(July 29, 2010) Approximately 700,000 Samsung DLP HDTV owners can’t view 3D content either from DirecTV or from cable providers. That’s because Samsung does not offer the special adapter that’s needed to convert 3D cable and satellite signals to the DLP compatible “checkerboard” format.

While Mitsubishi began shipping its 3DC-1000 3DC-A1 “checkerboard” converter this month it is designed for exclusive use with its own brand DLP 3D TVs. (For an explanation go here.) A company called Tru3D now offers an adapter kit that permits using the Mitsubishi 3D-A1 with 16 models of 2007 and 2008 Samsung DLP 3D-capable rear projectors (see the list below).

We spoke with CTO of Tru3D, Tony Welch. His company’s kit consists of the Mitsubishi 3DC-A1 and a box preloaded with a Mitsubishi 3D TV EDID code that “spoofs” the converter into passing a HD 3D signal player to a legacy Samsung 1080p DLP HDTV from either a cable box, a DirecTV box or a Blu-ray player.

The Tru3D adapter kit costs $289.99 plus shipping. It includes the ($100 retail) Mitsubishi 3DC-A1, an EDID “spoofer” with preloaded code and all necessary cables. Compatible glasses (such as XpanD 102) required for viewing 3D are not included.

The 3D TV adapter kit only supports the following Samsung 3D DLP HDTV models:

• Samsung HL-T5076S 50″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T5087S 50″ 1080P) LED DLP
• Samsung HL-T5089S 50″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL50A650 50″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T5676S 56″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T5687S 56″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL-T5689S 56″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL56A650 56″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T6176S 61″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T6187S 61″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL-T6189S 61″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL61A650 61″ 1080P) DLP
• Samsung HL61A750 61″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL67A750 67″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL72A650 72″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T7288W 72″ 1080P DLP

Ordering information is at the Tru3D website.

Note: Panasonic’s 3D compatible DMP-BDT300 and DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray players can output the checkerboard format and are compatible with listed Samsung TVs, thus allowing playback of 3D Blu-ray discs without the adapter kit. However, you will still need the Tru3D kit if you want to view DirecTV or cable 3D content.

Industry sources indicate lower priced cable/satellite solutions for listed Samsung HDTVs may become available in the near future. We will publish an update, if and when they are announced.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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

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 6, 2010) Mitsubishi’s soon to be launched HD converter box permits viewing a 3D HD Blu-ray player, 3D cable or satellite signal on any of its 3D ready HDTVs. The 3DC-1000, which debuted at the January 2010 consumer electronics show, converts HD 3D content to the checkerboard format used in all Mitsubishi 3D ready HDTV rear projectors produced since 2007.

In 2007 and 2008 Samsung offered 3D ready HDTVs for PC gaming that used the same checkerboard format. Recently, Mitsubishi decided to modify the 3DC-1000 to restrict compatibility to its own TVs, via the EDID identification data sent along with the HDMI signal.

According to Mitsubishi’s director of product planning David Naranjo, the 3DC-1000 converter will not accept the ID from these Samsung 3D ready HDTVs and so won’t pass the 3D signal in high definition.

Note: Mitsubishi never announced its converter would be compatible with 3D capable TVs other than its own.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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

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.

(April 30, 2010)  Recently, six HD Guru readers complained that Sony reneged on its offer to replace their defective SXRD rear projection HDTVs with a new 55″ KDL55HX701 for $550. Our original article (link) and comments attached to it explains the saga.

The SXRD owners claim Sony made a replacement offer, charged their credit card, waited until they received the mailed in serial number tag and then, days later, reneged on the original offer, instead offering a less expensive, smaller screen size substitute for the same $550, offered on a “take it or leave it” basis!

The replacement offer stems from a defect in Sony’s SXRD rear projectors that causes the screen’s image to turn yellow. Sony originally settled a series of class action lawsuits filed because of the defect, by extending the factory warranty and offering free replacement of the TVs “optical block” containing the troublesome SXRD chip.

