Norcent LT3250 LCD TV

Norcent may not be the brand that pops first into your mind when shopping for an HDTV. However, this does not mean that its no good at all. If you get a chance to try out the Norcent LT3250, then you may change your mind. It will impress you with the richness of its high definition content and images – and the more you use it, the more you will appreciate its flexibility.

The Norcent LT3250 LCD TV is one of the newest member of their LCD family. It has a 1366 x 768 resolution and an 8 ms response time combined with a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Furthermore, the TV is equipped with a digital (ATSC) tuner so you can receive over-the-air (OTA) HD programs, which are broadcast by your local stations. For those whose primary source is cable or sattelite providers, you are assured as the LT3250′s wide range of connections include an HDMI (with HDCP support) input.

The TV itself weighs about 36 pounds along with its stand. The first thing you will notice is the sporty silver stripes accenting the edges of the more mundane black bezel. Also, in an interesting design decision, Norcent chose to reveal rather than conceal the TV control buttons on an outcropping on the right side of the monitor.

Connection-wise, as mentioned, the TV sports a wide range of options. This includes HDMI and VGA (15 pin D-Sub) connections, as well as a PC audio input (stereo mini-phone jack). Then come two sets of Component, (PrPbY), video inputs with matching stereo audio (RCA) jacks and two sets of Composite video in connections that include S Video. Finally, one antenna input for Digital TV and another for analog complete the complement. This TV however, does not provide audio outputs. If you are receiving your signal into the TV directly from an antenna, you cannot route the audio through the TV to a separate sound system.

Unfortunately, the LT3250 does not offer all the fine adjustments that a video addict would have wanted. There is no Backlight control and no separate R, G, and B sliders. But for most normal viewers, the controls provided are more than sufficient to tune in a very acceptable picture.

For TV viewing, the unit has Auto Scan, a DTV Electronic Program Guide, a Favorites list, and the V Chip with parental controls. But the LT3250 does not have PIP or POP.

As far as performance is concerned, the LT3250 produces satisfyingly saturated images. It handles standard definition videos very well and will make SD viewing more enjoyable. As for DVD playback, it displayed the same rich, full color that was exhibited with the best HD sources.

All in all, the Norcent LT3250 is a winner for delivering not only a top notch HD image, but also for squeezing SD signals for all they are worth. This HDTV is not without its quirks and it couldn’t be called feature rich. But at this price point, it is a solid performer.

Sources:
http://www.retrevo.com
http://www.networkworld.com
http://www.thenewconnection.com