TV-DVD Combos

Consumers like TV-DVD combos because they are easy to use and because they eliminate clutter. Getting rid of one component and its associated cabling is especially useful in places like kitchens, bedrooms, dorm rooms and the like where space can be at a premium. TV-DVD combos are easier to use because they generally eliminate hassles like input switching and using a separate remote when you want to watch a DVD.

While most TV-DVD combos are smaller models of under 30 inches, a few larger screen options are available. The largest is the Westinghouse SK-40H590D (*est. $1,100) , a 40-inch 720p HDTV with a built-in DVD player. However, while its predecessor, the Westinghouse LTV-40w1 HDC, was extensively reviewed, the newer version seems to have slipped between the cracks and we've found virtually no feedback for it anywhere. Its smaller sibling, the 32-inch Westinghouse SK-32H590D (*est. $720) gets decent comments, but only from a handful of owners. On the other hand, the 26-inch Westinghouse SK-26H590D (*est. $500) gets very mixed reviews. It earns a mediocre 3.8 (out of five) rating at BestBuy.com, which is also the site that provides the most insight. The biggest issue cited by some users is lockup, which could only be cleared by unplugging the TV-DVD combo and then plugging it back in. User comments at Amazon.com, while less plentiful, follow the same pattern of criticism.

Westinghouse has announced replacement models for all three of its TV-DVD combos. The SK-40H590D is set to be replaced by the 40-inch SK-40H580D (*est. $1,150), the SK-32H590D by the 32-inch SK-32H570D (*est. $850) and the SK-26H590D by the 26-inch SK-26H570D (*est. $650). The new TV-DVD combos are scheduled to be in stores in April.

Toshiba makes a family of REGZA LCD-based widescreen TV-DVD combos that have scored well with users. The 32-inch Toshiba REGZA 32LV67U (*est. $760) is a top choice with feedback from users at Amazon.com and PriceGrabber.com. It has a native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and includes a built-in upconverting DVD player. It uses Toshiba's CineSpeed LCD panel, which has a fast response time that's ideal for watching high-action images. Other nice features include Toshiba's StableSound, which evens out volume levels between different types of programming. That's a welcome option for anyone who's been blasted out of their seat by a too-loud commercial. Connectivity is good, including three HDMI inputs with Lip Sync Support to correct for the slight time delay in video that's a common problem when using HDMI. The 32LV67U includes Toshiba's ultra-slim SoundStrip speaker system, but for even better sound, a digital (optical) output makes it easy to integrate the TV-DVD combo with a home theater receiver.

Toshiba also offers a pair of 26-inch REGZA TV-DVD combos. The Toshiba REGZA 26LV67 (*est. $900) is essentially identical to its big brother, and has received good user feedback as well, but is currently hard to find at anything below MSRP. The REGZA 26LV47 (*est. $650) is similar but lacks CineSpeed. It is both more available and more affordable than the 26LV67, however. User reviews are limited, but almost uniformly positive.

If you are looking for a smaller TV-DVD combo for a bedroom, dorm room or kitchen, the 15-inch Toshiba 15DLV77 (*est. $330) is an option. This TV-DVD combo is a 4:3 (non-widescreen) enhanced-definition TV (EDTV) that can receive HDTV broadcasts, but scales them to its native resolution (1024 x 768). Features include Toshiba's StableSound and simulated surround sound. Connectivity is limited, and there are no HDMI inputs. Feedback at Amazon.com and elsewhere indicates that most users are very happy with this TV-DVD combo.

Unlike the 15-inch Toshiba above, the 19-inch LCD-based Toshiba 19HLV87 (*est. $400) is a widescreen HDTV with a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. Features and connectivity are very limited, though StableSound and an HDMI input are included. User opinions are split, with most complaints at Amazon.com centering on quality issues. Those who received a TV free of defects seem very pleased, but others are anything but. Reviews at Circuit City are a little better, but still don't inspire much confidence.

Sharp, one of the most prolific makers of LCD TVs, also offers several TV-DVD player combos. Of those, we've seen the most feedback for the 19-inch Sharp LC-19DV22U (*est. $430) . Though it doesn't very much feedback at Amazon.com, most owners seem very pleased. That stands in contrast to reviews at CircuitCity.com, however, where the LC-19DV22U scores somewhat lower. The chief complaint of those posters is excessively slow channel-changing.

The Sharp LC-19DV22U is a widescreen TV-DVD combo with a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels, meaning it can display 720p HDTV. Connectivity is nothing special, and includes just a single HDMI input. The built-in DVD player is progressive-scan, but it can't upscale DVDs to HD resolution.

You'll also see many off-brand, house-brand and once-familiar-brand budget-priced TV-DVD combo players. Most get limited feedback, and what's there is often less than stellar. Two RCA-branded TV-DVD combos stand out among the crowd, however. RCA was once a preeminent name in home entertainment equipment, but these days the brand is licensed to a variety of third-party companies, including TTE Technology, which is the actual manufacturer of these TV-DVD combos.

The 26-inch RCA L26WD26D (*est. $520) gets plenty of feedback and good user ratings at WalMart.com and elsewhere. You won't find a lot of features, however, and the built-in DVD player is not an upconverting model. Sound is substandard according to user reviews, but there is a digital (coaxial) audio output so you can use it with a separate home-theater audio system. Connectivity is otherwise adequate but not exceptional, including just one HDMI input. Most users seem satisfied with the picture quality -- especially considering the TV-DVD combo's value price. The 32-inch RCA L32WD26D (*est. $685) is similar, but adds an additional HDMI input. User feedback is also positive.

Important Features: TV-DVD combos

You should consider the following factors when shopping for a TV-DVD combo:

• In HDTV models, look for an HDMI input. This connection keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (such as a cable box). HDMI carries high-definition audio as well as video. Some satellite receivers connect through this port, and it is a must for viewing the output of a high-definition Blu-ray player.

• Shop around for price. In our research, we found big price differences from retailer to retailer, so it pays to look around.

• Check the manufacturer's policy before buying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. For example, if you buy a Sharp LCD TV from an unauthorized dealer, you've probably voided your manufacturer's warranty. However, the retailer may offer a substitute warranty. We found a substantial price differential between Sharp's authorized dealers and discounters. Be sure to calculate your threshold for risk on such a large purchase and to ask the dealer about warranty coverage.

• Consider buying separate components. While TV-DVD combos have space-saving advantages, they also have some significant disadvantages. One is that if the DVD player breaks, it can't just be replaced.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	Toshiba REGZA 32LV67U (*est. $760)	details
1 each	Toshiba 15DLV77 , Toshiba REGZA 26LV47 , RCA L32WD26D , RCA L26WD26D , Sharp LC-19DV22U

User reviews provide the best current insight as to which TV-DVD combos are the best options. Among those, the 32-inch Toshiba REGZA 32LV67U stands out as a top performer. Its impressive feature lineup includes an upconverting DVD player and great connectivity. The Sharp LC-19DV22U is the best choice among 19-inch TV-DVD combos, but slow channel-changing is a sore spot with some. If you need an even smaller TV-DVD combo for a kitchen or dorm room, the 15-inch Toshiba 15DL7V77 is an easy pick. Most budget TV-DVD combos get lackluster owner reviews, but the 26-inch RCA L26WD26D and 32-inch L26WD26D stand out above the crowd.

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