What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
19 MAY 2008
Panasonic TH-37PX80B
Panasonic once again proves that plasma can work in ‘small’ sizes – the TH-37PX80 is a brilliant TV at a brilliant price
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Of the seemingly hundreds of new models from Panasonic, this is possibly the most eagerly anticipated. First, it fits into one of the country's favourite screen sizes. Second, it's the only plasma in a field full of LCDs. And third, it's the successor to the best 37in TV in our 2007 Awards.
It's fair to say expectations are high. And it's also fair to say that Panasonic has not let us down.
Don't be put off by its modest specifications
There's nothing flashy about the TH-37PX80's looks; it's simply well-made and unassuming. The feature list isn't going to excite anyone much either - in an industry in which numbers (wrongly or rightly) seem to mean so much, the Panasonic's non-Full HD, 1024 x 720 resolution could be seen as weak.
However, it's the 'plasma' bit that really effects picture performance, and in a lovely way. Plasma displays are lauded for their excellent blacks and natural colours, and the 'PX80 is no exception, with all sources being reproduced with consistent realism.
Standard-def material is particularly well treated: Freeview pictures are class-leading, thanks to extra stability and cleanliness, even with poor broadcasts.
Smooth motion and natural colour palette
DVDs too, are replayed brilliantly. No Country For Old Men's subtle colour palette is treated with utmost respect, while motion is tracked faithfully. The scaler does an admirable job with the 576i image, succeeding in producing a stable, noise-free picture.
Detail levels aren't as high as those on some sets, and edges aren't quite as sharp, but we're happy to accept that as a trade-off for the plasma's overall subtlety of reproduction.
Switching to I Am Legend on Blu-ray provides more thrills. The frequent dark scenes have added creepiness, thanks to the 'PX80's fantastically deep, insightful blacks.
Although this set lacks some of the punch of the best LCDs, the contrast between light and dark is still fantastic, and the colour palette is, once again, marvellously natural. 24fps motion is super-smooth, too.
Speakers typically average
Where sound is concerned the 'PX80 is on a par with the majority of flatscreens, just lacking some weight and detail compared to the top performers.
One thing we haven't yet mentioned is price, and it's here that the TH-37PX80 really trounces the competition. £800 is an extremely reasonable price for a TV as capable as this, and we've already seen it available for considerably less. That makes it a genuine home cinema bargain.