A number of LCD TVs in the market come with unnecessary bells and whistles that are hard for non-tech savvy users to utilise. Fortunately, companies like Baumann Meyer understand that and produce TVs with great picture quality but without any complicated setups. We sit down with the DT3220DBP to see how well this 32-incher runs.

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Easy is the word to describe the DT3220DBP. There are only five things in the box – the LCD TV, a remote control, two AAA batteries, a mains cable, and an operations manual. The unit sports an all-black colour, which can be a good centrepiece for your living room. The front has a simple look and feel, with the power button located in the middle of the unit and the operation keys (Input Source, Menu, Volume Adjustment, and Channel Selection) located along the right bezel.

Users can find an S-video port, Composite port, and headphone jack on the right side of the unit, while a D-sub, HDMI, and Audio Input (L/R) port is located at the back of the unit. Removing the cover on the left side reveals two Scart jacks, an Optical out port, two sets of Component jacks, an Antennae Input Jack, and DTV ports (Antenna and Loop Out) to obtain digital channels.

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The ports are well-labelled, making it easy for users to connect their devices without problems. However, it could have been better if Baumann Meyer took the time to swap out the Scart ports with say, two HDMI ports, as these ports don’t get used as much by Australian consumers.

Performance:

The TV has a native resolution of 1366 x 768 and can display videos in 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, or 1080i mode. 1080p input signals can also be displayed by the screen, although it is automatically scaled to the native screen resolution. We connected various devices (notebooks, DVD players with upscale function, HD video camcorders) on the LCD and ran various tests to see the panel’s quality.

Pictures were sharp and detailed, with colours being warm and vivid. Various picture modes (Standard, Sport, Natural, Mild, and Custom) can be selected with a touch of a button, although users have the option of manually adjusting the brightness, contrast, sharpness, colour, tint, and colour temperature via the DT3220DBP’s Picture mode. The unit is also equipped with an auto-bright sensor mode (which can be turned on or off) that automatically adjusts the backlight to suit the room’s lighting situation. And although not as good as plasma TVs, the DT3220DBP’s black levels were deep.

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The four speakers in front of the panel produced noteworthy highs and mids, although bass was lacking that ‘oomph’ it needed to make explosions fuller. Nevertheless, the DT3220DBP can still get loud without distortions, which is a good thing if one is not planning on purchasing a separate speaker system to go with the screen.

The remote control sports a simple layout and is well-labelled, giving users more control over what they want to do without much confusion. A Favourite Channels button is also included on the remote, allowing a user to easily select their favourite input sources and designate them to a single scrolling button. This function will definitely help older consumers to switch between their desired video inputs without having to search through the numerous video sources.

Baumann Meyer’s QIA3 DT3220DBP LCD TV has that unique edge as its features cater to non-tech-inclined consumers. The main menu is easy to browse, the bundled remote is well-labelled, and its ports are easy to access. The deal could have been sweeter though if Baumann Meyer swapped the Scart ports for a second HDMI or a DVI port for connecting more devices.

See page over for product specifications and pricing.

 Baumann-Meyer DT3220DBP Product Specifications:

Panel Type: 81cm (32″) Anti-glare TFT LCD
Screen Ratio: 16 x 9
Tuner System: Dual Tuner, HD Digital, Multi-Zone Analogue Tuner
Set Dimensions: 805 x 585 x 200
Without Stand: 805 x 570 x 98
Weight: 20Kg
Power Source: Internal AC Power – AC 100 – 250V, 50 Hz
Power Consumption: 180W
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
Brightness: 500CD
Refresh Rate: 6ms
High Definition Formats: 720p, 1080i
Viewing Angles: H170, V170
Audio: Stereo, SRS WOW Surround
Audio Output: 4 Speakers, 20 Watts Total
Inputs: HDMI, 2 Component, 2 Scart, S-Video, AV, PC, RF
Wall Mounting Point: VESA Standard 100mm X 200mm
Special Features: Teletext, Picture in Picture Mode, PC Compatible, Two Way Speakers, Detachable Table Stand

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Baumann Meyer QIA3 DT3220DBP | $1899 |  | www.lcdtv.com.au

For: Ease of use; Abundance of ports; Noteworthy picture quality; Good black levels; Built-in HD TV tuner; Price point
Against: Baumann Meyer could have swapped the Scart port for another HDMI port.
Conclusion: A simple to use LCD TV for less tech savvy consumers.