Entered CNET Catalog: 05/25/2005
SKU: 0037988975341
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Manufacturer description
The PC inputs on the LCD projection TVs make them ideal for use as large multimedia monitors. Connect a PC and experience web surfing, gaming, and even DVD playback using a large, crisp, high-resolution display. Panasonic LCD projection HDTVs with CableCARD slots can accept a small card that allows you to receive standard definition and high definition digital broadcasts - no bulky set-top cable box. Contact your cable company to find out if they offer this service in your area. Sports, movies, and original network programming are all available in high definition from many local broadcasters. Receive and view local over-the-air broadcasts on this TV in stunning HDTV clarity using the built-in HDTV tuner1. If your cable company passes through HDTV broadcasts from local broadcasters, you can decode and tune those as well. A Single Cable Carries High-Quality Digital Audio and Video If you have even a moderately complicated home theater setup, you probably have a pile of tangled cables on the floor behind it. Imagine replacing all those cables with a single cable that carries both digital video and audio at the same time. With the new HDMI standard, that's exactly what you get. The HDMI connector on this TV accepts high-quality digital video and audio via the same thin cable, allowing you to run one cable from the source to the TV. The best images you can ever view on a Panasonic LCD projection TV don't have anything to do with HDTV. Share your JPEG photos taken with a Lumix digital camera on a Panasonic LCD projection TV using the built-in SD card slot2. Simply insert the SD card, which is about the size of a postage stamp, into the SD slot on the TV and enjoy a photo slideshow. This widescreen TV features a width-to-height ratio similar to movie theater screens, providing a theater-like experience at home. View HDTV broadcasts and widescreen DVDs the way they were meant to be seen. HDTV broadcasts and DVDs offer more detail and better color than analog broadcasts, and it takes a high-resolution display to deliver all that picture information. The high pixel count of this LCD projection TV provides fine detail for outstanding HDTV reproduction. More pixels also translate into less stair-stepping artifacts; curved and diagonal edges look smooth and natural. A lot of TVs force you to cycle through every single video input in sequence. With modern TVs accepting more and more video inputs, you end up pushing the "video" button five or six times before you get to the source you want to watch. This TV lets you select video inputs directly so you can jump right to the input you need.Product summary
The good: Relatively inexpensive; three independent memories per input; solid connectivity, including a PC input; fully resolves 720p sources; slim form factor.
The bad: Poor black-level performance; inaccurate color decoding; overly blue grayscale; no 2:3 pull-down detection; nondefeatable edge enhancement; cannot switch aspect ratios with HD sources.
The bottom line: Panasonic's budget-priced LCD-based rear-projection PT-52LCX65 HDTV proves that you get what you pay for.
Average user rating: from 14 users
3.5 stars
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 10/24/2005
The remote control was recently redesigned; we found it intuitive to use and comfortable in the hand. We were pleasantly surprised to see backlighting behind every key, which makes setup in the dark relatively easy. Finally, the universal remote can control a wide variety of other A/V components. With a native resolution of 1,280x720, the Panasonic PT-52LCX65 should be able to fully resolve 720p high-definition sources. It scales all other resolutions, including 1080i HDTV, computer, DVD, and standard television, to fit its pixels. Note that despite its native resolution, the Panasonic PT-52LCX65 can accept input signals only up to 1,024x768 resolution via its VGA/PC input.
We downgraded the Panasonic's feature rating from 7 to 6 because two of its key performance-enhancing features don't work. First, Panasonic claims to offer 2:3 pull-down in the video processing, but our tests proved otherwise (see Performance). Second, the red, green, and blue grayscale controls in the advanced menu are unavailable for the video inputs--they're reserved for the PC inputs, where they're not that useful.
The other performance features function as advertised. Selectable color temperatures include Warm, Normal, and Cool, with Normal coming closest to the broadcast-standard color temperature of 6,500K. One very nifty feature lets you adjust each of the three picture modes individually for brightness, contrast, color, and the like--and all of them can be different for each input. In effect, this allows you to customize three independent input memories per input.
The Panasonic PT-52LCX65's most notable conveniences include the built-in Digital Cable Ready CableCard slot for cable HDTV reception. Spilt-screen PIP (picture-in-picture) lets you watch more than one source simultaneously. It will function with HDTV sources, although you can't watch an HDMI source and a PC source simultaneously. Aspect-ratio controls include four choices for standard TV, three for progressive-scan DVD (480p) and two for PC. Unfortunately, you can't change aspect ratio at all with HDTV sources.
