With its MediaSmart SLC3760N, Hewlett-Packard has combined a 37-inch LCD television with a network media player, creating a media center that can display HDTV and stream digital video, music and photos from a networked PC or storage device. It isn't perfect, but the SLC3760N offers the simplicity of all-in-one convenience, and recent price drops have made this unit a much more reasonable purchase.

When connected to a computer, the SLC3760N makes it easy to stream video or other digital content. When you press the Media button on the front panel, a user interface appears with options for Photos, Video, Music and Services. The first three are self-explanatory and bring up your computer-stored content. The Services option lets you link with online services such as Snapfish, Rhapsody, Live365 radio and others.

This widescreen LCD HDTV includes an integrated ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner, so it can display over-the-air and cable HD and standard content without the need for any extra set-top tuners. There is no CableCARD slot, however, so interactive digital cable services will still require a cable box. All content is scaled to fit the SLC3760N's native resolution of 1,366X768, so the SLC3760N can display every pixel of 720p high-definition programming. Film content is adapted for video viewing with 3:2 pulldown conversion, and the broad viewing angle of 176 degrees both horizontally and vertically ensure that every seat is a good one.

The LCD display is set in an attractive glossy-black cabinet that places a pair of stereo speakers below the screen. The speakers produce 10 watts of output per channel, or the audio can be sent via the back-panel optical digital audio output to a home theater system. The SLC3760N comes with a detachable pedestal stand, although the inclusion of a small media box on the rear of the set can complicate wall mounting.

The SLC3760N's connection selection is both good and not so good. For networking purposes, this set has both a 10/100 base-T Ethernet input and 802.11a/b/g wireless capabilities, although the linked computer must have Windows Media Connect installed. Thus, the SLC3760N is not compatible with Macs or older PCs. While the PC connectivity is great, the rest of the input/output selection is not. There is only one HDMI input, and the other jacks include a pair of component video inputs, an S-video input and the optical digital audio output. Handy cable clamps keep any connected cables from becoming a mass of tangled spaghetti.

The standard convenience features are present on the SLC3760N, including an adjustable sleep timer and parental V-chip controls, but there are no PIP or split-screen options. The included universal remote control has illuminated buttons in an unusual layout, but they are easy to find once you get used to it.

Computers are quickly making a place for themselves in modern home entertainment networks, and the Hewlett-Packard SLC3760N does a good job integrating many functions into an attractive LCD HDTV.


Pros:  Integrated streaming media receiver for content stored on a PC, respectable HDTV performance, Ethernet and wireless network connectivity
Cons:  No PIP options, not Macintosh compatible, only one HDMI input

Warranty
1 year parts and labor