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.

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 Movie Deals From $5.49

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.

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Copyright 2012 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HD GURU is a registered trademark.

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.

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Copyright 2012 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HD GURU is a registered trademark.

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.

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Copyright ©2012 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.

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

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Copyright ©2011 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.

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.

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Copyright ©2011 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.

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

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.

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Copyright 2011 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.

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

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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 Óactive-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.

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Copyright ©2011 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.

These days, Blu-ray players can be had for under $100, but what do you get if you spend more?

All the features and a handy chart, after the jump.

Yellow=Some Models, Green=Most/All Models

For easy of labeling, we’ll break down the Blu-ray players into three categories: Entry-level, 3D, and Specialty. While there is some overlap, these represent the most noticeable changes in features and price.

What you will get across the board, is stunning HD picture quality (much better than DVD), HDMI output, and fast loading. This year, what you won’t see, is component outputs. If you do, it’s possible they won’t output HD. This is due to the so-called “Analog Sunset.” Unless you have an older television, this likely won’t affect you. All TVs of recent vintage have HDMI inputs.

Entry-level

As the name describes, these players are the entry into the Blu-ray world. Often around $100, you rarely get the features we’ll see in the upper levels.

However, what you do get is DVD/CD playback and 1080p output (usually 1080p/24 as well). Even at these prices, though, you can find entry-level players that also offer Internet streaming services like Netflix, VUDU, Amazon, and so on. The lowest cost players often have a limited selection of streaming content providers, but for just a few dollars more, you can get a different player that offers most.

Word of caution: As you can see in the links below, there are many excellent Entry-level Blu-ray players that offer lots of features for very little money. You can spend more and get less, and you can spend less and get less. This is of course true with any product category, but for many $100 is an impulse buy. That’s fine, but make sure that impulse is pushing you towards something that’s a good value, not just one that’s cheap.

In this category, here are HDGuru.com’s picks:

Toshiba BDX2150 Wifi-Ready Blu-ray Disc Player – $79.36

LG BD630 Network Blu-ray Disc Player – $87

Also check out our review of the Panasonic DMP-BD75 Blu-ray Player, now $80.99 on Amazon.

SquareTrade offer a  3-Year (total) Warranty for this class of players for $14.99

 Save on these HDTVs

Today’s Best Selling HDTVs

Today’s Best Selling Blu-ray Players

3D

Still the buzz-word in consumer electronics, 3D is a feature found in most new TVs and Blu-ray players. For just a small step-up in price over Entry-level players, you get the ability to output 3D. That’s presuming, of course, you have a 3DTV to use it on.

Because these models are a step-up, they often have more extensive Internet streaming options and are wireless-ready. This latter means you have to purchase a wireless “dongle” that attached to the player to allow WiFi. These aren’t cheap, and often represent most if not all of the price difference between “Wireless-ready” and “Wireless” Blu-ray players. We have seen some occasions where buying a Wireless-ready player+dongle costing more than a similar player with the wireless built-in. Something to keep an eye on, if you’re looking for wireless.

Here are our picks for 3D players:

Samsung BD-D6700 3D Blu-ray Disc Player – $215.51

Panasonic DMP-BDT210 Integrated-Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray Player – $149

Also check out our review of the LG BD670 3D Wireless Blu-ray Player, now $149 on Amazon.

Specialty

At the top of the Blu-ray food chain you’ve got Specialty players. These often, though not always, have all the features of their lower-priced brethren. They add specific niche features to appeal to a certain group. In some cases, this may be SACD/DVD-Audio playback, in others it can be a built-in hard drive. Many feature high-end electronics for the best possible picture and sound quality, with all sources. The $250 PlayStation 3 plays Blu-rays and games.

Denon DBP-1611UD Universal Blu-Ray/SACD/DVD-Audio Player

LG BD690 3D Wireless Network Blu-ray Disc Player with Smart TV and 250GB Hard Drive

Sony PlayStation 3 – $249.99

Also check out our review of the OPPO BDP-93 Universal Network 3D Blu-ray Disc Player, now $499.99 on Amazon
.

Geoff Morrison  Follow me on Twitter @TechWriterGeoff

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Copyright ©2011 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.

The autumn HDTV selling season is in full swing. In an apparent first strike, Amazon has begun the battle to take more market share from Best Buy (BB), the nation’s largest seller of HDTVs. HD Guru obtained an early copy of Best Buy’s weekly circular and discovered Amazon (direct) currently beats Best Buy’s  sales prices for next week (Sept. 25-Oct 1) with savings up to 20% off of the BB sale price and a total savings of up to 40% off the retail price. You only save 25% off retail on the same model at Best Buy. We list the 12 out of 13 models carried by both sellers below.

We recommend and affiliate (we may earn a small commission on referred sales) with Amazon because they have some of the best HDTV policies in the industry including a low price guarantee and free return freight. All listed models have free shipping by Amazon direct.  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 pay sales tax when buying at any brick and mortar store. Should you buy an HDTV on-line or from a retail store?  Learn all the pros and cons in our article here.

To learn how to negotiate the best HDTV deal with a brick and mortar retailer, go here.

Buying a TV from Amazon is easy. Today, set makers are packaging their TVs better than ever, knowing many models are shipped as single units to end users. More and more folks are choosing Amazon for their big screen HDTV purchases, because of its lower-than-store prices, convenience and policies that are better than what brick and mortar chains offer.

Extra Savings on these HDTVs

Today’s Best Selling TVs

Check Out The New Kindle Fire  Full Color Tablet

Samsung

Samsung UN60D7000 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D LED HDTV (Silver)Retail $3800/BB $2905.52/Amazon $2439.18=36% off

Bundle Alert
BB: Get Samsung 2.1 Channel Soundbar System and Samsung BDD5500 3D Blu-ray player free with TV purchase
Amazon: Buy the Samsung SSG-P3100M Megamind 3D Starter Kit with 2 Pair 3D Glasses and Megamind 3D Blu-ray disc for $187.41 and the Samsung BD-D5500 3D Blu-ray Disc Playerfor $131.93 at the same time as a 60-inch TV purchase and get $250 off. This nets out to $69.34 for the Kit and Player. For more details click this Link

Samsung UN46D7000 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D LED HDTV (Silver)Retail $2400/BB $1799.99/ Amazon $1439.18=40% off

Bundle Alert
BB: Get Samsung 2.1 Channel Soundbar System and Samsung BDD5500 3D Blu-ray player free with TV purchase
Amazon: Buy the Samsung SSG-P3100M Megamind 3D Starter Kit with 2 Pair 3D Glasses and Megamind 3D Blu-ray disc for $187.41 and the Samsung BD-D5500 3D Blu-ray Disc Playerfor $131.93 at the same time as the 46-inch TV purchase and get $250 off. This nets out to $69.34 for the Kit and Player. For more details click this Link

Samsung UN46D6000 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV (Black)Retail $1300/ BB $1099.99/ Amazon $985.18=24% off

Samsung UN40D6000 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV (Black)Retail $1100/ BB $899.99/ Amazon $820.88=25% off

Samsung PN51D450 51-Inch 720p 600Hz Plasma HDTV (Black)Retail $800/ BB $649.99/ Amazon $639.99=20% off

Sony

(BB sells the derivative EX723 series. Amazon, Sony Style and other stores sell the same models as the EX720 series)
Sony BRAVIA KDL60EX720 60-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV, BlackRetail $3200/ BB $2609.99/ Amazon $2149.18=33% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL55EX720 55-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV, BlackRetail $2500/ BB $1699.99/ Amazon $1439.98=42% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL46EX720 46-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV, BlackRetail $1700/ BB $1349.99/ Amazon $1045.94=38% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL40EX720 40-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV, BlackRetail $1400/ BB $1169.99/ Amazon $849.88=39% off

LG

LG 42LK450 42-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTVRetail $700/ BB $579.99/ Amazon $497.99=29% off

Panasonic

Panasonic VIERA TC-L32U3 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTVRetail $450/ BB $399.99/ Amazon $368.99=18% off

Sharp

Sharp AQUOS LC60LE632U 60-inch 1080p 120 Hz LED-LCD HDTV, BlackRetail $1800/ BB $1399.99/ Amazon $1358.77=25% off

More Amazon Hot Deals

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT30 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTVRetail $1900/ Amazon $1139.18=40% off

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50ST30 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTVRetail $1500/ Amazon $899.98=40% off

Extra Savings on these HDTVs

Today’s Best Selling TVs

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

Copyright ©2011 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.