(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.

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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

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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.

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(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.

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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

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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.

UPDATE Nov. 25, 2008-A Samsung spokesperson in an email claims the price drops listed in this article are incorrect. However, no correct “New” prices have been provided by Samsung. The “New” MAP prices have been removed pending updated MAP price information from Samsung.

The HD Guru has been checking on line prices for Samsung DLPs and has noted recent significant price reductions by etailers. For example, Vann’s is now offering the HL72A650 for $2099.98 including free shipping.

Despite all the ballyhoo about LCD and Plasma and the press’s willful neglect of the technology, DLP-based HDTVs offer bright, beautiful full 1080p HD resolution on bigger screens for thousands of dollars less than comparably sized flat screen LCD or plasma HDTV. DLP rear projectors, at about 15” depth, are not as flat as LCD or Plasmas. However, according to set makers, the vast majority of large flat panels sold are placed on table stands or in wall units, negating the depth advantage of flat screen designs.

According to industry sources, beginning this Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 Samsung will be slashing it retail (MAP) prices on its latest 2008 DLP rear projectors up to a whooping $600! If you check out reviews and do price comparisons at on-line shopping sites such as Pricegrabber (a “Check Prices” Pricegrabber link is conveniently located on the lower left hand side of this webpage) you should be able to grab one of these beauties with a discount of up to an additional 25% off.

There are two types of DLP rear projectors. One type uses a projection bulb typically lasting 3-5 thousand hours before it burns out, requiring replacement at a cost of under $200 on-line. The other type of DLP uses light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs produce a very bright image, have wider color gamut than lamp driven projectors, and unlike lamps, they don’t fail during the lifetime of the HDTV! Here are the old and new MAP prices of Samsungs DLP rear projectors

Model/Size     Lamp/LED      New Price     Old Price
HL61A650/61”  Lamp                             $1599.99
HL61A750/61”  LED                               $1899.99
HL67A750/67”  LED                               $2399.99
HL72A650/72”  Lamp                             $2799.99

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 good news for consumers, retailers are worried the new lower retail prices will not be low enough to motivate buyers, so in turn they are heavily discounting selected models to levels reserved in the past for Black Friday post Thanksgiving promotions.

The HD Guru has made a list of old and new MAP (minimum advertised prices) of Sony, Samsung and Mitsubishi HDTVs. Remember, these prices are manufactures “suggested retails” and do not include the heavy discounts necessary to move a high volume of product. You should find the models listed at the more aggressive retailers with very deep added price cuts.

Some retailers surveyed on-line have not yet updated their pricing to reflect these new lower retails. This should not keep you from buying today, as many major consumer electronics dealers have 30 day price protection. After stores reduce prices further, you can bring it your receipt and get a refund of the difference, often with another 10% added into the refund. Check individual stores for their respective policies before making your purchase.

In addition, the HD GURU has scoured ads for the best deals of the week. Part II contains the deepest discounted advertised deals available today. You should use this information to negotiate for the best price available locally or just go to the respective dealers website.

Make sure you check out the latest HD GURU / Pricegrabber prices, using the link located on the lower left side column of this page for purchase as an added aid to negotiate or receive a price match from a store with an applicable “price match” policy.

Samsung 1080p DLP Rear Projectors

Now till Nov. 22, Get a $200 Instant Rebate OFF the Lowest Price

Model Latest Retail Price

Price After $200 Instant Rebate

HL61A650 $1599.99 $1399.99

HL61A750 $1899.99 $1699.99

HL67A750 $2399.99 $2199.99

HL72A650 $2799.99 $2599.99

Samsung Flat Panels

Model Was New Price

LN52A860 $3499.99 $3399.99
LN52A850 $3399.99 $3299.99
LN52A750 $2999.99 $2899.99
LN52A650 $2799.99 $2699.99
LN52A630 $2599.99 $2499.99
LN52A550 $2299.99 $2199.99
LN46A950 $3499.99 $3399.99
LN46A860 $2799.99 $2699.99
LN46A850 $2699.99 $2599.99
LN46A750 $2399.99 $2299.99
LN46A650 $2199.99 $2099.99
LN46A630 $1999.99 $1899.99
LN46A550 $1699.99 $1599.99
LN46A530 $1499.99 $1399.99
LN37A450 $ 949.99 $ 899.99
LN37A330 $ 849.99 $ 799.99
LN32A650 $1199.99 $1149.99
LN32A550 $ 999.99 $ 949.99
LN32A450 $ 799.99 $ 749.99

Sony LCD Flat Panels

Model Was New Price

KDL40XBR6 $2299.99 $1999.99
KDL40W4100 $1899.99 $1599.99
KDL40V4100 $1499.99 $1399.99
KDL40S4000 $1199.99 $ 999.99
KDL37M4000 $1199.99 $1099.99
KDL32XBR6 $1199.99 $1099.99
KDL32M4000 $ 699.99 $ 599.99
KDL32L4000 $ 699.99 $ 599.99
KDL52XBR6 $3499.99 $2999.99
KDL52W4100 $2999.99 $2499.99
KDL46XBR6 $2999.99 $2499.99
KDL46Z4100 $2499.99 $2199.99
KDL46W4100 $2399.99 $1999.99
KDL46V4100 $1999.99 $1799.99
KDL46S4100 $1499.99 $1399.99

Mitsubishi

Model Was New Price

LT46148 $2399.99 $2099.99
LT46149 $2799.99 $2499.99
LT46246 $2699.99 $2399.99
LT52148 $2799.99 $2499.99
LT52149 $3299.99 $2999.99
LT52246 $3499.99 $3199.99

Part II

The following HDTVs represent (on 11/14/08) the hottest deals found in advertisements or on-line. Stores featured include Fry’s online (www.frys.com); J&R newspaper ad and on-line (www.jr.com); Vann’s on-line (www.vanns.com) and 6th Avenue Electronics newspaper ad (www.6ave.com).

Make/Model Type New MAP Store Price Dealer

Samsung LN52A750 LCD $2899.99 $2299.98 Vann’s
Panasonic TH50PZ80 Plasma $1999.99 $1499.97 Vanns
Samsung LN46A630 LCD $1899.99 $1549.99 Vann’s
Samsung LN46A650 LCD $2099.99 $1649.98 Vann’s
Samsung LN52A550 LCD $2199.99 $1749.99 Fry’s
PanasonicTH42PZ80 Plasma $1299.95 $ 799.99 J&R
PanasonicTH42PX80 Plasma $ 999.95 $ 645.42 6th Ave.

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.

Posted September 27, 2008
Choosing the right HDTV is difficult. One important consideration is to know how much resolution a particular HDTV extracts from a 1080i high definition signal. The HD Guru put 125 2008 HDTVs (plus one 2009 prototype) through a series of test signals to learn how different brands and models really perform. The specific results appear in the 2008 Resolution Tests PDF link below. Here is a brief rundown of these tests. For more testing information please refer to my previous articles that appeared in Home Theater magazine. You can find them at:

http://hometheatermag.com/hookmeup/1107hook2/
http://hometheatermag.com/hookmeup/1106hook/
http://hometheatermag.com/hookmeup/0506halfrez/

Deinterlacing Test

All LCD flat panels, microdisplay rear projectors and most plasma HDTVs are progressive displays, meaning they (should) process all 1080 lines within a 1080i signal and display them at a set’s native resolution. (1080i is the broadcast standard for most HDTV networks including CBS, NBC, CW and HBO.) This is accomplished by deinterlacing the interlaced broadcast signal into one that’s scanned progressively. An HDTV that does not properly deinterlace the signal will only process a single field, reducing vertical resolution to 540 lines. Last year the HD Guru tested 74 2007 models and found that slightly fewer than 65 percent passed this test. This year’s sets fared much better with 96% of the 125 HDTVs passing!

The deinterlace test was conducted using the Silicon Optix HQV HD test disc. You can purchase this disc in the Blu-ray or HD DVD format, at a 25% discount through a coupon. Information on how to order and the coupon code can be found at www.hdguru.com/?p=153.

3:2 Tests

Most scripted television programs and almost all movies are filmed at 24 frames per second. 1080i broadcasts require that the 24 frames be split into two fields that must be recombined in the proper sequence in order to produce a 1080p signal that is artifact-free and retains full resolution.

The Silicon Optix HD HQV disc also includes a test of this key performance parameter. Last year’s results were disappointing with only 14 out of 74 sets passing (18.91%). The 2008 models showed a slight improvement with 29 out of 125 sets (23.2%) properly handling the signal. Only 1 out of 28 Samsung models passed this test and the model that passed (LN-46A950) only did so after the set’s two anti-motion blur features were shut off.  Activation of either of the anti-motion blur circuits caused the set to fail.

Upon learning of the high failure rate, a Samsung spokesperson claimed newer production models of these sets will pass the test and that a downloadable firmware update, available now for owners of the failing earlier production units, fixes the problem.

