Saturday, April 5, 2014

How much do hdtv prices drop over a years time?




Tyler


Hello, I'm planning on saving up for a Samsung LED HDTV. I'd like it to be 55 inches or more, I don't really care to have smart technology, and I'd love for it to be one of the ultra slim ones. It seems for 55 inches I'll be paying about 1100 dollars, for 60 inches its 1300 dollars, and any more than that, they automatically add the smart technology so its 2,500 or above. But I was just wondering how much a tv's price may drop in about a year from now. I've seen that 55 inch LED's used to be 2200 dollars but now they are 800-1200. How much do these prices usually drop in about a year with the new technology?

This is the tv I plan on buying:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+60%26%2334%3B+Class+-+LED+-+1080p+-+120Hz+-+HDTV/6847446.p?id=1218809261672&skuId=6847446



Answer
It's a tough thing to figure.

A particular model that you like may have a limited shelf-life. Manufacturers tend to make new models in order to keep prices up. Though the price of model 55-123LED (making this model number up) may be $1500 right now...conventional wisdom means that this model should be cheaper next year. The problem is that the manufacturer stops making this model and replaces it with the 55-321LED. Though it is completely identical to the old one...it is a 2013 model and therefore will still be worth the $1500 as a 'current' model.

The best time to purchase last years model is just before/just after the new ones hit the shelves. Stores will cut prices to make room for the new ones. If you wait to long though...you will find last years models hard to find.

A couple of tips for you:
A Good sale can happen anytime. It doesn't have to be Black Friday, Columbus Day, etc. Keep an eye on weekly ads from the major retailers in your area...as well as the online shops. With Price-Matching (which most major retailers offer)...anyone's sale could be a sale for your local store.

Don;t be afraid to ask for a discount. You have to believe that EVERYTHING is negotiable. You don;t have to be rude about it...just a simple "Is there any other way to save money on this TV?" I got 5% off my TV at Fry's Electronics simply by calling the manager over and asking if they're was any way he could save a few bucks (told him I was just a bit short on covering the full cost + taxes). Salesman/managers may know of coupons, etc that can save a few bucks.

How much does the HTC HDTV sale for?




Ricky





Answer
10 features characterized by HTC 1 for Samsung phones
http://telephoneandroid.blogspot.com/2013/09/10-features-characterized-by-htc-1-for.html




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Quick HDTV question...?




Gus S


I currently have a 19" Sharp Aquos HDTV. It is labeled 720p/1080i. I love it, but am considering upgrading. If I purchase a 23" or 27" 1080p HDTV, will the difference in picture quality really be noticeable? I mainly play HD video games and watch Blu Ray movies. Is the jump from 720p/1080i to 1080p on these smaller TV's that noticeable? Thanks!


Answer
For small TVs a person really won't see much difference between 720P and 1080P,the 1080P comes into play when the TV is bigger than 42 inches.I put a link for some info and look at #9 and #10 it explains this pretty much.

This is the link
http://reviews.cnet.com/720p-vs-1080p-hdtv/

pros and cons of an led hdtv versus an lcd or plasma?




Tim


thanksgiving day sale at walmart has a cheap led hdtv that i like, i have only had lcd hdtvs is there much a difference between the two someone explain the pros n cons of an led hdtv compared to an lcd or plasma hdtv or pros and cons of led itself


Answer
- I recommend Panasonic Plasma OR I recommend Samsung LED (better and/or expensive LED may not have the problems stated below because of additional technologies going into them). - http://reviews.cnet.com/best-tvs-picture-quality/
- Input lag for gamers: HD-TV may have more input lag if there is more processing going and how well the TV can process it. Example 1: Most PS3 or Xbox 360 video games are 720p, it would take processing power to upscale it to 1080p for a 1080p HD-TV (unless PS4 or Xbox one video games are 1080p it would be a good idea to get a 1080p HD-TV). Example 2: Interpolation and refresh rates can cause more processing too.ect = Gamer mode can turn off these processes to get less input lag.
- HD-TV viewing distance calculations: http://isthisretina.com/ OR http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/hdtv-set-up/ OR http://www.sony-asia.com/support/faq/47537 OR http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimum_HDTV_viewing_distance
- I am not going to talk about HD-TV features like 3D or smart HD-TV. Im not going to talk about projectors. Im not going to talk about the new OLED (RGB or W) HD-TV's.

