3. Test Drive

I connected the GV42L to several HD sources and sampled several types of high definition content including movies, sports and regular television programming. I found that unlike many displays, the factory settings on the GV42L required significant adjustment to achieve its best image, requiring a substantial increase in brightness and decrease in contrast. All factory settings were so dark that most shadow detail was non-existent. However, once the adjustments were made, I found the image quality to be excellent.

As with most LCDs, images were very sharp and detailed, with first-rate color saturation as well. Color accuracy leaned a bit towards the red side, but a few clicks on the Tint control alleviated most of this issue. The one distinctive attribute of the GV42L was that the overall image was more relaxed compared to many LCDs that can get too punchy with their colors. The GV42L seems to have just the right amount of color saturation across the spectrum, achieving a more natural looking image than many LCDs. It was almost 'plasma-like' in this regard, and that is a compliment. That being said, the GV42L still had a primary weakness with contrast performance and shadow detail, but no more than many other LCD displays.

Here are a few sample images of the GV42L. (The bottom images in each comparison, called reference images, are screenshots from computer video files).

A broadcast video feed displays good detail and contrast. Flesh tones illustrate the slight red push mentioned earlier.

Korean Broadcast - SBS HD - 1080i
TOP: VIZIO GV42L - BOTTOM: Reference Image

This snapshot from "Pirates of the Caribbean" illustrates the vibrant detail of the GV42L, while also showing how much detail is lost in the dark portions of the image.

Pirates of the Caribbean - INHD2 - 1080i
TOP: VIZIO GV42L - BOTTOM: Reference Image

This scene from the movie "Invincible" show a significant blue-cast or cool color temperature compared to the reference image. Also, while the GV42L does a good job of color saturation and detail, you can see that many of the darker portions of the scene fall victim to black crush, which is the primary weakness of LCD displays.

Invincible - INHD2 - 1080i
TOP: VIZIO GV42L - BOTTOM: Reference Image

This well-lit scene illustrates some of the strengths of the GV42L and many other high-quality LCD displays, which is a pleasing overall image with vibrant colors and good resolution.

Departed - Computer Image - 1080p
TOP: VIZIO GV42L - BOTTOM: Reference Image