JVC LT-42P300 LCD HDTV Review - Viewing Effects

Viewing Effects Summary
• Slightly below average viewing angle • Light is diffused well by the screen but still distracting • Video processing functions of limited utility • Testing done with DisplayMate software
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Viewing Angle (6.57)

The JVC LT-42P300's had a viewing angle of 34 degrees from the center line, which works out to a total viewing angle of 68 degrees. This is slightly below average for all HDTVs we've reviewed, but not too bad, especially for an LCD television, which tend to have worse viewing angles than Plasma televisions. We were also pleased to see that colors held up well at various viewing angles, although we did note some dimming there was no solarization and the colors didn't wash out completely as we see on some HDTVs. Overall the LT-42P300 will do well in a room with a wide couch directly in front of the HDTV, just don't expect to get a great viewing experience when looking at it from the love seat siting at an eight degree angle from the screen.

Reflectance (6.5)

The JVC LT-42P300 does a good job diffusing light that is shined directly on the screen, this means you can't make out sharp details of the light, rather it's spread out. Unfortunately the diffused light can still be very distracting, especially when it is shining directly at the screen. We wouldn't leave this HDTV sitting across from a window where you get a lot of direct sunlight. Moving your lighting source to a an angle above and away from the screen, however, and the annoyance becomes much less.

Video Processing (1.5)

As with most HDTVs the JVC LT-42P300 offers a variety of different functions that are supposed to improve your viewing experience in certain situations. Here we look at those features and let you know whether they're actually worth beans.