Who Makes Finlux Televisions? A Deep Dive into a Budget-Friendly TV
Finlux televisions, often found at bargain prices, offer a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. But who makes these TVs, and are they worth the investment? This article explores the origins of Finlux and examines the performance of a 24-inch Finlux 24FLK274SVDN model.
While the name might suggest a Finnish connection, Finlux is currently owned by Vestel, a large Turkish electronics manufacturer. Vestel produces televisions for a variety of brands, often utilizing similar technology across different names. This explains why Finlux TVs can be so affordable. This particular model, the 24FLK274SVDN, boasts features like HDMI, SCART, VGA, and even an internal DVD player.
Finlux as a Computer Monitor: Mixed Results
The initial goal was to use the Finlux as a monitor for a Raspberry Pi running Amibian for Amiga emulation, specifically seeking a 50hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling. While the TV ultimately succeeded in this area, its performance as a general computer display was less impressive.
Despite claiming 1080p capability, the native resolution is closer to 720p. Scaling to higher resolutions resulted in a noticeable drop in picture quality. Connecting a laptop via a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter proved unsuccessful. However, using a VGA connection, though producing a subpar image, provided a workable solution for a secondary computer with limited display requirements.
Success with Retro Gaming Emulation
After some configuration, the Finlux delivered smooth 50hz scrolling on the Amibian Raspberry Pi. This involved uncommenting the 50hz section in the config.txt file and customizing the hdmi_cvt line to a resolution of 768×768. Further adjustments in the Amibian GUI ensured a 1:1 pixel mapping, eliminating scaling artifacts and achieving smooth scrolling in games like Battle Squadron.
Unfortunately, composite and RGB inputs produced a peculiar effect, seemingly combining two frames into one, resulting in a blurred image. This made the TV unsuitable for classic consoles or computers relying on these connection types. Even with a real Amiga, while the image was surprisingly decent, a slight frame rate hiccup persisted.
Finlux and Commodore 64 Emulation
Testing with BMC64 and THEC64 emulators on a Raspberry Pi yielded interesting results. BMC64, after configuring a custom resolution matching the Amibian settings (768×768), produced a satisfactory image with accurate 50hz refresh rate. THEC64, while producing a clean image and passing the 50hz test, exhibited some scaling issues with vertical lines.
Conclusion: A Budget-Friendly Niche TV
The Finlux 24FLK274SVDN proved to be a mixed bag. Its performance as a general computer monitor was disappointing, but it excelled in its primary role: providing a 50hz display for retro gaming emulation on the Raspberry Pi. While not without its quirks, the Finlux offers exceptional value for its price, particularly for those seeking a budget-friendly solution for specific retro gaming needs. Its limitations with composite and RGB inputs, however, make it less versatile for broader retro gaming applications.
