• Address: Cincinnati, OH 45238 (map)
• Date Posted: 10/03/09

JVC 32-inch CRT Color TV w/ Remote Model number: AV-32D502.

As a photographer, image quality is extreme in value, and when it comes to CRT TV sets, Sony, with its Trinitron-technology-delivered picture ruled the world, and I always bought Sony, until I bought this JVC set. So, why did I change? First off, the picture still had to be very, very good, very close to the quality of a Sony Trinitron or I would not have switched, and this JVC TV, with its 800-line horizontal resolution and Digital Comb Filter has an excellent picture, detailed and color-rich, a true competitor to the Sony.

But the reason I considered switching in the first place was a demonstration of astounding, unbelievable durability. I was at a friend's house, and she owned a 24-inch JVC, which she kept on top of a bookshelf, which was four feet above the hard, terra-cotta-tiled floor. She must not have had it pushed back far enough, because all of a sudden we heard a tremendous crash, and running into the room, there was the JVC, sitting on its back on the floor, the plug, pulled from the socket as it skidded after the initial impact, curled like a snake alongside.

The glass didn't break because when it fell, it rotated to hit on the top, and then bounced over onto its back as it slid across the room. But we KNEW it was dead.

We were wrong!

I picked it up and plugged it in, just out of curiosity, and whalla... it came on and the picture and sound were just as good as though it never happened!! As a prior USAF electronics technician, I was severely impressed by this and decided that my next TV would be a JVC, as long as the picture quality was close to Sony's, and when that day came, I bought this one, and it has performed flawlessly and beautifully. It is my main set, but I use the bedroom set (an older, previously-owned Sony) more, most often just watching DVD movies with this JVC, so it's still in great shape. I'm only selling because I've finally decided to go with a wider-screen HD TV. The picture of this set was good enough to hold me up for years on making the expensive upgrade.

Advanced features and ultimate performance is what this 32" Dual Tuner PIP Stereo TV is all about. 3-Line Digital Comb Filter, Component Video Input, 2 S-Video Inputs, 3 AV Inputs, XDS Auto Clock Set and BBE High Definition Audio deliver a picture more vibrant, and sound more natural than any other standard definition TV.

* Dual Tuner Picture in Picture
* 3-Line Digital Comb Filter
* Component Video Input
* Illuminated Universal Remote with TV/VCR and DVD Control Capability
* 2 S-Video Inputs
* 800 Lines Horizontal Resolution
* Hyper Scan High Speed Channel Changer
* 32" Diagonal Full Square Dark Tinted Picture Tube
* BBE High Definition Audio
* 15 Color Icon-based Super Command OSD: English, French, Spanish
* MTS Stereo with SAP
* Hyper Surround Sound
* TV Speakers On/Off in Menu, Front Firing Side Speakers
* Audio Output 5.0 Watts x 2 Speakers
* Return +
* Plug in Menu
* Theater Status
* Multi-Function Timer
* Sleep Timer
* Channel Guard
* Closed Caption w/Text
* Black Level Expansion
* Apacon
* V-Chip
* XDS Auto Clock Set
* 3 AV Inputs (2 Rear, 1 Front)
* AV Compu Link EX
* Variable Audio Output
* Energy Star Compliant
* RF Input

Features details include:

Picture-In-Picture (PIP), which allows you to view two sources at the same time, one of them reduced into a square. You can change channels in each picture (the main screen and the PIP box) independently and swap them from main to box as desired, all through the remote control.

Stereo audio and Hypersound, which is a one-button audio enhancement that expands the sound presence to a fuller, more surround-sound type of audio that is better for things like live sports. The effect emits through the built-in 2 x 4-3/4-in oval speakers (5-watts each) and through any attached sound system processors.

V-Chip set-up for parental control of content through broadcast-coded signals. Cable Ready, so no cable box is necessary to receive basic channels over cable. Digital channels are displayed without any adapters or boxes for attached cable or satellite receivers.

Sleep timer.

Closed Caption display controls.

Programmable Remote control provides full control of picture and audio traits. Can be coded to also control DVD/VCR/Satellite Box units.

