Screen Time

A bucketful of popcorn in hand, a couch to lay your head on and a couple of movies to see…what else would you need to enjoy a relaxing couple of hours at home? A great TV set, of course. The only problem with this desire is that there are so many options in the stores. The year started with a bang with a flurry of LED screens, including 3D panels for the first time. Now, it appears the LEDs have carved a niche for themselves in the thin panel category.

But wait, it isn't a one-sided battle. LCDs are still going strong. And buyers also have a reason to rejoice because every time a new technology comes in, the old one sheds a chunk from its price tag. LCD prices have dropped and they are going to drop further as more companies come out with their LED offerings. While LED TVs presumably are catching the fancy of urban folk, those in smaller cities and towns are finding a new pleasure in LCD viewing.

In short, the flat panel market is expanding in all directions. Amid this, one certainty is emerging: the humble long-serving CRT is rapidly giving way to digital flat panels. After Samsung, Sony and LG, companies like Akai, Onida and Intex are also weighing their chances in the LCD-LED segments. TV sets today not only offer moving pictures but also connect to the world since most new TV sets come with an Ethernet port or Wi-Fi to link with the Internet. There are also others, like the Videocon V4208FD LCD, which has an in-built satellite feed receiver. On the following pages you will find tips on what to keep in mind when you go shopping for an LCD or LED TV for your home. If you are still unable to decide, then looking at what we have selected as the best of breed in the market might help you make up your mind.


Onida Diamond KYROCK

Price: Rs 38,990

Onida might be on the backfoot with global industry giants gaining ground in the LCD and LED market. But the lovable devil is back with a very impressive LCD set. And it is creating a lot of noise for all the right reasons. As soon as we unboxed the TV set, it greeted us with a smile on its face-literally. Its design is such. The speaker's cavity coalesces with the panel in the form of an arc which appears like curved lips. Besides the powerful speakers on the front, it also has twin woofers at the back which complete the opera house effect. And the virtual surround sound these create is very decent. This TV supports HD standards and comes with quite a few HDMI and Component ports. A USB port is also present but does not support many popular video formats such as WMA or MOV. The USB menu system is also cumbersome; one needs to constantly go back and forth to play music or other content. The picture, on the other hand, is excellent for a 32-inch LCD. Together it impressed us with its super high audio and quality picture.

Specs: 32-inch Full HD panel; 7,000:1 DCR; USB, 2 HDMI, 2 Component; swivel base; 1000 W PMPO

Intex LCD 4001

Price: Rs 43,000

From Just Being A Computer Peripheral Maker, Intex Has Graduated To A Multi-Electronics Architect. It Is Churning Out Phones, Dvd Players... And Now Lcd Tvs. We Got The Largest Display From Their Production Line, Which Is Full Hd Capable. Sporting A Glossy Black Finish Throughout, The 4001 Looks Good If You Ignore Its Flimsy Swivel Stand. Similar To The Videocon Tv, This One Also Has All The Ports At The Back Which Is Again A Bit Of Problem If You Want To Hang Your Tv Set On The Wall. We Were Skeptical About Its Picture Quality And Sound Performance But It Managed A Great Show. It Does Have A Usb Port But Can Play Music Or Jpegs Only. Also We'd Have Appreciated A Better Looking Menu System.

Specs: 40-inch Full HD LCD; 5 ms response time; 10W x 2 speakers; 1,00,000:1 DCR; 2 HDMI, Component, USB, Composite

Videocon D2H V4208FD LCD

Price: Rs 59,990

Videocon attempts to kill two birds with one stone with this TV-it comes with an in-built-DTH system, of course, Videocon's very own. So, if you buy this panel, you get a spanking new TV set ready to show your favourite channels. Apart from playing D2H channels, it can play from other devices as well, thanks to the elaborate connectivity options at the back. But getting there is a hard job, particularly if the TV is hung on the wall. It comes with a chunky remote, something that is the bane of all set-top boxes. But come to think of it, this combo set helps avoid an extra remote and saves set-top box space. It also removes the wire clutter. The picture quality isn't the best, but it is adequate enough. At present, HD is not supported by Videocon D2H and that is where it loses some points. That apart, this is a good TV set for regular TV viewing.

