PICTURE QUALITY This model's high-definition picture quality, though good, was below that of most other sets. It did an excellent job displaying the finest detail. Images details were a bit over-enhanced but not distractingly so, and we could not minimize this with the sharpness control. Edges of objects in the image stood out too much because of over-enhancement. Color accuracy was very good, with images generally looking natural. Color temperature was moderately on the warm side, lending images a reddish tone. Lack of contrast gave images a flatter appearance with little depth. Brightness level was only fair, dimmer than most, best-suited for a darker room. Black levels were only fair with darker areas of the image looking unnaturally illuminated. Dark scenes, in particular, were lacking in contrast. Images had a slight degree of enhancement that slightly diminished the realism of people and objects. There was visible banding (unnatural contours) on scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, rather than smooth transitions. Film mode operation for HD film-based content was excellent, with no visible jaggies along the edges of objects during motion scenes. Deinterlacing was very good, with minimal jaggies visible when converting 1080i video content, such as from cable, to the display's native resolution.
VIEWING ANGLE This Westinghouse has a wide viewing angle overall, better than that of most LCDs. It will provide the same picture quality, with fewer problems than most LCD sets, for typical viewing conditions--say, if your family is seated across a long sectional or in chairs off to the sides of the TV.
With brighter scenes, like sporting events, the display did a fine job maintaining accurate colors and decent contrast whether we moved off to the sides or were viewing from above or from below screen. The picture did show some dimming from the sides but not to any point we found distracting. With dark scenes the display didn't fare quite as well. When viewed from the sides, the depth of black levels varied depending on the vertical position of the viewer's head. As we moved closer to the screen this limitation became even more apparent, especially if seated on the floor looking upward where black levels brightened significantly. This display's wide viewing angle is best appreciated when viewed at eye level to the screen.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY The screen surface on this LCD TV has a matte-like finish that does an excellent job minimizing distracting mirror-like reflections. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
SOUND QUALITY This TV has poor sound quality, which is apparent on typical programming, and glaringly so with movie soundtracks and music. With movies, dialog clarity was lacking, with voices sounding notably thin, and overall a bit recessed with respect to background music and other sounds. Bass extension was notably absent, and treble lacked detail, while the overall sound was notably thin. Its volume range is limited, and is made worse by the fact that sound quality degrades at the highest settings. If you expect at least decent sound from your TV, especially one intended for primary viewing, we suggest looking at other models or be prepared to add an external sound system.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set was easy to use for the most part. Setting up the TV for the first time was very easy, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was good. Also, the remote is satisfactory, and the on-screen menu is easy to navigate.
It lacks the ability to add custom labels to different input sources.
STAND ASSEMBLY Mounting the support stand to the TV is straightforward.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV does not have access to the Internet.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes one HDMI input, one shared connection between the component and composite inputs (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), one VGA input, optical digital audio out, and one USB port. This TV has no type of wireless connectivity. The cable connections on the rear panel are recessed with side or bottom-facing ports, so wires don't protrude beyond the display's depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, and a remote with batteries. ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), USB port, or memory card, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
