Toshiba 26HL66 26-Inch Diagonal TheaterWide 16:9 Integrated HD LCD TV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been spending time seriously researching which LCD HDTV I'm going to buy. My choices are between the Sony 26S2000, Panasonic 26LX600, Samsung LN-S2641D, Sharp 26SH20U and Toshiba 26HL66.
I'm a Sony fan, owned several of their TVs over the years and been pretty happy. I was leaning that way again - my last TV was a wonderful 23" Sony LCD HDTV that I gave to a close friend because she didn't have a TV and I wanted a slightly larger model with HDMI anyway. I know most people now pass over the 26" and go for the 32" but the smaller size suits my small living room which I don't want to make a screening room!
However the recent Consumer Reports (that I personally respect a lot in the absence of any other thorough independent comparative study I can get my hands on) on the new crop of LCD HDTVs put my Sony preference on hold because the Toshiba is TOP RATED in both the 26" and 32" categories. I spent some time looking at these models over the weekend and my decision is almost made. The Toshiba picture looks great - better than the Sony (though it's hard to tell in a TV store where everything is on an HD feed).
So with Consumer Reports ratings and analysis placing the Toshiba ahead by 3 points overall, actual design and price comes more into play - and I have to hand it to the Toshiba! The Sony looks pretty dull and a bit too plastic (I know they all are made of the stuff!) whereas the Toshiba ironically looks pretty cool because it seems to have taken it's styling cues from Sony's highly desirable XBR line! BTW
I didn't include the XBR in my quest because it's much more than I can afford - though of course I lust after it. But for some $300 less, the Toshiba may well prove to be an excellent top rated XBR substitute. In fact it's the least expensive of all the other models I mentioned in this review.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba 26HL66 26-Inch Diagonal TheaterWide 16:9 Integrated HD LCD TV

This Toshiba model is a high-definition widescreen TV that's ideal for the latest digital entertainment. Not only does it feature a Regza Premium Cinespeed LCD panel capable of 1080 interlaced lines of HDTV resolution and an HDMI input port, but it also has a 15-pin D-sub port, allowing you to connect a PC and have the set double as a computer monitor.
The Value of LCD TVs Aside from their obvious aesthetic value, LCD TVs are much more practical in the home than CRT (tube-style) televisions. They take up a smaller footprint, and thus use up less floor space in the room. Also, LCD TVs are lighter and easier to move around when cleaning or redecorating. The 26HL66 is only 4.61 inches deep and weighs less than 33 lbs. without the stand. Best of all, LCD screens use less power than CRTs and plasma screens.

Video Response time is the interval an LCD screen takes to switch from its darkest color to its lightest color and back again, measured in milliseconds (ms). This screen's response time is 8 ms, which is at the faster and better end of the spectrum. This screen is likely to display cleaner, sharper images during high-action scenes and display fewer image artifacts than other screens in its class. And because the set has a 12-bit digital processor, it can display many times more shades of gray and levels of color than 8-bit systems can. The set is rated with a 176-degree viewing angle, so the picture will be viewable from nearly any part of the room. While it lacks the CableCARD slot that other sets have, the 26HL66 does come with a built-in QAM digital cable tuner and an ATSC/NTSC tuner that will display terrestrial or over-the-air HDTV and traditional analog signals.

HDMI Compatible The set comes with a built-in High-Definition Multi-media Interface (HDMI) port. HDMI is an interface format that provides uncompressed digital audio and video directly from a DVD player, next-generation game system, or some other digital video source. It represents the current state of the art in high-definition video and sound because the information never has to be converted into an analog format or compressed. Another benefit of HDMI is that it puts all that information into one cable and one easy-to-use connector.

Audio SRS WOW, a combination of SRS 3D, TruBass, and Focus sound-expanding systems, creates a 3-D sound field with improved bass response over standard TV audio as well as a directed, three-dimensional audio sweet spot for maximum enjoyment. The cabinet includes stereo speakers, but the TV also has optical digital output for connecting to your audio system. Toshiba's StableSound feature maintains television volume within a preset range regardless of the source signal. This is an extremely useful feature when transitioning between a quiet television program and a very loud commercial advertisement or when changing channels.

Parent Features The 26HL66's sleep timer allows you to set the television to automatically shut off after a preset duration. It's a handy and common feature to modern TVs, but the 26HL66 takes it a step further. Game Timer shuts the TV off after set duration and can only be turned on with a special lockout code. The Video Lock feature allows the user to lock out selected inputs, which is handy when limiting a child's access to video games. Of course the built-in V-Chip functionality makes it so parents can set a threshold content setting and effectively lock inappropriate TV content out of the home.

Other Features For optimum display of each type of input source, the 26HL66 allows the viewer to make video adjustments for each type of input, such as RF, composite, S-video, and ColorStream component video inputs. The SurfLock feature gives the viewer the freedom to browse programs on other channels then return to the original channel at any time simply by pressing one button.

26-inch Widescreen A general rule of thumb for selecting the right size television screen is that the screen width--not its 26-inch diagonal measurement--should be between three and five times the optimum viewing distance, such as the distance from the TV screen to where your eyes are while sitting on the couch. Less than that, and you may be distracted by the scan lines of the picture. More than that, and you may lose the detail of your TV. Based on this guide, the 26HL66 is ideal for viewing distances of six to 10 feet.

Here is a list of the set's audio, video, and data connections:
Audio/video inputs: 2
ColorStream HD inputs: 2
S-video inputs: 1
HDMI input: 1
PC input: 1
RF input: 1
Audio video output: 1
Optical digital audio output: 1


What's in the Box Toshiba 26HL66 TV, 4-item glow universal remote, TV stand, product manual and warranty information

Click here for more information about Toshiba 26HL66 26-Inch Diagonal TheaterWide 16:9 Integrated HD LCD TV

Read More...

