subject: The Panasonic TX23LXD50 LCD TV [print this page] The Panasonic TX23LXD50 LCD TV has been on the market for 4 - 5 months now and is well worth considering due to major price drop recently, which makes this TV a high spec addition to the home at a very reasonable price.
The unit has all the features such as built in digital tuner (dvb), q-link, and HD-Ready, which will keep this TV at the forefront of compatibility, and not needing replacement when new systems are released, which is a major issue when purchasing expensive gear these days.
The first thing that strikes you is the looks; Panasonic have made an effort in it's design as TVs are pieces of furniture and this one makes you want to look at it regardless if it's on or off.
Picture quality is what we all want from a TV and this is where Panasonic really comes out on top. The clarity even up close to the screen is fantastic with warmth and depth which you normally only get from an old CRT box.
The picture menu couldn't be easier: Straight out of the box, the picture settings are set up to just plug in and go, but once you start reading the well set out instruction manual, different viewing modes can be selected to suit your viewing preferences.
You have the choice of three viewing modes (Dynamic, Cinema, Normal), plus there is auto mode, which will automatically set the picture to its optimum. Colour balance can be set to cool, warm or normal depending on how your room is lit.
Using the aspect controls allows you to enjoy viewing the picture at it's optimum size for either wide screen or cinema viewing preferences of auto format, 16.9, 14.9, 4.3, plus in addition to this three zoom features that doesn't ruin the picture quality when using.
So when you're watching your favourite DVD, you can set the screen size and ratio to just the way you want.
The fun doesn't stop there, the sound quality is the second major issue with any TV, and this one will not disappoint you. After listening to numerous different brands, most LCD TVs tend to sound boxy and poor in relation to base and can be very weak in sound projection, especially in large rooms. Well your in for a big surprise with this one, after being impressed whilst in the showroom, I was really taken aback when it was set-up in the living room. Even the usually unimpressed wife went wow!
I was initially going to use the sound source through my home cinema kit but now I don't due to the excellent ambience sound menu, and there is a Menu mode setting for music, which enhances listening to you favourite digital music channels.
I was pleasantly surprised by the volume from the speakers as they can really punch out some power from such small speakers, which may not be to the liking of the neighbours, but what the hell, there not always at home. Playing at higher levels of volume than normal, this Panasonic unit does not give off any of that annoying vibrating tin like noise that I have experienced in other TVs or indeed mini HiFis.
