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Your LCD HDTV Guide

March 19th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Shopping For an LCD HDTV Can Be Confusing. That’s Why Best HDTV Reviews Has Put Together This Handy LCD HDTV Guide

Anybody shopping for an LCD HDTV can quickly find themselves overwhelmed by the amount of information available. The manufacturers provide plenty of information on all of their models, and of course all that information is presented in a way that makes their televisions look better than the competition’s. If you want to know what is really important to look at when comparing models and what is just marketing, read our handy (and short!) LCD HDTV guide.

What to Look For

There are six only important considerations when shopping for an LCD HDTV:

• resolution
• aspect ratio
• contrast ratio
• response time
• viewing angle

There are six primary resolutions that the LCD HDTVs can display: 480i, 480p, 720p, 960p, 1080i, and 1080p. This is an easy decision to make: you want 1080p. 1080p is the clearest, most vivid picture of all the resolutions. If the television you are looking at is not capable of displaying 1080p, move on to the next one.

All HDTV units have a widescreen aspect ratio. When looking for the best LCD HDTV, you will have to choose between 16:9 ratio and 16:10. 16:9 is the most common, and is the same aspect ratio that movies are shown in a theater. The only advantage that 16:10 has is that more of your screen will be used when you are watching a non-widescreen source, such as regular non-high definition television programming. If the majority of what you will be watching will not be natively widescreen, such as really old movies and television programs, choose a 16:10 ratio; otherwise, go for 16:9.

Nowadays, the contrast ratio of LCD televisions is frequently listed twice, once as a “dynamic” contrast ratio, and once as a “true” contrast ratio. The most accurate number is the true contrast ratio. The higher this number is, the better: brighter whites, darker blacks, and everything in between more vibrant and accurate. The true contrast ratio of the best LCD HDTVs will be at least 1000:1.

The response time is another easy decision. All the best LCD HDTVs have an 8ms response time or lower. If the response time of the television you are considering is less than 8ms, great. If the response time is greater, find another unit to look at.

The final technical consideration you need to look at is the viewing angle. This is where the art of selecting the best LCD HDTV comes in. The technology used in LCD televisions will render the image invisible if the viewer is too far to the side. The best angle to watch the unit from is straight on. If the location of the unit is such that the viewers will all be looking straight at it, then the viewing angle is less important. But if many of the viewers will be to the sides of the unit, then the viewing angle becomes more important. Older LCD televisions have viewing angles of about 90 degrees; that is, 45 degrees to either side of center. That may be enough if the unit will be in a small room, but if you are outfitting a large room, you will want the viewing angle to be as close to 180 degrees as possible. The best LCD HDTVs have a viewing angle of between 160 and 178 degrees.

What to Ignore

There is one major selling point for LCD HDTVs that you can ignore: refresh rate. Most have a refresh rate of 60 Hz, while newer models are starting to feature a 120 Hz refresh rate. The refresh rate used to be important with CRT televisions, because if the pixel wasn’t refreshed quickly enough, its brightness would fade which created a flickering effect. Because pixels in LCD HDTVs don’t turn off until they’re told to, the frequency with which the pixel is refreshed isn’t important. Instead, look at the response time.

With the information in this LCD HDTV guide, you should now be able to make an informed decision. The best thing to do is to make a list of the models you are considering and compare them to this guide. Cross off the units that don’t measure up, then compare the other features like connections to come up with the LCD HDTV you want to buy.

You can browse and purchase LCD HDTVs and thousands of other HDTV products at eBay and Amazon.com.

Comparing the Range of LG 47″ HDTVs

March 1st, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Affordably Priced Without Compromising on Quality

LG Electronics is a well-known company which makes a wide variety of electronics, including TVs, home theater audio, Blu-ray Disc and DVD players, computer monitors and optical storage, home appliances, air conditioning units, mobile phones, and more. Their range of LCD TVs is quite exceptional, better than their simple looks would imply. In fact, LG’s 47″ HDTV are excellent LCD televisions that support full 1080p resolution and retail for as little as $2,100.

