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HP's LC3260N costs $900 (as of 12/8/06) and has an average number of connections and features. However, our test unit performed the worst among currently tested 32-inch LCD TVs, and other sub-$1000 sets had better, more distinguishing characteristics.
Although we rated the LC3260N's picture quality as Fair, the difference between this TV set's score and that of our top performer (which earned a Good) was only six points, or 9 percent. It gave its best performance in our test of standard-definition broadcast video, although it still ranked second to last when compared with the other models in this test. Two jurors pointed out unnatural color casts in high-definition broadcast video.
Of the two other sub-$1000 models we tested, the $700 Vizio VX32LHTV performed only a little better, but it also scored slightly higher in design and costs $200 less. The $999 Westinghouse LTV-32w6, however, ranked number two in this round of performance tests, although it has a bare-bones remote control and few ports.
I liked the LC3260N's basic, all-black design; I find the silver accents and trim of other models distracting when watching TV. I liked the boomerang-shaped removable stand, although it doesn't let the TV swivel or pivot. On the top of the TV are unobtrusive volume and channel switches, as well as video-input selection and power buttons. The set's speakers, whose audio quality didn't wow me, are inconspicuously integrated into the bottom of the TV.
The remote control bears a clean, simple ergonomic design. The black, device broadens out at the top-third of the device, but the design seems more convenient for right-handed thumbs than left-handed ones. Nevertheless, I found it easy to use.
