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Panasonic TX-48CX400B review

 Review: August 2015  
 

Rating: 4 stars

In a nutshell: The Panasonic Viera TX-48CX400B is a cut-price UHD (4K) TV. Despite its low price, this TV offers big-screen UHD viewing, plus the benefits of Smart TV and excellent connectivity. The picture quality isn't quite a match for more expensive models, and sound quality leaves a lot to be desired, but if you're on a tight budget, this is definitely one to put at the top of your list.



 

Design & looks

The TX48CX400B may be cheap compared with other UHD TVs, but it doesn't give away its low price point with its looks. Its appearance is smart, with a very narrow black bezel surrounding the screen, framed with a chrome-effect edge. The chrome-effect base has a minimalistic look, and a discrete Panasonic logo below the centre of the screen completes the package. It doesn't have quite the high-end looks of more expensive Panasonic models such as the CX700B, but it still looks stylish.

The TV has very low power consumption for a UHD TV, and is A-rated for efficiency. A standard TV remote is included in the box.

Picture quality

48 inches is an excellent size for a family TV, if you have the space. And with its low price, the CX400 makes big screen UHD viewing available to everyone. But can such an inexpensive television really make the grade?

The first thing to say is that UHD is still in its infancy, but some 4K content is starting to appear on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon, and once UHD Blu-Ray launches, a lot more titles will appear. In the meantime, you'll be watching mostly HD content, and some standard definition TV channels.

The screen used in the 48CX400B is quite bright, and capable of reaching satisfyingly deep blacks too, so contrast levels are excellent. Viewing angles are quite wide, although not as good as the CX700B. UHD images are pin-sharp, and HD content looks good too, although standard def broadcasts can be patchy. If you watch a lot of SD television on Freeview, this may not be the right television for you.

Motion control isn't as fine as in Panasonic's more expensive sets, but with a 200Hz effective motion rating, it isn't a problem most of the time.

The TV is 3D-enabled, but no glasses are supplied with the package.

We'd say that overall the picture quality is surprisingly good on the CX400B, although it's not as refined as the outstanding Panasonic Viera TX-50CX700B.

Audio quality

Audio quality is fairly basic on this TV. The twin 10W speakers do their best, but lack any serious punch. The addition of a sound bar would make the world of difference to your audio experience.

Smart TV

The TV comes with access to Panasonic's Essential Apps feature, which provides a simple interface to access all the services available. This system is new, and not all apps are yet available, but they will include Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube and catch-up TV (BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4 and Demand 5). The remote control includes one-touch access to Netflix.

Connectivity

We're really very impressed by the number of connectivity options that Panasonic has provided in this budget model. Usually, HDMI ports are the first thing to go when a manufacturer is looking to save some pennies, and yet the CX400B comes with 4 HDMI ports. You'll also find 3 USB connections, SCART, component, composite, optical audio output, a headphone jack and a CI+ interface.

The TV comes with an ethernet connection and Wi-Fi for connecting to the internet. It's DLNA certified and can be used to display pictures and video from your home network. It also supports display mirroring of compatible smartphones and tablets.

The CX400 has a built-in Freeview HD tuner with a 7-day Electronic Programme Guide.

Conclusion - UHD on a budget

When you compare the price of the CX400B with rival UHD televisions, the question you must be asking is - is it the real deal? It's such good value, it seems there must be a catch.

The quick answer is that yes, it's the real deal. We're pleased to report that there are no fatal cost cuts. Sure, there are some compromises. The picture quality doesn't have the finesse of the more expensive Panasonic models, like the TX-50CX700B. It's not as bright or vivid, and it doesn't upscale to UHD as well, but for most viewers the differences won't be glaringly obvious.

The bottom line is that this is a 48-inch UHD TV that costs less than most 40-inch UHD TVs, and that's not something that can easily be dismissed.


Panasonic TX-48CX400B features include:

User questions

Sorry - questions and comments on this page are now closed.

I have dropped my remote control for my smart TV Panasonic TX-48Cx400B. Now its not working can you help please?

Asked by Boyd from United Kingdom on 18th Jun 2018

Where to find display mirroring?

Asked by Eugene from Ghana on 23rd Jan 2018

I bought tx- cx400b they told me is LED but as I removed from the box it has labed as LCD am confused please explain to me.

Asked by Nekz from ghana on 25th Dec 2017

Reply by S21 from UK on 25th Dec 2017
All LED TVs are LCD panels with LED backlighting.

Reply by Nekz from Ghana on 2nd Jan 2018
What is backlighting and what does it do can you please explain further please. ..?

See all 24 questions

Panasonic TX-48CX400B user reviews

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