295wv07 Thomson 32LB220B4U

4/5/05

12:22 PM

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On test
32in LCD TV G Approx price: 1,300

Thomson 32LB220B4U

Thomsons new LCD boasts HiPix picture processing and HD Ready connections behind its sleek exterior. Jamie Carter takes the rough with the smooth
aving arrived fashionably late at the LCD party, Thomson has been standing aloof and looking rather cool for some time.Its previous models in the now-established Scenium range have impressed stylistically without causing too much of a scene on screen,so this modestly sized,black-clad and HD-Ready LCD is out to make a few friends.

looks & features

Unlike some of its smaller forbears, the 32in 32LB220B4U is big enough to woo us home cinema fans, but its that sleek black jacket that gets us interested. Simple, but classy, the
(as well as for PC audio) and three Scarts (two RGB),as well as S-video inputs,component video inputs and a hat-trick of stereo audio ins and outs.Theres also a socket to output sound to a subwoofer,although the on-board sound system does feature an integrated sub alongside its side-mounted 12W speakers. Aside from Virtual Dolby Surround sound and Thomsons own Digital Pure Sound (DPS) Plus, the headline-grabber is buried inside the LCDs glazed husk. Thomsons HiPix picture processing technology has been given a makeover and is present here in its
Unexpectedly, the bass laden audio is perhaps the sets strongest point
overtly large, shiny silver Thomson logo under the screen spoils the smooth lines somewhat, but the overall effect is still one to behold. Its also hard to fault the rear of the Thomson, which proves to be well connected.The highlight is a DVI input, which thankfully is HDCP-compliant, meaning that hi-def programming transmitted with copyright protection tags exactly what BSkyB is proposing to do at the end of this year can be displayed. Meanwhile, the screen resolution of 1,366 x 768 means that 720p hi-def broadcasts will show in their entirety, while higher-definition 1080i pictures are scaled-down. Among its roster of more down-toearth connections is an input for a PC new HiPix HDTV version. It promises to give better definition to edges, boost black-level response, give more vitality to colour and increase the level of detail on show. Sideline features include picturein-picture from the on-board analogue tuner, NexTView Link for simple recordings and a universal remote control that can be configured to operate other home cinema components.
the style of its mother ship by containing twee buttons on an unfashionably grey plastic base. Thats not to say its not laid out functionally, because within minutes its all rather familiar and easy to thumb around on, at least for those of us with unsubstantial opposables. Weve few complaints about the bold pastel-coloured onscreen menus it operates, which are simple to use and clear, although there is occasionally a lag between the issuing of orders and the message being received. Initial installation, while idiot-proof, failed to find ITV on its analogue tuner on the first trawl, but theres enough nip n tuck options to not only correct that, but also to fine-tune all manner of picture aspects.
Full HD compatibility, top-notch pictures and sexy styling make this a force to be reckoned with

Details

FEATURES
Screen size & shape: 32in, 16:9 Tuner: analogue Sound system: Nicam Resolution: 1,366 x 768 (pixels) HD Ready: yes Quoted contrast ratio: 800:1 Quoted brightness: 550 cd/m2 Speakers: yes Screen dimensions: 948(w) x 616(h) x 258(d) Weight: 25kg Other features: Built-in subwoofer; HiPix HDTV technology; 1,280 x 768 WXGA; progressive-scan pictures; Virtual Dolby Surround sound; Digital Pure Sound (DPS) Plus; 36W speakers (2 x 12W+16W); Double tuners picture-in-picture/picture-and-text; Universal 6-in-1 (TV-DVD-VCR-SATHiFi-AUX) multi-brand products remote control with back light and DMI (Device Mode Indicator); NexTView Link

performance

At this price and spec, a decent jack of all trades performance is to be expected, so the 32LB220B4Us special skills are a bonus.That said, analogue pictures do look weedy, with drained colours revealing that HiPix is tailored to HD material at the expense of mere analogue broadcasting. A spin of The Simpsons on DVD via component video inputs reveals a real skill with primary colours, although more than a touch of grain is apparent but this could be to do with the age of the footage. Swapping to the brilliantly designed CGI action (and laughable acting) of The Chronicles of Riddick is another story, because even with HiPix turned off, theres plenty of detail in close-ups, while colours look saturated and skin tones

ease of use

A no-fuss set-up for a new TV is still somewhat of a Holy Grail in our testing rooms and initial impressions of the 32LB220B4U are that its no carpenters cup.The remote, while sturdy enough in the hand, belies