- A plasma HD-TV is sometimes called an emissive display, the panel is actually self-lighting for each pixel. The display consists of two transparent glass panels with a thin layer of pixels sandwiched in between. Each pixel is composed of three gas-filled cells or sub-pixels (one each for red, green and blue). A grid of tiny electrodes applies an electric current to the individual cells, causing the gas (a mix of neon and xenon) in the cells to ionize. This ionized gas (plasma) emits high-frequency UV rays, which stimulate the cells' phosphors, causing them to glow the desired color.
= Better contrast = Plasma's have better black levels, but worse white levels. Plasma's are a emissive display which means better brightness accuracy and better color accuracy.
= Better viewing angles = Plasma is a emissive display, it has little/no picture problems when viewed of axis (not directly in front of screen).
= Better for dark-lit rooms, but worse for bright-lit rooms = Plasma's can have screen glare and less contrast and less brightness and faded colors in bright-lit rooms, but they have little/none of these problems in dark-lit rooms. Better and/or expensive Plasma's may use less reflective glass.
= Better response times = Plasma's florescent phosphor coating in each subpixel stops glowing just a few nanoseconds after the electrode turns off (on and off) which means less lag and less ghosting.ect
= Better refresh rates = Plasma's better response times bundled with it's sub-feild drives or focused-feild drives take each of a it's pixel's sub-pixels and flashes it a number of times to create a image, the way Plasma works has little motion blur with sub-feild drives or little/no motion blur (and better brightness control, color quality, contrast.ect) with focused-feild drives. (Plasma can use interpolation for judder too).
= Worse screen size options, and worse weight (thicker), and worse manufacturer choices = Plasma is a emissive display which makes it hard to make a Plasma screen size smaller than 40 inches for HD-TV and you may not find them larger than 70 inches for HD-TV because the power consumption will sky rocket. Plasma's tend to about 10-20 pounds heavier too and are thicker but that can provide better audio quality tho. Main brand Plasma maker is Panasonic or Samsung or LG.
= Worse power consumption, and worse life span, but better burn in, but worse high altitudes = A plasma can cost on average around $50 a year more. A Plasma can easily last 10 years and much more. Newer Plasma's have burn in technologies that make really hard or not possible to have permanent burn in, but there sill a chance you could get temporary burn in (even tho it's harder to do now). Plasma may not work in really high altitudes and if it does the TV would create a buzzing sound.
= Price = Plasma is more expensive to buy than LCD, but Plasma is less expensive to buy than LED. Plasma does not cost that much to make.

- An LCD HD-TV is sometimes referred to as a transmissive display, the panel has sections of lighting for a section of pixels. Light isn't created by the liquid crystals themselves; instead, a light source behind the LCD panel shines through the display (CCFL LCD or LED LCD). A diffusion panel behind the LCD redirects and scatters the light evenly to ensure a uniform image. The display consists of two polarizing transparent panels and a liquid crystal solution sandwiched in between. The screen's front layer of glass is etched on the inside surface in a grid pattern to form a template for the layer of liquid crystals. Liquid crystals are rod-shaped molecules that twist when an electric current is applied to them. Each crystal acts like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light. The pattern of transparent and dark crystals forms the image.
= Worse contrast = LCD's have worse black levels, but better white levels. LCD's are a transmissive display which means it is edge-lit or full-array-lit and it also uses local dimming (aka backlight-flashing/scanning) which turns off sections of CCFL or LED which means you can get brightness uniformity problems (brightness leaks into areas and you can see the brightness changing to make up LCD's bad contrast and slow brightness changes.ect) which means less brightness accuracy and less color accuracy .ect (Better and/or expensive LCD use LED lights and more emissive local dimming display and more advance technologies to get a picture as good or better than a Plasma).
= Worse viewing angles = LCD uses a CCFL backlight or a LED backlight (transmissive display), and the LCD pixels act like shutters (and the red, green, blue filters), opening and closing to let light through or block it, this shutter effect causes increasing variations in picture brightness as viewers move further off axis (not directly in front of screen) which means you may notice that the picture looks less bright and vivid and you might see slight changes in color too (IPS > TN).
= Worse for dark-lit rooms, but better for bright-lit rooms = LED or LCD have the most light coming off from their screen which may strain your eyes in a dark-lit rooms, but they have little/no screen glare and little/no picture problems in bright-lit rooms.
= Worse response times = LCD'S liquid crystals take longer to change from on or off (switch around) which means more lag and more ghosting.ect
= Worse refresh rates = LCD's have more worse response times bundled with it's refresh rates which use backlight-flashing/scanning or fake interpolation frames (for judder too) or just repeat the same real frames which help reduce motion blur, but does not eliminate motion blur.
= Better screen size options, and better weight (thinner), and better manufacturer choices = LCD is a transmissive display which makes it easier to make a LCD screen size very small like around 20 inches and you may find them larger than 70 inches because they use less power consumption. LCD's tend to be about 10-20 pounds lighter too and are thinner (edge-lit displays are even thinner) but that can provide worse audio quality tho. Many brands of manufacturer to choice from.
= Better power consumption, and better life span, and little/no burn in, and little/no altitude problems = A LCD or a LED can cost on average around $50 a year less. A LCD or a LED can easily last 10 years and much more.
= Price = LED is more expensive to buy than Plasma, and LED is even more expensive to buy than LCD. LED and all the advance technologies going into them make cost more to make, but that's why there is budget LCD versions instead.




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Friday, April 4, 2014

Would the brand of an HDTV affect the picture quality?




nmagny


For example: I have an LCD High Definition TV by LG...would the picture look better on an LCD High Def TV by lets say, Samsung?
I appreciate all answers, and I WILL choose a BEST ANSWER.
Would LG be considered a good brand?
Ftlbear,

I wouldn't be able to really choose which is better by looking at all of them in the shop. Not all of them receive HD signals, so some of the Tvs look like standard tvs...

I won't be able to figure a difference if some are in HD and some are in standard.
Also, how would the quality change if they both have the same amount of pixels?

If the tvs have the same amount of pixels but are different brands, shouldn't they still have a clear, sharp display?



Answer
Hi, I have been researching on HDTV over the year. Seriously speaking, Sony and Panasonic are always in the top league of the LCD tvs. Any of their models can win any brands of LCD easily. However, things seems to have changed, Samsung seems to have break through on its new R74BD series as it squeezes into the Top 3 of the LCD brands in "What Video". "What Video", a HDTV magazine with over 25 years of tv reviewing history, with its own lab and its unique equipment, they test the TRUE specification of almost every models of HDTV there's in the market. Since u only asks about LCDs in your question, I will suppose that u understands their differences and will only talk about LCD tv here. =)

First I would like to highlight that, never believe in the stats that the brands claimed except for the resolution. Gradution[Grey Scaling, or also called black levels], contrast ratio and brightness of the tv, are always boast by the brands. When tested in "What Video" a Panasonic plasma with 3000:1 claimed contrast ratio seems to have much better ratio than a Samsung plasma with 10,000:1 claimed contrast ratio. Trust me, only look at the brands and resolution when looking for a HDTV. =)

Secondly, never listen to what a saleman recommend, they only recommend those tvs with higher comission for them to u.

