Zenith Calibration & Viewing Evaluation

I like to be able to do basic calibration of displays, especially those with a tendency to be off the mark out of the box (that's nearly all direct view sets to date). In the case of the Zenith Z26LZ5R, however, you will find that not only are there not many options for calibration, the options you are given are not available independently for each input. Oops. We found the following matrix of configurable User settings per input:

Here are some calibration measurements followed by a discussion of input options and photos demonstrating the same source material on each. Calibration was performed on the Component1 inputs:

Input Analysis

Even a cursory glance reveals that while component video shows off considerably greater detail than either composite or s-video (though a bit oversaturated), the DVI input is the one that wins hands down as the best way to get accurate picture into this display. We recommend using the DVI input whenever possible. After calibration, the component video input showed color improvement but still did not possess the perfect detail shown through use of the DVI input.

Audioholics/HQV Bench Testing Summary of Test Results

Perfect Score is 130
Zenith Z26LZ5R Benchmark Score: 28 (Room for improvement. Use this display with a good source)

Our source was the Denon DVD-5900.

Comments on HQV Testing

This display basically affects anything coming in via its analogue inputs - even component video. When switching to the DVI input, however, the pictures becomes pristine and clear, showing incredible detail and allowing the source to do its job deinterlacing and producing a smooth picture. In addition, we noticed a consistent flickering during the Color Bar test which also went away with the DVI input. Based on these results, our clear recommendation is to use this display, whenever possible, with its DVI input. After saying this - read on to see that the component video inputs did indeed produce a very pleasing picture from the appropriate viewing distance, which just goes to show that real-world viewing does not always match up with the test results.

Viewing Evaluation - The Movies

DVD: Blade - Trinity

I purposely did my viewing evaluations with the component inputs (please see above for our component vs. DVI visual comparison using screen shots from The Fifth Element). The first film I popped in was Blade: Trinity. This movie had a lot of dark scenes and high-contrast effects which included vampires igniting and turning to ash. I thought the quality was excellent via the component inputs, though I know from objective comparison that the DVI inputs would have produced an even better, smoother, more accurate picture. From a distance of 3x the screen width pixelation and noise did not seem to be an issue as it was with our close-up examination of Silicon Optix' HQV test disc. All I saw was vivid color, good detail and a great overall picture. Blacks could have been better, but overall I felt the dynamic range of the scenes was very acceptable

DVD: Lemony Snicket's: A Series of Unfortunate Events

This is such a colorful movie and it really stood out on the Zenith and let the 26" LCD TV shine. M any of the scenes, especially the scenes with their herpetologist relative played by Billy Connolly, feature colorful snakes and scenery that practically jumps off of the screen. I found this movie to show off just how well LCD displays can put forth vibrant color, especially with the high lumen output demonstrated by this particular set. In addition, there were plenty of dark scenes that tested whether the detail would be lost in the shadows (it really wasn't for the most part) and how well the overall contrast of the picture played out in real-world viewing. I found the dynamic range of the set to be acceptable, though I prefer slightly darker blacks than can be achieved with this set. Setting the Brightness and Contrast of this display correctly will at least ensure an optimum viewing experience with regards to getting the most dynamics out of the Z26LZ5R.

Discovery HD

Discovery HD is the default channel when my cable box comes on and for good reason. The content on this channel is, typically, simply the best HDTV content available on cable. The high quality source footage and nature-centric content keeps your eyes glued to the set regardless of the show or topic of discussion. The Zenith Z26LZ5R took this channel in stride and put forth a fantastic image that, from my vantage point about 6' away - looked as if I was peering into the Serengeti through a window. Leaf detail was only exceeded by animal hair and wing detail as the story of the Serengeti produced picture after picture of incredible animal footage that brought this display to life.

If I had to pick a word to describe to cumulative HD footage I watched on this display, I'd have to say "gorgeous." Switch over to DVI and you might fall out of your chair, but even component video came through with flying colors in the real world tests.