[RandyWalters]

Our local KABC news just ran a story about how the performance of smaller LCD TVs is getting better and said that they teamed up with Consumer Reports and tested several 26" LCDs, and rated the Panasonic TH-26LX85 on top of all the others for overall picture quality and viewing angles and reliability. I was a little surprised since Panasonic's focus seems to be on Plasma. But they are the sister company of JVC so they do have the technological know-how to do LCD well.


They also talked about how 1080p does give a better picture but is not as important on the smaller LCD sizes unless you're also using them as a computer monitor, and how they're too expensive at around a thousand dollars. I do really like the picture on the 32" and 37" 1080p Panasonics though.

 

[MechanicalMan]

That doesn't surprise me. I shopped for 32" 720p TVs recently and determined that the TC-32LX85 had the best PQ. As a bonus, it's also cheaper than the Sony KDL-32L4000 or Samsung LN32A450. I ordered one a couple days ago.

 

[MaXPL]

yeh and i wish the 26" model didnt cost more than the 32". both amazon and newegg sell the 26" for about 10% more.


if anyone has impressions of the 26 or 32LX85 and of the 32LZ800 i'd appreciate it. also, how does it compare to the samsung 32 inch 650 ?

 

[MrES]

 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1015596&page=3


my $0.02 among others

 

[BoilerJim]

The 32LZ800 is EXCELLENT!

 

[Strat_Dawg]

I'm a plasma guy (TH-50PZ80U in the den) but I have a 32LX85 in my study. It is an excellent LCD with great black levels. To my eyes the picture quality and colors are less "neon" than the Samsungs in the same size class.

 

[b_scott]

i'm looking at getting a 26LX85 (32 is too large for our purposes in the bedroom)


I assume it's just as good as the 32. sucks that it's about the same price.

 

[dougeee]

I've got the 26LX85 and it's really awesome. I was thinking of buying the 32" which was about $50 more, but was facing a space restriction. I almost bought a Samsung since every salesperson in NYC stated it was the best on the market, but I opted for the Panasonic and I'm glad I did. I was also grappling with the 720 vs 1080 issue, but it isn't even an issue with a panel that small.

 

[b_scott]

thanks dougee! any things about the panel that you do not like?

 

[VarmintCong]

The 1080p LZ800s actually have a newer IPS-Alpha panel vs IPS for the LX85, which means you're getting more than just higher resolution.


The reason these Panasonics are so good is cause they bought the Hitachi IPS fab that makes them, and IPS is probably the best LCD technology available, in terms of motion and viewing angle at least.


A relative's 26" LX85 does handle motion really well, but I wasn't very impressed with DVD quality. But I think it's the best 26" available.

 

[b_scott]

oh I have no doubt the LZ800s rule, but they're not available in 26".

 

[dougeee]

b_scott, As far as the image is concerned, which is why I bought the Panasonic, I don't think there is a down side- the colors are great, there doesn't appear to be any motion blur, and there are enough options for tweaking the picture and audio to do a complete job and not get overwhelmed by the menu. A number of people have posted about a red shift that was also mentioned by the reviewer from CNET (he tested the 32LX85) but if you adjust the tint control, I have it set to +4, the red shift is gone.

 

[b_scott]

awesome, thanks dougee. purchased the last open box from Amazon and w/Prime it'll be here tomorrow for $3.99

also picked up another TivoHD.

 

[dougeee]

Good luck with that purchase. Let me know how your calibration goes- all LCDs need some calibration out of the box. I used the THX Optimizer on a copy of the "King Arthur" DVD and checked out some of the settings other Panasonic LX85 owners posted online along with the settings found on the CNET review of the 32 LX85. Cheers.

 

[b_scott]

yeah, i know all about calibration - my Pio 5010 looks amazing

if you can post a link to some calibrations for the 26LX85 i'd appreciate it. thanks!

 

[b_scott]

nevermind, this guy knows his ****:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post14950975

 

[b_scott]

double.

 

[NorthernPhoenix]

Well, I just ordered the TC-26LX85. having had 2 crappy "Sharp" 26'' and considering the 32" philips I was thinking of getting was sold out, (as well as the 32'' Panasonic) we decided to go with the Panny. There were other cheaper brands, but with such bad luck in our LCD experience thus far, the decision was to spend a little bit more in the short term to save money in the long run. I can't wait for my Panny to arrive.

 

[b_scott]

out for delivery!!!

 

[dougeee]

Good luck; let us know what you think.