Philips 32PF5320 32-Inch Widescreen LCD HD-Ready TV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First, the Amazon description is wrong - this model does not have a Cable Card slot. Bought mine at Sam's Club. Out of the box, and set up in about 15 minutes - stand screws to the TV with 4 screws, very stable, clean look. Plugged in DVD via component video - MI2 looks great, great picture. Problem is when playing movie with sudden light bursts (lasers in Star Wars IV, T2). Screen goes black and does not recover for 1-3 seconds. Called Philips, they had me try hooking it through composite video, and it works fine. So their question was "is it the DVD player output or the TV input?" Well, since the DVD player worked fine through a CRT TV with component video before this, and I am using the same cables... I suspect it is probably the TV. I tried going through the CVI 2 also, using their supplied cable through the PC/CVI 2 connector, but the same problem. Since the input works fine for the rest of the movie, I am beginning to suspect that it is not a connector issue, but a processor issue in the TV. I even tried the Star Wars movie on a cheap portable DVD player, and it played fine, so it is not the disc. Philips told me they have no service center near Denver, so they could not send anyone to check it out in house, told me to try another DVD player or return it.
Other thing I noticed is that when receiving regular OTA channels (no HDTV tuner in TV), it takes a few seconds after changing channels for the TV to adjust colors, usually to darken them. I could live with that, since I suspect that hooking up HDTV tuner through the HDMI would cure that issue.
Color is rich, sound is very good from the side speakers. Nice looking unit. I like that the connectors are underneath, so cables don't stick out from behind the TV, but come up from below and are protected. Remote is small, easy to use and well laid out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips 32PF5320 32-Inch Widescreen LCD HD-Ready TV

Save space and enjoy a wonderfully vivid picture with the stylish, 32-inch Philips 32PF5320 widescreen LCD TV, a great choice for small- to medium-sized living rooms. It has a built-in 181-channel NTSC tuner for standard television broadcasts and is capable of displaying crisp high definition video with an optional HD receiver. This set can also double as a PC monitor, and with its Picture-in-Graphics small window in the main picture, you can simultaneously view your PC's desktop as you watch television programming. This set includes a tabletop stand, but it's also wall-mountable with optional kit (VESA compatible--200mm x 100mm).
The 32PF5320 has a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution, 176-degree viewing angle, very fast 18 ms (millisecond) response time (great for sports), a 500 cd/m2 (candela per square meter) brightness rating, and an 600:1 contrast ratio. (The higher the contrast ratio, the greater a TV's ability to display subtle color details and not get washed out by ambient room light.) Other features include Philips Digital Crystal Clear video processing chip (for optimal color, contrast, and sharpness levels), an anti-reflection coated screen, auto volume leveler, adjustable color temperature and sharpness, sleep timer, and V-Chip parental controls.
The 3D comb filter separates brightness and color signals better in 3D domain to eliminate cross-color, cross-luminance and dot-crawl distortion. It performs field-by-field comparisons of the television image to accurately separate the color from the black-and-white information and remove both horizontally and vertically hanging dots, as well as dot crawl, resulting in a razor sharp image. This set also performs 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal, too--a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format. To adapt 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video, frames in the original movie must be duplicated; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this duplication by removing the redundant information to display a frame-accurate picture.
The Active Control function uniquely and intelligently optimizes picture quality by measuring and analyzing the incoming signal to automatically adjust picture quality settings. Active Control with Light Sensor uses a sensor to adjust the picture brightness depending on the room light conditions.
This TV has two built-in stereo speakers that produce 15 watts per channel (for 30 watts of total power), and can produce Dolby Digital virtual surround sound, emulating a 5.1-channel sound field from just two speakers. It also offers the following connections:
Composite AV (RCA) In: 2 (1 side)
S-Video In: 2 (1 side)
Component Video In (Y PB PR): 1
HDMI In: 2
RF In: 1
PC Audio In: 1
PC VGA In: 1
Headphone: 1

Tech Talk HDMI -- HDMI makes an uncompressed digital RGB connection from the source to the screen. By eliminating conversion to an analog signal, it delivers an unblemished image. The non-degraded signal reduces flicker and leads to a clearer picture. HDMI intelligently communicates the highest output resolution with the source device. The HDMI input is fully backward compatible with DVI sources but includes digital audio. HDMI uses HDCP copy protection.
What's in the BoxLCD TV, remote control (with batteries), tabletop stand, power cord, printed operating instructions

Click here for more information about Philips 32PF5320 32-Inch Widescreen LCD HD-Ready TV

Read More...

