Below are highlights of the latest IT news:
HDTV News:
· CNET – Photos: Extremely sexy tech (LN52A750) - http://www.cnet.com/4326-13938-6625933-2.html?tag=ss_thmb
· TWICE - Panasonic Adds LCD TVs To 'Concierge' Program - http://www.twice.com/article/CA6574675.html?nid=2402
· CrunchGear - Sony to boost production of TVs with FED technology - http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/07/02/sony-to-boost-production-of-tvs-with-fed-technology/
· Electronic House - LG Introduces “Frameless” Plasma TV - http://www.electronichouse.com/article/lg_introduces_frameless_plasma_tv/
· Yahoo! Tech - Most viewers sticking to their TV sets despite online video popularity - http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/32778
HDTV FYI:
· Engadget HD - Samsung to include free Foxtel iQ2 HD DVR with flat-panel purchase - http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/samsung-to-include-free-foxtel-iq2-hd-dvr-with-flat-panel-purcha/
· HiddenWires - TDVision Systems Showcase Optimum HD-3D Stereoscopic Experience (Samsung mention) - http://hiddenwires.co.uk/resourcesnews2008/news20080702-03.html
Blu-ray / DVD / Home Theater News:
· CNET - Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Player review - http://reviews.cnet.com/video-players-and-recorders/samsung-bd-p1500/4505-6463_7-32815244.html?tag=prod.txt.1
· Engadget HD - Sony's $400 BDP-S350 Blu-ray player shows July 15th ship date - http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/sonys-400-bdp-s350-blu-ray-player-shows-july-15th-ship-date/
· Engadget HD - Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray players start to see the light of day - http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/panasonic-dmp-bd50-blu-ray-players-start-to-see-the-light-of-day/
· TG Daily - PS3 expected to remain the driving force behind Blu-ray sales - http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/38213/113/
· Engadget HD - Blue Ray Technologies opening America's largest Blu-ray Disc mastering facility - http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/02/blue-ray-technologies-opening-americas-largest-blu-ray-disc-mas/
· Gizmodo - Toshiba's Internet Connected DVD Download DL Seems Like a Bad Idea - http://gizmodo.com/5021306/toshibas-internet-connected-dvd-download-dl-seems-like-a-bad-idea
· Philadelphia Daily News - Jonathan Takiff: The latest buzz on Blu-ray - http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/jonathan_takiff/20080702_Jonathan_Takiff__The_latest_buzz_on_Blu-ray.html
· Engadget HD - Blockbuster CEO to Studios: Make more copies of Blu-ray films - http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/blockbuster-ceo-to-studios-make-more-copies-of-blu-ray-films/
MP3 Player / PMP / Camcorder News:
· The New York Times - A Fresh Start for iRiver (Samsung mention) - http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/02/a-fresh-start-for-iriver/?hp
· Yahoo! Tech - Flash-based Ibiza Rhapsody: A good thing gets better - http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/24399
· Engadget - Creative's Zen X-Fi player gets right with the FCC - http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/creatives-x-fi-player-gets-right-with-the-fcc/
· Gearlog - Getting the Most Out of Your Low-End Camcorder - http://www.gearlog.com/2008/07/getting_the_most_out_of_your_y.php
· Gearlog - DIY: A Macro Lens and Microscope for Your Flip Mino - http://www.gearlog.com/2008/07/diy_macro_lens_and_microscope.php
Home Appliance News:
· CNET - KitchenAid's energy-saving refrigerator has bottom freezer, advanced controls - http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13553_1-9970548-32.html
· SlashGear - The Jot Dry-Erase Refrigerator - http://www.slashgear.com/the-jot-dry-erase-refrigerator-0112337.php
General Industry / Trade / Competitor News:
· Gizmodo - Apple Orders a Few Flash Chips...Like 50 Million of 'Em (Samsung mention) - http://gizmodo.com/5021394/apple-orders-a-few-flash-chipslike-50-million-of-em
· Gizmodo - Sony Goal: 90% of ALL Our Products Networked By 2010 - http://gizmodo.com/5021343/sony-goal-90-of-all-our-products-networked-by-2010
· TG Daily - Verizon: "Steve Jobs has no monopoly on innovations" - http://www.tgdaily.com/html_tmp/content-view-38205-128.html
· TWICE - Blockbuster Nixes Circuit City Deal - http://www.twice.com/article/CA6574996.html?desc=topstory
· TWICE - Panasonic Makes Imaging Promotions - http://www.twice.com/article/CA6574866.html
Showing posts with label HDTV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HDTV. Show all posts
Friday, July 4, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Samsung SC-HMX10 Camcorder Review
By David KenderReviewed.com Editorial StaffFebruary 20, 2008
The SC-HMX10 is Samsung’s first attempt at a high 
definition (HD) camcorder, and it's done a 
good job. Samsung, for all its strength in other electronics areas, simply has not been able to compete in camcorders with juggernauts like Sony, Canon, and Panasonic. It wisely decided to aim a little lower and create the best “budget HD” camcorder it could. The result is a great little point-and-shoot that will satisfy those looking chiefly for simplicity, portability, and style. More advanced users should strongly consider upgrading to juggernaut-status.