The connection options on the rear panel are fairly generous. However, we have to question the logic of offering three component-video inputs and only one HDMI input when it would make a lot more sense to include two of each. The set also has two A/V inputs with a choice of either S-Video or composite, and one A/V output with S-Video. An RF input and the CableCard slot round out the connectivity on the back panel. The Panasonic PT-52LCX65 also has a set of front-panel A/V inputs with S-Video, a VGA connector for a PC, and an SD-card slot for displaying digital camera images. The overall performance of the Panasonic PT-52LCX65 leaves a lot to be desired. When we checked our reference opening scene from the Star Trek: Insurrection DVD, we noticed telltale lines on the overturned boats, which indicate that 2:3 pull-down processing wasn't operating correctly. This is simply inexcusable today, especially since much prime-time programming is still shot on film. Without solid 2:3 processing, film-based material will be riddled with motion artifacts if not processed properly by the set-top box--and set-top-box (cable or satellite) processing is often quite bad. When viewing Insurrection through the S-Video input, we also observed severe edge enhancement, which appeared as exaggerated edges and noise around onscreen objects.
The Panasonic's out-of-the-box grayscale is among the least accurate we've seen recently, and it tinged dark areas an unnatural blue. As we mentioned earlier, the color-temperature controls are unavailable with the video inputs, so we weren't able to improve grayscale performance via calibration.
Blacks on the Panasonic PT-52LCX65 appeared a muddy dark gray, and dark scenes lacked shadow detail; the combination was painful to see. The opening scenes of our black-level torture-test DVD Alien: The Director's Cut, with the starship Nostromo traveling through space, also revealed low-level video noise that became quite distracting. Brighter material from the Superbit version of the Vertical Limit DVD looked better, but we noticed a lot of video noise, even in brighter scenes.
The color reproduction on this set adds the final insult to injury. In general, its only redeeming quality is that the decoding and the primary color for red are both fairly good. Decoding for green is abysmal, and the actual color of green is on the yellowish side. Finally, blue was rendered as distinctly purplish in color.
In its favor, the set does deliver all the resolution of a 720p HDTV signal, but with some significant noise at the upper end of the spectrum. HD pictures from DirecTV certainly looked better than those from DVD. It was interesting to note that dark concert footage from HDNet looked cleaner and less noisy than dark passages on DVD. A play-off baseball game on ESPN HD looked pretty good, but the color of the grass was again desaturated and tinged with yellow.
Geek box
| TEST | RESULT | SCORE |
| Before color temp (20/80) | 11,500/7,100K | Poor |
| After color temp | N/A | N/A |
| Before grayscale variation | +/- 1,419K | Poor |
| After grayscale variation | N/A | N/A |
| Overscan | 2.5% | Good |
| DC restoration | All patterns stable | Good |
| 2:3 pull-down, 24fps | Y | Good |
| Defeatable edge enhancement | Y | Poor |
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
bang for the buck
Pros: none i could think of.
Cons: good quality for the price.
Review: One of my best tvs i ever bought its worth the money.the picture quality is very good.I also use it as my primary monitor for my computer.I would recommend this tv a good purchase.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Def. great for the price
Pros: Supports gaming systems well.
Cons: TV menu can freeze sometimes.
Review: I bought this TV off of a fellow navy sailor last year for $900.00. It was one of the best purchases I have made thus far. My wife and I think that surround sound greatly enhances the experience. I am a huge gamer and I love having the clear pixels and the TV supports HD pretty well.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 14 user reviews
One year and so far so good...
Pros: Bulb life concerns - none
Cons: PC input in front?
Review: I've owned this TV for just a bit over 1 year and it's been exactly what I had expected for the price. I bought it as a low cost set to fill the gap until plasma prices dropped significantly and it's been a great set.
Bulb life, which most user reviews I found complained about, has not been an issue. Overall my biggest complaints would be the PC input being located on the front of the TV, and the lack of a 2nd HDMI port. Other than that you can't beat this TV for the price.
Bulb life, which most user reviews I found complained about, has not been an issue. Overall my biggest complaints would be the PC input being located on the front of the TV, and the lack of a 2nd HDMI port. Other than that you can't beat this TV for the price.
User Rating:
3.0 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Not a bad TV but I would NOT buy it again.
Pros: Very easy to use
Cons: White seems grainy/ bulb life
Review: I bought this TV after another Panasonic 52 inch rear projection that I had owned. I really think the old huge 300 pound TV out performs this one.
Whites are very grainy which I guess is my biggest complaint. I can't agree with what cnet people said about the black. The blacks on are blacker than black. Also I don't agree about the greens and blues that they comment on. To each his own, I guess.