Mitsubishi WD-73738 73-Inch 3D DLP HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'd like to make two points clear at the outset. One, I have always been a bit suspicious of glowing reviews I've read out here, suspecting somehow they had been written by people associated with the company producing the product being reviewed. And two, although I have purchased other less expensive items online, I have always had a great fear of buying large ticket items, such as this television set, online.
I had resisted buying an HDTV mainly because I wasn't comfortable with the drawbacks inherent in each type of set, e.g. burn-in for plasma sets and dropped pixels for LCD sets, plus the fact that the picture on most of these sets gradually deteriorated as each day went by. My current set had been a 45 inch Mitsubishi DLP television, whose picture was still as sharp and clear as the first day I turned it on back in 2001, despite the fact that the original lamp had never been replaced. So I was definitely a Mitsubishi fan, despite some of the problems I'd read about with certain of their earlier DLP high definition models.
But the thing which really motivated me to finally purchase a Hi-Def set was the day I watched my first 3D demonstration at a Best Buy store. It was amazing and all I could think of after that was watching my favorite sports teams in 3D. So I began a long and very arduous research process, mainly online. It finally brought me to this particular Mitsubishi 3D ready set, despite the negative reviews given to certain earlier Mitsubishi models, whose warranties Mitsubishi did extend for two additional years. And, it seems as though many people bought these Mitsubishi sets without ever being aware that, under varying circumstances, they may have to replace their lamp from time to time.
At any rate, I eventually took the giant leap of faith and ordered my new Mitsu 73 inch HDTV from Amazon.com., mainly because I had made other smaller buys from Amazon.com with no problems and I have to admit I liked the idea of free shipping and no state taxes on a large ticket item like this, which saved me around $260.00. Anyway, the big day arrived and while I had had many earlier concerns over how the delivery would be handled, I was delighted to find how smoothly the actual delivery process went. At the time of purchase, the delivery was scheduled for 7/22/10 between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. They actually arrived at 10:15 AM on 7/22/10. As I was extremely relieved to find, the two men handling the delivery actually brought the stand and set inside my apartment, in that order, and carefully unboxed each item. They then gave me plenty of time to carefully inspect each item for any exterior damage. They then carefully placed the set on the stand and even turned on the set to make sure the initial blue screen appeared. So, it turned out all my delivery fears were absolutely unfounded. The delivery could not have gone better.
After they left, I waited for a bit and then began hooking things up. After plugging everything into my new surge protector and making the required connections, I turned the set on and went through the required set-up routine, making all the picture settings which had been recommended on several Hi-Def forums for the earlier version of this model. These seemed to give me a very nice initial picture, although I feel I may have a bit more tweaking to do to suit my individual preferences. But after briefly watching some college football and professional golf, as well as an episode of The Sopranos, I believe all my research has been well rewarded and that I have purchased the perfect set for me. There have been a few who told me they would never have anything to do with Mitsubishi sets, but as I told them, I will remain a fan until such time as this set proves me wrong. In addition, I will mention that I did purchase a SquareTrade extended warranty for this set, as I would have done for any item costing this much. The cost was little enough to provide peace of mind for four years. And, as I later learned, my Visa card automatically extends the warranty for a fifth year.
So I suppose this review is exactly the type that would have inspired me to believe it was written by a Mitsubishi employee. Nothing could be further from the truth. I just feel I did my homework and bought this item from a reliable E-tailer and hopefully, I will be enjoying my new Mitsubishi 3D HDTV for many years to come.
I'm back with some additional information as I've decided to include the basic settings I've come up with to obtain what I think is an excellent picture on this particular HDTV set. They are as follows:
Color 40, Tint 27, Sharpness 31, Color Temp. Low, Video Noise Med., Edge Enhancement On, Deep Field Imaging Off, Smooth 120 Off, Picture Mode Natural, Contrast 33, Brightness 31. I might also add most of my viewing is done in pretty dim lighting, which I think very much contributes to an optimum picture.
I'd also like to add that the 3D picture on this set, using the Panasonic DMP-BDT350 3D BluRay player, is absolutely phenominal. My only other experience with 3D television viewing was at a Best Buy Store where I watched a 3D demo on a 55" Samsung LED set and the 3D effect with this 73" Mitsubishi is far better. It is true that the more immersive the experience (the larger the screen), the better the 3D effect is. Now I am simply waiting for my upgraded (HR21 and above) DirecTV receiver so I can begin viewing some of their existing 3D sports channels.
Well, here it is in my second week and I just received (finally) the DirecTV receiver (HR21-200) I needed to receive their on-air 3D programming. After calling DirecTV to activate this new receiver I hooked up the Mitsu 3DG-1000 adapter kit, chose 3D programming on my Mitsu 73738 HDTV menu, put on my 3D glasses and sat back to enjoy some of the most amazing television I've ever seen. I watched a 3D program on Channel 104 called The Universe and after watching the asteroid belt head directly into my living room, followed by a close-up of the surface of the sun (which appeared to be hovering about six inches above my coffee table)I knew I was hooked and hooked BIGtime!!! And if that wasn't enough to do it, I then watched some lions and a cheetah roaming the veldt, with their heads occasionally poking into my living room, and that absolutely finished off the job! I am now officially a 3D addict! Lower prices and more extensive 3D programming be hanged! I bought now and I'm glad of it! Now just bring on my first 3D football game!
Just another note to mark the passing of my first month with my new Mitsu HDTV. Everything still working great! I have been very much surprised to find a group of people out here who are definitely anti-Mitsubishi. Some of their reasons seem no more substantial than possibly having to replace the lamp in a Mitsubishi set. To my way of thinking, that's kind of like buying a Hummer and then asking the dealer what kind of gas mileage it gets. If you're spending $2,000 + for a great 3D HDTV and you occasionally have to replace a hundred dollar part (which incidentally will restore your set to having the same great picture you had on Day 1) then that's no biggie at all.
For you people out there who have DirecTV, I might suggest when you set up your new 3D receiver that you pick the "Non-natural" option in the video set-up. If you don't, every time you switch programs to one with a different resolution, the screen will briefly go blank and you will hear eight or nine loud clicking noises before the new program begins. After awhile it became very irritating so I decided I'd rather do without it.
Well, here I am back again at just about the end of month two with my Mitsu 73737. Everything still works fine. I'm mainly here to comment on the 3D programming I've watched during these almost 60 days, particularly the sports programming. Tennis was a disappointment. Since the camera coverage is usually from behind one player and because most players spend their time at the baseline, then you're not going to get much change in depth, which definitely diminishes the 3D effect. Plus, the court itself is flat, unlike the rolling hills of a golf course. Golfing was very enjoyable to watch in 3D because everyone is constantly moving around and changing depth in relation to the camera positions. Motocross X Games were fun; watching those bikes do 360s high above uneven ground. Basketball offered pretty good effects but football was my favorite of all, especially when covered with multiple cameras, including overhead views. There was one particular pass play during the Va. Tech./Boise St. game where the pass came right at you into the end zone. Really great 3D effect! But the one sport I'm still really anxious to see is Boxing! I think that might turn out to be the best sport of all for 3D viewing.
However, I feel the features made especially to demonstrate the 3D effect remain the best source of amazing 3D programming. There is one in particular and it features various jungle animals, including a rather large snake, which uncoils directly toward the viewer. I defy anyone to sit and watch this snake move directly into your room and toward your face without unconsciously moving backwards and/or putting your hand up to protect yourself. I've watched it 4 or 5 times now and I still can't just sit there and watch it without physically reacting.
And for you videophiles out there who complain because these particular Mitsubishi HDTV sets use the checkerboard format for 3D viewing, which reduces the resolution from 1080 to 720 for each eye, I can only say it's a total
non-issue as far as I'm concerned and I doubt the majority of viewers could even tell the difference anyhow. In fact, it reminds me a bit...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mitsubishi WD-73738 73-Inch 3D DLP HDTV

