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JVC aims new BlackCrystal 50-inch E-LED TV at those seeking a premium picture without all the smart stuff

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JVC BC50R
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After being quiet for some time in the TV space, JVC announced a new 50-inch E-LED HDTV in its BlackCrystal with the R Series BC50R, which is also the largest screen size model in the line produced thus far.

The new flat-panel has an edge-lit LED screen, 120Hz CrystalMotion video processing and JVC’s own XinemaSound 3D post-processing audio technology. The latter of those features is designed to add acoustic and digital signal processes to push out better sound than is typically heard from built-in speakers on HDTVs. JVC even says the sound is good enough to negate the need for an outboard audio solution.

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In fact, the audio quality has been said to offer the kind of crosstalk-cancelling technology found in high-end soundbars for better channel separation and something akin to a surround sound effect. XinemaSound 3D also applies something called an Equal Loudness Contour to the audio signal, for what is supposed to amount to a more natural sound across the sonic spectrum. Clear Dialog processing is inside to adjust the level of dialogue just enough so that every word can be heard clearly.

“Today’s television is, by and large, bifurcated into two distinct classes: the upper end, which boast superior picture quality and enhanced smart streaming connectivity; and the value-oriented end, which lacks both,” said Drew Pragliola, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at AmTran Video Corp. “With the BlackCrystal line, we’re offering consumers a middle alternative—stunning video and audio performance, but without the built-in apps and media streaming that is redundant in many consumers’ AV systems. And with the addition of the BC50R, we’re delivering it all at a new large screen size, with a gorgeous new ultra-slim, narrow-bezel design to boot.”

Previously, the BlackCrystal line was limited to a range between 32- and 47-inch screens, so JVC is playing this one up as its largest and premier model. It has a 6.5ms response time, 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (not true contrast ratio, of course) and a viewing angle of 178-degrees. Consumers with an AV receiver can make use of the HDMI 1 input, which has ARC (Audio Return Channel) inside to replace the need for an extra optical cable.

It should also be noted that JVC doesn’t actually manufacture TVs anymore, after having licensed the BlackCrystal line out to AmTran in North America. This is the same company that manufactures TVs for the Vizio brand.

The BlackCrystal BC50R will be available from retailers this month for about $$800.

Ted Kritsonis
A tech journalism vet, Ted covers has written for a number of publications in Canada and the U.S. Ted loves hockey, history…
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