HD Guru &#187; Product Reviews

ST50 Series

Available in the 50, 55, 60 and 65-Inch screen sizes. Main features:

Picture and Sound Quality

Progressive FULL HD 3D™, 1080p NeoPlasma Panel, 2500 Focused Field Drive, Infinite Black Pro, 12286 Equivalent Steps of Gradation, Vivid Color Creation, Web Smoother, 2D-3D Conversion, 3D 24p Cinema Smoother, 3D Real Sound with 8-Train Speakers

Ease Of Operation

VIERA remote App Support, Simple Remote Control, Product Support Center / eHELP

Networking

VIERA Connect, Web Browser, WiFi Built-In, DLNA, Game Mode, Media Player, VIERA Link™, 3 HDMI Terminals, 2 USB Terminals

ECO

Mercury and Lead Free Panel, Long Panel Life, Up to 100,000 Hours, Eco Mode, C.A.T.S. [Contrast Automatic Tracking System], Power Saving Functions in VIERA Link™

Design-Crystal Frame

UT50 Series

Available in the 42, 50, 55 and 60-Inch screen sizes. Main features:

Picture and Sound Quality

Progressive FULL HD 3D™, 1080p panel, 2500 Focused Field Drive, 6144 Equivalent Steps of Gradation, Vivid Color Creation, Web Smoother, 2D-3D Conversion, 3D 24p Cinema Smoother, 3D Real Sound

Ease Of Operation

VIERA remote App Support, Product Support Center / eHELP

Networking

VIERA Connect, WiFi Ready, DLNA, Game Mode, Media Player, VIERA Link™, 2 HDMI Terminals, 2 USB Terminals

ECO

Mercury and Lead Free Panel, Long Panel Life, Up to 100,000 Hours, Eco Mode, C.A.T.S. [Contrast Automatic Tracking System], Power Saving Functions in VIERA Link™

XT Series

Available in the 42 and 50-Inch screen sizes with 768p resolution. Main features:

Picture and Sound Quality

3D with Active Shutter Glasses, 600HZ Sub-Field Drive, 6,144 Equivalent Steps of Gradation, Vivid Color Creation, Web Smoother, 2D-3D Conversion, 3D 24p Cinema Smoother, 3D Real Sound

Ease Of Operation

VIERA remote App Support

Networking

Online Movies, WiFi Ready, DLNA, Game Mode, Media Player, VIERA Link™, 2 HDMI Terminals, 2 USB Terminals

ECO

Mercury and Lead Free Panel, Long Panel Life, Up to 100,000 Hours, Eco Mode, C.A.T.S. [Contrast Automatic Tracking System], Power Saving Functions in VIERA Link™

U Series

Available in the 50-Inch screen size. Main Features:

Picture Quality

1080p, 600HZ Sub-Field Drive, 6,144 Equivalent Steps of Gradation

Networking

Game Mode, Media Player, VIERA Link™, 2 HDMI Terminals, 1 USB Terminals

ECO

Mercury and Lead Free Panel, Long Panel Life, Up to 100,000 Hours, Eco Mode, C.A.T.S. [Contrast Automatic Tracking System], Power Saving Functions in VIERA Link™

X Series

Available in the 42 and 50-Inch screen size with 768p resolution.

Picture Quality

600HZ Sub-Field Drive, 6,144 Equivalent Steps of Gradation

Networking

Game Mode, Media Player, VIERA Link™, 2 HDMI Terminals, 1 USB Terminal

ECO

Mercury and Lead Free Panel, Long Panel Life, Up to 100,000 Hours

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Is Your HDTV Super Bowl Ready? Set-Up Tips For The Best Picture

Gary — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:00:40 +0000

Surveys show about 1 in 5 HDTV owners end up NOT watching the big game or other programs in high def due to improper setup (source: The Nielsen Co.).

Follow our check list to make sure your HDTV is ready for Super Bowl viewing with the best, sharpest picture. We take you step by step from TV signal to a full high definition image.

HDTV Source

There are three possible ways to see the game in high definition, over-the-air, cable or satellite.

