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Zenith Z26LZ5R 26" LCD Television Review

Name: Z26LZ5R 26" LCD Television
Brand: Zenith
SKU: not available
Rating: 3.5 (1 reviews)

by Clint DeBoer — May 04, 2005

Zenith Z26LZ5R 26" LCD TV

Product Name: Z26LZ5R 26" LCD Television
Manufacturer: Zenith
Performance Rating:
Value Rating:
Review Date: May 04, 2005 20:00
MSRP: $ 1599

Specifications

Special Features

NTSC Tuner

DVI with HDCP

Faroudja DCDi Video Processing

2D Y/C comb filter

Built-in 7Wx2 speakers

Aspect ratio adjustment (3 modes)

Custom channel labels

Sleep timer

Standard Features

Custom channel labels

Custom input labels

Discrete IR codes

Favorite channel/Previous channel selection

Trilingual menus

Sleep timer/on-off timer/auto-off

Parental controls (w/V-chip)

Audio & Misc Inputs

Audio L/R (2 rear, 1 side input)

PC sound input (1/8" stereo)

RS-232C (software upgrade compatible)

Specifications

Display resolution: 1280 x 768p (26" screen)

Contrast ratio: 500:1 (stated)

Brightness: 500 cd/m2

Viewing angle: 178º

Response time: 16ms

Color temperature adjustment (3 modes)

Screen (pixel) pitch: 0.43

Mounting: VESA standard

Remote: Non-backlit, non-universal, wired option

Video Inputs

DVI w/HDCP (HDTV & PC)

Hi-res Component video (480i/p/720p/1080i)

Component video (480i - side input)
S-video (side input)

Composite video

Antenna/CableTV input (NTSC)

Warranty: 1year parts/labor

Dimensions: 30.6" x 20.2" x 7.6" in (with stand); 30.6" x 18.4" x 4.6" in (without stand)

Weight: 35.3 lbs

Pros

Great picture resolution
Bright picture
HDTV/PC input with DVI w/HDCP
Stylish cabinet
Good scaling and deinterlacing for this size screen at this price point
Easy to set up
VESA standard mount

Cons

Composite & s-video inputs produce poor quality picture
Slow channel changing
Very limited calibration and user settings
Uneven color uniformity across LCD panel
No "Smart Stretch" mode

Introduction

LCD TVs have been rapidly dropping in price for about two years now, all the while their feature sets and specifications improving with time. Zenith's models are no exception, with their latest units having street prices only wished for in previous seasons. The delay in bringing LCD TVs down to "mere mortal" levels has really resulted in a better crop of units that support features once reserved for only the high end units. DVI (or HDMI) with HDCP, satisfactory deinterlacing, such as that provided by Faroudja's DCDi engine, and brighter, faster displays are now the expected norm in today's market. Now, if only Zenith could shorten up its model number designations...

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About the author:

Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, 2014. He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion.

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