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The specifications don't look all that bad on first glance, but
a closer inspection of the inputs available on this TV basically say that this
is a computer monitor with a built-in TV tuner. There is no DVI or HDMI input,
so purely digital signals cannot be fed into this TV, although you can still get
a very decent HD signal if you use the component input, of which there is only
one. Using component cables means that HD signals must be "broken down" to three
components and then "rebuilt" upon arrival in the TV. There is an invariable
degradation of image quality, although it is still considered HD and much better
than using S-video or composite inputs.
Although this would be a good PC monitor, you can only hook it
up to a computer via the VGA port. Very few computers have component outputs.
Using the Hyundai HQL320WR in PC mode is an attractive alternative, as you might
expect. But on the other hand, the images weren't perfectly sharp in PC mode -
which is not that much of a problem with video, but makes text hard to read. The
brightness was too high, but bearable, especially if you play games at a certain
distance from the TV. So this is a PC mode that's partially usable. It's perfect
for gaming, but difficult to use for text editing. If
you want to use it as a stand-alone TV make sure your source has component
outputs to take advantage of the televisions high-definition native resolution.
The design of the HQL320WR is in fact very close to that of the DELL W2600. The
panel and speakers are black, surrounded by an aluminum frame. Not a fancy
design, but the finish is quite good for a 32" set selling for this price. The
design is extra flat compared to the competition. The only criticism we can make
about this unit is that its base lacks stability.
The set held its own in the ergonomics department. The remote control is very
basic, but navigation in the menus is efficient and simple. The adjustments
available are standard and won't confuse the average user. The base is
adjustable for tilt and also rotates.
If there were a DVI or HDMI input, the HQL320WR would have been perfect. That's
really all that's lacking. For high definition TV, you'll have to rely on YUV
alone. That's quite feasible, but it's not the ideal solution.
The HQL320WR came out of the calibrator test with above-average results. That's
good news for a set that sells for less than $1,400. And finally! The HQL320WR
is the only TV we tested for this article that has a really good black level. As
a result, the contrast as measured is a high 646:1 - which was a pleasant
surprise.
The Hyundai HQL320WR picture was quite reasonable in terms of quality. It
sometimes lacked contrast in the darkest shades, but overall, the quality was
acceptable. Video noise wasn't too evident.
Unfortunately, the Hyundai HQL320WR hasn't solved the problem of scaling. The
images were sharp, but they remained fairly jagged despite obvious efforts on
Hyundai's part. No, the HQL320WR is not a panacea; but yes, it performs better
than the other sets of its size. And we should mention that for once, the zoom
factors are very varied and let you adapt the picture to the size you want.
That's practical above all with video games, because HUDs are not always located
in the same place and the Hyundai HQL320WR lets you play with the zoom
adjustments to get an optimum display. Currently
only
TigerDirect has this TV, and only fleetingly. You have to check with them
regularly because it seems that they only get one TV a day and when it's sold,
TigerDirect says that it in no longer available. Check back the next day and its
there. Update (10/17/05) - Price drop. It is now $899 shipped free at
PC
Connection
Update (10/05/05) - PC Connection now has this in
stock. Big price drop. It is now $929 shipped free at
PC
Connection
Update (7/10/05) - Price drop. It is now $999 after
rebate at
TigerDirect.
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