Excellent picture quality.

Poor reliability.

The picture quality is fantastic--black is black and the 3 dimensionality of the image is 2nd to none. I would give this television 5 out of 5 stars, however, it's lack of reliability leads me to give it only 1 out of 5 stars.

The first unit out of the box was defective. It had a loud high pitch buzz coming from it as well as bursts of white noise. This unit was replaced by a second one within a few weeks, which I have been using now for over 3 years. Just after the warranty expired, the television began having both video and audio problems. Episodically, the color picture will fade to black and white. The episodes are accompanied by muted sound and the inability to change A/V inputs. If the TV is shut off and then turned back on, it will reset itself.

Considering the price of this television, I find these faults inexcusable. My RCA that's 10 years old has never had to be repaired. I now have had 2 Protons in need of repair. In addition, a relative has a 35 inch Proton which was also defective out of the box and fortunately was successfully repaired.

If it wasn't for the unreliability of the Proton TVs, I would say that this has been a great set. Finding someone to repair it hasn't been the easiest either. The local servicer in Pittsburgh rarely works on Protons.

I am also giving the television 1 out of 5 stars for the lack of service and support from Proton directly. I have left messages and have sent email to the contacts listed on their website, and none of them have yet repsonded.

If you live in an area that has both sales and service for Protons, and you don't think you'll be leaving anytime soon, go ahead a purchase a Proton. If you don't know where you'll be living in a few years, go with a brand that you know can be serviced almost anywhere.

I'm looking to add a second 27 inch for the bedroom, and it looks like the Sony KV-27FV16 will be the TV of choice.

Similar Products Used:

RCA, Sony, Proton