Showing posts with label flat-panel lcd tvs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flat-panel lcd tvs. Show all posts

11/29/2011

Toshiba REGZA 32HL67U 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV Review

Toshiba REGZA 32HL67U 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
Average Reviews:

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I just purchased this TV after looking at a wide range of TVs to go with my dual-tuner TiVo Series 3 player and an older progressive scan Toshiba DVD player, and I have to say that I couldn't be happier with my selection. I let the TV do the upconvert from 480i from the TiVo and the result looks quite acceptable (assuming you're not 3 feet away), and the HD detail on HD channels is spectacular. The Toshiba has a wide range of picture boxing settings to take care of properly framing the upconverted 480p DVD signal, and a lot of color settings so that tuning the color with Avia-derived settings I found on the internet helped as well. I have my own Avia disc on order to fine-tune the picture myself, as well.
The main products I was comparing against were all other 720p 32" TVs. 1080p resolution seemed silly to pay for in this size, since you can't see it, though the brands that put out 32" 1080p TVs (e.g. Sharp) seemed to have better video processors in the 1080p models and skimp a bit in the 720p models. Specifically, I compared against the Sony Bravia 2010 S-Series (not the XDR2), Sharp Aquos 32D43U, and the Samsung 3253, as well as the Olevia 532/332s as a bargin alternative. The Olevia was by far the least expensive, but its picture quality seemed comparatively much worse, not to mention external styling. In the store I looked, the Sony and Toshiba were solid across the board, the Sharp had the best flesh tones (color setting issues with other TVs?), and the Samsung the best contrast for dark areas (e.g. air contrails behind a slow-motion spinning baseball). Given that the Toshiba was about $150 cheaper than the alternatives at the time, I opted for it and couldn't be happier.

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Toshiba's Regza line of TVs marry state-of-the-art technology to hip design. One feature that sets them apart is PixelPure 14-bit digital video processing, which creates more than 4,000 levels of color gradations for a smooth, natural-looking picture without posterization or image banding. Another benefit is a fast response time. Response time is the interval an LCD screen takes to from its darkest color to its lightest color and back again, measured in milliseconds (ms). This screen's response time is 8 ms, which is at the faster and better end of the spectrum. This screen is likely to display cleaner, sharper images during high-action scenes and with fewer image artifacts than other screens in its class. This technology is housed in a black gloss cabinetry that is sure to fit well with most any decor.
The 32HL67 has a panel resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. This qualifies it as 720 progressive-line HDTV, which is a noticeably better picture than standard definition sets, but not as detailed as the 1080 HD sets available. Its 16:9 wide screen aspect ratio delivers most movies the way they were meant to be seen in the theater, without back bars wasting the top and bottom of the screen.

The Value of LCD TVs Aside from their obvious aesthetic value, LCD TVs are much more practical in the home than CRT (tube-style) televisions. They take up a smaller footprint, and thus use up less floor space in the room. Also, LCD TVs are lighter and easier to move around when cleaning or redecorating. The 32HL67 is only 4.65 inches deep and weighs less than 35 pounds. Best of all, LCD screens use less power than CRTs and plasma screens.

Connections The set has a built-in digital television tuner, so out of the box it can receive digital broadcast ATSC signals and QAM signals used by most digital cable providers. It also has a built-in 181-channel NTSC tuner, so it can also accept traditional analog signals. It can also make these connections to your audio and video components:
HDMI inputs: 3
ColorStream HD component video inputs: 2
PC monitor input: 1 VGA 15 Pin D-sub
S-video input: 1
A/V inputs: 2


Audio The unit's SoundStrip speaker system hides the unit's speakers in a thin strip bordering the screen. They're powerful enough to deliver big stereo sound, but they don't add significantly to the size of the set. Toshiba's StableSound feature maintains television volume within a preset range regardless of the source signal. This is an extremely useful feature when transitioning between a quiet television program and a very loud commercial advertisement or when changing channels. SRS WOW, a combination of SRS 3D, TruBass, and Focus sound-expanding systems, create a 3-D sound field with improved bass response over standard TV audio and create directed, three-dimensional audio sweet spot for maximum enjoyment. The TV also has optical digital output for connecting to your audio system.

32-inch wide screen A general rule of thumb for selecting the right size television screen is that the screen width--not its 32-inch diagonal measurement--should be between three and five times the optimum viewing distance, such as the distance from the TV screen to where your eyes are while sitting on the couch. Less than that and you may be distracted by the scan lines of the picture. More than that, and you may lose the detail of your TV. Based on this guide, the 32HL67 is ideal for viewing distances of seven to 12 feet.

What's in the Box 32HL67, stand, 4-item universal remote, stand, warranty and product manuals.


