Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-32XBR9 120Hz 1080p 32-Inch LCD HDTV

Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-32XBR9 32-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

On this Sony KDL-32XBR9, blacks are really black! When you turn it on, the Bravia logo displays on a black background. It’s as black as when the TV is off! Some think edge LED lighting makes the blacks truer with less bleeding from the backlight. Yet, this TV excels in this aspect.

Colors and settings are great out of the box for a few styles. You need to adjust, like any TV, for the rest. When you change inputs, the TV remembers the settings for that input. You never have to re-adjust settings unless you plug-in differently!

Motionflow frame interpolation technology has to been seen to be believed! 120HZ with motionflow is amazing for bluray and other high-definition sources. It is superior to the XBR6. For those who prefer the lifelike “soap-opera” look (like myself), the Pirates movies look stunning with it!.

You can adjust motionflow to make it more subtle (the default) or turn it off. It is basically used to combat blurriness and the staggering “judder” effect inherent with LCDs. It adds one or more frames between frames of your source (adds entirely NEW frames which were never there), through the TV’s processor. Amazing technology, isn’t it?

Look at it in person to see what it’s like. Samsung’s 32-inch touch of color (TOC) has more motion artifacts (e.g. grabbing parts of the audience behind a fast-moving player in a sports event and dragging them along for the ride).

Motion becomes very important with game mode on. Motionflow turns off most processing. This means almost NO LAG.

I am a demanding gamer who is very sensitive and complains about little things like how a joystick performs. There is still a little lag but game mode makes fast games like Smash Bros and shooters play like a CRT.

Losing motionflow in game mode might seem bad, but it’s a small difference for something like the 480p Wii. Wii games with anti-aliasing (e.g. Metroid Prime 3) still look AWESOME! The PS3 is AMAZING with or without motionflow!

Sound is tinny! That is probably due to the small speakers.

There is no headphone jack. To get around this, I use a mixer with a control-room out.

Autodim is annoying. This is most bothersome when the room is VERY dark. You cannot turn it off. NOTE: Sony released a firmware update to make menu navigation easier to navigate (faster?) and FIXES THE AUTODIM PROBLEM!

There are many inputs including side ones. For the clever, use the cord-management strap to clean up side-cords. For a thick Monster cable, it does not bend that easily so do what you can to hide it. Thinner cables that bend should be easier to hide.

You get the same quality from a $5 HDMI cable as a $200 one since they are both digital. A cheap thin cable should solve the side cable-view problem. If you want a more durable cable, just be aware it will be harder to bend and hide.

As a relatively high-end HDTV, it’s designed to view HD content via HDMI cables. So, over half its inputs are HDMI. For composite or component users, Sony is not catering to you.

You can get a splitter/switcher. Or, just upgrade your cables to HDMI. Remember, no matter how crappy the HDMI cable, there is NO signal loss.

Numbers across manufacturers ARE NOT EQUIVALENT. Comparing Lg to Sony to Samsung is not ideal. It’s like comparing horsepower in cars–measuring at the flywheel or tire gives VERY different numbers and misleads customers. View it yourself on a calibrated screen with the same source. This Sony LCD has more than enough contrast and is an improvement over last year’s model.

Having had no problems and an amazing picture, this Sony KDL-32XBR9 is an easy recommendation.

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Sharp Aquos LC32GP1U 32-Inch LCD HDTV 1080p Gaming

Sharp Aquos LC32GP1U 32-Inch 1080p LCD Gaming HDTV front display

Sharp Aquos LC32GP1U 32-Inch 1080p LCD Gaming HDTV rear panel

I almost got the LC32GP1U‘s brother, the D62U. I wanted all HD formats/resolutions up to and including 1080p. After learning about the gaming model, I quickly researched it. On a leap of faith, I bought it. The price was less than the D62u!

This Sharp AQUOS displays content through all ports in 1080p. This includes the component ports! Now that I have it, it will be impossible to go back to a lesser TV.

I attached the stand to the TV and configured the TV. It took around 10 minutes. Assembly was easy and the directions understandable. First, I connected a PS3 using monster component cables from an older PS2. The output resolution on the PS3 was set to 1080p and WOW!

The image on this TV is amazing! I watched a few 1080p PS3 demos and blu-ray trailers and watched/ played in total amazement. Watch the Black Hawk Down trailer in 1080p. You almost can’t believe it!

I tried the Vyper Drive gaming interface with the side inputs (using component) and it ran smoothly. There was no lag! The 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio and 6ms response time help produce this quality. I played the Motorstorm (720p) and Ninja Gaiden (1080p) game demos. Wow!

Some believe 1080p is not much different than 720p for this size TV. Well, I noticed a real difference between resolutions on this Sharp AQUOS.

This TV has an arsenal of HD ports. You get 2 component inputs, 3 HDMI inputs, and one DVI input.

Comcast is free at my place through the wall. I used the coaxial input on the TV and found several HD channels including all local feeds. I watched pro surfing(MOJO), the NHL playoffs (NBC HD), and the World Series (FOX HD) in awesome 720p and 1080i formats. The Discovery HD theatre channel is especially impressive with stunning visuals 24/7. HDNET and TNT HD are fantastic as well.

I really worried about 480i programming from regular TV. To my surprise, it’s great! I still will calibrate further, but this TV is good out of the box. Black levels are very satisfying. No picture-in-picture is my only real beef, but it’s nothing major. There are just so many positives to this Sharp AQUOS.

I hope my excitement wasn’t too overwhelming. This TV is worth it. Do not miss it if you have the opportunity to get it. It is everything you want. It has all formats… 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. Plus, there as so many ports!

I recommend the Sharp Aquos LC32GP1U to anyone who loves playing video games at the highest resolutions, and watching HD movies and TV!

Sharp Aquos LC32GP1U 32-Inch 1080p LCD Gaming HDTV

Popularity: 46%

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VIZIO VO320E ECO 32-inch LCD HDTV 720p Well, my trusty 42 inch rear-projection CRT TV decided to...

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VIZIO VO320E ECO 32-inch LCD HDTV 720p

VIZIO VO320E ECO 32-inch LCD HDTV 720p

VIZIO VO320E ECO 32-inch LCD HDTV 720p back panel

Well, my trusty 42 inch rear-projection CRT TV decided to take a permanent vacation. Without any cash budgeted for a new TV, and two teenagers (which moves TV from a luxury to a necessity), I went looking for a cheap “interim” TV to fill the gap.

My apartment is small. While I was initially set not go below 42 inches, my lack of funds quickly led me to the conclusion that 42 inches was out of my price range. So, I discovered this Vizio 32-inch LCD TV.

The instruction manual and quick setup guide are clear and understandable. TV setup seemed to take no time. Vizio should be commended for writing a 67-page manual that is entirely in (reasonably clear and non-geeky) English.

The ‘calibration’ process (what Vizio calls “fine tuning”) is simple and uncomplicated (except for DVE). Most control default settings were nearly correct when checked with DVE test patterns.

I changed “Color” from 50 to 45 for my calibration using DVE’s red, green, and blue filters. I reduced “Sharpness” from 4 to 1. A bit more sharpening gave my picture more pizzazz, despite what DVE concluded.

This TV has a number of ways to connect various video sources. This includes two HDMI ports, component video, S-video, SVGA, and coaxial. You also get an audio out to attach amplified speakers or an inexpensive surround sound system.

The whole “eco/green” thing seems like just another marketing gimmick. However, for this TV the whole ECO thing does two things.

First, the TV is amazingly light. It is just over 24 lbs with the stand. It is a joy to move compared to that 42 inch tank.

Second, this Vizio is EXTREMELY energy efficient. It uses about 85W operating and .33W standby (thanks to a mildly annoying amber VIZIO logo you can’t turn off without unplugging). My kids use more electricity in the bathroom than I spend on my favorite DVD.

An energy efficient TV is great. But, if the picture is lousy, what’s the point. A TV that I don’t watch because it looks like garbage is great for energy efficiency because it’s not watched!!!

Thankfully this TV is energy-efficient WITH a great picture. It has a 15000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio with a nice viewing angle. It is perfect for my small apartment living room. Replacing that 42 inch rear projection for this Vizio actually makes the living room look bigger.

Now, some think 32 inches for a living room is too small. This is funny since I remember hearing the praises for the “mighty” 27 inch TV 10 years ago. A 32 inch works great for my space.

For larger rooms, you will be spoiled. I believe you’ll wish you had a bigger screen. For me, it’s just about perfect.

The one thing that surprised me is the enhanced DVD viewing. My old 42 inch CRT TV used a 4:3 contrast ratio. When I watched widescreen DVD’s on it, the actual usable picture was less than that on the 32 inch. Now my DVD’s appear “larger” on a “smaller” TV.

Being used to Standard Definition, I thought the HD hype was just that…Hype. Only one word to describe that…WRONG!!!

I got a cheap “wall mount” antenna to pick up “off the air” HD broadcasts for weekend football. Let me say…HOLY COW!!!! Even on a 32 inch TV, the clarity and detail in HD makes the picture jump out at you.

