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Does the sound on your TV match up to its picture quality? Amtran hopes not, as its new SL- and SP-series JVC-brand LCD TVs promise better-than-average sound, thanks to their XinemaSound 3D sound systems.
There are two new models in the flagship SL (BlackSapphire) series: the 42-inch SL42B-C ($800), and the 47-inch SL-47B-C ($900). Both have a new industrial design with ultra-thin bezels and a gracefully curved stand. The TVs have edge LED backlights, a claimed 120Hz frame rate (actually a 60Hz panel with a scanning backlight to create a 120Hz effect), built-in Wi-Fi, and the company's ICE Internet platform, with access to streaming movies and TV shows from Netflix and Vudu, plus Pandora Internet radio. The TVs are also 3D capable--four sets of polarized 3D glasses are included--and come with dual-side remotes with a full QWERTY keyboard on one side.
For those looking for a larger set, 50- and 55-inch 1080p LCD TVs are offered as part of the SP M series. The 50-inch SP50M-C model is priced at $900, while the 55-inch SP55M-C costs $1,000. The TVs have a different look--including a more conventional pedestal stand--but are similarly featured, except they lack the 3D capability included in the SL-series sets. They do use the same XinemaSound 3D sound system.
In the past, we've tested a few JVC TVs that have had better-than-average sound, though not the ones currently in our TV Ratings. We're looking forward to seeing if the TVs can deliver on their promise.
—James K. Willcox
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