The TX-32LXD700 is another illustrious addition to Panasonic's fine portfolio.

Practically every feature of a Panasonic TV is meticulously thought through, and the power consumption of this model is no exception: the TX-32LXD700 uses 140W in operation and only 0.4W in standby mode. These power consumption ratings are among the lowest around, already getting the TX-32LXD700 off to a flying start.

The Panasonic TX-32LXD700 sports a price tag that's to be expected of its flagship status, clocking in at a cool £800. Some of that high price will certainly be justified by the design: clad in a glossy chassis, the TX-32LXD700 looks the part alright.

The TV's specifications sound the part too, and it's HD-ready thanks to a resolution of 1366 x 768, while the quoted contrast ratio measures 8500:1.

The TX-32LXD700 is also no miser when it comes to hi-def connectivity. Three HDMIs head the cast of connections - more than useful for the hi-def kit junkies out there, who want to hook up the likes of a hi-def disc player, Sky HD or Virgin Media box and hi-def games console simultaneously.

Other connections include component video, PC VGA, and S-video inputs, two RGB-enabled Scarts, and a common interface (CI) slot, alerting our peepers to the inclusion of a built-in digital tuner.

Apart from analogue and digital tuners, other features at the TX-32LXD700's disposal include an SDHC card slot for playing back digital photos in hi-def from standard or high-capacity SD memory cards; 100Hz processing for dealing with LCD technology's traditional motion handling problems; and Panasonic's V-Real Pro suite of picture processing gubbins (incorporating 1080p upscaling, backlight adjustment and advanced 3D colour management).

Lord of screens

What is more encouraging is that the TX-32LXD700 walks the walk as well as talking the hi-def talk, as it's capable of some killer hi-def pictures, seriously getting to grips with our test movie of Hulk on HD DVD.

The fast camera pans and action sequences are artefact-free platforms for the TX-32LXD700's talents: it certainly seems like 100Hz processing is a welcome addition to the feature list. Colours are a riot and skin tones are suitably human in their appearance too.