MRGizMo, the Gadget Specialist » HDTV

New 32″ Regza from Toshiba

jenne — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:47:44 +0000

Scheduled to be sold in Japan next week, Toshiba’s latest 32” LCD TV, the Regza 32A900S comes with a Digital TV Tuner, a 1366×768 resolution, a 4000:1 contrast ratio (40000:1 dynamic one), a 120Hz panel, ethernet, the possibility of recording videos on external HDDs via USB and features both an HDMI port and InstaPort technology for quick access of several sources in an instant.

Via Akihabara

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50X1 Plasma HDTV Delivers The Best Black-levels-to-Dollars Ratio of Any HDTV

bermandt — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:56:15 +0000

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50X1 reproduces superb blacks and excellent shadow detail, while costing a relative pittance for a big-screen HDTV.

The capability of a TV to reproduce a dark shade of black is the number-one criteria for awarding a good picture quality score at CNET. Often better blacks dictate higher prices, but in the case of Panasonic’s newest line of entry-level plasmas, which includes the TC-P50X1, that’s not the case.

Deep black levels are the high point of the TC-P50X1’s picture quality, and we didn’t miss having full 1080p resolution. We did encounter an unusual uniformity problem that will discourage sharp-eyed viewers, as well as a few color accuracy issues, but otherwise the TC-P50X1 performed very well for the price.

The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50X1’s best picture quality characteristic is its capability to deliver a deep shade of black, which, as usual, lends the entire picture depth and pop in all lighting conditions.

The new X1 Series Plasma HDTVs are ideal for sports, movies and gaming, with crisp, focused images during fast-moving scenes.

The 600Hz Sub-field Drive produces crisp, focused images for sports, dramatic action, and all other fast-moving scenes. Your full-HD movies and games never looked sharper.

VIERA Image Viewer provides a better way to share your digital photos. Just pop your SD memory card into the handy slot, and instantly display your digital photos for friends and family.

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50X1 is relatively inexpensive with excellent black-level performance and equipped with solid connectivity of three HDMI and two component-video inputs.

Specifications :

Screen Size : 50″
Display Resolution : 720p
Dynamic Contrast Ratio : 1,000,000:1
Native Resolution : 1,366 x 768
600Hz Sub-field Drive
Progressive Scan
Motion Adaptive 3D Y/C Digital Comb Filter
Motion Pattern Noise Reduction
VIERA Image Viewer
HDMI Input : 3 (1 side)
Component Video Inputs (Y, PB, PR) : 2
VIERA Link™
Game Mode
Rated Power Consumption : 399 W
Standby Power Consumption : 0.3 W
On Mode Average Power Consumption : 210 W
Energy Star

Now you can own Panasonic VIERA TC-P50X1 on sale for $1,099.95 $949.98

Product Page via CNET

Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Series LCD HDTV Adds ClearScan 240, Dolby Volume and Next Gen Connectivity

bermandt — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 05:39:14 +0000

You’ve probably seen 120Hz associated with HDTVs for the last year or two, but you still might not know how to translate that reference into something meaningful. So here’s the basic idea:

Standard LCD HDTV screens have a 60Hz signal, meaning that they are able to display 60 video frames per second. HDTVs were able to utilize various technologies such as interpolation (where the video processor compares two frames and then guesses what a frame that sandwiched between them would look like) to bump things up to 120Hz.

This improved motion detail greatly diminishes blurriness for sports and action movies as well as for standard DVD playback as well (as the 24-frame ratio of film fits more nicely as a multiplier in 120Hz than in 60Hz, the latter of which required workarounds like the 3:2 Pulldown feature you may have seen listed with HDTVs).

Now LCD TVs manufacturers including Toshiba are implementing 240Hz to bolster claims of smoother images with improved blur reduction.

