Pros & Cons
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- Solid overall image quality.
- Good connection options.
- Small size lets it fit into tight spaces.
- Competitively priced.
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- Standard-definition 4:3 content looks small on screen.
- Lacks individual input buttons on the remote.
Dell W2600 26 LCD TV Specs
| Depth: | 32.7 inches |
| Diagonal Screen Size: | 26 inches |
| Height: | 19.8 inches |
| Individual Settings per Input: | Yes |
| Type: | HDTV |
| Type: | LCD Monitor |
| Video Interfaces: | Component |
| Video Interfaces: | Composite |
| Video Interfaces: | DVI |
| Video Interfaces: | RF |
| Video Interfaces: | S-Video |
| Weight: | 43 lb |
| Width: | 8.2 inches |
When it comes to HDTVs, usually bigger is better. But sometimes you want a smaller unit, for a bedroom, home office, or small living space, for example. Enter the Dell W2600 26-inch LCD HDTV. With its compact size and relatively low price for a flat-panel HDTV ($1,349 direct), the W2600 could be just what you're looking for.
The W2600 could, in fact, pull double duty as a PC display, since it's equipped with both VGA and DVI ports and has a maximum pixel resolution of 1,280-by-768. It also has two component-video inputs for connecting a cable or satellite box or a DVD player. The remote control is compact and has lighted keys, though it lacks individual buttons to select each input. The unit has a built-in standard-definition (NTSC) tuner, but it lacks an integrated over-the-air HDTV (ATSC) tuner.
In our objective measurement tests, the W2600 delivered very good contrast ratio. LCD-based panels often don't have especially good black levels, which are important to delivering image detail in dimly lit scenes. The W2600's average black-level measurement was quite good for an LCD panel.
In our subjective evaluation, HDTV content looked very good, with good color balance and image detail. As in our objective tests, the overall brightness was also quite good, and the W2600 would do well in a room that gets a lot of ambient light. HDTV programming looked great, and DVD movie material also looked good. Images were smooth without being overly softened by the W2600's video processor, which scales the image up to the panel's 1,280-by-768 native pixel resolution.
We also ran some standard-definition 4:3 (non-widescreen) programs on the W2600, and here the picture felt a bit small. With an HDTV of this size you're only getting a 22.5-inch diagonal screen when you run standard-definition 4:3 TV programs. So if you're planning on watching a lot of this type of program, the W2600 may not be ideal, unless you'll be sitting fairly close.
If you're in the market for a second, smaller HDTV, the W2600 will serve you well, but you can also think of it as a solid entry-level HDTV that could be a primary display in a smaller room or for those on a budget. In addition, it makes for a very usable PC display.
Benchmark test results:
Average Contrast Ratio: 724:1
VESA White Uniformity: 86.2%
VESA Black Uniformity: 70.4%
More HDTV display reviews:
Final Thoughts
Dell W2600 26" LCD TV
The W2600 would make a fine second HDTV for a bedroom, and it could also serve as a primary TV in a smaller living space. It works well in a brightly lit room, and its $1,349 price won't break the bank.