Insignia NS-42L780A12 LCD HDTV Review

Overall Design

There is really nothing exciting about the design of the Insignia NS-42L780A12. It is quite typical in its glossy, black bezel and stand. The sides and back are just simple, black plastic. The TV is not particularly thin for a modern TV, in part because it is backlit by CCFL tubes instead of the LED edge-lights favored by fancier models.

Front

Back

Sides

Stand/Mount

The stand is a glossy slab of black plastic with an oval-shaped stem. It does not swivel, not is it really exceptional in any way.

Controls

We like the plastic buttons on the side of the screen. They have the advantage of actually giving you tactile feedback, so you'll be able to feel them in the dark. You know, where you like to watch TV.

Remote Control

The remote control that comes packaged with the Insignia NS-42L780A12 feels cheap and flimsy. The layout of the grey, rubbery buttons is not bad, but they all feel a little bit small. The volume and channel rockers are particularly cramped. The playback buttons at the base of the remote can be used to control attached devices through HDMI-CEC.

In the Box

The Insignia NS-42L780A12 comes boxed with a remote, two AAA batteries, a cleaning cloth (or handkerchief–its edges are embroidered and it has Insignia's name in the corner), a quick-start manual in English and Spanish, and component video and audio cables. Setting it up is as easy as wedging the base in correctly (there's a tab), and tightening four included screws.