The REGZA ZV650 series is available in 42-inch, 47-inch and new 55-inch screen sizes (measured respectively at 42, 47 and 54.6-inches diagonally) and adds ClearScan 240, which combines a 120Hz frame rate with new Backlight Scanning Technology to create a 240Hz effect for an all new level of picture clarity with fast motion video.

The ClearScan 240 Advantage
Previously Toshiba has ClearFrame 120Hz for Anti-Blur Technology and now Toshiba is taking fast motion picture quality one step further with ClearScan 240. ClearScan 240 combines an advanced 120Hz scan rate with Toshibas new Backlight Scanning technology to create a 240Hz effect.

This innovative solution improves picture clarity making action-packed movies and sports more crisp and clear than ever before. Compared to standard 60Hz, or even standard 120Hz systems, this new technology provides significantly clearer full motion video for a better home theater experience.

FocaLight LED Backlight with Local Dimming
Toshibas ZV Series REGZA models also feature FocaLight LED Backlight with Local Dimming. Unlike simple edge LED, FocaLight offers a full LED matrix for better brightness uniformity. Even more important is that the Local Dimming system allows the LEDs to be controlled by zone,creating a significantly higher dynamic contrast ratio, where blacks are blacker without reducing the peak white brightness. The result is a new level of picture quality and depth that was not possible with standard backlight systems.

Toshiba has also focused on improving real world audio quality in the new REGZA line. One of the biggest issues with TV audio today is inconsistent volume levels when changing channels, or with commercials. Dolby Volume addresses this common problem by applying a sophisticated psycho-acoustic model of human hearing. This system delivers a level listening experience by automatically bringing down the volume of louder stations or commercials or raising the volume of lower channels or commercials to maintain the preferred listening level.

Unlike other systems, Dolby Volume does this while retaining the perceived audio dynamics for consistent sound quality. The new REGZA with Dolby Volume makes the annoyance of inconsistent TV volume levels a thing of the past.

Connectivity is also taken to an all new level with four HDMI digital inputs that have enhanced REGZA-LINK (HDMI-CEC), and InstaPort™ for faster HDMI switching. Typically, when a consumer changes HDMI inputs, there can be a five or six second delay. With InstaPort, as soon as a user selects an HDMI source, it will connect in a fraction of the time.

To allow playback of downloaded content, Toshiba Regza ZV650 also adds a USB Port allowing consumers to watch their JPEG pictures, MPEG-1 & 2 video or even DivX® video and listen to MP3 audio. There is also an SD Card Slot that allows easy viewing of JPEG digital pictures by simply taking the memory card from the camera and placing it in the TV.

In addition to providing premium picture quality, cutting-edge cosmetic designs, leading technologies and next-gen connectivity, Toshibas full REGZA line-up will meet ENERGY STAR® 3.0 certifications.

Watch this video to have an idea what is ClearScan 240 and the latest Toshiba TV technology. Live from Toshiba Booth at CES 2009,Las Vegas.
Click here to view the embedded video.

Now you can own Toshiba Regza ZV650 series on sale for $2,399.99 (55-Inch), $1,699.99 $1,419.97 (47-Inch) and $1,299.99 $1,016.78 (42-Inch)

Press Release Via End User

Sony XEL-1 OLED TV to Release on Mid-April in Australia

bermandt — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:43:12 +0000

No display technology is cooler than OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). Sony was first to market with a consumer OLED TV, with the 11-inch XEL-1 on sale overseas.

The Sony XEL-1, is truly the next big thing in television technology. It boasts a 3 millimeter thin panel and offers unparalleled picture quality with amazing contrast, outstanding brightness, exceptional color reproduction, and a rapid response time. It delivers astounding performance in all the key picture quality categories.

OLED technology can completely turn off pixels when reproducing black, resulting in more outstanding dark scene detail and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. OLED also creates unmatched color expression and detail and enables rapid response times for smooth and natural reproduction of fast moving images like those found in sports and action movies.

The XEL-1 features the latest connectivity options including two HDMI™ inputs, a digital tuner, and a Memory Stick® media slot for viewing high-resolution photos.

