On review with us is the Humax LU233-TD1 LCD TV, it is a 23" flat panel and IDTV with built in analogue and DTT Freeview tuners. Measuring 600 x 450 x 168mm the TD1 is a bit smaller than most LCD panels and this compact shape makes it ideal for the bedroom or other areas where space is at a premium. The screen benefits from a compact build and minimal bezel, the only side that has additional space the the lower edge which houses the speakers.

With a native resolution of 1024 x 768 (XGA) the LU23-TD1 isn't going to be marked up as HD ready and so benefits from more sensible pricing, but this is good news for those looking for a smaller flat panel that is Freeview ready. After freeing the TD1 from its packaging we set it up with a basic connection to an RF feed and a SCART input from a DVD player. On getting the unit ready we noted that while the Humax looks nice the feel of the materials is overly plastic and the rear of the unit where a large flap covers the connectors feels cheap.

We soon had all the cabling plugged up and the large Humax generic remote in hand ready for power up. The start-up does not trigger an auto set-up and so we went into the menu and started the auto scan for new channels which was a slow process which failed at around 70% of the way through the digital scan and required a 2nd attempt. On completion of the second scan we had the full compliment of TV and radio channels available through the EPG listing on the TD1.

The menu system is very clear and in keeping with other Humax products. Having a full channel line up it took around 5 minutes for the full 7 day EPG to be populated over the air, it was then possible to browse the days listings and to get a very useful full channel view of what's on now. Humax use the handy digital button to switch to the DTT tuner and Freeview channels and there is an analogue button which switches back to the standard TV tuner. The rear of the LU23 TD1 houses a variety of inputs connectors including a single SCART cable, component video, S-Video, PC interface (VGA) and S/PDIF output.

We'd got this far without needing the manual and things were looking good. Our next task was to make some adjustments starting with the angle of the screen, it seems that this is very limited with hardly any pan and a no obvious tilt action meaning the stand is basically just a stand and a less than convincing one in terms of stability. Set-up of the image was however a much more workable affair, with a 2 layer image control system, the basics rely on you selecting from pre chosen colour warmth settings and the basic contrast , colour and brightness options. Choose the advanced options and the menu systems open up with a gamut of choices on everything from image sharpness to noise reduction and flesh tone.

Having had a bit of a tweak we tested the image quality on a selection of Freeview channels and despite the high compression used on DTT the images were impressive, black is almost black while the contrast range allows a well defined picture. Colour is lifelike rather than being overblown as some cheaper screen have a habit of, we moved on to test with a DVD input and some fast action movies which again proved little issue for the Humax which delivered a strong performance with only minor break up of image and a slight smearing on very fast pans. Compared to units from Sony that cost several hundred more the TD1 holds its own and while not quite the same as Sony's Bravia engine it is more than sufficient for Freeview or as a second TV for a Den or home office.

Sound quality is similarly impressive, the output figures suggest that Humax may have under provided the unit with power but the dual 4 watt speakers located under the screen do a good job as long as you don't push them too hard. On the action movies we tested the  bass was a little lacking and this is no surround sound cinema system, however on the majority of TV the sound was realistic and of sufficient volume for all but the largest of rooms and given the 23" screen size it is unlikely this would be your main TV.

Extras abound with a Common Interface slot allowing you to add a CAM and then use a Top Up TV card should you wish, plus the unit is MHEG 5 compliant and will work with all the red button functions on the DTT platforms.

Priced at around £375 the Humax LU23-TD1 is very good value for e 23" IDTV unit when compared to some of the brand leaders who will want another £50 to sell you a smaller 20" screen. Humax have a good reputation for quality AV kit and the cable TV industry frequently rely on the Humax set-top box and the latest in home PVR offering is a Lordpercy.com best buy. So don't steer away from Humax purely due to the name as a LCD TV for your Den, office or bedroom this one is a real option.

Published - 14/01/2007

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