[bgadow]

As far as I can tell there was not a full report on color sets until the 60s. They did have articles from time to time, but most just stated that color tv was "not ready for primetime". In April 54 they had a good overview of the Westinghouse color set, and then a short bit about the CT-100 in the June issue. They definately didn't recommend these sets. They complained mostly about how the Westinghouse took up the space of a refrigerator and it's color-hold control was fussy. They only liked the RCA a little better.

The first full report I could find off hand on color sets (I have some other magazines & buying guides in another box somewhere) is from January '67. Now, here is a good issue: they test full-size cars (I own a 67 Impala) but of course they don't speak too well of my ride. (Ratings, top to bottom:Catalina,Galaxie,Fury,Impala,Ambassador) Then they test soldering equipment (Weller won, along with some Wards Powr-Kraft's made by Weller) and then "Large Screen Color TV".

Quality control was a big issue; they said that if anything it was getting worse. The article goes on to say "...makers have virtually abandoned the round picture tube, which had been used in their lowest-priced large-screen sets, frequently the table models. This year, five manufacturers no longer make large-screen table-models. Those that do seem to put greater promotional (and production) emphasis on their consoles. You may have trouble finding any large-screen table models. "

7 sets arrived defective: Sylvania,Admiral,Motorola,GE,Sears and both tested RCA's. The Magnavox broke in short order. The ratings:
RCA GH-692W $650 good reception
GE M980CWD (believe it or not, a GE in second place!) $699.95
Philco 6436 PC $699.95, they liked the tuning eye
Sylvania 25LC109W $589.95
Silvertone 7181 $549.95
(below group judged lower in overall quality than those preceding)
Admiral LK5521 $579.95 lack of sharpness in pic
Zenith 25X4517W (how did it get way down here?!) $569.95 some lack of detail in pic, fine tuning too hard to turn
Magnavox 3-T521 $650 lack of sharpness and detail, the did like the AFC
Emerson 25C09 $595 lack of sharpness and detail
Westinghouse CT23A470 $489.95 lack of sharpness and detail
Airline 7477 $549.95 lack of sharpness and detail, not as bright as the others
(last, and least)
Motorola CU332BW $529.95 lack of sharpness and detail, considerable pincushion distortion,color picture pleasing but did not accurately match industry standards for color reproduction

I will agree that CR's word is not law; they sometimes give great advice but some of it is pretty sour. Regardless, I think looking back it gives a good snapshot at how things were when our sets were new. I'll post more when I can, if there are no objections.