Lots of features, Guide+, dual PIP, very good sound

very prominent distortion of objects in horizontal pan

I purchased the JVC AV-27D800 about two weeks
ago for $449 after comparing it with the
Sony KV27V66, the Toshiba CN27V71, and the
Panasonic 27V26. Side by side with these other
machines, the JVC looked good, with a sharp natural
looking picture and lots of features, including
dual tuner PIP, and Guide+.

I was very pleased with it until I noticed some very
strong distortion of the image when the camera view
pans horizontally. This is most noticable when
viewing a scene with buildings or other objects
with sharp angles. All is well until the camera
pans horizontally. Then you notice that objects coming
in from the side suddenly shrink in width when they
enter the middle of the screen, and stretch again
as they leave the middle going out the other side.
Try as I might, I could not tolerate this, especially
since my old 20" JVC had no such image distortion
when viewed side by side with the AV-27D800.

I returned to the store, and noticed that when the
CNN stock ticker was panning accross the screen,
I could use it to judge this affect on the different
makes and models. The Sony KV-27V66 showed no visible
distortion, and neither did the Toshiba CN27V71. The
Panasonic showed it a little, but nowhere near as
bad as the JVC. I exchanged the JVC for the Toshiba,
which seemed a better value, with most, if not all of
the same features as the JVC except Guide+. The Sony
was very nice except for the terrible audio. Try
cranking up the volume with the bass enhanced a little
while viewing a cable music station, and you'll hear
the effect: terrible distortion and cabinet resonance.
I was tempted by the Panasonic with its great deep
blacks and good sound, but the image distortion would
have been a distraction, and it was priced quite a
bit higher, and it lacked dual PIP.

Be warned about the Sony WEGA machines. They also show
a strong degree of this horizontal image distortion,
which is a surprise considering inflated price.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba CN27V71, JVC 20", Sony KV-27V66, Panasonic 27SF26

Everything, excellent picture quality, sound, picture in picture , etc...

changed the remote from 1997 in 1997 the remote had an internal light that was a nice feature, guide tv is now obsolete with cable and picture in picture is generally a worthless upgrade

While shoping at Best Buy the salesman stated that JVC tv's are overated, overated no, pricey yes..... I have had this tv for approximately two years and the picture quality is excellent and the sound is also great. ... The 1997 edition had the speakers in the back and for 1998 they brought them forward increasing sound quality..... The inputs and outputs on the back of the tv are excellent along with the great design of the tv..... I paid alot for this tv ,,, because at the time there was not alot of web competion for Circuit City ... Overall I am very satisfied with this product

Similar Products Used:

Have 3 JVC tv's and love all of them -- all 27 inch same model but 1997 edition