The Panasonic DX900 is the current high-end manufacturer Japanese in theme TVs. The last bet and maximum representation of technology in image quality issues. A proposal that is betting on LCD technology and like the rest of the market should give reason to believe that worth against the unstoppable advance of the OLED technology.
If we see the technical specifications sheet is clear that there would be no reason to believe that there could be. Of course, as I always say, the limitations of LCD technology versus LED OLED will be there but sometimes they are not always as pronounced as one might think. Still, let’s see in detail each section, key, and after each draw their own conclusions.
Panasonic DX900, technical specifications
| CHARACTERISTICS | PANASONIC DX900 |
| Screen | VA type LCD panel with 3D support (3D Active) |
| Screen sizes | Available in 58 and 65 inches |
| Backlight system | Full Array 512 Local Dimming areas |
| Resolution | UHD (3840x2160p) |
| Soda | 4K 3000Hz BMR IFC |
| Panel Technology | HDR support, DCI-P3, UHD Premiun certifies Studio Master HCX + 4K and THX Certification |
| Tuner | DVB T / T2 / C / S2 |
| Connectivity and connections | Ethernet and wireless ac. We also have component video, 4 x HDMI 2.0 (two are HDMI-ARC), 3 x USB, 2 x CI +, Optical output and headphone output |
| Remote control | Mando traditional compact remote control and command new option also use application for iOS and Android |
| Multimedia | Support different formats (MPEG4, HEVC and VP9) |
Design and finishes
Panasonic has always been characterized by designing products with an elegant and minimalist touch. This time they were not going to change the dynamics of their latest releases so we have a product that keeps molds without breaking design lines that make it very attractive.
It is true that there are issues TVs little room for surprise, especially if what is sought is to make it the image itself what most attracts attention. Therefore, with reduced frames, the most striking is found in its base and contour edges.
As can be seen in the images, the contour of the edges is silvery aluminum and makes the screen has a rather elegant yet discreet and unobtrusive touch when we see content. This framework has to be a texture that closely brings a touch of distinction but for me the most important thing is to resist better over time. It may seem silly but in other screens ends with the metal edge scratches as time passes and perform as everyday as wipe to clean the dust actions.
Regarding the base, reminiscent of the bases that we saw in past generations. It weighs a lot and causes a slight tilt back panel. That, plus the size of the screen, requires that we place the TV in a low cabinet to have a vision as possible perpendicular to the panel. If not so, as we shall see, the most demanding users may notice some change in the tone of the image.
Turning to the rear there is little to tell. No great work to do it is as clean as possible and you can see some items such as fans, used to remove hot air generated inside, or some electronic components TV itself as the speakers. But it is not something negative. After all is not often seen the back of a television. Although seeing the care that other manufacturers will put their high ranges it is true that hits a little.
The good news is that Panasonic has itself decided to add a cover to the rear to help hide a little more connections and in turn manage the cables connected to different HDMI inputs, components, etc.
Image quality
The image quality of the Panasonic DX900 is high but not first. That is, as it comes pre – calibrated from factory think, perhaps to highlight those technologies that bet, the colors are too bright and saturated. I can always keep that love for plasmas manufacturer extinct but I do not much like “aggression” in the image.
Fortunately, with a little image calibration wins significantly in quality. And if you do not want complications you should only opt for the THX modes. Both THX Cinema (my favorite) as THX Bright Room excellently improve the factory image. You just put to play a movie you know well to appreciate the differences in almost every scene of it.
After all this we can not ignore how their behavior when playing content with or without support HDR, different resolutions and of course different media. Playing through both solutions via streaming and physical.
With a UHD 10 – bit panel and backlight system 512 areas the truth is that the image quality should not and could not be bad. In tests so it proved and everything looked so imposing.
We are facing quite a high-end and as with other manufacturers, these TVs will not disappoint. It is true that if we could compare them all at once would notice slight differences that could make us decant by one or the other, but depend in part on aspects such as the calibration itself or personal taste.
My assessment is good and any content 1080p or higher with minimum characteristics (compression and bit rate) will enjoy a very good image quality. At low resolutions 720p or offers a poorer bitrates 4K Master Studio HCX + processor cannot perform miracles so we get an image that already depend on the requirement of each value as fit or not. Nor much of the DTT signals offered by current chains.
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Thus, in general, the image sharpness is good even in fast scenes where possible and annoying halo effects do not spoil the viewing. A color rendering level also serves as contrast. It is true that in depth issues of black does not reach the level of OLED but is not bad. The backlight system performs well even when making use of HDR content seems not become as perfect as we would like.
That is, the backlight works very well and control thanks to its 512 zones required. The only thing is that there will be some scenes where we note that some parts of the screen are brighter than one would expect. It is serious because usually in very specific and concrete scenes but it’s good to know. Still, as I say that this is always looking for every possible default background image. Something sure most users will not do.
Moreover, as a certified Premium TV UHD content playback high dynamic range enjoys thanks to those brightness levels exceeding 1000 nits. And this is something I would like to emphasize, beyond the importance of resolution 4K think it is clear that now bet on a TV with HDR support is vital. It is true that must still get a lot more content HDR but its adoption will be faster than what we have seen with UHD content.
By the way, if you want to use this TV to play you must know that you will not have problems. The delay between the signal sent and displayed not generate problems when playing. Regardless of whether a title is more relaxed or frantic action. It is not the best choice than a television or more focused on the game but nothing spoils the user experience as I’ve seen on some TVs, especially affordable options monitor.
In short, in this TV image quality Panasonic does not disappoint and only the viewing angles are a little behind the competition due to the used panel. Still, considering that we usually sit in front of the screen and not 60 or 70 degrees from the perpendicular there will be no problems.
Sound quality
In theme sound quality no remarkable novelty. The set of two double subwoofer speakers provide good sound and valid for casual viewing. That is, less demanding users enjoy movies and series but if you ‘re that stuck or more realistic special effects, dialog clarity or nothing better than having an external sound system soundtrack.
And it sounds like something topical but is reality. Few TVs provide a sound that allows most do not buy an additional sound system when looking to enjoy a good listening experience. Moreover, even with this improvement in the sound will always be a good recommendation made with a bar, home cinema or similar solution.
Still, for secure, the sound of the Panasonic DX900 is not bad and fulfill their function. But if you invest in this TV it is logical that do not have problems also an additional audio system.
Software and user experience
A level of Smart TV platforms Panasonic is betting on Firefox. On this occasion it comes with Firefox OS 2.0. One option that has some interesting points, which does not run slowly to the point of penalizing the experience but seen what’s on the market is clearly not the most attractive solution.
With the option of adding some extra services thanks to my web as positive is that standard and have access to services that most users demand, YouTube and Netflix mainly. For Netflix even no dedicated button on the classic remote control it allows one – touch launch. But little else offers Smart TV platform.
Well, it’s true that your software offers other options like content recording, playback of material stored in or USB memories, etc. but still they continue to make the position of Panasonic and its Smart TV platform are at a disadvantage against the competition. For many users will be sufficient and will not be forced to resort to using additional set top box but if you want something more in my Firefox OS issues falls short.
Regarding control options, the classic controller does not require much explanation. Incorporating the other, smaller and with a smaller keypad is perfect for everyday as we have everything you need to control the TV without problems. Even if we still find little thing always you can opt for the application for iOS and Android. Which also has some extras that help calibration image? I commented something that is interesting to adapt to more accurately image to the tastes of each user form.
