32in LCD TV Approx price: 700

On test

Also Consider >>
GOODMANS LD3202 Not HD Ready, but a great value, at replacement option for an out of date CRT TV Reviewed: Issue 304 EVESHAM V32ELBB Impressive value for an HD Ready screen, but dont forget the performance caveats Reviewed: Issue 304
32in LCD TV HD Ready 1,366 x 768-pixels Two analogue tuners HDMI input

Tevion MD31134

Test Data
TEST Colour temperature: Contrast ratio: Luminance: Power consumption: READING 7,600K 740:1 145fL
1W (stby) 130W (use) For a full explanation of test data, please see page 98

Details

FEATURES
Screen size & shape: 32in, 16:9 Tuner type: 2 x analogue Sound system: Nicam stereo (Virtual Dolby) Resolution (pixels): 1,366 x 768 HD Ready: Yes Screen dimensions: 820(w) x 140(h) x 600(d) mm OTHER FEATURES: 2 x 10W RMS stereo speakers; teletext; multi-picture mode; comb lter; noise reduction; auto-installation

SOCKETS

HDMI input (with HDCP); VGA input (with component video adapter); 2 Scart inputs (RGB/component/ S-video/composite); S-video input; composite video input

CONTACT

uk.aldi.com
he difference between the arrival of HD and that of widescreen a decade or so ago is the speed with which HD screens are dropping in price. Thats due in part to the arrival of cut-price supermarket brands such as Tevion. Aldi only sources enough product to supply the whole of the UK for a week, and the MD31134 model, or one very similar, will likely appear later this year in the Tevion or Medion badges. The screen ticks all the boxes for an HD Ready screen: the 1,366 x 768 pixel display can source hi-def material via an HDMI input with HDCP content protection, via a VGA input, or via analogue component video, using an adapter which plugs into the VGA port. Additionally, its got two Scart inputs, both of which support RGB, S-video, and standard-denition component video (you wont get that on a Sony Bravia), as well as boring old composite video. There are also S-video, composite and stereo audio inputs on the front of the TV, plus a headphones output and basic controls. Finally, there are two mini-jack inputs for analogue stereo audio to accompany the VGA socket, or the HDMI socket if youre using an adapted DVI cable to carry your digital hi-def signal. You dont expect great styling on
budget TVs, and the MD31133 conforms with a plastic case that feels as cheap as it looks. Luckily, the remote is very nice and the desktop stand is sturdy if inelegant. The inputs are easy to set up, although youll have to use the installation menu if you want to watch RGB, component or S-video via the Scarts, because theres no auto-sensing facility.

performance

Theres no upscaling circuitry to improve standard-def images, so we werent expecting much from SD signals, and the analogue PAL tuner offers little better than VHS quality. SD images were very dependent on the quality of the digital source. Composite video looked more pixellated than usual; RGB from Sky+ showed very few digital artefacts on the good quality channels, but detail was lacking. DVDs watched in RGB and component both looked superb, with almost no artefacts and as much detail as PAL can muster. But were happy to report our Sky+HD looked pretty great via both HDMI and component. The detail is excellent, and the screen copes well with high-speed motion and action scenes. Our one general complaint is poor contrast in dark screens and dark skin tones, but its possible to
x some problems on SD signals using noise reduction, and the preset brightness/contrast modes are useful. The twin 10W stereo speakers are reasonably punchy, but are too weak to perform in demanding home cinema or music situations. The MD31134 could have been a cheapo set for mugs who put price above quality, but it does the job as an entry-level HD screen or DVD and games display. Its also very userfriendly compared to some much more expensive TVs Alex Lane

Ratings

WHATS GOOD
Price; detail; connectivity; usability

WHATS BAD

Contrast; unforgiving of badlycompressed digital signals; audio
Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value

VERDICT

Solid budget HD TV, but awed by poor contrast and unforgiving with standard-denition pictures
Issue 312 I What Video and High-Denition TV I 047

WHV312.tevion_md 047

16/8/06 19:51:07