ON TEST / 40IN LCD TV
Verdict Approx price 1,500

Sony KDL-40S2530

BGood feature count, two HDMIs ESome motion smear, muted colours
Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value / Other features: Noise reduction (standard and MPEG); 7-day EPG support with timer setting; black correction; gamma settings; Dynamic Contrast; backlight adjust; Clear White boost; colour space adjust; horizontal shift; adjustable overscan; light sensor; live colour creation / Sockets: 2 HDMI inputs; component video input; 2 Scarts (both RGB); composite video input; VGA PC input; stereo audio input; analogue tuner input; PC audio input; CAM slot; S-video input; headphone jack / Contact: 08705 111999, www.sony.co.uk
WHILE SONYS BRAVIA LCD range has enjoyed considerable commercial and critical success, Sony itself seems to have tacitly acknowledged there was room for improvement in the launch of the 40S2530. This 40in screen seems more of an upgrade to the (still available) 40S2000 rather than a wholly new model. Thats not to say the modications arent potentially signicant, though. For starters, the 40S2530 boasts two HDMIs versus the 40S2030s one and improvements dont get more immediately welcome than that. The 40S2530 also introduces an advanced Dynamic Contrast function, whereby the light output of the sets backlight can be adjusted to suit the darkness levels of the image being shown. This ups the contrast ratio claimed for the screen to 5,000:1 from the previous 1,300:1 a major leap. The nal signicant difference is the 40S2530s use of Sonys Live Colour Creation system. Originally only found on the companys V Series models and higher, Live Colour Creation processing works
to boost the naturalism of reds and greens. Please note, however, that the S2530 doesnt sport the Wide Colour Gamut backlight technology found higher up the Sony range. These new tricks join an already fairly extensive features list that includes noise reduction, manual backlight adjustment, a black level corrector, MPEG noise reduction, a white level booster and gamma tweaks for good measure.
completely sold on it. Recent advances from the likes of Philips and Sharp highlight a slight pallor to the Sonys colours and signs of smearing during motion with standard-def feeds. We also found traces of light pooling during very dark scenes. Still, we applaud Sony for not resting on its laurels. This set should denitely be added to any 40in LCD list for its sterling audio and more than solid pictures Z

Performance

First impressions arent great images look gaudy and noisy. But this turns out to be largely down to the 40S2530s Vivid image preset. Push the contrast and backlight intensity down and you see an immediate improvement. In fact, pictures improve to a standard clearly beyond that of the S2000 models, mainly on account of noticeably darker, richer black levels that give new authenticity and scale to dark scenes. Colours are perhaps more subtle in their rendering too, and other Bravia strengths have been retained, such as impressive detailing and clarity from hi-def sources and topnotch video noise suppression. While the picture quality has improved greatly beyond that of the original S series, were not

Spec check

Screen size & shape: 40in, 16:9 Tuner: Digital and analogue Sound system: Nicam stereo with BBE and SRS TruSurround Resolution (pixels): 1,366 x 768 HD Ready: Yes Quoted contrast ratio: 1,300:1 (5,000:1 with Dynamic contrast feature) Quoted brightness: 500cd/m Processing: Bravia Engine Screen dimensions: 103(d) x 664(h) x 988(w)mm Weight: 27kg
A vast improvement on Sonys previous Bravia S range in all the right places
042 / What Video & High-Denition TV / Issue 319

WHV319.sony40 042

6/3/07 18:14:02

BUYERS GUIDE / LCD TVs

HDMI/DVI INPUT SOUND SYSTEM SCREEN SHAPE No. OF SCARTS COMPONENT VIDEO INPUT RESOLUTION (PIXELS) BRIGHTNESS SCREEN SIZE RGB SCARTS GUIDE PRICE

CONTRAST RATIO

S-VIDEO IN

HD READY

Potential CRT successors
LCD TV UNDER 20IN Alba LCD15TV Bush LCD15W008HD DMTech LM17DB Evesham T1505 Evesham T807 Funai LCD-B1504 Grundig GUVL1500 HANNspree HANNSVAAS Hitachi 15LD2400
15in 15in 17in 15in 8in 15in 15in 15in 15in 15in 15in 15in 15in 15in 19in 17in 9.2in
4:3 16:9 16:9 16:9 4:3 4:3 4:3 4:3 4:3 4:3 4:3 4:3 4:3 4:3 16:9 16:9 4:3
NICAM NICAM NICAM Mono Mono NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM Stereo
1024x768 1024x768 1366x768 1024x768 640x480 640x480 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1280x768 640x480

400:1 500:1 350:1 450:1 250:1 500:1 350:1 500:1 500:1 400:1 500:1 500:1 500:1 500:1 1000:1 400:1 150:1
450cd/m2 500cd.m2 500cd/m2 450cd/m2 380cd/m2 450cd/m2 250cd/m2 500cd/m2 420cd/m2 430cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 300cd/m2 450cd/m2 200cd/m2

1 n/a n/a 1 n/a

0/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/1 0/1 2/0 0/0 0/0

/ JVC LT-23D50

Another solid, reliable and easy to use JVC TV with enough connections for everyday family use. Lacks an HMDI input though. Full review: Issue 298
Hitachi 15LD3200 LG 15LC1RB LG 15LW1R Philips 15PF4410D Philiips 15PF5121 Philips 19PFL5602D Proline LD1702W Roadstar LCD9823D LCD TV 20 & 23IN

