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>>The Group Test LCD Screens
HE MAIN BATTLEGROUND FOR FLATSCREEN SUPREMACY IS AROUND the 30in screen size. Here the traditional CRT TV dominates with 28 and 32in sets. It is also the point where you are most likely to find flatscreens using liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Above 32 inches, plasma and rear-projection sets are more cost-effective for manufacturers to make and therefore more affordable for you to buy. LCD is better suited for small to medium-sized screens. It offers strong brightness, especially in daylight conditions, and very good resolution. LCD panels can handle high definition signals, such as 1080-line broadcasts. As HDTV is currently scarce in Europe, its up to other methods such as image sharpening and scaling technology (for example Philips Pixel Plus, JVCs DIST and Samsungs DNIe) to interpret the signal and fill in the missing information, providing you with a more vivid experience. LCD production is a very high-precision process. Prices are gradually falling as mass production increases and consumer demand grows, but it will be some time, if ever, before LCD is as affordable inch-for-inch as CRT or even plasma. Just as smaller 15-20in LCDs are replacing CRT monitors for personal computers, their 20-30in equivalents are acquiring domestically desirable stylings and features, such as built-in TV tuners, teletext and DVD player connections. LCDs are therefore migrating from offices and studies into lounges or bedrooms. Most will still double as computer monitors and offer picture-in-picture so you can keep one eye on a TV channel whilst using your PC. Smaller LCDs are also helping TVs become truly portable, as seen in Sharps 15in rechargeable battery-driven wireless set. None of the sets in this group have integrated digital tuners for Freeview, but these are starting to appear on the market from brands like Sharp, Hitachi and Humax. Recording features such as using hard drives to pause live TV are also coming. The most feature-packed flatscreens will have tuners and main AV connections in a separate receiver box. In time these could include digital tuners, digital AV inputs and DVD/hard drive recording, doing the job of several separate components. The best available AV connection is a direct digital link such as DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or the closely related HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). The latest generation of DVD players and in some cases digital TV boxes may have digital video outputs. Connecting this way to a digital display such as LCD, plasma or a projector removes the digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital conversions that take place when linking DVD players or digiboxes to a screen via conventional S-video, Scart or component video cables. The improvements to picture quality are remarkable, especially detail and colour purity. Of the five sets on review here, all feature component video for PAL progressive scan. Even this high quality analogue option was rare until recently. However, only one of the group (the Samsung) carries a digital video input, but this home cinema orientated flatscreen TV is a taste of things to come.

Under test conditions

The five LCD TVs were connected to a Denon DVD2900 DVD player using a QED Scart lead, TCI component video cables and, where applicable, to a Samsung DVD-HD935 player with high definition output via digital visual interface (DVI). A Sky+ recorder was used for digital broadcasting material, connected with Ixos S-Video and Philex Thor Scart cables. DVDs used included The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Hulk, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Matrix Reloaded, Lost in Translation and Finding Nemo.

THE CONTENDERS

JVC LT-26C31 2,400
JVC aims to impress with its style and televisual credentials.

PHILIPS 30PF9975

Philips creates a truly serious contender for replacing tube TVs.

SAMSUNG LW32A23W

This 32in flatscreen powerhouse has both digital video and audio inputs.

TATUNG TLT3001S

Get extra inches for your money with this low-cost 30in LCD

TOSHIBA 32WL36P

Can this big design statement hold its own on picture quality?

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FLATS THE WAY (I LIKE IT)
Flatscreen TVs are the future but is the technology good enough to overtake the traditional cathode-ray tube TV? Ian Calcutt tests five of the latest 26-32in LCD televisions.

