Westinghouse LTV-32W3
Manufacturer: Westinghouse Digital Electronics Part number: LTV-32w3 HD
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- A low price, attractive looks, and good connectivity aren't enough to offset the Westinghouse LTV-32W3's image-quality shortcomings.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/07/2009 |
 | | In stock | as of 11/07/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Westinghouse LTV-32W3 price range: $349.95 - $700.00
- Reviewed by: David Katzmaier
- Edited by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 04/05/2006
- Released on: 02/01/2006
The good: Relatively inexpensive; includes HDTV tuner; ample connectivity with HDMI, DVI/HDCP, and VGA inputs; adjustable backlight; attractive design.
The bad: Very blue color temperature that can't be adjusted; limited aspect-ratio control; subpar depth of black.
The bottom line: A low price, attractive looks, and good connectivity aren't enough to offset the Westinghouse LTV-32W3's image-quality shortcomings.
Our first impression of the Westinghouse LTV-32W3's appearance: round. The set's fuselage has rounded-off corners, and the top edge of the cabinet slopes down to the face, making it one of the most wind-tunnel-friendly TVs we've seen in a while. A thin silver strip accents the black body, and the panel sits atop a standard-issue black stand. Overall, the look is fairly attractive and a cut above that of most budget LCDs. The unit measures 32.3 by 24.2 by 8.1 inches and weighs 34.2 pounds.
While the remote has bland styling and nonbacklit keys, we loved the direct-access buttons for selecting inputs. The cleanly designed onscreen menu system includes a few options we don't normally associate with budget models, such as input labeling and a thoughtful quick-install matrix. Selecting the latter option calls up what looks like a page from a user manual: a graphical representation of the TV's input bay and recommendations on selecting higher-quality inputs--information that could aid installation for nontechies (who nonetheless might be put off by the word matrix).
Speaking of inputs, the Westinghouse LTV-32W3 has its share. To handle your high-quality digital video sources, there's one HDMI input and one DVI with HDCP, both with separate audio. Also on tap are a pair of component-video inputs and one each for S-Video and composite video, though you'll need to choose which of the latter two gets audio. In addition to an input for an external antenna, there's a VGA-style computer input (1,360x768 is the recommended resolution) in case you want to use the DVI for something besides a computer.
That's right, the LTV-32W3 is one of the increasing number of relatively inexpensive flat-panel LCDs, such as the Vizio L32HDTV, that comply with the FCC tuner mandate and include a tuner for off-air HDTV reception. Like many of its competitors, Westinghouse also offers numerous monitors--tuner-free televisions such as the older LTV-32W1 and the DVD-sporting LTV-32W4.
We appreciated the PIP function, although it's somewhat limited in that it doesn't let you resize the inset window or position it anywhere but the upper right of the screen. With PIP, you can watch a VGA PC source in the big window and HDMI or ATSC sources in the small window, but it restricts many other combinations of sources. The set has only two aspect-ratio modes: Fill and Standard. With HD sources, Fill increases overscan to 5 percent, cutting off the edges of the picture. With SD sources, it fills the screen, and Standard puts up black letterbox bars. There's no mode for correctly filling the screen with nonanamorphic wide-screen DVDs.
The Westinghouse LTV-32W3's other picture controls are also pretty limited. There are no picture presets for sports, cinema, and the like, although the set has independent input memories for brightness, contrast, and so on. Unfortunately, it doesn't remember different input settings for the important backlight control, which adjusts the intensity of the lamp behind the screen. That makes setting up different sources a somewhat less exact process.
The most glaring omission, however, is the lack of selectable color-temperature settings. That's too bad, because the Westinghouse LTV-32W3's overly blue color temperature (see the Geek box below) is its worst performance characteristic. In CNET Labs' tests, we saw evidence of it everywhere. In the introduction to Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, the stars behind the scrolling text could all have been blue dwarfs. The old-school rebel ship's white interior was tinted bluish, and Padme's skin tone looked relatively pallid as she argued with Anakin over making an antiwar motion in the Senate.
Despite its ability to reduce the backlight control to achieve a deeper level of black, the Westinghouse demonstrated subpar overall black-level performance. Even with the lights in the room turned on, the letterbox bars above and below Star Wars looked significantly brighter than on many LCDs we've seen. Dark areas, such as the blackness of space and the shadows under Vader's hood, also looked too bright and didn't have much detail in the shadows. We also noticed that the edges and the corners of the screen were brighter than the rest.