Over-The-Air

To receive the game in HDTV via free over-the-air broadcasts you will need an antenna and know if your local NBC station’s transmitter is within roughly 25 miles from your home. You will also need to have a line of sight to the transmitter tower. If you have a building, hill or mountain between you and tower you probably won’t be able to get reliable over the air reception. Check with antennaweb.org and/or your local NBC station for more information about what size and type of antenna you need to see the game, as well as the direction you need to point it. Because of all that is involved, the vast majority of viewers choose cable or satellite. An HDTV over-the-air tuner is built-in to all HDTVs.

Cable/Satellite

You need the right equipment and settings to see the game in glorious high definition. First you need to make 100% sure your cable or satellite box is a “High Definition” model. The cable and satellite providers will rent you a standard def box if you do not specify a high definition model. Most HD boxes have either the letters HD or HDTV or “high definition” on their front panel. If it doesn’t, it is probably a standard def model and you will need to get a replacement before the game.

You also need a high definition wire to connect between the box and your HDTV. The best and least expensive one is called HDMI. It carries both the picture and sound over a single cable. Get the Hi-Speed type as it can handle any current or future signal you will receive. Retail stores usually charge $25 to over $100 for an HDMI cable. Most installs need at least a two meter (6 ft.6 inches) or three meter (9 ft. 9 inches) cable. HDMI cables do not tolerate sharp bends well, so make sure the cable is long enough. Amazon makes a great Hi-Speed HDMI Cable that sells for $9.99 for 3 meters or $7.99 for 2 meters with free shipping.

Cable/Satellite Box settings

First learn from your program provider which channel carries the NBC high definition signal, as many cable and satellite companies still simulcast the standard definition version on a different channel. Tune to the NBC HD channel and confirm reception. Next, through the cable or satellite box remote control you must set the box’s resolution to your HDTVs resolution. If you have a 1080p HDTV set the box’s output to 1080i (the TV will automatically convert the “i,” for interlaced, into “p,” for progressive). If you have a 720p HDTV, then set the box’s output to 720p.

Amazon’s Super Bowl Sale

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT30 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV

Cable/Satellite Box Aspect Ratio Setting

You’ll also need to make the set top box is in “16×9″ not the “4×3″ mode. If this is not set correctly you will see a smaller cropped image.

You are now finished with the settings on your cable/satellite box. Onto your TV settings.

Adjusting the TV

First confirm the HDMI cable is connected from the set top box is to an HDMI input on your HDTV. We choose “HDMI 1″ as this is the most frequently used source in our house, though any HDMI TV input will work the same. Using the TVs remote control set the TV input to the corresponding one to where you connected the HDMI cable.

Aspect Ratio

Your HDTV will have settings for aspect ratio and most sets have a second sub-control. The main aspect setting you need will be the one labeled “Full” , choose it. If your set has a sub-control called “Dot-by-Dot”, “Native”, or “Just Scan” use it. Panasonics have a sub-menu that lists Size One or Size Two. Choose Size Two. All these modes allow the HDTV to place the entire image on the screen without cropping it (called overscan even though TVs don’t scan anymore). This control gives the viewer everything the director sees at the highest resolution. Your HDTV will now match the NBC HD signal pixel for pixel. On some HDTVs this control will be grayed out if the set’s picture “mode” is set to Vivid or Sports, it usually requires standard, custom or a user labeled setting (see picture modes below for more information).

Reducing Motion Blur

LED and LCD TVs that have 120 Hz, 240 Hz or 480 Hz refresh allow users to reduce blurry motion by engaging these circuits during sports programs. Different set makers call them different names such as Motion Plus or Motion Flow etc.. This mode must be in the “On” position to get crisper motion. Consult your TVs “on screen” menu for this control or your owner’s manual. Note, Plasma TVs have full motion resolution without these circuits so no adjustment is necessary

Picture Modes

All HDTVs have preset picture modes as a starting point for picture optimization. Avoid the following preset modes for the best game viewing “Sports”, “Vivid” “Dynamic” and “Game” Yes it sounds counter intuitive, but these presets are generally made to produce the brightest image on the showroom floor not the best picture in a home. “Game” mode automatically disengages and locks out motion blur reduction circuits. Use modes such as “Movie” or “Custom” as the best starting point for user control optimization. If your set does not have those modes choose “Standard”.

Picture Controls

Ideally you would use a test disc like the Disney WOW: World of Wonder on Blu-ray disc to optimize your picture settings. If you don’t have one follow our guide to settings here.

Summary

By taking a few minutes to check our simple list you can be assured you, your friends and family are viewing the Super Bowl and all other future programs with the best high def image your HDTV is capable of producing. Now you’ll really be ready for some football.

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The Hottest Pre-Super Bowl HDTV Deals

Gary — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:13:55 +0000

With only one week remaining to the big game, TV makers are running dealer incentives for a final push on big screen HDTVs. We’ve picked the hottest deals, all with free freight. Our survey article indicates buyers want the biggest, sharpest HDTV they can get. This week’s deals list screens from 46 to 60 Inches with the best deals coming from Samsung and Panasonic. Our top pick is the 60-Inch Panasonic plasma.

The Panasonic TCP60S30 is 60-Inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV which allows you to stream movies from Amazon Instant and Netflix as well as other services now on sale for $999. This is the best big screen deal around for under $1000. Plasma TVs have the widest viewing angle, far exceeding LED and LCD, making it the perfect choice for Super Bowl parties. Everyone, no matter where they sit or stand sees the same great picture.

All listed HDTVs are sold by Amazon Direct and include free freight. Want it faster? Order Amazon Prime ($79) and get free two day shipping on any TV from Amazon direct and free streaming movies via Amazon Instant for a full year on any of the listed Panasonic HDTVs.

Samsung UN46D7000 46-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV Retail $2,299.99 Now $1,293.00

Samsung UN60D7000 60-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV, Silver Retail $3800 Now 2438.00

Samsung UN46D7900 46-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV Retail $2600 Now $1519.97

Panasonic VIERA TC-P60S30 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Retail $1600 Now $999.99

Samsung UN46D8000 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D LED HDTV Retail $2800 Now $1566.09

Samsung PN51D8000 51-inch 1080p 3D Ready Plasma HDTV Retail $2,299.99 Now $1,519.68

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT30 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV Retail $1900 Now $1119.04

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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Super Bowl Viewers Want A New HDTV That’s Bigger and Better

Gary — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:11:21 +0000

A Super Bowl HDTV shopper survey just released by techbargains.com reveals one in four shoppers are considering purchasing a new HDTV before the game on February 5, 2012. A whopping 72% of consumers believe the size of the HDTV impacts on their viewing experience.

Additional survey results:

High resolution is the most important television feature when watching football according to 60% of shoppers.

Size of Current TVs Survey Participants Own

40% own a 40″-49″ TV

22% own 50″-59″ TV

22% own 30″-39″ TV

10% own 21″-29″ TV

5% own 60″-69″ TV

1% own 70″+ TV

Spending

63% will spend more on this TV purchase than their last purchase

27% will spend about the same

10% will spend less on this TV purchase than their last purchase

Type of HDTVs Consumers Currently Own

45% own LCD

20% own LED

16% Plasma

12% don’t own an HDTV

3% own a 3DTV

Type of HDTVs Shoppers are Purchasing

53% will buy an LED TV

16% will buy a LCD

15% will buy a Plasma

14% will buy a 3D TV

3% are not sure

Current LED Owners

24% may buy a new TV in time for the Super Bowl (7% will buy, 17% are undecided)

64% will purchase online and 36% will purchase in store

66% will buy another LED while 20% will spring for a 3D TV

59% will spend more on their new TV than their last TV

39% will spend $1,000-$1,499, 30% will spend $500-$999

Current LCD Owners

21% may buy a new TV in time for the Super Bowl (5% will buy, 16% are undecided)

69% will purchase online and 31% will purchase in store

57% will switch over to buy an LED TV while 20% will buy another LCD

57% will spend more on a new TV than on their last TV

42% will spend $500-$999, 27% will spend $1,000-$1,499

Current Plasma Owners

23% may buy a new TV in time for the Super Bowl (7% will buy, 16% are undecided)

74% will purchase online and 26% will purchase in store

35% will buy an LED TV, 32% will buy another Plasma and 18% will buy a 3DTV

53% will spend more on a new TV than on their last TV

32% will spend $500-$999, 29% will spend $1,000-$1,499

Summary

Consumers want the biggest sharpest image when viewing the Super Bowl. About 7 out of 10 buyers surveyed want to buy online, showing more confidence in the value of online HDTV buying than ever before (take notice Best Buy!). HD Guru believes this is largely due to Amazon’s very pro-customer policies including free freight, 30 day free returns and more.

Here are a number of great pre-game large screen HDTV deals from Amazon direct.

Panasonic VIERA TC-P60S30 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic VIERA TC-P65ST30 65-Inch 1080p 600 Hz 3D Plasma HDTV

Samsung UN55D8000 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D LED HDTV (Silver)

Samsung PN59D8000 59-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Plasma HDTV (Black)

Samsung UN60D7000 60-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV, Silver

Samsung UN55D6400 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Black)

Sony BRAVIA KDL46BX420 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

Sony BRAVIA KDL55HX820 55-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV with Built-In Wi-Fi, Black

Toshiba 47TL515U 47-Inch Natural 3D 1080p 240 Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Net TV, Black

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Choosing The Right HDTV For Super Bowl XLVI

Gary — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:28:20 +0000

With the big game just around the corner this guide will help you pick the HDTV that is best for viewing the annual spectacle.

The game will be broadcast in high definition on NBC on Sunday February 5th at 6:30 Eastern Standard Time. This means it will be past sunset on the east coast and about two hours before it in the west. The western time may affect ambient room lighting conditions if your game viewing environment does not have curtains or window shades. There are four main criteria for great sports HDTV viewing. The list appears after the jump.

The four HDTV criteria for a great Superbowl viewing experience are: screen size, viewing angle, motion performance and screen brightness.

Screen Size

With the game broadcast in 1080 line resolution you will want to sit close enough to see all the detail. The further the seating distance, the larger the screen needed to see all the resolution of the broadcast. Here is a link to our viewing distance chart . Below are some examples of screen size viewing distances below (measured diagonal versus maximum viewing distance (distance may be slightly rounded up or down):

Screen Size=Max Viewing Distance

42-Inch =5.5ft.

46-Inch=6ft.

50-Inch=6.5 ft

55-Inch=7 ft. 2-inches

60-Inch=7 ft. 10-inches

65-Inch=8.5 ft

70-Inch=9 ft 2-inches

80-Inch=10.5ft

How Viewing Angle Can Affect Contrast

If you watch the game alone or with one person next to you all the current HDTVs will provide a good picture. However, if you expect to have a crowd over then you should know about viewing angles and how they affect picture performance. Called off-axis viewing some HDTVs images loss contrast and color saturation and may also shift colors, all these anomalies can degrade your viewing experience. There are two types of large flat screen technologies currently available, LCD and plasma. What TV makers often call LEDs are really LCD panels lit by LED lamps instead of fluorescent (CCFL) lamps. While the so called LED LCDs may have a thinner form factor, and can reach a higher maximum brightness (more on this later), the viewing angle with this type of lighting is no better than the lower cost CCFL LCD models.

Plasma TVs have the best vertical and horizontal viewing angle, everyone sees the same high quality image no matter where they are sitting or standing in the room.

LCDs and LED LCDs have a limited vertical viewing angle and lighter blacks and darker whites know as lower contrast are noticeable as one moves above or below the screen. LCDs and LEDs (LCD) also suffer from lower contrast as one moves from center to the side of the TV with performance varying greatly depending on the screen technology. LG and Panasonic LCDs use IPS panels in their respective large screen sets and these IPS panels consistently have the best off-axis horizontal viewing. Samsung, Sony and Sharp all use a type of panel called VA and these panels suffer from more contrast loss as one moves off center though results may vary from on model to another. If you plan to have viewers off center a IPS LED LCD or IPS LCD (CCFL) or a plasma TV should be considered. You can test this yourself by moving off center at your desired viewing distance at your local dealer showroom.

Motion Performance

All LEDs and LCDs with a 60 Hz refresh rate blur fast motion like runners and pans. In our tests of hundreds of sets we found 60 Hz models reduced image sharpness around 70% during fast motion. If you are considering a large screen LED or LCD you should get one with at least a 120 Hz refresh rate to reduce motion blur. 240 Hz is even better but the improvement is not as dramatic as when comparing 60 Hz to 120 Hz. All plasma HDTVs have excellent motion resolution.

One more word of caution. While higher refresh rates work fine with sports that are shot by video cameras, these circuits called ME/MC have a side effect for film based content like movies and many scripted series. They make the film look like video and create other artifacts. Here’s a our article here and here explaining what is called “the soap opera effect” and how it affects picture performance. Plasma TVs do not need this circuit for excellent motion resolution, so you will not see this effect (with the user controls set properly)

Brightness

If you are upgrading from a large screen CRT old style TV you will be happy with either screen technology as all are far brighter than the big bulky old CRTs. However, if you want to watch in daytime without curtains or window shades, LCDs and LEDs can be cranked brighter than a plasma. Keep in mind high ambient light levels degrade image quality by masking deep blacks you will see a better picture by controlling a room’s ambient light level via shade or curtains.

Reception Tips

If you are a satellite or cable subscriber, make sure a few days before the game that you can receive NBC in high definition. This requires a special high definition set top box, not the one you’ve been using on your 15 year old standard def TV. You will also need a special cable called HDMI to get full high definition picture and sound over a single wire from the set top box to the HDTV. We’ve used the Amazon Hi-Speed HDMI Cable with perfect results. A 3 meter length sells for $9.99 including shipping Best Buy sells similar ones for up to $140 each.

If you want to see the Superbowl via over-the-air signals, you will need an antenna that can pick-up your local station and it must be pointed in the direction of the local NBC transmitter. For more information go to antennaweb.org. You may also call your local NBC station for advice.

Recommendations

This is a great time of the year to buy a new big screen HDTV as the makers are planning model changes starting in March and they are providing huge dealer incentives to move out the 2011s.

Here are some hot deals from Amazon direct

Toshiba 55G310U 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV, Black Retail $1500 now $799.99-47% off

Toshiba 40SL412U 40-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LED-LCD HDTV, Black Retail $1000 Now $529.99-47% off

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50S30 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Retail $1600 Now $1100-31% off

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT30 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV Retail $1900 Now $1049.99-45% off

Samsung UN55D8000 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D LED HDTV (Silver)Retail $3600 Now $2257.17-37% off

LG Infinia 65LW6500 65-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120 Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Smart TV and Four Pairs of 3D Glasses Retail $4500 Now $2499.99-44% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL55NX720 55-inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV with Built-in WiFi, Black Retail $2900 Now$1826.36-37% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL55HX820 55-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV with Built-In Wi-Fi, BlackRetail $3400 Now $2017.34-41% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL46HX820 46-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV with Built-In Wi-Fi, BlackRetail $2600 Now 1600.00-38% off

Panasonic VIERA TC-P60S30 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Retail $1600 Now $1099.99-31% off

From BestBuy.com

$700 and $800 Off Select Sharp HDTVs.Sharp 60-Inch LC60LE6300 Was $1700 Now $999.99
Sharp 70-Inch LC70LE632 Was $2800 Now $1999.99 Sale starts 1/22/2012

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5 New 2012 HDTV Technologies that are actually interesting

Geoff Morrison — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:02:21 +0000

With the industry showcase CES over, and now that we’ve had a few days to recuperate, it’s time to take a look at new technologies coming out this year.

For the most part, this year’s CES was about bigger, cheaper flat panels, but in the crevasses there was some tech that’s actually worth getting excited about.

1) OLED

Of course.

LG and Samsung announced OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diode televisions. We, and many other media outlets, gave the LG a best in show award.

Why are we excited? OLED promises to have a better black level and contrast ratio than plasma (even CRT), while offering lower power consumption and thinner cabinets than LED LCDs. Not only the best of both worlds, but better than both worlds.

No pricing was announced, but rumors have the 55-inch models in the $8k-$10k range. Before you scoff, it was only a few years ago that 50-inch LED LCDs were near this range. Prices will drop, quality will improve. We can’t wait.

2) Gesture Control/Facial Recognition

Several companies, including Samsung and LG (see a trend?) announced gesture control, or the ability to adjust your television without the remote. Think of it like a Xbox Kinect, but built into your TV. Wave your hand to increase the volume, etc. With Facial Recognition, the TV can automatically log you into Skype, or other services, just by looking at the TV.

In some closed-door demonstrations at the show, we got to see this in action. Like any cutting-edge technology, it’s not as seamless as you’d want, but it is undeniably cool.

Will you ditch the remote for hand waving and facial recognition? Probably not this year, but how could this not be the future of product interaction?

3) ARC (Audio Return Channel)

Released as part of the HDMI 1.4 standard, ARC sends the audio from the TV back up the cable to the receiver and/or soundbar. We’re finally seeing products with this feature built in.

In most cases, a home theater setup would be: source (Blu-ray, cable/satellite) -> receiver or soundbar -> television. This works fine, unless the TV itself is a source. With the prevalence of Smart TVs, this is becoming more common. So if you’re watching Netflix through an app on your TV, you either have to run a separate optical cable from the TV to the receiver, or just use the TV speakers.

With ARC, the TV’s audio gets sent back towards the receiver, and then out to your system’s speakers. Both the TV and the receiver/soundbar need to have ARC, and you’ll need an HDMI cable that supports it (most new ones do).

4) Mobile High-definition Link (MHL)

Roku recently released the Streaming Stick, essentially a miniaturized version of their Internet streaming box that’s the size of a USB flash drive and plugs directly into your TV. While cool, it itself isn’t “new tech” worthy. But how it works, is.

Mobile High-definition Link is a connection technology that uses existing connector types (i.e. HDMI or USB) to transmit 1080p video and 8-channel audio from a device to a TV, and then power from the TV back down to the device. This power can either charge the device (in the case of a mobile phone) or in Roku’s case, power it completely.

The odd thing about the Roku is that the TV has to have the MHL technology, meaning it has to be a new TV. Most new TVs already have streaming services built in. Regardless, it’s a cool idea that I’m sure many companies will developing products for.

5) Speech Recognition

While OLED got all the fanfare at CES this year, it was speech recognition that was seemingly everywhere. Whether it was standalone products, or built into TVs, talking to your products seems to be coming in a big way. You can thank the hype around Apple’s Siri for that.

The reason so many of these products are coming out now, and working, is largely due to one company: Nuance. Thanks to years of research and extensive studying of human speech patterns, Nuance allows devices to understanding what’s being said. No small feat, that.

Samsung and LG both have speech recognition built into many of their 2012 models. Commands like “Volume up” and “Power off” make the interaction with your TV more fluid, and entirely sci-fi.

Like any new technology (and the Gesture/face control mentioned above), it’s not quite as fast or fool-proof as you’d hope. Still, the idea of being able to walk into your TV room, say “TV On, channel 4,” and have the TV magically come to life is any sci-fi nerd’s dream. The tech isn’t quite there yet to do this perfectly, but it’s getting there.

Geoff Morrison @TechWriterGeoff
Check out Geoff’s book.

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New Panasonic Plasmas and LCDs

Geoff Morrison — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:38:31 +0000

Panasonic announced today a bevy of new models, with lots of different price points, sizes, and features.

All the details and our analysis after the jump.

Plasma

VT50 Series (Shown above)
At the top of the plasma offerings, the VT50 comes in two sizes: 55-(TC-P55VT50) and 65-inch (TC-P65VT50). They’re active 3D, have built-in WiFi, and are THX Certified. They feature an “Infinite Black Ultra Panel” and VIERA Connect with a web browser that runs Flash. As you can see in the picture, it features the “one sheet of glass” design found on last year’s VT30. We’re expect it to be a stellar performer, with black levels even better (albeit slightly) better than last year’s model.

GT50 Series

The next step down in the line is the GT50 Series, which will come in 50-(TC-P50GT50, etc), 55-, 60-, and 65-inch models. They’re active 3D, have an “Infinite Black Pro Panel,” built-in WiFi, VIERA Connect with a browser (like the VT50), and are THX Certified. The design is “glass and metal” with a “gradation metal” pedestal.

ST50
One step below the GT50 is the ST50, which will be available in 50-(TC-P50ST50, etc), 55-, 60-, and 65-inch models. Specs, as far as we’ve been given so far, are basically identical to the GT50. The design will likely be different, though. They’re also not THX Certified. Expect performance to be slightly less than the GT50.

UT50
With the UT50 Series, you’ll find 42-, 50-, 55-, and 60-inch (TC-P60UT50, etc) models. You’re still getting active 3D and VIERA Connect, but the UT50 models are WiFi-ready, and seem to lack the web browser of the upper models. There’s also only two HDMI inputs. Expect performance to be slightly less than the ST50, as it doesn’t feature that model’s “Infinite Black Pro Panel.”

