EMtronics EM32HDRW: 32-inch HD LED TV EMtronics - Review 🏆

The EMtronics EM32HDRW is a 32-inch HD LED TV that offers a good balance of features and performance at an affordable price point. Part of EMtronics' value range, this TV aims to deliver a solid smart TV experience without all the bells and whistles of more expensive models.

With an HD-ready 1366 x 768 resolution LED display, integrated Freeview HD tuner, and HDMI/USB connectivity, the EM32HDRW provides the essentials for watching free-to-air TV and streaming media. It runs on EMtronics' Linux-based smart platform, giving access to on-demand services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5 and more. The TV also supports video playback from USB drives.

Rounding out the features are stereo speakers, headphone output, and a bundled remote control. There's even integrated recording functionality via the USB port, allowing you to schedule and record live TV onto a connected hard drive or flash drive.

Overall, the EMtronics EM32HDRW aims to deliver core smart TV features and decent HD picture quality at a wallet-friendly price point. Read on for a more detailed look at the design, display, features and real-world performance of this budget-friendly LED TV.

Design

The EMtronics EM32HDRW has an attractive design with a slim profile and minimal bezels. It measures 28.7 x 17.4 x 2.8 inches (WxDxH) and weighs just 5.7 kg, making it easy to place on most TV stands or mount on a wall.

The TV has a white glossy plastic body which looks modern and matches well with contemporary home decor. The stand has a curved rectangular base in the same white color. The stand feels sturdy and supports the TV well. You can also opt to VESA mount it if desired.

Overall the EM32HDRW has a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that doesn't call too much attention to itself. The slim bezels help maximize the screen real estate. The white color and clean lines give it a futuristic look that blends into the background when not in use.

Additionally, the EMtronics EM40HDRW: 40-inch Full HD 1080p LED TV offers a larger viewing experience with its 40-inch screen, delivering stunning Full HD 1080p resolution. It shares the same sleek design principles, making it a great choice for those who want a bigger screen without compromising on aesthetics. This model is also equipped with multiple HDMI ports for versatile connectivity and supports VESA mounting for flexible placement options.

Display

The EM32HDRW TV features a 32-inch HD LED display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The LED backlighting provides good brightness levels and the screen has decent 178 degree viewing angles, allowing you to watch comfortably from different parts of the room.

The HD resolution is fairly standard for a 32-inch budget TV like this. While not the sharpest picture compared to Full HD 1080p sets, it's adequate for an affordable living room TV where you're sitting further back. The colors and contrast are also decent but not outstanding.

Overall the display quality is good considering the low price point. The resolution is decent, viewing angles are wide, and brightness levels allow comfortable daytime viewing. The LED backlight helps deliver vibrant colors too. For casual TV watching and an affordable addition to a bedroom or kitchen, the display performance matches expectations.

Connectivity

The EMtronics EM32HDRW provides good connectivity options for a budget 32 inch LED TV. It has 2 HDMI ports which allow you to connect devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, or set-top boxes. The HDMI ports support HD video and audio pass-through from source devices. For older devices, there is a single composite AV input that uses RCA type connectors.

For watching live TV or using the built-in PVR recording, the TV has a coaxial input to connect an antenna or cable line. There is also a LAN port for connecting to the internet via ethernet cable, which is useful if you want to take advantage of the TV's smart features but don't have WiFi.

On the side there is a single USB port which supports media playback from USB drives. You can play videos, view photos, or listen to music stored on compatible USB devices. The USB functionality makes it easy to enjoy your own content.

Overall the port selection on the EM32HDRW covers the basics for most users at this price point. The dual HDMI and USB media support are the key connectivity features.

Features

The EM32HDRW has some nice features that enhance the overall TV viewing experience. It comes with a built-in Media Player that allows you to play videos, music, and photos from a USB drive plugged directly into the TV. Supported file formats include MPEG, AVI, MP3, and JPEG.

For recording live TV, the PVR function lets you schedule recordings and pause/rewind live TV using an attached USB or external hard drive. This gives you full DVR capabilities without the need for a separate set-top box.

The TV also has integrated WiFi for accessing Smart TV apps and web browsing. Apps available include YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. The apps provide quick access to popular streaming services.

One handy feature is the ability to display photos, play music, and watch videos directly from your smartphone or tablet. You can do this by connecting to the TV's WiFi and using the Smart Share app.

Overall, the features allow you to get more versatility from the TV beyond just watching live channels. The apps, streaming capabilities, PVR recording, and media playback all help justify the price.