CNET Australia is reporting that Sony will launch its 11-inch XEL-1 in “mid-April,” with pricing expected to be anywhere from AU$6,000 ($4,209) to AU$8,000 ($5,612).

Watch this video to have an idea how thin XEL-1 and how good the picture quality
Click here to view the embedded video.

CNET via EngadgetHD

Panasonic Viera TC-P42S1 1080p Plasma HDTV Got CNET Editor’s 3.5 Stars (Very Good)

bermandt — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:20:20 +0000

Lower-priced TV brands such as the Vizio may have an advantage as consumers look for values. “Consumers might be going for some of the cheaper alternatives out there,” Frost & Sullivan’s Krishna said.
Talk about value: The affordable ($1,499.99 MSRP) 50-inch Vizio VP505XVT plasma features full 1080p screen resolution and it also has Choosen as PC MAG Editors’ Choice Plasma

Apparently Panasonic also expand their business by provide inexpensive Plasma HDTV line up.

The 2009 Panasonic Viera TC-PS1 series is available in six screen sizes. CNET performed a hands-on evaluation of the 42-inch model, TC-P42S1 ($1,199 street), but CNET remarks on picture quality also apply to at least two other models in the series, the 46-inch TC-P46S1 ($1,499) and the 50-inch TC-P50S1 ($1,799)–all three share identical specs but for screen size.

The three larger models in the series, at 54, 58, and 65 inches, also share similar specs, but the screen size differences are great enough to warrant another hands-on evaluation of a larger model when it becomes available.

CNET’s Product Summary :
The good: Reproduces deep black levels and excellent shadow detail; solid color saturation; uses less power than previous 1080p plasmas; adequate connectivity with three HDMI and two component-video inputs.

The bad: Less accurate primary colors and color temperature; skimpy picture controls; still less efficient than comparable LCDs.

The bottom line: With deep black levels and generally excellent picture quality, the more eco-friendly Panasonic TC-PS1 series of plasma TVs strikes an appealing price/performance balance.

Customer Review :
Pros : Easy to use,Inexpensive,Compact,Durable,Exceeded expectations
Cons : No analog audio output,Remote

Specifications :

Model Type : Plasma
Screen Size : 42″ Class (41.6″ diagonal)
1080p Full-HD Resolution
Neo PDP
- Full-Time 1080 TV Lines Moving Picture Resolution
- Contrast Ratio: 40,000:1 Native; Infinite Black Panel
- Brighter Panel
600Hz Sub-field Drive
VIERA Image Viewer™
VIERA Link™
AR (Anti-Reflective) Filter
Game Mode
3 HDMI Inputs
100,000 Hour Panel Life
Progressive Scan : Yes
Rated Power Consumption : 485 W
Standby Power Consumption : 0.3 W
On Mode Average Power Consumption : 173 W
Energy Star : Yes
Dimensions (H x W x D) with Stand : 28.0″ x 40.6″ x 12.9″
Weight (lbs.) w/Stand : 59.6 lbs

Now you can own Panasonic Viera TC-P42S1 on sale for $1,199.95 $1,128.66. The larger models in the series also available 50-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P50S1 on sale for $1,799.95 $1,558.54.

Product Page , CNET via Crave

Philips Share Conceptual Photo Series of 56-inch Cinema 21:9 LCD HDTV

bermandt — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:58:23 +0000

Philips’ 56-inch Cinema 21:9 is the world’s first cinema-proportioned LCD HDTV. Place on table or put in the wall both looks good in furnish your home.
Recently Philips share conceptual photos on Flickr. You can see dozen picture of it. It all looks good ! Unfortunately Philips Cinema 21:9 may not be spending any time in the homes of Americans.

