Haier scores lower in review

Uniformity across the screen is one thing many flat-panel HDTV owners take for granted. Plasma TVs generally have perfect uniformity: the screen is the same brightness and the same color in all areas, and it looks the same from every angle. Most LCD sets, while less than perfect, have screens that are uniform enough to not distract from the viewing experience. Then there are models like the Haier HL47K.

The Haier HL47K (screen simulated).

(Credit: CNET)

This bargain-priced 47-inch LCD won't wow anybody with its black levels or color accuracy, but for the money those aspects of its image quality are decent enough. Unfortunately, its screen uniformity is not. In our testing this set basically failed every aspect of our uniformity tests, suffering from brightness and color variation, backlight banding and poor-off-angle performance. To top it off, there's even a stuck pixel!

On the plus side, the Haier is really cheap for a 47-inch 1080p HDTV, and its looks and connectivity aren't bad at all. It also outperformed the dismal Honeywell we just reviewed, so that's something.

Check out the full review of the Haier HL47K.

Below you'll find the settings we found best for viewing the Haier HL47K in a completely dark room via the HDMI input with a 1080p, film-based source. Your settings may vary depending on source, room conditions, and personal preference. Check out the Picture settings and calibration FAQ for more information.

Video menu:
Picture mode: Custom
Brightness: 52
Contrast: 25
Color: 46
Tint: 0
Sharpness: 0

Color temperature menu:
Color temperature: Custom
R gain: 20
G gain: 20
B gain: -20

Advanced Video menu:
DNR: Off
Black level extender: Off
White peak limiter: Off
CTI: Off
Flesh tone: Off
Adaptive luma control: Off