Panasonic flat-panel LCD TVs
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
Price range (MSRP):
$700 to $1,900
Initial release dates:
July to September 2005
Size range (inches):
19 to 32 (diagonal)
Models we've reviewed:
None
Highlights:
Component-video input, HDMI on larger models
Panasonic is definitely better known for its plasma HDTVs, but for people who want smaller screen sizes, it offers a five-model lineup of LCD-based flat-panel televisions for 2005. This line isn't nearly as comprehensive as that of Samsung or Sharp, for example, but it does include the typical sizes of LCD from 19 inches to 32 inches. To avoid competing with its own plasmas, Panasonic doesn't offer LCDs larger than 37 inches.
Compared to the competition, Panasonic's LCDs are again generally less expensive than Sharp's or even Samsung's. The company hasn't slashed the prices on these models to the extent that it has on its plasmas, however, and no-name brands are still significantly less expensive. We expect Panasonic to sell fewer LCDs than Samsung, Sharp, or Sony, but it will still be relatively popular.
We haven't reviewed any Panasonic flat-panel LCDs yet, so we can't comment on their image quality one way or the other. Unlike many other manufactures, the company doesn't include PC inputs on any of its models, and their feature sets are otherwise on the skimpy side.
The Panasonic lineup
From entry level to top of the line, with the step-up features that distinguish each line from the previous ones highlighted.
The TC-20LA5 is Panasonic's entry-level flat-panel LCD. It has a 640x480
native resolution, which means that it can't quite display all the detail of DVDs, but at the 20-inch screen size, the lost resolution probably won't be very noticeable. Its connectivity is highlighted by a component-video input. Unfortunately, the lack of a PC input limits its ability to be used as a PC monitor. The TC-20LA5 ($700) is currently available.
- 640x480 native resolution
- One component-video input
The TC-LX50 series is a step up to the TC-20LA5. Although the product names in the series are similar, there are significant differences between the models. All models have a 1,366x768 native resolution, except for the TC-19LX50, which has a native resolution of 1,280x768. This means that all models should be able to display every detail of
720p material. This series does not have built-in HDTV tuner or a CableCard slot, which means you'll need external hardware to receive over-the-air HDTV or digital cable. The connectivity of the series varies by model. Every set has two component-video inputs, except for the TC-19LX50, which has one. The TC-26LX50 and the TC-32LX50 also feature an
HDMI input. The 19-inch TC-19LX50 ($850), the 23-inch TC-23LX50 ($1,000), the 26-inch TC-26LX50 ($1,400), and the 32-inch TC-32LX50 ($1,900) are currently available.
- 1,366x768 or 1,280x768 native resolution
- One HDMI input on 26- and 32-inch models
- Two component-video inputs (except the 19-inch model, which has only one)
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