NICAM 14440x900

/ Sony KDL-20S2020
Possibly the best 20in TV weve seen and ideal where space is at a real premium. Full review: Issue 314
DMTech LM20D DMTech LT20DV (DVD combi) Dual DLCD2001 Goodmans LD2002 Hitachi 20LD3200 JVC LT-20B60SJ JVC LT-20DA6SK JVC LT-23D50 LG 20LC1RB

600 1,1,000

20in 20in 20in 20in 20in 20in 20in 20in 23in 20in 20in 20in 20in 20in 20in 20in 23in
4:3 4:3 4:3 16:10 4:3 4:3 4:3 16:9 16:9 4:3 16:9 16:9 4:3 16:9 16:9 4:3 16:9
NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM n/a NICAM DVS NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM
800x600 640x480 800x600 1680x1050 640x480 640x480 800x600 1366x768 1366x768 640x480 1366x768 1366x768 640x480 1366x768 1366x768 640x480 1366x768
350:1 800:1 350:1 600:1 500:1 500:1 500:1 800:1 400:1 350:1 n/a 500:1 600:1 1200:1 400:1 n/a
450cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 300cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 n/a 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 n/a 450cd/m2 450cd/m2
0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 0/1 0/1 1/0 0/0 0/0

Goodmans GTVL20W7HD 350

/ Sony KLV-L23M1/S5
This stunning 23in Sony LCD panel boasts an unusual design and WEGA processing, but no HDMI. Full review: Issue 296
LG 20LS3R Panasonic TX-20LX6 Philips 20PF4121/05 Philips 20PF5320D Sony KDL-20S2020 Samsung LE-20S51B Sony KLV-L23M1/S5

3000:1 450cd/m2

LCD TV 26 & 27IN Dell W2600 Grundig GULENAR 26HDIB JVC LT-26DS75SJ JVC LT-26DX7BJ LG 26LC2R Loewe Xelos A26 Mirai T27004 Panasonic TX-26LXD500 Panasonic 26LXD70 Philips 26PF5521D Sagem Axium HD-L26 T/2

550 1,1,1,800 700

26in 26in 26in 26in 26in 26in 26in 27in 26in 26in 26in 26in 26in 26in 26in 26in 26in 26in
16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9
SRS XT NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM Stereo NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM Stereo NICAM
1280x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x720 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 960x540 1366x768 1366x768

500:1 700:1 500:1 700:1 1000:1 1200:1 800:1 900:1 1200:1 800:1 8500:1 600:1 800:1 800:1 3000:1 1000:1 1200:1 800:1
450cd/m2 500cd/m2 450cd/m2 500cd/m2 n/a 500cd/m2 1400cd/m2 550cd/m2 n/a n/a n/a 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 n/a 450cd/m2 n/a 500cd/m2
0/1 2/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 1/0 1/0 0/1 2/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0

313 315

Evesham ALQEMI26VX 400

/ Panasonic TX-26LXD60

Far, far better LCD pictures than youve any right to expect for the asking price. Full review: Issue 315

Panasonic TX-26LXD60 700

/ Toshiba 26WLT66
Two HDMIs, Active Vision processing and a knockout price make this a winner. Full review: Issue 315
Sagem HD-L26TP2 Sharp LC-26P70E Sony KDL-26S2010 Toshiba 26WLT66

Samsung LE26R74BDX 800

Key: SRS XT=SRS Tru Surround XT DVS=Dolby Virtual Stereo
100 / What Video & Hi-Def TV / Issue 332

WHV332.bg 100

RATING (1-5)

3/3/08 15:20:51

Want more up to date prices? Log on to www.techradar.com

HDMI/DVI INPUT

SOUND SYSTEM

SCREEN SHAPE

No. OF SCARTS

COMPONENT VIDEO INPUT

RESOLUTION (PIXELS)

BRIGHTNESS

SCREEN SIZE

RGB SCARTS

GUIDE PRICE

LCD TV 30 & 32IN

Evesham ALQEMI 32SX 600 Goodmans LD3260HDVT 450 HANNspree HANNSVIBE 730 HANNspree JT01-32E2 Hitachi 32LD9700 JVC LT-32DA8BJ LG 32LB75 Loewe Individual 32S 360 1,600
32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in
16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9
NICAM Nicam NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM Sound+ Stereo NICAM NICAM DVS NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM

TruSurround

1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1280x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768

1200:1 800:1 800:1 1200:1 850:1 1200:1 800:1 1200:1 7000:1 8500:1 7000:1 800:1 7000:1 1200:1

10000:1

500cd/m2 450cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 450cd/m2 500cd/m2 n/a n/a 550cd/m2 550cd/m2 550cd/m2 500cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 500cd/m2
1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0

