Panasonic's 37-inch VIERA TC-37LZ85 LCD HDTV reviewed

Panasonic's first 37-inch VIERA LCD didn't live up to the family name, or at least that's the gist of CNET's recent review of the TC-37LZ85. Sure, black levels were "relatively deep," screen uniformity was "solid" and off-angle viewing was commendable, but "being saddled with inaccurate color" caused it to fall quite sharply in the eyes of critics. More specifically, the "inaccurate grayscale" led to an evidently annoying reddish tinge, and the inability to adjust the color temperature or plug in an HTPC via VGA were just two more reasons to look elsewhere. At the end of the day, it was still deemed a "decent entry" into the smaller-screen 1080p realm, but 3 out of 5 stars just doesn't put forth the kind of satisfaction we'd like to see.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 9:41AM]

It's unfortunate that Panasonic has to resort to making LCDs because of market trend of LCDs being more popular than the superior Plasma. Oh well, some people (we'll call them crazies) prefer LCD for whatever reason. It's okay Panny, we still love your Plasma VIERAs. Other than by a KURO, they're simply unbeatable.

[erf Posted Dec 22nd 2008 10:16AM]

"first 37-inch VIERA" more specifically their first 37" Viera LCD. I have a 3 year old 37" Viera plasma that I love.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 10:21AM]

Panasonic has made some odd choices in its approach to LCDs. Its TC-32LX700 had 120-Hz processing (although you couldn't turn it off) and a slightly faster response time (6 ms vs. 6.7 ms for the current Viera LCDs). None of its current LCDs -- not even the upscale TC-32LZ800 and 37LZ800 -- has a 120-Hz refresh rate, which would help explain the low motion resolution of the film-originated material. Plus, as noted, Panasonic LCDs lack the image controls found on other brands (most notably Samsung). Here's a 1080p 37-incher I think Panasonic should release in 2009, assuming the bad economy doesn't downscale its plans:

1. IPS-alpha panel
2. Response time 30,000:1
4. Configurable 120- or 240-Hz refresh
5. Four HDMI ports
6. Four speakers
7. Picture controls rivaling Samsung's
8. Optional matte black bezel
9. MSRP: $1,295 or less (hey, it's a tough economy all around)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 10:31AM]

I read this last night this is no different then most panny lcds but can be calibrated to lessen the red push.Cnet has bias for sammy lcd and pio plasma and everything else thet deemed bad. Although panny is all about plasma they make a darn good lcd it may not all the tweeks that sammy has but the avg joe doesn't know how to calibrate using such tools any way.I've had a lx60 in the bedroom and it has a beautiful HD picture I don't watch SD and could care less if it isn't good.