Panasonic Viera TX-L32S20B 32in LCD TV

Unfortunately, like other sets in the Panasonic range, the TX-L32S20B uses the Guideplus+ EPG rather than the standard Freeview one. This rather annoyingly shows web-style advertisements on the main EPG screen alongside the programming info. That said, at least the EPG is easy to navigate using the chunky remote control and it also has a decent search option to help you find upcoming shows and movies.

Adverts on the EPG are as welcome as a poke in the eye

So far, so average, but where the TX-L32S20B rises above the competition is in the picture department. It uses one of Panasonic’s IPS-Alpha panels so it has a wider than normal viewing angle, which may come in handy when the family is crowding around in odd positions to the TV to check the latest goal-keeping calamity. Furthermore, this panel offers Full HD resolution to make the most of the onboard HD tuner.

It’s hardly surprising then that the TX-L32S20B looks most impressive when dealing with HD pictures. BBC HD from the onboard tuner looks fantastically sharp with impressive edge detail. And although the set’s picture tweaking options are a tad limited, it’s not such a big deal as the refreshingly natural looking picture presets show off the TX-L32S20B’s sophisticated touch with colours.

Skin tones look strikingly natural, and the colour palette is vivid without descending into the realms of garishness. Blacks are also impressively deep considering the fact the set uses standard, rather than LED backlighting.

Slap on a Blu-ray disc with fast motion and you’ll also find that its 100Hz engine does a good job of keeping motion looking impressively smooth. That said the 100Hz processing is best used on it’s mid and low settings, as the higher option is more intense and tends to add a slight shimmer to parts of the image in fast moving scenes.

Limited picture tweaking options compared to the higher end Viera models

What’s more, while cheaper sets usually do a poor job of upscaling SD Freeview channels, the TX-L32S20B’s V-real processing engine handles this job with aplomb. Edges are sharpened nicely to add the illusion of extra detail without introducing much in the way of extra noise.