SOCKETS

DVI input (HDCP); PC input; 3 Scarts (2 RGB); 2 S-video inputs; S-video output; subwoofer out; headphone jack; component video input; RF jack; 2 PC audio ins; stereo audio input; stereo audio output; PC sound input and PC connector; phono audio in & subwoofer out, plus YPrPb CrCb

Key connections

A digital video-only input supporting copyrightprotected HDTV

Component video

Analogue video-only input also takes hi-def

RGB Scart inputs

Two of these means you can view best quality images from DVD deck and digibox

CONTACT

www.thomson-europe.co.uk

TEST DATA

For a full explanation of test data, please see page 118
Test Colour Geometry Frequency response
Reading Excellent Excellent Excellent

Rating

072 I What Video and Widescreen TV I Issue 295

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Also Consider >>
TOSHIBA 32WL48 With an HDMI input and better allround performance, this HD-ready LCD from Toshiba is only 1,500 Reviewed: Issue 290
SAMSUNG LW32A33W This HDMI-equipped LCD is a great sounding looker much like this Thomson Reviewed: Issue 292

Remote

Possibly because its multi-functioned, too much is crammed onto one plasticky remote
Looks ##### Layout ##### Labelling ##### realistic.What there is in terms of grain, flicker over motion and occasional smearing almost disappears with HiPix on.The image is not overly bright, but the

Fact file

I HDCP-compliant DVI input I 1,366 x 768 pixels I Hi-Pix HDTV picture processing I Built-in subwoofer
level of detail is magnified and edges are strong without always being completely reliable. Black response, too, is good, while the colour palette is large enough to cope well with the colourful, but subtle, gradations of the detailed CGI backdrops. Fuzzy edges and a tendency for greys to occupy blue areas of colour do occasionally annoy, however. Hi-def material irons out most of these foibles, with bold and coherent onscreen logos indicating well-defined edges.A total lack of any smearing over motion is a great plus, as is an awesome amount of detail, although a touch of grain does remain in parts of the image. A number of picture presets exist, including those for standard, film, studio, sport, games and video camera footage.The fully-adjustable

personal settings mode takes in tweaks such as auto noise reduction and contrast expand, although the auto skin tone and tint options listed in the manual are missing from the actual onscreen menus. Unexpectedly,the bass laden audio is perhaps the sets strongest point.A tweakers heaven,there are no fewer than eight presets and a graphic equaliser.Were also pleased to report that although the Virtual Dolby option is a big let-down,the magicmode is just that.Equipped with a built-in subwoofer,both movie soundtracks and music are opened up and given a soundstage deeper and wider than we could have hoped for from so modest a pair of speakers.
The trial of the first head-mounted Scart cables was going well

Ratings

WHATS GOOD
Looks; DVI connection; sound; price

WHATS BAD

Occasional grain; analogue pictures; remote control

conclusion

What we like about this LCD is the choice it offers time playing with the myriad of picture and audio presets is well spent as theres likely to be a configuration that pleases.Even the persistent problems with grain are almost overcome by selecting film mode.There are faults,but if you want a stable and skilled performer to play DVDs or are awaiting the HDTV age with some trepidation and dont mind opening the bonnet,Thomsons HiPix picture engine is certainly worth a test drive I
Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value
##### ##### ##### ##### #####

OVERALL VERDICT

A skilled performer at a nice price that excels with hi-def footage and terrific sonic performance
Issue 295 I What Video and Widescreen TV I 073

32 LB 220 B4

32" LCD TV Hi-Pix HDTV

FEATURES

Thomson technology. LCD display with integrated TV tuner. Hi-Pix HDTV Resolution 1366 x 768 WXGA Brightness 550 cd/m Contrast ratio 800 : 1 HD and Digital compliant connectivity

