Westinghouse Digital LVM-37w3 37-Inch 1080p LCD Flat Panel Monitor - Review

The LVM-37w3 is housed in a plain gray cabinet and so-so stand; however, what it lacks in style is made up with its features and performance.

All controls are accessible via both the TV and remote control. The onscreen menu functions are easy to navigate. The side mounted AV, Component video, DVI, and HDMI hookup options make it very easy to connect the rest your components.

One convenient feature is automatic input detection. Turn on the 37w3, then turn on your DVD player or other component that wish to view, and the 37w3 with automatically detect that the input is on and go to it. The only minor quirk I found is that if you are viewing one input and decide to turn on another component, the 37w3 will switch to the newly detected active input - but you are able to switch it back.

I found that the variable backlight settings enabled optimum screen brightness in a variety of ambient light environments.

The LVM-37w3, however, shines with its great HD performance, in both color and detail, via Component, DVI, and HDMI inputs. Featuring both 1080p upscaling and 1080p direct input capability, all HD sources look excellent, especially from the Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD material I sampled.

However, the black levels on HD-DVD version of Sleepy Hollow and the upscaled DVD output of The Cave, did not look as defined as they did on the Syntax Olevia LT-32HV at 720p resolution and 1200:1 contrast ratio. Although producing a bright image, excellent detail, and color, it is apparent that an increased contrast ratio would improve the black level performance of the 37w3.

The performance of the LVM-37w3 on poor signal feeds, such as broadcast/cable reception or VHS input is lackluster, but about the same as on the comparison Syntax LT-32HV.

The picture adjustments are somewhat limited; there is no independent setting for Red, Green, and Blue, which would help on source material with color balance issues. However, the color and tint settings that are available on the LVM-37w3 can be set for each input source.

What I Liked About The LVM-37w3

1. The 37w3 has excellent image detail quality via its 1080p Processing and Input Capability.

2. Inclusion of both HDMI and DVI-HDCP Inputs is a real plus in connecting the increasing number of components that utilize these connections.

3. The convenient 37-Inch screen size is large enough for most average living rooms, but is not too large for many apartment living rooms.

4. The easy-to-understand Onscreen Menus make it easy for the novice to operate the set.

5. 15wpc Built-in Audio System provides adequate sound; although it would be much more desirable to use this set with external home theater audio system.

What I Didn't Like About the LVM-37w3

1. Only one HDMI Input. Although the 37w3 does offer both HDMI and DVI inputs, with the increasing popularity of HDMI, why not offer two of each?

2. No Built-in NTSC or HDTV Tuner. Keep in mind this is a Monitor-only. In order to receiver either standard Analog TV signals or HDTV signals, an external tuner is needed; which is an added expense.

3. Contrast range needs improvement. Although the image of the LVM-37w3 is excellent in terms of brightness and detail, the black levels are not as well-defined as they could be. Boosting the contrast level from its current 1,000:1 ratio to at least 1,200-to-1,500:1 could really add more depth and definition to the 1080p image.

4. S-video and Composite video inputs share the same audio inputs. In other words, you can plug in separate S-video and composite video sources, but with only one set of audio inputs that both must share, you have to choose which ones to plug in - this is an inconvenient design.

5. Cheap-looking Cabinet and Stand. Westinghouse Digital's goal, apparently, was to shake up the industry with an inexpensive LCD Monitor with 1080p capability, so it looks like some corners where taken in the design area. The cabinet is very plain and the Stand could be of sturdier construction.

Final Take

Despite some minor shortcomings, the LVM-37w3 is real winner as one the least expensive LCD sets offer a 1080p display. The LVM-37w3 represents the performance and price strides being made in LCD TV technology.

Check out the LVM-37w3, especially if you have, or intend to buy, a Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD, upscaling DVD player, or are on HD-Cable or HD-Satellite.

Westinghouse Digital deserves a lot of credit for delivering a very affordable LCD Flat Panel Monitor that incorporates the "Holy Grail" of HDTV, 1080p processing and direct input capability. With some minor firmware and design improvements, the LVM-37w3 would be even a better option for HDTV fans, but for the price, it is hard to beat. I look forward to Westinghouse Digital's next crop of LCD TVs/monistors.

I give the Westinghouse Digital LVM-37w3 LCD Monitor 4.5 out out 5 Stars.

NOTE: The LVM-37w3 used was purchased from an authorized dealer at current retail price.