NuVision NVU40FX5LS Lucidium Slim 40" LED TV Review

NuVision NVU40FX5LS Build Quality

NuVision U.S. Inc. recently announced the introduction of three new super slim LED edge-lit LCD TV models for the consumer market, namely the Lucidium NVU40FX5LS (40-inch), the NVU46FX5LS (46-inch) and the NVU55FX5LS (55-inch). All three models come in a standard brushed aluminum black enclosure that has an almost industrial look to it. The 55-inch model is also available in a limited edition featuring a silver frame (NVU55FX5LSX). All three models utilize NuVision’s powerful FX5 120Hz video processing, which eliminates the need for corrective mathematical algorithms when viewing 24 frame 1080p content by displaying each film frame five times on the display, creating an effective rate of 120 frames per second. We'll go into more on this processing method later.

NuVision's line of LED TVs produce vibrant, accurate whites when calibrated and colors look well-balanced and accurate - meaning they are true to what the colorist intended. NuVision claims their LED backlight allows for more accurate color, but the bottom line is that hitting the mark is all that count. Additional saturation or color simply diverges from the gold standard (at least until they change the standard!) The video processing also includes 10 bit color depth and the edge-lit LEDs enable the television to fit all of its inputs and functionality into a frame that is only 1.5" deep. The new light weight NVU40FX5LS requires 40% less power to operate than a comparable CCFL (florescent backlit) set and they are also free of any Mercury, which is significant if "environmentally-friendly" is a moniker you are looking for in your television. 

Build Quality

In terms of its design, the NuVision 40" Slim LED-backlit TV features a recessed side and rear input panel that puts the connections parallel with the thin profile of the television. We've seen other TVs that have inputs mounted on the back where the cable would stick straight out - so much for your thin TV being anywhere near the wall! The folks at NuVision were at least putting their thinking caps on when they oriented the connections. Speaking of connections, the TV has its inputs almost arbitrarily split between side and bottom. The bottom contains the single component video input, VGA connection, and NuControl while the side handles everything else, including all digital video inputs and the single digital audio output.

The NVU40FX5LS features a removable side panel cover that is designed to route HDMI and other cables downward so that they don't stick out of the TV. This is good in that it keeps cables form being visible out the side where they are connected into the television, but you won't be able to use thick or stiff HDMI cables due to the requirement of a rather tight turning radius. There's only about 1-3/4" clearance for your cables so plan accordingly. One other thing we noted was that NuVision opted to go with a coax digital audio output over TOSlink. While they are usually audibly identical in terms of quality, to-date we have seen most televisions opt for the fiber optic digital output. We were glad to see that the television also recessed the IEC power connection point and even included a hard power cutoff - a nice feature that we don't see too often in consumer sets. The FX5 series displays are also sold without stands - which we felt was absolutely perfect since we think all flat panel TVs should be mounted to the wall regardless. Whether the stands cost consumers $100 or $10, it's a cost that we feel could be saved on most sets. In the case of NuVisions Lucidium FX5 series, a stand will run you $199 extra.

NuControl Protocol

NuControl is NuVision's move towards meeting the needs of custom integrators. Every NuVision set includes their exclusive NuControl port which offers bi-directional RS232 protocol, in addition to IR pass-thru to control other devices, and even IR input to control the TV. That means that installers placing a NuVision into a customer's location can bypass IR emitters and receivers, they can plug into NuControl with a compatible NuWire IR distribution accessory and create an instant IR control network. NuControl doesn't require a power supply and there are no wires to cut.

Bezel Away!

For a "mere" $1,499 premium, NuVision will create any colored bezel you want in a gloss car-style finish. Since the NuVision is already targeting the high-end custom market, this is a perfect fit. If a client has a room that is designed around a certain color theme, any of the new FX5LS TVs can be custom made to order. For the contemporary crowd, this really hits the nail on the head. All you need is a Pantone color, paint sample, or fabric swatch. All dealers need to do is send the sample, order the TV, and 14 days later the new set is available with the custom bezel.