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2,400 JVC aims to impress with its style and televisual credentials

JVC LT-26C31BJE

VCS KEENLY PRICED CRT TVS ARE DESERVEDLY popular, but its recently launched DIST (Digital Image Scaling Technology) picture sharpening system garnered mixed reviews, chiefly because its default settings werent ideal so you had to fiddle about to get it right. As well as the Philips Pixel Plus TV in this test, JVC has rolled out its picture sharpening system to LCD. For an LCD, it is surprisingly heavy, suggesting solid construction. While no substitute for 30in-plus screens, its a good compromise if your room or wallet cannot cope with something larger. The screen dimensions arent far off the actual viewing area of a 28in CRT, and its a good space saver for a bedroom, especially if you want to watch widescreen DVDs or digital TV. Part of JVCs Progressive World range, this TV is progressive scan compatible, like the rest of the screens in this round-up. Its debatable whether progressive scan is necessary on a sub-30in screen as its benefits of sharper, smoother images are subtle here, but its good to have the choice. Its integrated speakers can produce an above average virtual surround, while the bass boost makes a punchy sound for a slim TV, though the lack of mid-range leads to a hollowness. Like the other four models here, there is no dangling AV connector box as everything hooks into the back of the screen. In this JVCs case the placement seems quite random: component jacks on one side, Scart on the other, aerial socket underneath. Its two Scarts are both RGB video compatible (for digital TV receivers and DVD players without prog scan). The screen has a decent viewing angle, so if you look from the sides or above, the image goes pale but doesnt vanish altogether. With its improved DIST system, detail is sharp, especially with the crisp mountain scenery of The Two Towers. Most of the digital processing, including discreetly effective motion compensation, is governed by the Super DigiPure circuitry. There is some LCD image lag, made worse with strong digital processing, therefore its worth setting Super DigiPure on Min. The same goes for DNR (Digital Noise Reduction), otherwise you can see some digital side-effects when images move quickly. The contrast range is fine and the duskiest areas are at least dark grey, not tinted with colour like older LCDs. Brightness is impressive and colour reproduction vivid, whether its natural skin tone or the lime green of the Hulk. Less successful is the displays ability to handle subtle gradations in tone, leading to a digital banding effect on some areas, which can be distracting. Progressive scan DVD helps, but this JVC is not as good as the larger Philips or Toshiba sets.

Tidy ports hook into the back of the screen.
This futuristic remote control looks great, but some labelling is faint and its often confusing.
What we like about this flatscreen Good viewing angle Well saturated colour Solid build What we dont like about this flatscreen Tonal gradations are stepped Some LCD image lag

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What we like about this flatscreen Quality tonal range Easy to wall mount Plenty of Scarts What we dont like about this flatscreen Slight image lag Integral speakers lack depth
2,700 Philips creates a serious argument for replacing tube TVs

Philips 30PF9975

With four Scart sockets (two RGB) and component video inputs, connections are extensive.
The well designed remote makes set up really simple
N STARK CONTRAST TO THE BULKY TOSHIBA SET, tested towards the end of this five-way group, the Philips LCD only two inches smaller than the Samsung is light enough to pick up with one hand. Also in its favour is the fact that its discreet, modest design will suit a variety of different living rooms. Its lack of bulk also means it can be wall mounted with ease, or placed on the supplied feet for table top positioning, the most popular way of housing big-screen LCD or Plasma screens. As with the other models in this group, there is no separate AV tuner box everything is built into the main unit of the Philips. In time honoured Philips style you can plug a number of items into this TV; its good to see that connectivity hasnt been compromised just because this isnt one of the brands wellrespected big CRT sets. There are four Scarts, two of which handle RGB (for digiboxes or DVD players), along with component video inputs for the best DVD performance on this screen. Component video means you can take advantage of the improved quality of progressive scan, and its worth pointing out that with this model you can only use a progressive scan player with the component inputs (it wont take interlaced-only players via component). If you dont have progressive scan, its worth the trouble upgrading your player. The resolution of the screen is WXGA (or 1,280 x 768 pixels), like the other four models on review, and the Philips joins the JVC and Samsung sets in offering special image processing (in this case the trail-blazing Pixel Plus) to bring ordinary pictures

closer to high definition quality. Sometimes this can highlight flaws if your analogue reception is weak or if a digital channel is heavily compressed, but there are several modes to alter the processing (such as Movie Plus for DVD) or soften grainy pictures. Usefully, individual settings can be applied to each input, thereby coping with the different demands of TV, tape and disc. The screen has a gorgeous, lustrous quality especially with sunny landscapes. At the other end of the scale, it doesnt reach down as deep into black levels as much as the other screens we tested, but the Philips tonal range is still admirable, and it overcomes the washed out grey/mauve look that LCDs often adopt when used in a darkened room. With a response time of 16ms, the Philips avoids image lag as efficiently as the Toshiba. There is still a little blurring on fast moving scenes, but Philips Digital Natural Motion works hard to compensate, and it looks better here than it does on traditional CRTs. The remote control is the most well crafted of the sets on review here, and, at least partly because of this, setting up the 30PF9975 is a breeze. Only the sound does this otherwise excellent television a disservice. The small, built-in speakers dont provide much audio impact with hard-hitting action flicks theres virtually no bass at all so its only really suitable for less important transmissions, while your surround sound system should be on hand for some sonic get-up-and-go. Overall,, this flatscreen is strong enough to replace a bulky tube TV in every respect.

