Metz is the latest European brand to launch an LCD assault at the market’s high end, with the HD-ready Milos range release
The luxury German brands were caught holding only (admittedly high-quality) CRTs when Plasma and LCD first hit. Now Metz, with a 50 year pedigree in TV production, has bounced into the top-end of the market with a range extending to a stunning 37 inch (94 cm) HD-capable LCD that drips with signal processing sophistication for its $5999 price-tag (a wall-mount and stand also come standard).
The range-topping Milos 37S (pictured displaying an SD signal via unamplified rabbit-ear antennae – not too bad, don’t you think?) features 10-bit video processing for a total of 1024 shades per colour (as opposed to the more usual 8-bit processing for 256 shades per colour).
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The (Philips-sourced) 1366 x 768-pixel, 8 ms, screen absolutely exudes life when displaying high-definition content.
Its most powerful image-enhancing trickery comes in the form of its mecavision technology: essentially a dual-chip processor which allows each chip to respectively concentrate on scaling and de-interlacing – rather than a single chip that is burdened with both tasks. Metz says this ensures video is artefact-free.
It features all the usual connections: HDMI, DVI, component, SCART, S-Video and composite. Firmware upgrades are made via an RS232 port. An in-built instruction manual allows for ease of use and tweakability is controllable to suit three levels of competence.
All units are tested in the German factory and on landing in Sydney and are backed by a five-year warranty. Those thoroughly sick of silver will be pleased to learn all models will eventually be available in black.
Cost: from $2999 (26 inch) to $5999 (37 inch).
See www.metz.com.au