LG 47″ HDTV Models

There are three models of LG 47″ HDTV available: 47LB5D, 47LBX, and 47LC7DF. Before comparing these high-definition LCD televisions, here is what they all have in common:

• 1920 x 1080p full HD resolution
• 500cd/m2 brightness
• 5ms response time
• ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner
• 178° viewing angle
• 3 HDMI inputs with HDCP
• USB media host, allowing you to view pictures and listen to MP3 on your HDTV

Additionally, there are LGs unique technologies built into each unit:

XD Engine: Improves low-resolution analog signals to near-HD levels by improving brightness, contrast, and detail, enhancing color, and reducing signal noise.

Super IPS: Helps reduce distortion and blurring caused by fast motion video.

SRS TruSurround XT: Processes 5.1 and 6.1 audio signals into two-channel output.

LG SimpLink: Lets you control other LG SimpLink products (such as an LG Blu-ray Disc player) without additional wires or remotes.

47LC7DF

The 47LC7DF is the most basic of LG 47″ HDTV LCD models. It features an 8,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a total of 10 rear inputs, plus composite video and S-video inputs on the side. The 47LC7DF has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) or $2,099.95.

47LB5D

The 47LB5D is the next most advanced model of LG 47″ HDTV, featuring 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The higher contrast ratio means that the colors will appear brighter and more vibrant on the 47LB5D than they do on the 47LC7DF. It too has 10 rear inputs and the same two side inputs as the 47LC7DF. The MSRP for the 47LB5D is $2,499.95.

47LBX

The most advanced model of LG 47″ HDTV is the 47LBX. While it has the same 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio as the 47LB5D, along with the same side and rear inputs, it features a 120Hz panel, meaning that the screen is redrawn more times per second on the 47LBX than the other two models. This means that this model is less subject to distortion and tearing during fast-action sequences than the other LG 47″ HDTVs. This model is also capable of displaying more colors on-screen than the others, so pictures will appear more vivid and life-like. The 47LBX has an MSRP of $2,699.95

Conclusion

Contrary to some common sales ploys used by many HDTV manufacturers, LG 47″ HDTVs do not sacrifice quality to reduce cost by using cheap parts. A close look at any of these televisions will not reveal any signs of cost-cutting.

The LG 47″ HDTV that you eventually settle on will depend mostly on the price, because they are all excellent televisions. If you are considering the 47LB5D, it is well worth the extra $200 for the improved picture quality of the 47LBX, while the 47LC7DF is an excellent unit for its size and price.

Compare and shop for LG 47″ HDTVs and thousands of other HDTV products at eBay and Amazon.com.

Vizio HD TV Gives a Low Price, With Average Performance

February 28th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

You Can Get Into the HD TV Game Cheap With Vizio, But Don’t Expect Stellar Results

Vizio HD TV is attracting a lot of interest among budget-conscious buyers because their flat panel HD TVs are affordably priced, both for plasma and LCD models. Many buyers are reluctant to buy inexpensive TVs from manufacturers of less than stellar repute, but now that many thousands have tested the Vizio HD TV offerings, there is some useful feedback available that shed more light on its advantages, and not just its drawbacks.

Not Comparable to Sony or Pioneer

The 52 inch GV52LFHDTV10A LCD is one of the most popular Vizio HD TV models, and can be easily found at big-box stores like Costco and Wal-Mart. According to the experts, it is certainly a decent quality HD TV model that is well worth checking out. Of course, it is not in the same league as Sony or Pioneer HD TV, but it is still not a bad choice compared to other brands because it boasts many of the good features that you would normally only find on high-end TVs, most important being full 1080p native resolution.

This particular Vizio HD TV 52 inch model has a Picture-in-Picture feature as well as an integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM HD TV tuner, allowing you to pick receive over-the-air HD signals if you are located in a major market area. In addition, there are loads of input options, including four HDMI inputs, that let you connect other gadgets to this Vizio HD TV, such as a DVD player or game console. The biggest downside to this Vizio HD TV is its rather poor quality sound, though you can get around that by connecting it to a surround sound system.

How Vizio Keep Their Prices So Low

Essentially, Vizio HD TVs are built by bolting together components with decent specs that they buy at low cost in bulk from other manufacturers. This strategy combined with big sales volumes from selling through stores like Costco and Wal-Mart is what ensures that the price of a Vizio HD TV 52 inch unit to be rock bottom. Producing their units in Thailand instead of Taiwan or even China also helps explain why these TVs are among the cheapest available.

