Sunday, December 16, 2007

Digital Research Technologies

As most of you that typed "Digital Research" in Google to get to this page probably know, Costco has a Limited Online Offer: $100 Coupon reflected in the price. Valid for orders placed November 6, 2007 through January 7, 2008 while supplies last.

Online price $599.99
Less coupon -$100.00
YOUR COST $499.99

The new Digital Research DLCD32 Widescreen 32-in Liquid Crystal (LCD) HDTV supports 720P and 1080i allowing you to enjoy High Definition content broadcast in either format. This product offers a super high 1366 x 768 native resolution, has an integrated ATSC tuner supporting HD off-air and clear QAM digital cable and unscrambled HD channels. The super fast 8ms action video response time ensures that you can enjoy fast moving games and videos with stunning clarity. Built-in speakers, a universal remote control, 3:2 pulldown, 3D-comb filter, and multiple video inputs including 2 HDMI ports will make the Digital Research DLCD32 the centerpiece of your family entertainment center.


Features:
Costco extends manufacture warranty to 2 years
Returns accepted within 90 days from date of purchase
Screen Size: 32"
Aspect Ratio: 16: 9
Resolution: 1366x768
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 500 cd/m2
Response Time: 8 Gray to Gray
HDTV Compatibility: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i
Tuner: NTSC/ATSC/QAM
Viewing Angle (HxV): 176 x 176
3D Comb Filter
Progressive Scan
Table Top Stand: Included
Surface Treatment: Anti-Glare
Vesa Compatibility: 400 x 200
Weight: 37 lbs
31.42" x 21.81" x 4.13" (w/ out stand), 31.42" x 23.27" x 8.89" (w/ stand)
Audio: Speakers : 8 watt x 2
MTS Digital Dolby (AC-3)
Inputs/ Outputs: HDMI Input x2
Component Video Input x2
S-Video Input x1
Composite Video Input x1
Composite Video output x1
PC Input x1
L/ R RCA Jacks x3
Coaxial Digital Out (SPDIF) x1

Now, the questions are: Who is Digital Research Technologies? What history do they have? Can we trust them? ChooseLCD will try to answer these questions here.
1. Poor website
2. Rare or no phone answering
3. No or little history
4. Could not locate them on the BBBonline (Better Business Bureau)
5. Cheaper price and lower quality than similar 32" TVs from competitors (Sharp, Toshiba, Samsung) as we have seen it displayed at MicroCenter on December 27th 2007.

About Digital Research Technologies Inc.
Digital Research Technologies is a division of I/OMagic that focuses on consumer electronics products such as LCD televisions and home theater speakers and players. In 2007, I/OMagic formed a strategic alliance with China’s Jiangxi Greatsource Display Tech Co. Ltd. (commonly known as “KHD”) to team up to bolster PC storage market share, co-develop and market next generation LCOS HDTVs and assemble other high definition TV platforms to sell into the North American and Chinese markets. The alliance offers significant potential for I/OMagic to market and co-develop cutting-edge products to sell throughout North America and China under the Digital Research Technologies® brand initially in North America and China and plans to eventually expand globally. The companies plan to establish a U.S.-based manufacturing and assembly plant to better serve the North American market.
Their website: www.dr-tech.com is quite poor and will not grow in you much confidence in the company or their products. The online live customer care link is inactive and everytime i tried to reach the company via the phone number listed on their Contact Us page I got noone answering (maybe because I was trying around Christmas time)
Digital Research Technologies address: 4 Marconi, Irvine, CA 92618. Business hours are from 8am - 5pm Pacific Standard Time. Offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Telephone Technical Support (877) 378-5378 (877-DRT-5-DRT)
Technical Support Fax (949) 707-4879
Customer Service (877) 378-5378 (877-DRT-5-DRT)
Returns and RMA Fax (949) 707-4879

Other Digital Research Technologies Inc. products: DLCD26, DLCD32, DLCD42, DLCD42P.
Download Digital Research Technologies Inc. products user guide here.

Conclusion*: Buy this unit if you don't expect much! Image is quite dark and contrast is almost zero. You are not making any bargain as you get exactly what you pay for. It could be an OK solution for your children's bedroom.

* Our opinion. We could be wrong. Always do your own research before buying any product. We are not licenced in making reviews. We are just electronics enthusiasts. Thank you for reading our blog and please feel free to comment. This post may be edited later on as we collect more info.