English, French, and Spanish language Remote screen display options.
Antenna inputs: VHF/UHF 75 ohm, type F (Digital converter box needed to input to antenna).

External video and audio RCA inputs, including Optical audio input jack.

Cable input. S-Video and Component (RGB) Video input jacks.

Audio output jacks (VARI).

External AV Comp jacks, front panel jacks for camcorder attachment.

Dimensions WxHxD: 33-7/8 x 27 x 21-5/8 in. Weight: 114 lbs. Manual and

Warranty booklet included (not under warranty).


Reviews

This set consistently rated at the top on reviews. Below are a few that fill in the details for you:

This set competes with the best. Like every home electronics purchase I make, I agonized and agonized over getting the right TV for the right price. I shopped on-line, I visited stores, I read articles... hopefully, you do the same -- or else you just have money to burn. I came upon the AV-32D502 quite by accident. I liked the JVC models I had seen in a retail (chain) store and I was price shopping online. The AV-32D502 was one I hadn't heard of, but when it popped up I decided to check it out. BOY! Does it have features! Component video, which gives you the best image quality, as well as S-video were definitely requirements for me, as I was given a DVD player as a gift and wanted a television that would allow me to take advantage of what DVD has to offer. This box has 'em, but NOT ON THE FRONT. Tisk, tisk, JVC. I think future models are coming with S-Video on the front, but this one only has S- and Component video on the back. Other than that, there's nothing I could think of that I needed that the AV-32D502 didn't have. It'll even set its clock automatically (where available via your local PBS station).

It's my opinion that JVC has some of the best color tubes going. The black on this set is TRUE -- not that fuzzy, snowy gray, but BLACK, which helps the rest of the colors pop off the screen. Up against the competition, it beats the pants off Panasonic and Toshiba, and I'd put this box against the "queen of screen," the Trinitron -- especially for the price difference. It seems that the latest trend in TV screens, like computer monitors, is to go "flat" to reduce glare. I don't know what JVC did to this model, which is NOT a flatscreen, but glare is not a major problem. Not even a minor problem. Flatscreen TVs, too, are still susceptible to some glare, so to me the extra $$$ for a flatscreen wasn't worth it.

Notice the "AV" in the AV-32D502. JVC did a great job representing the AUDIO in this set, too. Even without hooking it up to a surround-sound entertainment system, it delivers rich, full sound that complements the picture. The "Hyper Surround" doesn't compare with the real deal, make no mistake, but it's adequate for two itty-bitty speakers. Where the AV-32D502 really shines, though, is with the BBE feature. While I forget what the acronym BBE represents, I do agree with JVC that it delivers natural, extraordinary sound.

Overall, I give this set a stellar thumbs-up. For the money, you can't beat the quality and features. HDTV is soon going to be mandatory, so if you're looking for an excellent set but you're not QUITE ready to spend the dough on HDTV, this television will most definitely get you through the next few years. I am very, very pleased with my purchase.

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Great value of quality and the price. Compared to other similiar 32" tube TVs, this one is the winner. Pluses: great picture, very sleek design (side positioned speakers make it look more like wide angle TVs). Remote navigation is really nice and simple.

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After looking at a number of different reviews and going to various stores, I was left deciding between this JVC, the Toshiba 32A41, and the Sony KV 32S42. All seemed to be fine TVs, but I felt that JVC's quality balanced with price (I did an online pricematch at Sears) won out. I don't think you can get more bang for your buck (unless you drop PIP and go w/ the 32D302. I think that in order to get a better picture, you actually need to jump to the Sony's Flatscreen model (or other makes for that matter). The connectivity is outstanding. Just a very fine TV overall. Highest marks!

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My opinion about the picture is that it is the best that you can get unless you fork out the extra dough for a flat screen, or HDTV. This tv also has lower height than most 32" tvs because of the side speaker design. The on screen programming is easy to use. I bought a JVC car radio a few years ago and it lasted a long time so I hope my tv will too.

This cost $688 when bought from Sears, so it's priced for a great discount for a large screen CRT set.

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