Remember, this TV is 720p. It upscales to 1080i. This is the default resolution for all over-the-air HD broadcasts. 1080p is used with PS3 and Blueray, and a few Video on Demand services.

Unless you are into Bluray, or PS3, 1080p is probably a waste. Besides, on a 32-inch screen, your ability to see any difference will probably not be significant. For those with older eyes, you probably won’t see any difference at all!

Overall, it shocks me how much I love this TV. It is small enough to move around the house, without trouble. It is light enough to place on a cheap TV stand. The picture is outstanding. Plus, I like the thin strip of chrome along the bottom, it adds a neat touch of class

What started as an “interim” TV, just may be my preferred choice for as long as I have this apartment. A 32-inch TV is certainly big enough for comfortable viewing. It is not so large that it overshadows the rest of the living room.

Given the competition, this TV is easily the “best bang for the buck” for HDTV’s of any size.

For the size, picture quality, and features, this is as close to a must buy 32 inch LCD TV as I have seen in a long time.

Popularity: 16%

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Samsung LN32B460 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

samsung ln32b460 front panel

samsung ln32b460 back panel

This Samsung LN32B460 is “only” 720p. Don’t worry. It accepts a 1080p signal without any problem. It is not a ”120 Hz” LCD TV and I’ll tell you why that’s not important for this LCD.

For a 32 inch LCD, pixel density is higher than for a 52 inch at 1080p. If you use it as a computer monitor or sit very close when watching TV, you may notice the difference. Otherwise, you will have great difficulty seeing the additional detail.

“120 Hz” is a marketing gimmick at this size. Yes, faster is better in LCDs. But, consider this. Would you be satisfied with a low quality panel with 120 Hz? Or, is a high quality 60 Hz LCD TV a better choice? Once you see the difference, you’ll see that speed is not everything. For the price, it’s better to stick with a top-quality 60 Hz LCD TV.

This Samsung is a very high quality panel. For most people, spending more is a waste. When you pair this with the Panasonic BD60, the results are fantastic! DVDs look great. The difference between the DVDs and Blu-ray are hardly noticeable from across the room (remember, pixel density).

The viewing angle is better than I hoped, with great contrast. Blacks are so deep, in a dark room you can’t see the difference between the screen and its frame. With a slightly matted screen, reflections are manageable.

The speakers are better than I expected. However, time will tell if this stays true.

There seems to be a feature slope for these high-definition televisions. It makes it hard to know what to buy. After ordering this TV, I wondered if I should have paid a little more. But, after seeing the Samsung in action, it looks like I made the best choice.

Decided to get this LCD TV after reading favorable reviews, comparing its price, and looking at its amazing picture. However, within 5 weeks of getting it, major problems surfaced. Here is a summary of everything that happened to the TV.

After 5 weeks, the LCD TV would take many presses of the power button to work. It would take 10, then 20, then 30 tries to get it to turn on. Finally, it just wouldn’t turn on at all. Samsung said it was a fairly common problem, and called it an “internal battery problem.” Do a search for “samsung tv problems power” and you will see what I mean.

The Samsung LCD was sent in for repair. Two weeks later, they returned it. Supposedly, they fixed the problem. Yet, when I plugged it in to multiple outlets, the Samsung still did not work.

This Samsung LN32B460 has a warranty, which covers repairs (potentially multiple) until the unit is considered unrepairable by their repair center. Now, the TV is in for repair a 2nd time. It seems replacing the LCD is a last resort for Samsung. The only thing I can do is wait and see what happens.

It was a great LCD TV when it worked and it appears my case is an exception. However, I felt it was important to alert others of this potential problem.

Popularity: 37%

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Outsmart Summer with our new Air Conditioning Sizing Wizard Application for your iPhone.

We know it can be difficult choosing an Air Conditioning unit, especially with summer just around the corner, that’s why we’re pleased to announce our clever new ‘Air Conditioning Sizing’ iPhone application. The application removes the headache of shopping around for the right air conditioning unit, by providing quick, accurate and easy product recommendations based on a few small bits of information.

To use the application all you have to do is simply enter your room environment details including size, insulation, heating and cooling requirements for recommendations to be generated including an useful ‘Where To Buy’ function to locate your nearest retailer or specialist Air Network Installer. The application also includes information about the unique features of the Panasonic Inverter Air Conditioning range with images, videos and handy tips.

You can find out more about our 2010 Inverter Air Conditioning range here.

Categories: Air Conditioning

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Watch the 2010 AFL Grand Final Live in 3D!

Following the announcement of our ground breaking partnership with channel 7 to broadcast the 2010 Grand Final in 3D, here are full details on how to watch it

The transmission will carry 3D video content in H.264 (MPEG-4) format and only specific 3DTV receivers will be capable of decoding the signal and displaying the video content in stereoscopic format. The transmission will commence on or after midnight on 18 September 2010 until 8th October 2010.The service will be a temporary scientific test transmission of 3DTV (stereoscopic video format).

The full details of the transmissions for the different areas are as below

If this test transmission causes interference to other radiocommunications or problems with your digital television reception please contact:

Write to: Regulatory Affairs Manager, Seven Network, 38-42 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, NSW 2009

Or call: 1300 487 855

Tags: 3D  AFL
Categories: 3D

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Samsung PN42A450 42-inch High Definition Plasma TV

The Samsung PN42A450, 42 inch HD PLASMA TV with an exclusive 3D accessory kit, this one also sports a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, 100,000 hour panel life, 18-bit color processing and a trio of HDMI-CEC connections. FilterBright anti-glare technology provides deeper blacks and a higher contrast ratio with reducing annoying screen glare.

Note: 2% off price of Plasma TV if payment made via bank wire or cashiers check.

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Panasonic TH-50PX80U 50-inch 720p Plasma TV

NEW! 50" Class (49.9" Diagonal) Widescreen VIERA Plasma 720p HDTV with New Anti-Reflective Filter, Deep Color Technology, Game Mode, Built-In SD Card Slot/GalleryPlayer Ready to View, 3 HDMI Inputs and VIERA Link HDAVI Control

General InformationViera TH-50PX80U 50" Plasma TV

50" widescreen VIERA plasma 720p HDTV with new anti-reflective filter, deep color technology, game mode, built-In SD card slot/GalleryPlayer ready to view, HDMI inputs and VIERA Link HDAVI control.

Technical InformationVideoAudioInterfaces/PortsPhysical CharacteristicsMiscellaneousViera TH-50PX80U 50" Plasma TV Pedestal Stand Remote Control

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Pioneer PDP-6020FD 60" Pioneer KURO Flat Panel HD Plasma TV - FREE SHIPPING!

Enter the next generation of Pioneer KURO, where a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Awake your senses and discover there is more to this television than meets the eye. Deeper black levels that pave the way to breathtaking detail, added dimension and more vibrant color are just the beginning.

General Information

Enter the next generation of Pioneer KURO, where a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Awake your senses and discover there is more to this television than meets the eye. Deeper black levels that pave the way to breathtaking detail, added dimension and more vibrant color are just the beginning.

Technical InformationVideoAudioInterfaces/PortsPhysical CharacteristicsMiscellaneousGreen Compliance Certificate/Authority:

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Pioneer PDP-5020FD 50-inch 1080p KURO Plasma HDTV - FREE SHIPPING!

Enter the next generation of Pioneer KURO, where a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Awake your senses and discover there is more to this television than meets the eye. Deeper black levels that pave the way to breathtaking detail, added dimension and more vibrant color are just the beginning.

General Information

Enter the next generation of Pioneer KURO, where a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Awake your senses and discover there is more to this television than meets the eye. Deeper black levels that pave the way to breathtaking detail, added dimension and more vibrant color are just the beginning.

Technical InformationVideoAudioInterfaces/PortsPhysical CharacteristicsMiscellaneousGreen Compliance Certificate/Authority:

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Panasonic TH-58PF11UK 58-inch Plasma Display

A 1080p, full HD plasma, the TH-58PF11UK features 2.07 million Pixels, a contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and 5,120 steps of color gradation. Cinema Mode reproduces film-like ambiance, and Monitor Mode provides accurate, true-to-source imaging. In up to 5x5 video wall applications (supported natively), low resoultion or zoomed content appears sharp. An anti-reflective coating reduces reflections. An optional Wireless Presentation Module is available. Offering three plug in slots, it ships standard with Dual 1080p HDMI Inputs and a BNC Component Video/RGB+ Audio Inputs card. A built-in PC Input (15pinHD), Audio Input(for PC), and Serial Control (RS-232C) Input are also offered.

General InformationTH-58PF11UK 58" Plasma DisplayTechnical InformationVideoInterfaces/PortsPhysical CharacteristicsMiscellaneousTH-58PF11UK 58" Plasma DisplayFixing BandAC Power CordOperating Instruction BookRemote ControlBatteries

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What Makes LCD Flat Panels The Right Choice

What Makes LCD Flat Panels The Right Choice

Summary:

This article discusses the pros and cons of installing an LCD flat panel television set in a home theater.

