Customer Reviews

Westinghouse SK26H240S 26-inch LCD Flat Panel HDTV

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

As many reviewers have noted, this TV has AV sync problems. Some reviewers have also noted that some hd channels contain video garbage, yellow lines and blinks, outside the broadcast frame. The latter can be fixed by switching the screen size from standard to fill; this crops some of the hd image (a little to much for my taste, but not too much more than a panasonic plasma automatically does). Also, only some hd channels don't fit in the standard frame; comcast hd movie channels look great in standard.

The AV sync and bungled screen-fit are problems that Westinghouse should have fixed. However (and please correct me if I am wrong), if you do have this TV or find one in the $300 or under range, it helps to know that the AV sync problems apply only to analog broadcast channels; digital channels and hd channels pulled in through basic cable sync up fine. So, by Feb 2009, with the shift to all digital broadcasting, the analog AV sync problem on this TV will be moot.

Some reviewers have noted that DVD players also have AV sync problems; this is true if you are using composite cables to hook up your player. However, I have found that with component cables the AV sync problem goes away, so try switching your cables if you have sync problems with your dvd player.

I have this TV hooked up to a 5.1 sound system w/ an optical cable (optical out on this TV is a nice perk); hd broadcasts in dolby digital look and sound great. The sound using optical out is much better (and better synced) than the internal speakers. So if you are stuck w/ this TV (like me) or find one for a bargain, you can work around the sync and video problems.

The picture on this TV is awesome, and it is a bargain at the price. However, as of the point of this review, there is a problem with the TV: after 20-30 minutes, there is a VERY noticeable delay of the audio behind the video. You have to change inputs or turn off and on the TV in order to get the audio and video back in sync.

If the audio/video sync problem didn't exist, I'd give this at least 4 stars.

I'm awaiting a resolution from Westinghouse, who know that this problem exists. If no solution comes soon, I'll be returning the unit.

We purchased this TV because we thought the picture quality was very good for the price. It worked like a charm for 8 months and then stopped working. It has a 1-year warranty and Best Buy is their repair service. To make a long story short, our TV needs a new circuit board. What does that mean for people who are shopping for a new TV? Perhaps nothing; TV circuits randomly go bad all the time. But it turns out that there is such a need for the specific replacement part that our TV required that it is on backorder for a month. So that's my review. Good picture quality, but it seems that they need a lot of repairs. I can't think of another explanation for such a high demand for spare parts.

I purchased this TV from BestBuy on 5/30/07 before reading these reviews. I'll be returning it ASAP. After setting it up, and testing it out, I too can confirm the Audio/Video Sync problem.
As stated in previous reviews, the picture quality is very good, plenty of connection options, and a good looking unit, but, the Audio/Video Sync problem is a deal breaker.
It's a shame, because if not for the A/V Sync problem, this would be a great TV.

Yes, I can confirm that this model has a SERIOUS audio/video sync problem as described in another review. Too bad. Other than that the TV seems acceptable.

There is an audio sync issue when using a set up box with component cables. When I switched to use the RF in from the cable, it did not show the audio sync issue, but that means no HBO or digital cable for the most part. The second issue is: after 4 days and watching the TV for hours I turn it on for 3 minutes and the TV just turns itself off. I hit the power button and see the blue LED on the front glow for 1 sec then off. I hold the power button on the side down, and the blue power led blinks once a second and I hear a click, but no picture. I wait 5 minutes, comeback and it works fine. I figured it was a one time thing. I watch TV for 15 more minutes, and it just resets, and the picture comes on after 15 seconds or so. Luckily I bought it from Costco, which has a great return policy, I just want my money back, I don't want another one after reading these reviews. If you can get a working model and the A/V sync doesn't bother you I did like the user interface, and it was real easy to use and configure. It is really cheap for the size, most 22 inch monitors are 400$ these days.

I bought this TV for $375 as an open box item at Best Buy. I was only looking for a 20 inch television, but for the same price how could I pass up a 26 inch? First of all, I started experiencing the audio sync problem everyone else reports. Secondly, I have this unit hooked up to a Bose 3-2-1 system, and every time I power off the television and turn it back on I get no sound until I go back into the audio settings, turn on the internal speakers and then turn them off again. I am on my way back to the store to return the TV right now.

OK HD picture but terrible for standard broadcast. The worst sound I've ever heard coming from any TV. Returned this TV and bought A Sharp which is terrific. The price may seem right but it isn't worth it. I guess it's true that you get what you pay for!

I am on my second model of this TV. I had not read these reviews about the sync problem. I will be sending this one back too and want to know why there has not been a recall. It is also alarming to see that big W when the TV goes on.

Same as others - great picture - lousy sound sync. I kept hoping that it was a temporary issue. Thought it was because I was not receiving HDTV broadcast. Now, after reading these reviews, I wish that I had returned it.