 Dell W2607C 26-inch Wide Screen High Definition LCD TV
In 1992, Mr. Dell be-came the youngest CEO ever to earn a ranking on the Fortune 500.Nineteen other executives grace the corporate pages of Dell. If you had asked me a few issues ago whether I would review a Dell product, I probably would have said, “No.”One thing is for sure, as Marshal Rosenthal mentioned in his recent review of HP products, these computer giants are a force to be reckoned with. One of the latest products to roll out of Dell is the new W2607C, LCD HDTV display. LCDs are nothing new for the Dell people, but moving quickly into the home theater arena is. With sleek,elegant lines and styling, this 26-inch gem must be considered when you are looking for performance, design,and value. When I heard that Dell was interested in HDTV Etc. magazine doing an early test of this dis-play, I volunteered. I haven’t been impressed with many of the early LCD displays, and this is the first I have reviewed.
Unique Features
This full-featured display seems to have everything but the kitchen sink, so “unique” might not be the right term. What it does have is a svelte chassis of a mere 8.04-inch depth with the stand and speakers, and just a skinny 4.21-inch without. The native resolution of 1366 x768 is ideal for both video reproduction and PC application. A contrast ratio of 600:1 and the16.7 million display colors give the Dell a depth of field and richness new to LCD displays.Viewing angles have been improved to H/V +/-89 degrees. Integrated speakers (offering SRS and TruSurround XT modes, with 30 watts of power), 1 analog/digital combo tuner, and a multitude of video inputs (2 Composite, 2 S-video, 2 Component, 2 TV in/coax, 1 DVI) are just a few other pluses. The backlit remote makes for easy viewing in the dark.
Installation/Setup/Ease of Use
 Dell W2607C 26-inch Side Final TakeEven before I was able to fiddle around with the Video Essentials calibration disc, I was impressed with the factory settings right out of the box. Black level was great, and the color balance was very good—again, right from the factory. As a pro once told me, “If you can’t get the black level right, the rest will never be right.”
Dell prides itself on their H.A.L.T. (Highly Accelerated Lifecycle Test regiment), pushing each unit well past spec tolerances. This was a nice change from the disappointing one-year-old LCD set I had been watching, which had a lower performance in both brightness and the black level (the frustration of early LCD technology).
The Denon DVD-1920 (also tested in this is-sue) was my DVD source. The Faroudja processing in the DVD player made for a great audition. Most discs seemed of HD quality on the Dell. Dark scenes still seemed a little veiled compared to the Plasma sets I still watch (V-Inc., Runco). Using the component inputs from the Denon resulted in great detail, and the presence of motion artifacts (or smears) were virtually nonexistent. I was starting to believe that LCD displays had finally arrived—and Dell has done a very good job at an aggressive price point. I found myself trying multiple inputs and discs to really give this panel a challenge.Everything I threw at it seemed to give back a more-than-acceptable response. The HD feed from my satellite receiver again took it up a notch, and the NBA playoff game drew me into the action. I never thought that LCD would be a competitive format to Plasma or any other flat display technology, but it is proving to be a worthy competitor (and/or future replacement). As mentioned earlier, the Sharp Aquos of just a year ago is almost three to four times more expenisive than the Dell. As a direct-marketing manufacturer, Dell already has this unit aggressively priced on their website at $999!!
I am not sure what else to conclude with this unit, other than to say it is a dazzling performer at an incredible price. I can’t believe that just about six years ago we were all drooling over the first flat Plasma displays at nearly $20,000. Daniel, you’re right: technology is moving at an expediential clip, and I am holding on to see what’s next. Dell ain’t your daddy’s computer company anymore, they are a true contender in the home entertainment display business, and I wouldn’t bet against them.
Specifications |
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W2607C 26-inch Wide Screen
High Definition LCD TV
16:9 WidescreenDimensions: 32.60" x 18.37" x 8.04"
(with integrated speakers and stand)
Weight: 31.9 lbs. (with integrated speakers and stand
)500 nits cd/m2 (typical)
MSRP: $999
Dell
www.dell.com | |
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