34 replies to this topic

[boofhead]

Just seen that Aldi have a 32" LCD up for sale starting today@ $ 1599 - quite a bit less than the Big-W AWA unit

Specs below

Tevion TFT LCD 80cm Screen (32")
Picture in picture/split screen function
HD TV ready
Aluminium finish
Teletext function
Built-in Dual Tuner
Flat Widescreen format
Aluminium frame and stand
Flat Widescreen format 16:9 format
Dual tuner PIP - including picture size and positioning adjustment
Ability to view 2 channels/inputs simultaneously
Connect to PC
3D De-interlace, Digital comb filter
8ms response time
Teletext
2 x AV inputs
Y/Pb/Pr input, PC input, S-Video input, 1 x AV output
1366 x 768 resolution
1000:1 contrast ratio
550cd/m2 brightness
2 x 10W detachable speakers
Wall mountable
Includes remote control, D-sub PC cable and Y/Pb/Pr cable
Best viewed with Digital Set Top Box


Any thoughts on how this may compare with the AWA unit?

[zorg]

dvi?  might send wife down to check it out...

[surroundfan]

Folks in Blighty have been the guinea pigs. A list of issues with this set can be found here.

Still, it's a great price. Hopefully not too long till a $2k 37" LCD is here (we can always hope... :blink:)...

EDIT - there are two models floating round in Blighty. Apparently the new one (with speakers at the side) has far fewer glitches...

[mybrains]

I dont think it has DVI. no sign of it. This would be its big weakness if its true.
Anu ideas on who makes the 8ms panel?

piccy here
http://www.aldi.com....product_01.html

[surroundfan]

mybrains, on Aug 18 2005, 01:56 PM, said:

I dont think it has DVI. no sign of it. This would be its big weakness if its true.
Anu ideas on who makes the 8ms panel?

piccy here
http://www.aldi.com....product_01.html

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I suspect DVI's just not mentioned. Previous Medions/Tevions have had it...

Probably a Samsung panel...

[Grunt_er]

Read UK link by samualowens.

be afraid very afraid.

http://www.avforums....3&postcount=904

[zorg]

can't access that link from work can someone cut and paste pls?

[THEMAN]

Aldi/Tevion 32” LCD model no. MD30132

This thread is now over 80 pages long so this post has been produced to summarize and index the main points of interest.
It is maintained by Bill S, Busterdan & Rockyspieler
If anyone wishes any additions/changes please PM (Private Message)

Summary
The Aldi sales leaflet and the packaging made various claims about specifications and features and included the "HD Ready" logo.
The major issues are with the statements:
Quote:
"Dual tuner allowing full picture-in picture viewing so you can watch two channels at the same time or watch TV and use your computer at the same time"

Quote:
“HDTV compatible
- analogue via Scart (480i, 480p 576i, 576p, 720i, 720p, 1080i) via composite Sync”

Reviews in Germany suggest that the failure of the latter feature means that the claim "HD Ready" is incorrect.
The EICTA license for the "HD Ready" logo, granted to Medion/Tevion, requires a 720p & 1080i analogue component input.
In tests on both original TVs and those with upgraded firmware, we have been unable to achieve a workable 720p or 1080i analogue component input on the Scart connections.

We informed Aldi of the problems and specifically of the HD Ready issue on 12th July by letter & fax requesting acceptance of the fault.

On 14th July Aldi advertised a new 42" Plasma screen with the logo "HD Ready". We informed Aldi that as this screen only had 480 vertical pixels, it could not conform with the HD Ready license conditions. Forum members were in contact with EICTA.

On 19th July Aldi informed us that they would be removing the HD Ready logo from their website and national advertising. We noted that they still were handing out leaflets with the logo on the 20th!

On 20th July Aldi stated that they had been assured by Medion that the 32" LCD fully conformed with the requirements for "HD Ready" but that Aldi had sent a TV to be independently tested to resolve the matter.

