The best HDTV Monitor for the $$$
Written: Mar 27 '03
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Pros: Picture, features, style, included progressive scan DVD, TV weight, price.
Cons: Only one...the highly reflective, protective screen (not a showstopper).
The Bottom Line: Best rear projection HDTV Monitor for the size, money, and features! Buy a powered sub for a more complete sound (audio receiver not required)!!!
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| dippedinbronze's Full Review: RCA D52W135D 52 in. TV |
When I originally started looking into the big screen HDTVs, I thought I would purchase a Hitachi, Sony, or Mitsubishi. No offense to RCA, but their reliability rating has not been reliable over the years.
But, all that changed once I actually started doing my homework. I won't bore you with the high tech specifics. I'll leave that for the so-called TV "experts" and the RCA folks (check their website for detailed specifications on this model). Suffice it to say that you don't have to worry about not being able to use this TV for the future high definition technology. You have every hookup option you could possibly want thanks to some good planning by RCA's engineers.
The "hook" for this TV is the bright picture. Keeping in mind that this was an RCA product, I was skeptical at first. But, after speaking with the salesman, I found out that the picture components are the same as are used in Hitachi's big screens. Hitachi is well known for their reliability and bright picture. So, this definitely was a plus for this RCA TV. The "Cinerama" feature allows you to view standard TV (4:3) signals in widescreen without the usual stretched-out screen. There are also various 16:9, zoom, and 4:3 viewing formats.
On the outside, you will not find a better styled TV. The Scenium styling is second to none. No "box" shape TV here. This TV was built for a better fit in the corner of your room (a nice option to have). Another plus is how lightweight this TV is. As big screens go, this TV is a featherweight! At 153 lbs., it is probably 50-70 lbs. lighter than your typical big screen. And, this was done without compromising the TV's strong construction. A definitely plus
The included DVD player is good and is perfect for anyone who wants to move up to a more home theater experience without all of the extra equipment. The DVD player is progressive scan (providing excellent, seamless picture quality) and will also play most types of CD audio as well (including CD-R). Again, I won't bore you with more specifics than that.
The one complaint I have is the highly reflective screen protector. It cannot be removed or replaced. It is not unbearable. It is about the same as a typical, direct-view, tube TV. So, unless you are used to a non-reflective screen, you will easily adjust. But, you may wish to consider this when you consider your TV location to reduce the glare from windows, etc.
The two recommendations I have are 1. buy the extended warranty for as long as possible (just to be safe) and 2. buy a powered subwoofer along with this TV. For the extra $200-$300, you will be very satisfied with the sound of your system. As the sound goes, the highs and midranges are decent on this TV. But, the (bass) lows are non-existent. This is typical for all TVs. I think the manufacturers skimp on the sound, because most people already have or a intending to have the other home theater components. But, if you want a full sound experience for movie viewing and have no desire for all that extra stuff, buy the powered sub. I have the home theater stuff, but a subwoofer can be hooked up directly to this TV without an audio receiver! You will not regret the extra $$$ spent on the subwoofer once you get it set up and listen to the sound with and without the powered sub.
For more specific information, www.rcascenium.com. I could not be happier with my purchase. Without the subwoofer, sound is only 3 to 4 stars. Otherwise, 5 (out of 5) stars!!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $1800
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Epinions.com ID:
dippedinbronze
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Reviews written: 1
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