Panasonic VIERA TC-L37E5 37-Inch Deals

By Gary F. "Garfy2008" (Hawaii) -
This review is from: Panasonic VIERA TC-L37E5 37-Inch 1080p 60Hz Full HD IPS LED-LCD TV (2012 Model) (Electronics)
Like most flatscreen TVs today, the only thing I didn't like about this TV is that it didn't have analog audio outputs (RCA jacks). It does allow for analog audio and video input using a proprietary cable that plugs into their own jack. So I had to get a digital-to-analog converter so I could feed the audio to my stereo receiver. The picture is great just like my older 32" Viera I bought for my living room. The internet connection works without having to use Panasonic's own wireless adapter. What I did was use a Netgear wireless adapter that plugs into the wired LAN port of the TV (the TV won't know the difference that it's actually connected to a wireless adapter since it's coming into the wired LAN port). Now, according to most other reviewers, a wireless adapter connected to the USB port won't work so you need to make sure you get one that connects to the LAN port, not the USB port.

 By retiresoon -
This review is from: Panasonic VIERA TC-L37E5 37-Inch 1080p 60Hz Full HD IPS LED-LCD TV (2012 Model) (Electronics)
I am just a few days into using my 37" Panasonic, but will give first impressions. I especially like the picture quality. With some small adjustments for personal preferences, the colors are life like, rich, and sharp. I do some graphics work and may use this for a computer monitor at some time, which is a plus. Set up was easy and good documentation. I think the compact design is slightly smaller than other 37 inchers I was considering which is good for my small TV space. The Enerstar tag gives this an approximate annual operating cost of $9., which seems pretty amazing.

Like others have mentioned, if you want to use wireless for internet movies you will need the adapter that costs $60 or so, or some other device. It is slightly misleading in the way this is promoted in the product description. The sound is thin to say the least. The only sound out terminal is an optical out, which nixes using my old home stereo system like I had done with my previous set using RCA outs. I've started looking for a simple relatively inexpensive sound bar that will use the single cord optical sound connection, but have not found anything yet. So it looks like I'm stuck with the sound quality until I learn more.

Compared to my old Toshiba that died after five years, the screen is sort of mat finish, but slightly more glossy and picks up more distracting room reflections. Probably not a huge deal, but slightly different from my old TV. I suppose reliability is sort of a spin of the dice, but after having my last TV go south after five years I tried to find a brand with a low rate of repair and based on Consumer Reports and other reviews, Panasonic looked to me like it was among the more reliable brands. I might have gone Samsung, otherwise.

I'm not the most technically savvy person and may learn more later, but that's where I'm at now. There are a number of features I will probably never use. A nice TV for the money that could have been a great TV with better sound options and slightly less screen gloss.

By Money Leaker (Rancho Cordova, CA USA) -
This review is from: Panasonic VIERA TC-L37E5 37-Inch 1080p 60Hz Full HD IPS LED-LCD TV (2012 Model) (Electronics)
The image quality on the 37" unit that I bought is gorgeous. You've heard the term "photo-realistic". The VIERA is "video-realistic"! I have HD digital cable service and the HD channels are nothing short of beautiful to watch. I also own a Mitsubishi 73" DLP and the picture quality on it is great, but the VIERA is yet MUCH MORE vivid & much more fuller of detail.

Hardware & software setup are easy. One thing that most people will want to do is to ensure that C.A.T.S (Contrast Automatic Tracking System) is turned "off" in the software. Turn this "feature" on & off a few times and I think you'll agree with me that your viewing experience will be much more enjoyable with this feature disabled :-)

I also would recommend getting the "Panasonic TY-WL20U Wireless Adapter for Panasonic 2012 Internet Ready TVs", unless you don't mind Ethernet cables (or are not going to plug this TV into the Internet). Bear in mind that this adapter is specific to 2012 models (at least, that is what I'm led to believe ;-)


About the built in speakers. Let's be logical. Of course they aren't going to match aurally with what the LCD does visually. But they are serviceable. I bought this TV specifically for my mother who lives in a small apartment & doesn't have a HT system. Nor does she have an interest in such gadgetry. As long as she can hear Johnny Olson entreat the next lucky contestant to "Come On Down!!", she's happy.