fan of movies, make sure you have this 24 p True cinema that comes along with this TXL32G10 package. Interestingly, with the 24P true cinema the TV works in sync with your movie player and shows each frame without any delay, meaning that, the frames are shown the same rate at which it was filmed. This is a big leap over the technology considering the fact that earlier TVs were unable to handle the speed and had to adjust the speed of movies to match with that of TVs. This means that 24P shows films at the same rate you would get in a movie theatre. And that is why it is called the true cinema experience.

Energy saver:
One reason any person would opt for an LCD despite its cost is due to its energy efficiency.  The upper hand these displays hold over their CRT predecessors are due to the chemical properties of the Liquid Crystals. This Panasonic Viera TX-L32G10 Full HD LCD TV model has all the necessary energy saving features which are designed to cut down the E bills and protect the environment.

Freeview:
One of the major concerns that consumers had was the absence of free view and free sat in LCDs since it was restricted only among plasmas. But finally, they have their prayers answered, as of now they can enjoy the access to digital television stations without a set top box.  This freeview is the UK standard version to access the free TV stations like ITV, BBC, E4 and many others. Unlike the Sky or many others, there were no subscription charges and no need for a dish. The G20 series allows you full access to all stations through the television antenna or Ariel. Though built-in, it never affects the TVs ability to work with any TV provider. Overall, the free view has simply rocked.

World of Games:
No matter what type of gamer you are and what you like to play, playing a game in this TX-L32G10’s 32 inch screen makes it a wonderful experience. Whether you are paying DOOM 3 or if it is the Punisher this screen simply enhances the dark areas and sharpens the picture. Given its high speed of frame rate it lets you speed up image processing. Whether you perform a combo move in Ninja turtles or choose a weapon from the inventory the frame rate gives you a honey smooth experience. The game mode in this model optimises the image and sound quality giving you a chunky and sweet experience.

Freesat tuner:
With Freesat service and the availability of 140 digital channels all you need to do is buy a dish on your home and connect the dish feed to the rear of our device and then run the auto tune mode. A perfect HD TV requires channels which are of high digital quality. Only this can improve the film experience. With an inbuilt freesat tuner you have an easy way to view around 140 digital channels and radio channels, some brilliant HD programmes from BBC and ITV free of cost or without paying the rent. In addition to these free services the free sat feature provides super fast digital text, subtitles, audio description and ensures expansion of services to maximum limit. It guarantees undaunted picture clarity and surround sound on every channel. It has a single remote that allows interconnected operations of various devices which are connected through the HDMI cable.

SD Memory card:
Connect the camera’s HDMI output to VIERA to control the playback of images stored in it using the remote. Alternatively, you have an SD card reader that allows you watch and show the stills and video just after a superior picture quality is taken. The procedures are quite simple: Just insert the SD memory card into VIERA TXL32G10 and watch them in full HD coming live on this magnificent screen. Also you could choose among the 3 background types and 4 display effects while you playback your media.

Audio Connectivity and Accessories:
The audio delivery is taken care by the V Audio Surround system which gives depth sound image effect by actual measurement of the room based on the reflection data generated from a digital signal processor. Connectors are responsible for the flexibility and versatility. Some of the connectivity included are 1 x PC Input, 2 x SCART, 4 x HDMI, 1 x Composite, 1 x S video, 1 x RF and 1 x Coaxial Cable Digital audio. The accessories that come with the package include Remote control, batteries for the remote control, camper, cleaning cloth, 4 x assembly screws for pedestal.

Performance:

Picture quality:
The 100 Hz technology has been the latest innovation, the result of years of toil by manufacturers. Addition of this new technology to the LCD TVs has been eyed to deliver smoother motion and also to get some major benefits. Set it to high, this along with the Intelligent Frame Creation gives an over processed look with pictures with fast motion sequence. Whether set to strong or medium better performance, it can be recorded overall with IFC turned off.  The TX L32G10 produces a picture which is free of external influences and is clean and sharp. HD broadcast renders absolutely stunning quality on the sets coupled with superb sharpness. With the extra 1080 P resolution you could separate each and every minute detail in the picture even in the case of a long range shots.

