LCD TV Set Fall Preview

A Fast TV Set

ViewSonic likes Overdrive, as you may already know, and they're using it to speed up the response of their TV sets, too.

Results were similar to those of the Hyundai HQL260WR. Latency stayed at around 16 ms, which is very good indeed.

Video Quality

Videos played with exceptional quality on this set. The N2750W delivered vibrant colors and natural flesh tones. We noticed very little video noise and the viewing angles were nearly perfect. Needless to say, you should avoid using the cinch video inputs. The result was a little less sharp. Our latency readings were borne out - the N2750W displayed images that were fluid and enjoyable to watch under all circumstances.

Interpolation

Unfortunately, the interpolation was less than exceptional. It was acceptable for video games, but the image quickly became jagged when screening DVDs. That's too bad.

PC Mode

Connected to a small form factor PC, the N2750W didn't offer much to set it apart from the competition. In fact, images were relatively blurry, in particular on Web pages.

Sound Quality

Sound quality was quite good. We might have hoped for more dynamic, percussive sound, but the sound quality of this set (especially with WoW processing on) was well above average.

Conclusion

ViewSonic confirms their ability to produce TV sets suited to home theater needs. It's a shame that interpolation is less than ideal and that there's no HDMI, because otherwise the N2750W is a set we would recommend highly. In any event it's a serious alternative to the Toshiba 27WL56P and Samsung LW26A33W.

Summary

After this test, we need to revise our recommendations slightly. It took a while, but we've finally found a set capable of rivaling the Samsung LW26A33W. We'll continue to recommend that unit, but you won't go wrong if you buy the Toshiba 27WL56P, either. The extra inch of diagonal measurement won't bring you any concrete improvement, but the 27WL56P also offers HDMI connectivity as a plus. Both sets go for about the same price, and offer similar performance. You can also lean towards the ViewSonic if you can live with its less-than-perfect interpolation.