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2,600 This 32in flatscreen powerhouse comes with surround sound

Samsung LW32A23W

AMSUNG IS CURRENTLY EXPANDING THE SIZE OF ITS LCD screens to as much as twice the dimensions of this one. However, technical and monetary considerations means plasma remains a better bet above 32 inches. The good news is that the LW32A23Ws 32 inches refer to true image size. CRT measurements include concealed tube edges, so this sets picture is about an inch larger. It first requires some screwdriver trickery to attach the speakers and stand and its bulky for an LCD, especially below the screen. It has a decent contrast range with fine gradations in grey scale, so duskier images are not engulfed in shadow. It also has a beautifully natural colour scheme, even via the often overzealous RGB Scart link. Now for the bad news: the screen suffers that typical LCD flaw of image lag a steady image looks pin-sharp, but as soon as the camera or subject moves, details may blur or turn speckly, particularly if the material is grainy. This model also includes Samsungs new DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine), which aims to sharpen the picture and boost the contrast and white levels. The screen is good enough without white-level improvement, and although extra detail appears with DNIe switched on, it also introduces blocky digital artefacts and juddery motion. Broadcast TV suffers most (including digital, with its frequent bad compression), because theres more noise in the signal to confuse the processor, but its best avoided either way.

Connect a quality source and you dont need artificial processing. This screen is compatible with High Definition TV up to the current broadcast maximum of 720 lines (progressive) and 1080 lines (interlaced) in PAL or NTSC. This is of little use in the UK right now, but DVD players with HDMI or DVI digital outputs bring you closer to HD and you can experience by plugging them into the Samsungs DVI input. The results are crystal clear detail and vibrant colour even a subdued and often grainy movie like Lost in Translation reveals more lustre. There is still some image lag, but the higher resolutions make up for it. Alternatively, progressive scan through component video inputs is an attractive and acceptable compromise if your player is limited to analogue sockets. As its size suggests, this screen is more than a souped up PC monitor. To reinforce the point, it handles both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround soundtracks via optical or coaxial inputs, so it connects well with most DVD players, Sky+ boxes or PlayStations, for example. For non-surround sound material, the television offers the next best thing: Dolby Pro-Logic II processing. To get the full effect youll need optional rear speakers but even in its standard stereo configuration the set sounds excellent. With superior features, this big screen demonstrates that LCD is progressing from the more static world of PC monitors to the all-action home cinema arena, but its not quite there yet.
This is a very heavy LCD television, with lots of weight below the screen.
This easy to use remote wont win any fashion shows.
What we like about this flatscreen True 32in viewing Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 Decent contrast What we dont like about this flatscreen Image lag in action scenes

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What we like about this flatscreen Good colour using component video input What we dont like about this flatscreen On-screen menus not always legible Not enough room to clear large plugs in AV input panel Mechanical noise
2,200 Get extra inches for your money with this low-cost 30in LCD

Tatung TLT3001S

No DVI or HDMI ports means that this unit is not future-proof.
Too many tiny buttons on the remote handle less-used Teletext functions.
ATUNG HAILS FROM TAIWAN, AND WAS a prominent maker of budget CRT TVs until it disappeared from the UK market place. Recently it resurfaced with a more contemporary range, including this relatively affordable 30in LCD widescreen TV. The styling of the TLT3001S is inoffensive. A dark grey border frames the screen, accompanied by silver detachable speakers and a pedestal stand. The remote control is quite an affront, however, with little thought put into its design that consists of row upon row of tiny buttons, dedicated mostly to lesser teletext functions. The Tatungs on-screen menu system is reasonably logical but its translucent background sometimes makes it difficult to read; this is especially true if the TV picture behind it is bright or busy. All-in-all this is not the most user friendly model in this group test. Furthermore, the sets AV inputs are mounted beneath the screen behind the stand, which is not high enough to allow proper clearance for large Scart plugs or chunky top-quality component video cables, making it difficult to set up a reliable connection. However, if you do manage to fit them all in, the complement is generous, including two Scart and component inputs, along with S-video and composite, but sadly no DVI or HDMI for next-generation digital video devices. LCD technology has come a long way in the last year but the Tatung looks as though it is stuck firmly in the past. Its typical of the inferior quality you will get if you pay a lower price for a flatscreen TV.