Display performance:
High Definition on the 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution screen is simply awesome. The picture drawn on this screen rarely misses any details making it an engrossing home experience.  Along with a good black level response and with the processing abilities of V real 4 facial tones are presented with full realism that remains a Herculean challenge for other LCD TVs to beat.  With a glorious vibrancy scenes comes alive and never appears over saturated.  But still it is unfortunate that the black levels cannot be matched with V real 4 engine. Though good the black levels appear grey in darker scenes with subtle fine details. One problem that disappoints you irrespective of the display is with the sound. Its short comings are realised once it is pushed to its limits. The basic problem with the sound is that the bass it delivers is simply not up to the mark.

Along with free-view broadcast, you could also have some terrestrial broadcast which would be handy incase we are peculiar about a particular channel.

When it comes to Standard definition, the TVs the performance falls well below the mark that its predecessors managed to surpass. The set features of the Ethernet located at the rear is currently unused and the other fact is that, this would not media stream from a PC. With an HD signal and additional freesat HD tuner, this show stopper allows you to access widest possible range of free channel without any box.  The prices are a bit unfriendly and the performance of SD is not quite as impressive.

Verdict:

Customers face a dilemma while making a decision between Plasma and LCD TVs. These two Flat panels available in the market have their own pros and cons.  Though, the pros over-weigh the cons, the TX L32G10 leans towards the expensive side which could reduce this market value of this flamboyant product. Added to this comes the fact that, Standard definition falls short of the expected level. The Black level is just close to average and the sound quality is typically poor. But, if you consider the other side, the resolution is one thing that pulls you to it. Along with it, comes the HDMI and umpteen connectives that comes with it. Built-in with a freesat HD tuner, the performance it delivers is top notch. Overall, we would say that if you are adamant to have an LCD with a freesat and you have the budget required, then do not wait, the new Panasonic VIERA TX-L32G10 is the one you are looking for.

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Panasonic Viera TX-L32G10 Specification Table

Manufacturer	Panasonic
Model Name	TX
Model Number	32G10B
Dimensions (H X W X D) in mm	831 x 579 x 225 mm
Weight	18 Kg
Colour	Piano black
Stand type	Table top swivel
Display size	32 inch wide screen
Display technology	LCD
Display Format	1080p
Resolution	1920 x 1080
Contrast Ratio	50000:1
Analogue TV Tuner	NTSC, PAL
Digital TV Tuner	Yes
HD Ready	Yes
Input Video Formats	AV 1, AV 2
Picture Status Mode	Normal, Cinema, Eco, Dynamic
Remote Control	Universal remote control – Infrared
Supported Devices	TV and VCR, DVD , Satellite or Cable
Sound Output Mode	Stereo
Sound Status Mode	Automatic
Speakers Included	2 Speakers
Audio Output	2 x 10 W
Parental Channel Lock	No
Child Lock	Yes
Image control	Yes
Clock Timer	Yes
Clock Sleep timer	Yes
Connectivity	4 x HDMI – 1 Port PC Mode 1 x Component video input 1 x VGA input 1 x USB 1 x Audio line-out 1 x Ethernet port 1 x Digital audio output (optical) 1 x SD card reader
Power Device	Power supply – Internal
Power consumption	138 W
Warranty	1 year

LED edge lit TVs make the fashion statement in TVs these days.  Their success is attributed to the fact that they offer a better quality of images and consume lesser power than conventional televisions. They are more expensive and are usually top of the range models. The Philips 40PFL8664H is the company’s answer to the increasing demand for such televisions. The 40 inch television is packed with a host of features that are considered as ‘high end’.  It has Ambilight Spectra 2 ambient lighting technology, Net TV for streaming Web content and multimedia playback as well.

Design:

Ultra Slim!
The 40 inch 40PFL8664H LCD television uses exclusive technology that makes it ultra slim. It has a frame of 2.8 cm enabling it to fit into compact spaces. The thin profile of 3.9 cm gives it a minimalist appearance that goes well with any interior.

