My biggest concern with the EF71001 is long term functionality. I was able to review two units total, though the first unit had a defective tuner. The second unit had a noisy fan. Be sure to read warranty and return policy for the EF71001 before purchasing.
- Two functions - digital TV and digital picture frame
- Magnetic-mount antenna keeps antenna upright when mounted on metallic surface
- Shows frequency and strength of signal in 'DTV Signal' portion of menu system
- Digital images are displayed with good color and clarity
- Lightweight so can be portable - AC/DC adapter optional accessory sold for automobile use
- Doesn't have rechargeable battery - requires use of external power supply
- Remote control doesn't have on/off power button - power button located on back of panel
- No mute button on remote control
- No internal storage or hard drive for photos in digital picture frame function
- Is not Energy Star certified
- Getting the EF71001 out of the box and in-use was easy. Connect antenna, insert batteries into remote and plug it in.
- User manual and menu system seem rushed - minimum amount of info included. Graphics are basic. Misspelled words.
- Power consumption measured by Kill A Watt EZ P4460 electricity meter - .31KWh per 24/hr when in use - 9KWh month.
- On-board cooling fan was noisy on this particular unit.
- Two picture viewing modes - Auto and 4:3. To see how they display images view my photo gallery of on-screen images.
- Digital TV signals shown in Auto screen mode will feature a letter box on the top and bottom.
- Digital TV signals shown in 4:3 screen mode will either be full screen or with black bars on the side.
- Panel supported by table top stand built onto the back of the unit. It offers good support and it doesn't slip.
- Panel is wall mountable but keep in mind that it requires external power - meaning it plugs into the wall.
- No internal hard drive or memory for storage of video and/or pictures. Must use external storage.
This review will focus on the digital TV function of the EF71001. However, some comments can apply to the digital picture frame function as well.
What's in the Box?
- EF71001 digital picture frame/TV panel
- Remote control
- Two AA batteries
- AC power adapter
- Magnetic-mount removable RF antenna
- Ear bud headphones
- RCA video cable adapter
- User manual
Programming Local Broadcast Channels - Quality of Reception
I ran three channel scans from various locations within my house and each scan picked up all digital stations in my area.
The EF71001 maintains a steady signal when the antenna is fixed to a metallic surface and the antenna doesn't have isn't obstructed. I like that the menu system allows me to see the frequency and strength of signal for each digital station received.
The tuner is digital-only so this unit doesn't receive analog broadcast TV signals. The magnetic mount antenna is useful because the antenna doesn't have the base to support itself.
Picture Quality
The EF71001 does a good job in displaying HD digital TV signals at a down-converted 480p resolution. The panel is small enough so motion blur isn't really noticeable. Colors are good.
With respect to non-digital images, the EF71001 is about par for the course. Images are somewhat fuzzy. This was expected and not a huge issue to me.
All in all, I am satisfied with quality of image shown on the EF71001.
