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"Great LCD 1080p monitor for the price with flawed ATSC/QAM digital audio output"
3.5 starson by jfreulerPros: Wide view LCD screen, 1080p, 4 HDMI/HDCP inputs
Cons: Built-in ATSC/ClearQAM tuner does not output the full digital 5.1 bitstream to the SPDIF optical output, only stereo
Summary: I just purchased the TX-42F430S and so far it's high def video output is excellent even at close range. The HDMI inputs support HD 1080p from my computer's DVI output.
The internal NTSC/ATSC/ClearQAM tuner works OK for over the air broadcasts with one big audio issue - it does not output the full digital 5.1 bitstream to the SPDIF digital optical output, only stereo. This internal ATSC/QAM tuner/decoder design flaw means that HD 5.1 broadcast audio from the internal tuner comes out of the SPDIF digital output in 2.0 stereo when sent to a home theater receiver - not exactly the "State of the Art" digital audio performance expected from HD ATSC/QAM tuners. This problem should be considered a show-stopper by anyone intending to use the only the internal ATSC/QAM tuner to view HD 5.1 broadcasts. I am also awaiting a response from Westinghouse support about this issue.
But overall, the Westinghouse TX-42F430S LCD performs well as a 1080p HDMI/HDCP capable monitor, and is reasonably priced.
- 2 replies to this review
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I didn't expect anyone to actually be using these HDTVs for over-the-air HD broadcasts! I suppose I thought everyone had cable (in which case, SPDIF audio output problem doesn't apply). For less than $600, this looks like an excellent solution for 1080p, "true" HD.
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I'm glad you took the time to write a good review. I just have no idea what you're talking about.
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