I purchased AIWA SX 2150 way back in 1999 Feb. due to typical Indian reasons. It was cheaper (INR 14000/-) as compared to Sony VEGA (INR 21000/-) at that time. And AIWA was offering instalment plan. It was one of the few TVs having 400 watt PMPO Digital NICAM Stereo in it. On the basis of my 3 and half years experience, let me describe the features one by one:
Sound This is the best feature of this TV. The 400 Watt Digital NICAM stero has provided ultimate performance till date. All the neighbours have appreciated this sound system as compared to their TVs. The sound clarity and fidelity is much better than Samsung, BPL, Philips and almost equivalent to Sony. Surround sound is sufficient to fill up a the room. Though its better than Sony VEGA with one of my friends but that may be due to reception problem in his area. I sometimes like to use it as a music system with my Panasonic VCD player.
Picture Picture clarity is very good if not ultimate. Off course cable reception in my area is damn good. That may be the reason but it is better than the TVs in my neighbourhood. Actually, Sony’s patented Trinitron technology has a definite edge in picture resolution as they put up an extra focussing grid to focus the electron beam sharply on the phosphor screen in picture tube (You can believe me in these technical terms as I am an electronics engineer). This was demonstrated to me by a show room person. He put up Sony and Philips 21 inch TVs side by side and set up same cricket match on Star Sports. The grass leafs on the ground were well resolved quite well on Sony screen but were mixed up on Philips screen. Settings were same. Performance of AIWA picture tube is only slightly inferior to Sony, I will say. Somehow I feel, Due to performance of Sony and AIWA picture tubes only, controlling authorities needed to force Zee MGM channel to put graphs on their late night movies objectionable scenes otherwise what was the need.
Remote Another striking feature of this TV is its ultra light remote. Sometimes, you keep on searching the remote until somebody says it is right their in your hand.
It is quite rugged as well as my remote has been without cover and fallen many times but still working properly. It is very easy to operate also that compared to BPL’s complex remote.
Voltage stability Initially, I was operating this TV without any voltage stabilizer. Voltage fluctuation was quite high in my area and problems came. But I never needed to call any mechanic. I just put it on a CVT and the problem got solved. In fact the TV has given continuous fault-free performance in these three and a half years and I never needed to call a mechanic or myself do any thing.
Interface with my Philips Music system The TV portion has some problem in getting interfaced with my Philips Sound Machine. Though the VCD, TV and Sound System get interfaced very well. It may be a problem of my TV piece.
Channels Full 210 channels provide you a good choice for future.
So that is an account of my AIWA SX 2150 TV performance. Overall I am very happy with this TV.
If you are looking for full cost advantage, you may look for it. You will not repent, at least.