Attractive:
It is human tendency to get attracted to things are that are slimmer. The televisions are no exception. The Philips PFL8664 LED LCD TV sports a black stylish bezel with a black narrow panel frame and a transparent finish. The entire television is upheld on a glass stand with a curvaceous V shaped shaft.  The Philips logo is embossed on the bottom part of the bezel.

Rather Awkward Controls:
The TV controls present on the right side of the television are non backlit push buttons. There is a USB port present on the left.  While these are at the right places, we had issues with the location of the auxiliary AV inputs and headphone jack. They were present at the rear placing them at a rather inconvenient location to use.

Stylish Remote:
The remote is a long candy bar like device with an arched bottom.  It has a black matte and glossy finish making it a great counterpart for the television. It has a brushed metal surface and has no multifunctional controls. There is a pretty chrome directional pad available that did look rather odd initially. On the remote are keys such as Home to access the Main menu and Options to access the important AV settings. However, the remote could have been better if there was room for video switching with only a source and TV buttons for toggling external inputs and digital TV channels.

Connectivity:
When it comes to connectivity, Philips scores points as well as loses points here. There are four 24p ready HD inputs and 1080p support for component video. Six PC sockets are present to support high definition sources. The 2 SCART terminals and a component video socket are also available. We would also want an optical version of the coaxial audio output.

Interface:
The Philips 40PFL8664 Full HD LED LCD TV features an activity based menu that is coloured and caters well to people who are new to such interfaces as well as the tech savvy ones. The Interface has options like WatchTV, User Manual, Setup and Browse USB. The Setup has a plethora of basic as well as advanced AV configurations within six picture (Standard, Vivid, Natural, Cinema, Game and Personal) modes.  However, we did not find any options to adjust the backlight or white balance.  There is a Personal mode as well which allows one to save presets according to their choice by using a wizard.

Features:

100MHz processing:
The Philips 40PFL8664H TV runs on 100MHz processing that makes viewing fast on screen motion pictures even better. The high refresh rate increases the sharpness of motion to more than twice that of the conventional LCD. So, the images of objects in motion such as racing cars are clearer. We put on a football match and the players in motion were far clearer than an ordinary LCD TV. Even those advertising sign boards that are usually blurred were more readable.

Pixel Precise:
The award winning feature of Pixel Precise HD improves picture quality by allowing reproduction for over 4 trillion colours. This combined along with HD motion makes movies sharper and more fluent. While the Pixel Precise HD system does not make SD pictures look as sharp as they do on Pixel Perfect HD TVs, they still manage to hold up pretty well considering its competition in the price range. The motion handling does not remove blur completely but its fluidity and motion sharpness are pretty good.

Ambilight Spectra:
This is a feature that is unique to only Philips televisions. Around the television are present in built LED lights that emit coloured light in sympathy with the colour of the image shown. Since there is a new timing delay present, the light reproduction is more pleasant emphasising the movement. It is capable of automatically adjusting the colour and brightness of the light to create an immersive experience. However, more than relaxing, it seems to be just an aesthetic add.

Net TV:
Net TV is another prime proposition offered on the PFL8664. It allows one to stream Web content and services such as YouTube and Internet radio via the inbuilt Ethernet port. One can navigate throught the web and select whatever wanted with the remote. It has charged marginally ever since the previous model. The television is also capable of playing multimedia files from USB devices and DLNA compatible PCs on a home network.

Performance:

SD content:
The overtly sharpened pictures even on analog TV had to be toned down. The hues were too saturated and that resulted in pinker skin tones. The graininess and mosquito noise were reduced to minimum. When we switched to digital broadcast, image clarity as well as stability increased. DVD movies were reproduced aptly with mostly clear visuals. Even greyscale tracking was well maintained.

HD content:
The 40PFL8664H 1070p Digital TV surpassed our expectations when it comes to HD content. Even subtle details were very sharp and clear during playback of television shows. When we played Pixar’s UP, the model was able to deliver extremely sharp and fluid images. The resolution is flawless except for some slight flickering.