Keywords:

home theater design, home theater installation, LCD flat panel television, Nexus NX422, Samsung, Nexus

Article Body:

When designing your home theater, there are many questions and decisions to be made regarding audio and visual elements. The type of television itself is usually one of the biggest of these decisions. Plasma, LCD, flat panel, rear-projection – these terms are thrown at us each day and many of us are just starting to understand the differences. The most common televisions being purchased in the United States are plasma televisions and LCD flat panels.

There are several pros and cons to consider before choosing a LCD television. While the reduced footprint and the flat screen are nice they certainly aren’t for everyone. You should carefully consider the various advantages and disadvantages of this TV versus a plasma screen before making a purchase.

The following is some of the basic information about the LCD and some advice to help you in making your decision. You should keep personal considerations in mind as well, and ask electronics and audio-visual professionals for their opinion if you still aren’t sure as to what you should buy.

Advantages of LCD Flat Panel Television Sets

LCD flat panel televisions have the most options available in regards to how they are installed. When including one in your home theater, installation can be as simple as placing it on a standard television stand or you can choose to mount it on the wall. Most LCD flat panel televisions are aesthetically pleasing because they are incredibly sleek and thin. They should fit in well with pretty much any home theater design, and they are relatively lightweight when compared to other televisions so that they can be moved easily.

LCD televisions are also considered to be good long-term television investments because they will run for 50,000 – 60,000 viewing hours. Most modern LCD televisions also support higher picture resolutions and high-definition display options are becoming more available as well. And unlike some brands of plasma televisions, LCD video displays do not but an image into the screen after a long period of time.

Disadvantages of LCD Flat Panel Television Sets

Because of the nature of the liquid crystal display in their screens, they are much more likely to be damaged if something hits the screen. LCD screens should always be installed by a professional; an incorrectly-installed wall mount will pull away from the wall over time and could fall. The cost of an LCD television set is generally higher than plasma or rear-projection televisions, as well. You should consider that while high-definition display options may be available, not all LCD flat panel televisions are HD-ready and even if they are additional components are generally required to allow HD programming to display. These must be purchased as an additional cost. Additionally, early models of LCD screens did not display black and dark images as clearly as a plasma screen. This differentiation appears to have been improved upon in newer models.

Deciding if LCD Is Right for You

While some of the disadvantages listed above are worst-case scenarios, they should be considered simply because they add additional costs to your overall home theater system. Be sure to consider exactly how much you want to spend on a television that fits your home, especially if you’re still in the process of buying your system and want it to be included in the home theater installation. Decide whether you need a high-definition system now or not. With the transition to digital television in 2009, many are preparing their household for HD now. The decision to buy HD ready televisions and components now is one you will have to make based on your budget and household’s entertainment habits. This is a major decision to make, and you’re going to want to make sure that you’re happy with the final result when you make it.

How To Setup your Home Systems

About Home Theater Systems




Summary:

Home theater systems are a setup in homes installed for the purpose of providing cinema quality video and audio reproductions. It includes television and video equipment with special audio systems incorporated - like surround sound. The objective of recreating the feel of being in a movie theater is actualized by placement of a movie screen across the wall, use of projectors and speakers having surround sound and special furnishings like upholstered seats and couches. For a s...








Article Body:

Home theater systems are a setup in homes installed for the purpose of providing cinema quality video and audio reproductions. It includes television and video equipment with special audio systems incorporated - like surround sound. The objective of recreating the feel of being in a movie theater is actualized by placement of a movie screen across the wall, use of projectors and speakers having surround sound and special furnishings like upholstered seats and couches. For a standard home theater system the video display unit should be at least 40 inches and the number of speakers involved in the surround sound system should be at least five. Features and utility of home theater systems The home theater provides much better movie viewing experience than typical television screens. Television screens are typically square shaped and fail to provide the realism observed in movie screens. Home theater systems are designed to take care of this and provides a worthwhile re-creation of the movie house. Home theater arrangements may comprise of a simple setup involving a DVD player fed through a stereo system and a larger, specially designed television set. Again, it may also constitute an elaborate arrangement whereby an entire room is professionally wired involving multiple speakers and projectors are set up together with a projection screen. The home theater room housing the home theater system is usually a room without windows - much like a cinema. Such rooms are to be found in sophisticated, plush homes. Home theater system installation gives a touch of class, refinement and taste to the room and the home. You too may be looking for securing a home theater system for your home and want to settle down for nothing less than the ultimate in home theater experience. In this case you need to commission professional installers who will design the entire movie viewing room and gear it up for delivering the cinema experience. Use of wireless home theater systems The home theater setup involves considerable wiring. This is needed to connect the multiple speakers placed at various locations and the projectors and other equipment. However, wireless home theater systems have also come up now to ease out the trouble of setting up wiring networks. Though these are more expensive they often prove to be worth their value by being free from the numerous wires and the associated hassles.

Glasses-Free 3DTV [Nearly] Here

Come December, you will be able to enjoy something technology enthusiasts have been dreaming about ever since Avatar: glasses-free 3D TV in your home ? if you live in Japan, that is.

As it turns out, Toshiba will actually be one of the first to have a screen available that lets you enjoy that third dimension without strapping lenses to your face (unless you need them to see the display in the first place, of course). It achieves this by using a perpendicular lenticular layer, similar to the new Nintendo 3DS.

Though the 466 x 350, 12in 12GL1 is probably closer to a photo frame, at 20in and sporting a HD-ready 720p resolution, the 20GL1 is just about usable as a movie showcase.

Even if its bezel and stand are practically bigger than the viewable screen, just think of how envious your friends will be as they all squeeze into the narrow viewing position from which they'll get the stereoscopic glory! It will only cost you an estimated ?1,850 plus the cost of importing it from the land of the rising sun, and surely that's worth it to see Santa in 3D?

Or you could just get the 15in LG 15EL9500 OLED TV for less now, and wait till 2013 for Philips' quad-HD (4K), 56in glasses-free 3D monster. Your friends will probably be more impressed.

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First Look: Loewe Connect LED

Loewe, the German manufacturer of - let?s say - reassuringly expensive TVs has come out fighting at IFA with all-new and expanded lines of high-end sets.

We?ll resist the urge to whitter on about the gorgeous forms of the new Art LED series or the ludicrously desirable Individual line, much as we like the thought of all those custom inlays, stands and sound packages. We?re also not going to talk about Loewe?s first foray into 3D TV; an LED/active shutter system due to launch next year across Europe. Instead, we?re here to talk about the revamped Connect LED line, shipping in November in 32-inch and 40-inch variants.

Coming from Loewe, the design is a predictably successful exercise in slimline minimalism, with the focal point being the company?s signature Loewe eye. If you don?t like the chrome silver finish it?s going to be available in gloss black and gloss white, with a choice of a rotating chrome table stand or trapezoidal floor stand. Like all Loewe sets you can see it as a statement, the statement being that you?ve got a bit of taste and a lot of cash.

The Connect LED uses a 200Hz edge LED backlit panel with a custom engine, and while Loewe hasn?t been too forthcoming about the underlying technology, the image quality is impressive: crisp, clear and precise, not as punchy as some rival LED sets, but with a fine, natural grasp of colour. Even Loewe?s relatively spacious IFA stand isn?t the place for a proper verdict on picture, but viewing angles don?t appear to be a problem, and the company?s demanding following should not be disappointed..

Audio comes courtesy of a pair of 20w,closed two-way satellite speakers with a 40W downfiring dual woofer, and the sets are equipped with a built in Dolby Digital Plus, AC3 and DTS decoder. As Loewe were keener to show off their high-end electrostatic speakers and 7.1 sound projectors at the show we?ll have to wait until we see review samples to give you any verdict on performance.

Full IFA coverage from TrustedReviews

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LG 47LD950

Sorry, but if you?re already feeling at all confused by this new-fangled 3D-on-your-telly business, then we?re about to make things even worse. For what we?ve got in LG?s 47LD950 is a TV that throws the cat among the 3D pigeons in no uncertain terms, by bunting into touch the en vogue active shutter/alternate frame/full HD 3D system in favour of a rather more old fashioned passive/side by side approach.

Why, you might well wonder, would anyone want to do this when it could potentially undermine the whole 3D momentum the TV industry is so desperately trying to get going? Actually, there are more reasons than you might think.

The single biggest one concerns the price of 3D glasses. As you doubtless know by now, the typical asking price for a pair of active shutter 3D glasses is around ?100. Which is bad enough if you need just one pair, but for a family of four or more... well, let?s just say it starts to stack up. Passive 3D glasses, on the other hand, are cheap as chips. You can often find them given away with magazines, or you can buy them for a couple of quid at your local cinema. In fact, LG thinks nothing of including four as standard with the 47LD950. It even puts them in nice little storage cases.

There?s another compelling reason to think about the passive 3D approach too, brought about by the aggravating fact that one brand?s active shutter 3D glasses won?t work with another brand?s 3D TV. This means that with current Active 3D technology, if your mates with a Sony 3D TV want to bring their glasses round to yours to watch something in 3D on your Panasonic 3D TV, their glasses won?t work.

