Panasonic TX-55LZW2004 review:Plenty of interfaces, smart operation
Once the TX55LZW2004 is integrated into the LAN or WLAN and the antenna is connected, it's time to set it up. The quickest way to connect to the network is via a WPS connection, then you don't have to enter a password, which is always a bit awkward with the remote control. Alternatively, a Bluetooth keyboard can be connected for such complex inputs. The Panasonic has three antenna sockets, one for cable TV and terrestrial reception, and two for satellite reception. The receiver unit quickly recognises what is connected and offers the corresponding sources for configuration or for a channel search. As always, the parameters of the connected satellite system are interpreted correctly, so that you only have to decide whether you want to have only encrypted channels, only free-to-air channels or all available channels listed. Two Common Interfaces are available for decoding, so the TX-55LZW2004 is equipped for all eventualities.
IP>TV
The search takes more or less time, depending on how you narrow it down, but it's always done in a few minutes. If necessary, you can also perform a software update as soon as the Panasonic is connected to the network. In addition to reception on various channels, the device is also capable of forwarding the signals via WLAN or LAN to other compatible devices in the network, so-called IP>TV clients. This makes it a full-fledged streaming server, but it can also be used as a client, i.e. as a receiver.
Thanks to four HDMI interfaces, plus the three USB sockets, the Panasonic can take on other sources. The HDMI 1 and 2 sockets support signals with high and variable frame rates, so gamers should connect their consoles here. Latency, i.e. the time lag between the input signal and the screen, does not play a role at any of the HDMI interfaces, as all four can accelerate the signal accordingly thanks to ALLM.
Operating concept
In order to be able to operate these very different inputs appropriately and optimise them according to your individual taste, a coherent operating concept is a must. In the LZW2004 series, the remote control works seamlessly with the in-house Smart TV platform My Home Screen 7.0. The most important streaming services are directly accessible via buttons on the remote control which are clearly integrated into the button layout. The built-in microphone of the remote control fulfils two tasks at once, it supports input via the in-house voice control as well as Google Assistant and Alexa. It also serves as a measuring microphone for adjusting the TV sound to the room acoustics with the Space Tune Auto option.
Menus
The menu bar for picture and sound correction as well as many other settings and the available streaming channels and media libraries are displayed at the bottom of the screen via the menu and home button.
All of this runs immediately and absolutely smoothly, just as the entire interface seems to be cast from a single mould. Channel lists slide discreetly into the picture at the touch of a button, just as the red button quick recording reacts promptly to record up to 180 minutes at a time on a connected USB memory.
Regardless of the capacity of the external memory, Panasonic has limited the recording time with good reason: Once started, it can happen that you forget to stop recording. Then even a connected hard drive is quickly so full that there is no room for pre-programmed recordings. Three hours for spontaneous recording, on the other hand, is more than enough, because it is usually only a question of spontaneously recording an episode of a series, a documentary or a feature film, and that almost never takes longer than three hours. Less is always possible, however, and this can be set in the settings.