I did not see any thread related to the Panasonic TC-LXXU22 line so I figured I would start my own. Perhaps this can be of help to those considering this model. A couple days ago I ended up buying the 42" version (also comes in 32" and 37").
It's an entry level Panasonic LCD, with 1080p @ 60hz. Hardly top of the line, but at its price, produces a very nice picture. I'm using it in my bedroom, so its great for that. Here's my overall impressions:
This is of course a personal choice, but I felt this was one of the nicer looking sets at this price range. The Samsungs looked better, as they usually do. Toshiba and Sharp were OK, but not quite as nice overall. I could not stand the gray color on the Sony's, but that's just me.
As for picture quality, from what I can tell after a couple days it seems pretty darn good. I've got a 6 year old 50" Hitachi 720p LCD that it blows out of the water (as it should). I've also got a 50" Samsung Plasma B550 that outperforms the Panny, but not by as much as I would have thought. Black levels are better than I expected for a non-LED model, but contrast overall is lacking compared to the plasma.
After calibration, the colors are pretty good, but again lacking compared to the Samsung. To be honest I was disappointed in the picture controls available as there are only color and tint controls, no advanced color settings. This makes calibration really difficult unless the preset colors are good to begin with (they aren't). For the most part, I've got the primary colors set pretty close but not like I can get on my Samsung which is balls on (one reason I really like that model versus the comparable Panasonic)
I compared this one in store to similarly priced models from Sony, Sharp, Toshiba (all LCD). The Samsungs were priced a bit high for what I wanted to spend on this one. For what it's worth, this Panasonic stood out among the others as having the best overall picture, particularly contrast and black levels. It is so hard to tell in store with the preset picture settings, but with no real reviews available that's all I had. And its just a bedroom tv, afterall so I wasn't THAT concerned.
Overall, after calibration the picture is really nice, given the price and the fact that it is not a plasma (which I prefer, generally). At this point I am happy with my purchase and do not think I would have been better off with any of the other comparable models.
My calibration settings using DVE:
Revised settings on 1/6/11 shown in ( ) using AVS disc
Backlight: 30 (70)
Brightness: 69 (63)
Contrast: 90 (90)
Color Temp: Normal (Warm)
Color: 39 (34)
Tint: +16 (+5)
Black Level: light (light)
NR: off (off)
Sharpness: 0 (10)
AI: off (off)
CATS: off (off)
Colors are a bit off yet, technically, but without advanced controls I'm not sure this set can get much better in that regard. They look natural on screen, so its probably good enough. I may try tweaking these a bit yet.
I should note my settings will work best in a light controlled environment which I have. If you have a lot of light you may need more brightness than this.
I revised the settings after recalibrating. Both the new and old settings are shown above. See which you prefer, although I think the first go around was too dim and was a bit lifeless.
It's an entry level Panasonic LCD, with 1080p @ 60hz. Hardly top of the line, but at its price, produces a very nice picture. I'm using it in my bedroom, so its great for that. Here's my overall impressions:
This is of course a personal choice, but I felt this was one of the nicer looking sets at this price range. The Samsungs looked better, as they usually do. Toshiba and Sharp were OK, but not quite as nice overall. I could not stand the gray color on the Sony's, but that's just me.
As for picture quality, from what I can tell after a couple days it seems pretty darn good. I've got a 6 year old 50" Hitachi 720p LCD that it blows out of the water (as it should). I've also got a 50" Samsung Plasma B550 that outperforms the Panny, but not by as much as I would have thought. Black levels are better than I expected for a non-LED model, but contrast overall is lacking compared to the plasma.
After calibration, the colors are pretty good, but again lacking compared to the Samsung. To be honest I was disappointed in the picture controls available as there are only color and tint controls, no advanced color settings. This makes calibration really difficult unless the preset colors are good to begin with (they aren't). For the most part, I've got the primary colors set pretty close but not like I can get on my Samsung which is balls on (one reason I really like that model versus the comparable Panasonic)
I compared this one in store to similarly priced models from Sony, Sharp, Toshiba (all LCD). The Samsungs were priced a bit high for what I wanted to spend on this one. For what it's worth, this Panasonic stood out among the others as having the best overall picture, particularly contrast and black levels. It is so hard to tell in store with the preset picture settings, but with no real reviews available that's all I had. And its just a bedroom tv, afterall so I wasn't THAT concerned.
Overall, after calibration the picture is really nice, given the price and the fact that it is not a plasma (which I prefer, generally). At this point I am happy with my purchase and do not think I would have been better off with any of the other comparable models.
My calibration settings using DVE:
Revised settings on 1/6/11 shown in ( ) using AVS disc
Backlight: 30 (70)
Brightness: 69 (63)
Contrast: 90 (90)
Color Temp: Normal (Warm)
Color: 39 (34)
Tint: +16 (+5)
Black Level: light (light)
NR: off (off)
Sharpness: 0 (10)
AI: off (off)
CATS: off (off)
Colors are a bit off yet, technically, but without advanced controls I'm not sure this set can get much better in that regard. They look natural on screen, so its probably good enough. I may try tweaking these a bit yet.
I should note my settings will work best in a light controlled environment which I have. If you have a lot of light you may need more brightness than this.
I revised the settings after recalibrating. Both the new and old settings are shown above. See which you prefer, although I think the first go around was too dim and was a bit lifeless.
