HDTV Reviews

The Sunbrite Model 3200HD-Pro is a 32-inch HD-ready all-weather outdoor LCD television with a 1366 x 768 pixel image, 800 nits of brightness, and a 1200:1 contrast ratio. The TV features a corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum enclosure that protects the internal TV components from rain, dirt, insects and other outdoor elements.

Model 3200HD-Pro addresses extreme climate conditions with a baffled and filtered, dual-fan airflow system that quietly keeps the unit cool in temperatures up to 122 degrees. In cold climates, the internal thermostatically-controlled heater activates automatically when the TV’s internal temperature dips to 32 degrees F. The heater provides a 20-degree F temperature rise, allowing the TV to safely remain outdoors in temperatures as low as -24 degrees F. Read more

Mitsubishi known for award-winning, high-quality presentation and display products, today introduced its new line of value monitors, the LDT321V and LDT371V (32″ and 37″ diagonal) LCD monitors designed for video displays and moving text in retail environments, movie theaters, information kiosks and other commercial venues. The LCD monitors offer more robust features than conventional plasma displays.

The LDT321V and LDT371V are perfect in store windows, storefronts or any venue where bright ambient light can cause a reflective glare on the monitor surface, which can diminish the display itself. With the Mitsubishi LDT series of monitors, video displays can be seen through windows with minimal glare, and LCD technology provides the depth and detail necessary for even the most demanding video environments.

“Our LCD monitors are designed to last longer and be more durable over time than regular plasma displays or regular flat panel TVs,” said Frank Anzures, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division. “Anyone who wants to show vibrant and clear images in a commercial environment should consider them as the solution of choice.”

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Samsung LN-S4692D 46″ LCD screen: A TV with style and substance, this LCD has a thin form along with a clear, hi-def picture. To optimize your viewing, it offers a wide 178° viewing angle, which allows you to see the picture clearly no matter where you sit in the room. The 5000:1 contrast ratio adds depth to very light and dark images, so the picture never looks dull.

HDTV with built-in tuner: The hi-def screen (720p) delivers amazing clarity when you watch HD programming. The built-in HD (ATSC) tuner means you won’t have to pay for an additional tuner component to enjoy HDTV.

SRS TruSurround XT: A great picture needs great sound to go with it. This TV offers 5.1-channel surround sound via a two-speaker system to make your home feel like a true theater.

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The Aquos LC-37GE1E, has a 1200:1 contrast ratio, dual HDMI-HDCP connectors, and a backlight that makes use of a crimson tone, which results in a more natural color representation. The 1200:1 contrast ratio of the Aquos provides a sharp and clear picture. Fast screen action should be viewable without any ghosting effect because the pixel response time could be reduced to just 6 milliseconds, according to Sharp.
The Aquos has a built-in tuner for digital terrestrial signals and two “HDCP” connectors for digital content from DVD or HDTV receivers. The price of the LC-37GE1E was not announced.

Sharp Aquos LC-37GE1E 37″ LCD TV (Free View)
Full HD Ready
1920 x 1080 Resolution
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
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ViewSonic has made two new additions to their range of LCD TVs; the 27-inch N2751w, and the 32-inch N3251w.

Both the LCD TVs offer compatibility with High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video connections, and support for the new HDCP copyright protection format, which the company claims, will continue to provide the highest quality digital signals in future.

Unveiling the products, Jeff Volpe, vice president - marketing, ViewSonic, said that while analog component video is currently the most prevailing input connection for high-end video, HDMI is rapidly becoming the preferred technology for connecting high definition video and audio devices.

Volpe said that by equipping their displays with high-end features and advanced input options, ViewSonic is ensuring that their TVs are compatible with digital HDTV over-the-air broadcasts, HDTV cable and satellite set-top-boxes, media center PCs, and the new format HD DVD-players.

The N2751w and N3251w offer high-definition 1366 x 768 video resolutions, eight millisecond video response times, 1000:1 contrast ratios, and wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratios, the key ingredients for delivering a superior screen experience.

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The Mytek LD-3202 ($1,399 list) is a stylish 32-inch LCD TV that provides the basic features one expects from an HDTV. Unfortunately, the picture quality with standard-definition sources borders on abysmal, and the TV’s picture controls make it impossible to correct the overly dark image.

Removing the LD-3202 from its box revealed a striking design that bordered on futuristic. The LCD’s black bezel with matte finish is set into a silver-colored frame. Matching side-mounted speakers (8W each) are permanently attached. On-display controls are located along the right side of the LCD’s bezel, making them easy to access and operate.

The LD-3202’s A/V inputs are concealed behind two removable panels on the rear of the TV. The recessed inputs are oriented parallel to the TV so they won’t interfere if the display is wall mounted. But I had to bend some of the thicker A/V cables I used sharply in order to make the connections. The LD-3202’s connection options include a DVI input, a VGA input, and two sets of component video inputs. Analog (NTSC) and digital (ATSC) broadcast tuners are integrated. I verified the DVI input was HDCP-enabled for content-protected sources such as upscaling DVD players and set-top boxes.

The LD-3202’s accessories include a composite video/stereo audio cable, a remote control, and a power cord. The curved edges and slightly hourglass shape of the remote control made it easy to hold and operate with one hand. The remote lacks a backlight or glowing keys for use in dimly lit environments, but the buttons are clearly labeled and pleasantly spaced out. I was somewhat irked by the remote’s “source” button, as it required repeated presses to cycle through the TV’s inputs, and by the menu navigation arrow keys’ arrangement in a straight line near the bottom corner of the remote—not very intuitive.

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Westinghouse Digital Electronics, one of the top five LCD TV manufacturers in the U.S.(1), today announced the latest addition to its high-definition (HD) 1080p line, the 47-inch model LVM-47w1. The LVM-47w1 joins the Westinghouse HD 1080p LCD monitor line, which includes a multi-award-winning 42-inch model and the best-selling 37-inch model, LVM-37w1.(2).

The new model features a bright flat panel, fast response time, high contrast ratio, and 1920 x 1080 progressive scan (1080p) resolution, the highest standard available to consumers for HD digital video display. The LVM-47w1 features six HD input connectors for a variety of devices, including a DVD, HD DVD, or Blu-ray player, high-performance gaming platform such as an Xbox 360(TM), and a PC. Consumers can receive HDTV programming by connecting a cable or satellite set-top box, or by connecting an external ATSC tuner that is hooked up to a rooftop HD antenna for over-the-air HDTV broadcasts.

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HD-ready TV has come with a hefty price tag up to now, but times are a-changing – this sharp 27-incher can be had for just £500. That means that nearly everyone can now afford to be ready for the switch on of Sky HD and the arrival of the first Blu-ray and HD-DVD players.

The signs of cost-cutting are there. For a start, the TV itself looks dated and dull, a far cry from the sleek screens made by rivals such as Samsung, Sony et al. The built-in terrestrial tuner is analogue rather than digital, and unlike most new HD-ready models, the Mirai sports a DVI input rather than HDMI.

While DVI is equipped with HDCP copy protection technology and perfectly capable of carrying HDTV pictures, it doesn’t carry audio like HDMI, making it slightly less convenient to use.

The resolution is high enough to display 720p HDTV broadcasts. You get a decent selection of extra sockets: a couple of Scarts, component video and even a VGA input for hooking up a PC.
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Philips 42PF9831D LCD widescreen flat HDTV with Pixel Plus 3 HD and Ambilight Full Surround.
Enjoy the ultimate viewing experience of this Philips Cineos Flat TV with Pixel Plus 3 HD, Ambilight Full Surround and Clear LCD technology. The Digital Media Reader with PC link gives you full access to multimedia content.

* High definition LCD WXGA display, resolution 1366 x 768p
* Integrated Digital Tuner for DVB-T reception
* HD ready for the highest quality display of HDTV signals
* Pixel Plus 3 HD for the most vivid and sharp HDTV images
* Clear LCD for sharp, fast and vibrant images
* Ambilight Full Surround for immersive viewing experience
* Matching stand with elegant design included
* Access your photos, music and movies via PC-link
* Wireless prepared for connection to your PC
* USB and Memory-Card slot for instantly playing multimedia
* HDMI for full digital High Definition connection
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Some of you may think that I call the LVM-42w2 a “true HD monitor” because I’ve finally acquiesced to the HDTV conspiracy theorists who insist that only 1,920-by-1,080 displays like this one should be labeled HDTVs. Don’t worry—I plan to support 1080i and 720p a bit longer.

No, I’ve used the description “true HD monitor” for two reasons. For one, the LVM-42w2 is indeed a monitor, not a television. This LCD has neither an ATSC nor an NTSC tuner, so don’t bother looking for an RF connection or onscreen program guide. They are of no use here. It also lacks a CableCARD slot or any bonus connections, such as a card reader or USB port. At least the monitor has built-in speakers and a subwoofer, discreetly hidden within the small frame, and they’re capable of surprisingly robust audio.

Secondly, this monitor isn’t meant to ease you into the HDTV era the way some TVs do. It was built for HDTV, and its input panel reflects that. The LVM-42w2 has a mere two entry-level video inputs (one composite, one S-video), but it’s loaded with HD-capable inputs: one HDMI, two DVI, two component video, and one VGA.

The remote control has pseudo-dedicated buttons for the various inputs. By that, I mean it has dedicated buttons for VGA, S-video, and composite, plus one to toggle through HDMI and DVI and another to toggle through component video. It also has up/down buttons to scroll through the sources and an input button to move through them sequentially. I’d say that pretty much covers the input-selection process. There are only two screen sizes (standard and fill) to choose from and no automatic aspect-ratio detection.

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