Some would opine, of course, that the performance you can expect these TVs will be as low as the price. There is of course the possibility of a certain amount of disappointment if you by a Vizio HD TV and it fails to impress you with its performance. However, when you can pick up a 52 inch HD TV at a MSRP of $2,499.99 (which means it will probably be much less in-store) with Picture-in-Picture, detachable speakers, acceptable contrast, and the base is included, you really need to consider Vizio as a serious option when shopping for an HD TV.

You can find the Vizio GV52LF for sale on Amazon.com, or browse for other Vizio HD TVs. You may also be able to find the Vizio GV52LF available on eBay, or browse for other Vizio HD TVs.

Searching for the Best HDTV on the Market for the Price

February 24th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

When You Know What Decisions Are Important and Which Are Irrelevant Salesman-Speak, Then It’s Easy to Shop for the Best HDTV on the Market for the Price

When trying to find the best HDTV on the market for the price, it is important to first know exactly what you are looking for in a high-definition television, and to not limit yourself to one brand. There are certainly some makes and models that are better but it all boils down to three basic technologies: DLP, LCD, or plasma.

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

DLP HDTVs are an excellent option for anyone searching for the best HDTV on the market for the price, as they are considerably less expensive than LCD or Plasma. They are also lighter than either of the two other options, although not as thin and therefore not as well suited for wall mounting. The biggest disadvantage of DLP units is that they tend to have rainbow artifacts, that is trails of red, green, and blue, when showing a bright object moving quickly across a dark background. While recent advantages in the technology have lessened this issue, it is still worth watching out for. If price is your one and only concern when searching for the best HDTV on the market, then DLP units will be high on your list.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

LCD HDTVs strike a balance between the price of DLP and the image quality of plasma. It is also the most mature of the three technologies, having been used widely in computer monitors since the late 1990’s, and in hand-held video games and other small-form-factor devices since well before that. Early LCD screens frequently displayed “ghosting” or “tearing” which were caused when the unit couldn’t keep up with the action on the screen. The technology has progress to the point where this is generally no longer an issue, unless you buy a super-cheap no-name LCD HDTV. The LCD’s other weakness is its viewing angle, where older LCDs practically required you to be directly in front of the LCD; viewing from the side would result in washed-out images, or even the complete loss of image. Modern LCDs have all but eliminated this problem, but if the HDTV is going to be used in a large room with many people watching from different angles, it needs to be taken into account. When shopping for the best HDTV on the market for the price, LCD is the middle-of-the-road, striking a balance between price and performance.

Plasma

Plasma HDTVs are without a doubt the best-looking HDTVs available. They are also the most expensive overall. Plasma does not have the rainbow artifact issue of DLP, nor the ghosting and viewing angle problems of LCD. Plasma HDTVs are also absolutely the thinnest of all the HDTV options, making them the best suited for wall-mounting, especially in large rooms. For someone shopping for the best HDTV on the market for the price, plasma is not going to be one of their options unless they are willing to be flexible on the price.

Other Considerations

There are a few other considerations when shopping for the best HDTV on the market for the price. For example, sound quality. Make sure you listen to the HDTV you are considering purchasing before buying it. If the sound isn’t good enough for you, then don’t settle for that one just because of the price. On the other hand, if you’re never planning on listening to the unit through the built-in speakers but instead are going to hook it up to your stereo, sound quality isn’t going to affect your decision. You may even be able to save yourself some money if you can find a unit that doesn’t even have built-in speakers.

Conclusion

There are many factors that will influence your purchasing decision, but deciding whether to buy DLP, LCD, or plasma will have the biggest impact on your HDTV experience. After that, it’s as simple as figuring out exactly what extra features you want, such as picture-in-picture display or a built-in program guide, then comparing prices and features to find what you consider to be the best HDTV on the market for the price.

Want to save even more money while you’re shopping for the best HDTV on the market for the price? After you’ve done your comparisons and decided what HDTV to buy, shop for it online at Second Act, eBay, or Amazon.com.

Watching High Definition Content With a HD TV Tuner for Laptops

February 22nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

A HD TV Tuner for Your Laptop is a Great Way to Watch High Definition Content While You’re Away From Home

If you want portable high definition content, there’s no better way than with a HD TV tuner for laptops. Most laptop LCD monitors can play 720p high definition content at the absolute minimum, and many are capable of displaying even 1080p high definition content. More and more laptops are being sold today are wide-screen, which increases the options available to you for high definition content. To watch this beautiful content, all you’ll need is a HD TV tuner for your laptop.

Easy as Plugging in a Mouse

Laptops, unlike regular desktop computers, are not designed to have parts added or swapped by the user. The HD TV tuner for your laptop will therefore need to plug into a USB port, just like a mouse. The latest versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and MacOS X can play HD content out of the box, so there’s no software needed for this functionality. All you’ll need to do is install a driver (a small program which allows the HD TV tuner to communicate with your laptop), and in many cases your operating system will do this automatically for you as soon as you hook up the HD TV tuner to your laptop.

HD Sources

There’s no point to buying a HD TV tuner for your laptop if there is no content to watch with it. Fortunately, many high definition programs are broadcast over the air and can be picked up with an antenna, which is usually included with the HD TV tuner. The included antenna probably won’t be of more than passable quality, and if you’re having trouble picking up HD broadcasts when you’re on the road, you may want to look into buying a higher-quality antenna separately. If you have a cable or satellite television subscription service, you can also connect the coaxial cable to the HD TV tuner for your laptop and watch high definition content that way. Of course, this may be somewhat inconvenient if your laptop isn’t a permanent fixture on your desktop.

What About Blu-ray?

It would be nice to be able to plug in a Blu-ray DVD player to your laptop and watch high definition content. Unfortunately, copyright concerns have prompted the content providers to manufacture Blu-ray players without the capability to output to a laptop or a HD TV tuner connected to your laptop. The only way to watch Blu-ray content on a laptop computer is to buy a new laptop from a major manufacturer (such as HP or Dell) which comes with a Blu-ray DVD drive already installed and is certified to play Blu-ray content.

An HD TV tuner for your laptop is a great option if you spend a lot of time on the road and want to be able to watch high definition content in your hotel room.

You can browse and purchase HD TV tuners for laptops and thousands of other HDTV products at eBay and Amazon.com.

Philips HD TV Sets Still Require a High-Definition Input Signal

February 19th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Philips Electronics has been manufacturing quality products for over 100 years, so the arrival of Philips HD TV equipment was no surprise to the consumer electronics industry, which is has been a major player in for years. Like the audio, video, telephone, and television products before them, Philips HD TV sets are another of the company’s products designed to inform and entertain the consumer. As when looking to buy any high-definition television from any manufacturer, care must be taken as not all televisions, despite appearances, can display high-definition images.

There is some confusion in the high-definition television market, as many people mistakenly believe that all flat panel televisions are capable of high-definition display. The reality is there are a number of flat screen televisions that only display analog signals. It should also be noted that not all LCD televisions with 16:9 aspect ratio are high-definition displays, but all Philips HD TV products are clearly marked as high-definition.

Even after the purchase of a Philips HD TV television, the user will need to have a high-definition signal to experience the superior image and sound quality. A common misconception is that as long as a cable or satellite signal is being used for the input, it will be in high-definition. The reality is the set top box is probably still sending an analog signal to the television and needs to be changed for high-def resolution.

Alternate Signal Source Not Necessarily Required

With a HD TV antenna and converter, a Philips HD TV unit can also receive over-the-air broadcasts from local television stations. Typically available in local markets from broadcasters within 60 to 80 miles, depending on the terrain, the picture on a Philips HD TV from a local broadcast will be every bit as clear as those from a cable or satellite provider.

The biggest advantage of an antenna over cable or satellite, in addition to cost savings, is that the signal is not lost in bad weather or prone to electronic interference from competing signals. Typically, analog signals can be interrupted by outside interference resulting in a snowy picture, which will not be a problem with a Philips HD TV with a high-definition local channel.

With sizes of HD TV units running the gamut from 26 inches to over 50 inches, there is a Philips HD TV set that will fit your home and budget. They work great in any environment from the main television viewing room to being a second set in the den or bedroom. Best of all, they all come with the years of quality and experience that Philips is renown for.

You can browse and purchase Philips HD TV sets and thousands of other HDTV products at eBay and Amazon.com.

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Copyright © 2008 Best HDTV Reviews

Credits: Make Money Online | Matteo Turchetto | Andreas Viklund