With the 47LD950, anyone?s pair of cheap passive glasses will work with the TV. Or you can just get a load of pairs in yourself, and keep them for when you feel like a 3D party.

With this in mind, it?s no surprise that Sky has been putting LG passive TVs - similar to the 47LD950 - into pubs and clubs so that they can show Sky?s new 3D channel, due to launch fully into homes, too, on October 1st.

Also potentially interesting to the 47LD950?s chances of making a 3D splash is the fact that its passive approach to 3D arguably fits rather nicely with Sky?s 3D broadcast system, which itself employs a side by side approach. Hopefully the TV will produce some particularly good quality with Sky 3D sources.

If you?re paying attention, though, you may have figured out the single biggest flaw with LG?s cunning plan: the 47LD950 will not give you full HD 3D. This is because it has to put both the left and right fields of a 3D image on screen at once, sharing out those valuable pixels, rather than alternately presenting a full HD frame to each eye.

View the original article here

Google TV and the Battle for the Living Room

Can the internet kill broadcast television? And if it does, which companies will have the power to deliver the programmes we want, and turn our living rooms into their cash machines? It?s a battle that Google wants to win with Google TV, which goes on sale this month, but there are several established players including Apple, Microsoft and Sony. It?s also a market where many smaller firms compete, including Logitech, Roku and Boxee. In the UK YouView boxes based on Project Canvas are expected next year.

The way we watch TV is obviously changing. For decades, people were slaves to the schedules, with the major broadcast networks fighting for audience share. Today, people watch TV programmes from a mixture of sources. These include DVDs, streamed content from things like YouTube, iPlayer, Blinkbox, Netflix and Hulu, and pirate file downloads. You no longer have to watch programmes at the same time as everybody else. You can, in theory, have what amounts to your own personal TV station.

YouView is the UK establishment's answer to Google TV, Apple TV and all comers.
The growing number of ways to watch TV has naturally led to a growing number of boxes attached to TV sets. The process started with VCRs and DVD players, expanded through set-top boxes and media-savvy games consoles such as the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3, and then Microsoft Media Center PCs. Some people even have Acer Revo and Asus Eee Box PCs clipped to the back of their LCD TV sets, but not many. In the UK, viewers can also get TV delivered over the internet via services such as BT Vision (based on Microsoft?s Mediaroom technology) and TalkTalk TV (formerly Tiscali TV), and other countries have similar services.

Now companies want to sell users even more boxes -- Apple TV, Logitech?s Revue (a Google TV box) and D-Link?s Atom-powered Boxee Box, and so on.

As you?ve no doubt noticed, very few systems have had much success. The fact is that while many companies have the ambition to take over the living room, new devices more often look like a confusing addition to whatever mixture of DVD, PVR, Freeview, cable TV, Sky+ and possibly TiVo boxes people already have. There?s a struggle to find more physical space, and how many people still have spare HDMI ports?

At the moment, then, the most successful living-room media invaders are the games consoles, particularly the PS3 and Xbox 360. The PS3 found many a home as a cheapish Blu-ray player when standalone Blu-ray players were expensive, and in the US it offers access to Netflix and Hulu services. The Xbox 360 provided a way to stream media from the PC in the home office or study then expanded by delivering movies (again, with Netflix in the US) and providing access to Facebook, Twitter and video chat.

But both machines are limited by their appeal to hardcore gamers rather than a broad spectrum of family users, and long sessions with first-person shooters are less than ideal when everyone else wants to catch up with EastEnders. Microsoft Kinect and Sony?s Move might bring in a less committed Nintendo Wii-style audience, but I wouldn?t bank on it.

The new Apple TV (no HD support, no hard drive, very few codecs) looks doomed to continued failure because Apple?s business model is to charge for a very limited range of content that you can easily get outside its proprietary "walled garden". The fact that people will pay for the convenience of getting stuff on an iPhone or iPod doesn?t necessarily mean they?ll pay to watch it on their home TV.

View the original article here

LG 37LE5900

The 37LE5900 is one of the most startling TV propositions we?ve come across for quite some time. Why? Because it manages to combine 37 inches of edge LED picture technology with a price of under ?600. In other words, LG appears to be out to rewrite the TV pricing rulebook once again. And in doing so, it could just see 37LE5900?s selling like hot cakes. Provided the set is actually any good, of course.

It looks nice, anyway. Or at least, it looks like something worth more than ?589, chiefly thanks to the extreme glossiness of its bezel, the infusion of a subtle tinge of red into the bezel?s extremities, and the fact that the set?s edge LED lighting enables it to be extremely slim: just 39.9mm off its stand.

It has to be said that the 37LE5900 lacks some of the glamour of LG?s Infinia design, which start with the LE7900 models ? mostly because the 37LE5900 doesn?t enjoy Infinia?s sheer, one-layer fascia design. But if the 37LE5900 can hold its own in performance terms against the LE7900s, we?re pretty sure plenty of readers will be more than happy to accept a little design compromise in return for the 37LE5900?s strikingly low price.

Especially since the 37LE5900?s feature count seems surprisingly uncompromised for such an affordable TV. You only have to check out its connections to start to appreciate this. For as well as an extremely respectable four HDMIs, you get a bounty of multimedia support in the form of a D-Sub PC port, two USB ports, and an Ethernet port.

The USBs go much further than the simple JPEG support you might expect for the 37LE5900?s money, too. For they can also play MP3 audio and even DivX video ? including HD files. Excellent.

The USBs can be used, too, to make the TV Wi-Fi via an optional USB dongle, which is why it?s particularly handy that LG has provided two USB ports.

The Ethernet port had to be included on the 37LE5900 because the set has a built-in Freeview HD tuner. But LG has again gone beyond the call of sub-?600 duty and made the Ethernet also able to access files stored on a DLNA PC, as well as providing an interface with LG?s NetCast online platform. Excellent.

Or at least it would be excellent if the NetCast service had more content on it. For after dutifully checking on our 37LE5900 review sample to see if LG has added any new services since last time we saw the service working, we?re sad to say nothing has changed. You still only get YouTube, Picasa and AccuWeather.com portals, leaving the service looking streets behind what Samsung, Sony, Philips and Panasonic are doing right now. Here?s hoping LG can grips with adding more service providers sooner rather than later.

View the original article here

LG Infinia 47LE8900

With the high number at the end of the 47LE8900?s name immediately alerting us to its location in the upper reaches of LG?s current TV range, we were surprised to find that it doesn?t support any 3D capabilities - passive or active. You can?t even add 3D via an upgrade kit.

But funnily enough, this ends up actually making us feel more wholeheartedly positive about the set than we have with any LG TV before. We?ll talk about this reasoning later, but right away you only have to look at the price we?ve found for the TV to see the first reason its lack of 3D doesn?t trouble us: under ?1,350 really isn?t a bad price at all for a 47in TV with the 47LE8900?s level of specification.

That specification is led out by the screen?s use of direct LED lighting, where the LEDs sit behind the screen rather than round it edges. Experience has shown that this type of lighting tends to produce consistently the best picture quality the LCD world has to offer - especially when, as in the 47LE8900?s case, it?s accompanied by local dimming. This finds clusters of the LED lights having their light output controlled individually, with a predictably profound impact on contrast.

Given the direct LED tech, the 47LE8900?s design comes as a pleasant surprise. For it?s remarkably slim; barely 35mm at its thickest point. This makes it a rival in depth terms for most edge LED models.

The bezel around the screen is strikingly slender too, and looks mightily attractive in its chic black, high-gloss finish, offset by a transparent outer trim. Obviously many people will be tempted to place a TV this slender on their wall, but we actually loved its stand, especially the transparent 'neck' that attaches it to the TV.

The 47LE8900?s connections mostly live up to the set?s glamorous looks and quality-driven spec. This is especially true with its multimedia capabilities, delivered via a combination of a D-Sub PC port, a couple of USB slots, and an Ethernet port.

The USB ports can do two things: play photo, music or video files (with DivX HD among the supported codecs); or add Wi-Fi to the TV via an optional USB dongle.

The Ethernet port has no less than three uses. First, it provides mandatory support for a built-in Freeview HD tuner. Second, it lets you access files on DLNA ready PCs. And finally, it lets you explore LG?s NetCast ringfenced online content.

Sadly the only content on there at the time of writing was a fairly flimsy weather forecasting service, a version of YouTube optimised for use with a TV remote, and the Picasa photo storage/viewing site. This makes NetCast feel more than a little half-hearted, and clearly falls miles short of the more fully developed online services now offered by many of LG?s main rivals. Here?s hoping LG will add more content to the platform in the very near future.

View the original article here

Panasonic Viera TX-L42D25B

The TV we?re reviewing today is actually quite a watershed moment. For despite being 42in across and sporting the Panasonic brand, the L42D25B doesn?t use plasma technology. Instead, Panasonic has caved in to public demand - well, that?s our take on it, anyway! - and for the first time released a TV bigger than 37in that uses LCD technology. Or edge-LED LCD technology to be more precise.

Given what a huge part plasma plays in Panasonic?s AV strategy, we can really imagine the tortured meetings at Panasonic HQ as people discussed the pros and cons of finally publicly acknowledging that maybe, just maybe, there really is a place in the AV firmament for big-screen LCD tech.

We can also imagine that Panasonic is on tenterhooks to find out how its big TV gamble actually shapes up when put through its paces by the likes of TrustedReviews. So let?s get on with finding out!

The L42D25B is thankfully rather more attractive than the vast majority of Panasonic?s rather dour plasma TVs. First, its bezel is coloured in a rather fetching, high-gloss grey rather than the usual black. Second, the bezel employs a gentle two-layer effect that looks quite stylish in the flesh rather than overcomplicated as it maybe sounds on paper.

Finally, the TV is unusually slim by Panasonic standards. The main panel is just 39mm deep, in fact - a clear product of its edge LED lighting system. Though unfortunately Panasonic?s apparent inability to shrink its overall electronic design means the full TV depth sneaks up to a rather less elegant 77mm in places.

The L42D25B?s connections are pretty comprehensive, and even include one unique feature - or at least it?s unique to Panasonic this year. That jack is an LNB connection, there because the L42D25B is another of Panasonic?s TVs with a Freesat HD tuner built in.

Not that you have to have a satellite dish to get HD broadcasts on the L42D25B, mind you. For it also enjoys a Freeview HD tuner if you?re in a suitable reception area.

As with any TV boasting an HD tuner in the UK, the L42D25B sports an Ethernet port for accessing potential future Freeview HD/Freesat HD interactive services (probably a version of the BBC iPlayer initially). But of more immediate interest are the Ethernet?s other two uses: as a means of accessing files from a DLNA PC, and as your gateway to Panasonic?s Viera Cast online platform.

We?ve covered this online service in numerous recent reviews and articles - in particular we refer you to our recent feature comparing all the different online systems. So today we?ll just say that while Viera Cast isn?t as content-rich as the online efforts of Sony and Samsung, its interface is excellent, and the likelihood of good new services being added in the future is high.

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Panasonic Viera TX-L19D28BP

It?s fair to say that Panasonic?s new 19in TV doesn?t follow the usual sub-20in TV herd.

For starters, it?s purple. Not glaringly, jarringly purple, but certainly purple enough to make the shiny, double-layered bezel stand out from the crowded shelves of your average home electronics emporium. In fact, shock horror, the L19D28BP is actually a rather attractive thing when slotted onto its neckless little stand - and regular readers will know that 'attractive' is not a word we commonly use when describing Panasonic TVs.

Another non-standard thing about the L19D28BP is its price. Look down the list of 19in TV prices at Comet or Dixons, and you?ll find plenty of models listed for comfortably under ?200. Yet the best price we could rustle up on the L19D28BP at the time of writing was ?373 - more than double the price of some 19in rivals.

Thankfully, though, the L19D28BP isn?t just expensive for the sake of it. For another thing that helps it be intriguingly different is its backlighting, since while every other sub-20in LCD TV we?ve tested to date has used normal CCFL lighting to illuminate their screens, the L19D28BP uses edge LED lighting. This finds rows of white LEDs ranged along the rear of the top and bottom screen edges, which fire light across the back of the screen that?s deflected out with the help of a light diffusion panel.

We?re not done yet with the L19D28BP?s unusualness (to use one of my favourite awkward words). For also tucked into the top of the TV?s packaging is what looks conspicuously like an iPod docking station. And indeed, that?s exactly what it is. It?s a universal one too - um, except that it doesn?t work with the iPod Shuffle. Nanos, Classics, Touches, and iPhones, though, are all good to go.

The docking station also charges your iThing while it?s slotted on, and allows you to navigate all your stuff via the TV?s remote and onscreen menus. Naturally the TV plays video files as well as audio ones. The system all works very well, with a straightforward interface and decent playback quality so long as you accept that the TV?s little 2 x 3W speakers are hardly going to compete with the sound - especially where bass is concerned - you would get from a decent dedicated iPod audio dock.

If you?re not a paid up member of the Apple universe, there are alternative multimedia courses open to you. For the set carries an SD slot that can play JPEG photos and AVCHD video from SD memory cards. Plus there?s a PC input.

View the original article here

Panasonic Unveils Colourful Pure Viera TVs

Panasonic has announced a new line of TVs with the focus firmly on design. Dubbed the Viera Pure Line, the company is highlighting the range?s striking colours, rather than its specifications, to pull in the punters.

There are three colours on offer - shiny purple, satin silver and silky white, though Panasonic claims that thanks to a luminescent finish the colours will appear different depending on the room lighting.

The Pure line is available in four sizes, 19in, 22in, 32in and 37in. The two larger models feature Panasonic?s Viera Cast web interface bringing web access and Skype capability, as well as built-in Freeview HD and Freesat tuners, while the smaller two sport iPod docking stations. All models feature edge LED backlighting.
Prices start at less than ?400 for the already reviewed TX-L19D28, ?549 for the TX-L22D28, ?1,149 for the TX-L32D28 and ?1,249 for the TX-L37D28.

View the original article here

Second generation Apple TV is here

There was one more thing coming at the end of Steve’s show today and this time it was one more HOBBY… The new Apple TV is here! This tiny matte-black box (80% smaller than the previous generation) will stream HD (720p) movies for $4,99 and commercial free TV shows for 99 cents  (ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel and BBC America are on board;  all rentals, no purchases) and your Netflix content if you are a subscriber. It has HDMI, Ethernet, USB and optical audio ports, Bluetooth and dual band WiFi (802.11 b/g/n at 2.4GHz and 802.11 a/n at 5GHz). There will be no local storage. AirPlay – the new feature that will come with iOS 4.2 in November – will let you to stream movies from any iOS device to your HDTV through the Apple TV. It will be shipping within 4 weeks for the “breakthrough “ price of just $99.
There was one more thing coming at the end of Steve’s show today and this time it was one more HOBBY. The new Apple TV is here! This tiny matte-black box (80% smaller than the previous generation) will stream HD (720p) movies for $4,99 and commercial free TV shows for 99 cents  (ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel and BBC America are on board;  all rentals, no purchases) and your Netflix content if you are a subscriber. It has HDMI, Ethernet, USB and optical audio ports, Bluetooth and dual band WiFi (802.11 b/g/n at 2.4GHz and 802.11 a/n at 5GHz). There will be no local storage. AirPlay – the new feature that will come with iOS 4.2 in November – will let you to stream movies from any iOS device to your HDTV through the Apple TV. It will be shipping within 4 weeks for the “breakthrough “ price of just $99. Tagged as: 720p, ABC, AirPlay, apple, Fox, hd, iOS, iOS 4.2, netflix, new apple tv, second generation apple tv, TV shows
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Panasonic Viera TX-L32G20

The first thing we?ve got to say about the L32G20 is thank God for Internet prices. For when Panasonic first unveiled the L32G20, there was talk of it being lumbered with a frankly scary and - as we?ll discover - entirely unjustifiable price tag of ?900. But thankfully for all concerned, we?ve managed to find the set being flogged online for a much more tantalising ?579.

In fact, while the L32G20 might struggle to justify ?900 of your hard-earned, it actually has a striking amount to offer for ?579. For a start, it?s a smidgeon more attractive than the usual Panasonic TVs, courtesy of what appears to be a tinge of blue - or sometimes grey, depending on the light - imbued into the bezel that?s especially evident along the bottom edge. That said, Panasonic has a way to go before its TV aesthetics start to get close to the standard of some of its rivals.

More comprehensive evidence of the L32G20?s strong specification for ?579 comes from its connections. For a start, it includes four HDMIs - three to the rear, one down the side. One of these is built to the v1.4 spec, to offer audio return channel functionality.

The L32G20?s most unusual connection, though, has to be its LNB input - there because the L32G20 carries a built-in Freesat HD tuner. We have to say we?re increasingly unsure of Freesat?s long-term future with Freeview HD interest having taken off so spectacularly, but the fact remains that for now, at least, there are enough places in the UK that can?t receive Freeview HD to more than justify the inclusion of a Freesat tuner in the L32G20. Especially now we?ve found the L32G20 heavily discounted, and so don?t have to feel like we?re paying a large premium for the Freesat privilege.

Just to be clear before we move on, the L32G20 does also have a Freeview HD tuner, so Panasonic isn?t asking you to choose between the free HD broadcast platforms. It?s just trying to ensure that everyone can get HD broadcasts no matter where they live. Which is kind of nice, really.

The inclusion of HD tuners inevitably means the L32G20 has both a full HD native resolution and an Ethernet port. But as we?d hope, Panasonic doesn?t leave the Ethernet?s talents there. For you can also use it to access files on a DLNA PC, or to access Panasonic?s Viera Cast online platform.

