Flat Panels

Black: 0.014
White: 53.8
Full-On/Full-Off Contrast Ratio: 3,843:1

For the picture settings used in this review, go to www.HomeTheaterMag.com. The pre-calibration measurements here were taken in the Normal color-temperature mode via HDMI, while the post-calibration measurements were taken with the set adjusted for the most accurate picture in a darkened room.

High-frequency bursts looked fully resolved and clear via both HDMI and component, which is rare. This means high-definition content will look equally good using either type of connection.

The gray scale started out fairly close at the low end, but as brightness increased, it wandered more and more away from blue, as illustrated in the Before Calibration color-tracking chart. The calibration controls got the gray scale quite close to correct across the brightness range, with only slight divergence at 60 IRE and 90 IRE. Before calibration, the color temperature sagged well below 6500K as brightness increased. Post-calibration, the color temperature remained much closer to 6500K across the brightness range. I’d say that calibration is not essential, but the set is so inexpensive that you can easily spend the savings on a professional calibration, which will make the set look even better.

As seen in the CIE chart, green was somewhat oversaturated, as were red, yellow, and cyan to a lesser degree. Magenta was off the mark, as well. However, none of these seemed to dramatically impact the colors of real-world content.—SW