2. Test Drive

Best Prices ViewSonic N3760w 37" LCD TV (16:9,...

California Computer Center $871.00

Directron $939.99

EnterComputers.com $945.00

I connected the N3760w to several HD sources and sampled several types of high definition content including movies, sports, and regular television programming. One thing to note is that unlike most displays I've tested, the factory picture settings on the N3760w needed significant adjustment as the image was too dark and had too much contrast regardless of source material. However, it was not difficult to make the appropriate changes. My first impression was how sharp and detailed the picture was with impressive color accuracy and color saturation. With high-quality sources, colors jumped off and screen, and as with most LCDs, there is plenty of brightness regardless of the amount of ambient light. Of course, the primary weakness of LCD has historically been contrast performance and shadow detail, and N3760 while won't be mistaken for a plasma or CRT, it does show significant improvement over LCD panels of several years ago.

Here are a few sample images of the N3760w:

LCDs usually perform well with live sports broadcasts, and the N3760w is no exception. Excellent resolution, color saturation and contrast.

Yankees vs. White Sox - YESHD Network - 1080i

Another broadcast video feed that displays excellent detail with natural flesh tones

Korean Broadcast - SBS HD - 1080i

Film-based content provides more of a challenge for the N3760w, and while color saturation and detail are very good, there is significant shadow detail that is lost in the dark portions of the image. This characteristic, sometimes referred to as 'black crush', is mostly due to the contrast limitations of current LCD panels as opposed to any specific deficiency of the N3760w.

Pirates of the Caribbean - INHD2 - 1080i

In this screenshot, I have included a 'reference' image on top (a computer still frame copied from a High Definition movie clip) to illustrate the intended shadow detail for this scene. This is a very difficult scene to render because there are many dark portions that still have some detail. For example, in the reference image, you can see the outline of each garbage can and all the brick detail in the bottom-left portion of the image. The 2nd screenshot is of the N3760w, and is an attempt to produce a similar amount of shadow detail as the reference image. However, the only way this can be attained is to crank up the brightness, resulting in a washed out image with 'gray levels' as opposed to the realistic black levels of the reference image. The 3rd screenshot is also of the N3760w, but the contrast was significantly increased in the settings menu, producing an improved overall image compared to the 2nd screenshot, but also resulting a good amount of 'black crush' compared to the reference image. Notice the detail in the garbage cans, brick wall, and several other places is either significantly darkened or completely blacked out with little to no detail.

Invincible - INHD2 - 1080i

In this black and white scene, the N3760w is close to the benchmark 6500K color temperature, with a very slight blue or 'cool' cast. Detail and contrast is very good.

Sin City - HBO HD - 1080i