Home > Consumer Reviews > Zenith L20V36 20.1" 4:3 LCD Flat-Panel EDTV (Silver)

I could not disagree any more with the first review and I wonder if they have even seen this Zenith. I've done quite a bit of research regarding LCD TV's. There are a few things you should be looking for...high contrast ratio, high brightness ratio, digital comb filter, fast pixel response time, and maybe one of the most important and most overlooked features, Faroudja DCDi video processing.

Faroudja DCDi is usually found only in high end LCD's. It's purpose is to smooth the picture in fast action scenes. Something I've seen far too often (especially in Sharp Aquos) is the jagged edges in fast action on LCD's that fail to keep up with the action.

For the Zenith L20V36, it has an excellent, bright picture. Color contrast is also great. And thanks to the Faroudja video processing and 10 millisecond pixel response, it has no trouble keeping up with fast action.

Don't take my word for it, though. See it for yourself. That's the only way to really judge an LCD. Circuit City carries this Zenith. I'd put it up against any of the 20 inch Sharp Aquos any day. I would even be so bold as to say it's competes quite well with Samsung and Phillips.

Now it doesn't have HDTV, nor does it claim to. But guess what, as a 20 inch TV for the bedroom, that's not a big deal. If one is that interested in HDTV, you'd want to be watching it on your main TV in the living room. So start there with HD if that is your intent.

Also beware of the claims with most manufacturers about contrast and brightness ratios. Unfortunately there is no standard for measuring these and many manufacturers, especially lesser known brands, exagerate these numbers. Again, there's no substitute for seeing them in person. I'm extremely pleased to own this Zenith L20V36.

First off you should know this is NOT an HDTV-ready TV monitor. It's the so-called EDTV with E standing for extended or enhanced depending on whom you ask. In any case it's not HDTV, and there's almost no program available (broadcast, cable or DVD) that supports this mode. Second this is a very poorly made display. You'd think for this price you'll get good quality. Unfortunately the answer is no in this case. The image quality and brightness is uneven, with a serious shadow cast over the lower half of the screen. The pixelation is very pronounced on this monitor, when compared to, say, a Sharp Aquos model. The word here is "ugly." Anything beautiful, e.g., a beautiful woman's face, looks terrible in blocky pixels. Finally the sound is inadequate. This is a very poor product. Most other Zenith LCD TVs are also very poorly made. If you are going to spend money on an LCD TV, get a Sharp Aquos. See my review of the 20" Aquos model.

In short, I like the tv. All of the positives mentioned in the other reviews are items I'd agree with. It seems like the picture is clearer when I go directly into the tv via the cable instead of through my digital cable box and then thru my Replay TV (via SVideo). I realize that going through 2 additional boxes may not be optimal, but I'd imagine many people have a similar configuration. Where I'm most disappointed is when I bring up my ReplayTV channel guide. The listings are sort of blury - kinda like an eye test where you say "worse" rather then "better" while the doctor is dialing in your script. Its readable, but not as good as my old crt with the same configuration. DVDs via the component video do look nice.

I recently purchased this TV after comparing pictures to 3 other brands at the store (Circuit City). I was ready to buy a more expansive TV on name only but could not help but notice what a much better picture this TV had, even as the store clerk told me that the signal is not very consistent in the store. I just read the other 3 reviews and I am surprised someone thought this should compete with an HDTV when it is not. (I have one on my big screen downstairs). The EDTV is sufficient for the bedroom especially with a digital cable signal and the prgressive scan that the EDTV uses.I have not noticed any lower screen lighting problem nor any sound problems. In fact, the TV gives about 5 different settings that you set for different sound depending on whether its a movie, sports, etc. It sounds like the poor reviews are coming from people who have not read the info with the TV and experimented with setting contrast, color, etc as there are various settings available also. I agree that you should see it with your own eyes. I cannot speak for their service reps as I have not needed them certainly can say I am happy with my set!

I purchased this TV in spring of 2004 for $999, so the latest price is a bargain in comparison. I'm not a "techie', but the picture is clear and sharp, especially compared to the other models in the store (Circuit City). Easy to set up with my cable, Direct TV, VCR and TIVO. I also liked the clean and simple look of the TV. It is very light and that was also an important point for me. It can go on any table top, TV stand or on the wall. I am certainly enjoying this TV every day and have no regrets with the purchase.