According to the HQV test disc, the Westinghouse LTV-32W3's standard-def video processing was a mixed bag. The set quickly detected 2:3 pull-down, which helps eliminate jagged edges and artifacts in film-based material, but it had a difficult time smoothing out video-based material, as evidenced by jagged edges on a waving American flag. Like most digital displays, the Westinghouse performed markedly better when we played resolution test patterns over the DVI and HDMI inputs rather than the component video in; with both DVD and HD sources, the two digital inputs looked sharper.
Overall, the Westinghouse LTV-32W3 won't blow anyone away with its picture quality, but its solid connectivity and quiet good looks might be enough to entice some shoppers. The Vizio L32HDTV offers more bang for your buck, however, and people who want to spend more can find plenty of better options.
| TEST | RESULT | SCORE |
| Before color temp (20/80) | 18,088/12,898K | Poor |
| After color temp (20/80) | N/A | |
| Before grayscale variation | +/- 6,816K | Poor |
| After grayscale variation | N/A | |
| Color of red (x/y) | 0.603/0.338 | Poor |
| Color of green | 0.275/0.526 | Poor |
| Color of blue | 0.142/0.065 | Good |
| Overscan | 1 percent | Good |
| DC restoration | All patterns stable | Good |
| 2:3 pull-down, 24fps | Yes | Good |
| Defeatable edge enhancement | No | Poor |
User reviews
-
-
I have do disagree with C-NET
by Guitar Hack on July 6, 2006
Pros: The price, Great picture, Easy to use
Cons: only 5 settings for backlight. More would be better
Summary: I have to disagree with C-NET's review. Their main problem appears to be a blue light they couldn't get rid of. I did not have that problem. I ...
Summary: I have to disagree with C-NET's review. Their main problem appears to be a blue light they couldn't get rid of. I did not have that problem. I was impressed out of the box. It was perfectly adjusted. Standard TV looks better than on a regular TV and the HD is impressive.
My only gripe, and a minor one at that, is that there was no code to program into my cable remote so I could turn it off and on with one remote. I have to use two remotes. Other than that and a preference for more backlight settings I can find nothing wrong with this television.
It looks much better at home than in the store. I sometimes wonder if the adjustments are intentionally not good on the less expensive sets so they can up sell you.
I wonder if C-NET got a bad TV.
I do note that the Comparable Sony Bravia picture is slightly better but not enough so that I would spend an extra $400-600.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
great unit for low price, nice quality and form factor
by shashinka on April 11, 2006
Pros: inexpensive, nice picture, small form factor
Cons: built-in speakers and slight edge inconsistency
Summary: I love this unit. I was in the market for an HDTV to replace my 27" CRT so that I could watch shows in HD and also my widescreen DVDs ...
Summary: I love this unit. I was in the market for an HDTV to replace my 27" CRT so that I could watch shows in HD and also my widescreen DVDs on a better screen. I didn't want to go out and pay much over a $1000 for one. I got this for $1000 at bestbuy after a couple price matches. Originally Fall 2005 it was even cheaper! I heard the 37" model has 1080p for cheap! The only cons is that the built-in sound is crappy but I use my surround system so that doesn't matter and slight distortion around the corners show a white light sometimes. Very Satisfied!
Updated
I have had this for almost 2 years and its a great value. I use for upconvert DVDs Ypbr & DVI, plug in of my laptop on the DVI, DVI from my cable company HD source. No issues. THere is a slight discoloration in the far corners during some display but great price.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Poor performer
by klapton on December 22, 2006
Pros: Many inputs
Cons: Poor black balance and user interface is slow with 1080i signals
Summary: I've found it difficult to find any brightness and contrast settings that make skin tones reasonably realistic looking. The factory default settings makes everything look flat. Because of the ...
Summary: I've found it difficult to find any brightness and contrast settings that make skin tones reasonably realistic looking. The factory default settings makes everything look flat. Because of the poor black balance, shadows under the eyes makes people look like zombies. Boosting the brightness to make dim objects visible causes bright objects to become oversaturated. The audio is overcompressed. This is especially evident on television shows in which there is electronic music playing in the background along with the dialogue. You can hear the volume pumping making dialogue difficult to hear. The user interface is extremely sluggish when receiving 1080i programs over either Air (ATSC) or Cable (QAM). This includes even just changing the volume. Seems the processor is underpowered and causes glitches in the audio when adjusting any controls. My unit came with one blue stuck pixel. The market for low priced LCD TVs is large. Shop around and test it out in person. Be weary of buying one of these sight unseen.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Excellent LCD TV
by pexas on October 10, 2006
Pros: HDMI Input, Amazing Picture
Cons: Mediocre Sound system
Summary: I haven't found a flaw big enough for me to spend an extra $500 for a Smasung or Sony. This TV is absolutely amazing for the price exactly what ...