32in LCD winners

/ LG 32LB75

8000:1 500cd/m2

2,300 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in 32in
Packard Bell Smart TV 32 2,000 32in Panasonic TX-32LMDPanasonic TX-32LXDPhilips 32PF9631D Philips 32PF9641D Philips 32PF9731D Philips 32PFL9632D Polaroid TLU-03223B Samsung LE32R87BD Sharp LC32RD2E Sony KDL-32D3000 Sony KDL-32S2530 Sony KDL-32V2500 Toshiba 32C3030 Toshiba 32WLT68 LCD TV 37IN & OVER Evesham 37VX1080P Hitachi L42XP01 JVC LT-37DG8 JVC LT-42DV8BJ JVC LT-46DZ7BJ LG 37LF75 LG 42LF66 LG 42LT75 LG 47LY95 Loewe Modus L 37 Philips 42PFL9632D Philips 42PFL9900 Philips 37PF9631D Planar PD470 Polaroid TLU-03723B Samsung LER87BDX Samsung LE40N73BD Samsung LE-52F96BD Sanyo CE37LD81-B Sanyo CE47FD51 Sharp LC-37RD2E 1,500 2,900 1,500 3,1,400 1,1,1,450 2,1,150 1,000 1,700 1,700 1,400 37in 42in 37in 42in 46in 37in 42in 42in 47in 40in 37in 37in 42in 42in 37in 47in 37in 37in 40in 52in 37in 47in 37in 42in 52in 46in 40in 40in 46in 37in 37in 40in 42in 42in 47in 1,300 1,100 1,800 1,1,100
An eye-catchingly affordable designer TV thats not just pretty on the outside. Full review: Issue 329
8000:1 550cd/m2 8000:1 450cd/m2 1600:1 7000:1 3500:1

/ Philips 32PFL9632D

5000:1 500cd/m2 4000:1 500cd/m2

NICAM NICAM

Quite simply the best 32in LCD picture quality ever, coupled with features galore and a great price. Full review: Issue 327

/ Sony KDL32V2500

16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM SRS XT NICAM NICAM SRS NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM NICAM 1920x1080 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 13366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 1920x1080 1366x768 1920x1080 1920x1080 1500:1
550cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 450cd/m2

2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 2/0 3/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 1/0 2/0 3/0 3/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 2/0 3/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 3/0
Superb HD pictures and a wonderfully designed chassis combine to make this stunner a must have. Full review: Issue 322

1000:1 1000:1 1200:1

10000:1 500cd/m2 5000:1 500cd/m2 8000:1 500cd/m2 5000:1 500cd/m2 4500:1 800:1 8500:1 1,200:1 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 n/a 550cd/m2
Loewe Individual Compose 40 3,000 Panasonic TX-37LZD70 1,099
8000:1 550cd/m2 6000:1 550cd/m2 10000:1 500cd/m2 1000:1 500cd/m2 8000:1 450cd/m2 6000:1 500cd/m2

500000:1

Are you ready for HD?

/ What you should know:

When buying your next TV, keep an eye out for the HD Ready logo. Developed by EICTA, who represent Europes consumer electronics industry, it guarantees your TV has the basic technical specications to both receive and display HD broadcasts. The key criteria are a minimum native screen resolution of 720 lines, along with a component input and either an HDMI or an HDCP-enabled DVI socket. For more info on being HD Ready, see our HD Jargon Buster on page 99.

500cd/m2 500cd/m2 500cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 500cd/m2 450cd/m2 450cd/m2 500cd/m2
1000:1 1800:1 1200:1 2000:1 2000:1 1300:1 1800:1 1300:1 3500:1
Sharp Aquos LC42XD1E 1,900 Sharp Aquos LC52XD1E 2,800 Sharp LC-46X20EAD Sony KDL-40S2530 Sony KDL-40W2000 Sony KDL-46X2000 Toshiba 37C3030 Toshiba 37X3030 Toshiba 40XF355D Toshiba 42C3030 Toshiba 42Z3030 Toshiba 47Z3030DB 1,050 1,500 1,800 3,1,000 1,700 1,000 1,200 2,000
5000:1 500cd/m2 10000:1 500cd/m2 4000:1 500cd/m2 15000:1 500cd/m2 15000:1 500cd/m2
Issue 332 / What Video & Hi-Def TV / 101

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BUYERS GUIDE / PLASMA TVs
SCREEN SHAPE No. OF SCARTS COMPONENT VIDEO INPUT RESOLUTION (PIXELS) BRIGHTNESS TUNER TYPE PICTURE PROCESSING SCREEN SIZE RGB SCARTS GUIDE PRICE

SPEAKERS INCLUDED

HDMI/DVI
PLASMA TV 42IN & UNDER

50in screens on a budget

Fujitsu P42HTS40GS Fujitsu P42HTA51ES Fujitsu P42XHA58EB Goodmans PDP42X20 Hitachi 42PD6600 Hitachi 42PD7200 Hitachi 42PD7500 Hitachi 42PD8600
3,300 42in 16:9 1,995 42in 16:42in 16:9
An An An An An An/Di An Di An/Di An/Di An/Di An/Di Di An/Di An Di An/Di An/Di An/Di Di Di Di Di Di An/Di An/DI An An/Di An/Di An/Di Di Di An/Di An An An An

1024x1024 1024xx768 852x480 1366x768 1024x1024 1024x1024 1024x1080 1366x1080 1024x1080 1024x1080 1024x768 852x480 1024x768 852x480 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1024x720 852x480 1024x720 1024x768 1024x768 1920x1080 1024x720 1920x1080 852x480 1024x1080 852x480 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1024x768 1366x768 852x480 852x480 1024x1024
1000:1 3000:1 3000:1 n/a 3000:1 1000:1 1000:1 4000:1 4000:1 3000:1
1000cd/m2 1400cd/m2 1000cd/m2 n/a 1400cd/m2 1200cd/m2 1200cd/m2 1400cd/m2 1400cd/m2 1400cd/m2

n/a n/a 2

1/1 1/0 2/0 0/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/0
AVM II AVM II AVM II PM PM AliS PM HD PM FHD
2,695 42in 16:9 No tuner 1,300 42in 16:9 2,500 42in 16:9 2,700 42in 16:9 1,200 42in 16:9 1,000 42in 16:9 2,300 42in 16:950 42in 16:9 42in 16:9 1,500 42in 16:9 1,000 42in 16:9 1,600 42in 16:9 2,500 42in 16:9 2,000 42in 16:9 2,500 37in 16:9 1,250 37in 16:9 2,300 37in 16:9 2,400 42in 16:9 1,000 42in 16:9 1,350 42in 16:37in 16:9

