The JVC LT-42DV1BJ stands out with a distinctive appearance reminiscent of a 1970s sci-fi movie set. Its off-white matt plastic sides and black leather-effect plastic bezel give it a unique look. The X-shaped chrome-effect stand adds a touch of premium appeal, unlike the solid plinths found on other TVs. The back of the case is well-organized, with commonly used ports such as TV aerial, HDMI inputs, and S/PDIF output facing downwards for easy wall-mounting. SCART and component video inputs are cleverly hidden behind a retractable cover, facing sideways. This TV not only boasts an attractive rear design but is also convenient to mount on a wall. Our analysis at Hummingvibe led to the following assessments of the JVC smart TV.
Key Features
The remote control matches the TV’s black and white plastic design and features metallic volume, channel, and menu navigation controls. It is a universal remote with a Mode button that allows you to control the JVC smart TV as well as other devices like set-top boxes, optical disc players, and AV amplifiers. The instructions provide a long list of device codes for popular models. However, the electronic program guide (EPG) disappointed us as it only shows programs for the currently selected channel, with limited space to display information. Although it offers filtering by genre, a seven-day preview, and reminder creation, the user interface feels clumsy and has an imprecise selection process. For instance, when attempting to change channels to watch a show, it prompts us to set a reminder even if the show has already started.
Resolution
The TV’s image settings are limited, offering basic options alongside less useful ones like Super Digipure and Smart Picture. Enabling these settings made little to no difference in most cases. However, the image quality during our Blu-ray tests was excellent, featuring vibrant colors and high contrast. Our only gripe was the excessive edge sharpness, giving the impression of over-processed visuals on this JVC smart TV.
Sound Quality
While the TV’s beautiful colors carried over to Freeview broadcasts, the noise reduction on the LT-42DV1BJ did not effectively remove compression artifacts visible when watching Freeview on a large screen.
Additional Features
DVD upscaling showed significant improvement, with minimal ghosting and excellent anti-aliasing. Adjusting the aspect ratio on PC tests (using an HDMI cable) to Full Native was necessary to display the entire desktop, but the colors remained accurate and the text readable. The left side of the TV features a USB connector that accepts flash drives but not external USB hard drives requiring power. The picture viewer only supports JPEG files, and the music player is limited to MP3 files. However, this feature proves useful for quickly viewing photos or listening to songs if you have a camera or MP3 player with a USB connection.
Conclusion
The JVC smart TV has a 42-inch viewable size and a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. With built-in 10W speakers and a screen depth of 68mm, as well as bezel sizes of 23mm, 27mm, and 79mm, this HD-ready TV is a worthwhile investment. We admired the LT-42DV1BJ’s sleek case and well-thought-out design, which would undoubtedly enhance the appearance of any wall it hangs on. However, its picture quality falls short compared to other models in the same category, often appearing over-processed. Toshiba’s Regza 42XV635DB, though less attractive in design, offers better value. For more reviews like this, please visit the official Hummingvibe website.
FAQ’s
What is the unique appearance of the JVC LT-42DV1BJ?
The TV has an off-white matt plastic finish on the sides, a leather-effect black plastic bezel, and a chrome-effect X-shaped stand, giving it a distinct retro sci-fi look.
Are the ports conveniently placed for wall-mounting?
Yes, the TV has the most regularly used ports, such as TV aerial, HDMI inputs, and S/PDIF output, facing downwards to avoid obstruction by cords when using a wall-mounting bracket. SCART and component video inputs are hidden behind a retractable cover, facing sideways.
Does the JVC LT-42DV1BJ come with a universal remote control?
Yes, the TV comes with a remote control made of black and white plastic, featuring metallic volume, channel, and menu navigation controls. It is a universal remote that can also control other devices like set-top boxes, optical disc players, and AV amplifiers.
