LCD/Plasma/CRT/DLP - questions

[ItsThere]

One more question before I give up trying to get a response in here...

Can someone please tell me if the panasonic TX-26lXD70 is (TRU)1080p?

It seems to suggest on the Panasonic Site that it handles 1080i and then upscales it to 1080p with those 2 processors (the v-Real 2's).

Thank you in advance

[sj33]

According to the Panasonic site, the TX-26lXD70 is not true 1080p, in fact, it's only a 1366x768 screen.

[ItsThere]

According to the Panasonic site, the TX-26lXD70 is not true 1080p, in fact, it's only a 1366x768 screen.

Thank you Jake, once again I bow down to your HDTV knowledge!
Still ordered it as it seems to get damn good reviews everywhere (AVForums in particular).

[CMcK]

We bought the 32" version of that set for my bro and his Mrs. It's OK. Sound is pretty dire but it has plenty of connection options and the controls are on the top of the set so kids can't reach them.

The picture is very noisy with the various processing modes on so turn them all off. Accepts up to 1080p via HDMI but downscales it.

I suppose it was a good buy for the money but I honestly expected something with a picture quality far closer to my 2 year old Xelos.

Still they are happy with it.

[andrewfee]

The picture is very noisy with the various processing modes on so turn them all off. Accepts up to 1080p via HDMI but downscales it.

I suppose it was a good buy for the money but I honestly expected something with a picture quality far closer to my 2 year old Xelos.

To be fair though, Loewe are a reasonably high-end manufacturer, whereas Panasonic are trying to do everything they can to bring the cost of their TVs down. What Xelos is it you've got? I believe some of them also had lower resolution panels at one point, which would probably look better.

I'd be surprised if the Panasonic didn't have much better viewing angles and motion handling with its IPS-Alpha panel, and 100Hz processing though. (I believe Panasonic are the only manufacturer that does 100Hz below 32" too)

With Panasonic's latest sets, you need to make sure they're in Cinema mode, and as mentioned above, you need to turn off all the processing options. I don't know how this specific LCD is, but you might even need to turn sharpness down one notch from the middle. (previously, the middle was "zero" sharpness on Panasonic sets, but that wasn't the case with the Plasma I had)

[CMcK]

It's the Xelos A32 I have. Same 1366 x 768 resolution panel as most sets at the time. On paper the Panasonic has a better specification, just over ten times the contrast offered on the Xelos!

Doesn't look it to me. Still once I've got the hang of the calibration gear I'll get the two sets looking their respective best. spot on with the tip on the sharpness on the Panasonic I took the down two notches from centre.

[ItsThere]

Cheers guys, I'm going to have a good play with it before starting any major sessions.

[icarus0]

Afternoon all.

I'm moving into a new flat in the next couple of weeks and thought now was a good chance to get me one of these LCD TV things I keep hearing about. I worked out that I'll be sitting around 5.5 feet from it so estimated that I should be looking at a 26" screen.

Having read nothing but good things about it I was all set to buy a Panasonic TX-26lXD70 but having seen one running in Currys this afternoon I'm now wondering whether it might be a bit on the small side, especially as this time next year I might be looking for a bigger flat which would obviously mean I would be sitting further away from the TV.

My question is therefore given the distance I'll be sitting away from the TV, would a 32" be too big for my room? I'm reluctant to shell out on a TX-26lXD70 and then realise I could have got away with something a bit bigger.

Although, thinking about it, it might just have looked a bit on the small size given I was looking at it in a mahoosive showroom surrounded by 37-50" screens. That sounds feasible, right?

Cheers.

Edit: Blair - I've just noticed you've recently bought a TX-26lXD70. Are you happy with it and would recommend it to others? I'm particularly interested to hear how it handles SD as its something the HDTVorg review complimented it on. Thanks.

[buster_broon]

My question is therefore given the distance I'll be sitting away from the TV, would a 32" be too big for my room? I'm reluctant to shell out on a TX-26lXD70 and then realise I could have got away with something a bit bigger.

Cheers.

it would be fine i reckon

i sit about 6ft away from my tv and its a 32 inch toshiba and i think its just right, it would be silly to by a 26 inch tv now and want a 32 inch next year if you are in a bigger place

[JP]

Hi,

I use a 32" and I sit about 5ft away, I have no problems with it. There really isn't much point in a 26" HDTV to be honest.

Bonus points for using mahoosive in your post too!!!

[EvilBoris]

Yeah I must be sitting about the same distance also and 32" is about right (if a little on the small size for my liking :P) I had a 26" one and always regretted paying the little extra for a bit more screen.

[Soi]

When in doubt, go big!

[icarus0]

Thanks for the advice fellas - I agree that 32" seems to be the way to go.

Having made my mind up about that, I'm now thinking of going for the TX-26lXD70's big brother, the TX-32LXD70; Laskys have got it for ?604 which sounds a good deal.

Does this sound ok? Alternatively, any other recommendations for a decent 32" TV for around the same price?

Cheers.

[bluescape]

All,

I've been a fan of NTSC-uk's excellent website for many years now, but only recently created an account for forum discussion (my recent PS3 has got me back into the scene).

For the last few years I've got heavily into HDTV, specifically projectors both for TV / movies and gaming.

I'de just like to share some excellent artlicles which combine both gaming and HDTV, great reads for anyone just getting into the HDTV scene, or experienced professionals a like:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/videogame_consoles.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/hd_disc_players.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/reta...VD_Blu-ray.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/hddvd_bluray.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/true_hdtv.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/maximum_resolution.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/highdefgaming.htm

They are quite long, but excellent artlicles, so you may want to print them out at work for reading later.

Projector central really is a HDTV gem, like NTSC-uk is to gaming.

Happy gaming to all

bluescape

[ItsThere]

Edit: Blair - I've just noticed you've recently bought a TX-26lXD70. Are you happy with it and would recommend it to others? I'm particularly interested to hear how it handles SD as its something the HDTVorg review complimented it on. Thanks.

Hi Icarus0,
I am indeed very happy with the TX-26lXD70. I bought it for my room so I didn't need a massive set and I am stunned with the quality tbh.
I had a Samsumg 26'' before (LERX26BD I think) - the one the 360's demoed on pre launch and it's a good set, but not great.

The Panasonic outclasses it in every way, after following the instructions on here for calibration putting Gears of War next to the old Samsung is like watching SD v HD all over again, the clarity and depth of picture is awesome, and there is very little interference. Black levels are similarily improved.

The only SD source I have had chance to test is a standard tv RF signal. Obv I can't really comment properly but it wasn't bad at all. It seemed clean and the colours were accurate and not as offensive as you might expect. I will test out some older consoles tonight if I get a chance.

I think any set from this range represents excellent value for money and if I needed a new lounge set would certainly shell out the £600 odd for the 32'' model. I sit about 3ft away from the 26 and anything else would really have taken up too much space in my new room.