/ Hitachi P50T01U

Pictures are sharp and detailed with natural colour tones and the price tag of just 1,500 makes this whopping 50in plasma a real bargain. Full review: Issue 321

Hitachi 42PD8700 Hitachi 42PD9700 Hitachi P42T01 LG 42PC1D LG 42PC1DV LG 42PC55 LG RZ-42PX4DV LG RZ-42PY10X Loewe Modus L42 Panasonic TH-37PV500 Panasonic TH-37PE50B Panasonic TH-37PX600 Panasonic TH-42PX60B Panasonic TH-42PX70 Panasonic TH-42PZ70 Panasonic TH-37PX70 Philips 42PF552OD Philips 42PF9631D Philips 42PF9946 Pioneer PDP-427XD Pioneer PDP-428XD Pioneer PDP-436XDE Pioneer PDP-436SXE Samsung LE42Q97HD Samsung PS42Q7HDX Samsung PS42S5H Samsung PS42V4SKX Sony KE-P42M1 Thomson 32PB220S4 PLASMA TV 50IN & OVER Fujitsu P63XHA51ES Hitachi P50T01U Hitachi P50-XR01 LG 50PB65 LG 50PC1D LG 50PY2R
10000:1 1500cd/m2 10000:1 1200cd/m2 10000:1 1500cd/m2 15000:1 1500cd/m2 10000:1 1,500cd/m2 3000:1 3000:1 3000:1 3000:1 4000:1 10000:1 1000:1 10000:1 10000:1 10000:1 5000:1 3000:1 3000:1 3000:1 3000:1 16000:1 3000:1 3000:1 1000cd/m2 1400cd/m2 1200cd/m2 600cd/m2 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1000cd/m2 1400cd/m2 1000cd/m2 n/a n/a 1100cd/m2 1100cd/m2
2/0 XD Engine 1/0 XD Engine 2/0 XD Engine 1/0 XD Engine 0/1 XD Engine 1/0 2/0 1/0 0/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 0/1 2/0 0/0 2/0 Image+ V-Real V-Real 2 V-Real V-Real 2 V-Real PP2 PD II 2HD
NEC PlasmaSync 42XR4 1,800 42in 16:9 No tuner

/ Panasonic TH-50PX70B

This super-size 50in panel offers fantastic pictures and quality sound and at just 1,650 it wont break the bank. Full review: Issue 323
Panasonic TH-42PZ700B 2,300 42in 16:9 1,500 42in 16:9 2,300 42in 16:9 1,900 42in 16:9 2,100 42in 16:9 1,800 42in 16:9 2,800 43in 16:9 2,500 43in 16:42in 16:9
3/0 Pure Drive 2/1 1/0 PD II PD II Plus
15,000:1 1,500cd/m2 10000:1 1300cd/m2 10,000:1 1,300cd/m2 3000:1 1,000cd/m2 n/a 1000:1 n/a 1100cd/m2
3/0 DNIe Movie 1/0 1/0 0/1 0/0 0/1 DNIe DNIe WEGA HI-PIX

/ Samsung PS-50P96FD

If youre after full HD for less you cant go wrong with this stunning 50in panel, which has a bargain price of just 2,200. Full review: Issue 325
1,600 42in 16:9 2,000 42in 16:9 1,600 42in 16:9 2,400 42in 16:9 1,500 37in 16:9
9,000 63in 16:9 No tuner 1,500 50in 16:9 1,350 50in 16:9 2,000 50in 16:9 4,300 50in 16:9 An/D An/Di Di An Di Di An Di Di An/Di An/Di An/Di An/D Di 2,300 50in 16:9 Di(2)/An

1366x768 1280x1080 1920x1080 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1366x768 1920x1080 1366x768 1366x768 1920x1080 1365x768 1366x768 1920x1080 1366x768 1365x768 1366x768

7000:1 10000:1

1000cd/m2 1100

n/a 1 1

1/0 2/0 3/0

AVM II

PictreMaster Full HD
PictureMaster HD/MovieFRC
10000:1 1300cd/m2 15000:1 1500cd/m2 10000:1 1000cd/m2 10000:1 1000cd/m2 1000:1 5000:1 n/a n/a
2/0 XD Engine 2/0 XD Engine 1/0 XD Engine II 2/0 0/1 2/0 2/1 2/0 2/0 3/0 1/0 2/1 V-real2 PP PP 2 HD PD II HD PD II HD DNIe DNIe DNIe 3/0 V-Real Pro

