The Panasonic TX-55LX800B is a 55-inch TV that offers a respectable picture and audio performance at an affordable price. It features a slim and minimalist design with a slim depth of 83mm, although it may not be the best option for wall mounting due to the protruding rear side. The screen features an edge-lit VA panel, which provides good picture quality when viewed head on, but the viewing angles are limited. The TV performs better in brightly lit rooms than in dark ones. In terms of interface, the Panasonic TX-55LX800B replaces Panasonic's My Home Screen with Android TV, which provides access to a wider range of apps and features.
The TV offers three HDMI inputs with one supporting HDMI ARC and all supporting auto low latency mode for gaming. However, it does not support variable refresh rate or 4K/120Hz performance, making it less suitable for high-end gaming. In terms of picture quality, the Panasonic TX-55LX800B delivers natural-looking colors with its HDR Cinema Display powered by Panasonic's HCX processor. Dolby Vision performance is colorful and reliable, with good contrast and highlights.
The TV also has good upscaling capabilities for 1080p content and performs decently when playing DVDs. The audio performance of the Panasonic TX-55LX800B is surprisingly good with its 20W audio system, offering clear dialogue and a spacious soundstage, particularly with Dolby Atmos soundtracks. Overall, the Panasonic TX-55LX800B is best suited for daytime viewing and offers a consistent picture performance for watching films and TV shows. It provides good value for its price range, although there are other options available if gaming is a priority or if more advanced features are required.
An extensive breakdown of the hardware specifications
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model | Panasonic TX-55LX800B |
| Screen Size | 55 inches |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Display Technology | Edge-lit |
| Resolution | 4K |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision |
| Processor | HCX |
| Audio System | 20W |
| Smart TV Platform | Android TV |
| HDMI Inputs | 3 (1 with HDMI ARC) |
| Gaming Features | Game Mode |
| Viewing Angles | Limited |
| Design | Minimalist |
| Depth | 83mm |
| Price Range | Less than £800 |
An overview of the key features
The most important key feature of the Panasonic TX-55LX800B is its affordable price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Natural looking color performance: The TV delivers natural-looking colors with its HDR Cinema Display powered by Panasonic's HCX processor.
- Quick and easy setup: The TV has a minimalist design and is easy to set up.
- Access to a wide range of apps: With Android TV, users can access Google Play Store apps, Chromecast, and Google Assistant.
- Good audio performance: The TV's 20W audio system offers clear dialogue and a spacious soundstage, particularly with Dolby Atmos soundtracks.
- Decent upscaling and DVD performance: The TV performs well in upscaling 1080p content and playing DVDs, delivering detailed images and natural-looking colors.
Cons to consider: A concise recap of the downsides
The main problem with purchasing the Panasonic TX-55LX800B TV is its limited viewing angles and image quality deterioration when viewed from the sides.
The potential downsides of purchasing this TV include:
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Limited viewing angles: The TV's picture quality deteriorates when viewed from the sides, making it less suitable for larger rooms or situations where multiple people will be watching from different angles.
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Protruding rear side: The slim depth of the TV (83mm) may make it less suitable for wall mounting due to the protruding rear side. This could limit placement options and affect the overall aesthetic.
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Sluggish Android interface: While the TV features Android TV, the interface can be sluggish at times. This could result in slower app loading times and overall navigation.
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Lack of support for advanced gaming features: While the TV offers a game mode with a fast response time, it does not support variable refresh rate or 4K/120Hz performance. This makes it less suitable for high-end gaming.
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Limited support for HDR and Atmos in video streaming apps: Not all video streaming apps fully support HDR and Atmos, which may disappoint users looking for the best audio and visual experience.
To TV or Not to TV: Making an Informed Decision
The Panasonic TX-55LX800B is a decent TV option for film and TV enthusiasts on a budget. It offers a good picture and audio performance, with natural-looking colors and clear dialogue. The TV's Android interface provides access to a wide range of apps and features, including popular streaming services. However, the TV may not be the best choice for wall mounting due to its protruding rear side, and the viewing angles are limited. Additionally, the TV lacks some advanced gaming features and the black levels are not as impressive as other models. Overall, if you prioritize daytime viewing and value for money, the Panasonic TX-55LX800B is worth considering.