NuVision NVU40FX5LS Features, Setup & Remote

All of NuVision's FX5LS models also feature an ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner as well as the FX5 5-from-1 video processing algorithms that make good use of the set's 120Hz DCS Deep Black LCD. This is a feature best realized when used in conjunction with 1080p/24 sources. Deinterlacing (including four-field 1080i-to-1080p deinterlacing) and scaling are handled by the NiDO IV engine. NuVision's DSDB (Digital Switching Deep Black) system dynamically adjusts the LCD backlight according to the average picture level being displayed on-screen. While not as effective as local dimming (which, given current technology, requires a deeper panel), it still yields an impressive total contrast ratio and aids in the watching of material with a lot of darker content.

The NVU40FX5LS LCD panel features a 5ms (best) response time. Their FFM (Frame Forward Motion) technology further reduces LCD pixel blur by creating additional interpolated frames - literally frames within the existing frames of picture available form the source. The FFM feature is user adjustable with low, medium, and high settings or the feature can be completely disabled. DCS (Deep Color Spectrum) is NuVision's term for 16-bit color capability which potentially widens the color gamut of the display with compatible sources (of which none currently exist). In conjunction with NuColor x.v. (x.v.Color Expanded Color Gamut) the set seems ready for the future. What it isn't ready for is any sort of network features. NuVision has opted to rely on external sources for any network applications. With the myriad of sources offering them, I'm not sure this is such a bad idea for the C.I. Market. Finally, the new Lucidium FX5 Series comes complete with a full, two-year, in-home manufacturer’s warranty on all parts and labor. Try getting that from a big box store! 

FX5 120Hz Mode

What the NuVision attempts to do with regards to its 120Hz processing is actually pretty straightforward. In addition to dealing with frame interpolation, which requires intensive video processing and advanced deinterlacing. Where the NuVision's FFM (Frame Forward Motion) system essentially makes up new frames based on guesses at what an additional inserted frame would have looked like, the NVU40FX5LS also uses its FX5 (Film Times Five) system to duplicate each frame on a 24p source (like Blu-ray or DVD) five times. That means that both the 24p source and the resulting 120fps video are evenly divisible by each other - so no deinterlacing is required. The two systems can be used together, or you can use just the FX5 by itself.

If we map this out visually, here is what it looks like:

Standard deinterlacing (top); NuVision FX5 120Hz processing (bottom)

As you can see, the above version is what happens when a 24p source is regularly deinterlaced. The result is a complex field-rendered mess that must be error checked to avoid all manner of unsightly video artifacts (imagine one field from frame B and one field from frame C during a scene change, for example). NuVision cuts right through all this with straight duplication if each frame 5 times. The result is smooth motion at a higher refresh rate that eliminates the judder effect that is a naturally occurring "stutter" when you persistently try and fit 2 frames into 3.

Set-Up & Menu

Configuration was a breeze with this display. While the RGB color controls are locked away in the service menu, the user controls are quite easy to use and they seem to be ergonomically thought out. Unlike many menus where you have to go through tons of layers and subsections, most controls were only one layer of menu and all were easy to get into and retreat from during setup. Also, once a control was activated, the main menu disappeared allowing you to see the image below, while the adjustment positioned itself at the bottom of the screen. Most advanced installers using this set will want to give it a full calibration, but we found pleasing results in the default "Warm" color mode. We also liked the Lucidium's FX5 setting in conjunction with 1080p/24 content - judder was eliminated and no motion artifacts were introduced. For frame interpolation you can engage the FFM feature, but we found this to be hit or miss depending upon the content. It's easy for motion artifacts to manifest themselves when you are interpolating frames, and fast motion is where this almost invariably breaks down.

Remote Control

We liked the remote control that came with the NVU40FX5LS. There a re a few quirks, like the lack of an HDMI 4 direct input button, though the remote allows access to nearly all others. This seemed like a case where NuVision simply didn't want to redesign or recommission a remote control and simply made due with what they had - which isn't bad. The remote is completely backlit and about the only thing you can criticize, apart form the above, is the duplicate button shapes which dominate the remote. This is offset, in my opinion by the excellent backlight, so it's not much of a ding.