XT50 Series
The 720p XT50 Series comes in 42-, and 50-inch (TC-P50XT50, etc) models. You don’t get VIERA Connect, instead there’s “Online Movies” a service that “provides select IPTV functionality by adding five of the most popular movies to the TV’s internet functionality.” Both models are 3D, though.

U50
The 50-inch TC-P50U50 is the only non-3D plasma Panasonic is offering for 2012. It’s 1080p and has VIERA Link (not Connect).

LCDs

WT50
Panasonic keeps pushing their LCD sizes upwards, this year with the WT50 series, available in 47-, and 55-inch (TC-L55WT50, etc) models. The 3D IPS-based LED LCDs feature “Super High Speed 1920 Backlight Scanning” and “New Clear Panel Pro.” VIERA Connect with web browser, and a “Super Narrow Metal Frame with a crescent stand.”

DT50

The DT50 Series comes in the same screen sizes as the WT50, and has roughly the same hardware specs, lacking the “Clear Panel Pro” and a featuring a different design.

ET5
Brace yourself… the ET5 Series is passive 3D. There are three models, 42-, 47-, and 55-inch (TC-L55ET5). The IPS-based LED LCDs have a “360 Scanning Backlight,” VIERA Connect, and come with 4 pairs of passive 3D glasses.

E50 Series
The E50s are the top of the non-3D lines. There’s 42-, 47-, and 55-inch (TC-L55E50, etc) IPS-based LED-lit models. There’s also a “360 Scanning Backlight,” VIERA Connect, and they’re WiFi-ready.

E5 Series
IPS and LED, but no VIERA Connect for the four models in the E5 Series. Instead it has the “Online Movies” feature mentioned above. The WiFi-ready models will be available in 32, 37, 42, and 47-inch (TC-L47E5, etc) models.

X5
Still IPS and LED, but the X5 is 720p and doesn’t have VIERA Connect. It’s 32-inches (TC-L32X5). There’s a 24-inch model, too.

U5
Leaving LED lighting, the U5 Series has a CCFL backlight, but it is 1080p. No VIERA Connect. There’s one model, the TC-L42U5 which is, if you haven’t seen the trend so far, 42-inches.

C5
Finally, there’s the C5. CCFL, 720p, no VIERA Connect.

While no pricing or availability info was given, expect the pricing to be in line with the order you see here (top most expensive, bottom cheapest, within each technology type). We’re expecting to see most models start shipping this spring.

Geoff Morrison @TechWriterGeoff
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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
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Get A Big Screen HDTV Deal In Time For The NFL Playoffs

Gary — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:01:14 +0000

With the NFL football playoffs starting this weekend, it’s a great time to watch them on a new big screen. For sports and action programs you’ll need a display that does not blur the motion, so all selected LCDS and LED LCDs HDTVs with blur reducing higher refresh rates (120Hz or higher) or plasmas that do not suffer from motion blur. The listed TVs are hot deals with savings up to 47% off retail.

All HDTVs we list reflect the Amazon Direct price. This means you get free shipping, 14 day price guarantee and 30 return privileges with free return freight making these HDTVs a worry free purchase. Want it faster? Get a year of Amazon Prime ($79) and you will get it in two days! All listed Smart LG, Sony and Panasonic models below also get free movies via Amazon Instant Internet streaming service that’s included with a Prime purchase.

All listed models are top tier name brands with screen sizes from 40-Inches to 55-Inches.

LG Infinia 55LW5600 55-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120 Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Smart TV and Four Pairs of 3D Glasses Retail $2400 Now $1284.00- 46% off

Samsung UN55D8000 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D LED HDTV (Silver)Retail $3600 Now $2199.00-39% off

LG 42LK520 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV Retail $799.99 Now 559.00-30% off

LG Infinia 42LV5500 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Smart TV Retail $1100 Now $792.20- 38% off

Panasonic VIERA TC-P42ST30 42-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV Retail $1100 Now $699.99-36% off

Toshiba 42TL515U 42-Inch Natural 3D 1080p 240 Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Net TV, Black Retail $1200 Now $649.98-46% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL40EX720 40-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV, Black Retail $1300 Now $782.77-40% Off