Philips’ Flickr via Engadget HD

VIZIO SV470XVT,One of the CNET’s Best HDTV List

bermandt — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:27:35 +0000

VIZIO HDTV admired by several editors,for example VIZIO VO32LF ($629.95) get 3.5 stars from CNET editor and VIZIO VP505XVT ($1,499.99 MSRP) honored PCMAG editor’s choice for Plasma HDTV.
Eventough VIZIO VA22LF ($278.00)as far as I know didn’t get any award, but I think this 22-inch LCD HDTV could be the most affordable 1080p Full HD from well-known brand.

At this time we featured VIZIO SV470XVT which is one of the CNET’s best HDTV list.

The set’s appearance is attractive enough and a cut above most other VIZIO offerings, but still not on the same design level as most models from Sony, LG, or Samsung.VIZIO equipped the SV470XVT with a 120Hz refresh rate and the accompanying dejudder processing, which is one of the most popular step-up features among LCD TVs this year. The processing can smooth out judder inherent in moving video, especially film, and can also help alleviate blurring in motion.

The VIZIO proved worthy of comparison with the best LCDs in this category. Its grayscale stayed solid from bright to mid-dark areas, which helped skin tones look natural without any undue flushness or greenish tinge.

Four total HDMI inputs highlight the connectivity of the Vizio SV470XVT. The company located only two on the back panel and placed the other two on the side, apparently to serve people who regularly need to temporarily connect more than one HDMI device (we prefer the standard 3 back/1 side arrangement)

For PC connectivity Via both VGA and HDMI the Vizio performed as well as we expected, resolving every line of a 1,920×1,080-pixel source without any overscan or edge enhancement.

For the sound VIZIO SV470XVT equipped SRS TruSurround XT (TM) sound, Three built-in speakers provide the ultimate home theatre sound solution that will truly set it apart from the competition.

All told, the VIZIO SV470XVT is the company’s best-performing LCD yet, although its picture quality is still a notch below the better models from marquee-name competitors available today.

And while the VIZIO can’t match the black levels of many competing displays, its competitive pricing–this is the least-expensive 120Hz equipped HDTV currently on the market–enhances its appeal for folks seeking the smoothness.

The VIZIO SV470XVT represents a viable alternative for LCD TV bargain hunters who want 120Hz processing.

Now you can own VIZIO SV470XVT LCD HDTV on sale for $1,399.99 $1,299.99

Specification

Size : 47-inch, 16:9 Wide Screen
Response Time: 5 ms (typical)
Colors: 1.06 Billion
Brightness: 500 cd/m2 (typical)
Contrast Ratio: 6500:1 (w/DCR)
Viewable Angle: <178 degrees (horizontal and vertical)
Lamp (LCD) / Panel (PDP) Life: 50000 hours
Tuner: Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM HDTV Tuner

Connectivity

HDMI with HDCP: 4
Computer RGB plus Stereo Audio: 1
5.1 SPDIF Digital Optical Audio: 1

Audio

Sound enhancement: Yes, SRS TruSurround XT
Audio: Built-in 10W x 3

Additional Features

Picture-in-Picture (PIP)
Picture-outside-Picture (POP)
3D Comb Filter

Power Consumption: 400W average

Weight

Net: 62.4 lbs
Without Stand: 56.9 lbs

Dimensions

With Stand: 43.9″ W x 29.7″ H x 10″ D
Without Stand: 43.9″ W x 28.1″ H x 4″ D

Product Page Via CNET’s Best HDTV List

Philips’ 56-inch Cinema 21:9 :The World’s First Cinema-proportioned LCD HDTV

bermandt — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:18:57 +0000

Mostly HDTV has 16:9 ratio screen, but it distorted the picture to fill the screen – losing the full scope of the original shot – or by displaying the picture in letterbox format with black bars at the top and bottom.

Philips’ 56-inch Cinema 21:9 solves these issues to give the viewer an uncompromised and absorbing cinematic viewing experience, never before available in the home.The black bars you’ve grown used to detesting were indeed gone.

More detailed product specifications will follow at the end of February 2009.But reported that it equipped with five HDMI sockets. It will be available in spring 2009 and a price estimated around £3,000 ($4,276).

Checkout this below video to have an idea how good Cinema 21:9 proportion.
Click here to view the embedded video.

Press Release Via End User

VIZIO VO32LF LCD HDTV Get 3.5 Stars (Very Good) from CNET Editors

bermandt — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:34:45 +0000

It’s only 2 weeks before February 17th digital TV transition. Do you still find the best HDTV for your home ?
Lower-priced TV brands such as the VIZIO may have an advantage as consumers look for values. ”Consumers might be going for some of the cheaper alternatives out there,” Frost & Sullivan’s Krishna said.

“VIZIO is committed to providing advanced technology to consumers at a value. We understand the importance of value and it doesn’t stop at the price, consumers deserve performance, style, and great prices” said Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Co-Founder and VP Sales and Marketing Communications.

Committed to great style, quality, and value, VIZIO released several models that we found worth to buy.

We already featured VIZIO VA22LF, the VIZIO’s smallest Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV and VIZIO VP505XVT which choosen as PCMAG editors choice Plasma HDTV.

Recently CNET reviewed VIZIO VO32LF and honored 3.5 Stars which means Very Good.

CNET appreciated this VIZIO’s small-screen 1080p HDTV which delivers color accuracy, connectivity, and adjustability, which make it more than a match for the better-known brands’ LCDs.

The VO32LF delivered a very good picture overall. Its depth of black was fine for a smaller display, and its color accuracy after calibration among the best CNET have seen in its class. Screen uniformity and off-angle performance leave something to be desired, but they don’t spoil an otherwise solid picture.

The VO32LF’s connectivity suite is fully packed. The rear panel houses two HDMI inputs, a VGA-style PC input, a component video input, and an AV input that offers both composite and S-Video. The side panel offers up another HDMI input, along with an additional component and AV input (only composite).

As CNET expect from a 1080p LCD, the VIZIO VO32LF resolved every detail of a 1,920×1,080 source via both VGA and HDMI, with no overscan or edge enhancement. At this size and resolution, it would make a very good computer monitor.

CNET didn’t review about sound quality, but VIZIO boast that VO32LF offers the best overall HDTV experience in the industry! Because VIZIO rely on SRS TruSurround XT™ – Full High Definition video performance bodes well for every consumer but VIZIO couples the extraordinary video performance with the best auditory experience possible.

The accurate color and deep feature set of VIZIO’s 1080p VO32LF make it one of the better small-screen LCDs.The VIZIO VO32LF LCD HDTV. Where Vision Meets Value.

Now you can own VIZIO VO32LF LCD HDTV on sale for $629.95

Specification:

Size: 32-inch Diagonal,16:9 Wide Screen
Tuner: Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM HDTV Tuner
Supported TV Formats:1080p
Native Panel Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Panel Specifications: Anti-Static and hard coated surface
Response Time: 6.5ms
Colors: 16.7 million
Brightness: 480 cd/m2 (typical)
Contrast Ratio: 1300:1 (Typical), 6500:1 (w/DCR)
Viewable Angle: 178° (horizontal and vertical)

Inputs

RF (F Connector for internal tuner): 1
HDMI with HDCP: 3
Analog Stereo Audio for HDMI Inputs: 1
Component YPbPr plus Stereo Audio: 2
Composite Video: 2
S-Video plus Stereo Audio: 1
Computer RGB plus Stereo Audio: 1
Service Port: 1
Outputs
Analog Audio out (RCA): 1
5.1 SPDIF Digital Optical Audio: 1
Headphone (Stereo Mini-Jack): 1

Additional Information

Picture-in-Picture (PIP)
Picture-outside-Picture (POP)
3D Comb Filter
Computer: 640×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1920×1080 via VGA and HDMI
Sound enhancement: SRS TruSurround XT™
Lamp (LCD) / Panel (PDP) Life: 50000 hours
Power Consumption: 180W average

Weight

Gross: 35.3 lbs
Net: 27.6 lbs
Without Stand: 26.1 lbs

Dimensions

With Stand: 31.6″ W x 22.4″ H x 8.6″ D
Without Stand: 31.6″ W x 21.2″ H x 4.2″ D

Product Page , CNET , Via EngadgetHD

Vizio VP505XVT has Choosen as PC MAG Editors’ Choice Plasma

bermandt — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:18:19 +0000

Television broadcasters must begin airing only in digital starting February 17, 2009, ceasing their analog signals. That requires customers with “rabbit-ear” antennas who don’t subscribe to cable, phone or satellite television services to replace their TV or get an analog-to-digital converter.

Vizio has good reputable as TV manufacturer that always offer affordable price. One of the best in small screen HDTV is Vizio VA22LF, a 22″ full HD 1080p LCD HDTV on sale for $299.99.

Talk about value: The affordable ($1,499.99 MSRP) 50-inch Vizio VP505XVT plasma features full 1080p screen resolution and superb standard-definition video processing, all wrapped in a stylishly modern design. The set’s default color setup isn’t optimized for accurate HD viewing, but its picture controls can remedy that.

Equipped with the highly acclaimed HQV video-processing technology, the VP505XVT upconverts standard-definition video to the TV’s native 1080p resolution with better clarity and fewer distracting artifacts than any other plasma PCMAG tested. But some of the video-processing features, including its very effective noise-reduction system, are inexplicably disabled when the set is displaying high-def video sources; video compression and other artifacts were left unchecked in a selection of Dish Network HD clips on PCMAG tests.

Accurate color reproduction is what separates a great HDTV from an average one. The VP505XVT produced admirably accurate, though slightly over saturated, primary and secondary colors. Also, the VP505XVT’s average white balance was also a bit too blue, but the TV’s grayscale response from mid-gray to peak white was very consistent.

It’s good to see even inexpensive HDTVs providing plenty of HDMI ports; this set has four, two of which are side-mounted. Additional HD-compatible video ports include one component video input, VGA, and an RF input that feeds an analog/digital cable tuner. The VP505XVT’s downward-facing rear HDMI ports, like those of the Vizio SV420XVT, are a bit of a tight fit with thicker cables, but the relatively thin 6-foot HDMI cable included with the TV fits perfectly.

Plasma televisions generally consume more electricity than similarly sized LCDs, and the VP505XVT follows suit: Its estimated operating cost of $7.08/month (356W average) is in line with other 50-inch plasma screens. If you use the TV’s less-intense movie picture preset, its estimated operating cost drops to $5.82 (292W) based on 5 hours of daily use at $0.13/kWh (a San Francisco average).

Specifications :

Size : 50inch
16:9 Wide Screen
Tuner: Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM HDTV Tuner Native Panel
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Panel Specifications: Anti-Static and hard coated surface
Display Compatibility: FULL HDTV (1080P)
Signal Compatibility: 480i (SDTV), 480P (EDTV), 720P (HDTV), 1080i (HDTV), 1080p (FHDTV)
Colors: 1.073 Billion
Brightness: 1,200 cd/m2 (typical)
Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1 (typ)
Viewable Angle: 178-degrees
Picture-in-Picture (PIP)
Picture-outside-Picture (POP)
Audio: Built-in 10W x 2 (2-way)
Weight Gross: 114.7 lbs, Net: 95.9 lbs, Without Stand: 88.7 lbs

Vizio’s VP505XVT plasma HDTV delivers impressive SD upconversion and solid HD detail in a slick modern design, at a price ($1,499.99 MSRP) that would have been unheard of only a year ago.So it’s PCMAG newest Editors’ Choice plasma.

Product Page Via PCMAG

MRGizMo, the Gadget Specialist » HDTV

New 32″ Regza from Toshiba

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Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Series LCD HDTV Adds ClearScan 240, Dolby Volume and Next Gen Connectivity

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