NuVision NVU40FX5LS Benchmark, Viewing Tests & Conclusion

Perfect Score is 130
NuVision NVU40FX5LS HQV Benchmark total score: 95/130.
All tests were run through the HDMI 1 input (SD at 480i, HD at 1080i). 

HQV HD Perfect Score is 100
NuVision NVU40FX5LS Benchmark Score: 100 (perfect)

Comments on Benchtesting

We're not sure what the underlying tech below the NiDO IV engine is, but our testing showed that it did a very good job overall. There is ample noise reduction, which we found needed to be cranked up to about 60 or 70 to be best realized. There was some balance between noise reduction and motion blur effects due to the panel, but motion adaptive noise reduction was good overall. The TV handles all of the regular cadences well and its deinterlacing actually surprised us with regards to its smoothness. In terms of processing, the NuVision 40" LED-backlit television scored well above average.

Viewing Evaluation

We used the NVU40FX5LS to watch several movies over the review period as well as to play games using our Xbox 360. NuVision's FX5 TVs incorporate a "Game Mode" feature that deactivates most of the on-board video processing within the set to cut down on potential latency. In this way we were able to play rhythm games, like Green Day Rock Band, without much in the way of lag - this is important if you don't want to sing in an echo chamber or get your notes wrong when playing in Expert mode.

BD: Whiteout
Whiteout had several scenes that showed off black levels, but none so poignant as the city sign that points the way from the pole to the different major cities across the world. You can barely read this sign on a poor TV, and just make out the names on a set with excellent black level detail. With the straight on view the contrast (at default) was close to perfect, and the signs were nearly a silhouette. What I did next, however, was angle myself up so that I was above the TV looking down at it. Next I stood off to the left. In both off-axis positions the contrast dropped and the black levels rose. This made the signs easier to read, but showed that the NVU40FX5LS doesn't have a perfect off-axis viewing response and could use some work in that area (IPS, or in-plane switching works well to combat this, though there are other solutions as well).

BD: Terminator Salvation
This movie was entertaining, and it was certainly detailed and action-packed. We snapped of a  few shots and included them here to show you the level of black detail and crisp response that is possible from this set. One thing this movie brought to light was the difficulty of maintaining black level uniformity with the edge-lit technology NuVision uses. This is a common problem with edge-lit LED LCDs and it looks like there is still some maturity needed in this area. This is more a statement about this type of edge-lit technology (which is primarily responsible for the availability of thinner screens), rather than NuVision.

BD: 9
This animated film, which came about from a short film of the same name, seemed to be nothing but a repository for flat screen TV testing material. From the bright and vibrant greens to the intense blacks and quick movements of the creatures that pursued the scientists creations, there was never a time we weren't staring at the screen analyzing how well it did. This movie showed us that as far as the FX5 system goes, it's a great implementation of a judder-eliminating video mode that we wholeheartedly embraced.

Conclusion

NuVision is not attempting to make a budget product, so don't expect to see a high value rating on this set. In addition, the company's focus is on providing a good quality product to its dealers and supporting that product with a warranty that means something. The company's own warranty statement claims "To further support consumers, NuVision backs its product line with a 2-year warranty, in-house technical support, and limited distribution through only the most knowledgeable and professional dealers and installers that can cater to their customers' every need."

About  NuVision
Founded in 2005, NuVision, Inc. is a manufacturer of ultimate performance video components. Known for their premium build quality and elegant appearance, NuVision products are engineered to be the finest home cinema solutions available. To ensure that customers receive the best support, service and set-up, NuVision products are only sold through an exclusive, pre-qualified dealer network. For more information visit: www.NuVision.com

The Score Card

The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:

Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating

Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.

Audioholics Rating Scale

• — Excellent
• — Very Good
• — Good
• — Fair
• — Poor

Metric	Rating
Detail and Resolution
Deinterlacing & Scaling
Contrast and Black Levels
Color Reproduction
Noise Reduction
Build Quality
Ergonomics & Usability
Features
Remote Control
Fit and Finish
Performance
Value