Published On: October 27, 2008

JVC LT-42P789 LCD HDTV Reviewed

Published On: October 27, 2008
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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JVC LT-42P789 LCD HDTV Reviewed

Trying to find an intuitive way to enjoy all of your iPod's digital media files on your big-screen TV? JVC has cut out the middleman by incorporating a dock into its new line of TeleDock LCDs. What you don't get in this 42-inch, 1080p LCD is LED backlighting and a 120Hz refresh rate

JVC LT-42P789 LCD HDTV Reviewed

By Author: Adrienne Maxwell
Adrienne Maxwell is the former Managing Editor of HomeTheaterReview.com, Home Theater Magazine, and HDTVEtc.com. Adrienne has also written for Wirecutter, Home Entertainment Magazine, AVRev.com, ModernHomeTheater.com, and other top specialty audio/video publications. She is an ISF Level II-certified video calibrator who specializes in reviews of flat-panel HDTVs, front video projectors, video screens, video servers, and video source devices, both disc- and streaming-based.

JVC-LT-42P789.jpg

The LT-42P789 is part of JVC's TeleDock line of LCDs, which includes four models (32, 42, 47, and 52 inches) that feature an integrated iPod dock. Through the TeleDock, which is discreetly nestled between the two speakers that run along the TV's bottom panel, you can watch videos, view photos, and listen to music - including all copy-protected content purchased through the iTunes Store - and control playback using the JVC remote. The 42-inch LT-42P789 has a 1080p resolution, uses a traditional fluorescent backlight (as opposed to LED backlighting), and does not offer a 120Hz frame rate to reduce motion blur or judder in film-based sources. 

Additional Resources
• Read more LCD HDTV reviews by HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Explore Blu-ray options in our Blu-ray Player Review section.

The back panel includes three HDMI inputs, two component video inputs, and one RF input to access the internal NTSC, ATSC, and Clear-QAM tuners. The HDMI inputs accept a 1080p/60 signal, but not a 1080p/24 signal. There is no PC input, nor does JVC locate any HD-capable inputs on the side or front panel for easy access. The side panel does sport a USB port through which you can view JPEG photos. The TV lacks picture-in-picture functionality.  

The LT-42P789's setup menu includes the basic picture controls that we would expect to find in an LCD, including an adjustable backlight, noise reduction, four preset picture modes (standard, dynamic, game, and theater), and three color-temperature choices (cool, natural, and warm). However, it lacks many of the advanced options found in higher-end models, such as white-balance controls and precise gamma and color-management controls. Likewise, the audio setup options are solid but not extensive. You can choose from four preset audio modes (speech, jazz, classic, and rock) or tailor the sound quality using a five-band equalizer. There's also a generic surround mode, with options for movie, music, news, and mono. This TV features a solid assortment of aspect-ratio choices; there are four aspect ratios for SD sources and five for HD sources, including a full native mode that lets you watch 1080i and 1080p sources with no overscan.

The TeleDock onscreen navigation interface provides only general playback and shuffle options for music and video; its menu structure does not mimic that of the iPod itself, and you can't search for specific songs, artists, playlists, or videos. If you'd prefer to navigate content directly via the iPod, JVC does provide an option to do so; this direct method offers more complete access to your song and video libraries and allows you to view photo slideshows, but you have to physically walk over to the TV to navigate the menus.

Read about the high points and the low points of the LT-42P789 on Page 2.

JVC-LT-42P789.jpgHighs Points
• The LT-42P789 offers great detail and pleasing
color with high-definition sources. It's capable of a lot of light
output, which makes it a good fit for use in a brighter room.

The integrated iPod dock offers a more attractive image than you'll get
from a basic iPod dock that's limited to S-video or composite video
output, especially with higher-quality video content purchased from the
iTunes Store. Plus, you can use the JVC remote for functions like play,
pause, stop, forward, and reverse.

Low Points
• The
LT-42P789 suffers from common LCD drawbacks. Since it lacks 120Hz
technology, motion blur is evident with faster-moving content. Its
black level is not as deep as we've seen elsewhere, so the picture
lacks depth in a dark room. Plus, its ability to produce fine black
detail is lacking.
• The TV needs careful setup to look its best.
• The iPod interface has limited functionality.
• The LT-42P789 does not accept 1080p/24 signals.

Conclusion
The
LT-42P789 is a solid everyday TV for use in a den or bedroom, but it
lacks the refinement and advanced setup options you can get in a
higher-end TV. The TeleDock is convenient and offers good image quality
with iTunes video content, but it's not as intuitive as a more advanced
standalone dock.

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