Review of Panasonic LCD HDTV

Here is my Review of the Panasonic TC-L32U3 LCD HDTV

Review by Mike Liebner of Positive Thinktank

Model: Panasonic TC-L32U3 32″ Class 1080p 60Hz ENERGY STAR Qualified

Let’s get this out up front – the audio on this Panasonic TC-L32U3 is poor.

It’s the worst ever and the speakers are not even on the front – they face to the back and sound better behind the set than in front of it.

If that’s not bad enough – the Panasonic TC-L32U3 audio is wimpy and weak and requires that the sound be turned up very high.

If you turn it up the hiss gets pretty loud.

The first time I noticed this I thought my neighbors were running their sprinklers but it was the tv that was making the noise – even though nothing was on but the menu screen.

Even when I unplugged the source of the audio – the tv still hissed. The hiss was coming from the audio inside the tv.

Now – I know a lot of folks have add on audio, but this is my bedroom set and I was planning on just hooking it up to my high end analog stereo like my old tv – BUT – there was only a DIGITAL audio out – and I didn’t have anything with that kind of plug.

I am trying to endure it with the built in sound, but it has been bugging me to no end. I am considering bringing the tv back and getting the Sony 32 incher even though it costs a little more.

The whole story…

OK, I have to admit I was reluctant to give up my old tv – also a Panasonic – but it was time to upgrade the old tv set in my bedroom which had problems with the video connections.

Now, I have a gigantic Sony Bravia LCD HDTV in my living room and love the thing. It blows people away when they see it and it couldn’t be better.

In the bedroom I didn’t need a large set so I decided a 32 inch set would do the job.

I didn’t do a lot of research but I did see this Panasonic TC-L32U3 model at Fry’s and I have to say it had the best looking picture among all the sets there. I know – that’s not always an indicator as the settings could be off or wrong on some sets – but – this Panasonic TC-L32U3 did look sweet.

As the Panasonic TC-L32U3 was not in stock for a few weeks, I decided to shop around.

Seeing a few other sets in it’s class that were OK, but not great I found the Panasonic TC-L32U3 in stock at a Best Buy near my house so I decided to go look at it again and compare to what they had.

When I got to the store the demo unit on display of this Panasonic TC-L32U3 set had issues with the picture. Not a good sign.

It seemed to be the video cable connection – which was taped on in the back.

They said it was the signal from the cable that was bad – not the Panasonic TC-L32U3 tv… I asked HOW I could fairly evaluate them when the signal was not 100% on this unit and they tried to switch it to another source. Even with another source same problem.

It was the connection and not the cable.

That is odd – that was why my old set was retired – the connection was casuing a similar problem.

So after deciding the extra money for the Sony was not worth it – and since I had 30 days to decide if this Panasonic TC-L32U3 tv was ok – I bought it and brought it home to test in use.

By the way – everything playing at the store was so loud that I could not adequately test the audio playing on the display tv.

I said it doesn’t seem to go very loud - the guy told me that most people usually add a “sound bar” or have a surround system anyways so built in audio doesn’t matter.

Thinking I had a nice stereo at home I didn’t consider that would be an issue.

So I gave the Panasonic TC-L32U3 a shot.

Here I am – and after 4 days of testing this in my bedroom I think I need to bring it back.

It’s not fair if I need to buy a ADD ON stereo just to get decent audio from the Panasonic TC-L32U3.

And even then - this tv set may still have that hiss.

So – while the picture is very good and the price is right for this tv – the SOUND makes a big difference.

If you do not have a seperate audio system with digital outputs – you most likely will be disappointedwith the audio and bothered by the hiss.

Picture is good – but sound counts too. Be aware if you are considering this set and other Panasonic models like it.

Panasonic TC-L32U3 Features (according to them – look at how they brag about the audio)

• 31-1/2″ screen measured diagonally from corner to corner
  For optimal viewing in medium-size rooms.
• Ultraslim design (3-1/2″ deep)
  Comes with a stand or can be mounted on a wall (with optional mounting kit TY-WK3L2RW, not included).
• 1080p display
  Provides the highest quality progressive-scan picture possible from a high-definition source.
• Two 10W speakers
  Provide exceptional audio quality.
• Inputs
  Include 3 HDMI (1 side), 1 analog audio (for HDMI/DVI), 1 composite video, 1 composite audio, 1 PC, 1 component video and 1 component audio.
• Outputs
  Include 1 digital audio.
• 3 HDMI inputs
  HDMI cable not included. High-speed HDMI cable is the only connection that can deliver a full HDTV experience with a full 1080p picture and digital surround sound.
• PC video input
  Lets you connect your computer to experience high-resolution images.

More on TV’s and Television at TV is King

More product reviews are coming soon!