On 21st July the Plasma goes on sale - members report stores are displaying the HD Ready logo on posters, a number of members report some stores are not displaying any notice saying it is not "HD Ready"
Aldi fax a summary copy of the independent test. It clearly says that the Scart component analogue input at 720p and above fails - "no sync., disrupted picture". Copy attached to: http://www.avforums....&postcount=1186
Aldi state that Medion say this does not matter as the input works over DVI.
If this is accepted, it means that only one HD device can be attached to the TV. To use a 2nd or 3rd the plugs at the back of the TV must be changed.
When tested by members, analogue input via the DVI socket results in unacceptable dark images.

For information on what HDTV is - simple explanations of the terminology and technology, the following sites are useful:
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/
http://hdtvinfoport.com/index.html
http://product.samsu...guide/index.jsp
http://hd.sky.com/
and for the HD Ready full definition:
http://www.eicta.org...ent-114600A.pdf

A brief statement of the current problems and latest progress is given at the end of this message

-------------------------------------------------

Index to main events and messages
On 19/05/05 Aldi started to advertise a 32” HD Ready LCD Television that would go on sale on the 26th May.
At that time it seemed an exceptional well specified set for the money - £749.99
The specification was emailed to customers (shown on:
http://www.avforums....75&postcount=14 )
and Aldi added:
“ Multi picture function allows you to view up to 12 channels at the same time in freeze mode whilst you continue watching the main screen.
Dual tuner allowing full picture-in-picture viewing so you can watch two channels at the same time or watch TV and use your computer on the same screen.”
The Aldi sales leaflet is copied on post:
http://www.avforums....7&postcount=663

The first 5 pages of the thread (posts #1 to #75) were discussions on the specifications.
Busterdan produced the first review on page 6
http://www.avforums....40&postcount=76
http://www.avforums....42&postcount=81
and http://www.avforums....57&postcount=99
Computer Active produced a review; discussed on: http://www.avforums....9&postcount=110

There was much discussion about the necessary leads and connection and a separate thread was started: http://www.avforums....d.php?p=1697979 - post1697979 Cables/Adaptors for the Tevion 32" LCD

Up to post #140 almost every post was positive but then various problems were found beginning with the use as a PC display – there was not 1:1 pixel mapping; the rescaling of text characters left them blurred and unclear compared with a computer LCD screen.
Page 13: There are no separate component inputs but this can be achieved with
http://www.avforums....6&postcount=180
Page 14 is where problems start to be found http://www.avforums....hlight=attached
The problems with the set and issues with its specification and sales description are listed in detail on Rockyspieler’s post http://www.avforums....5&postcount=496
When these problems were reported to Medion, who operate the helpline for Aldi, they tell us that they know about the problems and are working with Germany to find a solution. We are told that a firmware upgrade may be the answer and they hope to have one the following week.
This long list appears at first sight to be a major disaster. Yet most customers are still happy to keep the TV – particularly with the knowledge that Aldi are offering a no-quibble full refund on return of the set.

One major issue is the lack of 50/50 split screen as shown in advert and on the box.
Medion claim it is “down to Aldi” but it is also printed on the box! http://www.avforums....4&postcount=163

Where an HD input is available most are very happy with the displays but there are problems with PC input
http://www.avforums....9&postcount=167
http://www.avforums....5&page=15&pp=15
http://www.avforums....0&postcount=233

When using Scart input, High quality cables are definitely recommended!
http://www.avforums....5&page=20&pp=15

The service menu is discussed on a separate thread
http://www.avforums....ad.php?t=215758

Ghosting is seen on Scart input progressive scan but not with interlaced.
http://www.avforums....2&postcount=353

The Tevion is tested using a Samsung HD745 to give an upscaled HD input
http://www.avforums....2&postcount=378
http://www.avforums....5&page=49&pp=15

Some people start to consider returning the Tevion to Aldi
http://www.avforums....5&page=31&pp=15

HD Xbox testing http://www.avforums....6&postcount=497
And an Xbox thread
http://www.avforums....ighlight=tevion

