Review of Panasonic LED TV - Bailout Flagship
Panasonic TVs are rarely objects of sensation, and even
curved flagship model was introduced in Europe without much fanfare. Last
year's series AXR800 and AXR900 have cool specifications and matrices, but are
expensive. In their place came CXR800 series, which is positioned very
differently. High performance remained, but the price is a pleasant surprise
compared to other flagship TVs: the older model Panasonic now a half to two
times cheaper than Samsung and even cheaper junior series Sony 4K-TVs. What a
twist! Why such shift in focus? Try to understand, is not there some kind of
trick.
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| Review of Panasonic LED TV - Bailout Flagship |
Panasonic TVs are rarely objects of sensation, and even
curved flagship model was introduced in Europe without much fanfare. Last
year's series AXR800 and AXR900 have cool specifications and matrices, but are
expensive. In their place came CXR800 series, which is positioned very
differently. High performance remained, but the price is a pleasant surprise
compared to other flagship TVs: the older model Panasonic now a half to two
times cheaper than Samsung and even cheaper junior series Sony 4K-TVs. What a
twist! Why such shift in focus? Try to understand, is not there some kind of
trick.
Firefox OS
The new system Firefox OS until the last moment remained for
us "pig in a poke." Rather, the fox. We have plenty enough to web OS
and Tizen, and saw in Android TV action. With respect to Firefox OS could only
guess how well organized Russian-language interface of the system and how
things are going with the local applications.
Home User menu meets three categories: "live
webcast", "Applications" and "Devices". In them, oddly
enough, all fit the TV features. This is the main feature of the Firefox OS:
extremely simple and friendly system, which is not lost even an inexperienced
user. In addition to the three main sections on the home screen, you can fix
any applications and resources - that is, make a list of "favorite".
As you might guess, in the "live" TV and hides its
sources. In the tab "Applications" are all the widgets that are
installed on the TV. The default set is not too big, but everything you need is
already there: for example, online Cinema Play (Okko) and ivi.ru, as well as
other video providers. All that was missing on the Tizen from Samsung.
In the "Devices" you can see all the available
connections to the TV. Sources connected via HDMI, USB-drives are displayed
here, and mobile devices with laptops - wireless transmission of images with
them ceased to be exotic.
Firefox OS Home menu works quite quickly, and most
importantly - proprietary interface with large icons and visual well-suited to
the TV screen.
Go to the App Store. In fact, he, for the most part, moved
to the last platform, so that the most useful applications have not gone away.
Russian-language service is enough, but apart from them there is little of
interest. Let's see how it will be replenished stock in the future.
Applications are available in AppMarket, cover the main
categories: video, music, games, social networks. I think here you can find for
yourself something suitable that did not get bored watching TV.
It is not difficult to guess which browser is built into the
Firefox OS. Of course, "fire fox" on TV is markedly different from
the desktop counterparts, and the interface in any case take a little getting
used to. However, to the question does not arise browser: the pages load fast
enough, the video is played with no problems?
What else is needed? Oh, would not prevent any alternative
control - navigation conventional push-button remote control is not too
convenient. But to a TV You can connect a keyboard and mouse, as well as control
it through a firm application Panasonic TV Remote 2.0 on your smartphone or
tablet. In this case, the mobile device will replace your touchpad.
Our first impressions of the Firefox OS remained positive.
The system looks like a return to the very roots of Smart TV: it is equipped
with an internet connection and interactive applications with an extremely
easy, sometimes even primitive, but user-friendly interface. In turn, the TV
functionality in the transition to the new platform practically not affected,
except that the voice control has passed to the application for smartphones.
Everything you need is present - popular Russian services have moved here with
no losses.
Perhaps the system has turned a bit easy for the flagship of
the TV, but at a local primitivism has its own charm. In Firefox OS, you can
relax and do not break your head in search of the desired item, and it is also
a kind of achievement.
