Tracy and Matt's Blog

Last night we attended a press event with Polaroid where we were introduced to their new Definia range of premium LCD TV's

I think that most people will be familiar with the Polaroid name but for most of us, myself included, the name conjures up images of instamatic cameras housed in grey plastic boxes. Few of us would make the connection between Polaroid and LCD TV's.

However, like myself, you may not have been aware of the fact that Edwin H. Land, founder of Polaroid, invented the polarising filters that are essential to LCD technology and that are present in every LCD product made. So, based on the trivia, Polaroid certainly have the 'right' to be part of this market and have some impressive sales figures to prove it.

Polaroid are already ranked number 5 in LCD TV shipments in North America and #10 in Europe. They are also #7 ranked brand in all video and imaging worldwide.

In actual fact Polaroid have been selling LCD TV's here in the UK for just over a year and their TLU range has been selling exceptionally well on the high street, to the point where they cant make enough of them!

Enter the Polaroid Definia. Available in 32", 37" or 42" varieties, the Definia is the name of the premium range of LCD TV's that Polaroid released on sale just last week. Last night gave us the chance to get hands-on with the products and see what they were capable of.

Polaroid Definia

Polaroid have thrown away all preconceived manufacturing ideas and concepts with the Definia range and really invested time and research into what the customer wants and needs from an LCD TV. The thing that first strikes you when looking at the Definia is that unlike almost ever other LCD and Plasma TV out there the frame surrounding the screen isn't a high gloss plastic but is a semi-matt finish. While this seems a little strange to begin with it does give the unit a classy look and feel. However, there is a better reason for doing this: Glossy frames cause reflection and glare which distract you from the viewing experience. When this was demonstrated in a dimly lit room with lights outside it becomes clear that this was definitely a wise decision. The matt finish also means that fingerprints don't show - great news for parents!

Polaroid have also put a lot of effort in to the speaker bar included with the Definia. Typically LCD TV's have rather poor internal speakers. This is because the slim cabinet design of an LCD limits the size and type of speaker that can be utilised. Polaroid have addressed this by using very high quality air suspended loudspeaker units. These are the same type that you would find in fairly high-end HiFi equipment.

Also on the audio side is the AVC (Automatic Volume Control). This normalises the volume level and stops you getting deafened by those irritating commercials between programmes!

Polaroid Definia

The Definia range also boasts a number of features that you would typically expect to find only on high-end LCD's. For example you get 2 HDMI sockets, a raft of Scart sockets, component sockets, digital optical in and out connections and also a CI slot on the rear which will accept smartcard readers for pay per view services as and when they become available.

The Eco-aware among us will be pleased to see that the Definia also includes a proper and easily accessible on/off switch which means that you don't have to leave the unit in standby.

I have to say that, although we were only able to get hands on with the 32" Definia for a short time, I was rather impressed. This is an HD ready display, has a good contrast ratio and brightness and the sound quality is truly brilliant from such small speakers. Frankly, the Definia puts my two year old top-of-the-range plasma TV to shame!

If you are looking for a new LCD TV then the Polaroid Definia is definitely worth a closer look, especially when you consider that the 32" Definia costs under £500, the same price that you would expect to pay for mediocre, no-name LCD's on the high street.

Polaroid Definia Specification:

You can find out more about Polaroid and the Definia range on the dedicated website launched today: www.polaroid-definia.co.uk

We are hoping to bring you a detailed review of one of Polaroid's Definia LCD TV's in the near future but also keep your eyes peeled for news on other Polaroid products coming soon!

EDIT: Our 37" Definia review is now online HERE.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Polaroid, Definia]