JVC AV-30W475 I'Art Series 30" Widescreen TV
Widescreen but not HD ?
I was very skeptical at first. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why JVC decided to produce a 16:9 TV without it at least being \\"Progressive\\" capable. For the record, this TV isn'e capable of displaying HDTV images, well that is and isn't entirely true.<br /><br />Hooking up my Motorola HDTV box from Comcast (which was connected to an HDTV at the time - configured to 16:9 set / Component out = 1080i / 480i Override - Stretch), I noticed one little thing - I had NO picture. I had to go into the sub-menu (accessible only using front controls with the unit off) and set the Component Out to 480i ...... there it is. Picture<br /><br />What was surprising to see is INHD (a Comcast HD channel) displayed in 16:9 and at a very good resolution. But it was only 480i. However, the picture was crystal clear and everything was vibrant and the Aspect Ratio (of 16:9) was correct. Switching to a local HD broadcast (of a program actually in HD) revealed the same widescreen noise-free picture. And it does inded look real good. It's an HD picture displaying in SD (Standard Defintion), but I guarantee you that the folks that will likely see it, will have a hard time noticing the difference. Even SD channels like Sci-Fi / Comedy look good, and probably better than what you get on HD sets, because the signal is still analog - on an analog set.<br /><br />I was very pleased to see the HD channels displayed in (very close) to 16:9. You have to put the Aspect into 'Cinema', which is what I usually leave it in anyway.<br /><br />The drawback obviously is that this set will not produce 'true' 1080i or even 480p images. But then again, if the picture looks great, there's no noise or artifacting and the image is 16:9 - who cares if it's \\"really\\" HD.<br /><br />You certainly won't get a 30\\" Widescreen TV with options like D6500k Color Temp., Velocity Scan Modulation (on/off), a Timer that can automatically turn the TV on and off at programmable times (handy for when you go out of town), BBE (High Definition Audio)  and Advanced Hyper Surround, and it even has a tilt correction (which oddly tilts the picture on its axis - not sure why its even an issue, but if you picture ever starts to lean to the side, you can fix it) - not for less than $350<br /><br />Pros<br /><br />-----------<br /><br />-16:9 Widescreen goodness @ under $350<br /><br />-the ability to display images exclusive to 1080i broadcast (in SD 480i)<br /><br />-I like the remote - alot. there is a button for Theater and another for Video Status that adjusts Video attributes for certain viewing conditions. Fortunatley, they all are different and definitely make it weasier to find the \\"mode\\" you'd like for the program. Options are Theater Pro, Game, Dynamic, Standard, etc.<br /><br />-even though it's not to pretty, the front reveals nothing but a power button. no Volume or Channel buttons for kids to crank up alot of White Noise and Static<br /><br />-hmm,..... JVC Extended Warranty for 3 years is only $99<br /><br />Cons<br /><br />----------<br /><br />Heavy<br /><br />not HD ready or capable (but like I said, it's still a great picture-only you will know it's not 1080i)<br /><br />Only one Component input (i would've like to have had 2)<br /><br />hm,...... I can't really think of anything else at the moment<br /><br />It is what it is.<br /><br />It's an Analog Widescreen TV, and it's the only 30\\" Widescreen you'll find for the money. If you just need a TV for Gaming / DVD viewing this will do it beautifully. You will not be disappointed in the money you'll save.<br /><br />However, if you NEED it to be capable of 1080i, do yourself a favor and pay DOUBLE for this set to get one that will.<br /><br />Highly recommended for people that want there HDTV, DVD and VideoGames in 16:9 format, but don't really care if it's in Progressive Scan.igh Definition Audio)  and Advanced Hyper Surround, and it even has a tilt correction (which oddly tilts the picture on its axis - not sure why its even an issue, but if you picture ever starts to lean to the side, you can fix it) - not for less than $350 <br /> <br />Pros <br />----------- <br />-16:9 Widescreen goodness @ under $350 <br />-the ability to display images exclusive to 1080i broadcast (in SD 480i) <br />-I like the remote - alot. there is a button for Theater and another for Video Status that adjusts Video attributes for certain viewing conditions. Fortunatley, they all are different and definitely make it weasier to find the \\"mode\\" you'd like for the program. Options are Theater Pro, Game, Dynamic, Standard, etc. <br />-even though it's not to pretty, the front reveals nothing but a power button. no Volume or Channel buttons for kids to crank up alot of White Noise and Static <br />-hmm,..... JVC Extended Warranty for 3 years is only $99 <br /> <br />Cons <br />---------- <br />Heavy <br />not HD ready or capable (but like I said, it's still a great picture-only you will know it's not 1080i) <br />Only one Component input (i would've like to have had 2) <br />hm,...... I can't really think of anything else at the moment <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />It is what it is. <br />It's an Analog Widescreen TV, and it's the only 30\\" Widescreen you'll find for the money. If you just need a TV for Gaming / DVD viewing this will do it beautifully. You will not be disappointed in the money you'll save. <br />However, if you NEED it to be capable of 1080i, do yourself a favor and pay DOUBLE for this set to get one that will. <br /> <br />Highly recommended for people that want there HDTV, DVD and VideoGames in 16:9 format, but don't really care if it's in Progressive Scan.