The viewing angle and contrast ratio are below average move too far to either side of the screen and images suddenly appear washed out and even in the optimum seating position the picture leaves a lot to be desired as the deepest blacks become a dull grey. Watching a dark programme like Sky Ones noir-ish The Handler makes it look as if it was filmed on location in a coal cellar by candlelight. The flattened tonal response means anyone out of direct illumination disappears into shadow. Through the RGB Scart, the colour balance is too warm (there is no adjustment to fix this) so when you can make out skin tones, everyone looks like David Dickinson, which is unsettling to say the least. Switching to progressive scan DVD via the component video inputs certainly improves colour reproduction and the sets ability with motion which is very good but not contrast. For instance, the subtler shades of Tokyo twilight in Sofia Coppolas latest film are lost in translation between the player and the screen. Only the brighter DVD scenes hold up well under close inspection. The stereo speakers offer a boomy sound with more emphasis on bass than treble, which may not be noticeable on a typical TV drama, but music or a multilayered movie soundtrack such as The Matrix Reloaded seem messy and uneven. In quieter moments you can also hear fan noise from the back of the set, again something we thought had been eradicated. The Tatung is proof that paying the least amount for a flatscreen really can be false economy.

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4,000 Can this big design statement hold its own on picture quality?

Toshiba 32WL36P

NLY IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS HAS TV STALWART Toshiba ventured into LCD, a sign that the technology is poised to replace glass tubes, even if prices are yet to reach CRTs wallet-friendly levels. Toshibas TVs often have a stunning clarity, colour and deep contrast. The latter is hard to reproduce in LCD but the 32WL36P has a good stab. Though striking to look at, the set is so huge and unwieldy you may as well be buying a CRT. For table-mounting its weighty frame bolts onto a small but sturdy pivoting metal pedestal. It has an array of sockets, including three Scarts (two with RGB for digiboxes, etc) and dual component video inputs. These attach at right angles to the back instead of underneath, so they are easier to reach. Sadly there is no digital video input. The remote control and on-screen menu are much like Toshibas regular TVs, and they are near-perfect in their simplicity and design. Aside from the usual adjustments for picture and sound quality, this TV is light on features. Unlike the Samsung, it lacks digital audio capability (surprising given the sets size and Toshibas history of integrated Dolby Digital TVs) and theres no additional processing to sharpen basic signals, like Philips Pixel Plus. This is no problem if the panel is good to begin with, and in many ways it is. It has a very fast pixel refresh rate (16ms) to minimise image lag, and while viewing angle and contrast ratings are as good as they come. The tonal range is on the same level as the Samsung and JVC, and slightly better than the Philips. Its deep dark blacks are a rival to any CRT, at least under daylight conditions (subdued light makes LCD fare less well), and the panel is better than its 26in equivalent with subtle gradations of colour. It also copes well with broadcast TV signals, unlike the fussy Samsung. However, thats not the whole story. Without DVI or HDMI, the best picture options from DVD are RGB or component, the latter with progressive scan. Even with this usually high quality route, the Toshibas image is disappointingly grainy and edges have an unsightly halo effect around them, even on all-digital movies like Finding Nemo something that a direct digital connection would have cleared up. Because its so good in other ways, these are mostly forgivable but they rob this screen of a five-star picture score. The sound is also poorer than the Samsung, though its speakers are as large, as theres a notable absence of bass. Given its likelihood as a home cinema centrepiece, its a shame the speakers arent removable, as you could cut down on weight and purchase a separate surround sound system. In short, its better than we expected after seeing the 26in model but it should be more future-proofed given its high price.

