Panasonic TX-L32X20B review

Basic, but those after a simple flat TV will love this LCD TV's contrast-rich pics

Panasonic TX-L32X20B
This Panasonic plasma TV lacks a Freeview HD tuner for free HD broadcasts

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Panasonic tx-l32x20b

The TX-L32X20B might not be the most advanced TV we've sever seen, but it and its ilk represent by far the largest chunk of the flat TV market. But while a lot of 32in LCD TVs are of poor quality, this Panasonic combines essential features with excellent pictures.

There's no Freeview HD tuner, but if you live in a non-HD area, use Sky or Virgin, or simply don't care about watching EastEnders in hi-def, that won't matter. By next year a Freeview HD tuner will be a default option in all TVs, but not yet – and for now it helps the TX-L32X20B hit a tempting price.

We liked

A wide viewing angle, excellent colour and as impressive contrast as you're likely this side of a LED-backlight (or, ultimately, a bigger plasma) make the TX-L32X20B an excellent choice if picture quality is your goal. Were also impressed by the above-average speakers.

We disliked

The lack of any notable digital media support beyond simple JPEG photos is enormously disappointing and while the provision of a SD card is a unique nicety, we'd rather see a USB slot. We also have concerns about the Guide+Plus interface for the TX-L32X20B's Freeview tuner, which is graphically weak and a long way behind the efforts of rival brands.

Final verdict

The lack of a Freeview HD tuner will probably prevent a lot of you selecting this model, but bear in mind that the vast majority of Panasonic TVs do have one; the TX-L32X20B is all about the bargain price – and produces a cracking picture for the money.

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Jamie Carter

Jamie is a freelance tech, travel and space journalist based in the UK. He’s been writing regularly for Techradar since it was launched in 2008 and also writes regularly for Forbes, The Telegraph, the South China Morning Post, Sky & Telescope and the Sky At Night magazine as well as other Future titles T3, Digital Camera World, All About Space and Space.com. He also edits two of his own websites, TravGear.com and WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com that reflect his obsession with travel gear and solar eclipse travel. He is the author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners (Springer, 2015),