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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

035 EHC 22 Loewe Aconda

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>>Reviews CRT TV

Key Features 32in 16:9 CRT Built-in 80GB hard-disk recorder High-definition tube 100Hz processing Analogue tuner Nicam stereo Dolby Virtual Surround Digital Motion Interpolation Plus Fastext Retro-fittable modules Picture-in-picture Connections 3 x Scart input (two RGB) Stereo audio output S-video input Composite video input Stereo audio input RF input Dimensions 855(w) x 625(h) x 575(d)mm

Loewe Aconda 9381DR+

Loewe upgrades its Aconda 9381 with the addition of an 80GB built-in hard-disk drive. Danny Phillips salutes the change
UILDING A HARD-DISK RECORDER INTO A TV seems like such a clever and logical idea that were surprised more manufacturers arent doing it. So far, only Philips has dared venture into the hard-disk equipped TV market, but now Loewe wants a piece of the action. The German brand has incorporated an 80GB hard-disk drive into the chassis of its Aconda 9381 set, resulting in the 9381DR+. The benefits are obvious. While watching a TV programme, you simply press record and the set stores it internally without the need to fiddle with any extra equipment. You can also pause live TV if you get any interruptions, then pick up where you left off without missing a scene. But the best part is that the hard-disk doesnt add anything to the price of the standard 32in Aconda 9381. And you get plenty of other features for the money, such as 100Hz processing, Digital Motion Interpolation (DMI) Plus (which makes movement appear smoother) and Dolby Virtual not to mention the Media Plus chassis that lets you upgrade the set with various modules, offering goodies like terrestrial or satellite digital TV and Dolby Digital decoding. Aesthetically, the Acondas glossy black finish is a step back in time, and looks gorgeous. Its also available in an equally attractive shade of platinum. A front flap hides S-video, composite and stereo audio inputs, plus volume and channel buttons. Around the back there are three Scart sockets, two of which accept RGB. All three are capable of outputting composite and S-video to an external recorder, should you want to archive hard-disk recordings. Which leads us nicely to the all-important hard-disk functionality. Recording is easy. Press a button on the remote and a box appears onscreen asking you to select a duration in increments of 30mins. When complete, a list of recordings can
A great TV, but the hard-disk side needs simplifying

Verdict

Sales Web www.loewe.de
EASE OF USE LOOKS FEATURES PICTURE SOUND VALUE
VERDICT Wonderful performance and a wealth of features, plus the integrated hard-disk is a great idea. But the user interface needs a little work to make it easier to navigate.
be called up by pressing one key on the remote. While this is generally sound, the Acondas function-over-fanciness menu system doesnt make it a particularly intuitive or fun experience to access and playback recording. So to picture performance, which is the Loewes forte. RGB pictures from a DVD player are simply awesome devilishly deep and vibrant, with a crispness that borders on clinical. The striking colours are shepherded into edges with no bleed, and the contrast range is impressive. Only one caveat to report, and thats Digital Motion Interpolation Plus. It does a great job of steadying the picture but this comes with increased image smearing and lag. Hard-disk recordings from a digital set-top box in Very High mode are as clean and noise-free as they would be live. Its only when you move down to the Medium and Standard modes that you notice a drop in quality. The Loewes sonic capabilities dont let the side down. It copes magnificently with busy movie soundtracks, with lashings of bass and sharply reproduced top-end detail. By incorporating a hard-disk recorder into one of its finest TVs, Loewe has created a must-have product on paper. But in practice, a touch of refinement wouldnt have gone amiss in the hard-disk department to make it more user-friendly.

Overall

BEST RIVALS
What we like about this CRT TV Picture quality Sound Stylish looks What we dont like about this CRT TV Unhelpful menus DMI image lag The remote control
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