Best picture options are RGB or component with progressive scan.
The remote is simplicity itself.
What we like about this flatscreen Simple on-screen menus Plenty of Scart sockets, including two for RGB Minimal image lag What we dont like about this flatscreen Unwieldy size No digital video input No Dolby Digital sound
This LCD copes well with broadcast TV signals.

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THE RESULTS

MAKE MODEL

SPECIFICATIONS

Price Dimensions Tel Web 2,400 703(w) x 491(h) x 94(d)mm 5000 www.jvc.co.uk 2,700 891(w) x 489(h) x 110(d)mm 9070 www.philips.co.uk 2,600 1013(w) x 625(h) x 218(d)mm 0168 www.samsung.co.uk 2,200 932(w) x 478(h) x 110(d)mm www.tatung.co.uk 4,000 1064(w) x 606(h) x 151(d) mm 424 www.home-entertainment.toshiba.co.uk

JVC LT-26C31

TOSHIBA STASIA 32WL36P

FEATURES

Size Resolution Viewing Angle Brightness Contrast Ratio Processing PAL progressive scan Sound 26in 1,280 x degrees 450 cd/m2 500:1 DIST YES Virtual surround We say: JVC hasnt skimped on the quality despite the screen being only 26 inches wide. Viewing angle and resolution are top notch, and DIST is coming of age. 30in 1,280 x degrees 450 cd/m2 350:1 Pixel Plus/DNM YES Virtual surround We say: Although its contrast rating is not the highest, viewing angles and brightness are good and Pixel Plus image sharpening is a real asset. 32in 1,280 x degrees 500 cd/m2 600:1 DNIe YES DTS/Dolby Digital/Pro Logic II We say: A respectable brightness and contrast rating, and the viewing angle shouldnt spoil it for anyone sitting towards the sides. Optional 5.1 sound is a good extra. 30in 1,280 x degrees 450 cd/m2 400:1 PixelWorks PW565 YES Nicam stereo We say: The Tatung falls below the industry best on contrast and viewing angle, so its high resolution and progressive scan abilities are largely wasted. 32in 1,280 x degrees 700 cd/m2 600:1 NO YES Nicam stereo We say: This sets contrast rating is up there with the best, and its fast refresh rate cuts down image lag. The basic sound is a let down, though.

CONNECTIONS

Scart Component S-video Composite video VGA DVI RF aerial in Audio line in We say: The smallest set under consideration, it still has a reasonable set of inputs, such as progressive scan-compatible component video and two Scarts. We say: Philips routinely adds four Scarts to its classiest TVs, and this flatscreen is no exception. Component video with progressive scan completes the set. We say: Superb colour, clarity and connectivity this excellent flatscreen is one of the few that can truly replace a conventional TV in every major way. We say: State-of-the-art connectivity, including RGB Scart, two sets of component video jacks, DVI for high-def TV or DVD, plus a pair of digital audio inputs. We say: Great features and superior colour and contrast, making this close to CRT calibre, but image blur can affect motion with weaker source material and the DNIe processing is a non-starter. We say: A decent set of inputs, especially the dual Scart and component inputs for the best digibox and DVD connections. No DVI or HDMI though. We say: Very cheap for a flatscreen LCD, and well supplied with sockets, but the image is very disappointing. Its worth saving up for the better quality TVs available. We say: Decent connections, with three Scarts (two RGB), two sets of component video jacks and phono AV inputs all around, but there are no digital audio or video inputs. We say: Very good overall, but the picture is grainier than it should be and the lack of digital video input hampers its chances of future-proofing. Sound isnt the best, and the price isnt right.

VERDICT

Features Looks Picture Sound Value We say: Generally the JVC creates pictures as striking as its external design if you tailor the DIST settings carefully.

OVERALL

WINNER
LCD screens are capable of a resolution that now exceeds the quality of TV broadcasts in the UK and even the DVD format as it currently stands. Heres where sets like the Philips 30PF9975 come in. Pixel Plus image enhancement and LCD are a great match as this superb atscreen shows. Its an all-round top performer for picture quality, getting the most from both disc playback and broadcast reception, which is a rare accomplishment. You could easily slip this svelte 30in screen in the place of a tube TV and not miss the bulky old thing at all.

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