Panasonic TC-L39B6 Review (TCL39B6)

39" 1080p LED HDTV

by Jack Burden, Reviewer

The TC-L39B6 is an all out budget model with a couple nice picture quality features that make it stand out in the low end market. The B6 series fits into an interesting place in the 2013/2014 lineup. It is going to be a very popular model for value TV shoppers. It loses all internet functionality, 3D playback, and advanced picture quality features to squeeze it into this category. After the smoke has cleared, the B6 series is left with a 1080p display and an typical LCD panel that makes for less than fantastic viewing angles. The Energy Star 6.0 certification is missing as well.

Viewing Angles

Many of the top tier models above the TCL39B6 use an IPS LED panel, but Panasonic got rid of that to get the price down on this budget TV. The outstanding boost to the side viewing angles is the biggest reason to take notice of this change. Colors lose a bit of the bright richness seen in top tier TVs as well. Panasonic claims to have achieved a 176 degree viewing without picture distortion or contrast degradation. We'll have to disagree with that claim, but it is not the worst out there. Considering the bad press LEDs and LCDs get for their side viewing angles, this one is no different. Color saturation and contrast begin to degrade as the viewer moves further out than around 30 degrees off center.

Appearance

The B6 series has the slim design of all the LEDs in the lineup for the year. The slim design makes for a very thin profile typical of LED backlit TVs. That feature helps to make this budget model look a bit more advance. The glossy black bezel is nothing to be impressed with, but it's not terrible. The stand is similar to the XM6 series without some of the width. Overall, the TV looks quite nice but it won't be the talk of the town.

The front of the B6 seires shows off the simple design similar to the XM6 series

Specifications and Dimensions

• Full 1080p HD panel
• 38.5 inches diagonal screen
• V audio
• Dot noise reduction
• Two HDMI ports
• One USB port
• Weight: 27.9 pounds
• Dimensions: 35.3" W x 3" D x 21.2" H

Jack Burden has been reviewing and writing reviews in the consumer electronics category for 7 years with CEAG. He considers grayscale gradation, film patterned retarders, and focus field drives to be fun topics. Read more about Jack