In the CR test labs: New HDTVs
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We’re reviewing more TVs than ever in the Consumer Reports test labs, and we figured many of you would be interested to know which of the newest models are now in our labs. All these models, and perhaps a few more, will be included in upcoming full TV Ratings (available to subscribers). Auria This fairly new brand, from a company called EQD, is being built on the premise of selling sets up to 20 percent cheaper than its competition, and doubling the traditional 12-month parts and labor warranty; all Auria sets have 24-month warranties. In our labs is the Auria EQ3288 (at right), a 32-inch 720p LCD set that should sell for about $499 online. Dynex Dynex is another value-oriented brand, sold primarily at Best Buy. The DX-L42-10A is a 42-inch 1080p, 60Hz set. Insignia Insignia is Best Buy’s value-priced private-label brand. We have two Insignia models in our labs: the NS-L322Q-10A, a 60Hz 1080p set with 4 HDMI inputs, plus the INS-L42Q-10A, a larger 1080p set. JVC Perhaps the most notable feature of JVC’s LT-46P300 LCD set is its integrated “TeleDock” iPod dock, which the company claims has been improved this year (with features such as the ability to charge an iPod even when the TV is off, and multiple aspect ratios for iPod videos). The TV is a 46-inch 1080p model. LG LG’s 42LH40 is a 42-inch 1080p LCD with 120Hz technology. It has several energy-saving features, such “Intelligent Sensor,” which monitors room light conditions and alters the TV’s brightness accordingly. It’s also “ISFcc-ready,” meaning its picture settings can be calibrated by an ISF technician for optimum performance for both daytime and nighttime viewing (the calibrated settings are saved as Day or Night presets). Panasonic The 46-inch Viera TC-P46S1, part of the step-up S1 series that replaced PX80 and PZ80 models, is a mainstream 1080p plasma set that uses the company's new NeoPDP panels, which promise better brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency. Philips The new Philips sets interest us because Philips is no longer making and marketing them in the U.S.; it’s instead licensed Funai (which owns the Emerson, Sylvania and Symphonic brands) to do so. We’re testing two new Philips sets. The 47PFL5704D is a 120Hz 1080p LCD that includes Philips’ “Natural Motion” anti-judder technology, designed to smooth motion with movie-based content. It also has an “invisible” surround-sound speaker system. The 42PFL6704D is a 42-inch 1080p LCD with similar features, but the company says the newer 600-series sets have improved video processing circuitry (called Pixel Precise). Both models have slim bezels and rounded edges. Samsung We currently have three models in our labs. The LN32B650 is a smaller (32-inch) 1080p LCD model that includes 120Hz technology to help reduce motion blur. It includes the company’s Touch of Color cosmetics—reddish tints in the bezel—and has “InfoLink” RSS feeds from USA Today. The PN58B850 is the company’s flagship ultra-slim plasma—it’s just a hair over an inch thick, and comes with a super-slim mount that puts the TV just two...
Submitted @ 2009-05-21
