Vizio GV42L LCD HDTV

The Vizio GV42L HDTV is one of the least expensive 42-inch LCDs out there, but its default color quality could give buyers second thoughts. Weighing in at 73.5 pounds and measuring 29.8 by 42.3 by 11.4 inches (HWD) with its stand attached, the GV42L slims down to 4.3 inches deep when the table stand is removed. Unlike most Vizio plasma TV’s, the GV42L’s bottom-mounted speakers are removable, which reduces its wall-mounted height by nearly three inches and leaves only its attractive gloss-black bezel surrounding the screen.

Before I elaborate on the merits of comfortableness, let’s take care of the formalities. The GV42L LCD HDTV has a resolution of 1366 x 768, with an 8 ms response time, an 8-bit processor yielding 16.77 million colors, which are all industry standards for a 42″ LCD in this price range. This Vizio also pumps out a bright, luscious high definition image.

All audio and video connections on the GV42L are located on the back of the display, facing downward along the lower edge. Provided inputs include two component-video connections, two HDMI ports, a VGA connection for PC use, and an RF input for cable/off-air tuning.

As for its performance, the GV42L handled HD sources with eye-pleasing aplomb. One consistent impression you’d get is the bright and colorful radiance this TV exuded. However, while HD might be capricious, SD can be seditious. Though the GV42L does the best it can with most SD programs, dealing with the more ornery ones can and does get ugly. Also, with sources from the laptop, the GV42L looked great. Images in Photoshop are gorgeous and DVD playback through the computer is top notch.

Vizio’s GV42L is a low-cost LCD HDTV with some limitations. For people looking for a widescreen LCD to use with a game console, PC, or another relatively “clean” source of video, the GV42L is certainly a viable value option that should provide years of trouble-free service. Videophiles, however, should look elsewhere.

Sources:
http://reviews.cnet.com
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com
http://www.epinions.com