JVC LT-42WX70EU review

JVC has come up with a challenger for the best top-end TVs – if only it was a little more affordable Tested at £2000.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

This JVC monitor is a fantastic product, but loses a star due to its lofty price-tag

Pros

  • +

    Superb mix of deep blacks and punchy whites

  • +

    loads of detail

  • +

    great looks and build

Cons

  • -

    The Philips 42PFL9664, which is £500 cheaper

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Loads of people never use their TV tuner, such is the proliferation of Sky, Virgin, et al. That makes a screen without one appealing. Say hello to the JVC LT-42WX70EU.

This is a premium product with a stylish chassis and fine build quality. It's slim without the stand, just over 4cm deep. A speaker is included, but you can leave it off for an extra-slinky proposition.

Technical set-up is worth it
JVC says this Full HD monitor is largely aimed at custom installers and 'home cinema experts', so calibration is a rather technical affair. Take some time with the myriad options, though, and the results are hugely impressive.

Play the Dead Snow Blu-ray and the JVC produces a picture with brilliant contrast, combining supremely punchy whites against inky black backgrounds. Detail levels are excellent, revealing all the detail in the faces of the soon-to-be-zombie-food characters.

Where the JVC can't quite match the very best in class is in motion and colour-reproduction. There's just a touch of judder to fast motion and slow pans, despite 100Hz motion processing, and skin tones are a little rosier than those from the ultra-neutral Philips 42PFL9664.

Far from a one-trick pony
Switching to DVD proves the set is far from a one-trick pony, reproducing the challenging Fast & Furious with great detail, punch and black depth. And if you don't have a speaker system, the one with the JVC is excellent by flatscreen standards.

Essentially, this is the closest rival to the Philips 42PFL9664 we've seen – and if they were the same price it would be a tough call between the two. As it is, the JVC's extra £500 makes the decision much easier.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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