Quick tip

/ Want to wall mount your plasma?
Before you start doing anything else, call in a structural engineer to check out the wall you intend to hang it on, so you can be sure it will safely take the full weight of the screen.
Panasonic TH-50PX70B 1,650 50in 16:9 Panasonic TH-65PX600 8,500 65in 16:9 Philips 50PF7320 Philips 50PF9631D Pioneer PDP-5000EX Pioneer PDP-507XD Samsung PS-50P7HD Samsung PS-50P96FD Samsung PS50Q7HD Samsung PS50Q97HD Vivadi Saturn HD50 3,000 50in 16:9 2,800 50in 16:9 3,300 50in 16:9 ,1800 50in 16:9 2,200 50in 16:9 2,300 50in 16:9 1,500 50in 16:9 12,500 50in 16:9
10000:1 1500cd/m2 10000:1 1000cd/m2 3000:1 4000:1 1000cd/m2 1100cd/m2

6,000 50in 16:9 No tuner

10000:1 1300cd/m2 15000:1 1200cd/m2 10000:1 1300cd/m2 15,000:1 1300cd/m2 5000:1 1000cd/m2

3/0 DNIe/MoviePlus

Key: An=Analogue Di=Digital AVM=Advanced Video Movement PM=Picture Master PP=Pixel Plus PD=Pure Drive
102 / What Video & Hi-Def TV / Issue 332

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3/3/08 15:21:16
/ PROJECTION TVs / PROJECTORS
CONTRAST RATIO NTSC SUPPORT BRIGHTNESS (ANSI LUMENS) PANEL SHAPE COMPONENT VIDEO IN RESOLUTION (PIXELS) GUIDE PRICE HDMI/DVI IN

WEIGHT Kg

RS232 Port

SCART IN

PROJECTORS Acer PH112 Acer PH730 BenQ W100 Epson EMP-TW1000 Epson EMP-TW2000 Epson EMP-TW600 Epspn EMP-TW680 Epson EMP-TW700 Epson EMP-TWD1 Hitachi PJ-TX200 Hitachi PJ-TX300 InFocus IN72 InFocus IN76 InFocus IN78 InFocus IN81 JVC DLA-HD1 JVC DLA-HD100 JVC DLA-HX2 LG AN110W Marantz VP12S4 Mitsubishi EX100U Optoma ThemeScene HD73 Optoma ThemeScene HD80 Optoma MovieTime DV10 Panasonic PT-AE1000 Panasonic PT-AE900E Planar PD7010 Planar PD7060 Projection Design Action! 2 Samsung SP-H710AE Sanyo PLV-Z4 Sanyo PLV-Z5 Sharp XV-Z21000 Sharp XV-Z3000 Sim2 Domino D10 Sim2 Domino D35 Sony VPL-VW50 Sony VPL-VW100 Toshiba TDP-MT400 Viewsonic PJ258D Viewsonic PJ458D

650 500

DLP DLP
16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9
854x480 1280x768 854x480 1920x1080 1920x1080 1280x720 1280x720 1280x720 854x480 1280x720 1280x768 852x480 1280x720 1280x720 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1400x788 1280x768 1280x720 1024x768 1280x768 1280x768 1280x768 854x480 1920x1080 1,280x720 1280x720 1280x720 1,280x720 1280x720 1280x720 1280x720 1920x1080 1280x768 1920x1080 1280x720 1920X1080 1920X1080 1024x576 1024x768

2000:1 2500:1 2500:1

* * *

0/0 1/1 0/1 1/0 2/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/1* 1/1* 1/0 1/1 2/0 2/0 0/1 1/0 2/0 0/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 0/0 2/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 0/1 1/1 1/0 2/0 2/0 1/0 2/1 1/0 2/0 1/1 0/1 0/0 0/0
* * * * FAVOURITES LIST

* * *

2.3 3.5 2.7 5.6 5.6 5.2 5.2 5.4.7 4.7 4.5 4.5 4.5 6.4 11.6 9.4 5.9 4.2.9 3.2 3.3.5 7.2 3.6 5.7 5.5 9.4.2.88 1.8 2.2

321 306

Key: *=Via adaptor
1,500 DLP 2,600 LCD 3,000 LCD 1,1,1,495 1,1,700 LCD LCD LCD LCD LCD LCD DLP DLP
12,000:50,000:5000:1 10000:1 1000:1 7000:1 10000:1 2000:1 3000:1 3500:1 10000:1 15000:1 40000:1 1500:1 2500:1 4500:1 2000:1 3500:1 6000:1 2000:1 4000:1 11000:1 5500:1 2500:1 3500:1 4000:1 2800:1 7000:1 10000:1 12000:1 6500:1 3200:1 15000:1 15000:1 3000:1 2000:1 2000:700 n/a n/a 1100 n/a 1200 n/a 2000

10,000:1 1600

The best picture show in town.

2,000 DLP 2,500 DLP

4,500 D-ILA 16:9 5,000 D-ILA 16:9 6,339 D-ILA 16:9 2,100 1,095 DLP DLP 16:9 16:9 4:3 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 6:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 16:9 9,000 DLP

/ Infocus IN81

A genuinely outstanding full HD projector at a truly irresistible price. Full review: Issue 328
Optoma ThemeScene HD72i 1,000 DLP 1,600 DLP 1,600 DLP 849 1,500 1,350 DLP LCD DLP 3,500 LCD
1,900 DLP 3,500 DLP 2,400 DLP 1,400 1,645 LCD LCD

/ JVC DLA-HD100

JVC underlines why it is that D-ILA technology is a winner when it comes to the big screen. Full review: Issue 329
7,000 SXRD 16:9 2,500 DLP 2,000 DLP 3,000 DLP

