A huge 70-inch HDTV from JVC, the HD-70G886 packs a boatload of performance into an attractive tabletop model.

The silver cabinet has a (relatively) compact design, with speakers located below the wide-format screen. PC compatibility, an integrated ATSC tuner, and a digital CableCARD slot ensure that this TV will be the center of a high-end home theater system with a minimum of excess components.

The HD-70G886 delivers 1,280X720p resolution whether the original format is 480i, 480p, 720p, or 1,080i. JVC's HD-ILA (image light amplifier, a variant of LCoS technology) rear-projection system produces sharp images that need no convergence adjustment, and the set operates quietly and without flickering or burn-in.

Color and motion artifacts are not a problem, and edges are crisp and sharp. Colors look realistic and rich, and they are separately adjustable for red, green, yellow, blue, and flesh tones. The 3-D Y/C digital comb filter eliminates rainbow effects and hanging dots, while film content can be adapted to the television screen with 3:2 pulldown conversion as needed.

This set has only a single tuner, so a second component is needed for active picture-in-picture functions. PIP options include split-screen viewing, a 12-window picture index, and a freeze function. There are six aspect modes for viewing standard and wide-screen content, along with five video presets.

The internal audio system has BBE high-definition sound enhancement, simulated surround sound, audio leveling to reduce loud bursts from commercials, and 20 total watts of audio output. Convenience features include an auto-setting clock, parental V-chip controls, channel and input labeling, and favorite channel memory.

The HD-70G886 has plenty of connectivity options, with a generous array of rear inputs that includes two HD component video inputs, two S-video inputs, three audio/video inputs, one HDMI digital-to-digital interface, a center channel input, and two FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports. In addition, audio/video/S-video inputs are present on the side panel for the quick connection of a camcorder or other component.

The JVC HD-70G886 has a memory card slot that can accommodate virtually all formats of digital memory, so digital photos and videos can be easily played back on the big screen.

Warranty
1 year parts and labor, in-home service