Panasonic Viera TX-P42GT30B review

Standard definition Freeview channels rarely look fantastic on TVs larger than 32in and the GT30 is no exception. Lower-quality channels were unsurprisingly lacking in detail, but higher-quality channels were much better; noise reduction options helped remove visible artefacts, without removing smaller details. You can also watch high definition broadcasts thanks to the Freeview HD and Freesat tuners; details were all preserved and images looked very sharp.

Blu-ray playback is where the GT30 really shines; the ‘Infinite Black Pro’ screen coating produces incredibly rich blacks that look stunning in darker scenes. A THX-certified video mode alters the colour settings to better match the original cinema version of a film, producing much more even skin-tones and accurate contrast. Panasonic’s Intelligent Frame Creation Pro system made films recorded at 24p look incredibly smooth, even on the low setting, without introducing noticeable errors in fast-moving scenes.

3D content also looked fantastic using a pair of Panasonic’s active shutter glasses, which must be bought separately from the TV. Donning the glasses dimmed the image significantly – something that doesn’t happen with sets that operate using passive 3D technology. We would recommend only watching 3D video in a darkened room to get the best colours from the set. Motion blur was thankfully minimal, as were signs of ghosting in all but scenes with the greatest depth.

There’s no question that the GT30 is a top-end TV, but the high price is perfectly justified by the exceptional picture quality and extensive feature list. Movie fans will love THX-certified video, but everyone can appreciate the multimedia sharing functions that make this much more than a regular TV.