10,000:1 1300

3,500 SXRD 16:9 7,000 SXRD 16:9 1,200 DLP DLP 16:9 4:3

/ Planar PD7060

Amazing value considering that it costs under 2,000. Full review: Issue 322

DLP 16:9/4:3 1024x768

HD COMPATIBLE

RF MODULATOR

DIGITAL TEXT

S-VIDEO OUT

PAY TV COMPATIBLE

OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT

ELECTRICAL DIGITAL OUT

COMPOSITE VIDEO OUT

7-DAY EPG

RGB OUT

FREEVIEW RECEIVERS Bush iDaptor Chili Terra TX1200 Digifusion FRT101 Durabrand PSTB1 Fortec Star PASSION Freecom DVB-T Scart Netgem iPlayer+ Roadstar DVB2012T Sagem ITD68 Sagem ITD66 Sagem ITD72 Technomate TM6900 TVonics MDR-200 Virgin Media V+

50 10pm

325 Jan 321

Want an HD box?

/ Technomate TM6900

As well as Freeview this box offers great HD performance and some Sky+ PVR functionality. Full review: Issue 331
Issue 332 / What Video & Hi-Def TV / 103

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BUYERS GUIDE / DVD PLAYERS
OPTICAL DIGITAL SACD PLAYBACK MPEG4 PLAYBACK DiVX PLAYBACK PAL PROG SCAN MP3 PLAYBACK NO. OF SCARTS JPEG VIEWER COMPONENT VIDEO RGB SCARTS GUIDE PRICE ELECTRICAL DIGITAL

DVD-AUDIO PLAYBACK

DOLBY DIG DECODER

HDMI/DVI OUTPUT

S-VIDEO

DVD PLAYERS

DVD decks to die for

/ Arcam DV137

It might be a tad pricey, but this universal deck offers exceptional pictures and sound along with advanced video upscaling. Full review: Issue 323
Alba DVD382STB Arcam DV137

50 1,200

0/0 1/0 1/1 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 0/0 1/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0

301 300

Cambridge Audio DVDCyberHome CH-DVD 635S 100 Denon DVD-1730 Denon DVD-1740 Denon DVD-1930 Denon DVD-2930 Denon DVD-3930 Denon DVD-A1XV Denon DVD-A1XVA Dual DVD860 Evesham DVD650 1,100 2,500 2,100

/ Denon DVD-1740

Excellent picture, sound and build quality from this 150 1080p upscaling wonder deck. Full review: Issue 326
Goodmans GDVD 100WLCD (portable) Goodmans GDVD164HDMI Helios HVD2085 LG DNX190UH Marantz DV4001 Marantz DV6001 Marantz DV6600 Marantz DV7001 Marantz DV7600 NAD T515 NeoDigits X5000 Oppo DV-981HD Panasonic DVD-S33EB Panasonic DVD-S49

/ Marantz DV7001

A fantastic universal deck, which plays pretty much any disc format you can think of and offers excellent upscaling. Full review: Issue 322
Mustek DTV407 (portable) 180
Panasonic DVD-LS85 (portable) 300

/ NeoDigits X5000

Networkable, hi-def compatible and regionfree player with 1080p upscaling and support for internet radio. Full review: Issue 315
Panasonic DVD-LX97 (portable) 300 Panasonic DVD S53 Philips PET710 (portable) Philips PET1000 (portable) Pioneer DV-380 Pioneer DV-400V Pioneer DV-585A Pioneer DV-989AVi 60

/ Pioneer DV-400V

100 seems like a ridiculous amount of money to pay for such a classy deck, particularly when it offers such good 1080p upscaling. Full review: Issue 323
Philips DVP5980 Samsung DVD-HD850 Samsung DVD-HD860 Samsung DVD-HD870 Sharp DV-SV97H Shinco SDP-1250 (portable) Sony DVP-NS36S Toshiba SD-270E Toshiba SD-38VB (combi) Toshiba SD-350E Toshiba SD-360 Toshiba SD-370E

Philips PET1030 (portable) 250

.and a portable classic

/ Philips PET1030
The bright screen, slick design and easy operation make this a great portable. Full review: Issue 330
Toshiba SD-37VB (combi) 90
Toshiba SD-P2700 (portable) 300 Toshiba SD-P2800 (portable) 300 Xoro HSD 7500 (portable, IDTV) Yamaha DVD-S657 Yamaha DVD-S375 250
104 / What Video & Hi-Def TV / Issue 332

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ETHERNET PORT

DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS/TRUEHD DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO

RECORDABLE BD COMPATABLE

HDMI VERSION

5.1 AUDIO OUT

COMPONENT OUT
OPTICAL/ ELECTRICAL DIGITAL OUT

720p UPSCALING

1080i UPSCALING

1080p UPSCALING

HIGH-DEFINITION DISC PLAYERS LG BH100 Panasonic DMP-BD10 Panasonic DMP-BD10A Pioneer BDP-LX70 Samsung BD-P1000 Sharp Sony BDP-S1E Sony PlayStation 3 Toshiba HD-E1 Toshiba HD-EP35 Toshiba HD-XE1

1,000 1,1,350 650

1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.3 n/a

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

320 316
Xbox 360 HD DVD drive 130

DVD recording formats

THERE ARE FIVE main types of recordable DVD. The common division is between the plus (+) and minus (-) versions, each of which have use-once (R) or rewriteable

DVD RECORDING FORMATS

(RW) versions. Most recorders use either plus or minus, while DVDRAM recorders also work with DVD-R. Recorders often use three of the ve types. The plus formats

N0. OF RECORD MODES

are DVD+R and DVD+RW and appear on budget models. DVD+R discs must be nalised before playing in other decks, while DVD+RW can be edited.

