LG KU-17WDVD, A Feature-Packed LCD TV
September 2004
The growing world of small LCD TVs is drunk—positively smashed, even—on variety. There are models designed for just about any use or space, so know how you're going to use it makes all the diffeernce when selecting you flattie.
Is the set going to be in the kitchen for watching standard TV? Is it going to be an HDTV set for a small room? Will it be used mainly to watch DVD movies? Do you want to use it as a PC monitor as well? What components and other devices would you like to connect to it?
LG's KU-17WDVD suits certain applications well but isn't as appropriate for others. It's an HDTV-capable, widescreen (15:9, 1280x768), 17-inch LCD TV with a built-in "vacuum" progressive-scan DVD player. LG has done a great job with the concept. The DVD player is easy to use, and the side-loading vacuum sucks the DVD into the player's clutches with no fuss. The player even features a fancy Faroudja DCDi video processor.
Connections are mostly what you'd expect, with some twists. Below the DVD player on the side are composite A/V and S-Video inputs, as well as a headphone jack. In the back, beneath a cover panel are power, antenna and component video inputs, but then there's some more boutique-y stuff for a small LCD: DVD video out and optical digital out (for connecting the DVD player to another display, or to connect to an A/V receiver for better sound), as well as PC sound input and 15-pin RGB PC monitor input. Note what isn't there: no DVI, HDMI or 1394, no CableCARD slot, no photo memory card or USB slots.
To be fair, these aren't commonly found on small LCDs, but you should note that even though the device is HDTV-capable, it doesn't feature some connections you'd find on most larger HDTVs. In addition, to receive HDTV, you must acquire a tuner or a set-top box with component outputs from your service provider. There's a built-in NTSC tuner for regular TV, but no ATSC (HDTV) tuner.
The KU-17WDVD stands out because of its glossy back cabinet (LG calls it "noble black"); almost every LCD out there has a silver cabinet, so the black finish makes the set la little bolder than most LCD TVs. It helps boost contrast as well, although the glossiness of the bezel can produce distracting reflections of other light sources in the room. Even the stand looks deluxe by comparison, and it allows you to adjust the vertical viewing angle of the TV three degrees forward and 12 degrees backward; it also can swivel 30 degrees left or right. An optional wall mount is also available. The handle on the back for toting the set around, however, is awkward and somewhat precarious.
Is the set going to be in the kitchen for watching standard TV? Is it going to be an HDTV set for a small room? Will it be used mainly to watch DVD movies? Do you want to use it as a PC monitor as well? What components and other devices would you like to connect to it?
LG's KU-17WDVD suits certain applications well but isn't as appropriate for others. It's an HDTV-capable, widescreen (15:9, 1280x768), 17-inch LCD TV with a built-in "vacuum" progressive-scan DVD player. LG has done a great job with the concept. The DVD player is easy to use, and the side-loading vacuum sucks the DVD into the player's clutches with no fuss. The player even features a fancy Faroudja DCDi video processor.
Connections are mostly what you'd expect, with some twists. Below the DVD player on the side are composite A/V and S-Video inputs, as well as a headphone jack. In the back, beneath a cover panel are power, antenna and component video inputs, but then there's some more boutique-y stuff for a small LCD: DVD video out and optical digital out (for connecting the DVD player to another display, or to connect to an A/V receiver for better sound), as well as PC sound input and 15-pin RGB PC monitor input. Note what isn't there: no DVI, HDMI or 1394, no CableCARD slot, no photo memory card or USB slots.
To be fair, these aren't commonly found on small LCDs, but you should note that even though the device is HDTV-capable, it doesn't feature some connections you'd find on most larger HDTVs. In addition, to receive HDTV, you must acquire a tuner or a set-top box with component outputs from your service provider. There's a built-in NTSC tuner for regular TV, but no ATSC (HDTV) tuner.
The KU-17WDVD stands out because of its glossy back cabinet (LG calls it "noble black"); almost every LCD out there has a silver cabinet, so the black finish makes the set la little bolder than most LCD TVs. It helps boost contrast as well, although the glossiness of the bezel can produce distracting reflections of other light sources in the room. Even the stand looks deluxe by comparison, and it allows you to adjust the vertical viewing angle of the TV three degrees forward and 12 degrees backward; it also can swivel 30 degrees left or right. An optional wall mount is also available. The handle on the back for toting the set around, however, is awkward and somewhat precarious.