What I do like is the depth of this tv and weight. It is shallow and light. I think around 40 pounds. Very easy to hook up to my surround sound and Sati and antenna. It is very easy to use.
Final opinion..........Something is just quite not right with the picture that I can't put my finger on. Don't get me wrong. It is not a bad picture at all actually breathtaking at times in HD.
Also I do not know if Panasonic has changed the bulb they use in it. I think they have. The bulbs where supposed to last 10,000 hours but where only lasting about 1,500 - 2,500. At $300.00 a pop that is pretty high. I do know the new bulbs are much better and would imagine they are in these tv's now.
Whites are very grainy which I guess is my biggest complaint. I can't agree with what cnet people said about the black. The blacks on are blacker than black. Also I don't agree about the greens and blues that they comment on. To each his own, I guess.
What I do like is the depth of this tv and weight. It is shallow and light. I think around 40 pounds. Very easy to hook up to my surround sound and Sati and antenna. It is very easy to use.
Final opinion..........Something is just quite not right with the picture that I can't put my finger on. Don't get me wrong. It is not a bad picture at all actually breathtaking at times in HD.
Also I do not know if Panasonic has changed the bulb they use in it. I think they have. The bulbs where supposed to last 10,000 hours but where only lasting about 1,500 - 2,500. At $300.00 a pop that is pretty high. I do know the new bulbs are much better and would imagine they are in these tv's now.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Best bang for the buck!!!
Pros: Cheap, same picture as higher end models, nice looking
Cons: no complaints as of yet
Review: I'm not quite sure what CNET is seeing when they reviewed this TV. First of all, for the price you can't go wrong. I purchased this set and the beautiful matching stand at Costco for $1799.00. For any TV you have to see it for yourself and this set compared to Samsung, Sony, JVC seemed the same or even better than the others. I couldn't understand why the other sets were 500 to 600 more and had mediocre pictures, while the picture on this set was as good as I have seen in a rear projection. The set also looked much nicer and seems to be built much better. The bottom trim on the Samsung was coming off on the display model which was a telling sign that it may not be made that well. The Sony's look cheaply made as well and my past experience with their sets has not been good. My last Sony set lasted 6 years and died. All in all, I highly recommend Panasonic and so far have no complaints. Best bang for the buck out there and I really could not see any difference between this set and a $3,000 new 1080p DLP.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Such a deal!
Pros: life-like Hi Def reception
Cons: remote is a little slow
Review: Last year I bought a Samsung DLP and returned it after 3 days because the standard cable reception was horrible and DVD movies looked like VHS tape. I recently saw this Panny at Circuit City and spent time comparing the picture with other TV's. I am a big Sony fan and found the Panny's picture on par with the Sony. Got this one from Vanns on Clearance and paid under $1000 delivered. Overall I am very happy with this TV. Oh yeah and the cable card is a really nice feature/no box needed.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Outstanding
Pros: Great picture easy set up
Cons: can't change aspect in HD
Review: I purchased this TV a couple of months ago and have enjoyed the heck out of it. The size and picture options as well as the multi function remote made this a simple TV to hook up and interact with all of my other Panasonic equipment. OUTSTANDING!!
User Rating:
1.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Don't bother if you want to view local HDTV & have basic cable
Pros: Light weight, Easy to use remote
Cons: ONLY 1 Rf input jack so your unable to view local HD broadcast with basic cable comming into your house
Review: Very dissapointed with their lack of viewing local HD broadcast with Antenna and using a basic cable connection. Impossible according to Panasonic Tech support. You need to purchase another brand of TV with 2 RF input jacks. Shopping around, I could not find another brand that did not have 2 RF input jacks. So stay away from the Panasonics unless your willing to fork out the extra $18 or more per month for digital cable service & another box to mess with. Took the Tv back and bought a Mitsubishi WD-52528
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Very good quality, especially for the price
Pros: Bright, plenty of adjustments, good picture, PRICE
Cons: VGA input is in front (on the 44" model ns on the 52" model)
Review: I bought this on a Black Friday sale after Thanksgiving and so far am totally happy with the performance. I think the CNET review is being a bit harsh, especially as I compared the TV literally side by side to several HDTVs costing over $1000 more and it held its own nicely. I have also spent a lot of time watching a friend's 50" Sony projection LCD and I think I like this display a bit better (I'm not referring to Sony's new 3LCD TV but rather their previous model)
I have done extensive evaluation of LCD vs DLP vs Plasma, etc, and it really came down to the fact that I could save $1000 over most comparable HDTVs and still get a good TV.
