JVC's AV-48P776 is a 48-inch CRT rear-projection HDTV that delivers widescreen digital performance at a reasonable price, with built-in ATSC and QAM tuners eliminating the need for separate HD or cable boxes.

This affordable HDTV features an attractive silver cabinet containing front-firing stereo speakers, and a black frame surrounding the flat screen dramatically sets off the picture. A durable shield protects the TV screen from accidental scratches and nicks.

All input signal formats are displayed at 1,080i, and the image is assisted by a 3-D Y/C digital comb filter and automatic edge correction. Velocity scan modulation can be selected to improve the sharpness on an as-needed basis. As with all CRT rear-projection sets, convergence must be adjusted periodically, and the AV-48P776 offers an automatic process and an 81-point manual adjustment process.

Movies are adapted to the screen with 3:2 pulldown conversion, which smoothes any uneven action. Six picture aspect formats are available for wide-format and standard-format programs. There are no picture-in-picture options with the AV-48P776. This may disappoint some people, but many others ignore PIP functions completely.

The internal audio system is only adequate, producing 20 total watts of audio output. The sound can be configured to simulate surround sound over the internal stereo speakers, or the AV-48P776 can be connected to external speakers.

The convenience features are somewhat standard for a large-screen HDTV, with an automatic clock set, sleep and on/off timers, V-chip parental controls, and a return button that can lock on to a channel and return to it after channel surfing.

The connection options are varied, with four composite video inputs (one on the front panel), three S-video inputs (one front), two component video inputs, and an HDMI digital-to-digital input. Only one RF input is available, so those with a rooftop antenna and a cable input should pick another model. The universal remote has DVD and VCR controls to make managing various associated components an easy task.

If an attractive cabinet, solid if somewhat unspectacular performance, and a moderate price are what you are looking for in a 48-inch HDTV, the JVC AV-48P776 would make a smart choice.

Warranty
1 year