Black Level
Calibrated black level on the Panasonic TX37LZD85 measured 0.33 cd/m2, which was about average for an LCD TV. As the TV does not feature a manual Backlight control (at least not without delving into the service menu), it wasn't easily possible to improve this figure further, unless the "Dynamic" or "Normal" picture modes were selected. These modes both activate the Auto Contrast system, which intelligently raises or lowers the backlight brightness to acheive maximum contrast ratio ("Cinema" and "Eco" modes leave this feature disabled). However, this feature relies on the user's ability to tolerate fluctuations in screen brightness, so isn't for everyone.
Screen/Backlight Uniformity
In addition to excellent viewing angles, screen uniformity has always been a strong point of IPS Alpha panels. As a result, I wasn't surprised to find that the Panasonic TX37LZD85 had no significant clouding/ mura defects visible, despite the higher than optimum backlight brightness - an excellent result.
Static Resolution
With "Picture Overscan" turned off and a 1080p source fed to the Panasonic TX37LZD85, the LCD HDTV correctly enabled 1:1 mapping. However, due to the fact that this television employs non-defeatable edge enhancement, distortion in the form of ringing was visible around high frequency details on the SMPTE 133 test pattern. This means that genuine picture detail is slightly compromised.
Motion Resolution
The "FPD Benchmark Software for Professional" Blu-ray Disc allowed us to see how the LCD TV handled motion. This is perhaps the most impressive area of the Panasonic TX37LZD85, as the motion test pattern indicated that it could resolve around 600 lines of horizontal motion. By contrast, LCD televisions which don't use some sort of motion interpolation technlogy typically only manage around 300.
Conclusion
Handles 1080p/24 video signal correctly without telecine judder
Low input lag (great for gamers)
Great viewing angle
Great panel uniformity (lack of clouding/ mura)
Great motion resolution
Great colour decoding accuracy
Clear and easily readable EPG
Substantial remote control