Multimedia Performance:
The 40PFL8664 delivers smooth and stunning graphics. It had time lag issues like the earlier 4PFL9704. We checked out a couple of games both on the PS3 and the Xbox 360 and graphics were prominent on the former. While the JPEG playback and audio streaming were great, the MP3 audio quality was rather mediocre and fast paced music lacked fidelity and rhythm.

Audio:
The speakers being located at the rear deprived the TV of audible stereo. The light bass extension and a decent treble range were able to fill an average room with no sound distortion. So, most users would have no issues with audio here.

Energy Efficient:
The Philips 40PFL8664 is a whopping 40 percent more energy efficient than conventional flat TVs. Thanks to the LED Backlight technology, the model consumes lesser energy as well as lasts longer. Also like CCFL, LED LCD TVs do not use mercury in their manufacture making them more environmental friendly.

Warranty:

There is a warranty of one year on the Philips PFL8664 for its parts and labour.

Verdict:

We absolutely loved the stunning design of the Philips PFL8664. It looked gorgeous and is easily one of the best looking televisions in the market. Its decent connectivity bundled along with a host of features such as NetTV and web browsing are sure to attract a lot of people out there. The Ambilight Spectra was a great aesthetic add and makes viewing even more pleasurable. The performance of the television was above average and will suit to the tastes of most people. If you are looking for a stylish television with a decent performance, this is a must buy.

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Philips 40PFL8664H 40″ LCD TV – Technical Specification Table

Manufacturer	Philips
Model Name	40PFL8664
Dimensions (H x W x D)	580 x 958 x 39mm
Weight	15kg
Aspect Ratio	Widescreen
Viewing Angles	176 degrees H and V
Panel Resolution	1920 x 1080p
TV Type	LED edge lit LCD TV
Screen enhancement	Anti-Reflection coated screen
Brightness	500 cd/m2
Colour processing	4 trillion colours (14-bit RGB)
Video Input	S Video, VGA, Composite Video and Component Video
Contrast Ratio	50000:1
Response time (typical)	3 (BEW) ms
Audio effects	Incredible Surround
Output Power	10w x 2
Picture Enhancement Features	Pixel precise HD 3/2 – 2/2 motion pull down 3D Combfilter Active Control + Light sensor Digital Noise Reduction Dynamic contrast enhancement Luminance Transient Improver Progressive scan 2D/3D noise reduction 100 Hz LCD1080p 24/25/30 Hz processing 1080p 50/60 Hz processing HD Natural Motion LED backlight Display
Ambilight Features	Ambilight Spectra, Lounge light mode
Dimming Function	Manual and via Light Sensor
Multimedia Applications	Multimedia connections: Ethernet-UTP5, USB Playback Formats: MP3, WMA v2 up to v9.2, Slideshow files (.alb), JPEG Still pictures, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, MPEG-Programme-stream PAL, WMV9/VC1
Additional features	IDTV; 100Hz engine; Ambilight Spectra 2; Net TV; DLNA-compatible; onboard MP3, LPCM, WMA, JPEG, MPEG-1/2/4, AVI, H.264, WMV, VC1 playback via USB and Ethernet; EasyLink (HDMI-CEC); 1080p24 input-ready; four HDMI 1.3 terminals
Output power (RMS)	2 x 10 W
Sound Enhancement	Auto Volume Leveller, Incredible Surround, Treble and Bass Control
Sound System	Nicam Stereo
Connectivity	Ext 1 Scart: Audio L/R, CVBS in, RGB Ext 2 Scart: Audio L/R, CVBS in, RGB Ext 3: YPbPr, Audio L/R in Front/Side connections: USB PC network link: DLNA 1.0 certified Other connections: A/V Audio L/R in (value), Analogue audio Left/Right out, S-Video in, Composite video (CVBS) input, HDMI, Headphone out, S/PDIF out (coaxial), Common Interface Plus (CI+) HDMI 1: HDMI v1.3a HDMI 2: HDMI v1.3a HDMI 3: HDMI v1.3a EasyLink (HDMI-CEC): One touch play, Remote control pass-through, System audio control, System standby
Mains Power	220-240V 50/60Hz
Power Consumption when Idle	0.15W
Warranty	1 year