One caveat, I actually purchased the 44 inch model, but CNET has not reviewed that model and it is essentially the same albeit slightly smaller.
One interesting thing, reading the manual reveals that the lamp warranty is for 18 months, and replacement lamps have a 12 month warranty. With that in mind it seems a waste of money to pay the $300 for the 2-year extended store warranty that you are pressured to buy.
The only con is that on my model, the VGA PC input is in the front, which is annoying if you have to have a cable snaking around. I plan to use the HDMI input for my laptop, so it wasn't that big of a deal to me.
I have done extensive evaluation of LCD vs DLP vs Plasma, etc, and it really came down to the fact that I could save $1000 over most comparable HDTVs and still get a good TV.
One caveat, I actually purchased the 44 inch model, but CNET has not reviewed that model and it is essentially the same albeit slightly smaller.
One interesting thing, reading the manual reveals that the lamp warranty is for 18 months, and replacement lamps have a 12 month warranty. With that in mind it seems a waste of money to pay the $300 for the 2-year extended store warranty that you are pressured to buy.
The only con is that on my model, the VGA PC input is in the front, which is annoying if you have to have a cable snaking around. I plan to use the HDMI input for my laptop, so it wasn't that big of a deal to me.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Great Value
Pros: Great price. Good overall performance
Cons: Bulb life is questionable
Review: We bought the 44 inch model at Cir City for 1299.00. Delivery was free after rebate and no interest for 2 years. This is the best buy I have seen on a moderately sized HD TV. We are very pleased with our purchase decision.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
HDMI imput from DVD players has reversed colors
Pros: Nice set for the money
Cons: HDMI input from DVD players has reversed colors.
Review: Checked out this HDMI problem with my DVD player at Electronic Express and the floor model had the same problem, changed the cable,same thing, different players same thing. So it seems to be a problem with the model not just a rare problem with one set. Panasonic claims they don't have a problem but have the sales guy check it out with his floor model......don't be surprised if the color is screwed up.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Great value and great picture
Pros: Ease of use; style; weight; picture quality- range of viewing
Cons: Club Panasonic customer service and order fulfillment; colors
Review: This is a great television for your dollar and has all the necessary inputs and outputs you will need (HDMI and digital audio). Great range of vieweing, i can see the picture anywhere in my studio apartment.
The downside- and this was pretty egregious was that I purchased this television from Club Panasonic. They never shipped it on the delivery date and when I called to ask why they did not know. Called later, this time they said it would ship in a week. Called again (third time) and this time the financing had never been released. Several times they said they would call me back and never did.
Finally-- insult to injury I got a call saying it was coming-- so took off work. What had really been delivered was the separate speakers i ordererd. however, when I finally got it the unit worked great. Just beware of club panasonic or ordering from them direct.
The downside- and this was pretty egregious was that I purchased this television from Club Panasonic. They never shipped it on the delivery date and when I called to ask why they did not know. Called later, this time they said it would ship in a week. Called again (third time) and this time the financing had never been released. Several times they said they would call me back and never did.
Finally-- insult to injury I got a call saying it was coming-- so took off work. What had really been delivered was the separate speakers i ordererd. however, when I finally got it the unit worked great. Just beware of club panasonic or ordering from them direct.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Great TV Buy Now
Pros: Great Picture Quality and Plenty of Inputs
Cons: None I can Think Of
Review: This TV is a Gem. Picture quality is fantastic and sound is incredible even without the suuround system hooked up. It has all the inputs you could ever want, HDMI, RGB for the Computer, and 3 componet inputs for the DVD, Video Game, and God only knows what else. Did I mention the cable card? That alone saves $10/month on my comcast bill. This TV is also very thin compared to other Rear Projection TVs on the market and the picture quality rivals the plasmas. I considered the 44" panasonic plasma before I purchased this one and did the math. Bigger TV for less money. You can't go wrong with this one.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Great bang for your buck
Pros: Awesome design & excellent picuture
Cons: Black level and side-viewing not perfect
Review: I was dead set on a Samsung DLP when this LCD jumped out at me. Side-by-Side, the picture (HD and non-HD channels) is better than the Samsung 2005 720p DLP table top series, and at $2000 it was a far better bargain when comparing against the newest Samsung DLP pedestal model. There are some minor black level issues, but nothing significant, and the flat panel design (which looks great) allows for only minor side-viewing issues. Overall this LCD is a great deal, and is definitely worth a look. I did purchase a performance plan/extended warranty just in case I run into bulb issues, but I would have purchased this add-on with any TV.
