At the time of this review, the LT-37X987 was priced around $2700 on JVC’s Web site. JVC will release a 32” version of this television, the LT-32X987, in October 2006.
All specifications listed in this review are courtesy of Victor Company of Japan
Key Specifications
The LT-37X987 is a high speed LCD TV with 120hz Clear Motion Drive - meaning it processes images twice the speed as other LCD TVs – 120hz compared to 60hz. In terms of frames, it displays 120 digital frames per second versus 60 digital frames per second. This gives the LT-37X987 a decided advantage in display of moving images.The LT-37X987 features a widescreen (16:9) high resolution WXGA panel with a maximum resolution of 770p (1366 x 768). The panel also has JVC’s GENESSA picture enhancement technology as well as a digital 5-point color management system. It has a built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner.
The contrast ratio isn’t off the charts (800:1) but it’s definitely satisfactory. It has most, if not all, of the same features found on other high quality LCD TVs like adjustable aspect ratios, zooms and 3-2 pull down. Here is a breakdown of the connections found on the LT-37X987:
- 2 - HDMI/HDCP digital inputs
- 2 - Component Video Inputs
- 2 - S-Video Inputs
- 3 - Side AV Inputs
- 1 - RF Input
- 1 - PC Input (15 pin D-Sub XGA/VGA)
- 1 - Smart Input
The LT-37X987 features 20w front-firing oblique cone speakers. It weighs about 41 pounds without the stand. It is 36 1/4" x 23 7/8" x 5 3/4" without the stand. It has a 1-year parts/labor warranty.
What I Liked
- The Picture: The 120hz Clear Motion Drive really makes a difference. Honestly, it was difficult to see where where the picture was better than other LCD TVs when the LT-37X987 was the only television in the room, but in a side-by-side comparison with a Syntax Olevia 42”LCD TV the LT-37X987 separated itself. Whether it was HD, DVD or satellite, the LT-37X987 had a better overall picture than the Olevia, which is highly rated in its own right.
Where the 120hz Clear Motion Drive makes a difference is with moving images, like rolling text across the screen. This is where many LCD TVs fall short, so the fact that text is crisp with defined edges (as opposed to blurred edges) when moving is hugely critical. This is something I can't overstate. This is great when watching a moving person, like with sports or in an action movie.
- Amount of Connections: The LT-37X987 is loaded with connections. JVC gets kudos for including this TV with two HDMI-HDCP connectors, two component and three composite inputs. Really, it has almost every type of connection you could ask for on a TV.
- The Warranty: What do you think about 1-year parts and labor? I like it.
What I Didn't Like
- The Remote Control: I must have a wicked fetish for remote control design or expect too much, but the LT-37X987’s remote control is too bulky and complex for me. I like the fact that the remote control has a lot of shortcut buttons that supercede the menu but do we really need that type of convenience at the price of ease of use?
Is this an issue? This isn’t a deal-breaker. Not even close to being one.
- The Back Panel: The back panel has two removable panels that hide the connectors and cables. One panel screws in; the other has tabs you press in to release. My problem with these panels is that one is inconvenient to remove and the other is difficult to put on when there are a lot of cables going into the TV.
Is this an issue? This is only an inconvenience if you plan on changing cables frequently. If not then this is a non-issue.
- The Price: At $2700, the LT-37X987 is priced more than many LCD TVs in the same size category.
Is this an issue? It is if you buy from JVC’s Web site it is. Luckily, I found other sites that sell this television for less money...in some cases it was less than $2000. Though, I would read the fine print before buying at that price - $2000 and up seems more realistic for a new, unopened item.
The Bottom Line
This is the first 5-star rating I have given to any television. The reason is simple - the picture. The image is great with any type of normal picture watched on a TV. I tested a PC on this panel and it looked better than my laptop's panel, which is a 16ms WXGA CrystalBrite LCD.There are some things I don't like about it, like the back panel and the remote control, but when you put everything on an equal playing field then this television has it all with the exception of a CableCARD slot.
The LT-37X987 costs more than I would want to spend on a television, but when you consider other LCD options you have to think of the best longterm value. Would you rather save $500 and get a TV with a good picture or spend $500 more and get a TV with a great picture that will only get better as TV resolutions get better?
The bottom line is that the LT-37X987 lived up to the hype of being the world's first high speed LCD TV...and then some.