However, SXRD owners continued to complain because the replacement “optical blocks” failed over time as well. It appears Sony never solved the inherent chip problem that caused the image yellowing in the first place. Sony withdrew all its SXRD rear projectors from the US market in early 2008.

We contacted a Sony representative and asked for an official response to readers’ charges that they were baited by a very generous replacement deal, and then switched to a less expensive TV, with Sony claiming that with the 55″ models no longer available, the original deal was off the table.

A Sony spokesperson says this is a misunderstanding and a misstatement of both fact and the companies intention to make good on its promise. The spokesperson claimed that due to the popularity of Sony’s 2010 Bravia flat panel LCD TVs, they continue to run out of their allocation of 55″ replacement sets. The spokesperson added that customers need to wait a few weeks for restocking inventories. Here is Sony’s official response.

“Sony is committed to delivering customer satisfaction.  Please contact us at sonylistens@am.sony.com and we will be happy to discuss a satisfactory solution. ”

HD Guru asks all affected SXRD set owners to contact Sony as soon as possible to resolve their disputes and let us know what happened by commenting below to let our readers know if Sony is now providing a satisfactory solution.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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

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.

(Oct. 30, 2009) The Los Gatos, California based startup HDI Limited announced today it has entered into an agreement with an undisclosed manufacturer to mass produce its laser powered 100″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 3D television in 2010. In a phone interview, HDI co-founder Ingemar Jansson revealed details of its upcoming entry into the 3D television market.

HDI’s 100″ 3D HDTV is a rear projector less than 10″  deep that uses two proprietary .81″ LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) 1920 x 1080 HD microdisplay chips, according to Jansson.

The 100″ 3D HDTV features three HDI developed technologies: 1) A “Laser Module” made up of 3-1watt (red, blue and green) lasers. 2) An “Image Module” consisting of the two LCoS chips, prisms to split the laser in two for left and right images, and a projection lens. 3) A proprietary rear projection screen that is not the customary Fresnel/lenticular design found in other rear projection televisions.

Unlike the “Full HD” 3D prototypes shown at the recent CEATEC electronics show by Panasonic, Sony, Sharp and Toshiba, the HDI Laser 3D HDTV will not make use of shutter glasses for viewing 3D images. Instead, it uses lower cost circular polarized glasses similar to the ones handed out for 3D movie viewing at your local cinema.

The HDI projector creates the 3D image using field-sequential color that fires each color (R, G, B) 360 times per second, for a total of 1080 fields per second. Cost (according to the press release) is “a street price potentially 60% less than current 2D flat screen” displays. Given that the largest flat panel available today is an 85″ plasma monitor that retails for $30,000; this would put the price at around $12,000.

Whether 3D has sufficient allure to drive consumers back to the RPTV from their current fixation with thin flat screens, whether LCD or plasma, remains to be seen.

The HD Guru plans to take a trip out to HDI shortly and make an eyewitness report in a blog post in HD Guru’s soon to launch 3D HDTV website. Stay tuned for an announcement.

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

Copyright ©2009 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

The HD Guru® made a second visit to his local Circuit City store in Hicksville, NY on Feb. 5, 2009 to check on the progress of the bankrupt company’s liquidation sale.

About one third of the original HDTV stock, then discounted by 10%, had been sold since the original January 17th  visit.  Now, signs posted around the TV department declared LCD flat panels 20% off  “original” price, while plasma HDTVs were now 25% off.

You may be surprised to learn that while the percentage discount increased from 10 to 25%, the actual “sale” price also went up!

How is that possible?  Circuit City’s liquidator upped the “original price” prior to increasing the discount percentage!  All but one of the HDTVs surveyed had been re-tagged with an “original” price higher by $100-$600 depending on the model.  The result?  In reality, the posted “greater” percentage discount produced a higher final price!

All Circuit City liquidation sales are “Final” and all merchandise is “As-Is.”  If you purchase an HDTV (or any other item) and when you get it home you find out it is damaged or it does not function properly it is your problem.