Compare Firefox OS with other Smart TV platforms directly
difficult: they initially too different approach. According to the overall
functionality is perhaps inferior to Tizen and of webOS, but a library
application looks good, and the system is much easier to learn. And only
Android TV combines all at once: a handy intuitive interface and the sea of content
- here the Firefox OS is not yet able to compete on equal terms.
As usual, we focus on the main TV functions - creating
impressive images, which would meet all quality standards. To put an image, we
use the best tests and video benchmarks, as well as pay attention to gauge TV
that allows you to compare them in fair conditions with optimal settings.
Factory settings
Factory presets on Panasonic CXR800 not too much,
"Dynamic", "Standard", "Cinema», «True Cinema
mode" and "User". As suggested by past experience, the most
accurate mode - True Cinema, while in other cases we have either overestimated
the brightness or excessive image processing. Let's see how good mode True
Cinema.
The average range of - 2.2. This figure is close to the
optimal value.
Bluish color balance shows an impurity in the shadows, but
otherwise it is quite smooth and precise. The average error in the Delta E
grayscale - 2.04, and the maximum - 2.81.
Color Gamut mode «True Cinema» close enough to reflect the
standard Rec. 709 (HDTV), however, the red color somewhat saturated. By
default, it is too intense, that "embellish" the image as a whole.
Check for 24 templates ColorChecker gives very good results:
the average color error Delta E - 1,84.
Factory «True Cinema» mode setting out good. One can only
note a bluish color in the shadows and over-intense red color, but it can be
corrected with the help of color calibration. To do this, Panasonic have all
the necessary tools.
Calibration
For the most accurate settings from Panasonic provided a
white balance adjustment (in points 2 and 10), the adjustment range (10
points), and the color management system.
Gamma not require large corrections: to get a more even rate
of 2.2 was not difficult.
Color Balance after adjustment has become an ideal: the
average error Delta E - 0,16, while the maximum - 0.39.
Red was able to correct and get more accurate colors.
Virtually the entire palette of rose to its rightful place.
Assessment ColorChecker 24 shows that the apparent
distortion is almost gone: average Delta E error decreased to 0.67.
The image on the Panasonic CXR800 after calibration was
surprisingly accurate and realistic, although originally it was also called the
poor can not.
Contrast
TV Panasonic CXR800 equipped with LCD matrix of the VA
family, and therefore, for contrast, most likely will not have to worry. We can
assume that for modern matrices VA threshold in 3000: 1 - is the norm. And what
a CXR800?
If we evaluate the contrast of the usual method - on the
"chessboard» ANSI - then the brightness of 120 cd / m2, we obtain the
depth of black 0,031 cd / m2 and a contrast ratio of about 3870: 1. In a
nutshell - very good! Panel installed in Panasonic CXR800, managed not only to
surpass last year's model, the static contrast and AXR800 AXR900, but also such
a strong rival as Samsung JS9500. that provides the contrast only at the level
of 2200 without taking into account the local dynamic backlight: 1, which
immediately affects the image.
There is no need to include dynamic lighting on Panasonic
CXR800, to get a better picture with relief shadows. In practice, this means a
clearer and more three-dimensional image than its competitors. And it is true:
the dynamic lights in any case shall be complex transitions of light and shade,
and a static contrast ratio is realized anytime, anywhere. And then Panasonic
has demonstrated so far the best results that we have seen on the LCD TVs Class
Ultra HD. Even last year's flagship AXR900 with a sophisticated lighting system
can "oscillate" between the deepest black and modest contrast IPS LCD
panel, and here we have the result of consistently high on any content.
By the way, also have CXR800 similarity local dynamic
backlight, but is, in fact, only 8 columns on the entire screen. Frankly, a
little. This light can extinguish the black box, but to live content from it is
not so much good.
In view of the good contrast Panasonic CXR800, we never felt
the need for dynamic lighting.
