Setup and Menu System

The Setup of the Aquaview TV mirrors the system utilized in the Zenith Z26LZ5R we reviewed some time ago, so I won't go into full details here. You can check out that review online for a full breakdown of features, but rest assured that you can control the basic picture controls and even add audio EQ. It's an easy to use menu system and doesn't take any special skill or knowledge to setup. "So easy, even a caveman can do it" comes to mind when using this system.

There was no real User Manual for this set when we did the install (it was still being completed) but we never found anything particularly difficult. At one point we had to program the water resistant remote control and the short instructions shown on the back of the remote were completely sufficient to the task. Installation of the backbox was by far the most intensive part of the installation process, but once you have that measured and positioned, there's really nothing to it (thanks to the presence of adjustable depth slots).

Remote Control(s)

Our Aquaview TV came with a three straightforward remote controls. None of them were particularly impressive. There was an LG-branded remote which had th4e most features, a "waterproof" remote (which we found out was actually just water resistant), and a hard-wired remote that can be installed into the wall.

We decided to test the waterproof remote by dropping it into the tub (OK, actually my nephew dropped it in, but at that point we decided to test it). It was only underwater for a couple of seconds, but it ceased to function and would no longer control the television. We dried it off, removed the battery and reprogrammed it and it continued to function correctly. As a result we've dubbed it more of a water resistant remote, just keep that in mind. The LG-branded remote worked perfectly with no problems.

The hard-wired remote is a great-looking device, simplistic and elegant. It has a chrome trim around the edge and features a power button (very important), volume and channel buttons. There are also very important aspect and input (video) buttons as well. This is just about everything you need in order to successfully use the TV and keeps you from having to have a remote control around that you could lose or misplace (or drop in the tub!) Aquaview also has a float remote that is completely waterproof (we didn't review this one) so if you dream of reaching in the water for the remote you have an option for that too.

Volume control and channel selection are navigated via the ergonomically-located center 4-way switch. The enter button is positioned in the center and nothing could be simpler. A direct-access number pad is provided as are buttons to cycle through the available audio and video modes.

The Audio Performance

If you take a close look at the speaker you'll note that it has two sets of inputs. This is because it is a single woofer, dual tweeter design that allows for a "stereo" image to be sent from one enclosure. The idea is not new and does a decent job of allowing left and right information to be sent into close quarters (as is common with bathrooms). We found the speaker to be sufficiently loud for the bathroom and it didn't distort until you maxed out the volume (at which point it was a bit too loud for our room). If you have a cavernous bathroom you may want to opt for getting separate speakers to separate the audio sources.

Viewing Evaluation

TV: College Football
We checked out a lot of program material on this set, but decided to start with some College Football (hey, we were working on a Saturday!) The image was clear and clean - but to be honest, this is what we expected for a 17-inch widescreen LCD display. I noticed no problem with blurring, though this certainly wasn't a high-performance display as noted by its lack of advanced calibration options or features. What was impressive was its brightness. You can really get the unit to show a nice, vivid picture even with all the lights on (as shown here in the photo). One thing we did notice was the potential for glare as the screen is polished and somewhat reflective - welcome to just about all flat panel displays. To say that this picture would be enjoyable while taking a nice bath is an understatement - this is simply a very cool product and our actual use of it allowed the mental picture we had to be fully realized.

We viewed other TV material as well and were very pleased at the results. This is a nice display and the picture was always clear and bright:

DVD: Blue Collar Comedy Tour
Yes, it's not a high quality, action-packed DVD, but we simply wanted to see how the system performed with a standard definition DVD. The results were pleasing and I knew that this display not only handled NTSC cable and off-air channels well, but also DVD material fed through the component inputs. Skin detail was present and the contrast of the set allowed black levels to come across distinctly. IN the picture we took you can notice a glare off the screen - this is simply something you'll want to note and ensure that you have the ability to close the blinds or curtains on any windows you may have behind the set.

Conclusion

While this may seem like an expensive 17-inch display, the market is such that there are not many products filling this needed area. In the word of custom AV installation I can imagine a whole fleet of clients who would gladly pay $2,500 installed (probably a whole lot more) for the ability to put a TV in their bathroom without the fear of moisture interfering with the components over time. Costs will increase for installation into an existing home for obvious reasons. This is a show piece and a statement that really creates conversation. When showing off the completed bathroom it was always fun to see the looks on people's faces as they pointed and said "Is that a…."

"Yes", my brother-in-law would reply. That's a TV. In my tub. Cool.

I highly recommend this brand due to its attention to detail, the backbox installation methodology and the overall completed look of the finished piece. It's a great product and you aren't going to see a lot of competition in this area - so get one for your clients while it's still new.