Picture Quality

The EMtronics EM32HDRW provides decent picture quality for its price point. The 32-inch LED display produces reasonably accurate colors and fair contrast.

The colors are fairly vibrant and natural looking, though not as rich as higher-end TVs. It handles most content well without looking overly saturated or unrealistic. The TV supports HDR, which helps boost color and contrast in compatible content.

Black levels are decent for an entry-level LED TV. Dark scenes avoid looking washed out or gray, though the blacks could be inkier. There is some light blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

Motion handling is average. Fast action has a slight blur trail behind moving objects, but it's not too bothersome. There are no advanced motion enhancement features like black frame insertion. Gamers may notice some ghosting in fast-paced games.

Overall the picture quality is solid given the affordable price point. The colors and contrast are balanced for casual TV viewing and everyday entertainment. It may not satisfy videophiles looking for top-notch accuracy and deep blacks, but provides a pleasing HD image for most users.

Sound Quality

The EM32HDRW has decent sound quality for a budget TV. It has two 8W downward firing speakers that provide adequate volume to fill a small to medium sized room. While the speakers can get reasonably loud, the audio lacks richness and bass at higher volumes, resulting in a slightly tinny sound.

The TV supports basic stereo sound and Dolby Digital Plus via its optical output. The audio is fairly clear for TV speakers, but lacks refinement. Dialogue in movies and TV shows is understandable, but music playback highlights the limitations of the built-in speakers. There isn't much bass response, so explosions and action sequences lack impact. The audio is passable for casual viewing but using a soundbar or external speakers is recommended for an immersive experience.

Overall, the sound quality is mediocre but sufficient for a budget 32 inch TV. Audiophiles will want to connect external audio solutions, but the speakers work fine for everyday TV watching. The audio matches the price point of the TV.

Ease of Use

The EMtronics EM32HDRW is very easy to use thanks to its simple yet intuitive remote control and menu system. The remote is lightweight and fits nicely in the hand. All the most important buttons like power, volume, channel change etc are clustered together which makes one-handed operation a breeze. The buttons have a nice tactile feedback as well.

The menu system is straightforward with all options easy to find - picture settings, sound settings, tuning, sleep timer etc. Everything is laid out in a logical manner so you won't waste time trying to locate a specific setting. Connecting devices via the HDMI and USB ports is a seamless experience too. The USB media playback functionality makes viewing photos, videos and music off a USB drive hassle-free.

Overall, the EM32HDRW scores highly when it comes to usability. Both novice and advanced users will be able to set up and start enjoying the TV without any frustration. The intuitive controls and menus make it a delight to use on a daily basis.

Value for Money

The EMtronics EM32HDRW 32-inch HD LED TV offers excellent value for money given its features and performance. At around £200, it's very competitively priced compared to other 32-inch HD TVs from brands like JVC, Cello, and Logik which can cost anywhere from £50 to £100 more.

For the price, you get a good quality 32-inch LED panel with a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, multiple HDMI inputs, USB playback, and PVR recording capabilities. Picture and sound quality are decent for most everyday TV viewing and casual gaming. The TV also includes Freeview Play for access to catch-up apps like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and My5.

Considering its budget-friendly price point, the EMtronics EM32HDRW packs in a lot of features and functionality that you would expect in more expensive models. It's a great option for a secondary TV in a bedroom or kitchen, or as an affordable living room TV for casual viewers who don't need top-of-the-line specs and performance. Overall, it provides great bang for your buck.

Conclusion

Overall, the EMtronics EM32HDRW is a decent budget 32-inch HD LED TV that offers good value for money.

Some of the pros of this TV include:

• Good HD picture quality with 720p resolution
• Multiple connectivity options like HDMI, USB, and headphone jack
• Built-in Freeview to access free-to-air DVB channels
• Media player to play videos, music and photos from USB drives
• PVR recording functionality to record TV programs onto a USB drive

However, there are some downsides as well:

• Only 60Hz refresh rate, not great for fast motion scenes
• Audio quality from the built-in speakers is just average
• Smart TV features are missing
• Viewing angles are limited due to TN panel

For the price, the EM32HDRW offers most of the essential features you'd want in an entry-level 32-inch LED TV. It's a decent option for secondary rooms or as a first TV on a tight budget. However, if you can spend a little more, you can find TVs with better picture quality, smarter platforms, and more connectivity options.

Overall, the EMtronics EM32HDRW is recommended for buyers looking for a no-frills 32-inch HD LED TV on a budget. It hits the basics well but lacks some of the more advanced features found on pricier models. For day-to-day TV viewing needs, it gets the job done.