Panasonic TX-L32DT30B review

Sound

The decision to compromise the set's slimness with some proper speaker 'boxes' pays off handsomely, as the set delivers not only a more extensive audio range than the vast majority of slim 32-inch TVs but also a soundstage that spreads far and wide around your room without losing cohesion, power or clarity.

Value

There's no doubt that £1,100 is a hefty wad of cash to splurge on a 32-inch TV, so it's just as well that your money is buying you some genuinely innovative and 'next level' panel technology that gives rise to the finest LCD TV 3D performance yet.

That said, it still seems debatable if many punters will really be ready to spend so much to secure a 3D feature that perhaps feels a touch gimmicky at the 32-inch screen size - even if the 3D technology also improves Panasonic's 2D performance. With this in mind, larger DT30 models might find it easier to justify their costs.

Ease of use

The remote control for the TX-L32DT30B is pleasingly weighty and spacious affair and feels comfortable in the hand. Its button layout is generally decent, too, and it's great to find dedicated buttons for 3D and Viera Connect (still shown as Viera Cast on the relevant key).

The biggest gripe is the main menu button, which gets less prominence than it should.
The L32DT30's onscreen menus are thankfully better than the bland and at times rather tortuous efforts found on previous Panasonic TV generations. There are a few graphics on there now, and the main menus are translucent so you can still see the picture while you make your adjustments.

However, it's fair to say that Panasonic still has a way to go before it can rival the sophistication and appeal of some of its rivals, especially those from Korea.

The Viera Connect menu style feels rather cumbersome: it can't present you with direct access to many of your apps from one screen, potentially requiring you to burrow through lots of sub-menus.