About.com TV / Video

TV of the Week: Vizio SV370XVT

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:04:53 +0000

Screen Size: 37" diagonal

Aspect Ration: 16:9

Actual Dimensions: 35.551" x 24.803" x 9.291" with stand

Television Type: LCD

Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080p

Refresh Rate: 120Hz

Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1

Internet Enabled: No

Manufacturer's Estimated Panel Lamp Life: 50,000 hours

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $849.99

Official Web Site: http://www.vizio.com/flat-panel-hdtvs/sv370xvt.html

HDMI Inputs: 3

Antenna/Cable Input: 1

Component Video Inputs: 1

Composite Video Inputs: 1

S Video Input: 1

Digital Audio Out (Optical): 1

Analog Audio Out (RCA): 1

PC Input: 1

PC Audio Input: 1

USB Port: 1 (for multimedia and service)

Audio Output Power (Watts): 20W

Speakers: 2 (on the front of the set)

Warranty: One year parts and labor. Free lifetime technical support.

Photo © Vizio

TV of the Week: Vizio SV370XVT originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 00:04:53.

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Australians Glued to Their Screens

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:28:13 +0000

Think Americans are the only ones obsessed with television and other electronic gadgets? Think again. According to an article from Australia's Courier Mail, 70 percent of Queensland residents spend at least three hours a day in front of some sort of screen, and the average household has nine screens available.

Before you bristle and argue that this is impossible, I need to point out that the journalists who wrote the story are counting not only TV and computer screens but the screens on mobile phones, electronic organizers and even MP3 players. Think about it, even reading often involves a screen these days (see above photo of one of Sony's electronic readers). Frankly, I'm not sure what to think of the statistics. I love my television, but as the father of two young boys, I realize that sports and other interactive activities are crucial to a vibrant life. My boys enjoy television and movies -- just like Dad -- but my wife and I do our best to keep them involved in other activities as well.

Confusing things even more these days is the fact that many of our electronic gadgets have become interactive, so staring at a computer or television screen isn't always as passive as it used to be. In fact, I just finished reviewing a television -- LG's 47LH50 -- that allowed me to sign into my Twitter account.

What do you think? Have we humans become too dependent on our various screens?

Australians Glued to Their Screens originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 11:28:13.

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Amazon to Start Black Friday Deals Nov. 23

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:58:08 +0000

Online retailer Amazon.com has announced that it will kick off the holiday shopping season early by rolling out the first of its 2009 Black Friday deals on Monday, Nov. 23. The company isn't revealing many details, but it promises that you can stay up to date by visiting its Black Friday Deals Web page. You can even sign up to get Black Friday Twitter alerts from Amazon. We're still in November, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Photo © Amazon.com

Amazon to Start Black Friday Deals Nov. 23 originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 02:58:08.

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California Passes TV Energy Efficiency Restrictions

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:35:54 +0000

The California Energy Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to place energy efficiency restrictions on televisions being sold in the state. The restrictions, which will go into effect Jan. 1, 2011, will apply to televisions 58 inches and smaller. Although many televisions being sold in California stores already meet the energy efficiency guidelines, some will be banned under this new ruling.

The ruling applies only to the sales of television sets, so California residents will be able to keep their current sets regardless of energy efficiency. For more on the CEC restrictions, you can read it's FAQ page. Note, however, that those who opposed the regulations do not agree with all of the points this page makes.

I have mentioned in the past that I'm torn on this legislation. I am a strong supporter of energy efficient and green technoloy, and I don't buy the argument that corporations will continue to make more energy-efficient sets simply because it's the right thing to do. It is possible, however, that consumer demand will force manufacturers to make more energy efficient products with or without legislation. And a ban on a handful of televisions doesn't make a strong environmental statement, particularly coming from a state where countless people drive gas-guzzling SUVs to and from work everyday. Still, I suppose some energy savings is better than none.

Two of my About.com colleagues have much stronger feelings on the subject than I do, so I encourage you to read About Home Theater Guide Ronert Silva's thoughts and About Stereos Guide Gary Altunian's thoughts.

As always, I'm interested in hearing what you have to say, so post your comments below.

California Passes TV Energy Efficiency Restrictions originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 00:35:54.

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Samsung Overtakes Vizio as Top LCD Supplier

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:24:04 +0000

MarketWatch reported this week that Samsung overtook Vizio as the top supplier of LCD TVs in the U.S. during the third quarter of 2009. According to the article, Samsung shipped 1.3 million sets to the U.S. during the period and Vizio was a close second with 1.2 million.

It will be interesting to see how the fourth quarter plays out, as Samsung was also in the news this month for losing a patent lawsuit brought about by Sharp. That lawsuit could result in a ban on certain Samsung products in the U.S., but legal dealings involving high-tech equipment get extremely complicated. While it's a big deal for the companies involved, I'm betting things will be handled in such a way that the average consumer won't even realize what happened.

Any thoughts? Post them below.

Photo © Samsung

Samsung Overtakes Vizio as Top LCD Supplier originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 13:24:04.

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Expert: Sub-40" Sets Will Be Best Buys

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:42:14 +0000

As we get closer to Black Friday, I keep reading more and more about the TV price wars we're likely to see this holiday season. The latest article to peak my interest is from CNNMoney.com. It quotes an expert as saying that the real bargains this season will be on sets that are 40" or smaller. His view represents a minor contradiction to a study that I reported on last month. That study, by the NPD group, said that most consumers in the market for a new TV are looking at the 40" to 42" range. Of course, I suspect that could change if the bargains are really on smaller sets.

If you're in the market for a new TV or an additional set, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What screen size are you shooting for? Also, are you keeping a close eye on holiday advertisements in hopes of finding a great deal?

Expert: Sub-40" Sets Will Be Best Buys originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 11:42:14.

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TV of the Week: Panasonic TC-P46G10

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:32:21 +0000

TV of the Week: Panasonic TC-P46G10

Screen Size: 46" diagonal

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Actual Dimensions: 30.2" x 44.6" x 15.8" with stand

Television Type: Plasma

Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080p

Dynamic Contrast Ratio: Infinite Black/over 2,000,000:1

Native Contrast Ratio: 40,000:1

Internet Enabled: Yes

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $1,499.95

Official Web Site: Viera TC-P46G10

HDMI Inputs: 3 (two on the rear and one on the side)

Antenna/Cable Input: 1

Component Video Inputs: 2

Composite Video Inputs: 2 (one on the rear and one on the side)

S-Video Input: 1

Digital Audio Out (Optical): 1

Analog Audio Out (Optical): 1

PC Input: 1 on the side

Audio Inputs (for video): 2 (one on the rear and one on the side)

Audio Inputs (for component video): 2

LAN: 1

Audio Output Power (Watts): 20W

Speakers: 2 hidden

Built-in Surround Sound: Yes

About.com Review: By Forrest Hartman

TV of the Week: Panasonic TC-P46G10 originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 00:32:21.

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Thousands In the UK Still Watch Black-and-White Television Sets

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:54:19 +0000

An interesting report from the British Broadcasting Company says that nearly 30,000 people across the UK still tune into their favorite shows with aging, black-and-white televisions. While that's not a very high percentage of the population, I am still surprised by the statistics, especially since we are well into the age of high definition television and buzz is now building around things like Internet-enabled TV and 3D TV.

Granted, there's a nostalgic charm to black-and-white television, but I'm a sucker for the latest technological advancements and, when you consider the long lifespans of television sets, even today's high-end flatscreens are a good entertainment value. How about you? Are you surprised that there are still people watching black-and-white sets? Better yet, do you still watch a black-and-white television? Be sure to leave your comments below.

Thousands In the UK Still Watch Black-and-White Television Sets originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 20:54:19.

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FLO TV Portable Device Hits Stores

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:30:14 +0000

FLO TV has announced that it's Personal Television is now available in stores across the country. The small set can be hand held or placed on a tabletop using its built-in stand. It retails for $249.99, and there is a monthly service fee for content, which can be delivered both live and time-shifted. Earlier this year, About.com Portables guide Jason Hidalgo reported that the monthly content-access fee would be $8.99, but FLO TV's press release doesn't give specifics. In part that's because the first six months of service are being included in the $249.99 price tag.

If service for the FLO TV portable does wind up being $8.99, consumers who purchase the item this holiday season are effectively getting it for less than $200 because six months of programming runs more than $50.

FLO TV programming includes content from CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, Fox News Channel, NBC 2Go and other high-profile providers. Since there are already a number of portable media players capable of downloading video and taking it on the road, the real advantage of FLO TV seems to be its ability to display live content, like news and sports reports and even sporting events. Like other portable devices, FLO TV's Personal Television can go along on car rides, but service is subject to coverage in the same way that cellular phones are. Fortunately, the company has an excellent interactive coverage map that should help you decide if the product will work for you before you buy.

FLO TV Personal Televisions are being sold at a variety of locations, including Best Buy and Radio Shack stores, as well as online at Amazon.com.

FLO TV Portable Device Hits Stores originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 13:30:14.

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Calibration Discs Help You Get the Most From Your TV

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:23:56 +0000

Many of today's high definition televisions boast remarkable picture quality, but you still need to calibrate your TV properly to get the most out of it. Sadly, most folks don't have the money to pay a professional to come into their homes and set a television up. Fortunately, you can do a quick-and-dirty calibration yourself with nothing more than your television, a Blu-ray player and calibration disc.

Many people - even professionals - swear by Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics, a calibration disc created by home theater guru Joe Kane. The disc goes for $29.95 at VideoEssentials.com but other online retailers and some brick-and-mortar stores sell it cheaper. While Video Essentials is beloved by those who use it, there is a learning curve and it can be intimidating, especially for folks who dread the thought of messing with the tint and color settings on their TV. Also, the $29.95 price tag is a little steep for a disc that the average television viewer won't turn to often.

The good news is you may already have a basic calibration disc in your home-video collection. I was reminded of this by the latest Pixar release, "Up." The Blu-ray disc comes with a basic calibration tutorial and several test patterns that allow you to quickly and easily maximize your picture quality by adjusting the contrast, brightness, etc. "Up" isn't the only disc to include a feature like this, but I haven't been able to find an exhaustive list of those with calibration tools. So, I would check your library before running out to buy either Video Essentials or "Up."

It's important to note that self-calibrating with one of these basic discs isn't likely to give you the same result as if you hired a professional, but it is an inexpensive way to quickly improve your television's picture.

Calibration Discs Help You Get the Most From Your TV originally appeared on About.com TV / Video on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 13:23:56.

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