View the original article here

New Apple TV: What We Know So Far

“We’ve sold a lot of them but it’s never been huge hit,” Jobs said last week. How could we not agree: Apple TV wasn’t a game changer for the living room. But hey, there are hundreds thousands of users completely satisfied with the existing ATV (according to the analysts, Apple might have sold 3 million Apple TV devices worldwide) and most of them never even thought of hacking this mysterious box! That’s why here at Apple TV Hacks, we think Steve has figured it out very well: what the average customer wants from his/her HDTV in the living room is to play latest movies, popular TV shows, family vacation photo slideshow and maybe some music from time to time. We, geeks, need more, that’s obvious, and that’s why we are so disappointed with the new device. The only thing we can do now is to try to squeeze as much as we can out of this hockey puck when we put our hands on it sometime at the end of September.
But before that happens, let’s focus on what we know about the second generation Apple TV so far.
The box
3.9 inches (98 mm)x3.9 inches  x0.9 inches (23 mm); 0.6 pounds (1/4th the size of existing ATV)built-in power supplyno power button
Connectivity
HDMI (cable sold separately)Optical audio10/100BASE-T EthernetMicro-USB (for service and support); loses host USBBuilt-in IR receiver
Wireless
802.11n Wi-Fi (a/b/g compatible)2.4GHz and 5GHz
Processor
Apple A4 chip (replacing Intel Pentium M that powered the old ATV)
Storage
No internal storage – instant online streaming (iTunes, Netflix, Flickr, Mobile Me, etc.) and local streaming (from your mac or pc via iTunes).
But Steve only said there will be no “storage management”, no details were given on what exactly is inside the box, no details on RAM.
Video formats
H.264 (up to 720p, 30 fps)
MPEG-4 (up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 fps)
Motion JPEG  (up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 fps)
No 1080p, only720p!
According to Engadget, Apple felt that using 720p allowed them to strike a balance between quality and bandwidth.
In comparison to old, hacked ATV, the new device looses 1080p
Audio formats:
HE-AAC (V1), AAC, protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV;
Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound pass-through
Photo formats
JPEG, GIF, TIFF
Controller
Aluminum Apple Remote (included)iPhone or iPod touch running Remote app (free). Not so comfortable as Apple Remote device, but facilitates writing: use your device’s QWERTY keyboard to quickly tap out the title instead of clicking letters on the Apple TV screen.
OS
No details on the OS are given by Apple. According to Boing Boing, an Apple spokesperson said that the new Nano and Apple TV don’t use iOS, but other sources reports he has only confirmed that the new Nano doesn’t use this OS.
Since the second generation Apple TV is powered by A4 chip, like other iOS devices, it probably runs some form of iOS, just not identical as iPhone or iPad.
Content
-          iTunes rentals available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom:
-          HD: new releases – $4.99, library titles – $3.99
-          SD: new releases – $3.99, library titles – $2.99
-          instant access; you have 30 days to start watching, and once you begin, you can watch as many times as you want in 24 hours
-          availability: often the same day they come out on DVD
-          searching by top movies, title, or genre; trailers, reviews, Rotten Tomatoes rating
Older Apple TVs will continue to work as they have been working up to this point, and they will continue to be able to purchase movies and TV shows even though the new Apple TV is rental-only.
-          iTunes rentals only available in the US
-          titles from: ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel and BBC America
-          commercial free
-          99¢ per episode (HD and SD)
-          once you rent an episode, you have 30 days to press Play. Then it’s yours for the next 48 hours
-          Apple TV keeps track of your favorite shows so the next time you turn on your TV, you can see which season you’re watching and which episodes are new
-          only available in the US
-          Netflix subscription required
-          watch your content right away or add it to your instant-watch queue
Mobile Me (access to Mobile Me galleries)FickrYouTubeSlidshows (various slideshow themes, music from your iTunes library)Internet radio Local streaming
-          music, videos and photos streamed from PCs and Mac
-          iTunes 10 required
Coming soon: streaming from iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to the Apple TV with AirPlay, a new feature that will come with iOS 4.2 in November. There will be no need to rent or buy a movie or TV show again if you already have it on one of your iOS devices.
Price and availability
Apple will start shipping the new Apple TV at the of September/beginning of October for $99.
Sadly, there will be no updates for current ATV.
Possible hacks
Hacking the new Apple TV will be much more difficult since it has no USB host (no patchstick, no external hard drive) and hard drive (no room for additional files). “The hacking will probably have to be done via hooking the AppleTV up like a hard drive, and I doubt it will be as easy as the original one,” thinks NitoTV. And if the device is truly based on some form of the iOS, we will rather have to talk about “jailbreaking”, not “hacking”.
But we are sure that together with the great and creative ATV Hacks community we will soon make the new device more “usable”. “We’re committed to developing for the AppleTV platform, and will continue to do so once these new models are available,” said Firecore, the developer behind aTV Flash. Fingers crossed!
Interesting comment from our Facebook page:
“The real question is whether app developers will be able to utilize “air play” for their apps.. If so then apps like HuLu+ pandora ect will be able to work on the new aTV that way and apps like stream-to-me and airVideo will be able to deliver any video codec from your Mac or network storage drive (if you have an iOS device).”
Hands-on
Engadget
WIRED
Ars Technica
Boing Boing
Tagged as: 1080p, 720p, A4, AirPlay, apple, apple tv, appletv, atv, hdmi, iOS, iOS 4.2, iTunes 10, movies, netflix, new apple tv, old apple tv, second generation apple tv, TV shows
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Reviews of LG 22LE3300 22-inch Widescreen HD Ready LED TV with Freeview

Best Buy LG 22LE3300 22-inch Widescreen HD Ready LED TV with Freeview!

NEW LG 22LE3300 22-inch Widescreen HD Ready LED TV with Freeview

The New LG 22LE3300 22-inch Widescreen HD Ready LED TV with Freeview!The LG LE3300 LED TV series provides HD Ready 720p picture quality with an ultra slim design perfect for any room in your home. This TV will also save you money off your electricity bills with 40% power consumption saving vs LCD TV.LG LED TVs produce a sharper more detailed picture with a superior contrast as well as an ultra slim design compared to LCD TVs. LED TVs have tiny lights either around the edge of the TV (known as Edge LED) or directly behind the TV (known as Full LED). This model has LED lights around the edge of the TV frame giving you an ultra slim TV that is perfect for wall mounting. LG LED TVs are also more energy efficient so you will save 40% of power consumption compared to LCD TVs saving you up to ?100 per year. High-definition television, or HDTV, is a new standard of TV with better-quality picture and sound than what you're used to. HDTV brings you closer to the action, offering more colours and a higher resolution picture similar to what you'd see at a cinema. This can make HDTV images clearer, sharper, more detailed and very life-like.LG Intelligent Sensor technology finds the ideal brightness, sharpness, colour and contrast picture setting within any environment to protect against eyestrain and reduce power consumption. Simply turn on intelligent sensor in the picture menu and it will do all the work for you.All LG TVs come with built-in Digital Freeview making sure you're ready for the digital switch-over. With LG TVs you'll have access to over 40 Freeview TV and radio channels 8 day on-screen guide and access to digital interactive services.Connect your games console, blu-ray player or home cinema system through the?2 HDMI ports for a true High Definition multimedia experience.Connect your digital camera, MP3 player or flash memory using the USB port to show off your latest holiday snaps, music collection or High Definition DivX movies for a true multimedia experience.

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Review of Toshiba 22DV714B 22-inch Widescreen HD Ready LCD TV/DVD Combi with Freeview - White

Best Buy Toshiba 22DV714B 22-inch Widescreen HD Ready LCD TV/DVD Combi with Freeview - White!

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NEW Toshiba 22DV714B 22-inch Widescreen HD Ready LCD TV/DVD Combi with Freeview - White

The New Toshiba 22DV714B 22-inch Widescreen HD Ready LCD TV/DVD Combi with Freeview - White!Ideal for when space is limited, the DV series is a LCD/DVD player combi offering the reassurance of Toshiba quality combined with highly affordable prices.? With a 22" screen and stylish gloss white design the DV offers a HD ready resolution and HDMI connectivity. The DV features a built-in DVD player making it ideal for small spaces whilst built-in Freeview provides access to 50 digital TV channel and 24 radio stations without subscription. PC input allows you to connect your PC and use the DV as a PC monitor. Supports 720p resolution content, the standard of most HD broadcast.Built-in Freeview is the easiest way to enjoy digital for free.Plays back DVDs, DivX movie downloads, JPEG photos and MP3 music files.HDMI connectivity makes it easy to connect to Blu-ray players, HD games consoles and other devices.PC input allows quick and easy connection to your laptop or PC so your TV can double as a PC monitor.USB connectivity provides an easy way to playback your compatible videos, music and photos directly via your TV.

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Review of LG 32LE3300 32-inch Widescreen HD Ready LED TV with Freeview

Best Buy LG 32LE3300 32-inch Widescreen HD Ready LED TV with Freeview!

