HDTV Reviews

Some of you may think that I call the LVM-42w2 a “true HD monitor” because I’ve finally acquiesced to the HDTV conspiracy theorists who insist that only 1,920-by-1,080 displays like this one should be labeled HDTVs. Don’t worry—I plan to support 1080i and 720p a bit longer.

No, I’ve used the description “true HD monitor” for two reasons. For one, the LVM-42w2 is indeed a monitor, not a television. This LCD has neither an ATSC nor an NTSC tuner, so don’t bother looking for an RF connection or onscreen program guide. They are of no use here. It also lacks a CableCARD slot or any bonus connections, such as a card reader or USB port. At least the monitor has built-in speakers and a subwoofer, discreetly hidden within the small frame, and they’re capable of surprisingly robust audio.

Secondly, this monitor isn’t meant to ease you into the HDTV era the way some TVs do. It was built for HDTV, and its input panel reflects that. The LVM-42w2 has a mere two entry-level video inputs (one composite, one S-video), but it’s loaded with HD-capable inputs: one HDMI, two DVI, two component video, and one VGA.

The remote control has pseudo-dedicated buttons for the various inputs. By that, I mean it has dedicated buttons for VGA, S-video, and composite, plus one to toggle through HDMI and DVI and another to toggle through component video. It also has up/down buttons to scroll through the sources and an input button to move through them sequentially. I’d say that pretty much covers the input-selection process. There are only two screen sizes (standard and fill) to choose from and no automatic aspect-ratio detection.

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State-of-The-Art 92 and 96 Series LCD HDTVs Set Technology and Style Standards with MP3 Player Connectivity and Hidden Speaker Design.

Samsung’s new 92 and 96 Series LCD HDTVs take LCD HDTV design, technology and enjoyment to the next level, offering consumers a truly unique high definition experience. Available in 46″, 40″ and 32″ screen sizes, the latest additions to Samsung’s award-winning LCD HDTV family offer a host of new features for the multi-media consumer in an aesthetically-progressive package that complements any home décor.
“Samsung is committed to expanding consumers’ choices of LCD home theater through technology innovation,” said Dave Das, Senior Marketing Manager for LCD, Samsung Electronics America. “Utilizing advanced production techniques at the world’s most advanced Generation 7 LCD fabrication facility Samsung has once again raised the bar for technology achievement with our 2006 LCD models. The new LCD models offer not only phenomenal picture quality, superior design and connectivity, but also provide a high performance, large format LCD solution which discriminating consumers are actively seeking.

Samsung’s 92 Series and 96 Series LCD HDTVs include breakthrough technologies with S-PVA (Super Patterned Vertical Alignment) panel technology to provide a wider viewing angle, wide color gamut CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlight for a brighter picture and increased color accuracy, and 1080p resolution for the 96 series, 40″ and above.

A special Game Mode feature reduces lag and provides improved graphics and sound for a truly immersive video gaming experience. A built-in RS232 port in the 92 series allows users to connect Samsung MP3 player models and other portable audio players and navigate music files on-screen via LCD remote control. Read more

Just because an HDTV offers 1,080p resolution doesn’t necessarily mean it delivers. Case in point: the Sceptre X37SV-Naga ($1,499 list). Of the several relatively inexpensive 37-inch LCD TVs I’ve looked at that offer 1,920- by 1,080-pixel progressive (1080p) resolution, the X37SV-Naga delivered the worst-looking picture of the bunch. The X37SV’s ineffective video processor did nothing to correct common image artifacts that detract from the viewing experience. Further tainting the LCD TV was a high color temperature that gave the picture an overly blue appearance. Finally, the X37SV’s limited selection of video inputs and disappointing performance when used as a PC display sealed its fate.

A factory-attached table stand and side-mountable speakers affixed with thumbscrews simplified setting up the X37SV. Accessories include a DVI-to-HDMI cable, a VGA cable, and a component video cable. The quality of the cables would likely disappoint a videophile, but they worked well and are useful additions, considering that most TVs don’t include HD-compatible cables.

A thin black bezel inset into a charcoal-colored frame borders the X37SV’s LCD screen. A green power indicator light on the front of the TV is dim enough to avoid being a distraction. The TV’s remote control is a slender design that’s easy to hold and operate with one hand. The remote’s button layout has ample spacing between keys, but the lack of a backlight or glowing buttons makes it difficult to use in dimly lit environments. In lab testing, I found Read more

Today Sharp loosed their new Internet AQUOS TV / PC combo systems. At the top end is the LD-37SP1 LCD and PC-AX50M mini-PC kit capable of pumping out (and recording) those Hi-Vision (Japanese high def) broadcast pixels onto a 37-inch LCD with 1200:1 contrast ratio, 6ms response, 176-degree viewing angle, and HDMI and HDCP DVI ports. A wireless (RF) keyboard and remote are perfect for getting all potato-like up on the couch. The PC manages to eke out 500GB of SATA disk for hi-def recordings and such, up to 1GB DDR2 RAM, a DVD combo drive, and SD and xD picture card slots with direct-to-card MPEG-4 recordings — all powered by a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo T2300 CPU and XP Home. The kit is also available with a 32-inch LCD (LD-32SP1) and PC sporting a terrestrial analog tuner and a 250GB disk (PC-AX50M) all of which you can mix-n-match to your heart’s desire. No doubt, we like the design, but these systems are kept out of the high-end game with their Intel graphics cards, LCD resolutions of just 1366 x 768, and lack of a Windows Media Center Edition install option. Expect these to hit shelves in Japan sometime in May for an undisclosed price.