Summary: I haven't found a flaw big enough for me to spend an extra $500 for a Smasung or Sony. This TV is absolutely amazing for the price exactly what I need. I have to disagree with the bad review given by Cnet.
If your looking for an economical LCD HD set and you are looking for an $800 deal this is a must buy.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
also disagree with cnet review....this is a great TV
by niko521e on July 23, 2006
Pros: amazing picture, only 999 for a 1080 LCD tv, with DVI input for Computer
Cons: none yet, ive had it for 5 days. Id like one extra hdmi
Summary: I was looking for an LCD tv with real 1080i not just 720 even though IM told 720p is almost equal to 1080i, but whatever. I also wanted a DVI ...
Summary: I was looking for an LCD tv with real 1080i not just 720 even though IM told 720p is almost equal to 1080i, but whatever. I also wanted a DVI input so I can hook up my apple macbook pro or maybe a small mac mini one day to use as a digital hub. I used brighthouses HD package and hooked up via component and hdmi, and theres no question about it, a noticable better picture with hdmi opposed to component hookup. I disagree with cnets review, you have to have the absolute best discerning eye to see any flaws in colors, and maybe only if you put one next to a sony 1800 dollar same size tv!!! Im sitting watching this right now and its brilliant! its a great tv even if it were more money, but for the price, you cant beat it! its going on the wall soon!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Picture looks like a faded out comic book page
by atl30339 on September 18, 2009
Pros: Was a good deal at the time. Purchased 01/12/2007 at hhgregg for 599.97. Good size for our bedroom. Good picture when first purchased.
Cons: 1. When New: TV would turn itself off (Sleep Timer was not turned on) Reset to correct.
2. New to Present: TV would turn itself on (after power surge) even when this feature was not active.
3. 09-17-09: Picture looks like faded out comic book.Summary: After 32 Months the LCD Display now looks like a faded out comic book page. Time for the recycle bin. Cost of owership = $19 per month (600/32) Would not ...
Summary: After 32 Months the LCD Display now looks like a faded out comic book page. Time for the recycle bin. Cost of owership = $19 per month (600/32) Would not recommend or buy another Westinghouse product.
-
Thank you Westinghouse for the service
by Brad31101 on October 4, 2008
Pros: I paid $700 for it, and it performs well, especially in 1080. Plus, when the cable is out, the tuner allows emergency viewing of local channels.
Cons: Poor picture in non-HD.
Summary: This set had a 1 year warranty. The unit failed at about 11 months. I got an RMA from Westinghouse, paid to ship it to California (about $75), and they ...
Summary: This set had a 1 year warranty. The unit failed at about 11 months. I got an RMA from Westinghouse, paid to ship it to California (about $75), and they sent me a new unit, very promptly. The new unit works perfectly well so far. I really appreciate the customer service I received.
It may not be the best TV in its class, but for my purposes it still delivers a brilliant picture, and it was inexpensive. -
Worst TV ever!
by bruceharrisdr_dotmac on September 22, 2008
Pros: cheap kind of
Cons: will fail and Westinghouse will not stand behind them! Very expensive lesson, buy quality.
Summary: Will fail! Had two of them they both failed GE will not repair only replace with other peoples returned broken TVs buy a Samsung they cost a bit more but ...
Summary: Will fail! Had two of them they both failed GE will not repair only replace with other peoples returned broken TVs buy a Samsung they cost a bit more but are a wonderful TV
-
lasted just a few days over a year fan motor died and all I see is lines after it gets hot
by mtnnana on May 14, 2008
Pros: great picture, easy to program
Cons: only fault I see is the fan going out....hdmi did not work at first but got well later????
-
Worst drawen out electronics experience I have ever had.
by wbbbbbbb on January 26, 2008
Pros: Inexpensive, Cheap. You may get lucky!
Cons: Poor quality control and pitiful firmware and support!
Summary: We bought this HDTV for Christmas in November of 2006. We set it up Christmas day and mostly play XBO 360 games for the next couple of days. I was ...
