JVC LT-46J300 LCD HDTV Review

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JVC LT-46J300 LCD HDTV Quick Review

By: Adrienne Maxwell

The J Series is JVC's newest entry-level line; as such, its features set is pretty modest. These models do not offer the TeleDock integrated iPod dock, super-slim depth, or 120Hz technology you can find in higher-end JVC LCDs. The J Series includes four models, with screen sizes of 32, 42, 46, and 52 inches. We have not performed a hands-on review of the LT-46J300, but here is an overview of the TV's features. This 46-inch, 1080p LCD uses a traditional fluorescent backlight (as opposed to LED backlighting). The back panel has a solid number of video inputs, including three HDMI, two component video, and one RGB/PC input, plus one RF input to access the internal ATSC, NTSC, and Clear-QAM tuners. The HDMI inputs accept both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signals; JVC has not put an HD-capable input on the side or front panel for easy access. The side panel does have a USB port that supports JPEG playback (but not music or video). There is no Ethernet port for connection to a home network.

The setup menu includes the basic picture controls that we would expect to find in an LCD, including an adjustable backlight, noise reduction, four preset picture modes (standard, dynamic, game, and theater), and three color-temperature choices (cool, natural, and warm). However, it lacks many of the advanced options found in higher-end models, such as white-balance controls and precise gamma and color-management controls. The TV features six aspect-ratio options, including a full native mode that lets you watch 1080i/1080p sources with zero overscan.

The LT-46J300 has a gloss-black cabinet with bottom-mounted speakers and a square, removable base. The audio setup menu includes four preset audio modes (speech, jazz, classic, and rock), as well as a user mode that allows you to tailor the sound quality using a five-band equalizer. There's also a generic surround mode, with options for movie, music, news, and mono.

High Points
• This TV has a 1080p resolution and will accept 24p sources via its HDMI inputs.
• LCDs can be very bright, which makes them a good choice for a brightly lit viewing environment.
• The side-panel USB port supports photo viewing.

Low Points
• The LT-46J300 does not include 120Hz technology to reduce motion blur and film judder.
• This LCD uses a traditional fluorescent backlight, so its black level is not as good as that of a higher-end LED-based LCD.
• LCD viewing angles are only average.
• This TV lacks JVC's TeleDock integrated iPod dock and does not offer a way to connect to your home network to utilize media/VOD streaming.

Conclusion
The LT-46J300 doesn't really distinguish itself from similarly priced competitors. It has a solid connection panel and a 1080p resolution, but it lacks advanced features like 120Hz technology and Web connectivity.

Source: HomeTheaterReview.com