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  • Tour & Design

  • Performance Features

  • Connectivity & Media

  • Controls, Menu & Remote

  • Conclusion

  • Tour & Design
  • Performance Features
  • Connectivity & Media
  • Controls, Menu & Remote
  • Conclusion

Tour & Design

The TC-L37X1's screen is set in a glossy black bezel. The bottom of the screen has the power LED, but there are no other features.

The *TC-L37X1's facade is a bit plain.
*

**Sides**

The sides of the TC-L37X1 have the TV's on-TV controls on the right side and a few easy access ports on the left.

The picture on the left are the easy access ports

on the left side of the device. The right picture

shows the on-TV controls towards the bottom.

 

**Stand/Mount**

The TC-L37X1 can either be mounted on a wall, or attached to a swivel stand.

 

Aesthetics

The TC-L37X1 has average aesthetics. We're not really fans of the glossy black plastic, and that's the only feature on the front of the TV. There's nothing about the TC-L37X1 that grabs attention, either positively or negatively.

Performance Features

Display Size & Technology

The TC-L37X1 is a 37-inch LCD. LCD TVs, especially at the lower end, often have challenges with viewing angle and poor black level. We'll have to get the TC-L37X1 into our testing labs before we can see if these issues apply to  it.

The contrast ratio on the TC-L37X1 seemed good for an LCD.

Format & Resolution

The TC-L37X1 runs 720p, which means it has a 1280x720 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This also means it's a notch below the typical HD resolution, 1080p. We were not able to ascertain whether it supports downscaling for higher quality 1080i and 1080p content.

Brightness, Blacks & Contrast Ratio

The manufacturer-stated contrast ratio is 12,000:1. While this isn't as unrealistic as the 2,000,000:1 figure we've seen floating around, it's still likely inflated. Typically with LCDs, manufacturers turn off the back light to measure the black level, then boost every possible setting to get the best white level. As such, manufacturer-stated contrast values are often unreliable. For a more standardized contrast ratio of the TC-L37X1, check back here after we've gotten it into our testing lab.

Refresh Rate & Motion

The refresh rate of this TV wasn't stated in the specs, which means it's likely 60Hz. This is the standard refresh rate. Higher end LCD TVs will have 120 or 240Hz refresh rates. We didn't notice any jitteriness, although we did see some motion blur. Of course, this could be a preproduction unit, but it's not surprising to see motion blur on a lower-end LCD with a standard refresh rate like this.

Viewing Angle

The viewing angle of the TC-L37X1 wasn't particularly good. Once you stepped away from dead center, the blacks lighten up noticeably. It doesn't get much worse as your viewing angle increases, however.

Color

The TC-L37X1's color seemed to be a little washed out. We're not sure if it was the demo video not showcasing the color depth well or if the screen just isn't vibrant. Color looked washed out slightly from any angle that wasn't dead on. Overall, we weren't very impressed with the TC-L37X1's color representation. Again, this was a floor unit, and it could have been pre-production, or the video could have been a bit less saturated than what was showing on the surrounding TVs.

Connectivity & Media

Audio & Video Ports

On the left side of the device you'll find an SD card slot, HDMI port, and a composite input with S Video. The back of the TV has an iPod input port, although we couldn't see what kind of port that actually was – it looked like a USB cable sticking out, but we couldn't be sure. The back also has a digital audio out, PC port, one set of composite ports and one set of component ports, with two audio ports for each.

This is a shot of the ports on the left side.

These are two pictures we managed to snap of the ports on the TV's back.

Media & Other Connectivity

Like all the other Panasonic TVs at the show, the TC-L37X1 has Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer, which will let you play back AVCHD video or digital pictures, providing you use the TV's SD card slot. Also, the TV lets you connect your iPod, which will then display its user interface onto the TV.

Placement

The placement of the TC-L37X1's ports is great. They're all located on the left side of the TV, some actually on the left side, and some on the back, towards the edge. Anyone could reach these ports with ease. Plus, the TV comes with a swiveling stand, just in case you need to rotate it to get a better angle.

Audio

The device's speakers are on its back, but were covered by the mounting bracket. There wasn't any information on the speakers' wattage.

Controls, Menu & Remote

Remote

The TV's remote was not available.

Controls

We were unable to see the on-TV controls, since we only got a brief glance when a booth operator opened the front panel. It looked to be the standard set, however: volume, channel, menu, and input. There was also a power button on the front of the TV.

Menu

We weren't allowed to open the TV's menu.

Conclusion

Though there wasn't any pricing information available, the TC-L37X1's press release seemed to paint the series as a more affordable option. It looks as though a low price will be the main selling point of this TV. The iPod connectivity is nice, but the screen itself seems to be of a lower quality that what we've seen so far from Panasonic. The viewing angle is poor, and colors don't seem up to snuff. We hope the price is attractive enough to make up for some of these problems.

Meet the tester

Mark Brezinski

Mark Brezinski

Senior Writer

@markbrezinski

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

See all of Mark Brezinski's reviews

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