PAL PROG SCAN

i.LINK IN/OUT

MAX RECORD TIME

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

TUNER TYPE

GUIDE PLUS/ VIDEO PLUS

RGB IN/OUT

DVD RECORDERS Akai ADR5800Di Daewoo DRT-10 Dual DVRW1 Funai DR-B2737 Hitachi DV-RX7000 JVC DR-M10 LG DR175 LG DR198H Lite-On LVW-1105HC+ Lite-On LVW-5115GHC Loewe Centros 1102 Nissan DR-200BB Panasonic DMR-ES10 Panasonic DMR-ES15 Panasonic DMR-ES20D Panasonic DMR-EZ25 Philips DVDR5500H Philips DVDR615 Philips DVDR3305 Samsung DVD-R100E

130 200

-R/RW, +R/RW +R/RW DVD-RW, DVD-R. DVD+RW. DVD+R +R/RW -R/RW, +R/RW -RAM, -R/RW -RAM, -R/RW -R/RW, +R/RW
-RAM, -R/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW
8hrs 5.5hrs 6hrs 6hrs 10hrs 6hrs 6hrs 8hrs 6hrs 6hrs 6hrs 6hrs 5hrs 6hrs 8hrs 14.5hrs 16hrs 8hrs 14hrs 8hrs 6hrs 6hrs
An An Di An An Di An An An An An An An An An An An/Di Di An/Di An An An

0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

CyberHome CH-DVR1600 100
Multiple format DVD recorders

/ LG DR198H

Even offers dual-layer +R recording, but only carries an analogue tuner. Full review: Issue 312
Goodmans GDVDR305DVBT 150
-R/RW, +R/RW -R/RW, +R/RW -R/RW, +R/RW +R/RW -RAM, -R/RW, +R -RAM, +R/RW, -R/RW -RAM, -R/RW, +R -RAM, -R/RW, +R/RW +R/RW, -R/RW (DL) +R/RW +R/RW, -R/RW -R/RW R. DVD-R (DL)

/ Panasonic DMR EZ27EB

A no-nonsense deck boasting 1080p uscaling and straightforward, user-friendly operation. Full review: Issue 321

An/Di 0/0

Panasonic DMR-EZ27EB 250
-RAM, -R(DL)/RW, +R(DL)/RW 8hrs
Samsung DVD-SR150M 150 Sony RDR-GXD310 Sony RDR-GXD360 Tatung TDVR600S Toshiba D-R150 Toshiba D-R160 Toshiba D-R17DT Yamada DVR-200 140
DVD-RAM, DVD-RW. DVD- 16hrs +R/RW, -R/RW -R/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW +R/RW -R/RW, -RAM -R/RW DVD+RW +R/RW 6hrs 14hrs 15 hrs 8hrs 6hrs 10hrs
An/Di 0/0 Di Di An An An An/Di An 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0
DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R. 8hrs
Key: An=Analogue Di=Digital
Issue 332 / What Video & Hi-Def TV / 105

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Best HDD/ DVD decks with digital tuners

/ Panasonic DMR-EX77

This outstanding deck is superb value and ticks almost all the boxes. Full review: Issue 325
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT OPTICAL/ ELECTRICAL DIGITAL OUT

HARD-DISK CAPACITY

DVD RECORDER/ HARD DISK COMBIS Hitachi DV-DS161E Hitachi DV-DS253E JVC DR-MH300 LG RH199H LG RH200MH Lite-On LVW-5055GDL Panasonic DMR-EX77 Panasonic DMR-EX85 Panasonic DMR-EX87
-R/RW, RAM, +R/R (DL)/RW -R/RW, RAM, +R/R (DL)/RW -R/RW, RAM -R/RW, RAM, +R/RW -R/RW, RAM, +R/R (DL)/RW
-R/R (DL)/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW, RAM
160GB 233hrs 250GB 338hrs 160GB 300hrs 250GB 356hrs 250GB 356hrs 160GB 284hrs
An An An An An An Di Di An An
0/0 / 1/0 / 1/0 / 1/0 / 1/0 / 0/0 / 1/0 / 1/0 / 0/0 / 1/0

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

306 312
-R/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW, CD-R/RW 250GB 330hrs
-R/R (DL)/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW, RAM 250GB 443hrs -R/R (DL)/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW, RAM 250GB 443hrs

An/Di 1/0 /

/ Pioneer DVR-LX70D
Cheap it aint, but youll struggle to nd a better specied recorder. Full review: Issue 330
Philips DVD-3300H Philips DVDR3577H7 Philips DVDR7250H Philips DVDR7260H Pioneer DVR-540HX Pioneer DVR-545HX Pioneer DVR-930H Pioneer DVR-LX60D
+R/RW -R/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW +RW, +R, +R D Layer, -RW, -R

