Picture - WinBook LC32 With a solid dark
background on the WinBook’s screen you can see a slight variation in brightness,
but it is never noticeable when viewing video or still images. The set’s gray
scale tracking is good and sharpness is excellent, with a lot of detail in dark
areas. The result is an image with a great sense of depth. Regardless of the
color/tint settings, however, there is a slight greenish hue that can’t be
eliminated without dramatically affecting picture quality. Without a doubt, the
LC32 is the best of this bunch when used as a computer monitor and despite the
greenish hue, is probably the best value with video signals of those
tested.
Winner: Proton LX-32
Sound - WinBook LC32
If you’re going to rely on a TV as your sole
sound system, the LC32 is the best overall performer in this group. In addition
to having the widest and smoothest frequency response, the set includes a
five-band equalizer and a subwoofer output with a level control. It is no
substitute for a full-blown audio system, but it’s adequate for casual
viewing.
Winner: WinBook LC32Look & Feel - WinBook LC32
Although you won’t find it in the
Museum of Modern Art, the Spartan cosmetic style of the LC32 is appealing in a
way that says “It ain’t cheap, but it ain’t overpriced, either.” Perforated
speaker grilles that extend from top to bottom along the sides of the screen
don’t distract from the most important part of the TV––the picture. The
two-legged stand looks attractive and is solid, too.
Winner: Proton LX-32
Ergonomics - WinBook LC32
The LC32’s remote control is big, with most
of the buttons—especially the power and volume/ channel change
buttons—correspondingly large and easy to find. The tabletop stand’s foot is
narrow enough to leave room for remote controls and DVDs to fit underneath the
TV’s frame. AV inputs are located separately from the digital inputs, and
although the WinBook’s inputs are clearly marked, the Proton is far easier to
hook up.
Winner: Proton LX-32
WinBook LC32; $1,099
www.winbook.com;
888.480.9183
RATING: ELEVATED
