Panasonic CT-27HL14 27" TAU Series HDTV-Ready TV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have this TV for past serveral months and have *Love* *Hate* relationship with it.
The *Love* Points
1. Can't Beat the price for this HDTV
2. Can't Beat the size, It is small enough to fit into those tight entertainment centers, Honestly buying a bigger TV means you will have to replace your existing old Entertainment center which will cost you another $200 not to mention the pain of replacing the old Entertainment center.
3. Great HDTV reception via Component Video Input. (Note: Needs additional OTA HDTV tuner)
4. Very Good Picture quality for the price.
The *Hate* Points
1. Constant buzzing sound from the speakers even when the volume is low
2. Poor convergence at the edges looks that Speakers inside the TV produce magnetic interference that the manufacturer failed to notice.
3. Picture is too Dark in Standard Defination Mode (SD)
4. Unable make the 4:3 Aspect ratio lock permanently when used in HDTV mode it always defaults to 16:9 after power off.
5. The Menu for adjusting TV settings is TOO bright and *NOT* transparent.
6. Only *ONE* component Video Input!!!!!!!!!!! Come on panasonic, What were you thinking?.. This is a HDTV for Goodness sake!
7. HDTV ready only, No HDTV tuner included!!
If you can learn to live with the *Hate* points, then this is a decent TV.
I am keeping this TV as in HDTV mode the picture quality is excellent! in 1080i mode. It upconverts all signals to 1080 mode (Frequency doubling). It also as 3:2 pull down conversion for Flims, Velocity Modulation and Video Noise reduction makes the pictures very clean and sharp.
If you can ignore the poor convergence or lucky with your set you can surely keep this one for years to come.
EDIT: (PIECE OF CRAP)
Just after 2 years of use, My TV just Died! - No Picture, Sound OK.
I believe the Picture Tube is DEAD!
Part Number A68QCP891X CRT 27" 294.07 + Taxes and Shipping from Panasonic parts.
DO NOT BUY THIS TV.

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Enjoy all that high-definition television has to offer with Panasonic's CT-27HL14 27-inch TAU series HD-ready TV. The CT-27HL14 comes packed with features to create the ultimate home entertainment experience. The 3-line digital comb filter separates color from black-and-white accurately in a television signal. As a result, it improves overall color sensitivity and image clarity. In order to enjoy high-definition TV you must connect the TV to a DTV set-top box and a DTV signal must be present in your area.
Parental control give parents ultimate control over what their children are watching. You can lock out up to 4 channels, or choose to lock all channels with other selectable options. A 4-digit code needs to be entered to deactivate the lock. Parents can also prevent the use of video games or other video sources from being displayed. Other handy features include a sleep timer, multilingual menus, closed captioning, bass and treble balance, and the TV comes with a universal remote control.
Enjoy virtual surround sound without the elaborate home theater system. With only two speakers it can simulate cinema-like sound when playing any Dolby Digital DVD or Video DC. BBE high-definition sound also improves dialog intelligibility, and music is converted to a more natural sound, providing for crystal clear audio. There are two side speakers, which provide 7.5 watts each.
Connect to digital sources like DVD players and satellite systems using component and S-video inputs for the best possible picture. Other available connections include one front and three rear A/V inputs, A/V program out, and stereo audio out (fixed and variable).
What's in the Box CT-27HL14 27-inch television, universal remote control, 2 AA batteries, user's manual, and warranty information.

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