Panasonic TX-L37ET5B review

Easy 3D may not be able to match the ultimate detail of active shutter variants, but who cares? It's err, easier to live with and, let's face it, 3D as a format is only ever going to make an occasional appearance in the living room. Who wants to shell-out £50 on 3D specs when £1 will get you a performance that's at least half as good? Not families, that's for sure.

Packed with features and nothing if not good value, the TX-L37ET5 marries Easy 3D to an excellent smart TV dimension and a versatile, if occasionally flawed, treatment of myriad video sources.

We liked

Nicely designed and well built, this set features a great online hub and we like its support of MKV files, too. 3D pictures and hi-def fare well, and even the 2D-3D conversion worked relatively well in our test. Meanwhile, VIERA Connect continues to expand in a thoroughly slick manner.

We disliked

The 3D image isn't as sharp as on active shutter 3DTVs; the horizontal structure of the image is obvious, though arguably the panel's lack of contrast is just as much to blame for the lack of immersion. Though DVD looks OK, standard definition channels lack pizzazz.

Final verdict

It might lack star quality, but this versatile 37-incher brings 3D - and much more besides - within a tempting package. VIERA Connect is fast becoming our favourite smart TV hub, and while regular TV channels can look ropey and the viewing angle is narrow, the TX-L37ET5 puts in a family-friendly and exceptionally good value performance.

Also consider

Though is doesn't come in a 37-inch size, LG's LM670T Series is a close competitor to this Panasonic effort.

Toshiba's 37UL863B is a fair choice for those after Freeview HD - and even Freesat HD - though it lacks any 3D angle.

Toshiba's VL9 Series is worth looking out for, though this passive 3DTV line-up starts at 42-inch. Philips' upcoming 6000 Series of Edge LED TVs, which includes a 37-inch version, will comprise Easy 3D and the brand's unique Ambilight system as well as WiFi and Skype.

Although the use of Passive 3D on the this ET5 Series range of LED TVs could be construed as something rather important, Panasonic has actually churned-out several other ranges of LED TVs, all of which embrace Active Shutter 3D.

Passive 3D is reserved for this low-end Series, which also includes the 32-inch TX-32ET5, 42-inch TX-42ET5, 47-inch TX-L47ET5 and 55-inch TX-L55ET5. Active Shutter 3D fans should suss-out the ET50 Series' 32-inch TX-L32ET50B, 42-inch TX-L42ET50B and 47-inch TX-L47ET50B.

For a non-3D variant, the 37-inch TX-L32E5B costs a few hundred less. It's joined in the E5 Series by the 32-inch TX-L32E5B, 42-inch TX-L42E5B and 47-inch TX-L47E5B.