More discussion on the firmware upgrade and Medion’s response
http://www.avforums....5&page=35&pp=15
http://www.avforums....7&postcount=667

Solutions if the firmware fix doesn’t work
http://www.avforums....9&postcount=694
http://www.avforums....9&postcount=646
http://www.avforums....1&postcount=719
http://www.avforums....5&page=54&pp=15

Discussion and update on Medion support 23/6/5
http://www.avforums....5&page=51&pp=15

Busterdan is told the firmware fix solves “all the problems”
http://www.avforums....4&postcount=823
Bill S is told it doesn’t
http://www.avforums....5&page=57&pp=15

The first TVs have gone back for upgrade 1st July

5th July The first TV returns after upgrade; it is worse! – Medion are now blaming Aldi
http://www.avforums....3&postcount=896

Many Thanks to thetyke for all the tests & reports on the first upgraded TV
http://www.avforums....5&page=63&pp=15

8th July We still have only got reports on one upgraded TV. First reports do not seem good - only a partial fix. We await further testing but it does seem that Aldi/Medion will have to do more.

A German review slates the Aldi TV, confirming many of our issues.
http://www.avforums....7&postcount=956

12th July A number of members return their sets - there is considerable dissatisfaction with the Medion support. Fax & letter is sent to Aldi requesting a written response:
http://www.avforums....8&postcount=994

14th July Aldi advertise a 42" Plasma display. They again use the logo "HD Ready". They also say the resolution is only 852x480 pixels! - The HD Ready logo license requires at least 720......
http://www.avforums....ad.php?t=227115
When will they ever learn?

18th July Still no reply from Aldi
EICTA investigate
http://www.avforums....48&postcount=11
and Aldi say they will display corrections in the stores about the Plasma TV http://www.avforums....88&postcount=31
The Aldi website (UK & Ireland) still displays "HD Ready" logo on the Plasma advert
More members return the Aldi/Tevion LCD and order Samsung LE32
Complaints are registered with ASA & EICTA about Tevions use of "HD Ready" on the LCD as well as the Plasma screens
http://www.avforums....5&page=76&pp=15

19th July : Fax is sent to Aldi asking for a reply to the 12th July letter by 20th July
http://www.avforums....&postcount=1167

20th July : Aldi say that Medion insist that the TV is "HD Ready" but to resolve the matter, Aldi have sent a TV to be independently tested.
We point out that we already have an independent test result:
http://www.avforums....&postcount=1178

21st July the Plasma goes on sale - members report stores are displaying the HD Ready logo on posters, a number of members report some stores are not displaying any notice saying it is not "HD Ready"
http://www.avforums....5&page=81&pp=15
http://www.avforums....30&postcount=73

Aldi fax a summary copy of the independent test. It clearly says that the Scart component analogue input at 720p and above fails - "no sync., disrupted picture".
Copy of summary report attached to: http://www.avforums....&postcount=1186
Aldi state that Medion say this does not matter as the input works over DVI. Note 31st July below - It does NOT work correctly!
Members feel that the EICTA definition clearly says "Analogue input AND DVI"
not "OR"
http://www.avforums....5&page=80&pp=15

31st July Analogue input via DVI is tested - Picture is so dark as to be unwatchable - there is no contrast adjustment of this mode - Black levels are grey.
http://www.avforums....?p=1836482&pp=2


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bug List

In detail : http://www.avforums....5&postcount=496

In summary:
with fixed items in Green
Not fixed in Red - Bold=confirmed
Not fully tested after firmware upgrade in Black
New bugs in Purple

