HD Guru » Blu-ray Players

IKEA To Enter The US HDTV Market

Gary — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:41:09 +0000

IKEA just announced it is throwing its unassembled hat into the ring with four TV’s with 2.1 sound systems, disc players, all in an integrated cabinet. The cabinet is designed by them, the TVs, on the other hand, will be supplied by Chinese electronics company TCL.

More info after the jump.

It’s called the UPPLEVA TV, which apparently translates from Swedish to English as “Experience TV.” The US LED LCD models debut in April 2013, with screen sizes of 24 to 46-inches, the largest screen size currently offered by TCL.

21st Century Console TV

Back in the late 20th century, the major US TV makers would combine a CRT TV with a stereo system into a massive wooden cabinet, called console TVs. They became a centerpiece in living rooms across America.

The new IKEA version includes an integrated remote for control of the TV, audio, disc player, and a cable or satellite box. The larger screen models will be Smart TVs, providing Internet streaming of movies. The sets will be carrying a five-year IKEA warranty.

We expect this combo will appeal to folks with limited space like students, young couples and those on tight budgets. Also, those who like meatballs or ABBA.

Compared to the Upcoming Apple iTV

A number of news outlets have been comparing the Uppleva to the rumoured Apple iTV. Based on all information published regarding the Apple product, the only comparison is both happen to be televisions. Apple iTV is rumoured to combine cloud TV services like a video iTunes with speech recognition and Siri vocal responses.

The Uppleva TV is based on the TCL-branded Smart TVs, and will be similar to the purchase of an HDTV, sound bar and disc player from the same brand, allowing the use of a single remote control. The major TV companies (i.e. Samsung, Panasonic, LG etc.) all make components that you can operate with a single remote control. In addition, the IKEA cabinet will take care of cord management and includes all the necessary cables and connectors.

Save On The Best Selling HDTVs

Blu-ray Deals

Big Markdowns on 3D TVs

Deals On New 2012 HDTV Models

Ready To Assemble

All the IKEA models are full HD 1080p, and will be available with either a black or white finish. Smart TV models include built-in Wi-Fi and an ambient room light sensor. In addition to the Blu-ray player, the system includes a wireless subwoofer, a radio tuner, and USB jacks for connectivity to an iPhone and other smartphones, or MP3 players and iPods.

Cabinets will be in white, black, beech or walnut finishes.

While the Uppleva TV, disc player and speakers will be factory assembled, like most other IKEA furniture the cabinet ships unassembled, requiring buyers to screw all the cabinet parts together. Most TV chain store furniture comes this way too, so this is not unusual. As we’ve mentioned before, placing a flat TV on top of a deeper cabinet does not take full advantage of the space savings LED TVs afford.

When we receive more specific information from IKEA, probably closer to the 2013 release, HD Guru will publish and update. The first Uppleva TV models will ship in Europe later this year.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Latest LG 2012 HDTV, Blu-ray Prices and Discounts Revealed

Gary — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:38:11 +0000

We’ve compiled a finalized listing of LG’s 2012 HDTVs model line. The models include LED LCDs, CCFL LCDs, plasma HDTVs and Blu-ray players. We’ve included major features, prices and shipping dates. The only omissions are the upcoming 55-Inch OLED and its 4K 84-Inch LED LCD, both are expected in ship in the second half of 2012, as LG has not yet provided specifics.

All the models are shown with the suggested retails. We’ve added links for Amazon direct’s discounted deals. LG allows dealers to discount its 2012 HDTVs.

Samsung’s ES Series and Sony (HX, XBR) are sold under their respective new one price policies which prohibit its dealers (online and b&m) from offering discounts making LGs 2012 an even better value.

The LG LM6700 models are the 2012 version of the highly rated 2011 LW5600 3D LED LCD . Follow the link for our review. We will be testing a number of 2012 LGs soon.

(BI=Black Frame Insertion)

Plasma

Model Avail Description Sug. Selling Price

60PM9700 Now 1080p, Smart TV, 3D, MM R/C, Trublack filter, WiFi, 4x HDMI, 2x USB $2399.99

50PM9700 Now 1080p, Smart TV, 3D, MM R/C, Trublack filter, WiFi, 4x HDMI, 2x USB $1699.99

60PM6700 Now 1080p, Smart TV, 3D, WiFi, 4x HDMI, 2x USB $1799.99

50PM6700 Now 1080p, Smart TV, 3D, WiFi, 4x HDMI, 2x USB $1199.99

60PA6500 Now 1080p, 3x HDMI, 1x USB $1499.99

50PA6500 Now 1080p, 3x HDMI, 1x USB $ 899.99

50PM4700 Now 720p, Smart TV, 3x HDMI, 2x USB $ 899.99

42PM4700 Now 720p, Smart TV, 3x HDMI, 2x USB $ 699.99

50PA4500 Now 720p, 2x HDMI, 1x USB $ 749.99

42PA4500 Now 720p, 2x HDMI, 1x USB $ 549.99

Save On The Best Selling HDTVs

Best Deals On New 2012 HDTVs

Big Markdowns on 3D TVs

LED-LCD

60LM9600 Sept Cinema Screen Design, 3D, Polaris LED, 480HZ(240Hz+BI), Smart TV $4199.99

55LM9600 Apr Cinema Screen Design, 3D, Nano Full LED, 480HZ (240Hz+BI), SmartTV $3599.99

47LM9600 Apr Cinema Screen Design, 3D, Nano Full LED, 480HZ(240Hz+BI) , Smart TV $2899.99

72LM9500 May 3D, 1080p, LED+,240Hz(120Hz+BI), Smart TV $6499.99

55LM8600 Apr Cinema Screen Design, 3D, 240 Hz (120Hz+BI), LED+, Smart TV $2899.99

47LM8600 Now Cinema Screen Design, 3D, 240 Hz (120Hz+BI), LED+, Smart TV $2299.99

55LM7600 Now Cinema Screen Design, 3D, 240 Hz (120Hz+BI), LED+, Smart TV $2299.99

47LM7600 Now Cinema Screen Design, 3D, 240 Hz (120Hz+BI), LED+, Smart TV $1949.99

55LM6700 Now Cinema Screen Design, 3D, LED+, Smart TV $2299.99

47LM6700 Now Cinema Screen Design, 3D, LED+, Smart TV $1749.99

55LMG620 Now 3D, Smart TV w/Google TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $2299.99

47LMG620 Apr 3D, Smart TV w/Google TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $1699.99

65LM6200 Now 3D, Smart TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $3599.99

55LM6200 Now 3D, Smart TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $2099.99

47LM6200 Now 3D, Smart TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $1499.99

42LM6200 Now 3D, Smart TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $1299.99

60LS5700 Apr Smart TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $2599.99

55LS5700 Now Smart TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $1879.99

47LS5700 Now Smart TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $1299.99

42LS5700 Now Smart TV, 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $1099.99

55LS4600 Now 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $1649.99

47LS4600 Now 1080p 120 Hz (60Hz+BI), Edge LED $1099.99

32LS3500 Now 720p, 60 Hz Edge LED $ 459.99

26LS3500 Now 720p, 60 Hz Edge LED $ 329.99

22LS3500 Now 720p, 60 Hz Edge LED $ 299.99

42LS3400 Now 1080p, 60 Hz Direct LED $ 719.99

32LS3400 Now 720p, 60 Hz Direct LED $ 429.99

CCFL LCD

47CM565 Now 1080p, 3D, 60 Hz, CCFL $ 999.99

47CS570 Now 1080p, 60 Hz, CCFL $ 899.99

42CS570 Now 1080p, 60 Hz, CCFL $ 699.99

42CS560 Now 1080p, 60 Hz, CCFL $ 629.99

37CS560 Now 1080p, 60 Hz, CCFL $ 499.99

32CS560 Now 1080p, 60 Hz, CCFL $ 449.99

32CS460 Now 720p, 60 Hz, CCFL $ 349.99

Blu-ray Players

BP220 Now 2D, Wired Internet, Premium content $ 89.99

BP320 Now 2D, WiFi, Premium content $ 119.99

BP520 Now 3D, WiFi ready, Smart $ 129.99

BP620 Now 3D, WiFi, Smart $ 149.99

SP520 Now Smart upgrader, WiFi, Premium content $ 79.99

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

The HD GURU CES 2012 Top Pick Award Winners Announced

Gary — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:39:52 +0000

The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show is packed with new and innovative home theater products as all major home entertainment manufacturers debut their latest product lines. HD Guru and Geoff Morrison spent the week scouring press events and company booths seeking out the best new HDTV, 3D TV, Blu-ray player, Streaming Media Player, Sound Bar and the Best In Show.

This year’S HDTV products are the most innovative we’ve seen in years, with much larger screen sizes, new big screen display technology, new remote controls and much more. On to the winners.

Best HDTV: Panasonic VT50 Series Plasma (to be available in 55″,65″ screen sizes)

With picture improvements coming from almost every major TV maker gave us a long lists of finalists to consider. However, the improvements in the 2012 Panasonic top of the line VT50 plasma series are significant. Last year’s VT30 series took top honors for picture performance. In 2012 Panasonic raised the bar with a new way to drive the pixels that lowers the black level to the deepest ever, and better motion clarity using its new 2500 focused field drive circuit, according to a Panasonic spokesperson.

In a side-by-side comparison of the VT30 and VT 50 plasmas on the show floor the improvements a clear. The VT50 has the best image quality of any 2012 plasma or LED LCD we’ve seen at the show.

Best Media Player: LG SP820

LG’s SP820 Smart Upgrader turns any HDTV into a Smart TV providing instant streaming from Vudu, Amazon Instant, Cinema Now, Internet browser and more. In addition there are many apps available from LG’s app shop. This 2012 version adds Flash, HTML5 content viewing capability and LG’s Magic Motion remote that allows control by buttons, moving and tilting or with a wheel. The SP820 will ship this spring.

HDTVs On Sale

Blu-ray Deals

Big Markdowns on 3D TVs

Best Sound Bar: Sharp HT-SL77

Sharp is no stranger to audio business, making audio components for decades. This year Sharp is introducing the innovative HT-SL77 2.1 system. The midrange and tweeter sections can be placed horizontally below the screen and comes with extensions to match the width of 46, 52, 60 or 70-Inch HDTVs. The HT-SL77 can also be separated into to sections as left and right vertical towers and includes an attachable base for each speaker. The height can be set to match 60 or 70-Inch flat panels.

The HT-SL77 also includes a wireless subwoofer. The HDMI output supports the Audio Return Channel feature found within 2011 and 2012 Sharp and many other major brand HDTVs to direct the audio from multiple HDMI sources such as HD cable box, game console and Blu-ray player to the sound bar seamlessly. The H-SL77 ships in April with a retail price of $449.99

Best 3D TV: LG 84″ LED 84LM9600

The LG 84LM9600 is loaded with industry firsts. It is the largest consumer flat panel HDTV being offered for sale. It is the first to offer a screen with four times the resolution of HDTV (3840×2160). LG calls it UHD. The cherry on top is the 84LM9600 is the first 3D TV using inexpensive, light weight passive 3D glasses to maintain Full HD vertical resolution (1080 as half of 2160), overcoming our biggest objection regarding passive 3D technology.

The 3D image is not only big, but bright and beautiful as it doesn’t have the visible lines when viewing 3D that to date has been associated with all other passive 3D TVs. Being the top series in LG’s 2012 LED LCD HDTV line this giant screen set includes Internet streaming and apps, LG’s best new Magic Motion remote with voice and gesture control. It all comes wrapped in a slim, brushed aluminum bezel. The 84 converts all content to its 4K resolution and will accept future 4K sources through its HDMI input. Scheduled for Spring release LG has not yet revealed pricing.

Best Blu-ray Player: Panasonic DMP-BBT01

The Panasonic DMP-BBT01 is like no other Blu-ray player Panasonic has ever produced. It is heavily featured with Panasonic’s latest video processor, offers Smartphone remote control capability, a new touchpad remote control, 3D disc play, 2D-to-3D up-conversion, and Internet streaming thanks to Panasonic’s VieraConnect system. The player comes wrapped in a new small slim design with a slot-in drive allows one to insert a disc without the need for a tray. TheDMP-BBT01 player comes with a stand and can be operated either vertically, or horizontally.

Best In Show: LG 55EM9600 55″ OLED

OLED (organic light emitting diodes) is the first new big screen flat panel tech since 1997. The LG 55EM9600 delivers everything big screen OLED promises, vivid color, fantastic contrast, 180 degree viewing angle and pitch black blacks. All coming from a 4mm thick design the OLED image beat out everything else at CES.

The LG 55-Inch 55EM9600 has two configurations. One is a table stand version with the speakers and electronics built into the base. The other, a wall mount version with the electronics and downward firing speakers housed within a backpack that sits between the wall and the screen. This OLED is a full featured HDTV with 1080p resolution, Smart TV with voice and gesture remote and 3D. Expect to see it yourself in Q3, at a priced to be announced.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

CES 2012 Sony’s HDTV Announcements

Gary — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:28:13 +0000

At CES 2012 Sony announced a dramatic shift in its television marketing, reducing the number of model series from six in 2011 to just four for 2012. The remaining series are the entry level BX, the step-up EX and the flagship HX models.

All but the entry BX will be 1080p with best in class black levels and will feature Sony’s X-Reality or X-Reality Pro signal processing, Motion Flow higher refresh rates and be connected to the Internet via Sony Entertainment Network and Yahoo apps according to an early Sony press release. The HX model will also feature Skype video.

Sony debuts a new Blu-ray player with Google android apps called the NSZ-GP9 and a Google media player called the NSZ-GP9. These are equipped with a new redesigned remote control for improved functionality and includes finger gesturing, backlight and motion sensing.

HDTVs On Sale

Blu-ray Movie Deals From $5.49

Big Markdowns on 3D TVs

Sony introduced three new Blu-ray players with Wi-Fi. The BDP-S790 includes 4K upscaling but no word yet as to whether any of its new TVs will have 4K resolution.

Reports out of Japan indicate Sony is abandoning OLED HDTV in favor of its own new “Crystal LED” panel showing its first 55-Inch prototype at CES. This HDTV uses red, blue and green LEDs to create a picture with higher contrast, a wider color gamut and 10 times faster response rate than LCD. No work yet as to if and when a production model will appear. Keep checking for more CES news.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Samsung OLED! (and LED, Plasma and more…)

Geoff Morrison — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:55:45 +0000

Samsung, today, unveiled a 55-inch “super” OLED flat panel TV. They also announced new LED LCD and plasma models.

What makes them “super?” What makes the LED and plasmas “new?”

All that, plus a lot of HD Guru-exclusive info, after the jump.

OLED!

Organic Light-Emitting Diode TVs offer the promise of the best picture quality ever (and yes, we’re including CRT). Long “vaporware” in the TV world, 2012 might be the year we see actual models. Samsung’s 55-inch model sure seems like the real deal… maybe. They’re promising a delivery in 2012, but at the moment there’s no pricing, release date, or even a model number. We remain optimistic, but skeptical. HDGuru was told it was advancements to the lifespan of the blue phosphor that allowed development of OLED into a real (potentially) product this year.

Here’s what we know:

“Super” in Samsung-parlance means red, green, and blue pixels. This is their way of pointing out that LG’s OLED uses “white” OLEDs and color filters.

Active 3D and 1080p

There will be a separate box with inputs and the power supply (similar to their C9000 LED LCD)

Media Hub, and Smart Interaction (more on this below)

UNES8000 Smart LED LCD

Whenever you see the “S” in the model number, this stands for “Slim” implying an ultra-thin bezel. The high-end, edge-lit ES8000 series will be available in 46, 55, 60, 65, and 75-inch models.

Smart Interaction, with an IR Blaster included to control other home theater gear.

Dual-core chipset for faster performance with apps.

Bluetooth 3D glasses, compatible with 2011 Samsung models (at least, those that had Bluetooth) along with BT-enabled TVs from Sharp, Sony, Panasonic, and XpandD. This year a more standard Bluetooth transmission technology is being used, so you can connect a BT keyboard and mouse for better web browsing.

At least 2 pairs of 3D glasses included, some models get 4.

“True” 240 Hz, plus a scanning backlight.

Available this spring.

PNE8000 Plasma Smart TV

Sizes will be similar with the new models: 51, 60, and 64-inches. The bezel is a bit smaller than 2011, but the depth remains at 1.5-inches.

The biggest news with the new plasmas is a 10% improvement in black levels, thanks to changes to software and hardware.

Smart Interaction

Available this spring.

Smart Interaction

Taking a cue from Xbox Connect, Samsung’s Smart Interaction promises a new way to interact with your television. There’s no wand, the TV sees/hears your commands. There’s Motion Control (physical gestures), Voice Control (two mics built-in for noise reduction), and even Face Recognition that can log you into Skype or apps with just your pretty mug. Samsung plans on releasing a software developers kit so 3rd parties can create apps that take advantage of the tech.

And even though the camera is always on (the better to see you with, my darling…) there is a manual shutter you can close so it’s not always looking at you.

Using the IR blaster, you could use Smart Interaction to control other pieces of gear in your system.

All very interesting… if it works.

Blu-ray

The only really big news on the BD front is “Disc-to-Digital” from Flixster. Despite a rather stupid name (discs are digital, duh), it’s an interesting concept. You give Flixster information on what movies you own on DVD or Blu-ray, and then you can stream those movies for a small initial “conversion” fee. Not limited to Blu-ray players, you can stream the movies from anywhere via the Flixster website.

Other features include a full web browser and WiFi.

Home Theater/Sound Bar

Not forgetting audio, the HT-E6730W is a 7.1-channel Blu-ray HTIB. The six satellites get 165 watts, the center and sub each get 170 for a system power rating of 1,330 watts. Built-in WiFi is cool, as is a proprietary vacuum tube amp technology.

The HW-E550 Surround sound bar is a bit of a transformer. You can put it below the TV, or split it in two and use it as two vertical speakers. Virtually creates 5.1 sound from its pair of 80-watt speakers. The included 150watt sub is wireless. More importantly it has 2 HDMI in, and one out.

Geoff Morrison @TechWriterGeoff
Check out Geoff’s book.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Solving Problems with Your New HDTV

Gary — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:39:12 +0000

photo courtesy of Cox

If Santa brought you a new HDTV today we offer advice on how to get a great high definition picture. First thing you need to do is get the TV into the right place in one piece. Check out our article here.

The Biggest Issue

To see high definition images you must connect the HDTV using high definition capable cable(s) to a high definition source. The best way to do this is with a High-Speed HDMI cable (right photo) which provides the best video and audio via a single digital connection. If you did not buy one to connect a high definition cable box or HD satellite box to your HDTV there is a “work around” called a component video connection. Unlike HDMI, component video signal cables have three RCA type connectors on each end of the cable for the video. While some source boxes come with this cable (if you have one it will have a red, blue and green RCA plugs on each end of the cable as pictured on the left). If not don’t panic, we have another temporary ”work around” after the jump.

There is a way to use a standard definition analog video/audio cable and a stereo audio cable to pass the HD signal and audio from the source to the TV as a temporary fix until you obtain an HDMI cable.

Many folks have one or more of these analog cables laying around or possibly being used to connect a DVD player to another TV. The standard definition AV analog cable has three connectors. The connectors are yellow, red and white (photo on right side). Using this cable will let you see the HD video from your source box. You will still need a stereo RCA cable to get the audio. It is pictured below on the left.

To get the HD video from the cable box to the TV you will see the connectors marked component video on the back of the HDTV and your cable or satellite box. If there is more than one on the HDTV use the one labeled component video 1.

There are three colored RCA type jacks on the back of the TV and HD source box , a green one labeled “Y” a blue labeled Pb and a red labeled Pr. Connect the yellow ends of the cable to the green “Y” jacks, the red ends to the Pr jacks and the remaining plug (it will either be white or black) to the blue colored Pb jacks. The “Y” cable carries all the high definition detail in black and white know as “luminance” while the Pr and Pb supply the color information.

Next to or below the component TV jacks on the source box and TV are the component video’s associated left and right audio jacks. Use a stereo RCA cable (pictured left) to make the connection. Plug the red connector at one end of the cable to the jack labeled right or R audio on the same component input on the TV. Connect the other end of the cable to the matching connector on the source box. The second one (it will either be black or white a ) connects to the jacks labeled left or L audio.

Get the TV’s remote control and select the component video input. If the TV has more than one use the one labeled Component Video 1.

Now make sure your source box is powered on and playing a channel or disc and you should be seeing a picture. Tune a cable/satellite box to a high definition channel and you should be seeing an HD picture.

Picture Adjustments

Check out our Setting Up Your New HDTV article here.

Other Problems

If you have another issue with a new TV call the customer service department. Here is a list of the major TV brands’ customer service numbers. We note the ones that are open on Christmas day and their hours of operation. It is a good idea to write down the model and serial number of your TV before calling. It can be found on the back of the TV.

Samsung-Open Christmas 24 hours 1-800-Samsung

Sony Open Christmas 8 am-9pm Eastern Time 1-239-768-7604

Vizio- Closed Christmas day. reopens 7:00 am Mountain Time Monday, 1-877-698-4946

Sharp-Closed Christmas day reopens 7:00 am Central Time Monday 1-800-237-4277

Panasonic-Closed Christmas day reopens 9:00 am Monday 1-800-211-7262

Toshiba-Closed Christmas day reopens 8:00 am Monday 1-800-631-3811

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Need A Last Minute Gift? Pick One of The Top 10 Selling Gadgets

Gary — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:42:26 +0000

Still can’t decide what to get your favorite gadget lover? Here’s the list of Amazon’s top 10 electronics sellers. It’s not too late to get in an order and have it delivered before Christmas. The hottest items are Blu-ray players, MP3 players and e-book readers. Do you a see a trend here? (Hint: They’re all connected to the Internet)

All listed items are available with free shipping. 2 day shipping is also available. It’s free with a $79 Amazon Prime subscription and includes Amazon Instant video with thousands of free movie downloads for the Kindle Fire and the listed Panasonic Blu-ray player.
The list after the jump.

The Kindles e-book readers. The top model Kindle Fire, Full Color 7″ Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi $199.00 also features access to streaming video via Wi-Fi and more

The Apple iPod touch (4th Generation) – Black music players start at $184.99

The Roku 2 XS 1080p Streaming Player $88.00 turns any HDTV into a Smart TV via Internet connection. This Roku includes free one say shipping so you know it will arrive before Santa slides down the chimney.

The Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD $338.86 packs a lot of performance into a small package.

The Apple TV MC572LL/A (NEWEST VERSION) $94.99 will convert any HDTV into a Smart TV. Services include Netflix and flicker. Check out our review of the major streaming devices here.

For the person you do not want to get lost the Garmin nüvi 1450LMT 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator withLifetime Map & Traffic Updates$159.99 with free shipping from Amazon direct.

HDTVs On Sale

Blu-ray Movie Deals From $5.49

Big Markdowns on 3D TVs

Today’s Best Selling HDTVs

Amazon Gift Cards

The LG BD630 Network Blu-ray Disc Player$59.98 is half off retail and turns your HDTV into a Smart TV withNet Flix, CinemaNow and Vudu movie services.

Panasonic DMP-BDT210 Integrated-Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray DVD Player$127.99 with free shipping offers Amazon Instant video along with Vudu and Netflix movie services along with Skype video (with optional extra cost camera) and more.

For the adventurer in your life the ContourROAM Hands-free HD Camcorder $157.74 is waterproof (up to one meter) and ruggedly shockproof

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) $109.00 with free shipping is small enough to take almost anywhere

We recommend and affiliate (we may earn a small commission on referred sales) with Amazon because they have among the best HDTV policies in the industry including a 14 day low price guarantee and 30 Day returns with free return freight. They stand behind their sales. Note: prices are correct as of posting and may change at any time, please verify with our links; Most states do not collect sales tax on Amazon orders [with the exceptions of [CO, KS, KY, NY, ND & WA]. You always must pay sales tax when buying at any brick and mortar store. Should you buy an HDTV from on-line or from a retail store? Learn all the pros and cons in our article here.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Amazon’s Last Minute Home Entertainment Gifts- A Sneak Peek

Gary — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:22:23 +0000

HD Guru obtained an advanced copy of Amazon’s Sunday Circular (Dec 18). It’s loaded with last minute deals on Blu-ray discs, HDTVs, digital cameras and more. We’ve listed the home entertainment items below. In addition Amazon if offering free one day shipping on hundreds of items.
Follow our list for last minute savings available through Dec 21st.

Please note all items must be purchased from “Amazon Direct” for free shipping and offers. Items marked $TBA will go live with price at 12:00 am pacific time Sunday Dec. 18th.

Blu-ray Discs
Buy Super 8, Thor or Tranformers: Dark of the Moon for $24.99 each + Buy any two and save $10

Now $149.99 + free one day shipping

Was $599.99 Now $504.99 + Free 1 day shipping

Retail $180 Now $99.99 + Free 1 Day Shipping

Retail $700 Now 579.99 + free 1 Day Shipping

Retail $800 Now $609.99 + Free Shipping and $50 Promo Credit . Click TV link for details

Retail $200 Now $127.60 + Free Shipping and $20 Amazon Credit

Retail $400 Now $252.95 + $20 Amazon Credit. Click item link for details

Retail $30 Now $24.99 with free shipping

Retail $700 Now $TBA

Retail $4500 Now $2299.00 + free shipping and free family pack 6pr. 3D glasses

Retail $50 Now $44.99 with free One-Day Shipping

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Gadget Gift Ideas for Your HDTV and More

Geoff Morrison — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:12:49 +0000

Looking for the best gadgets and HDTV accessories for the gadget-loving HDTV accessorizing person in your life?

No problem. We here at HD Guru have picked out some inexpensive gifts from $5 to $499 that any tech fan will love.

Apple TV

Gary and I disagree about this one. He doesn’t like that it’s only 720p. I think it’s a fantastic, easy-to-use media streamer. Stream Netflix, rent/buy movies and TV shows from iTunes, and stream music and other content from your computer. An all-around fantastic product.

It’s $94.99 on Amazon.

Roku LT

For a bit less, you can get the Roku LT. You get Amazon instead of iTunes, and lose AirPlay (and anything like it built-in). On the other hand, it’s a lot cheaper, and you get HBO Go and Hulu Plus. A fantastic bargain.

The Roku LT is $49.99.

Logitech Revue

The Logitech Revue is 1080p plus has a great scaler and built-in web browser with wirless keyboard. The latest 3.1 version smoothes out some of the odd quirks. Look for our full review of the update soon. In the mean time, it’s a highly functional product for those looking to add Internet surfing to their living room.

The Logitech Revue is $99.99 from Amazon Direct.

Kindle Fire

Don’t believe the naysayers: the Kindle Fire is a fantastic product. It is not, in any way, an iPad competitor. The iPad is a tablet computer, the Fire is a portable content device. If you’re just looking for something to watch videos on, maybe surf the web, the Fire is excellent.

Amazon’s Kindle Fire is $199.

Disney WoW: World of Wonder

This excellent setup disc has tutorials to help you understand ever part of your home theater, and comes with extensive test patterns so you can dial in your HDTV’s settings.

Easily worth the money.

Disney’s WOW: World of Wonder is $25.99 on Blu-ray.

Top Holiday Deals

HDTVs On Sale

Blu-ray Movie Deals From $5.49

Big Markdowns on 3D TVs

Amazon Gift Cards

Blu-ray player

Blu-ray players are insanely cheap now. Hard to find one that doesn’t have everything you need. This Panasonic has WiFi, streaming, and 3D. Pretty awesome for only $129.99.

Panasonic DMP-BDT210 $129.99 on Amazon.

TiVo Premiere Elite

This ultimate DVR features 4 HDTV tuners, 2 terabytes of storage, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Blockbuster and Amazon Instant Video. It’s even THX Certified.

The Premiere Elite is $482.83.

Undersea

In the gratuitous self-promotion category, I submit… my book! I wrote a sci-fi action adventure novel, and if you’re into that kind of thing, I think you’ll dig it. Here’s the synopsis and cover, to convince you of its awesomeness (not that I’m biased):

In a world flooded and irradiated by a nearly forgotten cataclysm generations passed, all that remains of civilization clings to life in two war-torn, city-sized submarines. For fifty years, the only peace between them has come from separation.

Now, young councilwoman Ralla Gattley has uncovered mysteries that will bring these two factions face-to-face, setting in motion events that will forever change their undersea world. Along the way she meets Thom Vargas, a bored fisherman and aspiring drunk who merely wants to climb one rung on the social ladder. Little does he know that single step may well put the fate of the world in his hands.

Undersea is $4.99 for Kindle, and $13.99 in paperback.

Geoff Morrison @TechWriterGeoff

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

3D TV Buying Guide

Geoff Morrison — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:02:34 +0000

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard about 3D HDTV. However, the poor roll-out and competing viewing formats has made 3D one of the most confusing features ever.

This guide will help you decide which 3D-equipped HDTV is right for you.

What It Is

3DTV is more accurately described as “stereoscopic” television. You may recall View-Master slide viewers, these are an early example of 3DTV, just minus the TV part. The underlying principle is the same: Two distinct views are made of the same object, one as the left eye sees it, and the other as the right eye would see it. To view in 3D, the left eye must only see the left eye view and the right eye the right view.

If there is leakage between the different views (as in, the left eye sees some of the right image, or vice versa), ghost images appear when viewing. This is known as crosstalk, an obvious artifact that degrades the viewing experience.

Types of 3D

There are two distinct types of 3D televisions: active and passive.

Passive 3D requires the cheap, lightweight glasses you get at most 3D movie theaters. These “circular polarized” glasses are interchangeable among the different passive 3DTV brands, like LG and Toshiba. A number of 3rd-party companies now sell passive 3D glasses as well. The proponents of passive 3D, like LG, continue to campaign against the active format. Passive 3D TVs assign half their lines of resolution to each eye, so at any given moment each eye receives 1,920×540 resolution.

Active 3D uses battery-powered Ã“active-shutter” glasses with simple LCDs as lenses. These block/pass the light when synced to the television. The glasses are manufacturer specific 3D glasses, and as they are more complex than passive 3D glasses, cost more. Moste sync to the TV with IR (infrared, like a remote) but a growing number are wireless (Bluetooth, etc). Active 3D TVs provide full-1080p resolution to each eye.

There are a number of “universal” glasses offered by Xpand, Monster, and others, but as nearly all active-shutter have a brand-specific tint, these universal glasses may not have exactly the same color characteristics.

Top Holiday Deals

Save on these HDTVs

Today’s Best Selling HDTVs

Sources

In addition to a 3DTV, you need a 3D source. The most common is Blu-ray. Currently, Blu-ray players with 3D as a feature command a slight price premium over their 2D-only counterparts. Even so, inexpensive 3D Blu-ray players abound. Blu-ray is currently the only way to get full-1080p 3D. All other sources have lower 3D resolution.

There are 139 3D Blu-ray titles available now.

Check out our 2011 Blu-ray Player Buyer’s Guide.

Cable/Satellite

A growing number of cable providers, along with DirecTV, are offering 3D channels.

DirecTV and Comcast and have carried ESPN 3D since its launch. Time Warner Cable and Verizons FiOS followed suit shortly thereafter.

Starz 3D is available VOD on Cablevision, Cox, Verizon, Blue Ridge, and Comcast (the latter also has Xfinity 3D).

DirecTV also offers dedicated 3D channels like n3D, 3net, and DirecTV Cinema (a VOD service).

Even though most providers are offering some 3D, it’s often limited to one or two channels.

Types of 3D

Unlike Blu-ray 3D, all other sources of 3D are partial-resolution. This is out of the need to fit the 3D signal in the same space as a 2D signal. Geoff has a detailed article about the technology behind this.

The short version is this: Blu-ray uses Frame Sequential, which has full-resolution frames of video for each eye.

Side-by-Side packs the left and right eye info, exactly as it sounds, side-by-side in the space of one 2D image. Viewed without a 3D TV, this would look like two horizontally-squeezed images next to each other. Each eye, ideally, gets 960×1080 resolution. When viewed on a passive 3DTV, this is further reduced to 960×540, as each horizontal line on the TV is reserved for a specific eye.

Top/Bottom packs the left and right info on top of each other, looking like two vertically-squeezed images if viewed on a 2D set. Here, each eye gets 1,920×540 resolution.

The TVs

Remember, 3D is a feature. All 3DTVs can display a 2D image. Currently, 3D doesn’t add much of a price premium over 2D TVs. For example, here’s an LG Infinia 55LV5500 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Smart TV for $1289.99 via Amazon Direct

And here’s LG Infinia 55LW5600 55-Inch 3D 1080p 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Four Pairs of 3D Glasses. Same features plus passive 3D & glasses for $89 dollars more at $1,374.99 via Amazon Direct. .

Samsung has the UN46D6300 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV for is $ $1,074.92 via Amazon Direct.

and the UN46D6500 46-Inch 1080p 120HZ 3D LED TV for $1,099.98. That’s a difference of $25.06

Or you can go plasma with the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50S30 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV which is $794.99.

The next step up Panasonic, the VIERA TC-P50ST30 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV.

Samsung’s PN59D530 59-Inch 1080p 600Hz Plasma HDTV 51-inch plasma is $869.98 via Amazon Direct.

or their step up, the PN51D550 51-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Plasma HDTV is $899.99.

Generally speaking, adding 3D adds about $30 on mid-range 46-to-50-inch TVs, and about $100 for mid-range 55-inch.

All top-of-the-line TVs have 3D. And 3D TVs make the best 2D pictures .

Gary Merson
and
Geoff Morrison ¬ @TechWriterGeoff
Check out Geoff’s book.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email