NEW LG 32LE3300 32-inch Widescreen HD Ready LED TV with Freeview

The New LG 32LE3300 32-inch Widescreen HD Ready LED TV with Freeview!The LG LE3300 LED TV series provides HD Ready 720p picture quality with an ultra slim design perfect for any room in your home. This TV will also save you money off your electricity bills with 40% power consumption saving vs LCD TV.LG LED TVs produce a sharper more detailed picture with a superior contrast as well as an ultra slim design compared to LCD TVs. LED TVs have tiny lights either around the edge of the TV (known as Edge LED) or directly behind the TV (known as Full LED). This model has LED lights around the edge of the TV frame giving you an ultra slim TV that is perfect for wall mounting. LG LED TVs are also more energy efficient so you will save 40% of power consumption compared to LCD TVs saving you up to ?100 per year. High-definition television, or HDTV, is a new standard of TV with better-quality picture and sound than what you're used to. HDTV brings you closer to the action, offering more colours and a higher resolution picture similar to what you'd see at a cinema. This can make HDTV images clearer, sharper, more detailed and very life-like.LG Intelligent Sensor technology finds the ideal brightness, sharpness, colour and contrast picture setting within any environment to protect against eyestrain and reduce power consumption. Simply turn on intelligent sensor in the picture menu and it will do all the work for you.All LG TVs come with built-in Digital Freeview making sure you're ready for the digital switch-over. With LG TVs you'll have access to over 40 Freeview TV and radio channels 8 day on-screen guide and access to digital interactive services.Connect your games console, blu-ray player or home cinema system through the?3 HDMI ports for a true High Definition multimedia experience.Connect your digital camera, MP3 player or flash memory using the USB port to show off your latest holiday snaps, music collection or High Definition DivX movies for a true multimedia experience.

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Panasonic Viera TX-P65VT20

Blimey, the P65VT20 is big. Clearly, you get a vague sense of its impressiveness from just reading on paper that it measures 65in diagonally, but nothing can prepare you for the true immenseness you?re faced with when you and at least one other person have hoiked the P65VT20 into its viewing position.

This is especially true in the P65VT20?s case because its 65in of screen is housed within a really quite wide and chunky bezel by today?s generally svelte standards.

Panasonic has tried to make this slightly dated-looking hunk of chassis a bit more modern by making it an unusual bronzey brown colour. But although the build quality is very good, this brown effect still feels a bit like sticking fake tan on a chav, if we were to be really harsh about it.

The good news for Panasonic is that as usual with its plasma TVs, we?re more interested in what?s going on inside the P65VT20 than we are with mere aesthetic matters. And inside the P65VT20 is anything but old-fashioned.

For starters, of course, it?s equipped with Panasonic?s 3D technology. And we?re not talking about the stripped down passive stuff found on LG?s 47LD950 last week. The P65VT20 is full HD, active 3D all the way ? even thoughtfully shipping with a couple of pairs of active shutter glasses to get you on your 3D way.

It?s 3D nature also means the P65VT20 gets Panasonic?s new technology for reducing the decay time of each plasma cell ? something deemed necessary to reduce the occurrence of crosstalk (double ghosting) that can occur with 3D pictures.

This key bit of panel tech is backed up, as you?d expect, by the latest version of Panasonic?s impressive NeoPDP system, which has seen Panasonic develop an almost completely new plasma cell structure to improve the contrast, colour and clarity of its premium TVs? pictures.

Still more potential picture-boosting technology comes from Panasonic?s V-Real Pro 5 video processing, and a so-called 600Hz system (actually a sub-field drive engine that illuminates each cell 12 times for each 50Hz frame).

This is all food for hope with the P65VT20, with more sustenance coming courtesy of the quite impressive array of calibration tools Panasonic has seen fit to build into the TV?s menus. We?ve had cause in the past to criticise Panasonic for its reluctance to offer things like gamma controls and colour management systems on its TVs, but it doesn?t hold back here ? a fact that?s helped it bag an endorsement from the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF).

Another third-party willing to lend its name to the P65VT20 is THX, which has got involved to the extent of including a calibrated picture preset that really does a great job of getting the best out of the TV for movie viewing.

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All you want to know about the new Apple TV

It wasn’t too long ago when we heard from Steve that he had NO IDEA on how to succeed in the television market. Any chance it has just changed? Apple’s special event is set for September 1st and what the world expects to be unveiled in San Francisco that day is an updated, upgraded, renamed, rebuilt, rethought, revamped, refreshed or completely new, long-romored, long-awaited, magic, revolutionary, shiny — Ladies and Gentleman — the new Apple TV. Well, maybe not the whole world, there are those skeptics who ask if Apple is really going to announce a TV gadget at an event with a guitar on the invitation. Pessimists aside, now, when everyone on this planet seems to have its own opinion on what is going to happen on Wednesday and when every little website in the cyberspace has its own rumor on the next Apple’s TV device, let’s sum up the most important ones. Here is a comprehensive list of what has been lately said about the new Apple TV.

General

Engadget: new Apple TV called iTV: $99, A4 CPU, iOS, 16GB of flash storage, cloud-based storage, new iTunes streaming services, AppStore, no 1080p, quite small device with a scarce amount of ports (only the power socket and video out), “an iPhone without a screen”DigiTimes: “Apple is set to launch a new Apple TV using AMD’s Fusion solution and will not include a hard drive. The new device will adopt a user interface similar to the iPhone with support for social networking websites, network multimedia and the App Store.Kevin Rose: “From what I hear we should expect to see the iTV launch in September”Jason D. O’Grady on ZDNet: “iTV would no longer be a hard drive based setop box, but rather a live streaming device. Think of it as a combo iPad docking station and Airport Express with an HDMI port out the back.”AppleInsider via Shaw Wu of Kaufman Bros.: “The biggest potential change to the forthcoming Apple TV refresh is the move to an ARM architecture processor running the same iOS software that powers the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. (…) The new Apple TV will have access to the App Store.”Gene Munster: Apple could offer an $1,800 to $2,000 “all-in-one Apple television solution that would replace the current amalgam of set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, PVRs, cables, game consoles and TVs in a typical home.Bloomberg: “Steve Jobs will rather focus on the ability for customers to watch TV shows and movies on their iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touches, says a person familiar with the plan. The company will announce that customers can rent many TV shows for 99 cents.”

Name

Engadget: Apple will be officially changing the name of the device to iTV (that was the name of the Apple TV when it was originally announced by the company)AllNewsMac: Lawyers looking into Apple TV name change as ‘iTV’ is already taken

Hardware

Engadget: A4 CPU, no hard drive, 16GB of flash storage, only 720p support, only the power socket and video out portsDigiTimes: AMD’s Fusion CPU, no hard drive

Storage

Engadget: cloud-based storage, Time Capsule as an external storage componentRose: picture and video sharing feature powered by MobileMe

OS

Engadget: iOSBusiness Insider: How will Apple’s touch based operating system work on a TV screen that will not be touch based?

Content

Engadget: new iTunes streaming servicesEngadget: iTunes streaming video service coming soon? (“A new Apple iTunes customer survey lists “Titles are available to watch instantly” as a reason you might totally love watching video on the iPad. This could be a big hint that instant streaming is coming quite soon.”)Bloomberg: Apple Said to Prepare 99-Cent TV Shows (“Apple is in advanced talks with News Corp. to let iTunes users rent TV shows for 99 cents. Viewers would be able to rent programs from Fox for 48 hours. CBS, NBC and Walt Disney also are in talks about joining the effort.”)Rose: Expect to see an iPhone/Pad like marketplace for television applications. Video sharing/streaming/recording apps, interactive news apps, and of course games.Rose: a la carte (app) stations “With Apple’s iAds, content producers (eg. ABC/NBC/etc.) can directly monetize and distribute their content. This will eventually destroy the television side of the cable and satellite industry.”David Gewirtz on ZDNet: FaceTime could be Apple’s iTV killer app (“You no longer just have little tiny screens talking to little tiny screens — you can have grandma on the couch, talking to Baby Biff in his crib.”)Hardmac: Apple working on a new video format (“The ultimate goal for Apple would be to promote this new format to support 4 K video – up to 4096×2160.”)Macworld: Apple could let third-parties deliver the video content to the ATV (“So the next Apple TV becomes another iOS device that uses third-party apps. If Netflix or Hulu or ABC or NPR or whoever wants to get its content on the device, it simply makes a compatible app for it.”)new media age: Cloud-based iTunes “Apple purchased cloud-based music service Lala last year only to close it, prompting speculation that it will incorporate the online music streaming service into iTunes.”Apple Insider: Apple’s potential Web-based iTunes will be ‘social, not streaming’ (“Apple may reveal a “big overhaul” of its iTunes Music Store next week, likely to be a lightweight Web version, but the service will not be updated to allow users to stream their content from the cloud.”)

