Sections
- Page 1 Panasonic TX-58DX802 Review
- Page 2 Picture Quality Review
- Page 3 Sound and Conclusions Review
Panasonic TX-58DX802 – 3D Picture Quality
Panasonic doesn’t provide any free 3D glasses with the TX-58DX802 – and none were provided for this review.
Panasonic TX-58DX802 – Sound Quality
The speaker bar that’s such a startling part of the TX-58DX802’s design is described by Panasonic as “12 Train Prismatic Speaker” and “Quad Passive Radiator”. What this means is that it contains two tweeters, four mid-range drivers and six woofers. It can be run in standard or pseudo-surround modes.
The addition of the sound bar helps the TX-58DX802 to deliver the best sound performance I’ve heard from a 2016 TV so far. It’s particularly strong at outputting bass that’s far beyond the capability of the speakers built into typical mainstream flat-screen TVs. And the bass never sounds overbearing; in fact, the mid-range sounds consistently open and clean, no matter how heavy the bass beneath it.
Related: Best Value TVs 2016
Also strong is the sense of directness/attack of the forward-facing sound bar versus the usual rear-firing LCD TV sound. This gives explosions, gunfire and the like great impact.
Vocals are exceptionally clear and clean, too, and the soundstage expands far beyond the confines of the speaker’s chassis to create an immersive wall of sound.
On a few occasions I heard a strange, momentary crackle from the speaker, but this is such a small point it’s hardly worth mentioning.
Should I buy a Panasonic TX-58DX802?
The TX-58DX802 has plenty going for it. Its design is unique and stylish, its external sound bar delivers the best audio I’ve heard from a TV so far in 2016, its standard definition pictures are gorgeous, and it benefits from an easy-to-use smart TV system. In addition, its HDR pictures, too, look lovely and natural – especially where colour tones are concerned – much of the time.
The only significant downside is that there are just enough issues with the backlighting during very high-contrast HDR scenes to remind me that edge LED will likely never be as effective for HDR as direct LED lighting. See our review of the Sony KD-75XD9405 for an example of an accomplished direct LED HDR TV.
Verdict
With its striking design, seriously impressive sonics and mostly lovely UHD and HDR picture quality, the TX-58DX802 does more than enough to justify its £1,600 asking price. In fact, it’s one of the most all-round appealing TVs 2016 has delivered so far.
How we test televisions
We test every TV we review thoroughly over an extended period of time. We use industry standard tests to compare features properly. We’ll always tell you what we find. We never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Value 8
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Smart TV 9
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Image Quality 8
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Design 9
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Sound Quality 9
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