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11/22/2011

Samsung LNT3242H 32-Inch LCD HDTV Review

Samsung LNT3242H 32-Inch LCD HDTV
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After doing exhaustive research (online, offline, magazines, etc.) for the better part of 1 1/2 years, I finally decided it was the right time to upgrade our main TV and purchase the LNT3242 32" LCD TV from Samsung.
This model is from 2007 but has recently come down in price several hundred dollars already, I'm assuming because there are always new models and new technologies right around the corner. I wouldn't blame you buying this TV directly from Amazon, but if you want to pick it up in person (and be able to return it in person if you run into any troubles out of the box) you could look at Circuit City who has recently been running a sale on it every few weeks the last month or so for $300 off the original price of $1099. You can do even better if you're a AAA member and go to AAA's website to get a coupon emailed to you for an additional 10% off the sale price. Which would bring your TV price to $720!!! (not including tax).
So, let's get right down to it. Even before I turned the TV on, I was impressed by the sleak all black frame and the sturdy yet lightweight construction. For typical living room viewing I think the 32" widescreen is a perfect size. I can't really understand the practical need for a 50-60" screen in your living room unless you don't see particularly well or have fold up seats and sell popcorn out of your kitchen. The picture on the Samsung rivals the Sony's without rivaling their cost. And it makes sense as the Samsung TV's are produced in the same factory as the Sony's. I guess you're paying a little more for those 4 little letters printed on the front as I guess you do for any designer label in the clothing world. With the contrast ratio at 7000:1 you can clearly see the upgraded contrast at work here vs. LCD's of a few years ago. This set also comes with 3, count 'em, 3 HDMI inputs. I would highly recommend purchasing a few of the cheaper (under $5!), and well rated HDMI cables for sale on Amazon to go with this new TV. Not only does it simplify your wiring connections, but the picture quality will blow you away. Both my digital cable signal and dvd player look as good as one could wish for.
The TV comes with 3 pre-set viewing settings (dynamic, standard, and movie). But you can tweak any of them to your liking. The dynamic setting looked great only on HD channels and the movie setting looks dimmer and yellowish, but did look great on a particular episode of LOST that I tried it out on. Even analog channels look excellent, as this is one area that I was worried about as the stores only ever have their looping HD feeds on their sets on the sales floor, and I had heard that sometimes analog channels can look worse on an LCD than a standard tube tv. I'm sure that the imperfections would be magnified on a larger set, but at 32" the picture still looks great. Also standard programming (non-HD) is not formatted to fit the widescreen picture, but the TV has several options to make the picture larger or fill the screen without stretching it out of proportion.
If you're a sports or nature fan, this is two areas that HD programming is already shining in its infancy. ESPN in HD makes everything look ridiculously beautiful. As does Discovery HD theater with a constant mix of terrific programming that will make your jaw drop and bring a tear to your eye. It's that pretty!
Enough rambling, in short, this is a wonderful TV that would look great in any setting, is now at a very attractive price point and I really don't have one single complaint about. One more thing, the audio issue
that others have noted in some reviews, I have not experienced. In fact, I don't have any kind of speaker system setup and I'm only hearing the audio out of the TV speakers and it has great natural surround sound built in to the system. Get this TV now and you won't be sorry, especially with football season just around the corner. One more note, the only differrence between this TV and the slightly newer and slightly more expensive Samsung LNT3251 that I could tell is the contrast ratio is 8000:1 where this is 7000:1 (I couldn't tell the difference) and the blue glowing light at the bottom of the screen on the LNT3251, which seemed like it would be more distracting than anything (you can turn it off however).
Once again, put this TV in your home and you won't be sorry. It will change the way you think about TV viewing.

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For anyone looking for a great value on a 720p HDTV, Samsung's 2007 model LNT3242H 32-inch flat-panel LCD is an excellent choice. As Samsung's entry level 40-inch LCD, it offers a 7000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a 170-degree viewing angle, an 8ms response time panel, 3 HDMI inputs, and SRS TruSurroundXT from two side speakers. Between the design update, the aditional connections, and improved contrast ratio this model represents a distinct improvement on the popular comperable 32-inch Samsung from 2006 (LNS3241D).
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. The 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time to dramatically reduce edge image artifacts while improving transition detail.
High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the speakers built into the TV. SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass through hidden side speakers. TruSurround XT audio adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.
Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.

Connections:
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) 3
RF in 1
Component (Y/Pb/Pr) in 2
S-Video input 2(1 side/1 rear)
A/V input 2(1 side/1 rear)
PC input 1
Headphone jack 1

What's in the box: Samsung LNT3242H LCD TV, remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power Cord, stand, cleaning cloth, owners manual, warranty card.

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10/11/2011

Westinghouse 32" 720p HDTV DVD Combo - SK-32H570D Review

Westinghouse 32 720p HDTV DVD Combo - SK-32H570D
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I am on my second unit of this TV, after having to ship it back to Westinghouse at my own expense (after taking it to their "authorized repair shop" 75 miles from my house). The DVD player works intermittently, regardless of the age or condition of the disc. The TV freezes when changing channels or volume to the point that you must UNPLUG the TV to be able to turn it back on and resume viewing.
Westinghouse customer service is worthless. They will not work with you at all. Consequently, I will never buy another Westinghouse product.
Do not buy this TV!

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32IN WIDE LCD HDTV/DVD 13X7 720P 1080I NTSC ATSC

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