Controller

Rose: The iPad will turn into one big badass remote control (“Imagine watching monday night football on the TV while viewing/exploring other camera angles on the iPad.”)Jason D. O’Grady on ZDNet: 7-inch iPad like touch device (iTV Pad)Venomous Porridge: An iPhone without the screen (“It’s the love child of an iPod touch and a Magic Trackpad. It has the same inertial and gyroscopic motion sensors as the iPhone 4, and the same multitouch surface we’re familiar with. A home button. Bluetooth. No screen.”)The Russians Used a Pencil: “Apple would never require a user to have an iPhone / iPad in order to use their Apple TV.” Other options: 1) Apple Remote, 2) Bluetooth Keyboard and Trackpad, 3) Game Controller

Games

Bloomberg via Shaw Wu of Kaufman Bros.: “Apple TV could be a popular, low-cost game console for people who don’t care about running the most cutting-edge, graphics intensive games.Macworld: an iOS Apple TV could take a chunk out of the huge game-console market (“I know more than a few people who’d be happy to spend $200 or so on a system that doesn’t require you to spend $30 to $50 a pop for “family” games that are matched, both in visuals and gameplay, by $1 to $5 games for iOS.”)Macworld: “Provide an Apple TV that can play high-resolution games—with surround sound, an HDMI connection, and hardware controllers, yet—and you’ve got a fairly formidable hunk of hardware sitting next to your TV.”

Price

Engadget: $99Jason D. O’Grady on ZDNet: By integrating the existing engineering from the Airport Express and scaling down the iPad technology (no need for Retina display, nor do you need 10 hours of battery life, or even 64 GB of storage) Apple could easily deliver a TV solution for $249.Mark Sigal on his blog: The $99 price tag implies one of three paths for Apple TV: 1) Limited Storage, cloud dependency path, 2) getting to $99 via Subsidy, as is the case with iPhone, 3) running on top of the Mac Mini as a $99 software add-on, with the user being able to choose between a $69 Magic Trackpad, a $200 iPod touch, a $99 iPhone or $500 iPad as the controller

Release date

Rose: SeptemberBloomberg: September 1stMacDailyNews: “Multiple” sources say that Apple’s busy prepping telesales employees for a new product that will be “huge” or “very big” and coming in “October”DigiTimes: Mass production of the device will start in December.”

Other interesting thoughts on Apple TV and IPTV

NYT: In the Living Room, Hooked on Pay TV
CNET: Content kings control the future of IPTV
Associated Press: Apple’s 99-cent TV show idea is no game changer
ZDNet: Apple, Google TV: Does Pay as You Go Make Dollars and Sense?
LA Times: Murdoch may be key to Apple’s plan to offer 99-cent digital rentals of TV shows
Game Theory: How App TV Disrupts the Console Industry

Apple TV Hacks will be providing all the latest news on the new Apple TV/iTV. If it’s coming… Stay tuned!

[images: ZDNet.com, venomousporridge.com, blog.monty.de]

Tagged as: App Store, apple, appletv, controller, Face Time, iPad, iPhone, ipod, ipod touch, iTunes, iTV, new apple tv, next Apple TV, streaming

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Watch the World Cup live on Apple TV

There have already been some great shots, some howlers, some nice Dutch supporters, and even some North Korean “fans”, but the best of the show is yet to come. And there is finally a way to watch all the games live (!) on your Apple TV: World Cup 2010 app has arrived to Boxee. Find it in the app library, fire up and enjoy. Thanks Univision, thanks Boxee! Sadly, for those of you who don’t live somewhere between the RFK Memorial Stadium and the Home Depot Center, it is US only.

Tagged as: apple tv, boxee, boxee app, live stream, South Africa, World Cup, World Cup 2010

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aTV Flash 4.2 Brings Last.fm to Apple TV

Remember that little shiny box called Apple TV buried deep in your closet since the announcement of the NEW Apple TV? You may now want to dig it back up: FireCore team didn’t waste time wondering whether the new device will be hackable/jailbreakable or not and how and today released new update to their fantastic old atv enhancement – aTV Flash.

The 4.2 version brings Last.fm to your old Apple TV. “Last.fm for AppleTV is a new, rich, visually engaging way to experience your favorite music like never before.  It provides access to Last.fm radio, artist bios, artist slideshows and allows you to ‘scrobble’ plays (including plays from the built-in music player) back to your Last.fm account,” FireCore said on their blog.

Current users with aTV Flash installed can updated to version 4.2 through the Maintenance –> Manage Plugins menu.  Once updated, Last.fm will appear as an option in the Manage Plugins menu.

Other aTV Flash 4.2 features and updates include:

Improved weather forecast layout and iconsMultiple performance improvementsSapphire (8.0.5.2) – Improved metadata importing + bug fixesnitoTV (0.9.5) – Improved DVD file playback + bug fixesMaintenance (4.2) – Improved download/update process + Minor bug fixesOther minor bug fixes

FireCore is giving away 50 Last.fm subscriptions. Check out their Twitter page for details.

And stay tuned, we will have a few aTV Flash licenses to give away soon!

Note: Current Last.fm radio streaming is only available to users in the US and UK.  A Last.fm subscription will be required to stream Last.fm radio.

Tagged as: apple tv, appletv, aTV Flash, firecore, last.fm, new apple tv, newappletv, old apple tv

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WinX DVD Ripper: review and giveaway

If you need a DVD backup program which offers stable conversion process, great video quality and very fast conversion speed and if you are looking for DVD backup solution for DVDs of the new generation copy protection, this DVD ripper should be your choice.
WinX DVD Ripper for Mac is an all-in-one DVD ripper designed to make 1:1 DVD copy to hard drive and rip DVD movies on Mac OS to iTunes, MOV, MP4, FLV, etc., that playable on iPad, iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, PSP and much more.
Let’s see how it works.
The program installs in a few seconds, the interface is friendly and very clear.

The options give you a complex control of the application. The ability to create your own profile is very useful and allows you to convert tones of movies without the necessity of adjusting the parameters manually each time.

Once the DVD is in (you can load from DVD driver by clicking “DVD Disc” or from DVD folder by clicking “DVD Path”), you first choose the output format (file format or the device of destination) and then select previously created profile or choose all the options individually for the exact movie.
Among the settings you can choose are:
Audio settings: audio quality, audio sample rate and volume.
Video settings: video quality, video frame rate, output image ratio, video resolution; you can also choose whether you want to use High Quality Engine or not (select for better image quality).
Output settings: language and audio format, subtitles, duration and output folder.
Advanced settings let you decide how many CPU cores you want to use, and whether you want to use Advanced De-interlace Accelerator and Intelligent A/V Synchronizer or not. “Run as Safe Mode” is said to guarantee you “unsurpassable stability and speed.”
Once the settings are done the only thing you have to do is to enter the movie title and director name and click Start button. The conversion is fast and the program doesn’t eat up all of your RAM. You can view the conversion progress and are able to cancel the converting process at anytime.

WinX DVD Ripper also supports extracting music from the DVD files and saving as MP3 format and taking pictures from the DVD movie and save as JPG, BMP.
According to the Digiarty Software, the developer, WinX DVD Ripper for Mac is perfectly compatible with Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard/Snow Leopard, working on PowerPC & Intel Mac.
GIVEAWAY!
We have 10 free copies of the WinX DVD Ripper for you! To enter the contest follow us on Twitter and retweet the contest message (Win DVD Ripper for Mac! Follow @appletvhacks and RT for your chance to win http://su.pr/8OAqci #giveaway #appletv). The winners will be announced next Friday (July 30).
Disclaimer
In the case of copyright protected materials such as movies or DVDs, it is our understanding that in nearly all jurisdictions it is not illegal to produce a copy of a DVD that one already owns, for backup or similar purposes. The legality of DVD ripping will vary based on your country of residence. We do not in any way endorse violation of the valid rights of copyright holders, and strongly recommends that you consult your country’s copyright and fair use laws before copying any video content.
ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions
Tagged as: Digiarty Software, DVD, dvd ripper, giveaway, WinX DVD Ripper
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Remote HD for Apple TV [+giveaway!]

Recently released Remote HD is an iPad/iPhone/iPod touch universal and powerful application that gives you complete access to your AppleTV, Mac or PC. It works like an Apple Remote, but it can do a lot more – one of the greatest features is Remote View that brings your AppleTV’s display to the iPhone/iPad or iPod touch.

Remote View now also works with XBMC and Boxee.
The app allows you to reconnect to last connection – - if you use Remote HD mostly to connect to the same Apple TV, you can save the time of searching for available connections and tapping to connect.
Using Remote HD you can also put the Apple TV to sleep, restart it or even shut it down altogether. In addition, selecting “Log off” will perform a “soft” restart on the Apple TV.
Other great feature is that when you connect to your computer or Apple TV using the mobile network (3G, EDGE, GPRS), Remote HD kicks into a mode designed to save data transfer and optimize its performance based on the available bandwidth at any given time. Check out the rest of the features here.
The app is XBMC and Boxee compatible. aTV Flash has already added support for Remote HD (can be installed through the Maintenance –> Install Extras menu).
We have 5 free copies of the app to give away! To enter the contest follow us on Twitter and retweet the contest message (Win RemoteHD and access your AppleTV from your iPhone/iPad! Follow @appletvhacks and RT for your chance to win #giveaway). The winners will be announced on Tuesday (June 29).

Tagged as: atvflash, boxee, giveaway, iPad, iPhone, ipod touch, remote, remote hd, remoteHD, xbmc
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