The relatively small-screen TX-L32G10B LCD TV (a 37in set is also available) sits at the lower end of an extensive new Panasonic Freesat HDTV line-up but still has much to offer.

The design doesn't deviate that much from mid-range Panasonic TVs of recent years. It's not especially thin and has a mostly black surround save for a fetching silver lining underneath the screen, where you'll also find an SD card slot supporting AVC HD and JPEG playback.

A row of operating buttons runs down the right side of the set; down the left sits a CI slot suitable for adding satellite or DTT (Setanta) CAMs and a row of AV sockets including HDMI. Three more HDMIs on the rear are joined by component video together with twin Scarts, both with RGB support.

There are also stereo phonos and a digital audio optical output. The LNB connectors and aerial are spaced well apart but there's no loopthrough for either.

Also present are a 15-pin D-Sub input and an Ethernet port, making it compatible with future Freesat on-demand services but not the Viera Cast web TV services offered by other new Panasonic Freesat TVs.

The remote sensibly has the most-used buttons (such as a large Guide button) around the central pad. Viera Link support allows you to control other HDMI-connected Panasonic devices such as recorders for synced recordings. A TV button is used to jump between analogue terrestrial, DVB (Freeview), Freesat and other satellite channels.

Tuning in Freesat channels took a brisk 16 seconds and you can use the 'other sat channels' menu to do slower or FTA-only scans of Astra 2/Eurobird, Hot Bird, Astra 1 or 'Any Satellite'. You can manually enter a frequency, and choose polarisation and three symbol rates: 22000, 27500 or 29500. DiSEqC isn't supported.

Freesat EPG

The Freesat EPG lets you view a grid of data for channels or one at a time with programmes listed beneath. Channels can be organised by type and shows highlighted by genre and you can create a favourites list.

Freeview channels get a Guideplus+ enhanced guide, allowing you to set up timed recordings, again displayed as a full-screen grid of channels that isn't as colourful as the Freesat offering.

Non-satellite channels don't get an EPG but can be selected from a list that's short on sorting options, although four favourites can be created. Programme info banners for all tuner sources show now-and-next data (where available) which can be toggled to show synopses.

Pictures are solid, if not exceptional. Initially, colour reproduction appeared a little bright and black levels a tad dark, but switching on the Cool palette option made everything look more natural. The TV's adjustable motion, smoothing Intelligent Frame Creation Technology, is very effective in reducing blur in fast-moving scenes.

With BBC HD on Freesat HD, results were agreeably crisp, allowing us to admire details like the twig-strewn forest floor in Robin Hood. Standard-def Freesat looks a cut above Freeview, but the latter is still reasonably sharp and clear.

Audio performance is punchy both from the 10W speakers and via our external system.

Buy from our affiliates: Amazon UK | Argos.co.uk | Pixmania

Follow TechRadar Reviews on Twitter http://twitter.com/techradarreview