The Samsung SC-HMX10 comes equipped with a single 1/4.5-inch CCD with a gross pixel count of 1,610,000. When shooting in adequate light, the image quality is better than expected. Samsung’s track record has been less than stellar in standard definition, but the HMX10 produces a pleasant balance of color and sharpness that stacks up favorably against competitors like the Sanyo VPC-HD2. One serious gripe, however, is the fall-off of focus around the edge of the frame. This is only slightly less forgivable in standard definition, but HD exaggerates focal errors because it’s so much sharper. In low light, the camcorder performs as well as can be expected – don’t plan on this being a powerhouse performer during nighttime barbeques.
Ease of use is one of the SC-HMX10’s strengths, with one of the simplest menu systems we’ve seen. Most operation is performed via the touch screen LCD. Touch screens are clearly intuitive and great for beginners, but the accumulation of greasy fingerprints will tire even that crowd. Advanced users will feel the sting of the tiny on-screen buttons, which can be hard to press.
The manual controls are simple and straightforward, a blessing for the general masses. Making the image darker or brighter requires no cryptic knowledge. However, simplicity comes at the cost of serious control. Camcorder enthusiasts will bemoan the fact that the SC-HMX10’s shutter speed cannot be adjusted below 1/60, making it all but impossible to correct its remedial low light performance. The manual focus is entirely reliant on the touch screen – yes, the same touch screen that has your fingerprints all over it. Camcorders from Canon, Sony, Panasonic, and other top-tier manufacturers all offer better features in this regard.
The SC-HMX10 records 720p video (1280 x 720 progressive frames at 30 times per second), as opposed to 1080i (1920 x 1080 interlaced fields at 60 times per second), which is the more popular flavor of HD for consumer camcorders. Video clips are outputted in the H.264/MPEG-4 format, standing out from the two more popular formats, HDV and AVCHD. HDV is tied to tape, and is therefore slowly dying, despite offering the highest video quality. AVCHD is widely recognized as the format of choice for non-linear media such as DVD and solid state memory. However, the files from the SC-HMX10 are markedly easier to work with on a PC than AVCHD files. Each movie clip is a self-contained .MP4 file that can be easily imported into most up-to-date editing software.
The general rule of technology shopping is this: buy the best you can afford at the time. The Samsung SC-HMC10 may be the best you can afford, if you have a line in the sand at $799, but we strongly urge you save up a little more cash and upgrade to better offerings. The Sony HDR-CX7 and Panasonic HDC-SD5 are both flash memory camcorders of similar size that offer better video quality in the AVCHD format. The Canon HF10, due out in spring 2008, is a slightly larger take on the same type of camcorder that has an excellent pedigree for performance – its HDV cousin, the Canon HV20, was the best camcorder of 2007. If appearance is the overriding concern, and bone-simple operation is a must, the Samsung SC-HMX10 is an acceptable choice.
2008 The Washington Post Company and Reviewed.com
Source from http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/SC-HMX10.htm
Thursday, February 21, 2008
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast - Samsung BD-UP5000 and Audioengine AW1 reviews
HDTV Magazine provided an excellent review of the Samsung BD-UP5000 combo Bl-ray and HD-DVD player, and Audioengine AW1.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Want a big-screen for the big game?
10 Super TVs For Super Bowl XLII
Want a big-screen for the big game? Here they are.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 22, 2008) -- The New England Patriots are now set to play the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII on February 3.
The game, expected to be watched by roughly one billion people worldwide, has become an annual excuse to buy a new High-Definition TV. No event looks better in high-def than the Super Bowl.
But it's also true that the big game looks best on a big-screen.
So with that in mind, TVPredictions.com has picked 10 Super TVs for you to consider for the game. They all have screen sizes 56 inches or more -- and we have found some super prices to boost.
So, here are 10 Super TVs for Super Bowl XLII:
1. Mitsubishi 73-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV
The DLP set, model WD-73733, delivers a picture resolution of 1,980 x 1,280, has 3 HDMI 1.3 inputs and weighs just 92 pounds.The high-def TV also comes with Color 4D Video Noise Reduction and measures just 17 inches deep despite its 73-inch screen. The large-screen TV is perfect for any rec room or Home Theater set-up.Amazon is now selling the set for less than $2,500. To see this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
2. Samsung 61-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV
The DLP set, model HLT6176S, has a picture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, 3 HDMI inputs, a contrast ratio of 10,000 to 1 and weighs just 74 pounds.
The set also has 16 micro-second switching speed, virtually eliminating motion blur; Game Mode, which optimizes game performance and Samsung DLP HDTVs are capable of displaying future 3D games, movies, and other programming via 3D compatible glasses and hardware.
Amazon is now selling the rear projection set for under $1,500. To see this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
3. Pioneer 60-Inch Plasma HDTV
The flat screen set, model PDP-6070HD, has a high-def tuner inside so you can watch your local HD channels with an antenna.
It also has a V-Chip parental control feature, independent HDMI inputs with the ability to accept a 1080p signal and split-screen, picture-in-picture features. The set also has an Amazon.com customer rating of 5 stars based on 15 reviews.
Amazon is now selling the set for under $3,600 -- 25 percent off suggested list. To learn more about this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
4. Samsung 61-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV
The set, model HLT6187S, delivers a picture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, has a contrast ratio of 10,000 to 1 and weighs just 73 pounds.
The DLP rear projection set measures just 14 inches deep and has a 4.5 star rating at Amazon based on 172 customer reviews.
Amazon is now selling the set for under $2,000 -- 25 percent off suggested list. For more info on this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
5. Panasonic 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
The flat-panel set, model TH-58PZ700U, delivers a picture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, has 2 HDMI inputs, a SD card memory slot and has a contrast ratio of 5,000 to 1.
The high-def set has a 4.5-star customer rating based on 17 reviews at Amazon.com.
Amazon is now selling the set for $3,269 -- 27 percent off the suggested list price. To see this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
Want a big-screen for the big game? Here they are.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 22, 2008) -- The New England Patriots are now set to play the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII on February 3.
The game, expected to be watched by roughly one billion people worldwide, has become an annual excuse to buy a new High-Definition TV. No event looks better in high-def than the Super Bowl.
But it's also true that the big game looks best on a big-screen.
So with that in mind, TVPredictions.com has picked 10 Super TVs for you to consider for the game. They all have screen sizes 56 inches or more -- and we have found some super prices to boost.
So, here are 10 Super TVs for Super Bowl XLII:
1. Mitsubishi 73-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV
The DLP set, model WD-73733, delivers a picture resolution of 1,980 x 1,280, has 3 HDMI 1.3 inputs and weighs just 92 pounds.The high-def TV also comes with Color 4D Video Noise Reduction and measures just 17 inches deep despite its 73-inch screen. The large-screen TV is perfect for any rec room or Home Theater set-up.Amazon is now selling the set for less than $2,500. To see this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
2. Samsung 61-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV
The DLP set, model HLT6176S, has a picture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, 3 HDMI inputs, a contrast ratio of 10,000 to 1 and weighs just 74 pounds.
The set also has 16 micro-second switching speed, virtually eliminating motion blur; Game Mode, which optimizes game performance and Samsung DLP HDTVs are capable of displaying future 3D games, movies, and other programming via 3D compatible glasses and hardware.
Amazon is now selling the rear projection set for under $1,500. To see this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
3. Pioneer 60-Inch Plasma HDTV
The flat screen set, model PDP-6070HD, has a high-def tuner inside so you can watch your local HD channels with an antenna.
It also has a V-Chip parental control feature, independent HDMI inputs with the ability to accept a 1080p signal and split-screen, picture-in-picture features. The set also has an Amazon.com customer rating of 5 stars based on 15 reviews.
Amazon is now selling the set for under $3,600 -- 25 percent off suggested list. To learn more about this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
4. Samsung 61-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV
The set, model HLT6187S, delivers a picture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, has a contrast ratio of 10,000 to 1 and weighs just 73 pounds.
The DLP rear projection set measures just 14 inches deep and has a 4.5 star rating at Amazon based on 172 customer reviews.
Amazon is now selling the set for under $2,000 -- 25 percent off suggested list. For more info on this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
5. Panasonic 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
The flat-panel set, model TH-58PZ700U, delivers a picture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, has 2 HDMI inputs, a SD card memory slot and has a contrast ratio of 5,000 to 1.
The high-def set has a 4.5-star customer rating based on 17 reviews at Amazon.com.
Amazon is now selling the set for $3,269 -- 27 percent off the suggested list price. To see this Amazon offer, please click: Amazon.
Get smaller HDTV for $1,000 or less
By Jeff BertolucciKiplinger's Personal Finance
Published: Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008 12:13 a.m. MST
Maybe your den is already filled with the Big Screen, and now you want something less gargantuan for crystal-clear viewing in your bedroom. We have the hardware for you.
For less than $1,000, you can own a 32- or 37-inch LCD high-definition TV to fill the video void. Note: None of our four picks offers 1080p (also called full HD) resolution. But with their smaller screen sizes, you won't notice the difference.
— Samsung LN-T3253H (suggested retail price: $1,300).
This stylish 32-inch TV is a bit pricier than other HD sets its size, but its excellent contrast, brightness and color do justice to high-def imagery. Plus, the frame's glossy black finish and rounded edges give the Samsung an elegant air, and the swivel base is convenient for turning the screen from bed to treadmill.
A USB port on the side lets you easily connect a digital camera (or an iPod or other music player) for viewing photos on the TV. And the set's three HDMI ports — two in back and one located conveniently on the side — are handy for hooking up equipment. You can find the Samsung LN-T3253H at big-box discounters and online stores for $800 to $900 (what we call the street price).
— Sharp Aquos LC-32D43U (suggested retail price: $1,100.)
The LC-32D43U is a very good 32-inch HDTV that costs about $100 less than the Samsung model. Its brilliant, crisp picture is as good as the Samsung's. Its slim shape and thin black frame are attractive (although it's not as pretty as the Samsung). We have only a few quibbles: The Aquos lacks a swivel base and a USB port and includes only two HDMI ports. Street price: $700 to $800.
— Toshiba Regza 37HL67 (suggested retail price: $1,200).
If a 32-inch screen is too small but your budget is capped at $1,000, the Regza is a solid pick. This 37-inch HDTV has a good picture overall, although we found its image quality, including contrast and color, to be a slight step down from that of the Samsung and Sharp models. The Regza's boxy black frame lacks panache, but it will blend with any decor. It lacks a USB connector, and all three HDMI ports are in back. Street price: as low as $900 to $1,000.
— Vizio VX37L (suggested retail price: $800).
Upstart Vizio has built a thriving business by selling quality HD sets for a lot less than the big guys. The VX37L follows this formula perfectly. Picture quality is pretty good, but it lacks the crispness and vibrant colors of the top-of-the-line screens. The Vizio's design is merely OK, and its two HDMI inputs are located in back. Street price: $750 to $800.
Published: Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008 12:13 a.m. MST
Maybe your den is already filled with the Big Screen, and now you want something less gargantuan for crystal-clear viewing in your bedroom. We have the hardware for you.
For less than $1,000, you can own a 32- or 37-inch LCD high-definition TV to fill the video void. Note: None of our four picks offers 1080p (also called full HD) resolution. But with their smaller screen sizes, you won't notice the difference.
— Samsung LN-T3253H (suggested retail price: $1,300).
This stylish 32-inch TV is a bit pricier than other HD sets its size, but its excellent contrast, brightness and color do justice to high-def imagery. Plus, the frame's glossy black finish and rounded edges give the Samsung an elegant air, and the swivel base is convenient for turning the screen from bed to treadmill.
A USB port on the side lets you easily connect a digital camera (or an iPod or other music player) for viewing photos on the TV. And the set's three HDMI ports — two in back and one located conveniently on the side — are handy for hooking up equipment. You can find the Samsung LN-T3253H at big-box discounters and online stores for $800 to $900 (what we call the street price).
— Sharp Aquos LC-32D43U (suggested retail price: $1,100.)
The LC-32D43U is a very good 32-inch HDTV that costs about $100 less than the Samsung model. Its brilliant, crisp picture is as good as the Samsung's. Its slim shape and thin black frame are attractive (although it's not as pretty as the Samsung). We have only a few quibbles: The Aquos lacks a swivel base and a USB port and includes only two HDMI ports. Street price: $700 to $800.
— Toshiba Regza 37HL67 (suggested retail price: $1,200).
If a 32-inch screen is too small but your budget is capped at $1,000, the Regza is a solid pick. This 37-inch HDTV has a good picture overall, although we found its image quality, including contrast and color, to be a slight step down from that of the Samsung and Sharp models. The Regza's boxy black frame lacks panache, but it will blend with any decor. It lacks a USB connector, and all three HDMI ports are in back. Street price: as low as $900 to $1,000.
— Vizio VX37L (suggested retail price: $800).
Upstart Vizio has built a thriving business by selling quality HD sets for a lot less than the big guys. The VX37L follows this formula perfectly. Picture quality is pretty good, but it lacks the crispness and vibrant colors of the top-of-the-line screens. The Vizio's design is merely OK, and its two HDMI inputs are located in back. Street price: $750 to $800.
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