What the Westinghouse LVM-47w1 lacks in stylish looks, it makes up for in resolution, connectivity options and value for the money. This 47-inch LCD HDTV is the larger sibling to the 42-inch LVM-42w2, and like that unit, the LVM-47w1 does not have an internal tuner. This technically makes it a monitor rather than a TV, but once you've supplied your own HD tuner, the LVM-47w1 displays content at a native resolution of 1,920x1,080. That is the highest resolution currently available, sufficient to display 1,080p content for the optimum in picture detail.

Images on the LVM-47w1 are indeed bright and sharp, with solid black levels. While color accuracy is not the best we have seen, it is not poor enough to be distracting. The backlight control does a good job brightening the picture during the day in a well-lit room. Unfortunately, the LVM-47w1 lacks many advanced picture settings, and the image quality falls short when displaying content from standard-definition inputs. Fortunately, you probably aren't buying the LVM-47w1 to watch standard TV, so this is unlikely to be a deal-breaking issue.

The LVM-47w1 has a basic rather than eye-catching design, with a black bezel edged in silver to match the below-the-screen speakers. A tabletop stand is included, and an optional bracket lets you mount the TV on the wall. While it may not win many beauty contests, it will certainly impress you with its connectivity options. If you have a number of high-end digital components, you may need to invest in DVI-to-HDMI adapters, as the LVM-47w1 offers two DVI inputs along with a single HDMI connection. The VGA-style PC input is also 1,080p-capable, making the LVM-47w1 an excellent and enormous computer monitor.

Other connections include a combination composite video/S-video input and two component video inputs. There is no RF input, as a TV signal must be supplied from a separate receiver via the other available connections. Westinghouse packages an infrared remote control, but this also isn't likely to win any design awards. The remote is crowded and not the most intuitive piece of hardware to navigate, but this is easily remedied by adding a universal remote to your purchase.

The audio performance of the LVM-47w1 is solid, with the twin speakers and built-in subwoofer delivering a total of 30 watts of output. The audio can be adjusted separately for treble, bass and balance, but there are none of the simulated surround sound or automatic volume leveling options found on many similar models. The LVM-47w1's MSRP is $2,299.99, but if you shop around, you can find it for well under $2,000. For a 47-inch LCD HDTV with 1,080p resolution, the Westinghouse LVM-47w1 represents an excellent value for the money.


Pros: 1,080p picture, large 47-inch screen, inexpensive, plenty of connections, doubles as an excellent PC monitor
Cons: No built-in TV tuner, below-average SD performance, jumbled remote, uninspiring design

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor