Showing posts with label lcd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lcd. Show all posts

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Sharp Aquos LC52D64U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Sharp Aquos LC52D64U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased the Sharp LC52D64U via a direct promotion with Sharp USA. The deal I was offered was too good to pass up. I have never bought a large format TV in my life and always got by with a Sony CRT 27" in my bedroom running SD TV. I was just fine with that for many years and when I moved into a new apartment with a nice big (and empty) living room and ordered HD cable, I decided to consider purchasing a large HD panel TV.
When I did my research, I was overwhelmed at the number of choices, formats and connections types, such as LCD, plasma, projection, 720i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, Hdmi, HD channels recievers....argh!?!?!?!
Well after I did enough research, this Sharp LCD has everything that I need for at least the next 5 years. I am running a Tivo Series 3 HD reciever pumping 1080i HD channels over digital cable into one of the 3 available HDMI ports. The image quality is, to say the least, MAGNIFICENT!!!! The deep blacks and rich colors really cut through exceptionally well. I have not yet played an HD DVD or Blu-Ray movie through it, but if the 1080i HD channels look this great, I can only expect the same from watching Spiderman 3 on Bluray at 1080P when it's available this late October.
When I was researching large format panel TV's, my eye kept going to plasmas like Panasonics and the Elite series from Pioneer. Suffice it to say, these brands were very much out of my budget and consdered LCD's instead. So I did some research on the Aqous series and found alot of useful information. I also read many reports of the Sharp Aquos series suffering from a bad phenomenom known as "banding" and a recent review of the LC52D64U on cnet.com indicated that the problem was still present in this new model. This made me nervous about buying the TV, but then I reminded myself that those reviewers have eyes like a hawk and scrutinize every little detail that an average consumer (like me) probably wouldn't even notice until pointed out.
Well I don't know if I can't see it, or if it is not present in my particular unit, but I have NOT experienced any "banding" issues that may appear as color bleed, ghosting effects or ongoing pixilation.
Sharp does offer Aquos models that have a higher refresh rate as much at 120 hertz. This unit, I believe, operates at a 60 hertz refresh rate. The higher 120 refresh rate is supposed to handle fast moving images (such as football player running across a field) and improve the image so as to reduce any bluriness or undesireable pixilation.
Well I do not watch alot of sports, so this is not a deal breaker for me. There were a few times I was watching a movie and saw some pixilation occurring due to fast moving images. But as long as you watch your 52" sharp LCD from a practical viewing distance and loose yourself in the entertainment and not scrutinize every single image that's on the screen, you probably won't notice it when it does occur, if at all.
Overall, I am extremely pleased with the Sharp LC52D64U. Remember that to get the most out of this LCD panel, be prepared to spend some money and feed it a high resolution data feed for both audio and video. Everything I am sending it comes in at full 1080i/1080P, if not upscaled from 720/480. I plan to get the new X-Box 360 elite and it has an HDMI output port and many of the newer games run at 1080P, so I can only imagine that there's more visual pleasure to come my way.
I hope this non-technical review was helpful. Now go out and buy this damn thing and be a happy couch potato!!! :-)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sharp Aquos LC52D64U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Large-screen 52 flat-panel TV offers full HD Spec 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution. Sharps proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with multi-pixel technology provides a native 2000:1 contrast ratio and a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 with Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology, 4ms response time and wide viewing angles (176 degree horizontal x 176 degree vertical). Multi-pixel technology divides each pixel into two sections and adds an advanced driving system to provide 60 percent improved color reproduction. Built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC Tuners provide access to DTV and analog TV channels. Includes two HDMI inputs and two HD component video inputs. Compatible with 1080p signals. Features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle, recessed bottom-mounted speakers. Included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications. Flat-panel TV offers 16:9 LCD panel, S-video input, 15 watt speaker system and removable stand. Screen measures 52-1/32 diagonally.

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Click here for more information about Sharp Aquos LC52D64U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sharp Aquos LC52D65U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Sharp Aquos LC52D65U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Only had this TV for a few days now (got it on 12/5/08). Ordered it with Amazon and it arrived within a week with no issues.
So far I love it - the picture looks so amazing. Upgraded from a 45" Projection LCD I've had for about 5 years now and I feel like I'm watching HDTV for the first time again.
Has more inputs then I'll ever need - can't see me ever using up all 5 HDMI ports. Even tried hooking up my Laptop through the VGA port and it was crystal clear.
Can't really comment on the speakers since I'm using a receiver/surround system. So far I haven't found any issues with it, but I've only had it for 4 days so I'll keep you posted if anything new comes up...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sharp Aquos LC52D65U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

The AQUOS LC52D65U sets a new standard for large-screen flat panel TVs. With Full HD 1080p resolution and an elegant new design, it produces a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none. The LC52D65U utilizes Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine, providing high Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 6ms response time and wide viewing angles (176�H x 176�V). The LC52D65U is HDTV with built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and include 5 HDMI� inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, and 2 HD 1080p component video inputs. The LC52D65U features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle recessed bottom-mounted speakers. The included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.

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Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black
Average Reviews:

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I will admit up front that I am a complete HDTV newbie. I hung on to a 20 year old, 22 inch CRT color "monitor television" for far too long, in part because I do not watch much television programming (a bit of baseball, PBS, occaisional Law & Order reruns, that sort of thing) and in part because the whole HDTV techno nerd thing was too intimidating. After much online research and a few surreptitious visits to Big Box electronics stores, I finally settled on the 40XBR9 and bought it from an Amazon seller -- and could not be more pleased with my selection. The picture quality is simply riveting. The menus are reasonably user friendly and I have not found it all that difficult to calibrate for optimum results in a softly lighted room. With minor tweaking, the factory defaults work well for most cable television programming. I used the CNET suggested calibration for movies on the 52XBR9, and it works very well on this 40 inch unit.
This is a beautiful television. The bezel is as slim as they come and is an unadorned, moderately glossy black. While it is not a small television, it is not too overbearing for a medium sized bedroom or office. Considering its slender bezel, and the fact that there are no visible speakers, the sound is more than adequate for watching most TV programming. I purchased a ZVOX 525 sound base and an OPPO blu ray player to go with it. I have yet to watch a blu ray disc, but upscaled DVDs like Ratatouille and Wall-E are incredibly crisp, vivid and detailed, with wonderfully natural color, deep, pure blacks and brilliant whites and grey tones. With sound from the ZVOX, this is a wonderful way to enjoy movies in a moderate sized room without an enormous investment of time and money and without a lot of wiring and equipment monopolizing the space.
The one down side is that the XBR9 is not very forgiving of poor quality source material. My local cable provider still offers a limited selection of true HD content. SD television does not fare well on this set, although with some tweaks you can get acceptable picture quality -- ratchet down the sharpness so the poor resolution is not obvious, use a 4:3 aspect ratio rather than 'stretch' the image to fill the screen, so the perspective is not distorted, turn down the brightness and restrict the color range to avoid the exaggerated and artificial hues that seem to be part and parcel of SD TV, and you get a reasonable picture on par with a decent CRT. But once you've seen good quality 16:9 HDTV content, you will be somewhat disappointed with SD sources.
This competes head to head with the high end LCD and "LED" TVs from Samsung. I think it beats them for at least two reasons. First, the Samsung models have a very glossy, "wet look" screen, which is really a distraction. Under some conditions, it gives the picture more "pop," but except in a darkened room, the glare problem is insurmountable. Second, the comparable Samsung televisions have wider and more obtrusive bezels with a brilliant piano black finish, which is made even more garish by Samsung's somewhat ludicrous red "Touch of Color" gimmickry. The Samsung design is like over the top prom wear. The 40XBR9 is the electronics version of the perfect, simple and refined little black dress.
Prices seem to fluctuate wildly -- the prices quoted on the date of this review are about 15% higher than they were when I made my purchase ten days ago. You may want to keep an eye on the market and catch the next wave of "sales." But you won't buy this TV because it is an inexpensive "bargain" -- you may buy it because dollar for dollar, it will give you the most pleasure during the years it will be in service.
TWO MONTHS LATER: Having now had the opportunity to use my Sony 40XBR9 to watch post-season baseball in HD, as well as a number of blu-ray discs, I remain as pleased with my purchase as ever. This has transformed the way we watch movies and cable programming at home. I added a Harmony One remote to the system to avoid the remote control shuffle required to operate the blu-ray player, Zvox, cable box and Sony in tandem. It all works nicely and with a minimum of effort.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black

Experience powerful performance and superior design with the Sony BRAVIA XBR9 HDTV, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus broadband internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video1 capabilities that let you view select on-demand movies, TV shows, music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen. Buy This Product and Related Items

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Click here for more information about Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black

Monday, October 29, 2012

Samsung LN52B630 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color Review

Samsung LN52B630 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After spending way too much time researching and viewing these TVs at big box stores, I eventually bought this set from Amazon, and could not be happier.
I was in the plasma vs LCD debate for a while and decided that I needed/wanted the brightness of an LCD, didn't want to worry about any burn in issues (I know they are almost non-existent today anyway). I wanted 1080p and most plasma sets with 1080p are close to this price point as well. I debated for about a month between last years ln52a630 and the ln52a750, and which one to buy. The matte screen on the 630 was its highlight for me, but there was a sacrifice in the contrast ratio and other miscellaneous little "bells and whistles". The A750 being the more expensive model, the price point dropped so much, it was now pretty much an even swap. Hearing about the problems associated with the 750 including glare, halo and TOC flaking issues, I decided the 630 with its matte screen was the TV for me.
So, I price shopped the A630 for a few weeks until I stumbled across the new version of the set, the ln52b630. A little more money is WELL spent when upgrading to this TV. The contrast ratio is double 40,000:1 vs 80,000:1, and even dominates last years 50,000:1 A750's contrast ratio. Again, this TV also has the MATTE SCREEN! Almost no glare issues in my very bright viewing room, that has multiple windows and a sliding glass door.
The TV's picture quality is the best my friends and I have seen so far from an LCD. Deepest blacks and brightest brights are the comments I have been hearing when people see this TV in operation. The clarity in blu-ray 1080p with 120hz is breathtaking, you almost don't want to take your eyes off the screen. I have it connected to Dish Network's HD service and the PQ in 1080i is also superb, a slight loss in clarity and blur in fast moving sequences that is non-existent in 1080p. Standard def programing also looks great as well.
As far as audio, I have it setup through surround sound, so I cannot comment.
I have yet to connect an ethernet cable to use those features as well.
**UPDATE** I have attached the ethernet cable and the "infolink" features do work as advertised. It is a nice feature, news stories, temperature/weather, stocks all positioned in the corners of the screen. Will i ever use it, probably not. But, it works as advertised. I wish it was a way to update firmware for the TV rather than for these features.
The USB media port is another excellent feature. It allows you to play movies, music and pictures directly from the side of the TV with a USB flash drive or external hard drive. It will play almost any codec you throw at it, supposedly even x264(HD), have not been able to test this.
The remote is nicely designed and easy to use. Samsung eliminated the dreaded "click-wheel' on this years new models.
Delivery: Pilot was my shipping service, and I cannot say anything bad about the service. The delivered early and made the necessary phone calls to arrange delivery. The box was in great shape, as well as the TV inside.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung LN52B630 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

With Samsung’s LN52B630, you’re connected to great HD entertainment and up-to-the-minute online info. Enjoy a Full HD feast for the eyes, courtesy of the 1080p resolution and 52-inch LCD screen. Check sports scores, stock quotes, weather and other update able RSS content at just the touch of a button on your remote, with the InfoLink feature. Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus120Hz technology keeps even the fastest on-screen motion smooth and natural. Enjoy bold black tones with an impressive 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Four HDMI inputs give you fast and easyconnection options for your Blu-ray Disc player and gaming system. And the stylish yet subtle Touch of Color design adds a red accent to the bezel’s border – perfect in any modern home.

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Click here for more information about Samsung LN52B630 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sharp Aquos LC52D85U 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Review

Sharp Aquos LC52D85U 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My new Sharp Aquos LC52D85U 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV arrived in 4 days, and 3 days early from the Video & Audio Center, in perfect shape. The courier helped me unpack, set up and place this monster on its stand. Great service does not get any better than that. I first plugged in the HDMI connection to my RR HD-DVR and then the power plug, sat down & and struggled to find the HDMI connection I had used in the onscreen menu - there were so many inputs it was trial and error(didn't read the manual, no time!). Finally I landed on input 4 which was the live HDMI connection - the channel was set to a full HD channel and had a Fleetwood Mac concert recorded in 2004 playing in full glorious 1080i. I could see every strand of fly away hair and split ends on Stevie Nicks. Frankly I almost soiled myself because I was not expecting THAT degree of picture quality. I am still getting goosebumps from this beauty. This HDTV is just magnificent. The picture is bright, crisp and free of any banding issues. I can say without a doubt this TV will please even the most finicky of consumers. Tech types can tweak away at the hue and saturation controls to their hearts contect, color temperature, active contrast, fine motion are all customizable. The set even makes 480i HBO broadcasts look almost like HD quality.
I have been reading online reviews and customer experiences for over 3 months on all brands of HDTV's prior to pulling the trigger, and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with this HDTV. I am reluctant to touch the fine tuning picture controls for fear of messing with the already perfect, gorgeous picture right out of the box! One of the reasons I ruled out other brands such as Samsung was the lack of a matte screen to combat reflective glare, as my living room has two banks of floor to ceiling windows & also with cathedral ceilings, facing south. Thus I was concerned with buying just an expensive mirror. It is so sunny in my viewing area an old CRT set was unwatchable during the brightest morning hours - not so this Sharp HDTV. The anti-reflective surface completely eliminates any bothersome reflections. The viewing angle is just about as advertised, I can stand almost 75 degrees to the side and still can view the screen. Just an amazing set. I liked the way the TV will indicate the screen resolution upon changing to a new channel, I find this to be a nice touch. I really liked that the user can alter the range of the OPC and power saving feature so as to limit the degree that the set will automatically reduce brightness in a dark room.
An aggressive price, & free shipping just clinched it for me; I had already decided on the Sharp. This a just a great HDTV, if you are considering this set at all, just go for it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sharp Aquos LC52D85U 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

The AQUOS LC52D85U sets a new standard for large-screen flat panel TVs. With Full HD 1080p resolution and an elegant new design, it produces a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none. The LC52D85U utilizes Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine, providing high Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 4ms response time and wide viewing angles (176H x 176V). In addition, The LC52D85U includes 120HZ Fine Motion Enhanced for the ultimate in fast-motion image processing. The LC52D85U has built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuner and includes 5 HDMI inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, and 2 HD 1080p component video inputs. The LC52D85U features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle recessed bottom-mounted speakers. The included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.

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Click here for more information about Sharp Aquos LC52D85U 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Friday, October 26, 2012

Samsung LN52B550 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color Review

Samsung LN52B550 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
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I researched the purchase of this TV for over six months- far more than I ever researched even a vehicle purchase. I've had it for approx 2 weeks now and am very impressed. I was originally planning to purchase the 44in model but eventually changed my mind and purchased the 52 in model.
The only feature I was worried about not having was the 120 hz. I went to an electronics store and viewed both 60 and 120 hz side by side and could not tell the difference- the 60 hz is plenty fast for me.
Many people complained about the sound quality of last year's model. Unfortunately I have no pertinent information to add here as I am utilizing a surround sound system.
You will not regret purchasing this TV

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung LN52B550 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

With the Samsung 52-inch LN52B550 HDTV, you're investing in a high-quality LCD TV that offers top-of-the-line picture quality with 1080p high definition resolution. Enjoy the sharpest details and vivid color with 70,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more realistic images and a 6ms (millisecond) response time--virtually eliminating any blurring and providing smooth motion while watching fast-paced sports and action movies. Superb connectivity and networking with a USB port and four HDMI 1.3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) means this HDTV plays well with all of your other electronics.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Samsung LN32A550 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Samsung LN32A550 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
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(More customer reviews)
I've been wanting a new flat-panel TV for some time and, though I do make a lot of purchases on-line, I felt like I actually needed to look at a TV in person. My wife and I were looking at the TV's in Wal-mart when another customer pointed out that the better TVs had a higher contrast ratio and he thought that was the most important factor. Sure enough, the one we thought had the best picture was the one with the highest contrast ratio - it was 3200:1, the best 32-inch in the store. (I really wanted something with 1080p resolution, but they only had 720p in the 32" size TVs. We decided to get that one, since we had seen it and felt like we could enjoy it - but they didn't have one in stock...
I came home and began to research. It turns out that there are only a very few 1080p TVs in the 32" model, this being one of them. In looking at the contrast ratio I found that this one was rated at 15,000:1 - almost 5 times better than the best one at Walmart. (High contrast ratio seems to give you darker darks and whiter whites - lower contrast ratios have a milky looking gray where it's supposed to be black...) My research combined with what I saw in the store gave me the confidence to purchase a TV on-line. I settled on the Samsung LN32A550.
The TV arrived in good working order and I had it set up and running within 30 minutes. (The biggest problem was unhooking and moving the old one!) The picture is everything I could have imagined it would be - far better than anything I saw in the store. The crystal clear picture and crisp, well defined images make this simply the best picture I have ever seen on a TV. I saw a bit of a NASCAR race on this unit and the motion was unbelievably smooth - no after images at all.
I debated a bit on giving this unit a five-star rating. I felt like the picture quality so outrated the sound that I had to bump it up a bit. But if sound is an issue you may want to consider this to be a "four-star" unit. While the TV has a built in equalizer function (with some presets based on your listening preferences) I found the sound, even in the best adjustment leaves a lot to be desired. It has a tinny sound much like you would expect from an old transitor radio. I would suggest investing in a good pair of external speakers to enhance this unit. (If you already have a home theatre set-up sound is not an issue anyway...)
So far I'm glad I made this purchase. If Samsung can improve the speakers on this TV they will have the perfect TV!
*****
UPDATE:
OK.... Now that I've owned this thing a few months I'll tell you how it's going:
First, it was pointed out to me in a post that the contrast ratio on 27- and 32-inch TV's was 15,000:1 instead of 30,000:1 as I incorrectly surmissed from the somewhat unclear (to me) product update. I have edited the initial review to reflect the correct information. I'm sorry for any confusion it may have caused. (If you want the higher ratio and have the room, you could consider going with a larger screen size. 15,000: is still a pretty amazing ratio though...)
Overall I am happy to report that I am just as satisfied today as I was the day I first turned it on. I did purchase a set of Creative GigaWorks T40 Premium 2.0 Speakers (available at Amazon.com) for around $125 - and this dramatically improved my viewing experience. (I'm sure the best option would be to use a home theatre set-up - but this unit is in my bedroom...)
I still recommend this TV - just don't expect too much out of the sound - without a little help.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung LN32A550 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

32" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio) * high-gloss black finish * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) * built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * 1920 x 1080 pixels *

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Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black Review

Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black
Average Reviews:

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I AM UNABLE TO EDIT MY STAR RATING OR I WOULD DOWNGRADE IT TO TWO, MAYBE THREE STARS!!!
I bought this for my bedroom last week and am pretty happy with it. I have a 40" XBR2 in the family room and this model's picture is surprisingly comparable. I bought it through Amazon for MUCH less than BB or Sears. I do have a couple issues that prevent me from giving it five stars: first, it takes quite a long time for the picture to appear when you turn it on and switching inputs takes even longer than my XBR2. The other peave I have is setting the sleep timer; on most TV's there's a dedicated 'Sleep' button on the remote. On the S5100 you have to hit the 'Tools' button on the remote, select 'Clock/Timers', select your sleep time, then press the 'Menu' button to clear the on-screen menu. Wow! All-in-all, neither of those are that big of a deal, but the next issue is the one that's provoking me to call Sony Customer Service. There is a significant amount of noise in the TV's audio output -- especially at low volume. It sounds like the signal is over-modulated, but at higher volume levels it's not as noticable. I haven't tried a set of external speakers to see if the noise is still there, but I have tried component, composite, and HDMI inputs all with the same results. Perhaps I'll update this review with the results of my call to Sony.
UPDATE 5/1: I called Sony about the audio issue; they wanted to send out a technician. I opted to have J&R swap out the TV but the same exact problem exists on the replacement. I guess I'm going to take Sony up on their offer to send someone out. I can't tolerate this problem considering it is our bedroom TV and is often used at low volume levels.
UPDATE 5/19: I just finished packing up the unit to return to J&R, who have been great BTW! The Sony tech acknowledged the problem and said that Sony tech support would probably tell him to replace the digital audio board, but unless the board has been redesigned he didn't think it would resolve the problem. Sony Customer Service refused to help in any way; I asked for a refurbished XBR6 (last year's only 32" 1080p model) to replace this unit, and they said no. I asked for a discount on a new XBR9, and they said no. As the owner of several Sony products, including a 40" XBR2 and a 36" Wega, I am really quite surprised by Sony's unwillingness to help resolve this issue. My brand loyalty has been shaken, and I will think twice before I buy another Sony product. BTW, I'm looking at the Panasonic and Samsung 1080 32" models as a replacement.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

Sony’s S-series TVs put amazing picture quality and stunning dynamic contrast in reach for value-oriented consumers who want to step up into the Sony Full HD 1080p experience. These TVs represent the entry-level models in Sony’s large screen offerings in 2009 and offer the superior resolution and contrast, advanced image processing features, and variety of HD input options available on high-end BRAVIA HDTVs -- all in an affordable package. With three HDMI connections, you can hook up a Sony PlayStation3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. You also have numerous other HD connection options, including YPbPr Component inputs as well as a PC input for using your laptop or desktop PC with your big-screen HDTV. No matter which HD source you use, the exclusive Sony BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor ensures that images look sharp and brilliant. With BRAVIA Link compatibility, you can easily expand your high-resolution home theater set-up with optional BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, or BRAVIA Input Link Modules. And BRAVIA Sync makes controlling everything a snap. Additionally, BRAVIA S-Series HDTVs exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirements by incorporating advanced power saving features, such as Light Sensor technology that adjusts backlight intensity based on ambient room lighting conditions and Dynamic Backlight Control that adjusts backlight intensity based on the brightness of the image on the screen. Utilizing these features can reduce power consumption by up to 60% in a typical home theater environment.

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Click here for more information about Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

Monday, October 22, 2012

Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-52V5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-52V5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
WHO TO BUY FROM: Amazon did not have this item in stock, so I waited for Amazon to have it in stock before buying - turned out to be the right decision. I bought another LCD tv last year from "ButterflyPhoto", a seller on Amazon's website, and it was a horrible experience. So I vowed never to buy a big ticket item from any other seller than Amazon on its site. Those sellers have such great reviews b/c if you get screwed like I did and the sale never goes through, you can never rate them. So only happy customers get to rate those sellers, hence the above-avg reviews.
DELIVERY AND DEFECTIVE TV: I ordered the TV on a Thurs and it was delivered to my house on Tues. Pilot (carrier) called to schedule and appt, brought it into my house, took it out of the box and placed it on my tv stand, then made sure it worked before asking me to sign. But by Friday, a 1/2 cm black line appeared in the screen (yikes!). On Sat. I called Amazon and they were great in shipping out a replacement TV immediately at no extra cost to me (they even gave me the option to replace with another make/model). The new TV arrived the next Fri and Pilot packaged and removed the defective TV. The new TV works fine (so far, fingers crossed). After mentioning my ordeal to several friends, a few mentioned they had defective LCD TVs also - so I guess its not so uncommon.
Dealing with Amazon is great. If I bought from those other sellers, I would have been left to deal with Sony via the warranty - No Thanks! Its worth the extra hundred dollars or so to go with Amazon.
PICTURE QUALITY: The HD picture is amazing. I had a 2004 42' Sony WEGA that produced 1080i, but the Bravia is a much, much better HD picture (however, it seems Comcast broadcasts in 1080i, not 1080p). When watching sports on my WEGA, the picture could not handle fast action so well. The Bravia corrects this pretty well (via the 120hz) and there is definitely a noticable difference/improvement versus my old WEGA. The 120hz is well worth the money.
BOTTOM LINE, at $1,823, I am happy with the TV even after the first one was defective. I found the Samsung to be too glossy a picture and didn't like the touch of red, so the 52v5100 was the perfect TV for me at that price. Buy from Amazon, not those other tricksters.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-52V5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black

For consumers who want an HDTV that keeps pace with fast-action movies, sports, and game play, Sony BRAVIA V-Series Flat Panel HDTVs combine Full HD 1080p performance and Motionflow 120Hz technology for an amazing viewing experience. Motionflow 120Hz takes both high-definition and standard programming a step further by increasing sharpness and detail in fast-moving images for more fluid, natural motion. In addition, BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs use proprietary Image Blur Reduction technology to further enhance the picture for even better performance. The HDTVs also feature BRAVIA Engine 2 technology, which uses exclusive Sony algorithms to reduce visual noise and sharpen and enhance an already-striking dynamic contrast ratio. Additionally, they include seven versatile HD connections to ensure you get impressive image quality from all your HD components. Take advantage of four HDMI inputs, component and composite inputs, and a PC input, as well as a USB input that lets you play audio files from USB storage devices, or connect a compatible camera to your HDTV for a quick and easy slide show. Sony knows your home theater set-up doesn't stop with your HDTV, which is why the BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs are compatible with BRAVIA Link Modules -- including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, and BRAVIA Input Link Modules (all sold separately). The HDTVs also support BRAVIA SyncTM technology so you can control all of your compatible devices with a single remote. And all BRAVIA HDTVs exceed ENERGY STAR 3.0 requirements for in-use and stand-by power consumption, meaning you don't need a lot of power to get a lot of performance.

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Sharp Aquos LC42D64U 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Sharp Aquos LC42D64U 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
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After researching for 3 weeks, I was set on a Sharp TV. Sony was too expensive for my price range, and while I read a lot of good things about Samsung, this TV's features for the price sold me. After having it for a little while now, this is how I would rate it.
Price - Excellent. 4.5/5 Sharp was the cheapest prices between the top 3-4 brands I looked at that had a familiar name and plenty of reviews. I did examine other brands with lower prices on 1080p TVs, but I couldn't really obtain enough informational reviews or enough good ones to justify purchasing any of them just for the lower price.
Picture - Excellent. 4.25/5. I'll be honest, I was a little worried when purchasing a Sharp TV. First of all, I saw it's previous model (the D62U) at a Best Buy and a Circuit City and was not totally impressed with the picture, but I had heard that sometimes bad feeds or other issues can make a store-display not as attractive. However, my real concern was if my TV would have the infamous "banding" that seemed to plague some of Sharp's earlier models. You can easily find out what banding is by searching something like "Sharp banding issues". I won't go into specifics myself about that. Anyway, I had read this model of TV -can- have banding, but that it is not near as common nor as significant in earlier models. My TV has no noticeable banding issues at all, and I'm not going to go out of my way to nitpick and search for any small issues that may be there as I can't see them now.
As for the picture itself, it is great. Much better than the store displays for the earlier model that had me worry. Obviously, out-of-box settings aren't the best. At first I tried to change picture modes (of which there are several) to a User setting and tweak it using recommendations from some tech forums. This became tedious as people posted different specs and none were really quite looking right for me. So I gave up on that and just tried them on the default settings for what I was doing. I set my HDMI PS3 input to Gaming picture and it looks great. I see no reason to change it beyond that, it looks exactly as I was hoping for. Same with the Movie setting as well for my DVD input. No dead pixels and a crisp clear picture with good contrast black levels and brightness make it a great choice.
Plenty of options available for picture adjustment as well.
Features - Very Good. 4/5 Plenty of inputs. You can read the specs in the item description. My only reason for docking it a point is because the 3rd HDMI and 2nd Component are located on the side and stick out when plugged in. I can understand this could be an eyesore for those wall-mounting it or just not wanting to see them sticking out. I am not using that 3rd HDMI port (yet), but I do have 2 component items hooked up and the cords sticking out the side and noticeable from looking at the TV straight-on plus the location of my TV itself does make it a tad annoying, but I am getting used to it and it's not really bothering me as much as it might others.
Overall - Excellent. 4.75/5 (note, the overall is not meant to be an average of the other scores). Overall, it's definately a great buy. There is more that I could say and some things I have probably forgotten about that I wanted to say, but that's ok. I don't want to make this too awful long a review. So, yeah, basically my experience with this TV is amazingly good and I would easily recommend this TV to anyone who asked me. It's price, features, and picture easily won me over.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sharp Aquos LC42D64U 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

The AQUOS(R) D64U Series raises the bar by fitting large screen sizes into incredibly small footprints. Depth is reduced by 36%, allowing placement in virtually any setting. The D64U Series utilizes Sharp`s proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with multi-pixel technology, providing 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio with Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology and 4ms response time. The D64U Series are HDTVs with built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and include 3 HDMI(TM) inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, a PC input and 2 HD component video inputs. Side terminals are included for convenience as well as RS-232C input for control. The D64U Series features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle, recessed bottom-mounted speakers.

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-40XBR4 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-40XBR4 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
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I've been living with a Panasonic PT40LC12 LCD projection TV since early 2002. Originally, it had a great picture...but, over the years (and 2 bulbs later) the quality of the image has deteriorated significantly. In all fairness, this set is used , on average, about 6-7 hours each day...so, it really owed me nothing. Also, it maxed out at 480P, and didn't have HDMI. So, I went out in search of a replacement. I've been looking at current models for about a year and finally decided to get this Sony.
I've had it about one week, and after spending some time tweaking the picture settings (there are a ton of user adjustments available) I finally sat down and watched a few DVDs.
I've got 2 DVD players and the first film that I watched was viewed at 480P using the component inputs. I had seen the same film before and wanted to compare....the image was absolutely fantastic. Although the DVD was a movie, the image looked more like live video. The depth of the image blew me away...the color was perfect...it looked almost like a live network feed.
The next DVD was viewed at 1080I using the HDMI inputs. Again, the image was outstanding.
Adjusting the set is not for the faint of heart. The Vivid and Normal settings are, in my opinion, way too bright...too much contrast and color intensity. Although it appears that they can be adjusted...why bother. They might work if the set were being used in a sports bar, or other venue...but, not in the home.
I concentrated on the Cinema and Custom settings. There are several blogs, technical sites, etc. on the web that discuss adjustments for this set. It's really worth the time to hunt them down. One thing I read was that the 120hz scan feature only works in the Cinema or Custom settings...and Sony's "out of the box" default is to have that feature turned off. So, make sure to check the settings for the inputs you're using.
I concentrated on getting the best image in the Custom mode for each of my attached inputs. I found that "WARM 1" was the setting that provided the best "live looking" image. WARM 2 (the default for Cinema mode) gave the image a look that most closely mirrored a movie theater experience. If you tweak the Custom settings to give you the most "live looking" image...you can use the THEATER button on the remote to switch into a more Cinema looking image.
Also, it appears that you can adjust the levels for each input...so, you can tweak the picture for each device that you connect without changing any of the others. Although I have an outstanding AV receiver which does 1080P video and audio switching (to which most of my components are attached), I found that where multiple device outputs are available, attaching any device directly to the TV allows the picture to be customized specifically for that device....you can still use your surround sound receiver for the audio.
The remote control is somewhat complex (including a hidden compartment at the bottom with a sliding door). It also took a while to learn to navigate through the various setup and adjustment screens...but, in a short time, it really all made sense.
Viewing my standard definition DirecTV channels was OK....I haven't gone to HDTV as I need to chop some trees to get the proper angle and elevation for the 5 LNB HD dish. However, if the HD channels come in as great as the DVD images, life will be beautiful.
I don't, as yet, have either a BluRay or HD DVD player....as soon as the industry decided which will be king, then I'll decide which to buy......and, the prices can only go lower with each passing day. I've seen BluRay DVDs played over this TV and all I can say is...I can't wait to get mine.
All in all...I think I made the correct choice. It was probably the most expensive set that I considered...but, if it stands up over the years, I think it was worth the price. Also, I'm glad that I waited for the XBR4. The previous XBR model wasn't nearly as attractive (e.g., that ugly silver surround). Also, Sony added many improvements (if you can believe them) to this newer model. If you decide to get one of these...please take the time to study the owners manual. Although there are some unexplained and confusing descriptions, it will at least give you a place to start.
UPDATE...I've had this set for about 2 months now...It only gets better. I purchased a blu-ray player and now watch all my DVDs upconverted to 1080P. Watching blu-ray DVDs at 1080P/24 is the best I've ever seen (even in the stores on their demo sets). The "clouding" issue reported on the previous XBR2/3 doesn't exist...so it appears that Sony did solve that problem.

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The Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-40XBR4 40-inch 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTV continues Sony's tradition of making outstanding televisions. The 40-inch screen is ideal for medium-size rooms. Sony does not hold back with any technologies, and the XBR series is its flagship line--so with the XBR, you know you'll get the best quality home theater experience available.
Top-Notch Video Performance The XBR KDL-40XBR4 is a 1080p television with a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest resolution available for the sharpest, clearest picture. The KDL-40XBR uses the most recent HDMI 1.3 interface, which houses both audio and video signals in one connector and has the bandwidth to support the data needed for the high resolution. Sony's Bravia Engine Pro Full Digital Video Processor upconverts all video signals to 1080p so you can watch all your old DVDs on this glorious display.
Sony complements the high resolution with the latest technology in color reproduction. The KDL-40XBR is a 10-bit display with 10-bit processing. Most panels are only 8-bit. The added bit depth here means a larger color palette for more faithful color reproduction and smoother transitions from one color to the next. Additionally, the display also supports the new x.v.Color standard, which dramatically increases the available color space. The end result is a picture that is so detailed, colorful, and vibrant, you'd have a hard time distinguishing it from real life.
The KDL-40XBR4 features Sony's Motionflow technology, which automatically adjusts for and applies the proper processing for optimal motion reproduction depending on the video input. This includes support for 24 frames per second (24p) video, which displays video content at the 24-frames-per-second rate at which it was originally filmed or recorded. With 24p, you get the most faithful possible reproduction of the original.
A Wide Variety of Inputs This Sony television's wide variety of inputs ensures compatibility with your other home theater components. There are three HDMI connections for Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and other technologies requiring the high bandwidth, and two component video inputs, three composite video inputs, one S-Video input, one PC Audio and Video input, and five analog audio inputs. Even with a collection of legacy components, you shouldn't have a problem connecting to the KDL-40XBR4.
Stunning Looks The KDL-40XBR4 not only displays stunning video but is itself a head-turner. It features Sony's unique floating glass frame along with a black bezel that can be interchanged with optional color bezels to match the display to your decor.
Outstanding Ergonomics and Simplicity of Control Sony's Xross Media Bar interface is an award-winning, intuitive on-screen display that makes setup a breeze, with menus and controls logically laid out for quick access. The KDL-40XBR4 also features Theatre Sync technology, based on the HDMI-CEC standard, which means you can easily connect to and control compatible devices. For example, when the KDL-40XBR4 is connected to a compatible DVD player, you can turn on both the DVD player and the television and start playing a DVD with a single push of a button on the remote. When you're done, another push of a button powers everything down. With Theatre Sync, you can spend time enjoying the movie rather than waste time setting everything up.
More Than Just a Television Because more and more people expect to view photos on their HDTVs, Sony developed a Photo TV HD mode that optimally sets the sharpness, gradation, and color to make digital photos look like printed photography.
The KDL-40XBR4 is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.
What's in the Box KDL-40XBR4 40-inch LCD flat panel HDTV, remote control, 2 AA batteries, AC power cord, operating instructions, quick setup guide, warranty card, table top stand, and support strap.

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Magnavox 42MF438B/F7 42-Inch 1920 x 1080p LCD HDTV (Black) Review

Magnavox 42MF438B/F7 42-Inch 1920 x 1080p LCD HDTV (Black)
Average Reviews:

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Pros: 4 HDMI Ports.
1080P
Adjustable picture format (4:3, 16:9, Automatic)
Beautiful picture (Sometimes too realistic!)
Decent Sound
Easy Menu options Easy but plentiful configuration options.
Simple Remote.
Cons: No Picture in Picture
Location of power cord connection.
I couldn't afford two.
Other Thoughts: This TV is an incredible value for the price I paid. I had been shopping around for months (since I had a personal financial issue and had to sell my Vizio 42 1080i), but wanted to go with a 1080p, because I plan to buy a BluRay player by the end of the year.
I saw this at a local retailer at a really nice price and decided to go with it. I have no regrets, except that I could not afford two.
The picture is SUPERB. In the store, it sat next to a Sony Bravia 40 inch, and the picture was more brilliant, and colorful. I got it home and decided to watch Doomsday on it. WOW. Not to be too graphic, but There was a scene where they used a blood splatter effect. I felt like I needed to get a rag and a bucket. I'll leave it at that.
My only big complaint is the location of the power connector. it interferes with my mounting. But i drilled a hole through the plate so no qualms.

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The Magnavox 42MF438B 42-inch 1080p LCD HDTV with HDMI delivers the very best digital full HD display, HD media connectivity, Dolby Digital sound and SPDIF audio output. It also doubles as a PC display. With it's sleek design, the 42MF438B is the perfect fit for any room in the house.

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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Samsung LN37B550 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color Review

Samsung LN37B550 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Average Reviews:

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I am agreeing with other reviewers that this is an excellent product with only two attributes that were not as expected:
- Touch of color really is only a "touch". Without light shining directly on it the frame looks completely black
- Sound quality is poor. The right speaker has a tendency to ring at certain frequency even at low volume.
Picture quality is excellent; the TV set is not too heavy and looks good.
Please note that amazon ships this product via "Pilot" freight services. They will call you 24 hours before delivery is due to set up a time window for delivery. Shipping time was significantly faster than quoted during checkout.

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Step up to the power of Full HD on a 37-inch LCD screen, with Samsung¿s LN37B550. The amazing 1080p resolution, the highest available, with Wide Color Enhancer renders the most crisp vivid tones, in every frame for the most realistic picture quality. Black tones and shadows are strikingly superb, thanks to the 70,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The attractive Touch of Color design, a red accent at the bezel¿s edge, lights up any room. A fast 6ms response time offers smooth, clear action. Watch or listen to files from your favorite media player, using the USB 2.0 input. Connecting your DVD, cable or satellite HD box, or Blu-ray Disc player is a snap, with four HDMI inputs. And thanks to SRS TruSurround HD technology, all the HD excitement sounds as incredible as it looks.

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Saturday, October 13, 2012

Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-46S5100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black Review

Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-46S5100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black
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Typically when there is a fanboy war over LCDs, the fight comes down between Samsung and Sony. Sonys are usually hailed as having better blacks while Samsungs [aka Sammys] are cited as having more accurate color.
I had a 46V4100 [last year's V-Series a step higher than this S-series] and found it was a solid performer that was plagued by uneven backlight issues.
After researching several sets, I decided to give Sony another chance. At some point when buying an HDTV you have to accept that there will be compromises.
For a "entry level" set, the S5100 does not disappoint. Yes, SD content looks sketchy because of the huge amounts of upscaling that take place. That's true on any 1080p set. And the compression that the cable and satellite companies use mean you will see blocky compression artifacts around the edges of some HD content.
But from a picture standpoint, the colors are accurate, the shadow detail is good and the viewing angle for an LCD is outstanding.
Physically, the set is handsome in a functional way but doesn't have any design pizzazz. Also, the bezel is reflective. I know manufacturers do this so their products look "nice and shiny" but the position of the set in my room causes a noticeable glare on the left bezel- I thought it was severe backlight bleed until I looked more closely.
The screen itself is glossier than most LCD screens- not as reflective as a plasma but it will still throw a reflection at you. Probably not the best choice for a room with lots of direct sunlight. I have the TV in a room under a ceiling fan and the reflection is noticeable but not distracting. However, the reflection is nowhere near as diffuse as you'd expect from an LCD.
I think this reflective screen helps with the viewing angle, though. I'm sitting 6 feet to the left and 2 feet in front of the TV and the colors are almost as vivid as if I were sitting directly in front. This is a rare LCD that can challenge a plasma on viewing angle. Usually you get 50 degrees off center from an LCD and your picture is washed out.
Sony's xcross [pronounced "cross"] menu system [used on the PS3 AND PSP] is not on the S5100. I don't consider that a big loss and you do get a remote button called "tools" that lets you get to commonly used functions without using the menu. The interface is attractive and easy to use.
The TV has plenty of connectivity. 3 HDMI, PC input [9 pin, not DVI], 2 component in, digital audio digital audio out... you get the idea. 2 of the HDMI ports and the PC input are on the left side of the panel, recessed far enough to protect the plugs. Seems like a strange design choice.
Finally, I will admit that there are some minor backlight issues [2 "flashlight" areas] but unlike the V4100, I have to look at them to notice them.
If you want a big set and you're on a budget, this is definitely a set worth looking at. I will warn you that it is very basic- there are NO extras on the TV. So SD slot, no internet connectivity, no picture in picture, no Motionflow 120/240
Those aren't issues for me. In my opinion, most of those "features" exist to allow TV manufacturers to roll new TVs out each year and build in profit margin at then expense of people who want toys. I'm willing to bet that as a pure picture and sound experience [ie no MotionFlow] this set is the equal of the V5100 series for $200-$500 less.
PS- I apologize for not being able to review the sound but I have the set connected to a receiver.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-46S5100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

Sony’s S-series TVs put amazing picture quality and stunning dynamic contrast in reach for value-oriented consumers who want to step up into the Sony Full HD 1080p experience. These TVs represent the entry-level models in Sony’s large screen offerings in 2009 and offer the superior resolution and contrast, advanced image processing features, and variety of HD input options available on high-end BRAVIA HDTVs -- all in an affordable package. With three HDMI connections, you can hook up a Sony PlayStation3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. You also have numerous other HD connection options, including YPbPr Component inputs as well as a PC input for using your laptop or desktop PC with your big-screen HDTV. No matter which HD source you use, the exclusive Sony BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor ensures that images look sharp and brilliant. With BRAVIA Link compatibility, you can easily expand your high-resolution home theatre set-up with optional BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, or BRAVIA Input Link Modules. And BRAVIA Sync makes controlling everything a snap. Additionally, BRAVIA S-Series HDTVs exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirements by incorporating advanced power saving features such as Light Sensor technology that adjusts backlight intensity based on ambient room lighting conditions and Dynamic Backlight Control that adjusts backlight intensity based on the brightness of the image on the screen. Utilizing these features can reduce power consumption by up to 60% in a typical home theater environment.

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Westinghouse 26" LCD 720p HDTV - SK-26H730S Review

Westinghouse 26 LCD 720p HDTV - SK-26H730S
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Pros: Great picture, easy setup, full-featured remote
Cons: Background noise at low volume
Initially, we were very pleased with this television, just as we have been with our two-year-old 32" Westinghouse. Picture quality was superb. Setup was a breeze; for instance, unlike some others, the auto-channel-scan kept only those digital cable channels with programming and discarded the hundreds of blank ones, saving us the tedious chore of deleting them later. The user menus were intuitive. The remote had features others don't, such as one-touch buttons for your three favorite channels (no more pressing 1-1-4-dot-1-enter for cable HD channel 7).
This TV would have been a keeper, except for one flaw we couldn't live with. When the volume is turned down low, the background noise (hiss) is quite loud. Exchanging it for another didn't help; the second unit had the same problem and even worse, although the model number was identical, the firmware was apparently different and the menus were less user-friendly.
In summary, if we didn't need to listen to this television at low volume, we would have been very happy with it. But, for a quiet environment, it simply wasn't up to the task.

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Perfect for any place where space is at a premium!This stylish Westinghouse SK-26H730S 26-inch Widescreen LCD HDTV features a 26-inch widescreen LCD with a 1366 x 768 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio so you can expect brilliant images. With 160 degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles you can get a great view no matter where you sit or stand!With two HDMI ports you can connect a game console and get your game on or connect a Blu-ray player and enjoy movies the way they were meant to be seen and heard! Its two built-in 10-watt speakers deliver crisp and clear audio. Thanks to the fast 8 ms response time, the SK-26H730S is ideal for gaming and fast action movies and TV shows.Order your Westinghouse SK-26H730S 26-inch Widescreen LCD HDTV today!By law, California shipments of this product are subject to an $16.00Electronic Waste Recycling Fee

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Samsung LN40B630 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color Review

Samsung LN40B630 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Average Reviews:

