Panasonic TX32DT30 Review

Overall Rating

3 Scart sockets (2 RGB)

Common Interface ports (Top-up TV)

Solid construction and great looks

No picture in picture feature.

No web support from Panasonic for this model.

I received my Panasonic TX32DT30 television as a gift and was absolutely astounded by its performance. As soon as you switch it on you hear the tell-tale buzz from the large 32" tube powering up, you know you're in for a treat. DVB (Freeview) is a must for anyone who can receive it so don't be put off by complaints that most of the country isn't covered. I can get a great picture and sound from only a 20% signal strength on some stations.

Picture
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The picture cannot be easily faulted. I was always a bit of a sceptic to 100HZ technology however I now don't know what all the fuss was about. The picture is extremely stable and flicker free (through DVB). Tested to extremes on some of my favourite DVDs and the TX32DT30 handles high contrast levels superbly whilst still showing solid blacks. My only gripe about the picture is the on DVDs with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Sometimes the AUTO setting will try it's best to remove the bars and therefore slice off the edges of the picture. This can be put right simply by selecting the 16:9 aspect so that some bar remains at the top and the bottom of the picture.

Sound
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Sound is good from the built in speakers. Unfortunately there's no built-in Pro-logic decoder for Dolby Surround but the built-in Ambience feature is suitable enough. I am little vague in this area since I output all audio through a seperate decoder/amplifier system anyway. I think everyone should try to afford a seprate 5.1 system anyway, rather than plumping for the "onboard" stuff that comes with the set.

Connectivity
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Something rarely seen in low-mid range CRT television sets is an abundance of Euro AV Scart sockets, especially when you normally get only one RGB capable socket (a trend which is thankfully dying out). The TX32DT30 gives you four AV channels: AV1, AV2 & AV4 = EURO AV SCART (RGB on AV1 & AV4) and AV3 = S-VIDEO/Composite. For those who wish to output sound to an external device, there are two sets of Phono connectors on the front and rear of the unit. There is also a 9-Pin RS-232 connector for hooking the TV up to a computer or laptop. Obviously you cannot send video/audio data via this uplink but I assume it can be used to retrieve diagnostic information or perform firmware upgrades if you so wish to do so (also if actually possible). If all that is not enough, there is also two CI (common Interface) ports at the rear that allow you to plug in CI Modules. Such modules can come in the form of card readers for example which in turn will allow you to take advantage of PayTV services such as TopUp TV.


Overall
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The TX32DT30 looks the part too - with its angular lines and solid block appearance, your living rooom will look great with this thing in the corner (or wherever). Oh Yeah, it's also a Quintrix Flatscreen tube so you'll get great images from almost any angle. In most cases, the Panasonic name is a brand to be trusted and they've done it justice with this model. Definately a great buy if you can still get it. Careful with your back though, it's one heavy mother.

I also tried looking on Panasonic UK website but I could not find any reference to this model. Perhaps it has been discontinued but surely they should still provide support for it. I will be arguing the fact with them when I next get a moment.