Published On: October 9, 2008

Westinghouse TX-42F430S LCD HDTV Reviewed

Published On: October 9, 2008
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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Westinghouse TX-42F430S LCD HDTV Reviewed

If you're looking for an affordable way to add a 42-inch, 1080p panel to your home, consider Westinghouse's new TX-42F430S. This well-priced TV lacks 120Hz technology to reduce motion blur, but it does include four HDMI inputs and an internal subwoofer

Westinghouse TX-42F430S 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.

Westinghouse-TX-42F430S-LCD-HDTV.gifThis 42-inch LCD has a 1920 x 1080 resolution and an 8-millisecond response time. The TX-42F430S has a generous input panel, with four HDMI inputs, two component video inputs, and a PC input, all of which accept 1080p. The HDMI inputs accept both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24. A single RF input provides access to the internal NTSC, ATSC, and ClearQAM tuners, and an electronic program guide is included. Picture-in-picture functionality is not offered. The AutoSource feature switches to the correct input when you power up a source.

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

Given its lower price point, this TV offers a nice assortment of image adjustments, beginning with five picture modes and three color-temperature options. Global red, green, and blue controls allow you to fine-tune the white balance. There are only three aspect-ratio options, but there is an option to display 1080i/1080p signals with no overscan.

A speaker bar runs along the bottom panel, and the cabinet also sports an internal subwoofer. The menu features eight audio modes, including a user mode that you can customize using a five-band equalizer. The TV does not offer a surround mode, but you do have the option to turn off the video/backlight and only listen to audio, if desired.

High Points
• The TX-42F430S produces an attractive high-def picture, with pleasingly natural color and excellent detail.
• Four HDMI inputs and custom white-balance controls are not a given at this price.
• Its good light output makes it a better fit for a brighter viewing environment.

Low Points
• The TV only does an average job upconverting SD sources.
• The black level is average at best, even for an entry-level panel, so the image lacks richness and saturation in a dark room.
• The viewing angle is average, and the TV displays motion blur with fast-moving images.

Conclusion
The TX-42F430S suffers from some common LCD issues, like a higher black level and motion blur, but it can produce an attractive image and offers a lot of input options. It's best suited for watching HD content in a brighter room.

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