Guest blog by Martin
Every year I say to myself “WOW – surely TV’s can’t get any better than this”, then the next range comes along and invariably proves me wrong. This is definitely the case with the new Panasonic EX750 UHD 4K HDR series. The range is available in different screen sizes, to suit whichever size room you’re putting it in.
At first sight, I was drawn to the stylish, silver metal, slim bezel surround; this design makes this television a stylish addition for everybody’s home and a pleasant change from the dull black of some other sets. In addition, the EX750’s feature a fashionable criss-cross type stand, that in the case of the 50” and 58” models has a clever little feature whereby, not only can the television be easily swivelled, but can also be height adjusted thus allowing it to be used as standard pedestal or a floor stand! Panasonic call this feature “Swivel and Lift”. In these days of video streaming and web connections (more of which later) the need for a clutter of boxes and cables underneath a TV is negligible.
This TV gives us the best of both worlds with regards to reception, with both an integrated Freeview HD and Freesat HD tuner. The advantage here is that should you lose signal on Freeview for any reason you can flip to the satellite tuner. In addition to this, the EX750 features several screen options using the 2 tuners. You can choose PIP-Picture in picture. Here you can have the main channel predominant on the screen – say, your favourite soap opera whilst at the same time superimpose a small picture from another channel in the bottom corner of the screen – say, a football match. This clever little feature allows you to keep an eye on the score whilst not missing the gossip on the street!
You can also use PAP- Picture and Picture. Here, two channels can be viewed at once but rather than being a small superimposed picture, the screen is divided down the middle and two channels can be watched at once. Also possible is PAT- Picture and Text, keep an eye on local news whilst watching TV. A nice surprise was, despite being told of its ultimate phase out, this TV is Active 3D ready, yes, that’s right! So film buffs, if you purchase additional action-shutter glasses and have a 3D compatible Blu-ray then this TV could be your stereoscopic picture saviour!
So what about the picture quality? I took a little look at the 50” version. First of all the TV comes loaded with Panasonics Studio Master HCX2 processor, this is the same processor found in the heart of Panasonic’s flagship OLED TV.
The picture refresh rate is a whopping 2400Hz, giving a nice natural smooth motion, good for sports fans, action movie addicts and gamers alike.
The panel is a 10bit edge-lit, high brightness affair with local dimming to achieve stunning contrast levels. Comparing the EX750 against other TV’s, I can say that it draws you into its crisp clean picture.
What I particularly like about this is that the EX750 responds to the remote control as soon as you press a button. None of that annoying waiting and pushing the button twice thus selecting the wrong thing!
As I’d expect, the EX750 is 4K with latest HDR10 capabilities. The EX750 does a very good job of upscaling normal HD broadcasts. What about 4k content then and where to find it, you may wonder. Well, the good news is that the BBC is on board and all of Panasonics 4K TV’s are HLG (High Log Gamma) capable and will show the test internet broadcast found within the iPlayer app.
WOW! I did some screen testing with David Attenborough’s “Planet Earth 2” It’s just stunning with very precise detail and clarity. The addition of Panasonic’s 4K DMPUB400EBK Blu ray player makes this a match made in heaven for film enthusiasts; with over 200 titles currently available you’ll be spoilt for choice! Sky Q customers will be aware that sport is already being offered in the new format and Netflix subscribers can enjoy many new series, fresh from the USA where 4K production began last year. We are also informed that the Ex750’s will also support the new YouTube HDR 4K app when it becomes available later this year.
Looking at the rear of the TV, it’s nice to see plenty of connectivity with 4 X HDMI sockets, one of which supports ARC – Audio Return Channel, thus allowing you to drive a sound bar / sound plate with the appropriate HDMI lead, then using Panasonic’s Viera Link system. (TV audio output these days is limited due to the lack of space for a decent speaker system within the narrow confines of the cabinet, so a sound system of some description is normally needed). I was pleased to also find 3 USB connectors. The TV is capable of recording direct to an external hard drive to negate the need for external recorders. This also allows the ability to pause live TV. Other USB sockets can be used for photographs and other media confined to pen sticks. There is the standard aerial and satellite inputs of course. There is also an Ethernet input – although the EX750 has Wi-Fi capabilities. For 4K viewing via the internet it is best to hardwire or use something like TP link’s “plug round” system.
Smart functionality is provided by Panasonics new Smart screen 2.0. Easy navigation gives access to catch up and subscription TV services as well as a useful web browser. I had no problems linking my phone to the television and was able to make good use of the TV remote App. The TV is also DNLA compatible and found and played video content on my network with ease.
I’ve exceeded my word count but still don’t feel that I’ve truly done this TV justice. You have to see this TV in the flesh to appreciate its picture quality, so ask your local store about a demo. Buy online or ask the team about rental options and finance terms, (T & C’s apply). If you’d like to get your 4K content via Sky TV then ask for details of the great offers available. If you want to get your 4K through broadband then we have some of the best line rental and fibre offers, again just ask in store.
