Viewsonic's new Low Cost LCD TVs?

[TheBluePill]

According to digitimes, Viewsonic is putting out a new linup of Low cost LCD TVs, with MSRP on a 42" at just $1500! I have always used Viewsonic monitors and find them to be excellent, but have never sampled their TVs. The specs look good, but I am wondering what your opinions of the new sets are?

ViewSonic rolls out low-priced 37- and 42-inch LCD TVs

Press release, September 25; Carrie Yu, DigiTimes.com [Monday 25 September 2006]


ViewSonic recently announced a 37- and 42-inch LCD TV priced at US$999 and US$1,499, respectively.

The N3751w and N4251w TVs deliver high-definition (HD) 1,366×768 resolution, 8ms response times and 1000:1 contrast ratio, according to the company.

The TVs provide multiple digital video inputs that are compatible with high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP) and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) video format. This compatibility protects consumer investments by ensuring their TVs can display copyrighted material and digital TV (DTV) content at its highest image quality. Consumers can connect HD set-top boxes (STBs), DVD players and game consoles simultaneously through multiple HDMI inputs, which are also DVI compatible through the use of an adapter or cable. In addition, the N3751w and N4251w are equipped with integrated digital tuners, allowing consumers to view over-the-air HD broadcasts without purchasing or renting an external tuner.

In addition to supporting HDCP and HDMI, the displays connect to traditional TV peripherals using S-video, component video (YPbPr) and composite video inputs. Both displays feature VGA connections, allowing users to view traditional computer applications as well as HDTV video content from computers, along with a 2x10W Dolby audio with SPDIF output connection to boost sound potential through external surround-sound audio systems.

The N3751w and N4251w are available now through authorized ViewSonic retailers and resellers.

Editor's note: According to WitsView Technology, the ASPs (average selling prices) of 37- and 42-inch LCD TVs were US$1,631 and US$2,166, respectively, in August.

 

[sethk]

I have a Viewsonic 27" LCD TV - for over a year now. It is nice looking, good PQ, OK to good contrast (1000:1).

There were some issues with the tuner in the earlier models which have been fixed. The OSD / menus are not so great. The TV is VERY bright - I'm considering getting an anti-glare screen for it to cut the brightness by 40% which would also bring down black levels. There is no way to reduce the backlight levels on my model, so cutting brightness doesnt do much and only reduces contrast - other TVs like Sony do let you control the backlight when you reduce brightness. I dont know if this is resoved on newer Viewsonic TVs. Cheap remote.

Other than the brightness thing its been a good bedroom TV, although I prefer my living room Sony LCD. Another thing to keep in mind is its now possible to get 1080p 37-42" LCDs so check the specs carefully. Also a lot of Contrast specs are now "dynamic" which has its pluses and minuses.