BenQ DV3750 (37-inch LCD)

By Philip Wong
Nov 23, 2005

In a time when most are contented with just rolling out high definition-ready flat panels, BenQ surprises its competitors with an affordably priced and well-equipped DV3750. Not only does it cost a mere S$3,488 (US$2,516.78), this 37-incher is also one of the rare LCD TVs in Asia to come with a 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution--a perfect complement for bringing out the eye candy graphics of the upcoming Xbox 360 and PS3 gaming consoles.

Design
The DV3750 inherits BenQ's trademark all-silver design and incorporates minor cosmetic enhancements to improve its visual appeal. They include a contoured frame and a pair of matching speakers which aid in breaking the boxy silhouette of the set. To maintain a minimalist look, the control buttons are kept out of view on the top-right corner of the panel while the easy access connectivity is located on the left-bottom corner. Accessing the A/V terminals is not as convenient as we like as it is partially concealed by the attached speaker.

	A pretty-looking remote vs. a monotonous main panel. (click for larger image)

With the speakers attached, the unit measures a whopping 1,400mm width and is similar in length with most 42-inchers. Upholding this three-piece, 23.5kg ensemble is a sturdy gun-metal desktop stand which neither tilts nor pivots. Unlike most other TVs, the rear connectivity panel was mounted horizontally below a recessed panel. This design eliminates the need for cabling allowance for a flushed wall mount but complicates installation as it is near impossible to get a good view of the terminals without straining the neck.

The remote is a totally different creature compared to the panel. Dressed in gun-metal/silver finish and decorated with a shiny BenQ imprint, the roundish creation looks chic and futuristic. Matching the stylish design is a set of well-organized buttons which offer a tactile feel offsetting the unit's lack of backlighting. The remote's battery compartment got us stumbled momentarily with its unique cover which pops out at a flip of a switch.

Owners of a BenQ projector will also find the DV3750's icon-based user menu familiar. Nested in the five sub-menus are a fair mixed of options for tweaking various aspect of audio and video performance. This ranges from standard brightness and contrast controls to advance settings covering color enhancement and noise reduction system.