The 3D Ready Mitsubishi WD-73738 DLP HDTV.Click here for a larger image.

Get 36% OFF

Click here for more information about Mitsubishi WD-73738 73-Inch 3D DLP HDTV

Read More...

VIZIO E370VP 37 Inch Class Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Since there are no reviews yet for this product, I'm going to write this review sooner than I normally would and then update after I've lived with this TV for a while. My unit was damaged in shipping but a replacement is on the way courtesy of Amazon so I am using it in the meantime. Like other reviews I've read for this size, I'm choosing a 37" unit because it fits in my cabinet perfectly. If I did not have that constraint, I would definitely purchase a 42" as there are many more choices in that size range from more brands. As a point of reference, I own 4 year old Sony Bravia LCD TV also and have been very happy with that TV and brand. If Sony made this size I would have purchased another Sony.
Here are my thoughts on this TV...
Pro's:
- The picture. Stunning. Really great picture. Smooth. Looks at least as good if not better than the Sony in the other room. Great performance on high speed motion shots.
- Menus and navigation. Very intuitive, easy to use and navigate. I haven't had to use the manual once. Easy plug and play.
- Size. Nice and thin. Easy swivel stand. Looks very modern.
- Lots of connections in the back. They are listed on the Amazon product page so I won't repeat here, but pretty much whatever you need is on the back... plenty of HDMI ports, etc. Fast HDMI switching when you go between inputs.
Negatives:
- I think at this price point, some sort of internet connectivity should be included. If this were in the $450 range I'd get it, but at the current price, I'm left thinking this isn't the greatest value.
- Sound. WOW. Most reviewers on most LCD TV's complain about the sound. I assumed that things were getting better and that sound would be at least as good as my four year old Sony. Not so. It's worse. No base and just disappointing sound. I know that most people hook these up to external speakers, but if you're looking for a set where you don't need to do that, you might want to keep shopping.
- The remote. CHEAP. Seriously, the free remote from Comcast is nicer. Come on, Vizio, invest a little in the remote. Most people at this price point and size aren't going to be buying a universal remote I'm guessing. Would be nice to have something better. The buttons are very small, poorly laid out, and do not illuminate. I'll be using my Comcast and Apple TV remotes but be warned, this remote is disappointing.
Overall it feels like this TV should be in the 450 price range and likely I'm guessing it will be promoted down to that once it's been on the market a little while (it's brand new as I'm writing this). Again, I need this for a specific sized cabinet so I'm going to keep it. True, the most important thing is excellent picture, which this TV has, but these days we consumers expect a bit more, like decent sound and a remote that's not so Fisher Price. This reminds me of a TV I'd see in a hotel room. At this price I think you can probably do better.
Hope this is helpful.
UPDATE 6/25... so the "dent" in the front speaker is a design feature!?! Amazon replaced the original unit with another Vizio which has the dent in the same place, right next to the Vizio logo on the front... you can see it on the Amazon page if you zoom into this area. One of my friends described the dent as looking really cheap. I'll have to see if I get used to it but think it's a ridiculous design feature on the speaker in a very visible location.
Update 6/28: I added a modestly-priced Logitech sound system Logitech THX-Certified Speaker System Z623 and I'm really pleased with it... the TV remote adjusts the volume level on the Logitech when plugged into the jack on the back of the TV, and it makes for a nice system with great quality sound.


Click Here to see more reviews about: VIZIO E370VP 37 Inch Class Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV


May 2011As impressive as it is thin, VIZIO's E370VP 37-inch LED LCD HDTV features full 1080p high-definition resolution, Razor LED backlighting for a great picture and slim design, SRS audio technologies for virtual surround sound and volume smoothing, and energy-efficient operation that exceeds ENERGY STAR 4.1 guidelines. On top of all that, you'll be able to enjoy your JPEG photos from connected USB devices, and no matter what you're watching you'll get a striking 200,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
The E370VP proves that a great picture doesn't necessarily mean a huge price tag.

Get 7% OFF

Click here for more information about VIZIO E370VP 37 Inch Class Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV

Read More...