Manufacturer’s defects can be repaired under the manufacturer’s warranty but if the set is physically damaged, you are probably out of luck.

Below find the old and new survey results consisting of (from left to right) Circuit City’s  old pre-liquidation price, the 10% off January 17th liquidation price, the current  (2/5/09) marked price, the price after current 20%-25% markdown, and the price at the HD Guru’s Pricegrabber link.  Unlike Circuit City’s liquidation, most Pricegrabber merchants have exchange policies for defective merchandise and many have return policies, check with the individual Pricegrabber merchant for details.  (Key Pan=Panasonic; Sam=Samsung; Son=Sony)  Pricegrabber pricing listed is subject to change.

Make/Model 1/17 “Was/10%off 2/5Was/Now Pricegrabber

Pan/TH42PZ80U  $999.99/$899.99      $1299.99/$975    $869.99
Son/KDL46V4100 $1599.99/$1439.99 $1699.99/$1360   $1183.24
Son/KDL46XBR6$2799.99/2519.99   $2799.99/$2240     $1919.00
Sam/HL67A750 $2199.99/$1979.99  $2399.99/$1920     $1449.95
Sam/PN50A650 $1699.99/$1529.99  $2299.99/$1725    $1699.88
Sam/LN52A650  $2399.99/$2159.99  $2699.99/$2160    $1487.00
Sam/LN46A650 $1799.99/$1619.99  $2099.99/$1690    $1398.94

HD GURU|Email 

To learn more about Circuit City’s Liquidation, check out our other posts here (LINK) and here (LINK)

Copyright ©2009 Gary Merson/HD Guru® Inc. All rights reserved. HD GURU 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. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Unable to find a buyer for its money losing chain of stores, by order of the bankruptcy court, today (Jan. 17, 2009) Circuit City began the liquidation of all of its merchandise in the 567 remaining Circuit City stores in  the US. The HD Guru® visited the local Circuit City store in Hicksville, NY.  Here are the details.

All merchandise in the store is 10% off the yesterday’s prices (except DVDs, Blu-ray discs and CDs which are 20% off).  Unlike the previous liquidation Circuit City held in November 2008 when it closed 155 if its stores, today they did not jack up the prices and redo the price tags, the original price tags are still on all the merchandise.  There are two points to note, besides the 10% discount when considering buying anything at this liquidation sale.  All sales are “Final” and all merchandise is As-Is.  This means, if you purchase an HDTV (or any other item) and you find out it is damaged or it does not function properly when you get it home, it is your problem (no exchanges or refunds are permitted).  If the problem is a manufacturer’s defect, you can get it repaired under the manufacturer’s warranty.  If you discover the HDTV is physically damaged, you are probably out of luck, you’ll have no recourse with Circuit City because of its no returns or no exchanges liquidation policy.

Below is a comparison of Circuit City’s old price, the 10% off liquidation price and the HD Guru’s Pricegrabber price (here is the link ).  Of course, most Pricegrabber merchants have exchange policies for defective merchandise and many have return policies, check with the individual Pricegrabber merchant for details.  (Key Pan=Panasonic;Sam=Samsung; Son=Sony) Pricegrabber pricing listed is subject to change.

Make/Model         CC Old Price   10% Off            Pricegrabber

LG/42LG50            $999.99            $899.99            $849.95
Pan/TH42PZ80U    $949.99            $854.99            $869.00
Pan /TH42PZ85U   $1099.99          $989.99            $929.99
Pan/TH42PX80U    $799.99            $719.99            $709.00
Son/KDL46V4100  $1599.99          $1439.99          $1323.80
Pan/TC32LX85       $699.99            $629.99            $525.00
Son/KDL46XBR6   $2799.99          $2519.99          $1975.00
Sam/ HL67A750     $2199.99          $1979.99          $1646.00
Sam/ PN50A650     $1699.99          $1529.99          $1495.95
Son/KDL40S4100   $999.99            $899.99           $888.32
Sam/LN52A650      $2399.99           $2159.99        $1649.95
Sam/ LN46A650     $1799.99           $1619.99        $1477.00

Conclusion- No Deal!  Go with an on-line or a brick and mortar (B&M) dealer.  Inventories are still very high.  Pick the HDTV you want, shop on-line and if you want to deal with your local, regional dealer or Best Buy, make them an offer below the tag price.  In these bad economic times, the consumer is in the driver’s seat.