130hrs

-R,-RW,+R,+RW,+R(DL),-R(DL) 160GB 180hrs 160GB 250hrs 160GB 250hrs 455hrs 455hrs

An/Di 0/0 / An/Di 0/0 / An/Di 0/0 / An/Di 1/0 / An 1/0 / An/Di 1/0 / An/Di 1/0 / An 0/0 / An/Di 1/0 / An/Di 0/0 / Di An Di An Di 1/0 / 1/0 / 0/0 / 0/0 / 0/0 / An/Di 1/0 /
-R/R (DL)/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW, RAM 160GB -R/R (DL)/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW, RAM 160GB
-R/RW DVD-RAM, DVD-RW/R/+RW/+R,-R/+R (DL)
400GB 700hrs 250GB 711hrs

/ Sony RDR-HXD870

This ne offering won our DVD Recorder of 2007 award and provides amazing value for money. Full review: Issue 325
Pioneer DVR-LX70D Pioneer DVR-RT601H Sony RDR-HXD560 Sony RDR-HXD860 Sony RDR-HXD870 Thomson DTH8550U Toshiba RD-85DT Toshiba RD-97DT Toshiba RD-XS24 Yamada DTR-1000HX
-RAM,-RW,-R,-R(DL),+RW,+R 500GB 1422hrs -R/RW -R/RW, +R/R (DL)/RW -R, -RW, +R, +R DL,+RW -R, -RW, +R, +R DL,+RW +R/RW -R/RW, RAM -R, -RW, +R, +RW -R/RW, RAM +R/RW 80GB 80GB 227hrs 106hrs -RAM,-RW,-R,-R(DL),+RW,+R 250GB 427hrs 160GB 249hrs 160GB 340hrs 160GB 240hrs 160GB 284hrs 250GB 424hrs 160GB 284hrs 160GB 204hrs

Samsung DVD-SH855M 300

An/Di 1/0
DVD RECORDER/ VCR COMBI Dual DCRW5002

270 260

+R/RW, VHS (DL)/RW , VHS

An Di Di An

0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0

/ / / /

/ / / / OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT

331 304

RECORDING FORMATS
FREEVIEW PVRS Astratec PVRTU1 This combi deck from Toshiba is ideal for those who are reluctant to leave their VHS tapes behind, but who also want a DVD player. The deck plays various recordable formats, supports DiVX playback and also offers progressive scan. Theres no upscaling or digital tuner, but at just 90, its still an absolute bargain. Full review: Issue 325 Daewoo 9503T Digifusion FVRT90 Digihome PVR160 Evesham iPLAYER Evesham DTR250 Evesham PVR160 Goodmans GHD8015F2 Humax PVR-9200T Sharp TU-R160HA Sony SVR-S500 Top-Up TV Anytime TVonics DVR-150 TVonics DVR-FP250

190 190

HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD HDD

80GB 80GB 80GB

40hrs 40hrs 70hrs
*/ */ */ / / */ / / / / / / / */ /
160GB 80hrs 160GB 77hrs 250GB 160hrs 160GB 80hrs 80GB 80GB 35hrs 35hrs

328 328

The pick of the bunch

/ Denon DHT-FS3

This super-slim sound bar ts neatly underneath your TV and has a separate subwoofer. Full review: Issue 328

3,000 Fidelity-t

TX010 Soundstage 5.1 Sound projector Portable Media Player Gumbody Light Digital Universal remote 6 Xbox 360 Xbox 360 Elite HDTV Calibration Wizard Prestigo ShowCentre 200 High-denition games console High-denition games console Screen calibration disc
/ Meliconi Gumbody Light Digital 6
Operates up to six pieces of kit and thanks to its rubber casing itll bounce rather than break if dropped. Full review: Issue 325
Ambisound HTS8100 Sound projector Universal remote
Multimedia network client Ethernet, Wi-Fi, internet readio, video, audio and still image support
/ Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite
This hi-def games console includes an HDMI port and offers 720p, 1080i and 1080p playback. Full review: Issue 326
HD Mediabox MB100 HD network media player mPack Sansa e270 Gnome SZ1350 SWITCH2 HD4110 UBiQUiO 401 Ulyssess Lobster 700TV YSP900 Mini Portable Media Player Portable Media Player Sky sound sender
Networked HD-compatible HD-compatible (can be fed 720p & 1080i), upscaling, 100Mbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi, web DVD player browser, proprietary software included HDMI switcher TV-capable smartphone Portable Media Player TV-capable smartphone Sound projector Sound projector Four HDMI inputs, 1080p compatible, auto mode 2.4in TFT screen, PAL/NTSC analogue TV tuner, Windows Mobile 5.0 applications 1.8in, 2GB memory, supports MPEG4, WMA, MP3, JPEG 0 on contract, 2.2in TFT screen, DAB-IP TV/radio tuner, Windows Mobile 5.0 OS Virtual surround sound speaker, supports Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro-Logic II, DTS Neo:6 Designed for smaller TVs, 20W of power

Lead-ing the way

/ (Or the importance of being well connected)
Its all very well spending as much as you can on the best equipment, but the investment will be undone if you insist on using the leads supplied with the products. Often, the quality of these will be not be up to scratch, so its well worth allowing a little extra for some decent quality cables too. See the Connections Jargon Buster on page 104 for more.

/ Alphason Aspect ASP900

Caters for TVs up to 42in and comes in a range of veneer nishes. Full review: Issue 331

/ JML Disc Clinic

Costing just a tenner, this gadget removes dirt and scratches from DVDs. Full review: Issue 331
Issue 332 / What Video & Hi-Def TV / 107

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