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Being the first to review the 2009 Samsung LN40B630 on Amazon was purely an accident in that I actually bought the new Sony KDL-40V5100 on April 2nd. At that time, the Samsung B650 had just come out, but its high gloss panel would not have performed well in my brightly lit room. My high definition projection TV had kicked the bucket after 8-years, but I rarely enjoyed watching HD because the daylight glare would wash out the picture. The Sony's non-glare screen performed well except when the picture would black out during dark movie scenes. I discovered that many of the V5100 series have had this glitch and Sony had no fix for it at that time. To Best Buy's credit, they cheerfully exchanged the Sony under their 30-day return policy and delivered the Samsung B630 model which has a non-glare screen and is similar to the popular B650.
My expectations of the new Samsung were that it would perform much like the Sony. I could not have been more wrong. The B630 was like viewing another huge leap in a television experience, while the Sony seemed to be of past technology. The depth and breadth of Samsung's visual color tones are astounding and mesmerizing. A perfect example of that came from viewing scenes of the Caribbean Sea. The Sony could not match the Samsung's Wide Color Enhancer 3 processor with its three dimensional qualities and vibrant tones of turquoise, sea green, cobalt blue, coral pink and white sand clearly seen under the sea. It literally was like being there.
The Samsung's dynamic contrast of 80,000-1 was visibly superior to the Sony's 50,000-1 and convinced me that Samsung's contrast rating was more than a marketing numbers game. The viewing angle of the Sony was horrific when moving away from center by seeing flesh tones morph into green. Samsung's viewing angle was far better by maintaining the proper color tones, but it did lose contrast and brightness. Of course, a slight turn of its swivel base helped to alleviate Samsung's viewing angle issue.
The downside to Samsung's advanced technology was that every movie appeared as video and lost its magical cinema quality. Sony was superior in dealing with this issue. To address that problem, the backlight and contrast settings have to be toned down to soften the picture and to preserve a film's attributes. Most importantly, an adjustment to the 120 Hz Motion Plus feature must be done in order to keep movies from appearing surreal. While some recommend turning the 120 Hz off, I found video blurring far too annoying and placed the Auto Motion Plus to a custom setting of 6 for blur and judder reduction. That seemed like a good compromise without losing much of the film's realistic movement. Experiment with every adjustment to find your best settings and calibration instructions are easily found on [...]. It all came together beautifully for me and hopefully this information can be helpful to you.
One bad design feature was the power and channel functions on the TV itself. You cannot see where they are unless you have light shining directly on them. As long as you use only the remote control, it may be a non-issue. By-the-way, in case you were wondering how effective the non-glare screen was on the Samsung B630; it was perfect. I experienced crystal clear high definition TV -- Day or Night.

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Samsung LN40B630 40" LCD TV LN40B630N1FXZA LCD Flat Panel TVs

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Monday, October 8, 2012

Westinghouse TX-42F430S 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Westinghouse TX-42F430S 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
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Summary:
I am extremely pleased with this LCD. The picture is bright and clear and the colors are excellent. I am completely satisfied with the purchase and recommend this device to anyone.
Expanded Review:
First, I defined my goals: From about 8 feet away I want to watch High Definition DVD's at 1080p, watch High Definition television including local channels, connect some gaming consoles, connect a PC, and connect my surround sound receiver.
I looked at different products for a year. I would compare the appearance between the different sets in the store, read online reviews, talked to friends, and read product specifications.
I decided on the following and intended to act before the end of summer: I would obtain a decent 42" LCD with all of the necessary connectors for under $1600, I would purchase a PS3 for Blu-ray as well as HD gaming with the bonus that it will upconvert my current DVD's, and upgrade my current cable service to HD for HD television viewing. I figured to spend about $2000-$2200.
When the PS3 price dropped to $500 it figured it was time to move. The contenders after my research included the Samsung, Sony, LG, and the Westinghouse LVM-42W2. Most were over the limit to what I was comfortable spending so it came down to the LVM-42w2. When I went to find it I discovered the TX-42F430S that had been recently introduced. Additionally it was available at a local yellow tagged electronics superstore for the best price advertised. I was able to view this unit side by side with the other available LCD's and it looked just as good, to me, as much more expensive models. I realized however that the signal being pumped into those devices on the wall was not a 1080p signal and that the picture at home might look different. At that point I figured it was bright, the colors were coming through, the menu system was functional, and it was the lowest priced 42" 1080p LCD available ($1299). I bought it with a matching of the online deal that threw in a Sony HT-DDW790 home theater system and a 60 day in house price match. The following Sunday 7/29 it went on sale for $1099. I got the price match ($200 back) and sold the HT system for $120. So, total for this system with PS3 was right about $1500 plus cables, controllers, Blu-ray Planet Earth, and a couple of games for the PS3. I feel good.
Results:
1. I have the PS3 connected to one of the four(!) HDMI connectors and it looks awesome. Motorstorm at 720p is excellent and Planet Earth at 1080p is unbelievable. I had to get the blue tooth remote for playing movies, you can do it with the controller but it's a pain. Most of the upconverted DVD's look incredible, much better than on standard def TV, this was much better than I expected and for someone not hypersensitive it would be hard to differentiate it from some native HD or Blu-ray DVD's.
2. HD Digital Cable content through the component connection looks very good. Standard Definition looks like garbage, but this is expected of all HD LCD's, the pixels on the LCD display the picture in all it's ugly glory. In all my research, I have not come across a way to watch standard def TV and it not look bad. It's functional, and viewable if you don't expand the screen and let it display in 4:3, but a step down when viewing most of the normal TV content. One can only hope that more and more channels come to HD format.
3. I have my PC, Wii, and PS2 (only for guitar hero) hooked up though the home theater receiver via S-video at the moment and it serves. I want to move the PC to the VGA connector (I need a new dual head video card), the Wii to the component connection, and the PS2 directly to the S-video in the future.
4. I have a digital optical cable running from the output on the LCD to the HT receiver and it sounds good. The interal LCD speakers can be turned off so that only the HT system is used.
So, I am very happy. I hope this helps some of you still looking. I relied heavily on comments about the products here and I wanted to return the favor.

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Turn your home theater into the embodiment of cinema expression with the new TX series from Westinghouse Digital. Meet the TX-42F430S, a 42?1080p LCD HDTV - truly the perfect TV for all your entertainment needs. This LCD HDTV offers 1080Pure - 1080p resolution out of all HD inputs (including component), an astounding four (4) HDMI inputs, and an integrated ATSC/NTSC/ClearQAM tuner. This display is not only an engineering marvel but designed with class and sophistication; featuring subtle curves and a thin 5.5?housing this display has a deep onyx bezel with brushed titanium accents. Enjoy the latest Blu-ray or HD DVD?movie, gaming on a PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii, or watching your favorite HD TV show.

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