Copyright ©2009 Gary Merson/HD Guru® 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. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Email the HD GURU|Email

(Photo above is a copy of an invitation emailed to CES registered press to see Panasonics’s 3D HDTV system)

3D HDTV

The digital transition will be completed in February, ending an industry journey that began with the introduction of HDTV displays and broadcasts in 1998. The manufacturers have laid out plans to take HDTV to the next level with 3D HDTV.

2009 will be the first year of a multi-year push to upgrade HDTV to 3D (stereoscopic) television. Panasonic, Sony and other major HDTV makers will demo 3D televisions with a live satellite broadcast of the BCS National Championship game at the International CES next week and at least one HDTV manufacturer will announce plans for production in 2009 of the first Full HD 3D compatible displays. Expect other major players to commit to early 2010 delivery. HD Guru predicts these 3D HDTVs will be supported by at least two movie studios in 2009, with the first products shipping date to coincide with the introduction of 3D Blu-ray players and discs.

Rumors persist Sony will introduce a 3D upgrade to its PS3 Playstation, turning it into PS3D. 3D gaming will be part of a long-term three part 3D strategy by the major HDTV makers that will include console video games, Blu-ray HD movies and (eventually) regular live HD 3D sports broadcasts.

Currently only Mitsubishi and Samsung make 3D capable DLP HDTVs. Samsung also produces two 3D capable plasma TVs, though neither are “Full HD” 1080p.

HDTV Pricing

An oversupply of LCD panels will force HDTV prices to continue to drop during the first quarter of 2009, followed by relative price stability.

Currently LCD panel makers, due to the oversupply, are selling their inventory to TV makers, at or below actual cost. This situation will probably last another eight or so weeks as panel makers cut back production to meet lower demand and attempt to raise prices later in the year.

The overall year-to-year savings for HDTV in 2009 will see prices drop an additional 15%- 20% down from the 26%-30% savings we have seen in year to year for the past several years. Why?  Component cost reductions on the smaller screen HDTVs, are nearly maxed out with current technology.

Wireless HDTV

The long awaited change over from HDMI cables to wireless HD video and audio will finally arrive in 2009, (a year after my 2008 prediction) allowing consumers to hang a flat panel on the wall connected only to an AC power cable. Wireless will be built-in step up feature for top of the line HDTVs. Wireless upgrade kits will be available as well. The net result, reduced consumer demand for long (relatively) expensive HDMI cables and easier TV installations.

HDTV Goes Green

Plasma HDTV makers will attempt to capture a larger big screen market share by citing lower power consumption with increased brightness and high motion resolution besting their LCD competitors. Expect a wider selection of plasma models from the core producers (Panasonic, Samsung and LG) as well as Hitachi and Pioneer, which will now be sourcing their plasma panels from Panasonic. The mix will include very thin plasma monitors and HDTVs.

Thin HDTVs Will Rule

Expect every major LCD and Plasma flat panel maker to introduce a line thinner flat panel HDTVs in a variety of sizes. They will carry a price premium over thicker displays, leaving the big question: how large of a price premium will the masses be willing to pay for a thinner form factor?

The Motion Resolution Race Continues

Just a few years ago, when all LCD HDTV refreshed at the HD standard of 60 Hz, set makers never talked about “motion blur”, which is a measure of how much resolution a given display can produce when motion is introduced (such as in football when a receiver is running or a camera panning). Then came 120 Hz LCDs claiming to significantly improve motion resolution (HD Guru’s tests confirmed motion resolution increased from around 330 lines with 60 Hz displays to around 600 lines of resolution for the 120 Hz models).  Last Sept., Sony announced a 240 Hz HDTV with delivery expected sometime this year.