Specs: 42-inch Full HD LCD; 2,00,000:1 DCR; 5 ms response time; USB, Component, Composite; Touch controls

Akai LED 32D20

Price: Rs 54,990

Akai was top of the mind some years ago. It is now on a comeback in India. Among many products, it has launched a new LED range in the market. The 32-inch thin tube we reviewed was a stunner. Akai has crafted it with perfection- the glass base goes extremely well with the 32-inch metallic panel. The picture is as good as the picture frame itself. Colours are nice, just the way one would want them. Unlike others who are racing to become the slimmest at the expense of reducing the connectivity options, this TV comes with a complete TV tuner and with all the needed ports. It even has USB playback which plays all current popular formats. Sound is loud enough for regular TV viewing but not for movies. And there's a special scheme: exchange your 29-inch CRT and this LED panel can be yours for a bargain Rs 32,000-34,000.

Specs: 32-inch HD LED display; HDMI, Component, Composite, USB; WMA, MOV, MP3 playback; 3D dynamic noise reduction

Samsung C6900VR

Price: 61,000

Samsung has some of the "bestest" LED TVs. The latest is the C6900VR. This 32-incher has a sleek and sexy design and loads of features. The Internet TV, earlier found in the higher 7-9 Series, makes its way into this 6 Series model. Full HD picture is clear and very real to life. Connectivity options abound, with twin USB, Composite, Component jacks and 4 HDMI ports, all sufficient to connect most of your new and old devices. Its audio doesn't disappoint either. The SRS Theatre effect enhances the sound for a good movie and game experience. The only drawback is its high asking price. Samsung seems to have ignored the decreasing prices of the 32-inch LEDs in the market. Samsung guys, did you hear us?

Specs: 32-inch Full HD display; 100 Hz Motion Plus;10W x 2 speakers; 4 HDMI, Component; Composite, 2 USB; 10 kg

Honourable Mention

LG 42LE7500 LED TV

Price: Rs 99,990

LG has some remarkable edge-to-edge panels to its credit. And the one featured here is one of those. We love it for its design and high grade performance. And for the price, it is worth a serious look. The dual tone colours work in favour of the TV set. Being LED, this TV is super slim and still manages to keep all TV tuner ports within. It is perfect for rooms that are not properly lit. The 16-point LED system kicks in to increase or reduce brightness according to the ambience. Blacks are very deep due to high dynamic contrast ratio. This helps when you are watching movie that have a dark background or have dull colours like the Keanu Reeves starrer The Matrix.

Specs: 42-inch Full HD display; 5ower,00,000:1 DCR; 2.4 ms response time; 3 HDMI ports, Component, Composite; 10W x 2 speakers; Bluetooth, Wi-Fi ready; 150 W p consumption .

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When buying a led or lcd panel keep these seven pointers in mind If you want to buy a panel for your bedroom then don't go beyond 42-46 inch screen size. Bigger ones will look too bulky for the bedroom. (Unless you have a bedroom as huge as a football field). For the living room, you can opt for big screen sizes. You can try a 46- or 52-inch TV which could become a part of your home theatre set-up. Pick a TV with lots of connectivity options. You never know what sort of peripherals you would have to connect your TV to. Two to four HDMI ports with Component and Composite would be good. Most of the current generation TVs are slim and light. So, do consider the option of hanging them on the wall; it will save you space. If you are looking for better picture quality and less power consumption, then LED TVs will suit you best. However, if you are on a budget then an LCD TV will be better as it costs less. If you are a movie buff or gamer then go for large screen sizes. It will enhance the experience and take it to a much higher level. If you are into sports or action movies, then find a set that offers motion interpolation (called TruMotion, Motion Plus, etc) of 100 Hz or more. This prevents blocks forming during pacy on-screen action.