While we wait (and wait...) for Sony's next generation of LCD TVs, the brand's old L32M1 is still hanging on to its high street position, courtesy of a fairly drastic price cut. But will that prove enough to keep it competitive?
The L32M1 has unusually chunky bodywork and, I think, an overtly plasticy finish - but it sure isn't embarrassed about it. In fact, it practically wears these traits like a badge of honour, resulting, surprisingly, in arguably the most 'fun' looking TV in this group.
Connectivity is limited. The need for Sony's new screen range to arrive sooner rather than later is rammed home by the absence on the L32M1 of either a PC input or, more importantly, a digital video input. HD Ready, then, this screen is not.
You can at least get analogue HD signals in via a set of component video jacks, though, and there's a trio of Scarts for set-top box sources and DVD. You can also use the set's centre channel in a surround sound system.
Beyond its (analogue only) HD talents, the L32M1's only significant claim to fame is its WEGA Engine processing. This proprietary Sony picture technology really put Sony's flat TV images on the map with advanced digital scaling, extra detail, and boosting of contrast, colour gradations, and contours.
The screen has a native resolution of 1366 x 768, but rather more mundane quoted contrast ratio and brightness figures of 450:1 and 450cd/m2 respectively.
Performance
While the L32M1's pictures still sometimes look spectacular, there's no denying that at other times they look characteristically last season.
On the plus side, the smoothness and noiselessness of the L32M1's images from a variety of sources still warrants applause. There's a solidity and tone to its colour fidelity that's pleasing, and fine detail reproduction is generally good. Sure, the effect of the extra detail squeezed from the WEGA Engine isn't as dramatic as with some rival processing technologies, but I am more than willing to trade a little drama for the complete lack of image noise and artefacts of the L32M1.
Where the screen stumbles concerns its rather shallow black level response. The Sony simply can't plumb the same darkness levels as the other screens featured here, with the result that dark scenes look flat and unrealistic.
Sonically the L32M1 is fine. Voices generally sound clear, there's a reasonable, well-rounded tone to the audio. Yes, harshness can set in at high volumes - but no more readily than most other LCDs.
The L32M1 is a decent all-round performer, notwithstanding its rather 'old-school' black level troubles. But I rather feel that 'decent' isn't quite good enough when you are talking about such an expensive LCD screen - especially bearing in mind its lack of either a digital tuner or even full HD readiness.
John Archer
