About.com TV / Video

Retail War May Lead to Holiday TV Deals

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:29:10 +0000

Judging by early indicators, this holiday season looks to be a great time to buy an HDTV. Reporter Andrea Chang has an interesting story in the Los Angeles times today that says Wal-Mart will be very aggressive in discounting items throughout the season. And, because of that, competing retailers will follow suit.

Wal-Mart is already getting into the price-gouging game with an in-store sale that began this morning at most locations. The retailer has discounted several televisions, including the 46-inch Panasonic TC-P46U1 plasma ($788) and the 42-inch Sharp LC-42SB45U LCD ($498). Most retailers are selling the Panasonic for more than $1,000 and the Sharp for more than $600.

Even if the sets Wal-Mart is pitching this weekend aren't what you're looking for, it will be a good idea to keep an eye on upcoming sale ads. When deals this good hit before Black Friday, we're likely to see a lot more.

Photo © Wal-Mart

Retail War May Lead to Holiday TV Deals originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 15:29:10.

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California Delays Vote On Energy-Hogging TVs

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:31:12 +0000

The California Energy Commission has delayed an expected vote on regulations that would ban the sale of some flat-screen televisions in the state. The regulations, which have been debated for some time, are designed to get energy-hogging TVs off the market in California. The San Jose Mercury News ran an excellent online article about the delayed vote Wednesday.

California Delays Vote On Energy-Hogging TVs originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 04:31:12.

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Adding More Storage to a DVR

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:10:50 +0000

If you're anything like me, you love your DVR. The only problem is, the internal hard drives on these fantastic little machines have a tendency to fill up quickly, especially when you record a lot of high definition programming. The good news is, many DVRs allow you to expand their recording capacity by adding an external hard drive.

Since every DVR is different, you'll want to check your manual to see if your model can accommodate an add-on hard drive. If it can, you'll find the connection process extremely easy. In most cases, it requires nothing more than running a cable from the drive to your DVR.

Some television service providers, including DirecTV and Dish Network, even have information about adding external drives on their Web sites.

Photo © Dish Network

Adding More Storage to a DVR originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 04:10:50.

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California to Ban Energy-Hogging TVs?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:43:50 +0000

BusinessWeek just ran an interesting article about California's push to ban energy-hungry big-screen televisions. State regulators have been talking about a ban for some time, but the issue is apparently coming to a head, as BusinessWeek reported that the state could put new guidelines in place as early as today. If this happens, retailers and television manufacturers would have until 2011 to respond.

The California standards, as proposed, would not apply to televisions larger than 58 inches, meaning manufacturers could sell really big sets with no worries. California is not proposing the elimination of existing televisions.

The state's argument is that many sets already meet the power consumption guidelines that it plans to implement and that consumers would not pay more for energy-efficient televisions. The state estimates the new guidelines will save $912.1 million per year in avoided electrical bills.

The Consumer Electronics Association, predictably, has a differing viewpoint. It argues that the proposed guidelines will result in the loss of 4,600 retail jobs in California because consumers will go out of state or online to buy models that are not available in California. The CEA also argues that those who buy energy-efficient televisions pay an average of $167 more than those who don't.

While I'm a proponent of green technology and preserving the environment, I'm torn on this issue. It is true that guidelines like these will encourage manufacturers to produce an abundance of energy-efficient sets in short order, but the decision to ignore televisions larger than 58 inches seems arbitrary and counterproductive. Also, considering the energy worries that our nation has, televisions seem like relatively minor offenders. BusinessWeek reports that a 42-inch plasma running an average of four and a half hours per day uses only $54 in energy every year. If those numbers are correct, one wonders what the television industry did to invite California's wrath, as the state is still loaded with people driving gas-guzzling SUVs to and from work.

This seems like one of those topics that could generate a great discussion, so be sure to post your thoughts below.

California to Ban Energy-Hogging TVs? originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 13:43:50.

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YouTube Adds New Dimension to TV

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:38:30 +0000

I'm currently in the process of reviewing Panasonic's TC-P46G10, one of the company's Internet-enabled plasma televisions. When I review a TV, I don't just check out the image quality and see how well the stock speakers perform. Whenever possible, I try to live with the set for a few weeks, so I get a sense of what it would be like to "own" the TV. I do this because I believe it better enables me to provide the type of information the average buyer is looking for.

In living with this Panasonic plasma, I've been taking particular advantage of its Internet functionality by accessing free content on YouTube. I've never been the sort of guy who sits at his desk streaming online videos all day, but I've become more of a YouTube fan thanks to the instant access on this television. When I'm relaxing at night and I can't find anything that I want to watch on my favorite channels, I now find myself drifting to YouTube and searching through the content there. Doing so, I've enjoyed everything from "Star Wars" fan movies to music videos. I even discovered some short German lessons to help me with my quest to learn a new language.

The best part is that the content doesn't really feel like online video anymore. When the quality is high - and that depends on the video uploaded to YouTube - it feels a lot like watching regular television.

I'm wondering if anyone else with an Internet-enabled TV or set-top device is becoming addicted to this sort of alternative programming. I'm also wondering if you are being enticed to buy an Internet-enabled set or Blu-ray player because of their ability to stream content from sites like YouTube. Respond to this post and let me know what you're thinking.

YouTube Adds New Dimension to TV originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 13:38:30.

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New Feature: TV of the Week

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:16:48 +0000

This week, I'm kicking off a new feature for the TV/Video Blog. Each Monday, I'll highlight a different television, laying out some of the key specs along with the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). I will also link to a full review if I've written one.

The main purpose of this feature is to give you an idea of what is available in the marketplace. I'll be considering all different sizes and types of televisions from a variety of manufacturers, and I'll throw in my thoughts where appropriate. Hopefully, this feature will give those of you in the market for a new TV a good overview. I also hope it's fun for those of you who like to window shop and stay abreast of the latest technology.

Without further delay, our first TV ...

TV of the Week: 47LH50 by LG

Screen Size: 47" diagonal

Actual Dimensions: 46.2" x 31.1" x 13.3" with stand

Television Type: LCD

Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080p

Contrast Ratio: 70,000:1

Manufacturer Estimated Lifespan: 60,000 hours

Internet Enabled: Yes.

MSRP:$1,499.99

Official Web Site: http://www.lge.com/us/tv-audio-video/televisions/LG-lcd-tv-47LH50.jsp

HDMI Inputs: 4 (three on the rear and one on the side)

Component Video Inputs: 2 in the rear with L/R audio

Composite Video Inputs: 2 (one rear and one side, both with L/R audio)

Digital Audio Out (Optical): 1 in the rear

RGB In: 1

PC Audio Input: 1

LAN: 1

RS-232c In (Control/Service): 1

Audio Output Power (Watts): 10W + 10W

Speakers: 2-way hidden

Built-in Decoding: Dolby Digital

Photo � LG

New Feature: TV of the Week originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 05:16:48.

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Wii May Get Netflix Streaming

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:36:09 +0000

It seems that everyone is getting into the streaming video market. Early this week, it was announced that Sony has partnered with Netflix so that PlayStation 3 owners who are also Netflix subscribers will be able stream video to their televisions using the gaming system. That announcement was followed by the debut of two new Roku streaming video units.

Today, I ran across a report by Dan Rayburn of BusinessOfVideo.com stating that Nintendo is in tests to bring Netflix streaming to its Wii gaming console. Rayburn doesn't reveal the name of his source, and I'm always skeptical about things like this until somebody goes on the record. If it is true, however, we're looking at one more development that could help video streaming someday replace physical DVD and Blu-ray libraries.

Personally, I enjoy having a physical library of movies lining my walls, but I'm a film critic as well as the guide for this site, so I may be the exception. I'd love to hear what you have to say. Are you hopeful that video streaming will come to the Wii? Now that video streamers are becoming plentiful and cheaper, are you likely to get rid of your DVDs and Blu-ray discs?

Wii May Get Netflix Streaming originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 15:36:09.

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Roku Adds Two New Players

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:50:30 +0000

Roku announced this week that it has added two new set-top boxes to its line of video streaming products. One, the Roku SD, is an entry-level model featuring only standard-definition output. The main selling point on the SD is it's relatively low $79.99 price. The second new model, the Roku HD-XR, sells for $129.99 but can output high-definition signals at a resolution of 720p.

Both players are equipped with Wi-Fi or can connect to a wired network with an Ethernet cable. The HD-XR goes a step further as the first Roku player to offer 802.11n dual-band wireless connectivity.

Roku players allow viewers to stream video content over the internet to a television, and consumers currently have access to programming from Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand and MLB.TV. It's important to note, however, that each of those outlets charges for content. The Roku itself is just a delivery system.

At $79.99, the SD is $20 cheaper than Roku's standard player, the HD, and the company is clearly hoping to win more consumers over with the lower price point. The HD-XR, on the other hand, is targeting a higher-tech crowd with its high-definition capabilities and improved Wi-Fi.

Roku Adds Two New Players originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 12:50:30.

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Netflix to Stream to PlayStation 3

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:52:06 +0000

Sony and Netflix announced Monday that they are teaming to provide free streaming of movies and television shows to all Netflix subscribers who own a PlayStation 3. Technically, the content isn't free because a Netflix subscription of $8.99 per month or more is required but, if you have a subscription, you won't pay more to stream content through your PS3.

Press releases from Sony and Netflix did not give a firm start date for the service, but they said it will kick off next month. To watch movies or TV shows on demand, PS3 owners will have to slip a Blu-ray disc (provided by Netflix) into their players. The disc will then allow users to stream content using BD-Live technology. Consumers who want to prepare, can reserve one of the streaming discs online at www.netflix.com/ps3. The discs will be shipped free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

I was already a big PS3 fan, and this development adds one more notch to the entertainment system's belt. When the base price for the system dropped to $300, I wrote that it was once again a fine choice for anyone looking to buy a Blu-ray player . This ups its value. I'd love to hear any thoughts you have.

Netflix to Stream to PlayStation 3 originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 02:52:06.

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Screen Size and Resolution Important to Consumers

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:52:27 +0000

According to the market research company the NPD Group, about 25 percent of consumers say they're going to buy a television in the next six months. Of those people, NPD says, screen size and picture quality are the two factors most likely to drive their purchase decision. According to NPD, 77 percent of consumers who said they plan on buying a TV also said screen size will be very important or extremely important to their decision making. Seventy-one percent of the potential buyers said the same thing about resolution.

Those latter statistics don't surprise me because -- as a guy who loves big TVs -- screen size has always been one of my biggest concerns. And, of course, there's no point in having a big screen if the picture quality is poor. What does surprise me is NPD's finding that one out of every four consumers is in the market for a TV. Clearly, the high-definition television revolution has convinced a lot of people to upgrade, but the economy is still shaky, and televisions are relatively high-end pieces of equipment.

NPD reported that the average price of 40- to 42-inch flat panels selling during the first nine months of 2009 was $838, and that's the size range most of the potential consumers polled for the NPD study are considering. For more on NPD's research, check out the company's press release on its 2009 TV Inventory Study.

What do you think about the findings? Do you think 25 percent of consumers are actually going to make such a large purchase during the next six months? Leave your comments and let's get a discussion started.

Screen Size and Resolution Important to Consumers originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 00:52:27.

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