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Panasonic Viera TX-L32D28

Review If you’re looking for a set that will cover all the bases, then with support for both Freeview and Freesat, the Panasonic TX-L32D28 could be for you. With some channels only available on one of these two platforms, having both tuners gives you the best choice of viewing options.

Design wise, the stand tilts the TV back at a slight angle, as if it’s designed to be set on a fairly low table.

Panasonic Viera TXL32D28

The set has an LED edge-lit display, which produces clear, crisp images in both standard definition and HD, and unlike some previous models, Panasonic now offers a much more detailed range of picture adjustments, accessed through an Expert menu option.

However, the EPG has horrible GuidePlus+ adverts, though it does at least allow browsing by genre.

Panasonic Viera TX-L32D28

Yes, those are adverts

Panasonic's DLNA support has been improved since last year’s models, and now includes DivX HD, as well as AVC HD and some transport streams – but I still found some standard definition AVI files that stalled. Audio support via DLNA is limited to MP3 only, which is a shame.

There is, though, one neat trick: if you have a Panasonic recorder, like the DMR-XW380, you can access recorded programmes over the network. And if you don’t, there’s also support for recording to a USB hard drive, too.

Panasonic Viera TX-L32D28

Simple, and straightforward, the Panasonic menus won’t confuse

Set against that, there’s no support for AAC to Dolby transcoding, so all you’ll get from Freeview HD is stereo, and though Panasonic’s VieraCast internet-on-TV interface has improved and now even offers Skype video calling, it’s has nowhere near as much content as some of the competition.

Verdict

A good TV, with USB recording and Freesat tuner very handy extras, but if you want media playback and online TV, it’s not as strong as the alternatives. ®

Panasonic Viera TX-L32D28
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Panasonic Viera TXL32D28

Panasonic Viera TX-L32D28

A good looking set, with both Freeview HD and Freesat tuners on board.
Price: £1050 RRP

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