The Westinghouse TX-47F430S is a CNET-reviewed, 1080p, 47-inch HDTV that features 4 HDMI inputs and a 5:000:1 DNR contrast ratio.
Note: deal is limited to various local Costcos (not a national promotion). Call and check with your local Costco to see how they are pricing the TV.
Helpful Links:
CNET.com review.
FatWallet deal discussion.
The Westinghouse TX-47F450S is a 2008 refresh model, featuring a few small but significant technology updates from the 2007 model it’s replacing, the TX-47F430S. Due for a spring release, it’s a 47-inch 1080p HDTV LCD that will most likely end up as Westinghouse’s bestseller for 2008.
The biggest update to the television is its 120-hz display, the first Westinghouse TV to have the technology. A 120-hz display prevents motion blur in scenes with fast motion. The television also gets an upgrade to a 6.5 ms response time, an upgrade from 8.0 ms of last year’s model, the TX-47F430S. A faster response time is good for gamers and action movie buffs, as a faster render improves the image quality of fast moving scenes. The response time combined with the 120-hz display will allow this television to handle almost any kind of action or sports content you throw at it.
The appearance of the HDTV did not receive a noticeable update from last year’s model. The TX-47F430S is not available for review yet; however, to get an idea how well this television will perform, check out CNET’s HDTV guru David Katzmaier’s review of 2007’s Westinghouse TX-47F430S. The 2008 version’s basic display technology remains the same. Most notably, the dynamic contrast ratio stays at 5,000:1. Expect average black levels but good color production.
The Westinghouse and Vizio line of bargain LCDs are generally thought of as solid bargain buys. I own last year’s Vizio 47-inch 1080p LCD and am very happy with the quality. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the TX-47F450S is $1,599. Because this year’s set is so similar to the 2007 model, it may be worth looking at the 2007 if you can get a substantial enough discount.
Other specifications of the 2008 Westinghouse TX-47F450S:
4 HDMI inputs. Built-in HDTV tuner. 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
CNET just posted their review for the new Westinghouse 47-inch HDTV LCD, the TX-47F30S. BestBuy.com has it listed for $1,500, which is $100 cheaper than Vizio’s current 47-inch LCD. The Westy has 4 HDMI inputs compared with 2 HDMI for the GV47LF. Looks like the new trend is 4 HDMI inputs.
Also of interest is CNET’s comparision of the Westy with the Vizio 42-inch LCD, the GV42LF, for its performance tests. CNET says the Vizio produces better blacks compared with the Westy. However, in the technical specifications, the Westy has a 5000:1 contrast ratio compared with the Vizio’s 1600:1. I guess even a company’s own specs won’t tell the whole tale.
CNET states the main problem with the Westy is again the black levels and screen uniformity–the same problems I experience with the Vizio GV47LF. And the strength of the Westy is color reproduction, which is also the strength of the Vizio. So it looks like the current Vizio and Westinghouse 47-inch 1080p LCDs are close matches. We’ll see if Vizio responds with a price cut or a product refresh.