AOC Envision L32H961

AOC L32H961 32" 1080p HDTV Review

By Stuart Feibusch - Editor PC NEWS

Less than eight months ago, I reviewed what was then AOC's best 32 inch LCD HDTV. The AOC LW32961. http://aocl32w961.blogspot.com/ That was a 720p unit with 1080p input capability. Now with the new L32H961 AOC introduces their first 32 inch full 1080p HTDV. With a store price of about only thirty dollars more than the previous model. It's basically the same fine TV as the L32W961, but with a few important new features. Besides now being a true 1080p unit, it adds another HDMI input for a total of of four,and SRS Sound to greatly enhance the sound. SRS basically allows you to create 'virtual' surround sound using just the speakers in your TV.

Since all broadcasts are currently in the 720p format or 1080i format. It's important to know why you need a 1080p TV. Other than to best view your Blu-Ray DVDs. 1080p resolution--which equates to 1,920x1080 pixels--is the highest HDTV resolution. That's because most 1080p HDTVs are capable of displaying every pixel of the highest-resolution HD broadcasts. They offer more than twice the resolution of 720p models. HDTV's that are only capable of 1080i have the same 1,920x1,080 resolution, but convey the images in an interlaced format (the i in 1080i). Progressive-scan formats such as 1080p convey all of the lines of resolution sequentially in a single pass, which makes for a smoother, cleaner image, especially with sports and other motion-intensive content.

When you feed a 1080i signal to a 1080p TV. It's converted to 1080p with no resolution conversion. Instead, the 1080i signal is "de-interlaced" for display in 1080p. Some HDTV's do a better job of this de-interlacing process than others, but usually the artifacts caused by improper de-interlacing are difficult for most viewers to spot. I am happy to report I did not see any evidence of video noise. The quality of the picture seems brighter, and the colors seem more well defined. This TV upconverts as well or better than other 1080p models I have seen in this price range.

Also, you will want a 1080p unit instead of 720p if you plan to use your TV a lot as your computer monitor. A 1080p set gives you a sharper image when it comes to computer connectivity.

However just because the resolution is improved. Don't expect to see a startling difference between this unit and AOC's previous 720p unit. Especially since this is only a 32" TV , and if your viewing distance is 7ft or greater. When you're viewing TVs 42 inches and smaller, the added resolution has only a very minor impact on picture quality.

In the next model from AOC. I would like to see one with 120hz or even 240hz. Rather than the 60mhz this TV is. The 120hz units greatly improve the picture quality by smoothing the action of fast-moving objects and improving their clarity. Had AOC done that with this unit at the same price. It really would have stood out from the competition. But as it is, the AOC L32H961 still is an excellent unit at an affordable price.

Posted by PC NEWS REVIEWS at 3:05 PM