HDTV Reviews

Normally when you buy a high-definition monitor instead of a full-fledged HDTV, you can expect a nice little discount. So it’s strange that, although the Maxent MX-42HPM20 has no integrated TV tuner, it still costs $200 more than the Vizio P42HDTV, which does include one.

Head-to-head with its budget competitor, the MX-42HPM20 lagged the pack on nearly every test we performed. Jurors’ opinions were fairly universal regardless of whether they were viewing high-definition programming, standard-definition broadcasts, or DVDs. The biggest complaint concerned the Maxent’s brightness. Next to other plasmas, even those with the same rated brightness, the set looked dark and lacked vibrance. Color accuracy was all over the map: Skin tones careened into the red, and greens took on a surreal, night-vision-esque hue. Overall detail was generally acceptable, but the display still looked fuzzier than most, with mild artifacting and jagged edges.

Ultimately, the MX-42HPM20 is in keeping with Maxent’s approach to no-frills HD at a minimal cost ($1800 as of 6/6/06) but the quality of this HD plasma display just doesn’t measure up. You’ll find far better machines at a similar price or less; you’ll even find better-looking Maxent sets if you move to larger sizes.
Source: http://www.pcworld.com/