I will change all items to Bold when confirmed on more than one upgraded TV

Picture in Picture PiP not as advertised
A) no 50/50 split screen “Dual tuner allowing full PiP …watch two channels at the same time…”
:blink: “…. or watch TV and use your computer at the same time”
C) Only 12 channels, not “view up to 12 channels …in freeze frame whilst…watching the main screen.
The Scart connectors do not accept HDTV inputs correctly (720 and up; displays are distorted & out of sync.)
Note : The HD Ready licence requires analogue YPrPb input of HD at 720p & 1080i AND DVI so this fault would appear to make the claim of "HD Ready" false!
The DVI analogue inputs give a picture with low contrast (dark highlights and grey blacks)
DVI PC not 1:1 mapped; even using DVI-DVI cable, text is blurred & moving (German review claims that PC input is first converted to 1024x768 then upconverted to 1366x768! )
Playstation 2 Progressive scan input - picture with black borders
FIXED by upgrade: DVI (HDTV) inputs 480p60 & 768p50/60 lock the screen
FIXED by upgrade: DVI HDTV 720p50 can give locked green screen when switched to/from UHF
FIXED by upgrade: Picture settings are reset when sources are switched
FIXED by upgrade : Red levels through UHF Tuner 1 incorrect
Single button input cycle does not work (scart 1/2)
DVI PC does not support PAL video – 1366x768 at 50Hz – only 60Hz supported
Fixed by upgrade: Subtitles cause the edges of the picture to be blacked out.
Scart input – screen is cropped compared with DVI input (~10% picture loss)
Scart input 576p50 has poor geometry c/w 576i25
Multi picture mode only works fully if tuned to first UHF channel
Ghosting/Ringing on Scart input 576p50
Certain Teletext/Ceefax pages inaccessible eg 12A - 14F

[mybrains]

a lot the gripe seems to centre around running HD over the analog connection. To be blunt, its pretty stupid to run a HD digital signal over analog anyway.

now the claims about poor PQ over DVi concerns me more.... and the firmware bugs that crap it out. stay clear!

just my 2 bobs worth. (i'd still buy an AWA :blink:

[retro]

boofhead, on Aug 18 2005, 01:15 PM, said:

Just seen that Aldi have a 32" LCD up for sale starting today@ $ 1599 - quite a bit less than the Big-W AWA unit

Specs below

Tevion TFT LCD 80cm Screen (32")
Picture in picture/split screen function
HD TV ready
Aluminium finish
Teletext function
Built-in Dual Tuner
Flat Widescreen format
Aluminium frame and stand
Flat Widescreen format 16:9 format
Dual tuner PIP - including picture size and positioning adjustment
Ability to view 2 channels/inputs simultaneously
Connect to PC
3D De-interlace, Digital comb filter
8ms response time
Teletext
2 x AV inputs
Y/Pb/Pr input, PC input, S-Video input, 1 x AV output
1366 x 768 resolution
1000:1 contrast ratio
550cd/m2 brightness
2 x 10W detachable speakers
Wall mountable
Includes remote control, D-sub PC cable and Y/Pb/Pr cable
Best viewed with Digital Set Top Box
Any thoughts on how this may compare with the AWA unit?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

* Available while quantities last...at the bottom of the page...

[jakes]

I was at Aldi yesterday. Had my eye out for this unit. They didn't have any which lead me to think they had already sold out. However, as I was leaving I picked up their specials brochure for next week - that had the 80cm lcd tv listed as being available on thursday 25th august. There seems to be some conflict between their website and printed material, but I'd assume the printed date (25th) is probably the correct one.

It has reasonably good specs (response time & contrast) - but its pretty limited input wise (only 1 component input and, as mentiioned above, no indication of dvi). Also it only has 1 year warranty. Think AWA has 2? Also think it'll be pretty difficult to see it in operation beforeyou can purchase it. So you'd have to decide whether at $1600 it was really worth it (although, I think Aldi have a pretty good returns policy, so if it's no good it should be possible to return it for refund).

[retro]

It will be next week.

[mybrains]

retro, on Aug 19 2005, 03:04 PM, said:

It will be next week.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yep. Aldi post the brochure 1 week early to get people ready. It goes up every thursday morning btw.

[zorg]

I'd stretch to the Acer 32 inch at $1800

[glennh70]

Hi

I bought one on Thursay and l have had a few problems with it. For a start, four pixel has gone in the display, it is on the side, so it doesn't detract too much.

One major problem i have has is with the HDTV is certain signals will make the lcd go to a black screen. While watching some dvd's, the picture will go to a black screen for a second and then the picture will come back until a certain brightness( i think ), make it loose signal again. When the screen goes black, you loose sound as well. I also have a dvd recorder running through the hdtv and the problem occassionally show up on it as well.

I have also had problems setting the brightness and contrast properly, especially on svhs, It almost seems over bright. I have a dvd called Avia, which is for getting the most out of your home theater. It has a lot of test patterns to help set your tv up properly. The test for contrast and brightness, will not show up properly because of the screen being so bright.

It is not all bad new for this lcd, i have not noticed much in ghosting and the pc side seems good as well. The tv picture look fairly good and the color looks almost perfect. I do not have digital tv in my area yet, but i would imagine it would look fantastic on it

I have a pinnacle showcenter which will go to the hdtv resolutions. 720p and 1080i seemed a bit fuzzy compared to 480p. I do not know if this is because of the lcd or the pinnacle showcenter, as i do not have any other hdtv items

I sure there is a lot more problems with this lcd and would like to hear from anyone who has bought one as well.

[funyarla]

bought one also for my parents.haven't noticed any dead pixels.connected to hotchip stb through rgb.was really thinking i will be taking this back but the pq is stunning with no smear or blurring.it's made in tiawan and weighs 30kg in box.the cables that came with it are suprisingly good quality.only fault i would give it are the speakers are a bit crap.the aluminium frame is also a good touch.very happy with purchase so far...see ya

[glennh70]

Hi

I should have mentioned that i am running the hdtv through the pr/cr pb/cb y connector. I have a computer in my lounge and that it is connected to the vga, also my sdtv box is a cheap version, and only has svhs output. I will update it one day, when we get all the digital channels
The items i am running throught the pr pb y connector is a pioneer 520s dvd recorder, 625 system with progressive 'on', so it is no really hdtv, i suppose more like sdtv resolution. I also have the pinnacle showcenter running through it

[joele]

zorg, on Aug 20 2005, 03:41 PM, said:

I'd stretch to the Acer 32 inch at $1800

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Also check out the Soniq 32" at JB Hi-Fi it is a 8ms Samsung panel which I for one am more than happy with..

[Wired]

It's back next week.

Tevion TFT LCD TV 80cm Screen (32")    $ 1599
http://www.aldi.com....roduct_471.html

[culubalo]

is the TV safe to buy?

Even I in my ignorance know that HD cannot be run via analogue, I assume I'd ahve to get one of those digital set top boxes right?

Anyway, unless someone comes at me swearing and dissing the thing I'm going ahead and getting it

[zorg]

i would strongly recommend the awa 81cm from bigw which I beleive can be had for around the same price if not lower it also has DVI input ...

[surroundfan]

What constitutes 'safe'?

Yes, you'll need a set top box.

[culubalo]

safe as in is it future proof, or is it going to just stuff up after a week maybe because of poor build quality, or maybe its actually incapable of carrying out some functions that it should. I'm not too concerned about the fancy features such as 'dvi' and whatnot, just wanna make sure it can run DVD's in decent quality and (provided with appropriate tools) be upgraded to HD-TV without any unforseen consequences.

[zorg]

without a dvi / hdmi input only component and vga your are going to struggle in the future ie blueray / hd-dvd etc.

[culubalo]

exactly how will I struggle?

How long is dvd expected to last before hd-dvd/bluray takes over?

Wouldn't there be some sort of adapter that can solve this issue?

If I can keep my dvd I really don't want to update to hd-dvd, I see no difference (in terms of quality) especially ona  small screen that can be had with something that can hold 20 gigabytes, I understand game consoles (360/ps3) will/may require it, but if I were to buy a videogame console I'd get a nintendo which doesnt'have any of those fancy features.