Toshiba 61H70 61-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection TV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)And I don't even have cable! It's like having a very large tube tv. You can see the facial details on news anchors that usually end up over looked for the lack of detail. The blacks are bulletproof, deep, and unfogged. Watching a DVD on this is second only to the local cineplex.
I was thinking of getting a wide screen (16:9) projection tv, but, since HD will not be universal until 2005, I prefer to see a full screen image since I watch more normal television (network or cable) than dvds.
Note, if you buy a wide screen projection tv (16:9), the television broadcasts have to be stretched or letterboxed. If you watch them letterboxed, the black bars might burn themselves on the screen if you watch normal television more than 15% of the time. Or you can watch normal television (network or cable) with a distorted stretched image.
I picked the 4:3 and I love it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba 61H70 61-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection TV

The Toshiba 61H70 is a 61-inch projection television that comes with all the trimmings. A picture tube--or cathode ray tube (CRT)--has an electron gun that presents an image by sending the electron beam to the tube's faceplate. The Toshiba 61H70 has three such tubes, in red, green, and blue. They use fine phosphor for high resolution, brightness, and color purity.
For fine tuning, use the remote control to adjust nine points on the screen. The result is very good focus and superior picture quality.
With A/V outputs you can send the audio/video signal to a VCR for recording. The fixed audio outputs can also be sent to an A/V receiver, and provide a cleaner signal than variable audio outputs. An extra set of front A/V inputs allows you to connect a camcorder or other portable device.
The Toshiba 61H70 has ColorStream HD component video inputs, the best inputs to use for today's high-resolution digital sources, such as a DVD player or an HDTV set-top box.
The universal remote has been programmed to operate the TV, most VCRs, and cable boxes. Many of the keys are illuminated for easy access when watching TV in a dark room. The remote accesses all TV functions with an icon-based on-screen display. This full-featured system can be operated in English, French, or Spanish. In addition, the remote learns the codes of other remotes.
You can input your 12 favorite channels and easily scan through only those stations. Pressing the return button sends you to the last channel you were viewing. This allows you to easily switch back and forth between two channels. You can label your channels by putting the call letters (e.g. ABC, HBO) on the screen along with the station numbers.
At the touch of a button, a sleep timer allows you to fall asleep and program the TV to turn off in 15-minute intervals for up to three hours.
Any time you press the mute button, closed captioning automatically engages. So, if one viewer needs to answer the telephone, another can still read along.
Now you can watch two channels at once, or find out what's on all your favorite channels. Two built-in tuners allow picture-in-picture without the use of a VCR. In single box mode, you can change the size of the sub-picture, move it to different locations on the screen, or freeze it. Six- and nine-box modes allow continuous channel previewing in multiple sub-pictures along the bottom of the screen. You can also use picture-outside-picture, whereby half the screen is used for the main image, while the other half is used for nine sub-pictures.
The new V-chip lets parents decide which show ratings are appropriate for their children. The TV will block out the audio and video of any program with an inappropriate rating. Parents use a code to override the system.

Click here for more information about Toshiba 61H70 61-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection TV

Read More...

Samsung HLN617W 61-Inch Widescreen Projection HDTV with DLP Technology Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I bought my new house, I decided that my basement needed a MONSTER tv to make me feel all spiffy and like a big man :P. The choice for me was between the 70" Sony Grand Wega XBR and this 61" Samsung DLP.
DLP and LCD both have their pros and cons.. Seeing the two TVs at Circuit City (where I got mine) nearly side-by-side gave me the opportunity to notice things that I might not have remembered otherwise had I bounced back and forth between stores to make my decision.
Either TV is great.. These are both top of the line sets and you really can't go wrong.. However, here are a few things that I noticed.. And be aware, different people see different things so your mileage may vary..
LCD Pro: The LCD was very slightly crisper in general. For the most part, you couldn't tell the difference. However, there were certain cases where you could see a slightly sharper image on the LCD; namely the TV logos in the bottom right corner of the screen and the edges of cetain images. The picture was stunning and the black-depth was quite good, although not quite as deep as on the DLP.
DLP Pro: I am a big video game player, animation fan and movie buff. Video games and anime tend to have very rich colors since, after all, it is artificially generate.. In video games you will seen greens and blues that you rare ever come across in your life. In the color area, the DLP shines.. While the Sony XBR color was such that you could not criticize it in any way really, the DLP just blew it out of the water. The color on the DLP is *perfect*.. There is no over-saturation or bleed-through.. Colors are crisp, distinct and beautiful. The blacks are JET black.. Top notch.. Another huge plus, although irrelevant for most, is that the Samsung actually has an XGA port in the back, allowing me to hook a computer up to it directly so as to surf the web from my sofa.
DLP Con: As some people have noted, DLP really exposes flaws in your source.. If you have an 'iffy' signal quality, the DLP will make you aware of that. For me this was a non-issue as I bought the Monster Powerbar and the Samsung DVI progressive-scan DVD player.. Since I have a great-quality digital cable feed here, the images look perfect.
LCD Con: This was the killer. Some people do not notice it, but I did and it ruled out the Sony. LCD has a problem with 'motion blur' when there is fast motion taking place on the screen. This is VERY VERY slight.. so slight that even with movies, you are unlikely to notice it. However, as I stood perusing the TVs, the demo-disc cycled to a college football game.. And there it was.. On a long 50-yard pass, as well as a breakaway run, there was clear motion blur around the ball and the athletes.. The LCD just cannot keep up with the image at that level of speed.
As a huge sports nut (FOOTBALL!), this killed it for me..
So, again, you can't go wrong with these TVs. I was all set to spend the extra $2,300 to get the extra 9" of screen, since I do love Sony products.. But that motion blur killed it for me and I happily plunked down the money and took home my Samsung.. I have been COMPLETELY satisfied with it.
NOTE: Do yourself a favor.. Buy this locally (sorry Amazon) and get the extended warranties.. I never buy those but on LCD and DLP TVs, it will pay for itself.. CC's was $499 for a 4 year extension that covers bulb replacement as many times as you call it in.. Bulb replacement can run $200-$300 and is recommended every 2000 or so hours.. So, the extended plan will pay for itself over the life of your TV.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung HLN617W 61-Inch Widescreen Projection HDTV with DLP Technology

