Hidden Talents (Loewe Aconda 9381)

Member Name: cheech

Product:	Loewe Aconda 9381
Date:	21/01/02 (4129 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Future proof, connections, looks

Disadvantages: picture judder with panning shots

I've had the loewe Aconda 9381 32" flat screen since Dec 2001.It has 3 scarts,1 standard ,1 rgb and 1 rgb or component YUV sync on Y for use with a progressive scan DVD player. To choose the component setting go into AV set up in the menu and highlight it, then you will need a 3 RCA to scart component video cable with sync on the green connector plug unless your DVD player has a separate sync socket (4 RCA to scart). This cable is not available off the shelf but a HI-FI dealer can get it custom built.

This will give the best picture available from DVD but the player must have component sockets on the back.

Broadcast pictures on the Aconda are superb with blacks and dark colours but the main problem is the whites that seem over bright and can glimmer and lack detail (common with 100HZ TV). Also pictures can judder during fast panning shots but...this can be improved big time by connecting a line doubler to the optional VGA computer input board (see your dealer) to get progressive scanned broadcast and vhs pictures. This is the only CRT TV in the UK that has the connections on the back to do this.

The end result is the best picture available anywhere short of hi definition TV which is not yet available in Europe! By the way this TV can accept HDTV when/if it becomes available.

This is also the best looking CRT TV available period. It could easily be exhibited in an art gallery, it's that attractive! It's not as deep as other 32" TV’s so is easier to place in a room.

The factory picture settings are set too high so they need adjustment before viewing. Mine are: contrast 38, colour 35, brightness 23 and sharpness 2. This will give a well balanced picture and prevent premature screen burn.

Finally the real winner with this TV is how it can be upgraded and improved by changing circuit boards and chips when they become available just like a home PC. It won't become out dated too easily and with the exc
ellent Loewe after service via their extensive web sight it's easy to keep informed of new upgrades.

By the way it is a flat screen. Any bendy pictures can be adjusted in the geometry section of the service menu by your dealer.The 38" Aconda has a curved screen sourced from Thomson Electronics.

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