Panasonic TX-L32D28 review

The price of this 32 inch Panasonic Freesat-toting LCD holds it back - otherwise, there's nothing to stop it getting that coveted fifth star Tested at £1100.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Lovely in many ways: if it were cheaper, it’d be a cert for five stars

Pros

  • +

    Terrific picture

  • +

    excellent specification

Cons

  • -

    Too expensive for its size

  • -

    sound isn’t great, although that’s nothing new for a flat TV

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

It's taken Panasonic some time to get on the LED-backlit bandwagon, but the terrific new TX-L32D28 has been worth the wait.

That said, in the silver finish of our review sample it looks a little old-fashioned, despite its trendy tilting stand. White and purple (yes, purple) versions are also available, which might lift the look a little, but even so, for a set using edge-lit LED technology, the Panasonic isn't as slim as you'd hope.

By way of compensation, this is possibly the best-equipped 32in TV we've ever tested. It includes both Freesat and Freeview HD tuners, access to Panasonic's VieraCast online video service, plus the ability to stream from your PC over DLNA.

Well equipped, impressive picture
Two USB ins are included and, just by way of garnish, there are four HDMI 1.4 inputs, one of which includes the audio return channel.

To cap it all, the 'D28 serves up a deeply impressive picture. Freesat looks best off-air, with sharply defined edges and plentiful punch, while Blu-ray exhibits excellent motion so long as you're moderate with Panasonic's Intelligent Frame Creation system.

In fact, the only performance downside of any note is the sound, which lacks scale and warmth.

So why only four stars? It's simply that it costs far more than some fine rivals. But if you find a better deal, we'd definitely consider this TV: it's one of the finest of its size available.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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