Samsung PN51D6500 51-Inch 1080p 600 Hz 3D Plasma HDTV (Black) Retail $1600 Now $997.99-38% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL55HX820 55-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV with Built-In Wi-Fi, Black Retail $3400 Now $1982.99- 42% off

Sony BRAVIA KDL46HX820 46-Inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV with Built-In Wi-Fi, Black Retail $2600 Now $1389.00-47% off

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HD Guru’s 2012 HDTV Predictions

Gary — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:58:39 +0000

With 2011 now in the history books, it’s time again to look forward to new HD home theater products. We’ve collected all our inside industry clues and trends to make 12 predictions for the HDTVs in the New Year.

And so you know we’re honest, we’ll begin with how we did on last year’s predictions.

2011 Recap

Our 2011 predictions lead with a forecast of lower priced 3D TVs and this came true in spades with significant price drops of all 3D sets with a number large screens breaking the sub-$1000 and even the sub $800 price level. 2D sets also dropped significantly, bringing historically the lowest prices ever such as 40-Inch LCDs for $299.

We correctly predicted new active 3D eyewear from vendors. Samsung, also as we predicted, switched away from infrared to RF sync.

We forecast larger than 70-Inch LCD panels and we were spot on with the introduction of Sharp’s 80-Inch LED LCD TV, although the first model was not 3D as we expected.

3D picture quality improved substantially, as we wrote. Passive 3D grew also as expected with TVs from LG
,Vizio, Toshiba and some no-name vendors as well. We missed the mark on Full HD active passive and it looks like that technology may not appear soon.

Plasma TVs got thinner in depth with skinnier bezels and better black level performance. LED LCD performance improved as we figured with the debut of the Elite by Sharp TVs.

We blew it on the new LCD panel tech predictions, with all companies carrying over their 2010 panel technology designs. Connected TV market penetration exploded with this feature appearing on many major manufacturers lines with the exception of entry level models. The technology also migrated to Blu-ray disc players and new freestanding boxes.

The number of Blu-ray 3D Discs increased exponentially, with over 150 titles now available. Samsung launched a 3D streaming site on its connected TVs too. Cable and satellite did not keep pace with any new 3D channels in 2011.

Onto 2012 predictions

OLEDs

1) 2012 will be the most significant year in TV display technology in 15 years! 1997 was the year Fujitsu introduced the world’s first large-screen flat-panel display, a 42″ 480p plasma TV. In 2012 LG and Samsung will introduce the revolutionary OLED HDTV technology in the 55″ screen size. OLED can produce high defintion images that outperform the best LED LCDs and plasmas. The most significant improvement is in contrast, which happens to be the most important characteristic for top image quality. Unlike any current plasma or LED LCD, the OLED can completely shut-off light emissions on a per-pixel basis. The result, in theory, is an infinite contrast ratio. However, marketing guys like numbers so you will see them in 80,000,000:1 range or higher. This improvement will be immediately noticeable in a dark viewing environment, but not in a store like Best Buy that’s lit like a Christmas tree.

In addition to perfect jet-black blacks against bright whites and vibrant colors, the OLEDs have other fine performance attributes. Motion blur is non-existent due to a response time measured in fractions of a microsecond (millionths of a second). By comparison, LED LCDs are measured in the number of milliseconds (thousandths of a second)

OLEDs are emissive displays, like plasmas and CRTs. Because of this, OLEDs have a near perfect 180 degree viewing angle without the color shift or contrast reduction seen on every LCD and LED LCD.

OLEDs have the thinnest form factor of any display technology. Look for depths of 4mm (3/16th of an inch) or less. That does create one problem, no room for the required power supply, tuner, and TV circuitry, so expect a separate box for inputs, switching and probably speakers.

OLED are by far the greenest TVs ever designed. We expect power consumption to be around one-half of the current large screen LED LCDs perhaps using a little as a 50 watt light bulb.

We predict LG and Samsung will ship 55-inch 3D ready product in the US in 2012. According to industry sources, Panasonic is converting one of its LCD plants into an OLED panel factory, although we are not certain its products will arrive in 2012. Sharp and Sony are also developing large screen OLED, though we don’t yet know when they will arrive to our shores.