Summary: We bought this HDTV for Christmas in November of 2006. We set it up Christmas day and mostly play XBO 360 games for the next couple of days. I was initially imprested with the picture and could not find any pixel lag. I then connected my Sony DVR/DVD recorder player through the HDMI. Over the next month the HDMI would totally drop out, and had to be unplugged from the wall (soft Boot) to get reconnected. I could not reset firmware from menus (Hard Boot). The HDMI also drop the audio 8 times and had to also be unplugged to reconnect. The HDTV also had 2 adjacent dead red pixels 1/32 of an inch off centerline. Look like a small bug or dirt was on screen. Really annoying when a face was on screen. I called customer support and they replace it after 2 months waiting. The 2nd HDTV was also defective. The tuners would not recognize all my available channels. The screen would go to green mixed with static when changing channel or sources. Some time it worked some time not. It also had 6 dead pixels, in pairs. The picture quality was 20% less clear as first HDTV. They sent me a 3rd HDTV also had picture quality that was 20% less clear. The tuners work like HDTV #1. There were 8 Dead pixels, 4 of them in the center 3rd of screen. I contacted a supervisor and they said they would check with corporate to see what could be done. After a month I called back and asked to talk to the supervisor. I was called back a week latter and was offered a SK-32h240S. I said ok. Received 4th HDTV, the SK-32h240S. It lasted 4 hours. The back light went off after 3 hours. I turned the HDTV off for an hour and then it worked for 1 hour, then only 10 minutes, then 1 minute max. Dead piece of junk. I contacted a supervisor 11-02-2007 and a month later was offered a SK-40H240S (I can not find this model on web)? I said I would take it. I have called back 2 twice to get the RMA and shipping label. It is now 1-26-2008 (well over a year) and I will call again today. I was feed up by Christmas 2007 and bought a SONY KDL-40XBR5, me and the kids are very pleased with it. When and if I get a working Westinghouse HDTV there will be a sweet / bitter deal on eBay.
You get what you pay for
Bill
Tacoma, WA
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Westinghouse Digital Electronics
- Part number: LTV-32w3 HD
- Description: This exciting Westinghouse 32" LCD HDTV is packed with all of the latest innovations for an amazing entertainment experience. Now your living room will have a TV that has a fully integrated HDTV tuner built-in, so you can enjoy over-the-air high definition reception with enhanced audio and video reproduction without a set-top box or an associated monthly fee. Connect all your latest gadgets; DVD player, cable, satellite, media PC and game console on to this TV. This LCD TV delivers superb picture quality while minimizing artifacts via an advanced 10-bit video processing technique. No need to toggle between standard definition TV and high definition TV stations Westinghouse has combined both in to one channel list. This LCD TV features the innovative SpineDesign allowing easy side access to all of the connectors while still on the wall. Placement in your home is a cinch; at 4.4 inches deep this TV easily mounts on a wall or can be placed in an armoire.
General
- Product type LCD TV
- Diagonal Size 32 in - Widescreen
- Enclosure Color Black
Display
- Technology TFT active matrix
- Resolution 1366 x 768
- Display Format 720p
- Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
- Image Contrast Ratio 1000:1
- Color Depth 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Progressive Scan Progressive scanning (line doubling)
- Viewing Angle 176 degrees
- Viewing Angle (Vertical) 176 degrees
- Pixel Response Time 8 ms
- Backlight Life 60,000 hour(s)
- Comb Filter 3D digital
- V-Chip Control Yes
TV Tuner
- Digital TV Tuner ATSC
- Analog TV Tuner NTSC
Video Features
- 16:9 Mode Yes
- Video Interface HDMI, S-Video, Component, Composite
- HDTV Ready Yes
- Input Video Formats 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i
Audio System
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Audio Controls Bass, Treble, Balance
- Output Power / Total 20 Watt
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x VGA input ( 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ) - Side, 1 x DVI-HDCP - Side, 1 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Side, 2 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Side, 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Side, 2 x HDMI input - Side, 5 x Audio input ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Side, 1 x Network ( RJ-45 ) - Side, 1 x Audio output ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Side
- PC Interface DVI, VGA (HD-15)
Remote Control
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Power
- Power Device Power supply
- Power AC 120/230 V
Sustainability
- CNET Labs: Operational power consumption 146.06 Watt
- CNET Labs: Power consumption Stand by / Sleep 33.76 Watt
- CNET Labs: Estimated Annual Energy Cost 57.85 US Dollars
Accessories
- ADCOM GFR-700 (31966032)1049.00 - 1999.00
- Adcom GFR-700HD (32082704)1737.00 - 2899.00
- Denon AVR-1705 (31085938)
- Denon AVR-1707 (31987322)449.99
- Denon AVR-1906 (31494106)
- URC Universal Remote Professional Line MX-810 (32912039)260.00 - 399.95
- URC Universal Remote Control MX-900 (32552106)449.95 - 460.99
- URC Professional Line MX-850 - universal remote control (32092938)439.99
- URC Professional Line MX-450 - universal remote control (33639921)249.95
- URC Home Theater Master MX-3000 - universal remote control (31337842)610.62 - 989.95
Manufacturer info
- Westinghouse Digital Electronics
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Westinghouse Digital Electronics products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.westinghousedigital.com
- Address:
12150 Mora Drive, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 - Phone: 562-236-9800
