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"Picture perfect right out of the box!" on by Klonoaphile
Pros: Stunning picture, lightweight, easy to use
Cons: If there are any I have yet to find them.
Summary: As a novice of HD technology, I found this monitor to be the best for the money. After doing over a year of research before I decided to fork over any large sum of cash for a new television/monitor, the Westinghouse LVM-42w2 was exactly what I was looking for. Don't be fooled...this is NOT a TV, for it has no built in TV tuner, but as I was in the market for a "monitor only" HD set, this was perfect! All glorious 42" of this bad boy are sure to make all your friends drool....especially after you tell them how little you paid for it. Best Buy just started to carry this baby for the cool price of $2499.00. That was about $300 less than what the few online retailers are carrying it for. I actually purchased the set from them for about $2100 after discounts that I received at the time of purchase (no rebates).
It has a great picture, compared to a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of other LCD and plasma HD monitors that I looked at. I also shopped around for larger DLP television sets but was still unsatisfied with the overall picture quality and the sheer size of the darn things. Were it not for the dimensions of this set, I could easily handle carrying it anywhere in my house by myself without throwing out my back, as it only weighs around 50-60 lbs.
As for the quality of the picture, at 1920 x 1080p max resolution, you can bet that you are gonna get the sharpest picture out there you can get. The fact that it is also moderately sized (compared to 50-60" sets) the pixels dont seem to jump out and scare you like they do on a lot of the larger sets. One thing I also was VERY pleased about was the fact that there is NO SWEET SPOT! You can view this baby at any angle in the room or from another room and suffer no loss of light in the image! When you see this for yourself you will definitely agree.
As for it not having a tuner for TV built in, this was something that I didn't want to begin with. These days with multiple video inputs, most people really don't use the built in tuner of their TV's anyway. But you do need to at least have a cable box that has component, DVI, or HDMI outputs as this monitor does not have a input for coaxial cable. I am currently using the component output on my cable and get a great picture eventhough my HD cable box has HDMI out on it. I am just not willing to spend the outrageous price for HDMI cables yet.
Playing video games on this set is also a dream for any of the same reasons listed above and for those of you with and Xbox 360, you are doubly in luck because this is one of the few HD sets on the market right now with the built in HDMI input. I have my PS2, Xbox and Gamecube hooked up to it and they all look great (using component cables of course).
One other thing for those of you out there contemplating plasma vs. LCD......screw plasma! Those things are hot hot hot to the touch and consume much more energy than their LCD counterparts. And if you are worried about it not being as bright as a plasma....don't. This set is as bright as it needs to be without burning your retinas and you suffer no loss in picture quality. Quite frankly, I honestly see no difference in the brightness between this particular set and a plasma of the same size.
So overall, after over a year of research I am very happy with my decision to purchase this set over the many other "name" brands out there that cost thousand(s) more. You will be happy too. -
"Exceeds Expectations" on by jopincar
Pros: Incredible picture, numerous inputs
Cons: Controller stinks -- no way to get to HDMI input with one button press
Summary: I love almost everything about this TV. I paid 2200 for this and I feel like I got a bargain. The picture is sharp and clear. HD Discovery is truly amazing. DVDs look incredible. XBox 360 is an incredible experience.
I have two small complaints. First, the controller is small and does not let you directly select all the inputs. This would not be a problem if they had a menu to select inputs, but they do not. This is a real PITA when working with a programmable remote like the Harmony 550 (which I also highly recommend). Second, you have to point the remote at a very small spot for it to work. Just right of center at the bottom. I highly recommend this TV. -
"A solid overall value with some issues." on by monomoy2001
Pros: Excellent picture and features.
Cons: Two defects that the manufacturer has yet to repair.
Summary: Westinghouse has produced a nice product but still has some kinks to work out.
The remote features are meager at best as far as features go. It also must be pointed straight on for it to work. The sensor does not pick up commands given that are off of center.
My unit had two defects that the manufacturer has yet to repair. First, the monitor must be unplugged prior to turning on unit. Also, the audio sometimes does not function and the monitor must be unplugged. Westinghouse was aware of the issues and has hired a company to handle repairs. The related service for the repairs so far has been poor. I reported the issue a couple weeks ago and have yet to be contacted about repairs. The company handling the repairs, IAI, does not pick up the phone and my voicemails have not been responded to so far. Westinghouse is not able to provide an ETA on the fix as IAI controls the repairs and they have no visibility into their backlog.
Consider purchasing extended warranties if you purchase from a big box retailers. After 30 days you must rely on the manufacturer for repairs. Until the issues are remedied by the manufacturer the extra money spent would be well worth the investment. -
"Great product at great price" on by i4edge
Pros: 1080p nice screen
Cons: controller, only 1 HDMI
Summary: I mainly bought this on the bases of 1) price 2) 1080p. However I couldn't believe how great the picture was. It was dead on when running WMC adjustments (just needed to knock the brightness down and contrast up). The colors were dead on. Considering it's not hard to find this set for below $1600 now in store without having to mail order it. My friend is getting the Toshiba 42" so it should be interesting to compair side by side.
For such a great monitor I kind of laugh at the controller. Well I guess they figure you would be using a universal controller instead.
If it had a decent controller and 2 HDMI I would give this a 10!Updated
I have had the set for a couple of weeks and love it. I don't intent to use it too much with non-HD sources. I use a HD cable box connected via the HDMI and DVD player using the DVI (which I will upgrade to a HD-DVD soon) and a computer thru the other DVI. Fantastic setup! The TV humm I mean monitor does it all. This is a well balanced setup. -
"ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR" on by enrobriaffej
Pros: PICTURE QUALITY AND INPUTS
Cons: ITS A LITTLE TO ADDICTIVE
Summary: After probably a year of research on everything from hd dvd to 1080p to optical audio; my home theater is finally complete. After deciding that i wanted a Sony SXRD and only a Sony SXRD; Westinghouse(a brand i had never heard of, mind you) forced me to do a complete 180. Everything from the inputs (DVI and HDMI are the only needed anyway), to the black levels and absolute absence of any grain compeled me to save a couple thousand! After spending some peoples' salries on marantz remotes and its THX receiver, infinity 7.1 surround, toshiba's hd-xa1, verizon fios hd-dvr service, thx certified dvi/hdmi and optical audio cables and finally the westinhouse; it must be complete. At its best picture; be it: Discovery Channel at times or a chosen hd-dvd, the picture is PERFECT! I have searched and searched for a pixel or grain or hue or contrast variation or skin color or anything else...which i haven't found. Westinghouse should really be able to afford some marketing after how much they will make off this television alone! LOOK INTO IT!
My only criticism is after expierencing the hd-dvd and fiber optic television service; i unfortunately have found myself unable to go back to standard tv. I would probably forget about standard dvds as well if i hadn't purchased so many! The classics i own are VERY difficult to watch! HD becomes an addiction be careful!
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