Aiwa TV-SE 1430

Author's product rating:   

Picture Playback
Sound Quality
Ease of Use
Range of Features
Value for Money

Advantages:	Everything about it from the design to the reliability
Disadvantages:	The Nicam - stereo is annoying but believe me that is it

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I like every other person likes watching TV. I always love tuning into the Simpsons or Driven or So Graham Norton. I used to share a room with my brother and we had one TV. But in 1997 he went to university and after hours of negotiations - tantrums by me actually - and I lost the Tv. Nooooooooooo!!! Of course we had a TV downstairs but I could never get to watch my programmes - more tantrums ensued.

In the end I was given a Tv but it was an old one and although it did the job I longed for a new TV with teletext, more style and better sound. It took me 3 years but in 2000 my parents finally bowed and bought me a TV for my birthday. Yay!! Result!!

It was an Aiwa SE1430 model - dont worry it means nothing to me either - and it was a one of the small versions of a big TV and it fitted on my shelf unit very nicely. It took pride of place in my bedroom. Before this my friends would come round and say 'your TV is very old' but now they are silenced - revenge is sweet!

Anyway on with the op. Here is the best I can do in describing this TV. Here goes...

DESIGN * * * * *

If you've read my Walkman review you'll know that I love the silver colour of it. Public demand for the colour has soared over the past few years and I am a fond lover of the silver colour because I think its smart, stylish and good quality. Indeed this TV could come in black or silver but it was the latter that was chosen. From the outset this TV is of average size for a small TV but size isn't everything! The silver facia is butch and stylish with just a dash of modernity. Okay it is hard to describe a TV because everybody knows what a TV looks like - you know, sqaure screen, small controls at the bottom. Still, I hope this has given you an idea about the TV

QUALITY * * * * *

In the previous walkman opinion, I slated its quality. But then again it was a Sony product. This Aiwa model is much more accomplished on the quality side. All the controls and buttons are good to touch and wont fall off if you sneeze. Everything is clear although the buttons themselves are a little small. The remote control is also a joy to use. The rubber buttons are lovely to touch and big enough to touch. The only thing that I can complain about is the back of the remote control where the batteries go because I snapped the little lever to get it open - then again maybe it was because I couldn't stop fiddeling with it, DOH!!

PICTURE QUALITY * * * *

The picture qualtiy is awful. But you gave it 4 stars you goof! Yeah I know but it is because of where I live that the picture is bad. No matter how hard I try I cant get that crystal clear picture which I have always wanted. I have tried different ariels, I've tried putting the ariel and TV in different places but still I cant find that picture - any suggestions feel free to leave a message. However I can get a good picture on BBC 2 for some reason on a good day. This shows that the good picture is out there - I think! All the pictures are watchable just not great. Its a shame because it ruins the TV's credability.

SOUND QUALITY * * *

This TV has Nicam-stereo but I dont use it. For some reason when I putr it on Nicam-stereo it the sound jumps and cuts out regularly. This is very frustrating and so I rarely use it. I know it should work better - we've got Nicam downstairs - but its just irritating. I use mono instead but that works just as well and is just as load - if louder - than the Nicam-Stereo.

VALUE * * * *

Guess what? Once again when we bought this TV the price dropped again. Grrrrrrr!!!!!!! How annoying is that! Anyway I am not actually sure what the TV cost - no-one will tell me because it was a Xmas present. However, I am pretty sure it was around £100. With that in mind I predict the TV is great value for money. It has a number of features to make it individual. Definately worth the money - even if it wasn't mine!

FEATURES * * * * *

There are plenty of features to make this TV special. First of all is the remote control which is compact and not overcroweded with buttons. Everything is touchable and it all works very well. Next is Teletext and Ceefax. Where would I be without my info pages? I constantly look at these pages - especially the sport ones - and having it in my room is a huge bonus - my Dad cant stand Teletext! Go to the menu bars and you'll of course get the colour and picture changes but also a few special features. It has an alarm clock to wake you up in the morning. Programme the channel and time and the TV will come on - just put the volume up high first!

RELIABILITY * * * * *

Its hard to write in this category but I predict this set wont be going wrong too often. We have a few Aiwa products and not one has seen the inside of a workshop - in fact we've had no problems whatsoever with our appliances. It makes my Mum - someone who is extra weary over product names she hasn't heard of (Aiwa was new to her) - happy and now trusts the brand. Believe me thats the highest accolade!

OVERALL * * * * *

This is a fantastic TV. It has everything you could want in something under £100 - alledgedly. There are plenty of features to keep the 'techno freak' happy and is as relaible as you could want. Its hard to slate this. Perhaps the Nicam stereo is a downer but apart from that this is an accomplished machine. 5 star recommendation!

SOLEX/OLLIE