JVC LT-46FN97 Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviews indicate that the image quality of the JVC LT-46FN97 compares favorably with the best LCD TVs available. Strong points include good-to-great black levels and good shadow detail, but accurate color rendition is where this LCD TV really shines in testing. Connectivity is good and includes a CableCard slot. There are lot of features, including a versatile split screen and picture outside of picture (POP) function. Overall, reviews say the JVC LT-46FN97 is an excellent value if you want a 46-inch LCD HDTV.

What the reviewers don't like:
Reviewers say that the JVC LT-46FN97's black levels, while great for an LCD TV, fall short of those of plasma or CRT televisions. The JVC LT-46NF97 can display images in 1080p resolution, but it can’t accept 1080p input signals, so 1080p signals from a high-def DVD player must go through an extra layer of processing before being displayed. Some uniformity issues -- with upper corners brighter than the rest of the image -- have also been noted in reviews.

JVC LT-46FN97 review highlights

Reviews say the 46-inch JVC LT-46FN97 LCD TV scores points thanks to its excellent image quality. The set is praised by critics for its unusually good color rendition. It also has good black levels and shadow detail, areas where LCDs typically fall short. The JVC LCD TV is also packed with features. When compared to the top-rated 46-inch Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR2 (*est. $3,000), the JVC performs well, but the Sony LCD TV has nicer styling and more flexible picture controls. Altogether, reviews indicate that the JVC LT-46FN97 is an excellent value with great performance, even if its styling and other subtleties fall a bit short of more expensive Sony BRAVIA LCD TVs.

We found detailed reviews of the 46-inch JVC LT-46FN97 LCD HDTV television at a trio of videophile magazines including The Perfect Vision, Sound & Vision Magazine and Ultimate AV Magazine. Reviews at all three magazines are comprehensive, offering lots of technical details and practical information. There’s also some user feedback for the JVC LT-46FN97 at AVSForum.com and Amazon.com.

Also see full report: LCD TV

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. The Perfect Vision
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Not Just an RPTV Company
Scott Wilkinson
Jan. 2007

The Perfect Vision reports on LCD TVs in extensive individual reviews and occasional multi-set roundups. This review of the JVC LT-46FN97 goes into great detail, including the results of a battery of standard tests.

2. Sound & Vision Magazine
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JVC LT-46FN97 46-inch LCD HDTV
David Katzmaier
Dec. 2006

Sound & Vision magazine regularly tests LCD TVs in highly detailed, single-set reports. Although scores are not given, which makes it hard to compare TVs to each other, the best performing sets are recognized with a Sound & Vision Certified and Recommended designation. The JVC LT-46FN97 gets a detailed test here, and editors measure this LCD TV on a myriad of benchmark tests.

3. Ultimate AV Magazine
JVC LT-46FN97 1080p LCD Flat Panel Television
Thomas J. Norton
Nov. 2006

This review of the JVC LT-46FN97 LCD HDTV is among the most detailed we’ve seen. There’s lots of technical nitty-gritty for those interested in such things, along with a good discussion of picture quality and ease of use, which will appeal to just about everyone. Ratings are not given, but Ultimate AV recommends LCD TVs in categories -- Ultimate, Premier and Budget -- based on performance and value.

4. AVSForum.com
LCD Flat Panels
Contributors to AVSForum.com

This user-to-user discussion site features lots of information about home entertainment equipment, including a forum dedicated to LCD flat panel televisions. While the JVC LT-46FN97 does not get as much discussion as some other LCD TVs, the main thread discussing this model and the 40-inch JVC LT-40FN97 is well over 1,300 posts long.

5. Amazon.com
JVC LT46FN97 46" 1080p Flat Panel LCD TV
Contributors to Amazon.com

The JVC LT-46FN97 LCD televisions does not get a ton of user reviews here, but as the JVC LCD television is new to the market, more reviews will likely be added in the near future.

Also see full report: LCD TV

JVC LT-46FN97 Review