BENEFITS

The ultimate technology for absolute pleasure Hi-Pix Technology The best in class. To enjoy your TV even in bad light conditions PC connector + DVI + 3 scarts, Cinches audio in & subwoofer out, YPrPb CrCb, 2 pairs of external clips Enjoy cinema sound without additional speakers
Virtual Dolby, 2 x 12W + 16W, NICAM, DPS+, (micro full range + microsubwoofer) 6 in 1 remote control
6 buttons with backlight, PIP, device mode indicator
PIP (double tuner) / PAP / PAT / PIC Top text 1500 pages

Technical data:

BRAND Brand PICTURE Screen size : diagonale (cm / inch) Visible screen size : diagonale (cm / in Category Panel Type Technology Resolution Horizontal Viewing Angle Vertical Viewing Angle Frequency Fall Time Raise Time Picture Noise Reduction Brightness Picture Contrast Contrast optimisation Format control Zoom transition 16/9 autoformat (black bars canceller) Picture enhancement Zoom type Zoom type (2) Zoom type (3) Multipicture Picture presets Picture presets (2) Picture presets (3) SOUND Sound type Music Power (Watt) Loudspeakers built in (T/M/B) Loudspeakers surround (T/M/B) Dolby system Wireless surround channel Special sound effects Loud speaker technology Sound presets Sound presets (2) Sound presets (3) Tone control Vol control headphones RECEPTION Reception Norm Video standard (PAL / SECAM) Video standard (NTSC) Video standard Program number Tuner synthesis USER CONVENIENCE Sleep / wake-up timer Kid Pass Program auto switch off On screen menu Menu languages Menu languages (2) Number of buttons on TV Installation Remote Control Remote Control Wireless keyboard for interactive servic Hotel mode 12 - 24 V SERVICES TV Guide Easy video recording Teletext type Pages for teletext TAK REAR CONNECTORS Antenna Scart 1 Scart 2 Scart CVBS / RGB / S-VIDEO CVBS / RGB / S-VIDEO CVBS / - / S-VIDEO EPG 2.5 Top text 1500 Yes / Yes Yes Navilight F,D,I,GB,E,S,NL,P,DK,N,PL,H RU,CZ,GR 6 AI + (auto-naming, auto sorting) Multi-product & Multi-brand RCT615TCLM1 Pan European (LL'/BG/I/DKK') Yes / Yes NTSC 3.58 / 4.43 (AV) Pal 60Hz (AV) Value PLL Stereo Nicam 2 x 12 + 16 W -/2/1 Virtual Dolby Surround Magic / Spatial / pseudo Bass Reflex System My sound / music Film / Voice / Flat / Standard Graphic Equalizer 80 / / 32 15/9 LCD TFT -MVA WXGA Progressive 8ms 8ms Yes 550Cd 800:1 Yes Yes Yes 4/3+ 16/9 letterbox PIP (double tuner)/PAP/PAT/PiC my picture THOMSON
CINCH audio in / out CINCH subwoofer out CINCH video in / out S-video in / out External Loudspeaker Telephone socket for TAK PC mode Hotel connectors Other connectors FRONT CONNECTORS CINCH in S-video in Headphone connector (mm) DVD VIDEO Output signal Digital to analog converter (bit) Progressive video processor Screen format selection Black level control DVD AUDIO PART Digital to analog converter (bit) Signal to Noise (ratio) (dB) Dolby Digital 5.1 DTS MPEG 2 audio MP3 decoder built in Dynamic range compression Voice Plus OSD speaker configuration Dolby Prologic PLAYABLE DISK TYPE Video audio Regional code Disk sizes (cm) PLAYBACK FEATURES Still picture Frame advance X 2 audio during scan Repeat function DVD Repeat function CD Repeat MP3 Program play Random play Dealers mode Parental lock Bit rate level meter Zoom Variable search speed Resume memory DVD CONNECTORS 6 discrete 5.1 Ch out Digital audio out DESIGN Color Clip'on frame color GENERAL DATA EAN code Power supply Size (W x H x D) in mm Packaging size (WxHxD) in mm Weight : Net / Gross in kg Instruction booklet languages Instruction booklet languages Power consumption working / standby / ec OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES Stand External loudspeakers TelescopicAntenna
2/1/1/2 pairs of clips VGA in/Audio L/R in DVI in/Audio L/R in; YPbPr CbCr 6.35 black x 616 x x 685 x / 25 F,GB,D,I,E,NL,S Included -