For 2009, LG has just announced LCD with a claimed refresh rate of 480 Hz. Expect other vendors to introduce a variety of new 240 Hz (or higher) HDTVs in 2009.

Blu-ray

With street prices dropping below the $200 this past December, you should anticipate a $149 Blu-ray player by year’s end. The big news will come from the content providers. With a significant installed base of players now in consumers hands, HD Guru predicts many Blu-ray movie disc titles will drop to within $5 of DVD standard def version in the first half of 2009. This should result in a spike in Blu-ray disc sales.

Streaming and Widgets

The major TV makers will add many new models with specialized Internet connectivity to provide movie-streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon. Expect new companies to pop up and announce new movie streaming or download services in the first quarter of 2009, all offered as an alternative to DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

In addition, an expansion of Internet services such as photos, weather forecasts and sports and some new ones will appear as another HDTV feature as the top TV makers try to differentiate themselves from the competition and the tier three offerings.

Rear Projection Exclusive

Finally, HD Guru predicts Samsung will drop out of the rear projection (RPTV) market leaving Mitsubishi as the sole maker of HD RPTVs. Expect lower prices for this category, which includes LASER HDTVs.

Copyright ©2009 Gary Merson/HD Guru® 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. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Email the HD GURU|Email

If Santa delivered a new HDTV to your home today, use this list to help get your HDTV up, running and looking good. Please read the owner’s manual before proceeding.

1) Get It Ready

If it is flat, (LCD or Plasma) the HDTV may need attachment to its table stand (if you’re not wall mounting it.). This requires two or more people. Remember; NEVER LAY A FLAT TV ON ITS FACE OR BACK. HOLD IT UP (vertical) BY HAVING IT SUPPORTED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE BEZEL THAT SURROUNDS THE SCREEN. TO KEEP THE SET VERTICAL HAVE SOMEONE HOLD IT UP TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING OVER UNTIL IT IS PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE TABLE STAND. NEVER PLACE ANY PRESSURE ON THE SCREEN (SUCH AS YOU PALM) DON’T TOUCH THE SCREEN. IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH PRESSURE TO CRACK IT! If the screen cracks, the HDTV is destroyed. Always lift by it by the bottom of the outside of the bezel; you may also steady it by grabbing the edges and sides of the bezel.

2) Make Sure Your New HDTV is Functional

This will save you a lot of aggravation. As soon as it is unpacked and supported (such as assembling the table stand and attaching the panel properly by consulting the owner’s manual), connect the power cord to wall AC and power it up. Put the batteries in the TV remote and hit the menu button. If you get an on-screen menu of any kind the HDTV is functional. If it stays black, it is probably dead. After verifying the on-screen menu, proceed to connect the TV to your signal sources.
Note: Many of today’s sets conform to Energy Star rules. If your set does, the first screen to appear will ask if you are using the HDTV in a home or (dealer) showroom. Select the “Home” mode for the best-looking image and lowest power consumption. This screen only comes up the first time you connect your new HDTV, selecting the Home mode will automatically place the user settings far closer to ideal than you can get in the showroom mode and save a lot on electrical consumption.

3) What You’ll Need to View Programs in High Definition

A) For over-the-air reception, you’ll need a TV antenna connected to the HDTV via the HDTV’s F type screw in connector. If there is no F type connector on the back of the set, you received an HDTV monitor, meaning there is no built-in digital tuner. You will need purchase a free standing HDTV tuner box to get the free over the air channels if it’s a tunerless HD monitor.
B) For HD Cable, You’ll need either a HD cable boxor a CableCARD (if your new HDTV has a slot know as a DCR or digital cable ready TV). You will have to order a CableCARD from your cable provider or you may connect the cable directed to the TV’s F connector to only receive the unencrypted HDTV cable channels (generally the broadcast network stations) provided your new HDTV has an unencrypted QAM tuner built-in (almost all new HDTVs do). Check the owner’s manual for inclusion and instructions on how to scan in the channels once connected.
C) For HD Satellite Reception, you will need an HD satellite box and the appropriate dish already installed (check with your satellite provider for more information)

4) To See HDTV, with a HD satellite box or HD cable box you must use either the component video connection cable (YPrPb) or an HDMI cable. Oh no, you don’t have either one of these cables. Here is a tip to get you up and running until you get one. Temporarily use an audio/video cable you may have lying around (it came with your VCR, DVD player or other video component). This cable is the one that has three RCA type connectors, a yellow one, a red one and a white one at each end. Connect the yellow one to the Y output jack on the source box and the other end to the HDTV’s component video Y input. Then connect the red one to the Pr output jack on the source box and the Pr input on the HDTV and finally connect the white one to the Pb jack on the HDTV and source box. Make sure all three are on the same numbered input on the HDTV (i.e. input 6, see owner’s manual for identification of the component video input on the HDTV) With the same numbered input selected on the HDTVs video input via the “input” button on the remote control, you will be able to see an HDTV image once you tune to an HD channel (the how to is in the owner’s manual). Not sure which channels are in HD? Use channel up on the remote, till you see a widescreen HD image (tip- make sure the HDTVs aspect ratio you selected is the “FULL” mode and the source box is in its 1080i output mode) You will need an audio cable too, in order transfer the audio from the source box to the display (unless you are using an HDMI cable and connection).

5) Once you have your HD image on the screen, change the user picture controls. (If the set did not have the home/showroom option mentioned above) manually get the set out of “Vivid” mode and into standard, movie or cinema (depending on the set). If you don’t have an input named “movie” the HDTV will have one of the others and either one will produce a more accurate image than Vivid. This function is usually under Menu button on the remote followed by picture mode setting. Next, use the remote control to turn down the contrast (aka picture) control . If the contrast is set too high, the light details will turn white and be obscured, such as wrinkles on a white shirt. Adjust the brightness control low enough to get the deepest black possible but do not bring it any lower, for it will bury the dark detail. This will require some experimentation by raising and lowering the control to you reach the ideal level. Adjust the color and tint control to produce the most natural, accurate skin tones.

Special instructions for new LCD HDTV set owners.

A) Many of the new LCD HDTV have a control that will be new to you. It’s called a “backlight” control. You will need to adjust the backlight control alternately with the contrast and brightness controls. The objects, for the set to produce the deepest level of black and natural (not overblown) whites and maintain dark detail.  Here’s how.

Alternately use the backlight adjustment with the brightness control. The object is to get the deepest black, yet still be able to see low level details such as a black suit against a dark background. You must alternate back and forth these to controls; every time you lower the backlight, you will make the blacks darker including dark details. Go back and forth until you see reach the level that the blacks are the deepest, while you still can see objects that are dark or black such as Batman’s costume against a dark sky. If set too dark, much of the costume will disappear into the background. Next, make sure the overall brightness of light colored objects such as a white shirt correct via the picture (also called contrast or white level control). The object is to have an overall adequately bright picture. If after raising the contrast control to 100% whites are gray and/or the overall brightness of the image is too dark, you will need to slightly raise the backlight control and readjust the contrast and brightness controls, because they may now need a little more tweaking. On many LCDs I have adjusted, the backlight control ends up at the low end of the range (around 0-20%) for the best image.

Remember, the object is to get the best light and dark detail in the image and the blackest blacks. This will provide the highest contrast ratio the set is capable of producing while maintaining fine detail in the light and dark parts of the image.

6) Sit back and enjoy the HDTV experience.

Have a Happy Holiday

HD GURU|Email 

This article has been updated from its original publication in 2006

Copyright ©2006,2007,2008, 2009 Gary Merson/HD Guru® 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. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

The HD Guru® has once again scoured the New York metro area advertisements (November 30, 2008) and e-tailers websites for the best Cyber Monday HDTV deals, (defined as top tier brand HDTVs, with the deepest discounts). Starting today (Sunday November 30, 2008) you can use these low prices at the stores advertised or in many cases, get an even better deal at the HD Guru’s internet shopping link by entering the model you desire in the “Product Search” Box under the HD Guru’s “Check Prices” banner in the left column of this page. It will take you to the HD Guru shopping page, powered by Price Grabber. You may also use the prices listed below to negotiate with your local retailer, especially if they have a price match policy. Today’s bargains are from Best Buy (BB), Circuit City (CC), (national retailers), 6th Avenue Electronics (6 Ave) -www.6ave.com (online ordering and NY/NJ stores) Fry’s- www.frys.com (online ordering and stores in CA,TX,GA,WA,IL,NV, IN,AZ,OR.), and Vann’s-www.vanns.com (online ordering and stores in MT). Online prices are subject to change. (FS=Free Shipping; Sam=Samsung; Pana=Panasonic; Mits=Mitsubishi; Sha=Sharp) All “Was” prices were obtained from Circuit City website unless, noted with a * indicates listed retailer’s pre-sale price.

Make/Model-Resolution–Technology-Size-Was/Now–-Store

Sam/LN46A550 1080p LCD 46” $1699.99/$1269.97Vanns FS
Sam/LN37A550 1080p LCD 37”$1199.99 /$899.99  CC
Sam/LN52A5501080pLCD 52”   $2299.99/$1674.97 Vanns FS
Sam /PN58A650 1080p Plasma 58” $3999.99/$2888.97 Vanns FS
Pana/TC32LZ8001080p LCD 32”   $1199.99/$899.97*  Vanns FS

Sony/KDL40XBR61080p LCD 40” $2399.99/1689.98Vanns FS

LG/42LG30        768p LCD 42” $999.99/$699.98 Vanns FS
Mits/WD60735 1080p DLP 60” $1499.99/$999.99* BB FS

Sony/KDL46W4100 1080p LCD 46” $1999.99/$1399.99 BB FS
Sam/LN40A550 1080p LCD 40”  $1464.99/$899 Frys FS
Mit/WD65735 1080p DLP 65” $1999.99/$1199.99 CC

The wonderful mgmt. at CC have just raised the price of the Mit/WS65735 above from $1199.99 to $1799.99. It is no longer a deal. Happy “Cyber Monday” CC

Sha/LC52SB55U 1080p LCD 52” $2399.99/$1399.99 CC

Sony/KDL46XBR6 1080p LCD 46” $2999.99/$2099.99 CC
Sam/LN40A650 1080p 40” LCD $1799.99/$1199* Frys FS

Sony/KDL40Z4100/B 1080p 40” LCD $1999.99/$1399* Frys FS
Pana   TH42PX80U 768p Plasma 42”  $999.00/$574.52  6 Ave

Email the HD GURU: Email

Copyright ©2008 Gary Merson/HD Guru™. All rights reserved. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission.

The HD Guru spoke to both retailers and HDTV makers who confirm that November’s pre-Black Friday sales were way down compared to 2007, resulting in extremely high inventory levels in stores and at manufacturer’s warehouses.  Stores made pricing decisions on Black Friday items no later than mid-October 2008, too early to anticipate November’s worsening retail traffic and lower sales. What is the solution?  In my analysis, stores and vendors will use Black Friday pricing as a baseline and depending on the sales level generated today (early reports are not promising); they’ll re-price HDTVs at or below today’s BF levels.  It’s a win-win for shoppers.

To help you decide which HDTV may be best for you and how to get the best deal, the HD Guru recommends reading these previously published HD Guru posts:

http://hdguru.com/hdtv-shopping-tips/209/ tells you how to choose the HDTV that is right for you and http://hdguru.com/getting-the-best-hdtv-price/246/ provides tips on how to negotiate the lowest price. However, there is an important update: readers report that their local Best Buy stores now allow negotiating below the tag price on HDTVs (and computers too). Your homework done and your HDTV decision made, ask the sales person for a manager and make an offer for less. Hey, try it, it can’t hurt!

