By Tamaryn Pratt

(August 31, 2010) As a market analyst and researcher I’d say yes, but the stats say it is unclear today. Internet TVs have been around in some fashion for a while now, let’s call it year 3, and actual sales results have been, well, lukewarm. It was CES 2009 that kicked off the first big year for Internet TVs as 2008 was really a starter year with unit sales of little over a half a million.  In 2009, 8 percent of the LCDTVs sold had Internet capabilities and due to the screen size offering almost 20 percent of Plasma TVs. When looking at the total 40-inch and above Flat Panel TV market about 20 percent of the TVs had Internet capabilities in 2009. Not bad results. However, we’re now halfway through 2010 and Internet TV sales are still only about 20 percent of the 40-inch and above flat panel TV market in units, and sales for the LCD TV category have inched up to about 10 percent for the same time period.

Why? This is where market research comes into play and if you are an Internet TV owner we need your help, but more on that later.

Here is what we know from the marketplace. There are a limited number of products and screen sizes that include the Internet TV feature. The offering is expanding, but many of us are too strapped to pay up for a feature that is typically only included in the higher end and higher priced models. Manufacturers have been changing their approaches. Some were supporting Yahoo Widgets early on, but now are offering up their own home grown apps. I’m not sure if consumers care per se, but it might be confusing to the tech savvy, especially now that there is news of Google TV. One thing is for sure, 3D TV marketing has been over the top, with 3D TV pitched as the second coming of HDTV. Maybe manufacturers have focused too much on 3DTV, which deemphasized the Internet TV feature, keeping it from getting a fair shake on the retail floor.

One thing is for sure, CE manufacturers want to know what current owners think about their Internet TV. Here is where you chime in if you are an Internet TV owner – because the reality is that industry needs your help! Several CE manufacturers tasked Quixel Research and HD Guru to form a panel of Internet TV owners. This is a limited group of owners who will share details about their TV and experiences roughly four times a year.  It is the crucial time in the Internet TV lifecycle to determine which product features are fantastic and which are flops.

Joining the Internet TV panel is simple and easy for those of us who like to prattle on about our electronic gadgets. Just click the banner ad on the right side of this page to join the panel and start the first survey. Do not worry; we are not trying to sell you anything.  Your name and personal information will not be used, sold, or traded. We only want your feedback. The panel is just getting underway so there is still room to join the group.

Did I mention the perks for joining? We’re giving away a FREE Flat Panel TV to one panelist each time we run a survey. Also, as an Internet TV panel member you’ll have access to current product updates as well as details on new products and apps. On an ongoing basis Quixel will provide members the panel research summaries to keep you informed on what your fellow members are doing with their Internet TVs… and of course all those juicy industry tidbits.

Someday Internet TVs will be mainstream, but for now they are still cutting edge. If you own one, your valuable experience and insights will help manufacturers fully develop this feature. Join now!

Tamaryn Pratt is the Principal at Quixel Research a market intelligence firm located in Portland Oregon. Quixel’s expertise is in providing primary research as well as market tracking and forecasting for the USA TV market.

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(August 29, 2010) The start of the football season traditionally marks the beginning of the TV selling season. With the economic slowdown continuing HDTV sales have not been up to set makers’ optimistic projections, resulting in swollen inventories. This is great news for consumers. Dealers are offering dramatic price drops aided by factory sponsored deals to try to get sales back on target.

Looking back at our 2009 selling season article, sale prices this year are 20%-25% lower than last year’s equivalent models, with the 2010s offering better performance (such as higher contrast ratios) and more features.

We have scoured Amazon, Best Buy’s latest circular and other retailers to find the most outstanding deals. We have also provided hot links to Amazon (most include free shipping too). Want to buy locally?  Use these deals to negotiate with your local retailer. To learn the secrets of how to get the best deal from a brick and mortar store, read our “Getting the Best Price” article (link).

LCDs

With the growth of 2010 LED and plasma market share, traditional LCD HDTVs (with CCFL florescent light type backlights) have become the unwanted step-child of flat panel HDTVs. The result, big price drops from TV makers. You should be aware there are only two inherent advantages to LED (LCD) TVs over conventional LCDs (contrary to what some salesman may say). They are a thinner form factor and better power efficiency.  All other factors being equal, there is only one picture quality advantages to LCD available in a number of  high-end models, the ability to shut off the LEDs in regions of the panel called “local dimming”. This feature produces  blacker blacks, though due to the regional nature halos appear around light objects or text with a black background  (disclaimer, many product lines add additional features and better signal processing to their higher priced step-up LED models). HD Guru is all for energy savings, however please note for screen sizes below 40-inches, it can be quite negligible compared to the cost delta for going with the LED model.  Consider a LCD over an LED if you are desiring a flat panel in 40-inch or smaller size especially if you are planning to use the table stand (in lieu of wall mounting). Even if you are going to mount the TV on the wall, do you really care if the TV two or three inches thin rather than an inch and a half when saving hundreds of dollars?

LEDs

Set makers have added lower cost 60Hz models to the mix. As noted above, conventional LCDs  are a better value.

Plasma

Performance is up and prices are down. Plasma HDTV market share has risen as wise consumers realize plasma provides the best big screen picture quality, widest viewing angle and highest motion performance at low cost . Plasma panel makers (Panasonic, Samsung and LG) have aggressively dropped 720p and 1080p prices while increasing energy efficiency. If you are looking for a 42″ or larger HDTV, you should seriously consider plasma. Don’t believe salesman telling you they are old technology or they permanently burn-in. Not true, all LEDs are LCDs and they are the older tech. Burn-in is no longer an issue (and hasn’t been for a few years) thanks to the new, more energy efficient designs.   LEDs and LCD can be cranked to  brighter levels, which may fool you into thinking their higher price yields better image quality. Many stores ambient lighting levels are typically 5 to 10 times higher than most homes. Don’t be fooled. Plasmas are far brighter (3-5x) than the old tube type TV or rear projector you may be replacing.

3D

The big news, prices are dropping and vendors are beginning to offer four pairs of 3D glasses with the purchase of a 3D TV and many are throwing in a 3D capable Blu-ray player. LG just started its free four pairs of glasses promotion (link) and industry sources tell us the other vendors plan similar promotions. Remember 3D capability includes the best 2D performance available today. (BB=Best Buy; JR =J&R)

Make/Model	Size	Was	Now	$ Savings	Store	Amazon Price
Sam/PN42C450	42″	$600	$499.99	$100	BB	$497
Sony/KDL40EX700	40″	$1400	$899.99	$500	BB	$807
LG/55LD520	55″	$1900	$1499.99	$400	BB	$1298
Sam/LN46C550	46″	$1050	$894.99	$155	JR	$816
Pan/TCL37X2	37″	$680	$499.99	180	JR	$490
LG/32LD350	32″	$500	$399.99	$100	BB	$358
Sam/LN46C530	46″	$850	$799.99	$150	BB	$799
Pan/TCP65S2	65″	$2800	$1999.99	$800	BB	$1897
Pan/TCP58S2	58″	$1900	$1299.99	$600	BB	$1226

Packages (packages only available from “Store”) Amazon price for TV only (except LG 3D TVs)

Make/Model	Size	Was	Now	$ Savings	Store	Amazon Price
Pan/TCP50S2*	50″	$1550	$999.98	$550	BB	$899
Pan/TCP42S2**	42″	$1150	$799.98	$350	BB	$678
LG/47LE5400***	47″	$2360	$1399.95	$960	BB	$1133
LG/55LE5400****	55″	$3160	$1999.95	$1160	BB	$1124
Sam/LN46C670*****	46″	$1500	$999.99	$500	BB	$1050 (LN46C650)
LG/47LX6500	47″	$3820	$1748	$2071	Amazon	$1748.98

Buy the 47LX6500 3D LED TV and get LG 3D capable BX580 Blu-ray player  and four pair of LG S100 3D Glasses free (offer good through Sept.11, 2010)

Make/Model	Size	Was	Now	$ Savings	Store	Amazon Price
LG/55LX6500	55″	$4720	$2019.00	$2701	Amazon	$2019

Buy the 55LX6500 3D LED TV and get LG 3D capable BX580 Blu-ray player  and four pair of LG S100 3D Glasses free (offer good through Sept.11, 2010)

Make/Model	Size	Was	Now	$ Savings	Store	Amazon Price
Pan/TCP42G25	42″	$1370	$919.99	$450	JR	$869

Buy the TCPG25 and get the Panasonic TY-CC10W 720p Skype Video Camera free.

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(August 12, 2010) Have you seen HDMI cables online or in stores labeled “120 Hz,” “240Hz” and “480 Hz”? It’s easy enough to slap such labels on HDMI cables but it’s a sham. HDMI cables can no more be manufactured for specific refresh rate HDTVs than garden hose can be manufactured specifically to water seeded lawns and sod lawns. The same water flows through either one. The same HDTV signal flows through all HDMI cables, whether labeled “120Hz” or “480Hz.”

In fact a set’s refresh rate has nothing whatsoever to do with the signal flowing to that set. The refresh rate is determined by the set’s circuitry once the signal gets there (link), so how can different HDMI cables be manufactured for different refresh rate sets?

Clearly the intent of the refresh rate labeling is simply to confuse you into spending more money on HDMI cables than you need to. TV retailers, including Best Buy, use this new misleading labeling to push naïve customers into buying unnecessary, overpriced cables that can cost 800%-5750% more than necessary (link). Adding such—the latest being “3D”—helps sales clerks persuade customers to overspend. The extra dollars spent will have no effect on image quality but it will lighten your wallet.

To view Blu-ray, Full HD 3D content and any other source at the highest (1080p) resolution you need HDMI cables. It is a single wire solution that conducts a standard definition or high definition 2D or 3D video image and accompanying audio tracks from a source device to an HDTV. Only two types of HDMI cables are included in the HDMI licensing spec: “Standard” (aka category 1) or “High Speed” (aka category 2). The latter is required to assure the cable passes 1080p signals (including 3D), which is the highest bandwidth video signal (now and for the foreseeable future).

Monster, Audioquest and other HDMI cable makers mislead consumers by mis-labeling their step-up quality HDMI cables with the various refresh rates used by set makers to improve picture quality. The signal fed by an HDMI cable to a set never exceeds 60Hz.

The HDMI Standard

HDMI Licensing LLC licenses the design, specifications and requires labeling of cables as either “Standard” or “Hi Speed”. HDMI does not have any rules concerning additional labels, according to its spokesman. While the HDMI standard has been updated to include new (optional) functionality such as passing Ethernet signals, there remains only two speed categories. Any “Hi Speed” HDMI cable should handle any display and any video signal you can throw at it.

HD Guru visited a number of local TV dealers. Best Buy (BB) had the widest selection, offering “Hi Speed” HDMI cables from Monster, Audioquest and Rocketfish (BB house brand) and Dynex (BB house brand). They all display labels that tout their own capabilities. The least expensive is a Dynex 4ft. length “Hi Speed” cable and costs $29.99. The box says 1080p 60Hz. The first step-up is the Rocketfish at $49.99/4 ft and the package reads 120Hz. Next is a 4 ft. $69.99 Monster 700 model cable, with a label stating 60/120 Hz. followed by 120 Hz and 3D labeled model 900 for $79.99. The Monster 1000 model boasts a 240Hz-480 Hz and 3D for $129.99 for 8 ft. Audioquest has a line of  “Hi Speed” HDMI cables, its packaging states “Delivers 100% of the data required for 120Hz, 240 Hz, 600 Hz  displays” and costs up to a whopping $229.99 for its 6’6″ Carbon model (sold on line at Bestbuy.com) . The BB website states “High-speed 1080p/120Hz-4K”.  (Note: there  are no 4K consumer video signals).

(continues after photo)

By comparison you can purchase a 6″6″  ”Hi Speed” HDMI cable from Amazon for as little as  $3.99 ($20 retail). It is a “High Speed” rated cable that will pass any HD signal (including 3D) to any HDTV. Keep in mind a signal carried over an HDMI cable is all digital, meaning any properly functioning cable will provide a perfect picture. There is absolutely no picture quality advantage of purchasing a cable that is rated higher than the HDMI “High Speed” standard of a 10.2 Gbps!

There are added features available on  HDMI “Hi Speed” cables. They are audio return and Ethernet pass through. However no source devices sold today include the Ethernet feature and no some HDTVs today include audio return channel.

There may be differences in the quality of materials, construction and wire gauge using premium priced HDMI cables. These differences could be beneficial  if you are constantly disconnecting and reconnecting the same cable. HDMI cables  provide a complete signal transfer as long as the cable conforms to the HDMI specifications (if it is defective  or improperly designed i.e. a bad HDMI cable will produce a high error rate which can cause signal dropouts, such as the screen going black then the image reappearing ).

To summarize, buying a more expensive HDMI “Hi Speed” cable , regardless of labeling or what a salesman tells you will not give you any improvement in picture quality. Use the money you save from falling victim to misleading HDMI packaging towards the purchase of products or services that will increase your enjoyment of HDTV such as a Blu-ray player, professional set-up and calibration or a surround sound audio system.

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(August 5, 2010) Do movies shot on film look like videotape on your LCD HDTV? Does it bother you? If so, you’re not alone. That problem tops the email complaints we get from readers and it comes exclusively from those owning 120Hz or 240Hz LCD or LED LCD HDTVs. It never comes from plasma owners.

The visible reduction of film grain and other film-based irregularities that should be present in the picture is often referred to as the Soap Opera Effect (or SOE) because the increase of the frame refresh rate from the 24 Hz to the rate of the display (120 or 240Hz) appears like a videotaped soap opera. While viewers don’t see the problem when watching sports or other live or taped broadcasts (which are shot at either a 30 or 60 Hz frame rate), they are rightly troubled when movies look like video, though not everyone is bothered by it.

A number of solutions provide a fix for some but not for all LCD/LED TVs suffering from SOE  What follows are the SOE “whys” and the fixes currently available as well as news of a possible total solution coming to 2011 models.

The Cause

HD Guru began testing HDTV motion blur in 2007 using a test disc from the Plasma Display Coalition that moves a resolution chart horizontally at a fixed rate of roughly 6.5 pixels per frame. 60 Hz LCDs have very poor motion performance, with a reduction from 1080 lines resolution per picture height (static) to around 300 lines with motion. The TV manufactures followed up with the introduction of 120 Hz LCD (and LED) flat panels and later adding 240 Hz models. The 120 Hz models raised the motion resolution to around 600 lines and the 240 Hz models kicked it to the 900 and up (depending on the model tested), however both types introduced the Soap Opera Effect when viewing 24 frame per second content which includes all film based motion pictures. To achieve 120Hz or 240Hz instead of the standard 60Hz rate requires a circuit called Motion Estimation/ Motion Compensation (ME/MC), which creates interpolated frames between the real frames. The interpolated frames have the artificial appearance that imparts the video look of a soap opera. You can turn off the interpolation on a number of displays, which will change processing to repeating the frame 5 times (in the case of 120 Hz displays) however, degradation remains visible on a many 120 and 240hz displays. According to a MC/ME chip maker this is due to the circuit altering the image even when it is not inserting interpolated frames.

Solutions

Currently the only consistent method to eliminate the effect on LCD and LED HDTV is to bypass the 120Hz or 240 Hz MC/ME circuits thereby forcing an TV from utilizing frame interpolation. This is accomplished on Samsungs or Sonys (we have not had a chance to check other makes and models) by engaging the “Game” picture mode. If you notice the Soap Opera Effect with film based content on your LCD or LED TV (and almost everyone does) you will see the difference in the “Game” mode. Of course motion blur and judder (jerky motion during horizontal pans) will appear without interpolation (or frame repeat), so choose the artifact you prefer. For Blu-ray movies, be sure set the output of your disc player to 1080p/60 to assure 3:2 film conversion occurs. Frame repeat is a better method, although as stated above, many sets continue to create SOE artifacts in this mode too.

Plasma HDTVs have inherently high motion resolution without the SOE. This is due to the way they create a high definition image. Plasmas create moving images by a stream of short bursts of light (at least 600 times per second) instead of a “sample and hold” technique employed in all LED and LCD HDTVs. The result, 900 lines to full 1080 lines of motion resolution (meaning no blur) while maintaining the look of film. If you want film-like image on your flat panel without motion blur, buy a plasma (top end Samsung C590 series, C8000 series, C6500 series, C7000 series and Panasonic models now offer 4X frame repeat to eliminate 3:2 judder as well). Plasma HDTV pricing is at an all time low while sales are at record highs and overall performance is better than ever.

A 2011 Solution

We spoke to a representative of Integrated Device Technology (IDT) the owner’s of Silicon Optix HQV processing technology (obtained when they purchased the company a few years ago). IDT is introducing new MC/ME frame conversion chips. It claims their chips allow LCD and LED TV makers to use 120 Hz or 240 Hz in their respective displays without the dreaded SOE and other artifacts. They have promised us a demo in September at the CEDIA Expo and we will look and report with hopeful but as always skeptical eyes. Here’s the relevant section of IDTs recent press release.

“Integrated Device Technology, Inc. a leading provider of essential mixed signal semiconductor solutions that enrich the digital media experience, today announced the industry’s first motion-compensated frame rate conversion processors with an integrated resolution-enhancement engine for use in 120Hz and 240Hz televisions and high-definition video projectors. The new IDT VHD1200 and VHD2400 devices feature the industry-leading IDT HQV™ MotionSMART™ technology, which provides smooth motion and full-detail images while minimizing side effects seen with competitive solutions.

The new IDT frame-rate conversion processors are also 3-D capable, providing smooth motion with minimal side effects, which is significant for 3-D where varying side effects could be very distracting to the viewer.

“IDT continues to provide its customers with innovative video solutions. These new frame rate converters provide smooth motion and crisp, clear images for today’s HD and 3-D displays,” said Ji Park, vice president and general manager of the Video and Display Operation group at IDT. “The VHD1200 and VHD2400 follow in the footsteps of our other innovative video processing solutions, providing our customers devices that deliver the best picture quality.”

The IDT HQV MotionSMART technology includes per-pixel processing, providing the capability to make intelligent localized decisions in the detection and processing of complex images and motion in video images. The IDT solutions also feature cadence detection, which removes judder from sources with cadence, and a wide detection range to eliminate “flickering” when images move horizontally, vertically or diagonally on the screen.”

An IDT spokesperson says their new ME/MC chips will appear in select 2011 LCD/LED flat panels and front projectors. Stay tuned.

Samsung recently offered a new firmware update they claim shuts off its the ME/MC circuit when its Auto Motion Plus feature is set to the “Off” position. An alternative (according to a Samsung spokesperson) is to set a Samsung 120 or 240 Hz LCD or LED TV to “Clear” mode or to move the “Judder” control to “0″ using the “Custom” mode (post firmware update). You can update your Samsung LCD or LED TV by connecting it to your Internet router. For more on firmware updates read this link.

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(July 22, 2010) The best selling HDTV screen size in America is 32″. Almost every TV maker offers models in this class, which creates stiff competition that drives prices down to record low levels.

A  number of name brand entry models can be found for under $400, though you can also spend over $900 for a 1.1″ thin LED LCD loaded with many extra features. Which one is right for you?

The Basics

All 32″ flat screen TVs today are LCDs lit using either CCFL fluorescent lamps or LEDs (which is why such sets are often incorrectly referred to as “LED TVs”)

An advantage in larger screen sets using LED lighting can include the ability to extinguish appropriate screen sectors to produce deeper black (the feature is referred to as “local dimming”). Unfortunately, we know of no LED models in the 32″ class that have this feature. Only 40″ and larger sets do. (Ditto for 3D capability).

LEDs are more energy efficient than CCFL lamps, but in the 32″ size the power consumption differential is minimal (about 45 watts for LED versus around 75 watts for CCFL). Thus the purchase price premium is more likely far greater than the lifetime energy savings.

720p vs. 1080p

At 32″ screen size you have to be about four feet from the TV to fully appreciate the increased resolution of 1080p over 720p. Most people typically sit nine feet from their TVs. This statistic is referred to as the “Lechner Distance” named after the engineer who did the research.  If you sit that far away, save your money and opt for a 720p model.

60 Hz vs. 120 Hz

All LCD TVs (whether LED or CCFL) blur fast moving screen objects (i.e. a runners’ legs or a speeding car). 120 Hz HDTVs reduce the motion blur. However, if you are sitting at the Lechner Distance, you will probably not find the blur of the slower sets objectionable.

120 Hz is only available on 1080p LCD (and LED) models.  If you sit near the four foot optimal viewing distance and view  content with a lot of motion, such as sports or adventure movies you should opt for a 120 Hz sets.  Be aware:  all current LCD/LED models operating in the 120Hz mode,  make film based sources appear to resemble  video (sometimes referred to as the soap opera effect), which is a phenomena some viewers find objectionable.

Internet Connectivity

A number of higher end models include Internet widgets and provide other content such as weather forecasts, sports scores, Amazon (movies) on Demand, Flickr and Net Flix. The  list will vary among brands. If this is important to you, consider purchasing a Blu-ray player with similar Internet services. You will get the functionality without the additional cost tacked on to the TV. An example is the Panasonic DMP-BD65. It is available from Amazon for $124.68 with free shipping.

HDMI Inputs

HDMI is the best way to connect an HDTV to a high definition source component. Most 32″ models have at least two HDMI inputs, while others have three to four. You will need one for your cable or satellite box/DVR and another for a Blu-ray  player. You may need a third for a connecting a camcorder or a media box such as a VUDU player. Decide your needs before making a purchase decision.

If you are planning to also get a surround sound audio system, you may need only one HDMI input if the receiver or home theater in a box (HTIB) you select includes multiple HDMI inputs.

What Else To Look For

Once you’ve decided on the features you want in a 32″ HDTV, the two most important performance criteria are viewing angle and black level. The former is easy to test. Simply begin moving to the right or left of the screen center and see how quickly the image becomes darker and the blacks get lighter resulting in a darker image with lower contrast.  Some sets (such as the Panasonic LCDs) are known for their wide viewing angle while others quickly get a flat, dull look as one moves off center. If you always view alone and only on-axis you can skip to the next item. However, if you will have friends or family over regularly, check the off-axis performance before buying the set.

Black level is the Achilles heel of small screen LCD HDTVs. A number of models we’ve looked at have very blue or purplish blacks. Other have more neutral blacks but they’re gray, not inky.

Unfortunately evaluating in the brighter than home, store retail environment  is difficult. To determine the color and depth of black, cup your hand on the screen to block out room ambient light and wait for a fade to black or a   dark scene during observing the store’s demo content. Also inspect  the depth and shade of black when viewing off-axis. Some 32″screens get quite blue as you move to off center.

Final Suggestions

Do your homework online to make a list of 32″ HDTVs that have the features you desire within your price range. Amazon carries many 32″ models and you can get there using our link. Just click Amazon’s ad on the left column.

With your model list in hand, get to over to your local TV retailer, test viewing angles and black levels then choose your ideal 32″ HDTV.

Edited by Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(June 28, 2010) Vizio introduced the remainder of its 2010 HDTV models at the CEA line show in New York City last week. Included within its thirteen new models are three “Full HD 3D” TVs.

All Vizio 3D TVs feature 480Hz (240 Hz refresh plus scanning back lighting). Vizio calls it 480Hz SPS. The 42″ model has edge lit LED local dimming while the 47″ and 55″ are LED backlit with 120 zones of LED dimming.  Vizio did not announce pricing, though Vizio executive Ken Lowe said the company does not like to offer products above $2000 street price. Its 3D TVs arrive in Q4 2010 through its Vizio’s dealer network which includes Wal-Mart, Target and warehouse clubs i.

All 3D sets offer Internet apps (via Wi-Fi wireless connection), Bluetooth audio, 5 HDMI inputs, SRS Audio “Studio Sound HD” and a QWERTY keyboard remote (though no Internet browser). Unlike the 3D models shown at the January CES show, the preproduction demo model uses conventional infra-red sync for the 3D glasses. Vizio dropped the 72″ 3D model shown at CES from the line.

The new TruLED HDTV (2D) local dimming models offer 240 Hz SPS (120 Hz with scanning backlight) in the 55″, 47″ and 42″ screen sizes. They ship in July 2010. There are120 zones of local dimming in the 55″ model, 160 zones in the 47″ and 128 zones in the 42″. The chart below lists the main features of the entire new line.

Lowe demonstrated how quickly consumers’ initialize Vizio’s VIA internet apps after removing a new TV from the box. They are the only company to date (we are aware of) that claims all firmware updates are performed automatically when the set is turned off. This eliminates the time consuming and bothersome task for purchasers to constantly check to confirm they have the most up-to-date firmware which assures top performance and optimized functionality.

Vizio also showed a prototype of its proposed 65″ 3D LED LCD that uses passive 3D glasses. Lowe said the passive 3D model will ship in the first quarter of 2011 at a price to be announced at a future date. Like all other passive 3D models, the 65″ provides a half of “Full HD” resolution of 1920 x 540 per eye. We stood around 12 feet from the display to avoid distraction by the 540 line structure.

Listed below are the model numbers, main features, screen sizes, pricing and availability for the upcoming 2010 models.

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(June 22, 2010) In the days of standard definition analog television, you would take your new TV home, plug it in and watch it. It played exactly as the engineers intended it, only requiring tweaking of the user controls to optimize the available settings, or hiring an ISF calibrator to make fine adjustments via the set’s service menu. For better or worse, those days are over. Today, TV makers design their mid and high end HDTVs (including 3D sets) and Blu-ray disc players to be electronically factory modified after purchase.  To get your new TV to perform as best as it can, (in some cases simply properly) you’ll need to get the set’s firmware periodically updated. Unfortunately, all TV retailers queried never tell the buyers of the necessity to perform updates at the time of purchase!

What’s Firmware?

It’s a hardware device, computer instructions and data that reside as read-only software on that device. HDTVs and Blu-ray players’ functions and performance criteria are governed by the software. If it’s not updated with the latest implementation and instead used in the “out of the box” condition, your display may not be functioning as intended by the manufacturer. With “just in time” manufacturing and major retailer demands for equipment makers to ship new product by a specific date or face major financial penalties (such as cancelled orders), equipment makers often deliver products to the retailer and end user that cannot function as they should in order for the manufacturer to meet the retailer’s deadline. The solution, a firmware update to bring the TV up to spec, supplied by the set makers’ websites or servers.

2010 Model Issues

We are in the process of testing a number of 2010 model HDTVs and Blu-ray players. All to date have required firmware updates to enhance performance, add or correct a number of performance functions and in the case of Blu-ray players, allow the playing some newly released discs. Without a firmware update, early and current Blu-ray players can’t play all new discs because disc authoring continues to change.

Why Don’t Retailers Tell You About Firmware Upgrades

Investigating “assisted selling” local stores (Best Buy, Sears, PC Richard and 6 Ave Electronics), we never observed a salesman informing the customer that upgrades are available, or needed and then instruct the buyer as to how to perform them. Nor have we ever heard a salesman ask if the customer was aware the new TVs and players need Internet connectivity near the player to easily perform upgrades. All these stores offer services to connect an HDTV or Blu-ray player to your home Internet router. Best Buy is the only chain we’ve seen advertise Internet connectivity services through its Geek Squad department.

We don’t know why they don’t tell you, however a possible reason, no local retailer suveyed has the Internet connected to their store demo TVs and Blu-ray players. Yes, often the hot new 3D TV demonstration unit does not perform nearly as well as its capable, until the installation of the latest firmware.

How To Upgrade

To perform a firmware upgrade an HDTV requires at least a USB port, memory card slot, Ethernet connector or wireless connectivity. Firmware is either downloaded to the memory device from your Internet connected computer, then inserted into the TV or one can make a direct connection to manufacturer’s server via the Ethernet or wireless Internet connection on the display. The means to obtain the download may vary depending on the brand. The update may be available by direct Internet connection or a download to USB drive or other memory device. However, it is often the case the set maker’s server is where the update first becomes available. Since an Internet connected TV doesn’t need the owner to mess with a PC and memory device, it is the fastest and best way to update your TV or Blu-ray player.

All Internet connected TVs tested to date require the owner to request a firmware download via the TVs on-screen graphics. Panasonic Blu-ray players allow you to opt-in for automatic downloads. It constantly checks for updates and seamlessly downloads and installs them as they become available, keeping your player always up to date.

When shopping for a Blu-ray player or mid to high end HDTV in an assisted store (i.e. Best Buy) ask about your options to get the latest firmware before you leave the store. Inquire how much it will cost to get them to run an Ethernet cable from your router to the TV’s home location, so you can get all the performance and functionality you paid for.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(June 15, 2010) Updated and corrections 6/17

Connected HDTVs offer a built-in wired or wireless connection to your home Internet router. The Internet connection enables multimedia applications such as movie streaming (i.e. Amazon), Twitter, news, sports and weather to be streamed to your HDTV without a computer.  Over the past year we’ve tried a number of these applications and have been generally unimpressed with either the content or their advantage over discs, cable and satellite (on demand) until today. Enter the Skype Video equipped Panasonic TC-P50VT25.

For those unfamiliar with it, Skype Video is a software application once only available on computers that’s now built into select Panasonic and Samsung HDTVs that lets you make free video calls over the Internet to anyone with a Skype software equipped computer,  TV or  Skype freestanding video phone. Of course users at both ends must have both video cameras and microphones associated with their computers and/or TVs.

The Panasonic system, consisting of video camera model TY-CC10W and in the case of this review, the TC-P50VT25 plasma TV, allows you to converse using a 50″ screen instead of a small laptop image, allowing the entire family to participate.

The camera, which clips onto the top of the set, contains four unidirectional microphones and a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor with 1280 x 720 resolution. The lens is autofocus, with an F/2.0 aperture and a field of view of 58° (in HD mode).

Set-up and Performance

Panasonic calls its internet applications “Viera Cast”. Skype (video with voice or just voice) requires an Internet connection via an Ethernet cable or a Panasonic wireless adapter (DY-WL10).

The camera interfaces with the TV via a USB cable plugged into one of the two available USB jacks located on the side of the set.  Once connected, you hit the remote control’s Viera Cast hot button, choose the Skype application via the on-screen graphic and activate your previously set up Skype account. The Panasonic TV is now ready to make free video calls to any Skype internet connected device in the world (note: both you and the person to whom you intend to speak must have their Skype devices powered on before placing the call).

We tested video and voice performance by making Skype video calls from our New York location to California, New Jersey, Norway and Thailand. The picture quality ranged from acceptable to excellent. Skype picture quality depends upon three variables: the speed of your internet connection (we use Verizon FIOS), the internet connection speed of the party you are calling, and the way Skype routes your video call over the internet (a pathway you cannot control). Once the call is made you will see the party you are calling as well as a picture outside the picture of the image from your camera (in the lower corner) and a signal quality meter.

The meter’s range is one to four bars. We obtained two to four in our tests, providing fair to acceptable quality at two bars with a 4×3 image. If the person you are calling has a wide screen HD camera, the image expands to 16:9 but only if you connect at four bars signal strength, which we were able to observe during a call to Panasonic’s US headquarters in New Jersey. The image from Norway (see top photo) was very good at three bars and no doubt limited in resolution by the standard def camera used on the other end.  The wide screen HD (bottom photo) was taken during an video call to Skype’s NY PR office with Techlicious’ Editor Suzanne Kantra (lower left). Overall we were very satisfied with the video and audio quality.

The Panasonic TY-CC10W camera permits electronic zoom and panning. However, this currently must be preset, as you cannot change the settings during a video call. A Panasonic spokesman said this feature maybe accessible during a video call via a future firmware update.

The frame rate can be 22 to 30 frames per second, depending on the speed of the connection. Skype incorporates a type of frame smoothing that makes the picture far less herky-jerky than earlier video phones. The resolution goes from around VHS quality with a poor one bar signal up to 720p widescreen with a full four bars signal.

Our only complaint was with the volume control, which maxes out at 28, just above a minimum acceptable level, which could present a problem in large rooms or environments with high ambient noise levels. The restricted volume is at a much lower level than what the TC-P50VT25 is capable of delivering with normal TV content. According to Merwan Mereby, Panasonic VP of Corporate Development, the volume restriction is imposed by Skype in its design mandates.  Mereby added they are looking into ways to work with Skype to permit an increase of the maximum volume.

Video phones have been around for decades, but they’ve never caught on. Panasonic’s incorporation of Skype video, which provides the ability to see high quality, life sized moving images of distant family or friends for free, is a very compelling reason to consider an HDTV with this feature. I believe the application will finally allow video calls to really catch on, which makes this the killer app. Just make sure you’re dressed before dialing (depending upon whom you’re dialing!)

Note: The Panasonic Skype HD Camera ($169.95 retail) is available free via mail-in rebate (link) until July 10, 2010 with the purchase of one of its G20 or G25 series plasma HDTVs.

The following Panasonic models have Skype Video capability

TC-P42G25,TC-P46G25,TC-P50G25,TC-P54G25,TC-P50VT25,TC-P54VT25,TC-P58VT25,TC-P65VT25, TC-P50G20, TC-P54G20 and TC-P50VT20

The Samsung Skype camera is the called the Freetalk. The following Samsung models have Skype Video capability

UN46C7000,UN46C6800,UN40C7000,UN46C7000,UN55C7000,UN46C8000 and UN55C8000

You must use the camera designed for a particular brand HDTV. They will not work with other makes.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(May 23, 2010) As we approach summer the TV industry enters its traditional seasonal slowdown. In past years the new models rolled out from late spring until the fall. This year many major makers introduced their HDTVs in the January through May time frame with just a few high-end models scheduled for June and beyond.

While we can only speculate the cause (slower than anticipated sales?), this past week we’ve seen significant price drops on many higher end TVs from Samsung as well as select bargains from LG, Toshiba and Panasonic. Below is a list of the best deals. All are discounted at least 20% to as much 43% off of the manufacturer’s minimum advertised prices (MAP).

What About Models You Can’t Get On-line?

Panasonic prohibits Internet sales of its 3D HDTVs. A number of other vendors are offering their high-end models at or near MAP. So what do you if your dream HDTV is not available online or is not being heavily discounted?  Read on.

How to Get the Lowest Price From a Brick and Mortar Retailer

Negotiate! It will take some effort and time but you will save money. Here is the secret: national retailers Best Buy and Sears wouldn’t bargain down the price due to company policies. However, many regional and local dealers will. One thing retailers don’t want you to know is that many will compete against their own stores!

Yes, a store within a regional chain will often beat the price you get from another location. Nothing prevents you from going to store to store playing one against the other. Once a salesman knows you’ve been shopping and are ready to buy, they want to close the sale. This technique really works.

Below are this week’s hottest deals from Amazon. (Note: Prices are listed as of 5/24/10 and are subject to change. We will track and update during the week).

(Note: Most of the Amazon prices include free shipping. “Was” price listed is original minimum advertised price)

Samsung UN46C7000 46″ 1080p  3D 240Hz LED LCD TV, Was $2599.99 Now $1999.98 Amazon

Samsung UN46C8000 46″ 1080p 3D 240Hz LED LCD Was $2799.99 Now $2199.98 Amazon

Samsung LN40C650 40″ 1080p 120Hz LCD Was $1099.99 Now $879.98 Amazon

LG  50PK750 50″ 1080p Plasma THX Certified, Was $1399.95 Now $1074.93 Amazon

Panasonic TC-P54G25 54″ 1080p Plasma THX Certified, Was $1999.99 Now $1578.47 Amazon

Panasonic TC-P50S2 50″ 1080p Plasma, Was $1399.99 Now $973.73  6 Ave. via Amazon

Toshiba 46SV670 46″ 1080p 240Hz LED LCD Was $2099.99 Now $1199.96 Amazon

Toshiba 55SV670″ 55″ 1080p 240Hz LED LCD, Was $2699.99 Now $1599.96 Tiger Direct via Amazon

Edited By Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(May 4, 2010) Director George Lucus created the THX Certification program in 1983 to institute audio and film reproduction standards for movie theaters. Later, THX began an audio certification program for home theater. More recently, THX introduced new standards for home HDTV certification (for more on THX history click this link). To receive THX certification a display must pass a battery of tests incorporating over 400 data points.

THX chose the HD Guru as the first journalist to reveal details about its display testing program. (Disclosure: THX paid expenses to visit its San Rafael headquarters)

Our host provided a complete copy of its requirements and specifications for certification with the understanding (for competitive and business reasons) we would only publish the list of test categories with a limited number of the exact specifications. We jumped on the chance to pierce the armor of secrecy surrounding THX’s video standards.

Inside THX’s test lab, we observed their array of test signals and procedures. In addition to the legacy test signals we and other reviewers use to evaluate HDTVs, THX created some of their own patterns (see photos).

THX tests signal processing, deinterlacing, color points, black levels and white levels among others criteria. They perform additional testing of display properties that are generally too time consuming or require special test equipment the HD Guru and our fellow reviewers don’t possess. Here is a link to a never before released list of THX tests.

The Secret Sauce

Below, the techies among our readers can see the seven of the dozens of specifications a display must meet for THX Certification. These tolerances are quite tight.

A brief explanation of the seven items

1)  Primary and secondary color points must be within a  ±0.005 variation.  2) Low panel reflectance allows viewing in an environment with lamps. Please note no anti reflective filter is 100% effective.  3) Uniformity assures no dark or light areas on the panel, a problem that plagues many LCD (and LED-LCD) panels. 4) Off axis color accuracy assures minimal color shift as one moves up to 45º off center, another common issue with many LCD panels. 5) Tests for residual images (called image retention) on a plasma display. 6) Confirms display of 100% of the image, assuring no aliasing artifacts with 1080i/1080p content. 7) Assures the signal processing within the display provides full resolution without adding undesirable artifacts.

THX provided the following italicized section:

The items below are a snapshot of some of requirements to achieve THX Display Certification. The test sample provided by the manufacturer must meet or exceed all THX requirements, as listed in the THX specification, when measured in our San Rafael facility. All requirements pertain to the THX picture mode; the manufacturer may choose different settings in other picture modes.

1. 1. Rec. 709 Standard. THX restricts the color gamut to Rec. 709 as all source material is mastered to these limits. The display must measure within ±0.005 of the coordinates listed below for white, red, blue and ±0.010 for green coordinates (Sec. 3.1.5)

1. 2. Panel Reflectance. THX requires a panel reflectance of <2% to ensure good contrast in a moderately lit viewing environment, which keeps the image dark the presence of  lamps. (Sec. 3.1.12)

1. 3. Uniformity. THX measures the uniformity by comparing eight locations at the edge of the panel to the center. THX mandates that black and white panel uniformity must be >80% in luminance and within ±0.004 in color. (Sec. 3.3)

1. 4. Four-point viewing angle (LCD flat panel). THX compares the color and uniformity at 45º to the on-axis (90º) measurements for a color of ±0.004 and uniformity >75%. (Sec. 3.3.5)

1. 5. Image Retention Recovery (Plasma panel). THX ensures that the image recovery utility within the panel eliminates image retention. A static checkerboard pattern is displayed for two hours. The retained image must recover >98% within ten minutes. (Sec. 3.3.7)

1. 6. Overscan. The native 1920 x 1080 source must be presented pixel-for-pixel with no overscan. This ensures that no scaling artifacts are added to the image. (Sec. 4.2.4)

1. 7. Video Processing. THX uses proprietary patterns to evaluate the following: judder, deinterlacing, bob and weave switching time, contouring; jaggies (smoothing), etc. (Sec. 4.0)

The requirements described and others within the THX Display Specification are incorporated in the THX picture mode. In addition, THX engineers choose the default settings of the manufacturer-specific features (noise reduction, interpolation, contrast enhancement, etc.).

THX Mode

In addition to the performance testing, THX requires implementation of a THX Movie Mode, with performance characteristics determined by THX after the display is completely characterized.

The THX Movie Mode has specific settings for gamma, color point, luminance, overscan, and other settings specific to the certified display. This setting is intended to provide the optimum settings for playback of movie titles, but can be used for viewing other content as well.

What Does THX Do For You?

THX certification assures buyers a high quality high definition display. TV makers can’t pass the rigid specifications by using low quality LCD or plasma panels and/or mediocre signal processors.

Engaging the THX mode assures HDTV purchasers a simple “out of the box” setting that is as accurate as you will find, without any other adjustments or extra cost post setup calibration.

We’ve tested THX Certified modes in various brand sets and confirmed they measure close to industry image setting standards. While it’s possible that an HDTV manufacturer can do their homework and produce a factory setting that provides the best possible picture quality, to date no vendor does.  THX certification is available on select LG LED LCDs including the 47LE8500, 55LE8500 and LG plasmas 50PK750, and 60PK750, Panasonic plasmas TC-P42G25, TC-P46G25,TC-P50G25, and  TC-P54G25, Epson front projectors, Runco front projectors and JVC front projectors.  Here is a link to all the 2010 THX Certified  models.

Bottom Line

If you want an accurate HDTV image, choosing a THX Certified display will get you a top quality unit without fuss. THX Certified displays continue to receive some of the highest ratings from the leading magazine and web HDTV reviewers.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.