It started innocently enough. At least, that's how I explain it to my wife. For the past three years, I've been searching, nay, I've been on a quest to find the perfect entertainment center that would properly house my home theater system, give my wife some room for her endless collection of nick-knacks, and fit within our living room without looming over it like a gargantuan piece of furniture.

Tall task, I can assure, especially since it has taken so long to find just the right combination. Finally, after my quest was clearly hitting one road block after another, I came across a company that would custom build entertainment units, among other things, to your specifications. Eureka! Here was the solution I was looking for. So after deciding on a general style, I submitted my order, waited the customary 8-12 weeks and, finally, our new entertainment center, which nicely combines form and function, was delivered. I won't go into the 2 day event 'set up' event that ensued, suffice to say that this baby is going to be a permanent fixture in my house.

Now, what does this all have to do with the JVC 36" TV? Patience, my friend. Patience. When I designed and ordered my entertainment center, I was specking it out based on my 9 year old 32" JVC color TV, which had been performing its task flawlessly. But in the back of my mind, I knew that, one day, I would upgrade, so I left enough space in the center to allow for just that.

Well, as the set up of the center came to an end, and my brother and I hoisted my old 32" set into it's resting place, we collapsed on the floor, viewed our creation and realized that "Hey, that TV looks small in the space".

Solution? Of course. Upgrade the TV. I mean, it only made sense, right? (So my wife isn't buying it yet - she will).

So began my next quest - the search for the perfect big(ger) screen TV. One that would fit in my entertainment center, one that had options that could exploit the other components of my home theater system. One that would last for years and years, even as HDTV became more and more popular.

After an extensive search, riddled with research, crossing checking, epinion searching and more, I settled on the JVC AV-36260 behemoth.

So, let's get to the TV, shall we?

JVC has always been known as the manufacturer of cutting edge electronics. Most of their catalog of products have been heralded as some of the finest available at any level or price. I've been a very big fan of JVC for years, but I wasn't about to default to their brand name simply out of loyalty. After all, the entire home theater experience is geared around the television set you choose.

Since I wasn't prepared to shell out thousands for an HDTV-ready set, I decided to stick with the more standard analog variety. But the AV-36260 combines many features with higher end digital sets that really makes this shine.

First off, it has a whopping 800 horizontal lines of resolution which offers an incredibly sharp image, especially when viewing DVD moves. Adding to this incredibly sharp picture is the implementation of a 3-line digital comb filter. Higher end sets now employ digital filters to help increase the resolution and clarity of the image and help adjust the color output. Additionally, the dark-tinted screen really allows for vibrant colors while eliminating glare from outside lighting sources - a key if you have your TV near any windows.

Another feature, which is imperative for the best possible DVD reproduction, is the inclusion of a component video input. This is a step above S-Video as it separates the TV signal into three components - offering you the best translation from your DVD source.

The AV-36260 is packed with many other features including MTS stereo sound with two front firing speakers putting out 4 watts of power, an impressively easy to use yet extensive on-screen menu system, front-placed A/V inputs for easy access from your camcorders, etc. automatic XDS clock setting capabilities, parental V-chip control and more.

The AV-36260's remote control is very intuitive, easy to use, and feels comfortable in your hand. It also works as a universal remote, easily handling your VCR and DVD players. If you have JVC components, no set up will be required. An added little JVC-specific touch is their hyper-scan channel changer. If you hold the 'change channel' button down, it'll quickly go through the list of channels while displaying the last one you were viewing. A nice touch for the channel surfer in all of us.

Since the AV-36260 is a full 36" tube TV, it is rather large and heavy, but JVC's intelligent design allows for a maximum of screen space with a minimum of cabinet space. While it comes in at a heft 150 lbs, it only takes up a space of 34 inches (wide) by 30 inches (high) by 24 inches (deep). No other 36" TV, aside from another JVC model, takes up as little space as the AV-36260. And it's a good thing, to, as this mammoth TV just barely fit into my new entertainment center (after I made a few adjustments).

If you've been shopping around, then you likely know that JVC offers a near-identical TV to the AV-36260. Model #AV-36230 is just like the 260, however it does not contain the dual tuner picture in picture and it's front firing speakers are rated at 3 watts, not 4 like the 260 model. Aside from that, they are identical in every other way (except for the $80-100 price differential).

And speaking of the dual tuner PIP, while it's clearly just an added little gadget, it's something that's very nice to behold - offering different screen positioning (4 corners) and two sizes as well. But if you don't need the PIP, then look towards the AV36230 and save yourself a few dollars.

The combination of the features, the incredible image that the AV-36260 offers, and the price ($750 if you shop around) makes this set an absolute bargain, especially considering that Sony versions, while offering a flatter screen, will run you from $300-500 more without any real noticeable advantages.

JVC has a clear winner on their hands, and you will to if you select this TV. A full list of specifications is listed below.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

TV Specifications

* Dual Tuner PIP
* 800 Lines Horizontal Resolution
* 3-Line Digital Comb Filter
* Component Video Input
* Hyper Scan High Speed Channel Changer
* Super Command Universal Remote Control with TV/VCR and DVD Control Capability
* 36" Diagonal Full Square Dark Tinted Picture Tube
* 15 Color Icon-based Super Command OSD:English, French, Spanish
* MTS Stereo with SAP
* Hyper Surround Sound
* TV Speakers On/Off in Menu, Front Firing Bottom Speakers
* Audio Output 4.0 Watts x 2 Speakers
* Return +
* Plug in Menu
* Video Status ST/CH/TH
* Multi-Function Timer
* Sleep Timer
* Channel Guard
* Closed Caption w/Text
* Black Level Expansion
* Apacon
* V-Chip
* XDS Auto Clock Set
* Auto Programming
* 3 AV Inputs (2 Rear, 1 Front)
* S-Video Input
* AV Compu Link EX
* Variable Audio Output
* Energy Star Compliant
* RF Input
* 2 Years Picture Tube, 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
* Weight 149.5 lbs.
* Width 33 7/8"
* Height 30 1/8"
* Depth 23 3/4"
* Power: 130 Watts / 1.9 Amps