Great Picture (well, used to be)
Good Controls

Flimsy Remote
Screen 'issue'
Annoying 'red' power light on the front.
Remote does not have seperate 'Input Select' buttons, forcing you to scroll throught them all

Hello all -

I purchased a CT32HX40 a Circuit City not to long ago and have enjoyed the TV, until now. Recently I was watching Sleepy Hollow (not the first time on this TV btw) and noticed that there was a green vertical bar on the right side of the screen (about two inches in from the right side of the screen and about 3-4 inches wide). Quite bothered I went and tested every DVD to see if it was the same, it was. I then swaped out DVD players and cables, still the same. I then used my PS2, same thing. At first I thought it was the tube, but this does not occur while watching a cable signal, ONLY DVDs (using any type of connection) and VHS. I contacted Circuit City and a repair man came out, he said this was a common thing for the Taus AND the Wegas, that apparently this 'line' is there to prevent burn in from the black bars displayed during 'Widescreen' viewings. If this is true, why is it showing up now? Somehow I have a feeling they might be blowing smoke. Has anyone else seen this issue? Any tips? I've adjusted the setting with Avia, etc., to no avail. I'm quite disturbed. Anyone?

A great TV, that is, if you can get one that doesn't have any screen issues.

Good color and features.

Geometry problems, poor service response.

When you pay this much, you expect excellent quality, or at least a quick, competent response from the manufacturer to correct any problems. I was disappointed.
I purchased the Panasonic model CT-32HX40, the HD-ready Tau series 4:3 model that has the anaemorphic mode. It was a tale of woe from beginning to end, and the end of the story can be summed up in one word: Sony.
Upon installation, the set exhibited geometry problems and an audio hum. Having read some of these videophile reviews, I figured that, with adjustment by a qualified technician, the problems could be corrected.
Panasonic had a local service shop pick up the set (no in-home adjustment). They kept it two weeks and succeeded in making the problems far worse than they were initially. When I pointed out that it was worse, at first they denied it, then they started complaining about how hard it is to adjust Panasonics, then said that what they had done was within Panasonic's tolerances. I called Panasonic's service line several times and also talked to the local wholesale sales rep. No one at Panasonic ever treated me like I was anybody important. I had thought they would be very solicitous and would be eager to make a purchaser of a new high-end model satisfied – but I was wrong. I even wrote them a long letter, but it didn't do any good.
The retail store stood by me, however. They agreed to take the Panasonic set back, no questions asked, over a month after the sale and after the shop had "fixed" it. Did I want another Panasonic? No, thanks! I upgraded to the Sony 32" XBR-400.
I still can't believe the lack of consideration I got from Panasonic or the degree of incompetence shown by one of their authorized service shops. What a pity. The set has good features and makes good colors, as long as you don't mind images changing shape as they move about the screen.
Here is my advice to those considering this model. If you get one with problems, don't expect a quick or easy resolution to them. And, if you do buy one, buy it from a local retailer who has a high profile in the community. You'll pay more, but they will stand behind the goods, even if the manufacturer won't.

Great picture. Built like a tank. Lots of inputs.

Minimal documentation in manual. Artificial surround sound makes some audio inaudible.

I've owned this monitor 3 -1/2 months. It is a pure pleasure to use. The built-in line doubler works very well, if there's a good signal. E.g., we have cable and the HBO signal produces a very nice picture, about halfway to HDTV quality. On the other hand, a low quality signal becomes more obvious, such as video tapes of some sports events on ESPN, where the picture is "pixilated".

S-VHS tape produces an excellent picture.

I have just bought an APEX AD-800 progressive scan DVD player, and DVD movies are fantastic, I'd estimate about 3/4 HDTV quality or better.

Lots of inputs, including component and S Video.

Yes, there is red "push" and the factory default picture is a bit on the dark side, but nothing that can't be corrected.

The audio is OK, not bad and not great. But I assume that anyone who buys this monitor would hook it up to an external amp anyway, as I have; there is a setting which allows you to control the volume of externally amplified audio with your remote. If you use the artificial surround sound setting ("spatializer"), it can result in some of the spoken dialogue becoming inaudible.

Similar Products Used:

None