Features – Mintek DTV-233
Even though the instruction manual is 48-pages
long, it offers very basic guidance and a tortured translation from whichever
foreign language it was originally written in. This is a shame since the feature
package (even after excluding the 23-inch diagonal screen size advantage in the
interest of fairness) is excellent. There’s no PIP capability, but the Mintek
does feature three preset color temperature settings plus a built-in
MMC/SD/Memory Stick reader with a USB input for flash memory drives that allow
you to view JPEG images on the screen. The remote also offers an eject button
for the slot-loading DVD/CD player.
Winner: (tie) Mintek & LG Video Performance – Mintek DTV-233
The best overall image quality
on the Mintek DTV-233 is achieved with the “cool” color temperature setting,
although gray images still have a tendency to look a little green. The
brightness is uneven with some rather noticeable hot spotting or bright spots.
Color transitions exhibit moderate gradations, especially when watching DVDs.
NTSC images from the built-in tuner are very soft, and the low-resolution
on-screen graphics give the Mintek a “low-tech” appearance when making picture
and sound adjustments.
Winner: Toshiba
Look and Feel – Mintek DTV-233
Mintek benefits from the fact that
it’s a relatively unknown name; the expectations of superior quality, therefore,
are not high. It is a pleasure to note that the Mintek looks good and feels
solid. The stable tabletop stand has average swivel capabilities (+/- 5 degrees
horizontal and +/- 10 degrees vertical), but it does provide a convenient tray
at the bottom for the remote to rest on. Except for the PC and headphone
connections, which are on the bottom of the set, the remaining connections are
easily accessible from the back.
Winner: LG
Audio Performance – Mintek DTV-233
With only bass, treble and
balance controls, the Mintek set falls behind the other two, which have
multi-band equalizers. The sound, however, has a strong, natural bass response
accompanied by a slightly bright treble. The most notable aspect of the audio is
the sensation that there is a large soundstage, probably due to the wide
distance between the side-mounted speakers—one benefit of the larger screen
size.
Winner: Toshiba
Mintek DTV-233, $1,499.99
www.mintekdigital.com,
866.709.9500
RATING: SOLID
