A classy looking smart TV with an
exceptional user interface
The 32in Viera TX-L32E6B is the first TV in
Panasonic’s 2013 range and, because it’s the smallest, it’s likely to be one of
the cheapest. It has an overhauled interface, integrated Wi-Fi and all the
features you’d expect from a more expensive set.
Panasonic
Smart Viera LED TV TX-L32E6B
When you switch on the TV, the My Home
Screen interface will launch, which comprises a Freeview HD preview
Window and a Now and Next program guide, alongside apps, widgets and shortcuts
to your most regularly used smart TV features. Multiple home screens can be
customized, moved or deleted as needed, so you could have one dedicated to
catch-up TV and films, another for your calendar appointments and a third for
web browsing.
The
interface includes apps for BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Netflix, Acetrax and
Dailymotion
The interface includes apps for BBC
iPlayer, YouTube, Netflix, Acetrax and Dailymotion, all of which are easy to
use. But other terrestrial TV catch-up services, including ITV play and 40D,
are absent.
You can use the Skype app to make video
calls, but you have to buy Panasonic’s overpriced $128 Skype camera first -
cheaper PC webcams won’t work. There’s also a web browser, but you’re unlikely
to use this often. As with all other smart TVs we’ve seen, browsing the web
using a remote designed for controlling video, is an unpleasant experience.
The interface is easy for anyone to use,
but you can disable it if you wish.
The TV’s plastic design is surprisingly
classy, so it looks like a more expensive set. The matching silver base is firm
and stable, but it doesn’t let you tilt or pivot the screen. Conveniently,
there are lots of connections at the back of the set, including ports for HDMI
and optical and phono audio. There are also sockets for component,
Scart and Ethernet.
There are also two USB ports, which can be
used to play media files stored on a USB stick. Our test videos played fine,
with the exception of DivX and QuickTime files which were not
recognized.
There
are lots of connections at the back of the set, including ports for HDMI and
optical and phono audio. There are also sockets for component,
Scart and Ethernet.
The TV produced average sound, but this
wasn’t surprising because the slim chassis doesn’t provide enough room for more
advanced built-in stereo speakers. However, speech sounded clear and there’s
ample volume for a small to medium-sized room. There is a noticeable lack of
bass, though and some sounds can distort at high volumes.
The TV’s Picture quality was impressive,
especially when watching high-definition video. Freeview HD and Blu-ray movies
were crisp and free of noise, and standard definition Freeview channels up-scaled
well.
The Viera TX-L32E6B is a real improvement
over previous Panasonic smart TVs. The revamped interface brilliantly
integrates internet-based features into the TV rather than hiding them away in
a separate menu, picture quality is great for the price and the set looks
stylish too.
If you’re looking for a new TV to put in
the living room, or a second TV for a bedroom or home office and want the
latest features at a budget price, this is a great choice, and a deserving
winner of our Buy It! award.
Verdict
The 32in Panasonic Viera TX-L32E6B is a
great budget smart TV with a well-designed user interface and great picture
quality
Ratings: 5/5
Key points
·
Slick and easy-to-use interface
·
Lots of ports
·
Great picture quality
·
Lots of ports
·
Affordable price
·
Poor sound quality
Best price online
Price: $600
Website: www.snipca.com
Alternative
Toshiba 32RL958
Toshiba
32RL958
Price: $480
A cheap smart TV with built-in Wi-Fi,
although some of its apps are fiddly and sluggish
Ratings: 5/5
Website: www.snipca.com
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Panasonic
Smart Viera LED TV TX-L32E6B specs
§ Suppliers
Trademark: Panasonic
§ Model
ID: TX-L32E6B
§ Energy
Efficiency Class: A
§ Visible
Screen Size (diagonal): 80 cm/32 inches
§ On
mode Average Power Consumption: 44 W
§ Annual
Energy Consumption: 61 kWh/year
§ Standby
Power Consumption: 0.2 W
§ Off
mode Power Consumption: 0.2 W
§ Screen
Resolution: 1,920 (W) x 1,080 (H)
§ Rated
Power Consumption: 80 W
§ Power
Supply: AC 220 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
§ Dimensions
(W x H x D) (w/o stand): 724 x 434 x 53 mm (General depth: 35 mm)
§ Dimensions
(W x H x D) (with stand): 724 x 489 x 207 mm
§ Weight
(w/o stand): 8.5 kg
§ Weight
(with stand): 9.5 kg
§ VESA
Compatible: yes
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