The Panasonic Viera TC-L65WT600 is an Ultra HD television (also called UHD, or 4K) with 3840x2160 pixel resolution, four times that of a 1080p HDTV. As an LCD TV with LED backlighting, this Panasonic not only functions as a regular HDTV, but it can also display higher-than-HD resolution movies and videos that are delivered in the Ultra HD format. Unfortunately, we have no commercially available UHD content to play on this TV at this time, so we could not evaluate this display's image quality with these high resolution videos. However, using an HD-to-UHD upconverting Blu-ray player, and our UHD images and test patterns we can offer a very good prediction of how well this display will perform with native UHD content. To evaluate this Panasonic's overall performance we ran the TV through all our standard HDTV tests, most of which remain valid regardless of the video type, unless otherwise noted. Comments about this TV's UHD picture performance are provided.
PICTURE QUALITY This model had excellent high-definition picture quality. It did a top-notch job displaying the finest detail. Color accuracy was excellent, so colors looked very natural and lifelike. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images showed some depth and dimension. In this respect, the TV was similar to most of the models we test. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. Black levels were generally good, and the local dimming feature which is intended to further improve black levels was somewhat effective, but we also saw some unwanted illumination in some scenes, so we turned the feature off. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the TV did an excellent job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. There was a slight uneven brightness effect created cloudy areas most noticeable on very dark scenes. We routinely see this type of issue with many brands of LCD TVs, regardless of the type of backlight used (CCFL or LED). Though it's generally not a significant problem, it can vary in degree from TV to TV.
VIEWING ANGLE This Panasonic has a moderate viewing angle overall, decent, but not quite as good as the better-performing LCD sets we've tested. The optimal seating position for best picture quality is directly in front of the TV. If your family is seated in chairs off to the side of the TV, they'll see decent but compromised image quality.
When we moved off to the sides the horizontal viewing angle was good; the picture showed a slight loss of color so flesh tones looked a bit washed out, along with a moderate color shift. Black levels brightened significantly, making dark scenes look hazy. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was very good. The picture showed minimal change in color, contrast, and black level.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE To test UHD picture performance we used our reference 4K upconverting Blu-ray player, the OPPO BDP-103, with its video output set to 3840x2160 resolution. While the Oppo can't yield the full performance of native UHD content, we can nevertheless determine how well the TV preserves the image quality of a variety of HD videos that have been upconverted to the UHD format. Based on our observations we rate this Panasonic as having fine UHD picture performance. After adjusting the picture settings for best fidelity using our calibration procedure, upconverted 4K picture quality was observed to be free of added oversharpening, edge enhancement, noise reduction, or other processing effects which tend to reduce image fidelity. We anticipate that playback of native UHD content on this TV will yield full 4K detail, with the beyond-HD clarity we expect from the best Ultra HD content. How does this TV do with1080p? Since you'll likely watch mostly regular HD programs for the near term, we also checked to see how well this Panasonic's internal HD-to-UHD upconverter performs on 1080p input video. We found that Panasonic's upconversion was very good, similar to the Oppo's output, with only minor jaggies visible along the edges of objects (visible only when viewed up close). In addition to our video tests, we also confirmed that digital photos played back via the USB port do take full advantage of the display's 4K resolution. Unlike some Ultra HDs we've seen, the Panasonic does provide a full complement of picture controls in photo mode so you can tweak the high resolution image to perfection. Photos look very detailed and natural on this set.
MOTION BLUR This Panasonic TV has very good motion performance, with minimal blurring on our motion tests, thanks to Panasonic's Motion Picture Setting. This feature is designed to reduce motion blur, a shortcoming of most LCD TVs. With the feature turned off, motion performance was only fair, with significant blurring on our motion tests.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY Though not as mirror-like as on some LCDs, this screen surface is glossy and therefore susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
3D PERFORMANCE The overall 3D effect was very good, on par with the better 3D displays. 3D images showed effective depth, with minimal levels of ghosting (left eye/right eye crosstalk) on our 3D test patterns and on a wide variety of 3D program content. We did see slight ghosting on our 3D test patterns when viewing at off angles, but wasn't a problem with typical 3D content. In 3D mode, the display presented full 1080p resolution to each eye, showing all the detail from the best 3D content from Blu-ray disc. In 3D mode, the picture was brighter than some other sets, a plus.
SOUND QUALITY This TV's sound is good, fine for typical TV programming, but won't reproduce the full range of movie soundtracks and music. It has a limited volume range allowing the TV to play just adequately loud. At more typical listening volume levels the TV's sound has good bass and impact, but is noticeably closed in sounding, increasingly so at higher volume settings. Also, at higher volume settings audible dynamic compression keeps the sound from distorting but also limits clarity when there are peaks in loudness. All told, none of these issues were overly distracting and most will find this sound quality acceptable.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set easy to use. Setting up the TV for the first time was very easy, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was very good. Also, the remote is very good, and the on-screen menu is easy to navigate.
Remote has a dedicated button to access Internet features, and to access 3D. All buttons on the remote are backlit so they're easy to see in the dark. The remote's major function buttons were sufficiently large and have high-contrast labeling, making them easier to see and navigate.
STAND ASSEMBLY Mounting the TV to the included support stand is fairly straightforward. The stand requires the assembly of a few parts before mounting.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capability. Features include a full Web browser with support for Flash, which allows access to a wider selection of websites. Access to a library of applications is provided via "Viera Connect Market." Movie streaming services include: Amazon Instant Video, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Vudu. It also includes a separate Web cam for access to video conferencing applications such as Skype.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes four HDMI inputs (HDMI input 4 is version 2.0, for Ultra HD), a DisplayPort, one shared connection between the component and composite inputs (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), optical digital audio out, three USB ports, an Ethernet port, built-in Wi-Fi, and a Secure Digital memory card slot. Wireless connectivity includes: DLNA network file sharing, and Bluetooth audio connection. The cable connections on the rear panel are recessed with side or bottom-facing ports, so wires don't protrude beyond the display's depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, a quick start guide, two remotes with batteries, and two pairs of 3D glasses. ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), USB port, or memory card, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
