Remote Control

This Panasonic's black remote control sports a somewhat bulky look. The manufacturing is sound and tidy, but the results are not fantastic. It is clearly too long, even for larger men's hands, but at least all the buttons are big enough and uncramped. You can control DVD recorders or Blu-ray players that support HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) using the device buttons at the bottom of the remote.

The record button (for connected recording devices) has been placed under a small flap - a smart idea that prevents the user from unintentionally erasing a TV recording.

Separate channel-change buttons:
Like the majority of TV manufacturers, Panasonic has decided to have separate channel-change buttons in addition to the cursor cross. Manufacturers such as Toshiba or Grundig, on the other hand, have saved themselves a set of buttons - their cursor cross controls channel and volume during normal use, but works as a set of navigation keys when the menu is activated.

The Grundig/Toshiba variety is clearer and saves space on the remote, making it easier to handle. In this respect Panasonic, along with most TV manufacturers, has a lot of catching up to do.

No "Back" button included:
TV addicts will be annoyed to find that there is no "Back" button to switch between the current and last viewed channels, for example during ad breaks. Nevertheless, operation with the remote control is easy enough overall, despite its somewhat oversized proportions, which at least mean it also sits soundly on the table.