Lastly I would say that different brands surpass others in different way. Panasonic, a brand that ALWAYS produce tvs with AMAZING black levels, easily surpass ALL brands of tv in the black level aspect. Motion artefact is definitely not a problem to Panasonic too, they handle that very well. However, Panasonic Tvs still slightly losses to Sony's when compare to sharpness. But it's up to u that whether u decide to have a sharper image with some motion artefacts, or one with almost no motion artefact but with a slightly inferior in its sharpness. Oh and btw, Panasonic's color is slightly better/more natural than Sony's too. To make it short, NEVER buy any LCD tvs besides Sony, Panasonic, Loewe, Toshiba* and Samsung*. Their tests result are the best among so many brands.

*only their new models are good-Toshiba WLT66 and Samsung R74BD series.

Oh and keep in mind if u want totally future proof your tv, look for 1920x1080 resolution which supports up to 1080p. There isn't much tvs with 1920x1080 resolution which supports up to 1080p in the market yet. So here's some recommendation from me(but they are not 1080p compatible). =)

Toshiba WLT66 - Take this if u prefer its price n design, its a decent one with a resolution of 1920x1080, it doesn't support 1080p though. Strange huh. Not recomended if u still watching SD signals.

Any Sony's Bravia Series-They are consider "Godly" in the LCD league. I heard that's one that supports 1080p is out recently. But its review is not out yet, can't tell u how good it is now. =)

Panasonic LXD50/60-It has a built-in recorder if I remember correctly. Panasonic's black levels are always unbeatable. Its motion is almost perfect without any noise too.

Samsung R74BD-Its a decent LCD tv, it might not be as good as Panasonic and Sony, but it definitely wins them in its price! It's VERY cheap considering this is a good LCD tv. Check out its price in your country. =)

Edit after tm_mcdnnll has posted below:

What tm_mcdnnll said "Never having anything to do with the manufacturing" is definitely not true. Why is it only LG's LCD has the XD Engine? Why is it Panasonic is the only one having Viera Color Management? Why only some brands has the Ambient Light Control? Why is it Philips the only one that has the Pixal Plus Technology? Those above are only part of the examples. HOW one brand makes a LCD is very important. Although we didn't know HOW they make it, but still the fact that different brands produced different "quality" of LCDs using same chipsets from the same company is definitely true. Therefore brand is really very important. Get a copy of "What Video" if u wish to know more. =)

Poor picture quality on HDTV LCD?




~JennyBunn


I just got a new 15" Toshiba LCD. Playing video games on it, its an improve of picture quality. We have Comcast Digital cable and it looks worse on this LCD TV than it did on our old Tube TV. Certain channels look about the same, but most look worse. The colors look oily and seem to "run", you get LESS details, and you have to be about 15' away from the TV to see a clearer picture. Any ideas?
DVDs play excellent quality, it seems to be just Cable.



Answer
You don't say if the TV is HD or SD so it's difficult to be sure.

Unfortunately it isn't unusual for flatpanel HDTVs to do an inferior job with SDTV than "oldfashioned" CRT TVs. This is particularly true if the LCD TV has a slow response rate (how fast the screen "redraws') since this leads to blurring when there is fast motion. This is also a problem for LCD SDTVs.

If it is an SDTV you are probably stuck with it. However, if it is an HDTV you can improve the picture (at least somewhat) by feeding HD programming.




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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

how do i get quality sound from my PC to HDTV?




Ethio /Hab


what the problem is i do get sound but not really good sound.I bought audio cable and conected my HDTV and my PC.The manual which came with tv guides me to buy Audio cable.I did but it didn't work.


Answer
You've got a few options, but this depends on your computer and its capabilities as well.

Depending your computer's sound card you may have an optical output for surround sound. This is on many newer computers with media capabilities. If not this is something that you can purchase for $30 - $300, depending on how much sound control you would like. What a new sound card will offer you will be sound controls, and higher quality outputs than a standard sound card (typically just a speaker output which is a headphone jack connection).

If you don't want to mess with installing anything inside your computer there are numerous USB soundcards that you can get. These will connect to your computer VIA a USB connection and will give you many options for connecting to your home theater as well.

Go to one of your local computer super stores, or check out amazon.com for sound cards. Look at both USB and internal cards. The only drawback to internal is that you will have to install it inside the machine - which you may or may not be able to do. One of those stores can install it for a nominal fee as well.

If you don't want to mess with anything mentioned above you can just simply connect a high quality RCA to Mini cable from your computer to your stereo. Its a cable with a headphone jack at one end and, left and right audio cables at the other.

I hope this helped. If you have additional questions feel free to email me through my profile, or check out my blog below for more support.

Which 55" hdtv has the best picture quality and which has the best sound quality?

Q.


Answer
Best picture is a tricky question to answer. Everyones perception of a good picture is very different. I can vouch for Samsung and Panasonic.

Samsung UE55ES8000 is a fantastic set, just been superseeded by the UE55F8000 but you can now get a great deal on last years set. It is a 3D capable LED edgelit LCD screen with a great wealth of SMART features and has so many connectivity options. What's more is that it looks amazing when wallmounted, thanks to an ultra slim bezel around the outside. All pictures are extremely clear even regular SD and even internet content.

Panasonic TXP55GT50/VT50 would be the preferred choice for the movie and sport lover. Its a Plasma screen co-developed with the boffins at Pioneer and THX. Plasmas are naturally better at producing better contrast as well as more life-like colour and superior motion handling. Plasmas do cost a bit more to run than LCD based sets and ideally, they perform better in a dark room. The only notable difference performance wise between the GT and VT model is that the VT has an infinite black filter in front of the screen to further improve the blackiness of the.....blacks :)

Sound quality wise all TV's are going to be poor. The UE55F8000 has supposedly improved sound quality, as it has a small bass speaker. But as its so slim, i'm not holding my breath. You are definitly better off with a soundbar or external speakers.

Best Soundbars for the money:

OrbitSound T12V3 £299.99 RRP - Wired Subwoofer has an iPod dock intergrated on the top of the soundbar.

Panasonic SCHTB550 £399.99 RRP - Wireless subwoofer, the soundbar can either be as one long speaker or split into 2 to form a 2.1 speaker configuration.

Sonos Play:Bar £599.99 RRP - Not cheap but if you already have a Sonos system, this is a great addition. Plus you don't HAVE to have a subwoofer if you don't need it. The SUB is a £599 option at the moment in Gloss Black.




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From where can I download IIFA 2013?




Zaro


I have searched many websites but most of the torrent websites doesn't have the complete 5 hours IIFA show?


Answer
try this.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x12x8ac_iifa-awards-2013-10th-august-2013-video-watch-online-720p-hd-full-episode_shortfilms
http://extratorrent.com/torrent_download/3167637/IIFA+%282013%29+%5BMagic+of+the+Movies%5D+-+720p+-+HDTV+-+x264+%5BExDTV%5D.torrent
.

Anyone know where I can download the torrent for the 2013 BAFTA?




Nadya


I want to watch the 2013 BAFTA, but I can't find the torrent for it so far. Can anyone give me the link to download the torrent for it? Thanks.


Answer
i found it here:
torrent download site

http://fenopy.se/torrent/british+film+academy+awards+2013+hdtv+xvid+afg/OTYzNTQ4Ng




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Tuesday, April 1, 2014

which 2011 hdtv should I get?




- - -[--[s


Panasonic Viera 42ST30 3D HDTV?

or

Samsung UN46D000 2D TV

I don't care about the 3D, only the 2D picture quality

Thanks



Answer
I found Samsung a very unique type of TV, Try and find a HD one that comes with a HDMI Cable to ensure for the best experience But remember HD only lasts for so long.

samsung hdtv un46C, un46D, or UN46E?




Omar


What's the difference between the C, D, and E? All I want is sick picture and sound. I don't care for extra features this TV will simply be used to play videogames and watch a movie every now and then


Answer
A quick explanation of the Samsung serial numbers:

Part 1, the display technology: UN = LED, LN = LCD, PN = plasma
Part 2, the size: easy to recognize, it's 46-inch
Part 3, the series: D6000, ES8000, C7000, loads of variations. The C series are from 2010, D is from 2011, E(S) is from 2012. The number indicates the specs/features.

A few examples: UN46Cxxxx is a 46-inch LED screen from 2010, a PN55Dxxxx is a 55-inch plasma from 2011. A UN55D7000 has the same features as a UN46D7000, just a bigger screen.

Over the last years, image quality improved but not as fast as new fancy features were added. If you don't need gesture control, internet access, smart TV features and apps, a HDTV from 2010 would be perfectly fine, the irony is that most of them are more expensive now that the new 2012 ones. The UN46C6500 for example costs about $1.4k, the UN46ES6500 slightly more than $1k.

Bottom line: My recommendation would be the UN46EH6000. No 3D, no unneeded features, but 240Hz refresh rate, decent image quality, 2x HDMI, 1x USB, Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby Pulse, barely more than $800 for a perfect "basic" HDTV. Sick sound? All modern flatscreen HDTVs have built-in 10-20 watt speakers. That's far from perfect, no matter what manufacturer you look at, these thin little speakers can't do wonders. Some sort of home theatre kit is definitely recommended for all audiophiles.




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what tv has the best picture sound and other features?




Hunter G


i hear aquos and samsung are around the best HDTVs


Answer
Your on the right track those two manufactures are actually one of the top two rated lcd makers. Sharp actually came out with the first lcd tv and samsung is one of top selling tvs in the world. although sharps has excellent picture quality and most nature contrast than any other tv it speakers are not that great but if your doing surround sound its an excellent tv. Samsung has among the best black levels so it creates the riches colors and it speakers are decent. But i would recommend getting an lcd with 120hz for less motion blur. if your looking for plasma pioneer or panasonic would be great picks. I recommend you check out cnet.com they rate tvs down to the smallest detail and youll get some great insights and the top rated models. but stay away from toshiba it's not what it used to be and lg tend to break down fast.

Does this HDTV look good?




Gman


Here's the TV:

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-REGZA-42RV530U-42-inch-1080p/dp/B00140R0G2/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212435981&sr=8-1#productDetails

It has great reviews, lots of features, etc. Please don't suggest some $2,000 TV, because I can only get ones in the $1,200 price range.



Answer
You might be one of the few to understand good TV qualities. This is a great TV. Although, I see that you are following the popular LCD trend. You may find good TV's of other type as well. As TV's go, however, this looks phenomenal. I just see that there is no 120 hz speed. This may be good if you want to watch football on your LCD TV, because the 120 hz is meant to solve a motion blur problem common in LCD's.

I have given this answer to a person just looking for a TV.


Two brands are Samsung and Sony. If you are really looking for Sony to match or overcome Samsung's quality, then you may want to get something in the bravia series and make sure it has XBR, because I believe that allows cinematic quality.

A very impressive chip used by HDTV's developed by Texas Instruments is the DLP chip, which provides awesome quality when it comes to reduced motion blur (for you football game) and has great quality. The DLP chip works greatly with the colors it gets and is especially better when you have LED, which uses more environmentally friendly, lasts longer, and gives the best color you can imagine. You can read moer about DLP and its different technologies on http://www.dlp.com (if it is up, because Texas Instruments seems to have a problem with its sites).

Samsung uses the DLP chip. By the way, you can go to cnet.com and search your specific type of TV (use the model number) and it will give you a very detailed review on your TV. That is how I got my awesome Samsung HLT-5087S. CNet goes into detail and gives specifications. It also has a TV search tool in which you can plug in what you want on your TV.

Now to tackle a big issue. 1080p, 1080i, or 720p? Well, I have a 1080p TV, which will give you the best quality with HD transmission, especially if you have Blu-Ray. But, a 1080p may not do too well with regular transmission channels, although I have seen normal channels on my 1080p TV and have no problem with them. A 1080i TV is not too competitive anymore because a 1080p has the same resolution as a 1080i, and it can much more easily manage movement than a 1080i. A 720p TV may be better if you are only going to watch channels on normal transmission.

When you get a TV, you may also want to be sure that you get at least 2 HDMI inputs on your TV, because as HD gadgets evolve, the HDMI cable will give much better picture quality than any other cable. At least, that is what I hear.

If you are looking at an LCD, make sure that TV has 120hz because it will reduce the motion blur and will be better for a football game compared to a 60hz LCD.

I would recommend that you do not get absorbed into the whole plasma TV gimmick, because it is just hype. You should just do research and see which TV will fit your home best. Do not say that you want a plasma TV and nothing else.

Again, CNet can probably help you in finding the TV matching your desires, because it gives great reviews and specifications, and it has a search tool you can use to find your type of TV. I hope this answer helps and that you get an excellent quality TV.




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Will the dvd recorder - vcr combo have to be HDTV compatable?




Kay K


I'm considering purchasing the dvd recorder - vcr player and need help in selecting an easy to operate system. Also, will it be obsolete in 2009 when all TV's will be HDTV? Can CD-RW be used as a DVD disc?


Answer
First of all, not all TVs will be HDTV. On February 17th, 2009, TV stations will stop broadcasting in analog signal and start broadcasting in digital. You will now receive digital television (DTV). The only people this will affect are people who are using an antennae to receive their signal. If you receive cable or satellite, they will be allowed to continue broadcasting in analog signal until at least 2012. If they choose to do otherwise, they must let you know.

Secondly, DTV does NOT mean HDTV. HDTV is the best quality of DTV. There are two other levels - SDTV and EDTV. After Feb 17th, 2009, all new TV's must be equipped with a digital tuner. Most new TVs now already have digital tuners in them; and most new TVs are HDTV compatible, but you must pay extra through your provider for HDTV service.

Thirdly, with most major studies switching over to Blu-Ray format, you're better off buying a BluRay player, and not DVD. If you're looking to record TV shows, get a TiVo.

Finally, no, CD-RWs cannot be used as a DVD disc. It is a different format. Your DVD recorder will be able to read a CD-RW, but it will most likely not be able to burn to it.

New VHS VCRs in 2012?




Joe B


I still have a cabinet of about 200 videotapes which have never come out on DVD. I value these movies enough to warrant the shelf space, but watch them infrequently enough not to warrant transfer to DVD-R. Luckily, the VCR I am using is a prosumer grade JVC S-VHS. It's very well built and I keep it plugged into the TV but unplugged from the wall to avoid somehow wearing out the power supply or fluorescent display. But, it's from 2000 and I know one day it will go dead. So, what are my options going into the future? Are any manufacturers still making high quality machines, such as for archival use?

Thanks.



Answer
Magnavox DVD VCR Player ZV457MG9 (2012 gold award best dvd/ vcr player)

Overall Rating
These days, we have access to high-quality media on almost every device we own. You can watch your favorite shows and videos on HD televisions, computers, laptops, smartphones and more. What about all those tapes and DVDs collecting dust in your closet, though? Not all your high-tech devices can play the content contained on these aging media. DVD/VCR combo players are a safe haven for playing this content in world that has almost forgotten VHS.

At TopTenREVIEWS, we rated and ranked the best devices capable of playing, recording and archiving both DVDs and VHS tapes. At the end of our review process, the Magnavox DVD VCR Player ZV457MG9 came out on top, earning our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award for DVD/VCR combos. It achieved this honor by including every single feature we looked for on our side-by-side comparison chart.

With features such as 1080p upconversion and progressive scan technology, the unit transforms standard-definition images and sound into a clear, crisp signal worthy of any HDTV on the market today. To complement its excellent picture quality, the Magnavox DVD VCR Player is compatible with Dolby Digital sound. Furthermore, the assortment of connectivity options on the back panel enables you to connect it to almost any device you own.

http://dvd-players.toptenreviews.com/dvdvcr-combo/magnavox-dvd-vcr-player-review.html




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after seeing the great graphics of the 360 & PS3, do you think these systems would last for 10 years?




14_ME


the PS4 and new XBOX being 2016 or beyond? i mean the next stop would be the final one since you cant go over photorealism
no, officialy the PS2 was only 6 years, because the PS3 came out in 2006. I dont care how long they make game for a system, some games for the dreamcast and neogeo are still being made after 18 years. i am talking about an official new system



Answer
Someone recently asked if it was really true that the ps4 and xbox720 would be released in 2010. Which is ridiculous. They might start work on a new xbox that soon, but it will take a long time to develop, and they won't likely call it xbox720, either, "720" only relates to snowboarders or skaters.

Both consoles were designed to satisfy the high-end HD market. Only a small percentage of people have HDTV's yet. After February 2009 that percentage will make a jump, but it will still be years before it even reaches the halfway point. Maybe 2013 or so.

Next, the xbox and ps3 are the limit of current home-pc processing technology. Processors reached their current, 2 to 3 ghz limit about 5 years ago, due to heat problems. A recent advance in chip technology will allow faster chips to be made, but it's not even close to being implemented yet. The xbox has 3 fast processors, and the ps3 has a staggering 7. That's about as many processors as you can put into a computer or console, and still have it be cost-effective and have developers making applications for it.

So the bottom line is basically, they CAN'T make the next generation yet. The technology it will have to involve is in its infancy, I doubt it will be implemented in time to save Moore's Law, maybe in big mainframes or servers it will be implemented in 2 or 3 years, but I think it will realistically hit PC's in about 2012 or 2013. Console developers need to see how it works in PC's before putting it in consoles, so giving them a couple years dev time would put the next generation around 2014 to 2016.

Now about that photorealism thing, I disagree, there's a lot more to do to make games more realistic and lifelike.

For one thing, most 3D games use classical rules of perspective, ignoring the way the world actually looks to your eyes. You don't see a rectangle in front of you, and you have much more peripheral vision too. If you turn quickly in a 3D shooter, straight lines often look curved. Devs have been making optical tricks to deal with this for a while, but there is much work to be done.

A couple years back, Sony showed off the first flexible LCD video screen. That's right, you could conceivably have a game system where the screen wraps around in a semicircle around you, or even a "virtual reality" room where the screen surrounds you. Games for such a system will be awesome and will take more than the next generation to handle

Is this a good gaming rig?




Bryce


A friend is helping me build a gaming computer, I don't know tons about them, but I know enough to be able to overclock and the like (what I intend to do with this actually) But this is a bit above what I know. So Is this a good rig for gaming? (apologies if my grammar is a tad off, I'm native German so English is not my first language.)

BLUETOOTH: USB Bluetooth 2.0 Adapter
CASE: Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full Tower Gaming Case W/ Side Panel Window
CASEUPGRADE: 12in Cold Cathode Neon Light
CD: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive
CD2: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive
COOLANT: Standard Coolant
CPU: Intel® Core⢠i7-3820 Quad-Core 3.60 GHz 10MB Intel Smart Cache LGA2011
CASE FAN: Maximum 120MM Case Cooling Fans
FA_HDD: Vigor iSURF II Hard Disk Drive Cooling System
FAN: Corsair Hydro Series H110 High Performance Liquid Cooling System 280MM Radiator & Fan
HDD: 2TB (2TBx1) SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 64MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)
HDD 1TB x 2 (2 TB Capacity) Raid 0 Extreme Performance
HDD2: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM
IEEE_CARD: IEEE 1394 CARD AND DRIVER
IUSB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
KEYBOARD: * AZiO Large Print KB505U Keyboard w/ Tri-color backlight
MEMORY: 16GB (4GBx4) DDR3/2133MHz Quad Channel Memory
MONITOR: 32" Widescreen 1920x1080 Sceptre X325BV-FHD LCD HDTV w/ Built-in Speakers, VGA & HDMI-Input
MOTHERBOARD: (SLI/CrossFireX Support) MSI X79A-GD45 Plus Intel X79 Chipset Quad Channel DDR3 ATX Mainboard w/ Winki 3, OC Genie II, 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, 3 Gen3 PCIe X16 & 4 PCIe X1
MOUSE: Razer Deathadder 6400dpi 2013 Essential Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
NETWORK: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
OS: Microsoft® Windows 8 Pro (64-bit Edition)
POWERSUPPLY: 850 Watts - Thermaltake Smart Series SP-850M 80 Plus Bronze Modular Power Supply
SOUND: ASUS Xonar DG 5.1 Channels PCI Xonar DG Sound Card
USB: PPA External 4-Port USB 2.0 Silver Star Hub
VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 4GB 16X PCIe 3.0 Video Card
VIDEO2: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640 2GB 16X PCIe 3.0 Video Card
WNC: PCI Wireless 802.11n 150Mbps Network Interface Card

Altogether it will cost me about $3010.

He assures me this would be able to play Battlefield 3 on dual monitors, or Skyrim with 150+ Graphics Mods installed.

What do the good people of Yahoo Answers think?



Answer
It is definitely something i wish I could afford...The only problem I see here is that the power supply might not be enough for both those video cards. The 680 needs at least 550w and the 640 needs at 350w so, you need a better power supply for it. Other than that..it's a really good computer with tons of stuff.




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Monday, March 31, 2014

Quality of Samsung 42" Plasma HDTV?




Beach Love


Looking at Samsung 42" Plasma HDTV.....anyone have any advice on it? Pros/cons/ problems?


Answer
I wouildn't buy ANY plasma TV, unless you get the extended warranty, which in some cases is useless as well. I had a Samsung who's plasma screen went out 3 days after warranty. Called the warranty company and they said that because there were no longer being parts made for it, I would have to pay an additional 350.00 for a new model. Look at an LCD or LCP instead....

50" 720p or 42" 1080p HDTV?




tonk


I am upgrading (from a box TV) after searching I can get (with my money) either a 50" 720p HDTV or a 42" 1080p. My viewing distance is about 10 feet away. I will mostly be playing a ps3 on it and regular TV not so much blue ray DVDs. I am leaning towards the 50" which one do you think is better?
I have found the answer... a 50" 720p is just as clear as a 50" 1080p at a distance greater then 10 feet. Closer then 10 feet 1080p starts to become useful. If I went to the 42" I would have to sit closer then 6 feet to notice the 1080p. Thus in my situation of viewing 10-12 feet away logically and economically the 50" 720p is the best choice. I would be wasting my money for a less of a viewing experience with the 42" 1080p. Here is a chart and source http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html



Answer
42" 1080p HDTV
the quality will be better and the size will only be a little bit smaller. If the 8 inches make that much of a difference, than you should probably get the 50'' however the type of tv also plays a role on how it looks and works.




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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Is this a good TV for the money?




Andrew


I'm going to be getting a new TV soon and I'd like some opinions about a so-called 'smart' TV I'm considering. Back in the day I had no trouble weighing the different features of TV's, but this is a new age, I don't know too much about the smart TV's. I mean, I know the basics- that they allow you to run apps and are good with pictures and thumb drive content, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. Anyway, the TV is a "VIZIO model number E420i-B0 42" 1080p 120Hz LED Smart TV HDTV" It's a 2014 model yet it's 50 bucks cheaper than a similar 2013 Vizio. I'm not sure if that's good news or bad news. Anyway, if any people who know TV's could check it out on Amazon or Walmart, I'd appreciate any informed opinions. (and all I'll really be using it for is my PS3, Blu Rays and TV)
Grumpy Mac: Wow! Thank you for the heads up... My current TV is a Vizio that I got back in 2008 and it was great for the money. I had no idea that they had sold the company to China! So Vizio is off my list.

Ron: I hope you check back because I want to ask you about the picture in regards to the refresh rate. I've heard that you really want to have a 120 mHz refresh rate MINIMUM. It supposedly really makes the picture much better for sports and action. The model you listed was only 60 mHz. Did you notice this to be true?
Thanks to everyone who responded. You've given me a couple good choices with the Samsung & LG suggestions!



Answer
First - Vizio has admitted that their televisions are un-repairable (do a google search if you want to confirm this). The low prices are attractive but when it breaks after a few months - you toss it and buy something better.

Second - While "smart" TV's are nice, you can probably buy a WD TV Play box ($70) or a Roku 3 ($99) and get BETTER streaming and video playback features, but save the $300 bump to move into a smart model.

Get a well-rated Samsung or LG without the smart feature and add one of the above media streamers. You will be better off and save some money.

Hope this helps.

Which Desktop should I get?




rik


Difference between these two desktops?
They are both Dell XPS 8500. Which one should I get? There is a 50 $ price difference.
First One-
3rd Gen Intel® Core⢠i5-3350P processor
Features a 6MB cache and 3.1GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz.
Intel® Core⢠i5 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance.
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 32GB.

Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
Create custom DVDs and CDs.

1TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
AMD Radeon HD 7570 graphics

Feature 1GB GDDR5 dedicated video memory for lush images with intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.

4 USB 3.0 and 6 USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in Dell Wireless 1703 high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.

Bluetooth 4.0 interface
Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.

Built-in Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.

Microsoft Windows 8 operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
Software package included
With CyberLink Media Suite Essentials and more. Includes 1-month trial of Microsoft Office 365.

There is also Internal high-definition 7.1 Performance Audio with Waves MaxxAudio
IT is 749.99 $.

Here is the other one.
3rd Gen Intel® Core⢠i5-3350P processor
Features a 6MB cache and 3.1GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz.
Intel® Core⢠i5 processor

Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance.
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 32GB.
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
Lets you create custom DVDs and CDs.
1TB Serial ATA III hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times. The 16MB cache provides enhanced performance.
AMD Radeon HD 7570 graphics
Feature 1GB DDR5 dedicated video memory for lush images with intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
19-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, miniSD, microSD, MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Plus, MultiMediaCard micro, RD MultiMediaCard Plus and Compact Flash I/II formats.
Also supports SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Micro, xD-Picture Card and Microdrive formats.
4 USB 3.0 and 6 USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in Dell Wireless 1703 LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
Bluetooth 4.0 + LE interface
Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN
For quick and easy wired Web connection.
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
Software package included
With CyberLink Media Suite Essentials.

THERE is also
Integrated 7.1-channel with Waves MaxxAudio

THIS one is 679.99$






Which one should I get? I am really confused. Can u also tell me the difference between the two Ethernet types, GDDR5 vs DDR5 and the sound systems and also are the hard drive speeds make any difference with SATA and SATA III. At last and tell me which one is bang for the buck. Thank you in advance. Please describe of why you know.



Answer
The $679.99 desktop seems to be a better buy since it has a memory card reader. The addition of a memory card reader allows you to read memory cards such as those from digital cameras and a few other devices to be used.

The Ethernet ports are the same since the desktops are the same model which, I presume, uses the same motherboard. The different types of Ethernet LAN are the theoretical speeds that the Ethernet is able to handle, most if not all new computers in 2013 come with 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN. The more speeds do not matter since everything is restricted by internet speeds by your internet provider (Verizon, Comcast,etc...)or by networking equipment in your home. If you connect to your internet with a cable to your router or modem, the Dell Ethernet LAN is used. If you use WiFi, then the Dell wireless LAN is used.

There is no difference between GDDR5 and DDR5 since they are labelled under the amd radeon 7570 card which is a dedicated card with its own memory. DDR5 is GDDR5 when it is under a graphics card. A dedicated card is for better performance and graphics for gaming or videos.

Hard Drives in pre-built computers are hard to find out, but again there should not be a difference since they only have one hard drive but the xps 8500 has its hard drive connected to a SATA III port.

The sound systems does not make any difference as many integrated sound systems are sufficient enough. You may have to buy separate speakers for either of the computers which adds to your computer costs since new computers may not come with speakers.

The $679.99 model is better since it costs less and has the same specs and a memory card reader. Keep in mind there are other things that may increase the price of your desktop such as taxes and additional items that are not included such as speakers and monitors. If you are buying from a store, haggle with the manager for a better price, be sure to be kind to them. Best regards to you




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Is this a good TV for the money?




Andrew


I'm going to be getting a new TV soon and I'd like some opinions about a so-called 'smart' TV I'm considering. Back in the day I had no trouble weighing the different features of TV's, but this is a new age, I don't know too much about the smart TV's. I mean, I know the basics- that they allow you to run apps and are good with pictures and thumb drive content, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. Anyway, the TV is a "VIZIO model number E420i-B0 42" 1080p 120Hz LED Smart TV HDTV" It's a 2014 model yet it's 50 bucks cheaper than a similar 2013 Vizio. I'm not sure if that's good news or bad news. Anyway, if any people who know TV's could check it out on Amazon or Walmart, I'd appreciate any informed opinions. (and all I'll really be using it for is my PS3, Blu Rays and TV)
Grumpy Mac: Wow! Thank you for the heads up... My current TV is a Vizio that I got back in 2008 and it was great for the money. I had no idea that they had sold the company to China! So Vizio is off my list.

Ron: I hope you check back because I want to ask you about the picture in regards to the refresh rate. I've heard that you really want to have a 120 mHz refresh rate MINIMUM. It supposedly really makes the picture much better for sports and action. The model you listed was only 60 mHz. Did you notice this to be true?
Thanks to everyone who responded. You've given me a couple good choices with the Samsung & LG suggestions!



Answer
First - Vizio has admitted that their televisions are un-repairable (do a google search if you want to confirm this). The low prices are attractive but when it breaks after a few months - you toss it and buy something better.

Second - While "smart" TV's are nice, you can probably buy a WD TV Play box ($70) or a Roku 3 ($99) and get BETTER streaming and video playback features, but save the $300 bump to move into a smart model.

Get a well-rated Samsung or LG without the smart feature and add one of the above media streamers. You will be better off and save some money.

Hope this helps.

Just Sold My Old Xbox 360 Should I Buy A New Slim Bundle?




Mocho22


How long should it take for the xbox 360 slim to turn into the old thing of the past. I hear 2013-2016 will release some or all new consoles by major companies. By that time I think video gaming would be majorly expensive for me considering I am a college student and I would like to save for a car or to dorm at college. Should buying a new xbox 360 slim 250GB bundle be in my interest, I mean it seems like a good deal but 300 dollars holy crap that's a ton of dough. I was considering buy a TV but most TV's seem to wanting to release 1080P and 3D technologies in the future so buying a 720P would be stupid. Saving up for something.

Is investing in today's cheaper technologies like xbox 360's, 720P/1080i HDTV's, Ect. worth it. I mean I will probably upgrade in the future.

Also wouldn't it just be best to wait it out, the wii ended out being a weak fad with bad graphics and good exclusives but mostly bad games, the ps3 at launch sold for 600 bucks I remember because I was so jealous of my rich friend when he got one on his B-day, the xbox360 ended up being junk until recently when they added in built in wi-fi and bigger harddrives.

I am started to see what technology does, and I don't like it. They hold out and gives us shit first then, give us more shit to buy. Apple my most hated company is the king of doing this for example.

Hopefully @ E3 which will not be open to the public sadly in June I will find out where the new xbox and ps4 stands. Also what will new consoles do? If It's 3D and we need new Tv's like Expensive 3D HDTV's needed to grab full potential I am going to laugh my ass off. 3D is not so revolutionary and as a guy already wearing glasses, it's not that cool. So maybe buying a xbox slim will be a good investment, also saving my money will be a good one as well. There is a lot of games I haven't played and the xbox 360 slims, old backwards compatibly wii and ps3 seem better than any new console to show it's face.



Answer
Yes




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3 Questions about the Sharp Aquos LCD HDTV.?




N0wbawdy


1) How is the picture quality for the Sharp Aquos?

2) How about the regular Sharp?

3) What tier does Sharp belong to in the HDTV LCD industry? Low/Middle/High/Top?

Thanks!



Answer
--- look here - http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/sharp-aquos-lc-46d62u/4505-6482_7-32069030.html

Who makes the best LCD HDTV?




chiseeker





Answer
Personally I'd go with Sony or Samsung they make great LCD TVs that consistently get high ratings on cnet.com and consumerreports.com. I own a Vizio, but that's because they have great value..in regards to picture quality and price, and at costco i bought it before the return policy change so i can return it whenever in case it goes bad. But if i had the extra money..and just wanted a quality TV that i knew would have great features, picture quality, and reliability. you can never go wrong with Sony....Samsung a close second for those 1080P HDTVS.
~G




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