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ViewSonic N1630w 15.6" LCD TV (Widescreen, 1366x768, 1,000:1, HDTV)

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At a Glance
1366 by 768 resolution
LCD display
HDMI input

$189.99 - $300.97
From 8 Merchants

We haven't had our hands on this product, but we know which features matter. Here's how the ViewSonic N1630w 15.6" LCD TV (Widescreen, 1366x768, 1,000:1, HDTV) measures up:

Popular Resolution For Moderately Priced TVs

All modern HDTVs are fixed-pixel displays. The number of pixels a display has determines its maximum resolution and thus the fineness of detail it can reproduce. Resolution is normally expressed as pixel width versus pixel height. This television's resolution is 1366 by 768, meaning it has 1366 pixel columns by 768 pixel rows. This resolution is popular for moderately priced plasma and LCD televisions. A key characteristic of all fixed-pixel displays is that incoming signals not at the set's native resolution must be scaled to match that resolution. The quality of this mathematical upconversion or downconversion can significantly affect the picture, especially for ordinary standard-definition TV signals. Inferior scaling may soften the picture, exaggerate noise, or cause some edges to appear slightly jagged.

LCD Display Technology

LCD televisions, like this one, are relatively thin, lightweight panels with a light source at the rear and a lattice of tiny cells filled with liquid crystals in the middle. They perform better than plasmas in brightly lit rooms and don't suffer image burn-in. But because the liquid crystal is never completely opaque, reproducing black or near-black color is harder for LCDs. Picture quality can deteriorate when viewing from far off to the side; and because liquid crystals respond relatively slowly to changes in applied voltage, fast-moving objects on the screen may appear to blur slightly. But LCD technology continues to improve, and these problems are less of an issue today (look for models that tout a 120-Hz refresh rate and a wide viewing angle). LCDs tend to be cheaper than comparable-size plasmas and are available in smaller screen sizes (37 inches and below).

Supports Modern HD Inputs

HDTV sets now routinely have at least one HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) input, and usually two, three, or four. An HDMI connection carries digital video and, in many cases, audio from HD cable and satellite receivers, Blu-ray Disc players, and some DVD players and game consoles to the TV over a single cable. Because of their convenience and quality, HDMI connections, when they are available, are generally preferable to other types. Normally an HDTV set will also have two, or possibly three, component-video inputs as well. You can also expect your TV to have component video as well as one or two standard three-wire A/V inputs (composite video plus stereo audio), and one or two RF inputs for direct antenna or cable-TV input.

Don't Buy Based on Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratio is the ratio of a display’s light output at maximum brightness to its output at minimum brightness, or peak white to pitch black. The most significant limiting factor is usually the black level rather than the white, because true black is hard to achieve and white intensity can’t be taken too high without becoming uncomfortable. Unfortunately, published specifications are unreliable: Manufacturers use at least four "standard" ways to measure contrast ratio, each of which yields different numbers; and the numbers produced by any one method varies depending on the test conditions and display settings. Manufacturers don't describe their methodology or test conditions in their specs, so don’t even think about comparing the contrast ratio of displays from competing manufacturers. Comparisons within a particular brand's line may have some validity, but even then, be careful of reading too much into them.

User Reviews for ViewSonic N1630w 15.6" LCD TV (Widescreen, 1366x768, 1,000:1, HDTV)

Reviewed by: nygfan

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Multiple inputs

Weaknesses: Small screen size, weak speakers, limited viewing angles

Overall Evaluation: I was looking for a budget tv for under $250 and this fit the bill. Despite the small screen size, the TV comes with all the various inputs including HDMI. The picture quality was pretty good considering the screen size. The viewing angles for the screen do seem to be limited to looking directly at it since you cannot tilt the screen. The speakers are kinda weak but that seems typical for small tvs/monitors.
Reviewed by: kahawken

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Great size for smaller areas - we are using for kitchen area. Speakers work well, easy to figure out the basics, picture quality very nice.

Weaknesses: If it had DVD player that would be a plus, but other than that which is minor I have nothing to note.

Overall Evaluation: We have used a ViewSonic 22" Monitor which is great, so seeing this brand I felt good about purchasing. Really like the size, easy to move around. Hope the LCD stays crystal clear. Have not hooked up HD box, so picture might even be better.

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