Interfaces and control functionality
Panasonic CXR800 Interfaces declined slightly compared with
AXR800: alas, DisplayPort was the prerogative of the oldest (and expensive)
models. On CXR800 have 3xHDMI and 3xUSB. All connectors HDMI - full version 2.0
with support for Ultra HD signals at 60 Hz. Analog SCART and Component Y / Pb /
Pr made through outrigger adapters. There is a connector for a common antenna,
as well as the Ethernet, the slot for the Common Interface card, headphone jack
and a digital optical output.
TV is equipped with Digital Tuner for DVB-T2 and DVB-C cable
television broadcasting. Digital satellite tuner DVB-S2, this time remained
behind, although in recent times it occurs even at relatively low-cost models.
Perhaps it was a extra savings. Nevertheless, the ability to record essential
programs on USB-drive is preserved. And TV is able to transmit the video stream
to mobile devices over a local network or the Internet - is responsible for
this TV Anywhere function.
Built-in media player of the TV, on the contrary, he showed
himself with a strong hand. It supports a lot of formats that can be played via
USB, and the DLNA, including video resolution Ultra HD (2160p) and codec HEVC
(H.265). Our selection of test files played back without hesitation, and it's a
great result.
It seems that this year's TV has finally learned to
understand HEVC - this codec has become the de facto home Ultra HD.
Opinion Hi-Tech Center
Flagship series TVs Panasonic CXR800 - is just a few steps
in the right direction. Panasonic bet on the LCD matrix VA and it has paid off:
the model CXR800 could get in the first line by the contrast rating among Ultra
HD TVs. Indeed, the picture turned out colorful and deep, which is rarely seen
on an LCD TV. Draw parallels with plasma TVs VT60 series level is still too
early, but Panasonic CXR800 looks good enough to see him branded features.
On the other hand, the TV equipment and furnishings somewhat
poorer than we are used to seeing from the top Panasonic models. The answer is
simple: under the index CXR800 we sell a model that Europe is listed as CX700
(the same with the other series). At this step the Panasonic were forced out of
the crisis: "real» CX800 would have cost us a top model and a half times
more expensive. So why is such a "delicious" prices for Russian modification
CXR800 - this is a more affordable model. Well, that explains a lot.
Panasonic had to sacrifice some of the "buns" to
keep CXR800 price from the powerful vertical takeoff.
Firefox OS System pleasantly surprised thoughtful interface.
Admittedly, we had some doubts, but in practice turned out to be very simple
and convenient system. What is needed for beginners Smart TV users. And most
importantly - in the transition remained a library application, so Russian
language services are well represented. Firefox OS is well suited for novice
users Smart TV, but for experienced users of Android TV will be more
attractive. However, the difference in the price of TVs can sometimes buy a good
smartphone, or even two.
"Mnogohodovochka" renaming the series will
certainly cause a lot of controversy. In our view, then, like any medal has two
sides. You can lament that the lineup for the CIS were missing expensive
"status" models, and you can enjoy that for a television in once,
does not ask for a quarter of a million rubles. For example, the top-end 4K-TV
Panasonic TX-50CXR800 (50-inch, 93999 rubles) cost less than younger Sony
KD-49X8305C (49-inch, 97990 rubles). As you can see, in modern times, the
concept of "expensive" and "cheap" quickly change their
places - everything is relative.
If you do not meet on clothes (status, equipment, the list
of features on paper), and the mind, the Panasonic CXR800 adequately manifests
itself on the background of the top competitors, including Sony or dorogushchie
Samsung SUHD. I do not know about you, but we need such savings in the shower,
and Panasonic CXR800 receives editorial award "The optimum purchase"
as a reasonable anti-crisis proposal in the upper segment of the TV.
Best Uses
Solid design
Simple and intuitive system Firefox OS
A good library of applications for the new system
High brightness and contrast
Excellent color rendering
Omnivorous media player with support HEVC
Adequate price against the background of 4K-TVs senior
series
Min-uses
Pretty sparse equipment
Quality scalability (upscaling) may be better
Not the most efficient processing of dynamic scenes
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