The 61" DLP TV displays a breathtaking widescreen viewing area that is elegantly framed in an ultra-light, thin-bezel cabinet. Weighing about 80 pounds and only 19.4 inches deep, it fits almost anywhere. You will experience perfect vision: Samsung's DLP projection TV delivers unmatched brightness, contrast levels, and color accuracy, plus full digital convergence and a host of top-notch features. Its sleek design and lightweight construction also make this monitor possibly the most attractive and versatile TV your home has ever seen.
HDTV with DLP technology Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology is found in leading digital cinemas the world over. The heart of DLP technology is a micro-display panel no larger than a postage stamp, which integrates 921,600 microscopic mirrors to deliver eye-popping, high-definition detail, color, and clarity. Samsung applies the magic of DLP technology to your home theater via its patented, compact optical engine that replaces the large, heavy picture tubes found in direct-view sets. Best of all, Samsung DLP projection TVs are lighter, more affordable, and use far less power than plasma TVs. Now you can enjoy the spine-tingling thrills of digital television in a sleek, tabletop design that's significantly smaller, lighter, and brighter than a conventional projection TV. Samsung's advanced convergence technologies also make DLP projection TVs compatible with your HDTV tuner, PC, DVD, game console, VCR, camcorder, digital camera, and much more.
Samsung optical engine Samsung's patented optical engine ensures maximum brightness, flicker-free video, detailed text, and still images, and a full 160-degree viewing angle. DLP micro-display technology and Samsung's proprietary Bent Light Lens System give you a big-screen TV without the big-screen hassle. Its ultra-slim, ultra-lightweight design lets you put it virtually anywhere. And its optical engine is durable, long-lasting, and never needs calibrating.
Digital perfection DLP technology is the only display solution that enables projection systems to create a purely digital connection between a digital video or graphic source and the screen in front of you. The surface of the DLP panel is covered with almost a million micro-mirrors (1280 x 720) that act as pixels. This incredibly high pixel count creates a striking, digital image with seamless resolution, amazing detail, and brilliant, lifelike colors. And because the pixels are less than one micron apart, you won't notice the "screen door" effect apparent with other TVs.
Ultra-smooth action Samsung's DLP micro-mirrors can switch on and off over 5,000 times a second--that's up to 10 times faster than other micro-displays. This allows DLP Projection TV to smoothly and accurately display fast-switching content like HDTV and DVD.
Brighter and clearer
Consistent screen image The DLP projection TV is much more durable than competing technologies because the display doesn't physically age or deteriorate. Its ultra-high-pressure lamp delivers consistent light output and picture quality throughout its long lifespan.
Cinema progressive scan and 3:2 pulldown The cinema progressive scan enhancement automatically upconverts all nondigital signals to a smooth, clear 720 lines of progressive scan. The 3:2 pulldown feature is a must for any movie enthusiast. It analyzes each frame of video, removing unclear frames that were added during the transfer from film to video. These added frames cause blurring, stuttering, and other motion artifacts, especially during fast-action sequences. 3:2 pulldown eliminates them and gives your DVDs a look and feel that's much closer to film. Cinema progressive scan with 3:2 pulldown is powered by Faroudja's patented DCDi video processing on Samsung DLP projection TVs.
1280 x 720 progressive display quality Samsung delivers flicker-free, static images, thanks to its all-format conversion system. Progressive scan is a must for rock-steady text, still images, and smooth action sequences.
Wide viewing angle Left side, right side, or upside-down--whatever your location, Samsung DLP projection TVs allow you to see any display clearly, thanks to its 160-degree-wide viewing angle. Unlike traditional projection TVs, the image doesn't get darker as you move away from the center.
What's in the Box TV, remote control, two AAA batteries, and user's manual.

Click here for more information about Samsung HLN617W 61-Inch Widescreen Projection HDTV with DLP Technology

Read More...

Sony Bravia KLV-S32A10 32-Inch LCD WEGA HD-Ready Flat Panel Television Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After a month of reviewing 32" LCD's I chose this model over the equivalent Sharp and I'm very pleased. This monitor's HD is awesome! It is also very good at displaying standard definition programming. The blacks are very deep and you can control the backlight to fine tune the picture. It has three 16:9 modes and four 4:3. The wide zoom works great for SD shows.
This monitor is hooked up to a DirecTV HD Tivo and works flawless with the HDMI cable. The sound from the internal speaker is very good and has three sound modes. Overall I'm very happy with the picture quality and the quality of the finish.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia KLV-S32A10 32-Inch LCD WEGA HD-Ready Flat Panel Television

Note: For the latest version of the Sony Bravia 32-inch LCD TV, see the Sony KDL32S2000 32" Bravia Flat Panel LCD HDTV. Save space and enjoy a wonderfully vivid, colorful picture with the 32-inch Sony KLVS32A10 LCD TV, which features a native 16:9 widescreen display. It has a built-in standard NTSC tuner (181-channels) and includes a table stand that can tilt and swivel. (To receive high definition digital signals, a separate tuner is required.) The 3D digital comb filter analyzes the picture over three dimensions--vertical, horizontal and time--to get superb detail and high color purity under the widest range of picture conditions.
It also features Panel Driver technology, which improves picture contrast and detail while reducing video noise and image blur during fast action scenes. Other features include the Steady Sound audio equalizer (for consistent output between programs and commercials), parental controls (V-chip), Favorites channel list, front AV Inputs for connecting camcorders or video game consoles, and an HDMI connection for uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface between the TV and any HDMI-equipped audio/video component.
It has a 20-watt stereo audio system (two 10-watt speakers) and SRS Trusurround panoramic audio effect. It features the following video and audio connections:
Composite AV In (RCA): 3 (1 front)
S-Video In: 3 (1 front)
RF In: 1
Component Video In: 1 (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i)
HDMI In: 1
PC In (D-Sub 15-pin): 1
Headphone: 1

What's in the Box KLVS32A10 TV, AC adapter and power cord, tabletop stand, remote control, two AA batteries, printed instructions

Click here for more information about Sony Bravia KLV-S32A10 32-Inch LCD WEGA HD-Ready Flat Panel Television

Read More...

