2/21/2011

VIZIO SV421XVT 42-Inch XVT-Series 1080p 240 Hz SPS LCD HDTVVIZIO SV421XVT 42-Inch XVT-Series 1080p 240 Hz SPS LCD HDTV

Breaking the mold of traditional HDTVs, the VIZIO XVT-series brings you the latest, cutting edge HDTV technologies. From 1080p full high-definition resolution, to 240 Hz SPS, 50,000:1 contrast ratio and advanced sound technologies.
I purchased the Vizio SV421VXT from Amazon on February 6th, got it on February 12th. That's six days, and it didn't move for one of them due to bad weather. You'll see some complaints around about the shipping company for large items (CEVA) but I had no issues at all with them. Delivery company called, I told them I was at work, but could be home at any time for them to deliver, they just brought it to my work instead (at my request). This may not be an option for some, but it worked out great for me since I didn't have to take any time off from work to have it delivered. However, this review is for the TV, not the delivery company.

The set works great. I upgraded from a 27" CRT television to this 42" LCD, and obviously, the difference is stunning. We don't have HDTV yet, but even my standard definition Dish Network looks pretty good, as does my regular DVD player over S-Video. Blu-Ray and games on my PS3 look simply amazing. I find the sound quality to be very good without external speakers, but my living room is on the small side (the seating is about 8' from the TV)

Probably the only complaint I could say about this TV yet is that the cable they provide to hook to the wall so it won't fall over (if you aren't wall mounting) is kind of unsightly. However, most people probably won't use it, and this is a very minor detail. I just used it because, for one, this is a big purchase for me and I don't want to take any chances, and we have two cats that like to climb on top of the TV where it's warm...I don't think they could even lay on top of this TV, but I'm sure they will try.

I did months of research on HDTVs before settling on this model from Vizio. Overall, I found that no matter which TV you look at, there are negative reviews. Given that, no matter which TV I purchased, I would have gotten an extended warranty to cover it in case I got one of the bad ones. With the Vizio, I was able to get a quality set with the extended warranty for less that I could have gotten a bigger name brand without the extended warranty.

Of note to anyone that is looking at 240Hz, Vizio uses a different technology to achieve 240Hz than does Sony. I'm not saying this makes it better or worse, because I haven't compared them, but take that into consideration. 

VIZIO SV421XVT 42-inch XVT-Series 240 Hz SPS LCD HDTV

2/19/2011

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

This product is 3D-related. To help you get a great 3D experience, use our checklist below to ensure that you have everything you need. If you have any questions or want to learn more about 3D, we invite you to visit 3D 101--our center for everything 3D. To get started with 3D, please ensure that you have:

A Display

The first--and most important--item you'll need is a 3D-ready display--whether it be a 3D HDTV, 3D projector, or 3D computer monitor. These displays usually have a higher processing power than older models as they need to display one image for each eye to create a 3D effect.

A Source

While your display is ready for 3D playback, you still need a device to read 3D content (i.e., a movie or a show). This source can be a cable box with a subscription to a 3D channel, a 3D Blu-ray Disc player, or a PlayStation 3.

Content

In order to watch 3D, you will need to get some 3D content. This 3D content will come from the source mentioned above in the form of a 3D program, movie, or game. Please ensure that your 3D movies are in the Blu-ray 3D format, as this new format will provide the best 3D experience.

3D Glasses

All 3D HDTVs on the market require Active Shutter glasses to create the 3D effect. You will need to buy one pair of glasses for each viewer. Also make sure that the Active Shutter glasses you buy are compatible with your display--for example, buy the glasses from the same brand as your 3D HDTV.

HDMI Cable

To connect your source (such as a 3D Blu-ray Disc player) to your display, you'll need a hgh-speed HDMI cable. Cables with this designation--with bandwidth speeds up to 10.2 Gbps (gigabits per second)--will be able to carry the 3D signal without any loss of quality.
If you want to get more information about 3D, shop our 3D products, watch videos, or interact with other customers, visit 3D 101, our customer center about everything 3D.
Was looking for a gift for Mom and Dad (a.k.a. me and my wife) and like to buy things we all can enjoy with the whole family. So being in the TV programming business I've been attending seminars on 3D and picking up very usual tips. Recently I learned from a vendor that Plasma is better than LED with 3D and that Panasonic and Samsung have already started exclusive 3D content wars with Panasonic holding "Avatar". After reviewing prices and reviews I decided to go with Panasonic and couldn't be happier. Amazingly this 50 inch TV weighs less than the 42 inch Sharp HD set it is replacing. Was able to mount on the wall and just blown away by the picture. And so far the sound has also been more than enough for the room although i'm looking into a surround sound system. The 3D is way cool (purchased A Christmas Carol with Jim Carey). Set up was a breeze and very pleased with the free shipping. Price dropped slightly after Thanksgiving and Amazon rocked with their matching guarantee. All in all a great experience and very pleased with this purchase.

The Panasonic GT25 VIERA 3D Plasma TV is yet another high-end display to ride the mounting tsunami of panels which turn traditional passive viewing into a completely interactive experience with radically immersive 3D technology. Cue up a 3D movie in ...

2/04/2011

LG 42LD550 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Internet Applications

Great for sports and fast action, the 42-inch LG 42LD550 LCD HDTV offers 1080p Full HD resolution for crystal-clear detail, TruMotion 120Hz technology for virtually no motion blur, and a super-quick response time of 2.4ms (milliseconds). With LG's NetCast, you get access to TV shows, movies and more, streamed directly from the Internet to your television screen. And the LD550 series also provides compatibility with Wireless 1080p Connectivity (wireless media kit required and sold separately).
Other features include an amazing 150,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more stunning colors and deeper blacks, two USB ports for connecting external drives for playing back MP3 audio, JPEG photo and DivX HD video files, stereo speakers with 20 watts of power and Dolby Digital decoding, and four HDMI inputs.
TV is great for the type (LCD) and price. The picture is bright, good contrast, and very smooth. The menu/remote are very comfortable...overall the picture is very nice. Aesthetically, the TV looks great as well...no cheesy features or decorations. This is my first LG product and I'm very pleased with this set. Also added the wireless adapter ($70). The entire setup and interface are very intuitive. This is a kids TV and they had Netflix down in no time (even the 5 year old). My only wish would be a backlit remote control.

Only complaint at all is with shipping. It did not ship on time and there was no communication from the shipping company. Ultimately, I had to contact the shipper to make an appointment (was stated that they would contact me). Once I called them, they drove it over the next day (Saturday). All in all, still very pleased.