Panasonic has been a longtime supporter of flat-panel plasma technology, but even so, the company remains committed to flat panel LCD displays for screen sizes of 37 inches and smaller. This year's LZ85 line of LCD sets includes the 37-inch Panasonic TC-37LZ85, a full HD 1080p model, featuring a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 as well as support for the HDMI 1.3 x.v.Color format.

While this new x.v.Color still remains more hype than practicality, we're pleased to see it included in this new model. We're just as impressed to see the TC-37LZ85 includes three HDMI inputs, including two located in the rear. While having three rear inputs would be ideal, especially given that cable boxes, Blu-ray players and other devices use this input, the fact that this model doesn't shortchange on the inputs already earns bonus points. The other A/V connections are reasonable, including two components inputs at the back of the panel along with a single S-Video input. The set further features side and rear composite inputs, and even a DVI audio input. Rounding out the side connections is a memory card slot for playback of digital photos, as well as a headphone jack, which is nice for late-night viewing.

The set is GalleryPlayer compatible, so you can use the stylish TC-37LZ85 as your own private art gallery for those times when you're not watching TV. While the set's sleek design doesn't actually imitate a high-end picture frame, we're generally pleased with the clean lines and reasonably thin bezel. Below the screen is the set's speaker bar, which contains two 10-watt speakers. These produce good audio quality and can deliver a bit of punch for TV, movies and even games, and we found the results at simulating surround sound quite reasonable as well. It still won't compare to a dedicated home theater system, but for a den, small living room or bedroom setting the speakers should easily meet your needs.

Picture-wise, it is even more impressive, and that contrast ratio ensures very good black levels along with accurate colors. This model's sub-pixel controller works to reduce any digital artifacts, and we found the set delivers a crisp and sharp picture. The full HD 1080p features a native resolution of 1,920x1,080 and can display every pixel of content from 1080p sources. A digital comb filter also helps ensure that standard definition content will look nearly as rich.

Even with excessive ambient light this 37-inch set remains quite bright and clear, and the screen reflected very little light, making this ideal for watching TV regardless of the time of the day. Panasonic claims that this line features a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees, and we found that even on extreme angles that the picture remained mostly clear with little distortion. Considering the size you'll want to have a direct view if possible, but even off angle the picture still looked impressive.

Over all we were pleased with the picture from Panasonic's TC-37LZ85. This is a good set for sports, video games and movies with fast action.

Pros: Total of three HDMI inputs, 1080p resolution
Cons: Only two rear HDMI inputs, HDMI 1.3 is still more hype than reality

Warranty
1 year