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While LCD was once the reserve of smaller screen sizes, improved technology has seen screens grow in size and stature. And with falling prices and the arrival of high-definition TV this year, there's never been a better time to take a look at the bigger picture.
Although LCD screens are arriving in ever-increasing dimensions, 32in is generally the largest size that LCD excels in before you move into plasma territory. Prices are not far removed from the more popular 26in models and for around a grand you can super-size your screen and still afford high-end features such as integrated Freeview, advanced picture processing and HD compatibility.
We've collected four of the finest large screen LCDs to see if size really matters.
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JVC LT-32DX7
With prices of LCDs falling at ever-decreasing rates JVC has raised the specification and reduced the cost of its earlier screens in an attempt to stay competitive.
Build quality suffers as a result with a lightweight design that's attractive but overwhelmed by a plastic construction. Thankfully, there are no such sacrifices with the specification which features full high-definition compatibility, integrated Freeview, advanced picture processing systems and complete connectivity including dual HDMI inputs. This means you can connect two HD sources such as an HDTV receiver and upscaling DVD player without having to frustratingly switch between a single input. And it's the only model here that offers the choice.
There's a similar wealth of advanced settings, especially for sound with extra curricular features such as bass and dialogue enhancers as well as a surprisingly effective pseudo-surround mode. On screen menus, especially the EPG, appear ordinary and outdated but there's plenty to play with compared with other screens.
Picture performance is slighted by a bright panel, which dilutes black levels and consequently dulls contrast and solid definition. However, the benefit of a bright picture is that more detail is exposed and colours appear more natural. Digital broadcasts are reasonably smooth and stable but the best image quality is reserved for high definition sources. And the screen's sonic ability is better than most flat screens can muster.
JVC's 32DX7 carries a fistful of features for an affordable price. The construction is compromised and bleached black levels separate performance from the class leaders but it's well worth an audition.
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Plus points
Dual HDMI connectivity; advanced features; detailed, natural pictures and great sound
Minus points
Plastic build quality; basic menus; bleached black levels
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LG 32LX2R
In a line-up of the latest LCD screens you wouldn't pick out LG's 32LXR2 as a budget model. The sleek design featuring a heavily glossed black frame, invisibly integrated speakers and attractive neon lighting isn't embarrassed in the company of more expensive screens.
However, cutting costs often calls for compromises and both build quality and features have been sacrificed for the affordable cause. Most conspicuous is the absence of an integrated Freeview tuner, especially since the digital TV switchover has now started. Also, connectivity lacks strength in numbers with only single input options for HDMI, component and RGB Scart sources.
Nonetheless, the screen is high-definition compatible with both commonly used 720p and 1080i formats used by Sky's HDTV services or upscaling DVD players. And images are supported by LG's XD Engine picture processing together with an impressive range of advanced picture and sound adjustments - including colour tone correction, an ambient light sensor and surround sound effects.
Compared to typical analogue tuners, TV broadcasts are surprisingly stable and sharply defined. There's still a smattering of background noise and movement occasionally staggers across the screen but they are small distractions from an otherwise absorbing image. And using the HDMI digital input to display high-definition allows images to scale new heights with natural, evenly gradated colours and densely defined detail - although bleached blacks deny the screen class-leading contrast.
LG's 32LXR2 is attractively designed and affordable but the specification is slighted by the omission of a digital tuner and performance is acceptable rather than exceptional.
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Plus points
Stylish design; advanced adjustments; impressive HDMI images
Minus points
Poor build quality; no digital TV tuner; bleached contrast
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Panasonic TX-32LXD60
Panasonic has been setting flat screen standards for years and the latest 32LXD60 has raised the bar again. It is more expensive than its test rivals but design, features and performance carry fewer compromises.
The future-proof specification offers high-definition compatibility, an integrated digital tuner and advanced connectivity. It's the only screen here that has dual HDMI inputs - meaning you can connect two high-definition sources like an HDTV receiver and DVD player without having to frustratingly switch cables between a single input. There's also a pair of RGB-enabled Scarts and component inputs - but sadly no PC input options. And a range of all-new picture processing technologies has been installed to improve already outstanding performance.
The design has been given a subtle facelift with a cleaner frame supported by a grille-less speaker system that gives the finish a more contemporary feel. And, although the blocky menu system is less attractive with only a few settings to play with, the fuss-free approach makes operation easy.