VIZIO E322VL 32-Inch LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Application, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this TV specifically for the Netflix app which allowed me to stream live movies onto the tv instead of watching them on my pc. This product is comparable with other brands I had researched in the $850-$1000 price range. The picture quality is GREAT! It was very easy to set up and connect with my wireless router. And in no time I was watching movies and building my watch instantly queue with Netflix. Some of the other reviews mentioned a high pitched whine when the unit is turned off. This must have been addressed by Vizio because I can put my ear to the thing and no noise is there. I love the Yahoo Widget apps and the TV guide app is very handy. Also, with the Pandora Internet Radio app who needs XM/Sirrius especially when played through a surround sound or stereo system. By the way, the remote is as advanced as the unit itself. I have my tv hooked into my Pioneer stereo reciever and was amazed while watching a music DVD that when I left my remote on top of the stereo cabinet and returned minutes later, it had "recognized" my reciever and after that when I raised or lowered the volume of the tv speakers, my stereo speakers raised and lowered accordingly. Can't wait to see what else it can do!

Click Here to see more reviews about: VIZIO E322VL 32-Inch LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Application, Black


VIZIO's 32" LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps puts the best of the web right on your TV screen, giving you the convenience of on-demand movies, TV shows, social networking, music, photos and more at the push of a button. With built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n) for easy setup, the E322VL also boasts full 1080p HD and delivers superior picture and audio quality at an amazing value.
Connect to the Internet to stream movies and TV shows, listen to music and more.

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about VIZIO E322VL 32-Inch LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Application, Black

Read More...

VIZIO E420VA 42-Inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This isn't a horrible TV by any means, picture is decent, and everything works as it should. However... for an $580 TV I have found quite a few things I am very unhappy with, that I didn't really consider before buying.
-the TruSound feature had to be turned off within the first two hours... horrible volume fluctuation at the wrong times...
-from the time you push the power button expect about 15 seconds before you see a picture (seriously I counted)
-once the picture is up...expect another 2-3 seconds for any sound
-the same is true for changing channels, NO QUICK SCANNING, its takes about 7 second start to finish one channel to the next, after you enter the channel about 5 second before it turns, then another second or 2 before there is a picture, and yet another couple seconds before there is any sound. **THIS SEEMS LIKE AN ETERNITY WHEN YOU ARE SWITCHING BETWEEN CHANNELS OR SURFING.
-my other complaint is the volume control... there needs to be at least three more volume numbers between one and 5. One is able to be heard easily from the next room. TWO is already almost too loud if your the only activity in the house. 3,4, and 5 show very little fluctuation in sound, which I wish was the case for 0-3!

Click Here to see more reviews about: VIZIO E420VA 42-Inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV, Black


VIZIO's E420VA 42" LCD HDTV delivers full 1080p HD picture quality and superior audio at an amazing value. This flat screen LCD HDTV features SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround HD audio for advanced virtual surround sound, 50,000 to 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio giving you deeper blacks and brighter whites, and four HDMI ports to connect up to four HDMI devices to your TV. Finally, when the unit is turned on the E420VA also exceeds ENERGY STAR 4.1 guidelines to reduce energy consumption and utilizes built-in ambient light sensing technology, which automatically adjusts backlight levels to the brightness of its surroundings.
Auto-adjusting sensors provide efficient ambient lighting.

Click here for more information about VIZIO E420VA 42-Inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

Read More...

Toshiba 42HM66 42-Inch 720p DLP HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It is January 2007 and I have used this TV now for about one week. I was going to wait longer to post a review, but since there are none up here, I thought it would be useful to potential buyers to have it now.
I bought this TV for my mother as a Christmas gift and my budget was $1000. For that amount of money the HDTV choices were: 27" to 37" 720p LCD; 32" to 35" CRT- based sets; and a few 40-42" DLP sets. Given that the set was for a living room, size was an important priority. So that meant examining most seriously the DLP options.
Most DLP sets I looked at in the stores had a pretty decent image when viewed straight on, but like most other rear-projection TVs, rapidly fell off in brightness when viewed off axis. One exception was a 56" Toshiba DLP set which looked better than the others. Try as I might, I was unable to find the 42HM66 in a store, but what finally convinced me to buy it sight-unseen, was the Consumer Reports article which had Toshiba sets taking all of the top positions in the December 2006 ratings of DLP TVs. Though Consumer Reports did not evaluate DLP TVs smaller than 50", I noted that the 42HM66 was of the same series number as one of the best-rated Toshiba sets. So I decided to take a chance. Next the results.
Having viewed it about 20 hours I have to say the picture is truly excellent for a 720p set. Colors are bright and the screen has a difficult-to-describe luminous liveliness absent from my new 40" Samsung LCD. Outdoor HD nature programming is particularly stunning. A nice surprise was the good off-axis performance. Though straight-on is still best, the image is quite bright out to about 45 degrees from perpendicular, much better than most other DLPs I have seen! Consumer Reports rated the larger Toshiba DLP sets with their highest picture quality rating. I would second that high rating for the 42HM66, it truly delivers the goods. I prefer its picture to that of my new Samsung LCD, which is also 720p, not the latest 1080p, and the Samsung cost 40% more. Image quality = a well-deserved 5 stars.
Where the 42HM66 shows its limitations is in the sound subsystem. The speakers are weak with little bass response. When using digital input sources one needs to turn it up nearly all the way. Analog channels don't seem to have this problem. So when switching between analog and digital sources, one often needs to step the volume up and down, a recurring annoyance. I think most would find the sound performance seriously lacking, but this is easy to fix if you have a stereo receiver or AV sound system to plug into using the available line-out jacks. Sound quality = 2 stars.
Now for convenience and user-friendliness. It is equipped with only one HDMI jack, so if you want to plug in 2 digital sources, like an upconverting DVD player and an HD cable box, you will have to plug one into the component or S-video input; but for a price of only $1000 this is not surprising.
The TV was also not quite as simple to setup as my recently purchased Samsung. The auto-program feature was difficult to find, so if you are giving it as a gift to a technically-challenged person, make sure they get some help. I found the remote disappointing for it had small equally-sized buttons and the control layout was not very intuitive. But once you learn how to get into the menus and where things are, it becomes acceptable. Sadly it could be so much better with just a few minor changes. Kudos to Samsung for their excellent remotes. User friendliness = 3 stars.
Now for the bottom line. I didn't expect the 42HM66 to be perfect all around, but in the one area which counts most... picture quality... it is a top-notch performer. Weak sound is easily remedied and the remote works OK once you learn it, but a bad picture cannot be fixed in any way. This is a GREAT choice if you need 40+" in screen size and don't want to sacrifice image quality on a budget of only $1000. My mother is simply blown away by the picture and I am VERY happy with this purchase... and Amazon's free shipping made it just that much better. The set has yet to accumulate serious viewing hours, so I will not comment on its reliability, but if I run into problems down the road I will revisit this review. For now... my bottom line overall rating: A solid 4-1/2 stars.
P.S. The free Amazon shipping via Eagle was great. They called in advance, came when they said they would, were courteous, and the package was delivered in excellent condition. Kudos. I felt like giving them a tip :)
UPDATE - May 5, 2007
Last week the set blew out the projection lamp after 4 months of use. Replacement under warranty was simple, I just called Toshiba and they quickly sent out a new lamp without any fuss. The lamp comes in a cartridge that is easily removed from the left side of the set. I asked about lamp life and was told that 8,000 to 10,000 hours was the average and that mine went prematurely. They also said each replacement lamp comes with a 6 month warranty independent of the set. Out of warranty the lamp costs about $200. One needs to be aware of this issue with DLP HDTVs and be prepared to have this happen eventually. Still love the TV. The picture is SO good I would buy it again despite this quirk.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba 42HM66 42-Inch 720p DLP HDTV

Click here for more information about Toshiba 42HM66 42-Inch 720p DLP HDTV

Read More...

VIZIO VT470M 47-Inch Full HD 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)24 days after I purchased this TV, 21 days after I first turned it on, it died. No picture. Just sound. 21 DAYS!
It's been 13 days since it died. I've called Vizio customer service 6 times, spoken to 7 customer service reps, 2 supervisors, repeatedly promised that I'd have a replacement within 7-10 days, also been promised by 4 of those people that I would receive a call. What do I have? A broken piece of junk still hanging on my wall. Vizio can't get a replacement for me. Can't tell me when they'll have one. No one will return my calls.
If you do a lot of research, you'll find that Vizio is having a lot of problems with the main board of their TVs. They generally last about a year then die. Too bad so sad. Buy a new TV.
This is my last Vizio. I've been doing my best to get my story out. Don't trust the reviews on Vizio's website either. They're filtering out negative reviews!! I tried to post one last week. Still hasn't shown up. It has to go through a moderator. They're obviously trying to filter negative reviews and opinions.
Too bad they don't seem to understand word of mouth advertising will hurt them in the long run.


Click Here to see more reviews about: VIZIO VT470M 47-Inch Full HD 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV

This 47-inch LCD Television is feature rich with full 1080p High Definition resolution and 120Hz Smooth Motion technology for beautifully bright and clear images, and includes a built-in multi-media feature enabling you to enjoy music and photos directly from your HDTV. Plus, the fashion forward design and dramatic java brown finish complements any room's decor.

1080P Full HD Full 1080P High Definition resolution gives you over 2 million pixels, making the clarity and detail of your picture razor sharp.
120Hz Refresh Rate A 120Hz refresh rate limits motion judder, creating smooth transitions between frames, for crisp, clear images.
ECO HD ECO HD exceeds the current Energy Star Guidelines by 15% below Energy Star 3.0, saving you money on your utility bills while limiting the impact on our planet.
Built-In Speakers Four built-in 10-Watt speakers provide room-filling sound.
SRS Audio Technologies SRS TruVolume evens out dynamics to limit volume inconsistencies between programming. SRS TruSurround HD delivers immersive virtual high-definition surround sound out of the unit's two speakers.
176-Degree Horizontal Viewing Angle The VT470M features a viewing angle of up to 176 degrees, resulting in a crisp and clear picture that is easily visible from just about anywhere in the room.
USB Multimedia Features Plug portable hard drives, flash thumb drives or other USB devices into the VT470M and enjoy MP3 audio and JPEG photo files.
With MP3s, you'll get repeat and shuffle playback modes along with standard controls. When in Music Mode, the screen goes darker to conserve energy. As for your JPEGs, you can browse through them or enjoy a slide show, complete with background music.
The VT470M also features a Pause Live TV feature. This feature allows the viewer to pause the program being watched and then to resume watching it at the point the TV was paused, up to 29 minutes (uses a high speed USB 2.0 device with a minimum of 1Gb of memory plugged into the USB port).
VT470M Inputs
HDMI with HDCP: 4 (1 side)
RF Connector for Internal Tuner: 1
Component YPbPr plus Stereo Audio: 2
Computer RGB: 1
Composite Video: 1 (side)
USB Port: 1

VT470M Outputs
SPDIF Digital Optical: 1
Headphones: 1 (side)

One-Year Warranty VIZIO provides a one-year warranty on its products for extra peace of mind in your purchase.
What's in the Box VIZIO VT470M, Detachable Stand Base, 4 Thumbscrews (to attach Stand), VIZIO Remote Control VR4, Power Cord, Screen Cleaning Cloth, User Manual, Quick Setup Guide, Registration Card, 2 AA Batteries for the Remote Control

Click here for more information about VIZIO VT470M 47-Inch Full HD 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV

Read More...