NuVision NVU52DCM LCD TV Conclusion

Conclusion
As a self-proclaimed maker of premium LCD TVs at premium prices, I would expect NuVision to incorporate premium features into sets that exhibit premium performance, and the NVU52DCM achieves partial success in these goals. Despite the lackluster measurements, I was quite pleased with the set's performance in most ways. Detail was excellent, and color looked much better than I expected. Blacks were pretty good, though shadow detail was only so-so.

The set's video processing is among the best I've seen, but motion blur is worse than on good 120Hz sets (duh!). I'll be the first to admit that 120Hz frame interpolation can sometimes introduce artifacts that aren't evident on 60Hz displays, but not always.

At its newly reduced price of $4000 (down from $4200), the NuVision costs exactly the same as the Sony KDL-52XBR4, an excellent LCD TV that offers good 120Hz operation, off-air tuner, three HDMI inputs, and other goodies not found on the NVU52DCM. Granted, NuVision offers twice the warranty and distributes its products only through highly vetted dealers and installers that can likely offer more support than a typical Sony dealer, but is that enough to give up 120Hz?

Not for me. Some of my editorial colleagues don't like the "videoesque" look of movies displayed at 120Hz, but it doesn't bother me. I'm happy to pay that price for the increased clarity and detail in moving areas—as long as the ensuing artifacts aren't egregious, which, on the Sony, they aren't.

If the NVU52DCM was $3000, I would give it an unqualified recommendation. But even with the company's extra customer support, charging $4000 for a 60Hz set in a 120Hz world is excessive. If NuVision can find a way to significantly reduce the price—or add high-quality 120Hz operation and a few other things—it will have a real winner on its hands.

Highs
Exquisite detail in still areas of the image
Excellent subjective color
Great video processing
Well-designed remote
Reasonably good black level
Better customer support than many manufacturers provide

Lows
60Hz refresh rate, leading to more motion blur than most 120Hz sets
Mediocre shadow detail
Only 2 HDMI inputs
No off-air tuner
Too expensive

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