Reader HDTV Purchasing Questions Emailed to hdguru@hdguru.com

Should I buy an Extended Warranty?

Generally speaking, HDTV extended warranties are a bad deal. However, they may provide a certain amount of peace of mind to buyers. First, find out the cost.  Some stores such as Wal-Mart charge about 10% of the set’s price, while others charge 20% or more. Remember, HDTV prices continue to drop 25% to 30% annually, so factor in what the replacement cost would be in 2 and 3 years before making a final extended warranty decision. Also, consider that if you pay with an Amex Gold card or higher, or with many gold or higher MasterCard or Visa cards, your bank may automatically double your manufacturer’s warranty. Check with your card issuer for terms and conditions. In addition, Costco automatically doubles the manufacturer’s warranty for all HDTVs they sell.

Learn who is actually providing the extended warranty. Is it the store or an outside company? This is very important. If it’s the store’s own warranty and they go out of business, your extended warranty will become worthless. Many companies use an outside firm for their coverage. A Circuit City customer service representative said its extended warranty is covered by Assurant Solutions and will be in effect if the chain goes under.

Most importantly: READ THE TERMS OF THE WARRANTY BEFORE PURCHASING and ask get answers to the following questions:

1)    Does the warranty cover all of the set’s parts and labor including lamps or bulbs (used within LCD flat panels and rear projectors)?
2)    Does it cover power surge related damage?
3)    What are the exceptions to coverage?
4)    What happens if parts are not available for repairs?
5)    Do you need to ship back the TV in its original carton for repairs?
6)    Who pays the freight each way?
7)    Is there a time limit for repairs to occur?
8)    If the TV can’t be repaired or parts are not available, will you get a refund or a new TV replacement, or just a refund of warranty’s cost?

If the store will not provide a copy of the extended warranty terms and conditions before purchase, do not buy it!

Should I buy from Circuit City (CC), now in Chapter 11?

If you find the HDTV you want, at the price you want to pay, I do not see why not. Just make sure it is a CC store that is not closing and is not having a liquidation sale. All merchandise at those stores is sold as-is and all sales are final. The liquidation is being handled by an outside company that purchased the store inventory from CC. Beware the liquidation closing CC stores are generally charging more for HDTVs than the CC stores that are remaining in business, as first reported by HD Guru and now by “Good Morning America” and other TV programs.

Should I buy a Power Conditioner For My HDTV?

Unless you reside in a home that is adjacent to a power substation and/or other major interference causing entities you should not. All HDTVs “condition” the power within their chassis’. Save the money for better things such as a Blu-ray player.

Should I buy a Surge Protector?

Yes. I prefer ones that self-test and have an indicator light that tells you if the protector is functioning properly. Surge protectors can fail after a single surge and without an indicator light, you will not know if it is working properly or just passing the next surge through and leaving your HDTV unprotected. An alternative is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). They all have built-in surge protectors and will provide your connected components with continuous power during short-term blackouts or brownouts. They are especially useful for Cable and Satellite DVRs, as you will lose your program and possibly damage the hard drive if you have a sudden loss of power without a UPS connected to the DVR.

Do I need a higher speed HDMI cable for 120Hz HDTVs?

No! The speed of all signals is the same, it is the data transfer rate and bandwidth requirements that double when switching from a 1080i broadcast signal to a 1080p/60Hz Blu-ray signal. However, there are no 120 Hz signal sources for 120 Hz TVs. The change is made within the TV and the bandwidth requirements for the cable are the same as any other HDTV.

You can find HDMI cables 6 feet to 2 meters long for around five dollars (including shipping) that will provide your HDTV with the full HDTV signal at the HDGuru/Pricegrabber website located under the “Check Prices” banner in the lower left side of this webpage. There are differences in construction quality, however, so if you do a great deal of plugging and unplugging you may wish to spend a bit more to get a better built cable. Just don’t expect a better quality picture!

Copyright ©2008 Gary Merson/HD Guru™. All rights reserved. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission.