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Price comparison:
JVC LT-26DX7 LCD TV
More info: JVC
Size (WxHxD): 670x514x240mm
Weight: 19.5kg
Screen size: 26in
Aspect ratio: 16:9
HDTV Ready: Yes
Tuners: Dual integrated digital and analogue (with CAM card slot)
Resolution: 1366x768
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 500 cd/m
Sound: 20W stereo
Connections: 2x HDMI, component, 2x Scart (both RGB), S-Video, Composite, VGA PC terminal, RF jack, 2xphonos (in/out)
Plus points:
Two HDMI ports, excellent sound quality, good Hi-Def performance
Minus points:
Quite expensive, occasional problems with moving images
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The 26in LCD TV is a versatile little number, being big enough for the living room, but equally suited as a secondary set in the bedroom or kitchen. And JVC's latest HD-ready set is one of the most advanced tellys in its extensive range.
Although quite heavy for a TV of this size, first impressions of the LT-26DX7 are that it's extremely well crafted. Sure, we've come across other LCD tellys offering a little more finesse in the style stakes, but the LT-26DX7's smooth contours are pleasing nonetheless.
We particularly liked the positioning of the speakers which are neatly tucked beneath the screen, keeping the set nicely compact. And when powered on, a neat blue glow illuminates beneath the screen which adds a bit of pizazz (if that sounds a bit too flashy for your tastes don't worry, it can be turned off).
Spec-wise, the LT-26DX7 serves up a bigger portion of sockets than we're used to from a 26in screen. There's twin Scarts, component, PC, composite and not one, but two HDMI sockets, although they're somewhat annoyingly hidden away behind a removable panel on the back.
The LT-26DX7 also squeezes in a Freeview and analogue tuner, and with a native 1366 x 768 pixel resolution it's ready to handle Hi-Def broadcasts too. And like pretty much every new LCD TV these days, the LT-26DX7 comes with its own image enhancing technology that hopes to optimise the signal.
Performance
Getting Freeview up and running was done with the minimum fuss and we found the on-board EPG was better than most we've come across. What's more, the LT-26DX7 handles those oft-blocky Freeview signals pretty well, with effective smoothing and minimum image noise. Similarly the analogue tuner offered up strong performance too.
We found the LT-26DX7's HD DynaPix engine handles colour particularly well, perfectly suiting it to Hi-Def gaming with darker shades remaining well defined on Xbox 360's Perfect Dark (a game that we've previously had problems with on some LCD screens). Although perhaps not class leading in terms of handling moving images, the LT-26DX7 will make an excellent partner for your games console. HDTV broadcasts were impressive too, with natural, detailed images that will knock your socks off.
For a TV in the bedroom, good quality speakers are all the more important in the absence of a full-blown surround system and thankfully, the LT-26DX7 doesn't disappoint. With Fight Club loaded up in our DVD player, we were taken aback by the sheer power and wide soundstage of the 20 watts speakers - in fact they're probably the best we've ever heard from an LCD of this size.
The VGA input gives you the chance to try out some widescreen PC gaming or net surfing, although the LT-26DX7 is quite fussy as to what resolution it can display and with no Picture in Picture option, you can rule out having the telly on while working from your PC. This aside, the LT-26DX7 thoroughly impresses with its range and quality of connections.
JVC's LT-26DX7 is a strong all-rounder. Although not the cheapest, it will offer strong visual performance where it really matters, namely Hi-Def gaming and HDTV broadcasts.