Typical LCD constraints such as poor contrast, unsteady movement and restricted viewing angles have all been successfully improved. Darker-than-night black levels expose intricate detail and depth-defining contrast without stifling dark scenes, and colours are evenly balanced between a myriad of natural and vibrant tones. TV broadcasts and analogue connected sources still suffer from occasional instability but high-definition images are pristine with amazing perspective and smooth, smear-free movement.
Panasonic's 32LXD60 can claim a superior specification and unrivalled performance that more than justifies the price tag.
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Plus points
HD Ready; integrated Freeview; dual HDMI connectivity; advanced picture processing; peerless performance
Minus points
Comparatively expensive; basic menu system
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Samsung 32R74
Samsung is fast earning a reputation as one of the market's leading budget screen manufacturers. And few models priced below £1,000 can offer the same future-proof specification and uncompromised picture quality as the latest 32R74.
The striking, seamless design and ultra-slim dimensions give the screen an eye-catching elegance not usually afforded at this price. And with high-definition compatibility, an integrated digital tuner and Samsung's advanced DNIe picture processing the feature count outnumbers its low-cost competitors.
Connectivity covers all bases - starring an all-important HDMI digital input (used by Sky's HDTV receivers) that's supported by a full cast of alternative analogue video inputs. There's also a standard VGA terminal with accompanying audio input for PC or media centre applications. And the average audio can be improved using an optical output connected to a separate home cinema amplifier. On-screen menus are elaborately presented but operation is graciously uncomplicated with several short-cut keys on the remote to save you time.
You'll need to take time to tone down the initially exaggerated default settings but patience is rewarded by outstanding performance for the price. Digital broadcasts easily outperform their analogue understudies with excellent stability, natural colours and a particularly wide viewing angle. Using a high-definition video source eliminates any lingering artifacts while emphasising detail and depth to produce immaculately clean, solidly defined images. In short, visually it's hard to fault, and it's only the one-dimensional sound performance that deserves any criticism.
Samsung's 32R74 is an undeniable bargain that's better looking with more features and superior performance than most screens at this price.
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Plus points
Striking design; integrated digital tuner; HD Ready; excellent performance for the price
Minus points
Poor sound performance | |
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Sharp LC-32P70
While high-definition is taking all the headlines, not everyone is interested in signing up to HDTV or upgrading their DVD player. As an alternative, Sharp's 32P70 is an affordable screen that concentrates on enhancing standard-definition performance from more traditional sources.
The 960x540 resolution may appear comparatively low but it's been chosen to perfectly fit PAL video signals used by terrestrial TV and typical DVD players. And, while the screen is not strictly HD compatible it will accept high-definition signals - although they'll be downscaled, which really defeats the object. Still, if you simply want to watch TV and standard DVDs, the screen excels with standard-definition performance.
The clean-cut design is soberly styled but excellently constructed for the price and the accompanying remote is reassuringly weighty. Connections are limited in favour of standard-definition uses with two Scart terminals - both RGB-enabled for uncompromised performance. Component inputs have been strangely ignored, although you can still play progressive scan video using a supplied adapter cable connected to the screen's VGA input. And there is a HDMI input - but it's best left untouched.
The subsequent downscaling of HDMI induced images leaves the picture looking soft and unfocussed against a fizzing background. Conversely, if you turn to Scart-connected sources or the integrated analogue and digital tuners, the picture improves dramatically. Both TV broadcasts and traditional DVD images are the finest LCD has to offer with boldly defined detail, deep contrast and engaging colours.
Sharp's 32P70 isn't for anyone interested in high-definition but if traditional TV and DVDs is all you watch it's an ideal alternative.
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Plus points
Build quality; integrated Freeview; easy to use; superb standard TV and DVD pictures
Minus points
Not HD Ready; limited connectivity; poor HDMI images
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Panasonic's 32LXD60 deserves to be crowned class leader and proves that it often pays to spend a little more. While rival screens have all been compromised by cost cutting, the 32LXD60's specification is unscathed. From build quality to features including HD compatibility, integrated digital tuner, advanced connectivity and high-end processing, it can't be beaten. And picture performance is a cut above its closest rivals too.
Samsung's 32R74 boasts a similar all-embracing specification, striking design and impressive performance that makes it the best value for money. JVC's 32DX7 ticks all the high-definition boxes, including dual HDMI connectivity, but performance can be beaten for the price. And, while LG's 32LXR2 is equally affordable and competent, the absence of a digital tuner is a drawback.
Similarly, it's not performance but ultimately features that deny Sharp's 32PX60 a higher rating. And paying a similar price for a screen that's not HD Ready will some distance buyers, even if standard-definition performance is up there with the best.
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