(HD Guru policy is to report the results obtained, dealers sold a number these models without the latest firmware and many units may remain in their current inventory). Testing occurred between July and September 2008. The HD Guru will try to obtain samples loaded with the new firmware to confirm Samsung’s claims. If confirmed, the article and chart will be updated.

One LG’s plasma TV passed and two failed. An LG spokesperson indicated a running production change might have affected the test results. If there was any change (such as a firmware upgrade or special setting needed), it will be tested as well.

Bandwidth Tests

Can a 1080p HDTV resolve all horizontal detail down to a single pixel (out of 1920 pixels across)? To perform this test, I used a Sencore 403 HDTV signal generator with a pattern that has vertical alternating black and white lines, one pixel wide. If a set passes this test, every vertical line should be clearly visible (as black and white). If there is some roll off in bandwidth, the lines appear as dark gray and light gray. If an HDTV was unable to resolve down to a single pixel, the area of the screen would appear blank. Out of the 76-1080p sets tested, 68 displayed full bandwidth (one Philips was not tested due to its inability to sync with the Sencore generator). The remaining 1080p HDTVs exhibited some signal roll off. Note: all bandwidth, static and motion resolution tests were only performed on displays that are 1920 x 1080  “full HD” resolution. Displays with lower resolution, for example 1366×768 (listed as 768p in the chart), cannot fully resolve a 1080i HD signal.

Static and Motion Resolution

An HDTV may resolve a stationary test signal at full bandwidth, displaying all the detail within the 1920 individual pixels that appear across the screen, but not necessarily when motion is introduced, which on some sets causes a resolution drop. This can significantly degrade your viewing experience, especially if you watch a great deal of sports and/or action-oriented movies. How much resolution loss occurs? To find out, I used a test tool called the FPD Benchmark Software for the Professional.

This Blu-ray disc contains a Monoscope pattern (pictured above) which is made up of a series of four black lines that gradually come together in a wedge-like pattern that appears at the top, bottom and sides. Numbers adjacent to the lines indicate resolution. There are both stationary and moving versions of the pattern. In both instances, a number corresponds to the location of where all four lines can still be distinguished as they converge.  The maximum resolution is 1080 lines “per picture height”. If you want to calculate how many pixels a given display can resolve across the screen, simply multiply the resolution number by 1.77777.

Results

The motion resolution winner, displaying all 1080 lines through processes called motion interpolation (used on all 120Hz LCD panels) and sequential LED backlight control (called Motion Plus) was the Samsung LN-46A950. It is the only display ever tested that resolved 100% of the moving image’s detail. Congratulations to Samsung’s engineering team for eliminating motion blur on an LCD display! Please note: this performance level resulted from activating the display’s Motion Plus control and setting the interpolation (called Auto Motion by Samsung) to “low.” Any other combination of the motion control settings resulted in motion blur, dropping the perfect 1080 line score down to as low as 330 lines!

The next highest motion resolution results came from plasma HDTVs. The best 2008 models were the two Pioneer plasmas at 900 lines, followed by the other plasma displays, with results in a range of 800-850 lines. (The 150” Panasonic plasma prototype scored 920 out of 1080 lines).

Moving down the list are the 120Hz LCD flat panels. The results ranged from 550-620 lines of motion resolution, depending on the make and model of the display.

The lowest “motion resolution” group of displays were the 60 Hz LCD flat panels with a maximum of just 340 lines out of 1080. The biggest “loser” of resolution goes to the 37” Sharp LC-37D64U, recording just 260 lines out of 1080 on the Motion test, a disappointing 75%+ loss of resolution. The lone rear projector tested was a Samsung DLP. It joins this group with 330 lines of motion resolution.

Use the chart attached to this article to help you make an informed decision when choosing a new HDTV. While other factors such viewing angle and color reproduction are also important to consider when shopping for a new display, excellent image resolution provides the “high” in high definition TV viewing

2008-resolution-tests-125-hdtvs.pdf

Copyright ©2008 Gary Merson/HD Guru®  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 HD GURU is looking for an intern. The Candidate should reside in the NY Metro area, have journalistic ambitions, a knowledge and enthusiasm regarding consumer electronics and a willingness to work with an award winning CE journalist. Computer literacy is a must have. The work would initially be about 10 hours per week but may grow. A  very modest compensation will be available. To apply, please email a resume, plus short covering note to hdguru@hdguru.com

Email The HD GURU:  hdguru@hdguru.com