Humax is renowned for producing the first Freeview tuner with an integrated personal video recorder (PVR). And now the company has raised its case for convergence with the introduction of the LGB-32TPVR - a LCD TV integrated with dual digital tuners and a 40GB hard drive recorder.
The incredible specification could be a blueprint of things to come by offering a range of future-proof features accompanied by the convenience of a single, space saving system. And the widescreen panel's high resolution (1366x768) with corresponding connectivity means it's also high-definition compatible with Sky's imminent HDTV broadcasts and upscaled DVD images.
The integrated hard drive could be larger but you'll never need to spend money on recording software - and there's also the option of transferring archived copies to another external hard drive. The inclusion of two digital tuners means you can watch one programme while you record another. And the hard drive's 30 minute buffer supports time-shift functions such as pausing and rewinding live TV.
Making recordings is made easy using an attractive seven-day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), which simply involves highlighting the desired programme and leaving the rest to technology. There's a choice of three recording modes with each offering a trade-off between picture quality and overall recording time - the highest quality (HQ) mode allows 11hrs, (SP) allows 21hrs and the lowest quality (LP) mode will give you up to 31hrs. And you can archive and easily access recordings using a thumbnailed menu.
Slightly more confusing is the offering of two remotes - a small unit for everyday use and a larger alternative for advanced operations like recording. The larger remote is oversized and uncomfortable to use, especially since recording controls are concealed beneath a sliding panel. Nonetheless, operation is eased by a tidy menu system that features a few advanced settings including a decent Picture-in-Picture mode that lets you watch two channels simultaneously with a split screen. And sound options include SRS TruSurround XT, which attempts to create the illusion of spaciousness from the stereo speakers.
The unassuming design featuring a glossed black frame underscored by a single speaker unit and pedestal stand is conservatively styled and solidly constructed with a full complement of connections. Analogue inputs include three Scart terminals (two of which are RGB-enabled for uncompromised performance) and component inputs that support progressive scan and high-definition signals.
It's more likely that high-definition enthusiasts will use the digital DVI input, which allows the direct transfer of digital video signals for improved picture quality. Most modern devices including Sky HD use HDMI but the two are mutually compatible with an adapter, also known as another expense. And high-definition images from predated PCs or Xbox360 consoles can also be received through a standard VGA PC input. There's also a couple of unexpected connections including a USB 2.0 port for transferring recordings and a RS-232 terminal that lets you connect a home control system for access from a touch screen panel.
Performance
Although an analogue tuner has also been integrated in case you can't receive Freeview, the digital TV images easily outperform their analogue understudies. Deep black levels create dense definition and contrast albeit at the expense of some edge detail, especially in dark scenes. Colours appear exaggerated but engaging while typical LCD constraints like instability and streaming movement are competently controlled in most cases - although sports programmes are still haunted by ghosting.
Off-air reception acts as the template for recordings and the highest quality mode produces copies that are acceptably faithful to the original. There is a slight smattering of picture noise and stuttered movement however, which worsens with lower quality modes. The deterioration in quality between the (HQ) and (SP) modes is negligible but the lowest quality (LP) option descends into a storm of noise and instability that's best avoided.
Standard-definition DVD performance is shadowed by darkness, which undermines detail and contrast, while the best images are unsurprisingly reserved for the digital input. Using DVI to transfer high-definition images in either 720p and 1080i formats exposes missing detail and depth-defining contrast while colours appear more natural. And movement is made more cohesive without virtually any annoying artifacts.
Sound performance is unexpectedly powerful and even low levels can be overwhelming. However, dynamics are limited and the midrange lacks natural expression, which will cope with TV viewing but leaves film scores sounding strained and one-dimensional.
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Humax's LGB-32TVR is a great one-stop solution that will undoubtedly have other manufacturers following its lead. For the price the future-proof specification is incredibly impressive. And, although performance is more competent than class-leading, it's easy to ignore the slight flaws for the sake of convenience.
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