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Group Test: 32in TVs

Best in Test

Philips 32PW9527

JVC AV32X25EK
Hardly a beauty, this Philips set makes up for its bland looks with a winning performance. A very capable home cinema screen which should survive the plasma style-onslaught. Hook it up to your home cinema system, sit back, and feast your eyes
nother page, another fancily-monikered piece of digital chicanery in this case, DigiPure Pro, as found on JVCs AV32X25EK. But at least this one does something a little bit different namely removing any unwanted extra edges from very contrasty images, and sharpening the edges on low-contrast images. The real question is should we actually give a damn? Before we find out, a word to the AV32X25EKs looks. Its rather slinky combination of curves and rectangles makes for a deeply pleasant piece of eye-candy especially as the geometrical contrasts are banged home by the cheeky use of different shades of grey. Lovely. Mulholland Drives relentless darkness would be unforgiving of the sort of processing-induced murkiness weve seen on previous JVC 100Hz/Digipure TVs. But the AV32X25EK actually makes a decent fist of it; the crash scene shows a reasonable true black, authentic colours, and fairly minimal signs of smearing and image lag. The latest Digipure Pro incarnation does fine, too, optimising contrast without over-emphasis or over-muting no matter how much Lynchs film tries to catch it out!
Loewe Aconda Living 9281 Great-looking TV this, but its price (somewhere around 1,800) might put you off somewhat

Lynch mob

Theres still haloing around bright patches, though, plus general softness and traces of image lag, especially on all those lovely fleshtones Lynch peppers his film with. Some new JVC TVs feature a special bolt-on subwoofer to boost bass. But the AV32X25EK isnt one of them. And it shows, for, while the TV is perfectly at home with Mulholland Drives occasional quiet moments, it struggles to rise to the challenge when the mix hits pulsating overdrive. JVC is going in the right direction with its digital processing. But at the same time, the AV32X25EK still feels a generation Ratings Picture ########$$ or two behind some of its rivals. But then, its Style #########$ a couple of hundred quid cheaper too. Sound ########$$ Features #######$$$ Further Info Value #########$ Call or visit www.jvc.co.uk Overall ########$$
Panasonic TX-32PH40 A huge let-down from one of the giants of TV. Great design values, though
Toshiba 32ZD26 A wonderful TV which is perfect for those of you who intend to import American DVDs. Progressive performer
Samsung WS-32Z48D Terrible onscreen menus, but the sets low price and surround sound is very appealing indeed
JVC AV32X25EK Another generous price, and pretty good pictures for the money, too. The set looks lovely as well
What Home Cinema December 2002

0804wv14 Loewe Aconda

6/15/04

12:43 pm

Page 34

Hard Disk Recorders

FACT FILE
q 80GB built-in hard-disk

recorder

q 100Hz processing q Flat, high-definition tube q Digital Motion

Interpolation Plus (DMI)

q Dolby Virtual q Integrated Digital

PhotoViewer

Loewe Aconda 9381/DR+
FEATURES 32in 16:9 CRT TV; 80GB built-in hard-disk recorder; Media Plus chassis; Dolby Virtual & Nicam audio; high definition tube; 100Hz processing; analogue tuner; Digital Motion Interpolation Plus (DMI); Digital Line Interpolation (DLI); Digital Movie Mode Plus; Digital Noise Control; split screen TV/Teletext; Fastext; picture-inpicture; Digital PhotoViewer; electronic owners manual; parental lock; Videotimer; automatic channel programming; dimensions: 855(w) x 625(h) x 575(d)mm; weight: 61.6kg SOCKETS 3 Scart inputs (2 RGB); RF input; S-video input; composite video input; stereo audio input; stereo audio output CONTACT 465 www.loewe.de TEST DATA Colour: excellent. Crisp edges with minimal bleed Geometry: excellent Frequency response: excellent. Detail razor sharp at 5.8MHz For a full explanation of test data, see page 128
32in TV/HD recorder 1,900

Smart and easy to use

ith a reputation for producing gorgeous, high-quality televisions, Loewes decision to add a built-in hard-disk recorder to its acclaimed Aconda 9381, was a winner from the start. The 9381HD/DR+ is certainly a stunning screen to have in your home. With a choice of shiny black or platinum finishes, the design manages to look both contemporary and retro at the same time. The set itself features Loewes new high-definition picture tube, which boasts picture enhancing technology that analyses and optimises each individual picture, depending on whats being shown. It also boasts 100Hz processing, Dolby Virtual surround and DMI (Digital Motion Interpolation Plus), as well as an integrated Digital PhotoViewer. The latter enables you to view photos taken on a digital camera on the screen by simply inserting the cameras memory card. Finally, through the Loewe Media Plus chassis, various upgrades can also be added, including Dolby Digital decoding and digital TV. A panel on the front of the screen reveals composite, S-video and stereo audio inputs. Connections on the rear include three Scarts, (two RGB capable). All three Scarts can also output S-video and composite signals to an external recorder, allowing you to archive recorded material from the built-in hard disk. Recording couldnt be easier. One press of a button on the remote and youre asked how long you wish to record for. Just select the duration, in batches of 30mins, and recording begins. Even easier is the ability to pause live TV. Hit the
pause button and the screen freezes, while the hard disk records the continuing broadcast for when youre ready to resume viewing. The first problem arises when trying to change record settings. Rather than provide an easily accessible recording menu, all settings reside deep within submenus, making simple changes overly laborious and complicated. Also, the layout, while fairly straightforward, is

Recordings remain as clean and sharp as the initial broadcast
a little too dull looking and uninvolving. While not a huge problem, Loewe may need to rethink this for future sets. Its a shame for such a huge selling point to be encumbered by a userunfriendly interface.
black levels are conveyed with great depth and detail. The only real flaw in the Loewe display is when using the DMI technology. DMI does a good job at making movement appear smoother but the price is increased smearing and lag, especially during darker scenes. Strong image quality is supported by an equally strong audio performance that brings a wide sound stage to the screen, with strong bass and treble. There is also a complete lack of cabinet rattle, even at high volumes. Loewe has come up with a winning concept here and one that will surely be followed by many others in the industry. User interface disappointments aside, the 9381HD/DR+ is a pioneering, high-quality set Alex Bentley

WHATS GOOD

Picture; sound; hard-disk recorder

WHATS BAD

User interface; lag with DMI

PERFORMANCE

Performance more than makes up for this though, as the 9381HD/DR+ excels in all areas. Recordings in the highest quality setting from a digital set-top box remain as clean and sharp as the initial broadcast. Its only when the quality is lowered to the medium or standard modes (for an increase in recording time) that quality noticeably dips along with it. DVD and digital TV pictures are also near flawless, with gorgeous vibrant images through the two RGB Scarts. Colour and contrast are both highly effective and
PICTURE SOUND FEATURES EASE OF USE VALUE ALSO CONSIDER.
PHILIPS 32PW9768/05 The first UK TV with an integrated hard-disk recorder, the Philips is a good contender, with a slightly lower price tag Reviewed: Mar 04

OVERALL VERDICT

Quality and convenience packed into one gorgeous design
34 August 2004 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV