Deal of the Day: Vizio L32 32" Widescreen HD-Ready Flat-Panel LCD TV
With it's price and reliability, Vizio sure is becoming the choice for consumers looking for HDTV. Amazon has some pretty good deals on various Vizio HD TVs and we especially like this deal on the Vizio L32:
Product Description
The Vizio L32 widescreen 32-inch LCD TV offers an HDTV display capability at 720p and 1080i, allowing you to enjoy high-definition content broadcast in either format. This product offers a super high 1366 x 768 native resolution, an 800:1 contrast ratio, a high 500 cd/m2 brightness that provides a more vivid, brilliant picture in any environment, and a 170-degree viewing angle. Get PIP and POP side-by-side, to watch two video programs at same time. The super fast 12-millesecond action video response time ensures that you can enjoy fast-moving games and videos with stunning clarity.
It's energy efficient, consuming 60% less power than conventional TVs of the same size. The 50,000-hour lamp life provides 20 years of use before half-brightness level is reached (based on avg 6 hrs/day use). Support an nntenna or cable TV through the NTSC tuner, RF input, digital HD from a cable or satellite STB, HDTV receiver, or DVD player through the HDMI input, analog HD from a cable or satellite STB, HDTV receiver, or DVD player through component video (YPbPr) inputs, A/V video from a cable or satellite STB, HDTV receiver, or DVD player through composite video and S-Video inputs.
Inputs: 1 RF for internal NTSC tuner, 1 HDMI (digital video + digital audio), 2 component + audio, 2 composite + audio, 1 S-Video/composite + audio, 1 RGB (analog) + audio, 1 RS232 serial port (DB9). Outputs: 1 audio out (RCA), 1 headphone. Speakers are built-in, 2 at 10 watts each. Remote control and TV stand included.
Looking to ease into an HD DVD player without breaking the bank? Then you'll want to check out the Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD Player is now available for less than $300. CNET has a review of the HD-A2 that's pretty positive:
The HD-A2's performance on HD DVDs is excellent. Both HD DVD and Blu-ray offer superior image quality to DVD, and the HD-A2 does a fine job with HD DVD discs. That's not to say it's better than its competitors; we've found that nearly all high-def disc players offer virtually identical image quality. Movies like Aeon Flux, Mission Impossible: III, and The Hulk showed off the HD-A2's image quality prowess and we saw very little difference between the picture of the HD-A2 and the step-up HD-XA2 when both were in 1080i mode.
The biggest drawback of the HD-A2 is the lack of 1080p:
Many people in the market for an HD DVD player are probably wondering whether it's worth spending the extra money to step up to either the HD-A20 or HD-XA2--both which offer 1080p output. To be sure, both 1080i and 1080p offer exactly the same amount of detail, the only difference is that with a 1080i signal, your HDTV will need to de-interlace the signal. So the only reason you'd want 1080p over 1080i is if the HD DVD player offered better de-interlacing than your HDTV.
Even though the HD-A2 has been out for a few months now, this is still one of the best entry level HD DVD choices out there.
If you're one of those unfortunate types who has a habit of flinging your Wii remote through your $2000 LCD TV, you might want to check out a new LCD Safety Shield from a Taiwanese company called LCDArm. According to Gearlog.com:
The Safety Shield fits 30-46" screens. Need more features for this super-sexy TV sneezeguard? Straight from the PR pitch's mouth:
1. Protection strong impacted resistance.
2. Light transmissive rate over 98%
3. Invisible frame and transparency
4. Protect Panel from scratches and dust.
5. Reduces ultraviolet (UV) rays and health to human eyes ->option
Wow! That's about as sexy as the plastic cover on your $2500 leather couch. Oh well, what's a klutz to do? No details on availability or pricing.
Get the sharpest and clearest images possible from both HD and standard television programming and your favorite DVD movies with the technologically advanced 46-inch Toshiba 46HM95 DLP projection TV. Vivid imagery and vibrant colors will pop off the screen, thanks to the integrated Texas Instruments' HD2+ chip, which enables a much higher contrast ratio along with a more consistent picture than other DLP chips due to filled-in mirror "vias" in the center of each pixel. This set has a built-in analog/digital/digital cable tuners (NTSC/ATSC/QAM) that will receive free over-the-air HDTV signals (ATSC) and HDTV signals from a cable connection (QAM). It's also Digital Cable Ready (via the CableCard slot), so you can enjoy digital cable without an additional box or remote using an optional CableCard. It also comes with TV Guide On Screen and Toshiba's innovative Channel Browser "back" button feature--similar to a PC browser back button--that allows easy access to recently viewed channels.
DLP (which stands for Digital Light Processing) uses an optical semiconductor to recreate source material with a fidelity analog systems can't match. While other technologies lose a certain amount of light in transit, the microscopic mirrors in a DLP projection system bring more light from lamp to screen. It also features better color uniformity over time--no burn-in, screen aging or color-shifting possible. It's the leading display technology for products like small portable conference room projectors and professional venue entertainment systems.
The technology at the center of the 46HM95 is the new Toshiba Digital Light Engine named Talen X, which utilizes Texas Instruments' xHD4 chip, advanced optics, and Toshiba's DEEP Picture and Xtreme BLAC technologies to provide high resolution with improved brightness and contrast. It also includes the new PixelPure AT Digital Video Processing, utilizing new Adaptive Technology to create further improved picture quality, the new Radiance 150 Hi-Bright Lamp for noticeably brighter images and a TheaterFine DFP Screen with anti-glare coating that results in increased detail and noticeably deeper blacks.
The PixelPure AT digital video processor offers motion adaptive de-interlacing, adaptive MPEG processing, and adaptive contrast and color enhancement for a consistently high picture quality. The 3D Y/C digital comb filter (4 MB, 10-Bit) constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time, to reduce dramatically edge image artifacts while improving transition detail.
The TheaterNet Control System simplifies the control of external components through both an IR jack and Firewire (IEEE1394) port, the latter of which can be used to transmit digital video and audio and allow for recording of HDTV. This set also includes a built-in OmniViewer memory card slot, which is compatible with a wide variety of popular formats--Secure Digital (SD), MultiMedia (MMC), Memory Stick, Compact Flash, and Smart Media--enabling you to view photo slideshows directly from your digital camera's memory card.
Perfect for viewing high-definition content and your favorite widescreen movies, this set offers a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1280 x 720-pixel resolution. Other features include both picture-in-picture (PIP) and picture-on-picture (POP) capabilities, tri-lingual on-screen menus (English, French, Spanish), channel labeling, channel return, channel browse, favorite channel, and V-Chip parental controls.
The 40-watt stereo audio system (two 20-watt speakers) delivers ample sound for sports and movies. It features the following video and audio connections:
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Still waiting for LCD TV prices go down before you make the jump? Well, according to Wired.com you'll want to make the leap now:
Thinking of buying an LCD television set? Wait no longer: The price plunge is over. After years of accelerating decline, prices for consumer LCD TVs -- especially those smaller than 32 inches -- have hit bottom, industry insiders say.
That's because the price of wholesale LCD flat panels -- the display component of your TV set -- has recently reached its lowest point and rebounded, according to numbers released by market data research firm iSuppli. When a TV's most expensive single component starts getting more expensive, you can kiss retail price cuts goodbye.
After seeing a 32-inch LCD in my local Walmart for under $500 and an online deal on a 27-inch LCD for under $275, I've got to agree that prices on LCD TVs probably won't get any lower.
Is Apple TV the Next Big Thing or Just Another Fad?
We've pointed you to a few Apple TV reviews lately that are pretty much middle of the road. Now we find an article at E-CommerceTimes.com that is a pretty typical analysis for a first generation product. The article starts out:
For all the bluster surrounding Apple TV upon its release, many critics have complained that the first version of the device falls flat in many ways, such as lousy HD support, a monogamous and limiting marriage to iTunes, and an inability to surf iTunes via the TV interface. Has Apple failed in this foray into the living room, or will a real hit come along after early adopters have had their say?
The article makes a really good point about why Apple fans would want an Apple TV:
Although Apple is renowned for its ability to create plenty of the 'wow,' it may have a tougher go of it this time around. One glaring problem is self-competition: the latest wave of iPod docks, such as the DLO HomeDock, offer remote navigation, allowing you to watch your iTunes movies and TV shows without leaving the comfort of your sofa. Such product beg the question: Why bother with all the networking hassle to use Apple TV, essentially a stationary iPod at this point, if you already have an iPod and a dock?
Over all the article's focus isn't to bash the Apple TV but to question if it's the type of media streamer consumers are looking for right now. Overall it's a decent read that you'll want to check out.
Deal of the Day: Hitachi Ultravision 42HDS69 42" Plasma HDTV
If you're looking for a quality Plasma and a lower-end price, you always want to take a peek at Hitachi products. Amazon has a great deal going on right now on the Hitachi Ultravision 42HDS69 42" Plasma HDTV:
Amazon.com Product Description
Get the most out of your high-definition plasma television purchase with the 42-inch Hitachi 42HDS69, which offers a wealth of advanced technological features that will ensure superior picture and audio performance for years to come. Its blend of refined aesthetics is ideal for any home while its fully high-definition display--with 1080 vertical lines of interlaced resolution--provides stunningly vivid and colorful entertainment.
The set's built-in ATSC (DTV) tuner pulls HD signals (480p/720p/1080i) right from the airwaves, and its QAM tuner is fully compatible with unscrambled HDTV cable reception. The set's CableCARD port means the set will also receive digital cable television systems services directly from a compatible cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box. A standard analog NTSC tuner receives standard-definition (SD) programming. It comes with a manual swivel tabletop stand.
Plasma display technology offers the widest viewing angle of any type of television. The wide viewing angle makes plasma the ultimate choice for wall mounted television. Plasma television performance is also exceptional for producing high quality images of fast motion content, like sports programming.
Hitachi's original ALiS (Alternate Lighting of Surfaces) technology minimizes the barriers between picture elements or pixels to deliver a smoother, more film-like picture. Using more than one million pixels, ALiS can reproduce more detail than any plasma in its class. ALiS is also unique in that it is designed to match closely to the 1080i HDTV system for a sharp, smooth and seamless image.
This set's video is powered by the PictureMaster HD III processing technology, which features third-generation 1080p processing and new histogram processing for enhanced contrast, sharpness, and color for a clearer, sharper picture. It also offers extended color capabilities to reproduce the purest reds, greens and blues, a maximum 16-bit/281 trillion color capability, and a 16 percent brighter panel.
For under $1500 and free shipping, you can't beat this deal!
If you're one of those who believes "bigger is better", you'll be interested in Hitachi's latest announcement. According to SmartHouseNews.com:
Hitachi has revealed a 1 Terrabyte Blu-ray recorder at the Harvey Norman retail conference being held at the Melbourne Convention Centre.
Hitachi is set to launch a 1000GB Blu-ray recorder. The product that was shown at the Harvey Norman Conference being held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. According to Hitachi Australia the device will go on sale in 2008 for around $2,000.
No other details on this yet, but we'll keep you posted.
Review: Definitive Technology BP7000SC Bipolar Super Tower Loudspeakers
I've always been curious why people will spend thousands of dollars on a great home-theater system only to attach a pair of $100 speakers they picked up at the local Walmart. What consumers sometimes forget is that a great quality sound system can really enhance your home-theater experience. If you've got the dough, one set of speakers you'll want to look at is the Definitive Technology BP7000SC Bipolar Super Tower Loudspeakers. AVREV.com has a great review of the BP7000SC that starts out:
Definitive Technology has built one of the single most impressive brands in the highly competitive world of loudspeakers. Definitive has built a name where they are a “call brand” loudspeaker that consumers demand with the likes of Bose, Boston Acoustics, B&W, Paradigm, Klipsch and a handful of the other biggest manufacturers. While Definitive Technology’s ads and mighty distribution certainly have aided the company’s growth, it is more the bang for the buck performance that keeps consumers asking for them and dealers pushing. Whether you are looking for wafer-thin speakers for your new 63-inch HDTV or you need no-holds-barred audiophile floor-standing speakers, Definitive has a solution for you. In the case of this review, the Super Towers are in the latter class – they are ultimate floor-standing speakers, a statement without question in terms of sound as well as value.
Overall, the reviewer is pretty high on these speakers:
The Definitive Technology BP7000SC Super Towers, with a retail price just shy of five grand, are as close to a true masterpiece of audio engineering as anything I’ve encountered in all my years in audio. They do equal justice to music and movies and everything else in between. No longer does the rationale of compromise need to enter the audio debate.
Compare the Definitive Technology BP7000SC loudspeakers with the best from the world of ultra-high end and you might find overall the Definitive speaker system is the most well-rounded in a group that includes speakers costing as much as a new Prius. With a big yet detailed sound, it’s just hard to beat such a rocking loudspeaker system. At their price, the Definitive Technology BP7000SCs are simply amazing.
So if you're looking to enhance your home-theater and you have a little extra cash, be sure to check out the BP7000SC from Definitive Technology.
LG Announces World's First High-Definition TV Refrigerator
I have to say that if your refrigerator has a built-in TV, you're just too cool for words. Now if your fridge has built-in HDTV, I bow down to you. Yep you heard it right, the first fridge with built-in HDTV is on it's way according to this press release from LG Electronics:
Building on its award-winning Weather & Info TV Refrigerator, LG Electronics makes kitchens more innovative and entertaining with the introduction of the first-of-its-kind digital high-definition television (HDTV) Refrigerator. The new premium model is highlighted along with LG's full refrigerator line at the 2007 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, May 8-10 (Booth C3713).
The stylish new LG HDTV Refrigerator is a unique side-by-side model that incorporates LG's powerful fifth-generation ATSC-QAM-NTSC digital television tuner that delivers crisp digital broadcast and unscrambled cable images to the refrigerator's 15-inch high-definition LCD television screen.
Besides just TV, you also get some awesome features like:
Weather forecasts: The LG unit delivers personalized weather forecasts
based on a consumer's geographic area, along with the forecast for four
surrounding cities, via a wireless pager network.
Recipe bank: From chilled gazpacho soup to tiramisu, the
refrigerator's built-in recipe bank can help turn anyone into a chef
with 100 pre-loaded recipes from the Culinary Institute of America;
food categories include appetizers, soups, salads, meat/poultry,
seafood, vegetarian, side dishes and dessert.
Digital photo album: Users can upload their personal photo album via a
USB port in the dispenser area and select a slide show mode to display your favorite pictures.
Organization tools: Easily keep up with important items with these
helpful functions including date/time clock, calendar with anniversary
alarm and more
And how much moola for this type of luxury you ask?:
The LG HDTV Refrigerator, model LSC27990TT, will be available in the second quarter of 2007 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $3,999.
So if you like cold food and hot TV (yeah I know it's a dumb line but it's the best I could do!) be sure to keep an eye out for the LSC27990TT
Deal of the Day: TiVo TCD649080 Series2 80 Hour Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder
Since the TiVo services seems to keep evolving, now might be the time to consider getting a TiVo. Amazon has a decent deal going on a Series2 80 Hour Dual Tuner DVR:
Amazon.com Product Description:
The TiVo Series2 DT does something that only DirecTV TiVo users have enjoyed up till now--the ability to record two shows at once. This dual-tuner (DT) TiVo Series2 is the first standalone DVR that's optimized for households with cable television. Now, you'll never have to miss any of your favorite shows--even if they're on at the same time. It also offers the same entertainment services as other TiVo Series2 DVRs, including digital music, digital photos, remote scheduling, and hassle-free favorites recording. All this and the famed luxury of being able to pause and view instant replays of live television, too. TiVo DVRs record television programming directly to an onboard digital ATA/IDE hard drive, eliminating the hassles of videotape (imprecise tape searching, head cleaning, steadily degrading picture, fuzzy sound, etc.).
This TiVo Series2 DT model (TCD649080) offers an 80-hour recording capacity. It offers the ability to simultaneously record programming from two basic cable channels, or one basic cable channel and one digital cable channel. It also includes built-in Ethernet and USB ports, making it easier than ever to add the TiVo box to your home network. This enables you to take advantage of the TivoToGo feature, which allows you to transfer programs from the TiVo box to a Windows-based desktop or laptop PC so you can watch your favorite programs on the go or while others are watching live or recorded programing on the TV.
So put away those old VHS tapes and enter the 21rst century!
One of these days remote controls will be able to read our minds and will switch channels for us without us even touching the buttons! Okay, maybe that's a little wishful thinking but remotes are getting more sophisticated every day. One remote we really like is the Logitech 555 (known as the 550 for those of us in the US). UrbanGiraffe.com has a nice review of the Logitech 555 that's pretty positive and concludes:
The Logitech Harmony 555 is a great universal remote control. Basing the control around activities rather than devices is much more human friendly, and opens up a complicated set of equipment to the non-technologically minded. While the bundled software is comprehensive, it can be intimidating and slow to use, but the time spent configuring a system is returned in the lack of hassle using it.
The control is very sleek and lightweight, but suffers from several ergonomic issues, most noticeable of which are the placement of play/pause buttons in relation to the equally important channel/volume buttons. Tactile feedback is generally good, except for that volume/channel buttons which are plastic and noisy.
For the price the remote is very good value for money, and if you’re in the market for an easy remote control that’s a step above traditional high-street remotes, but isn’t going to break the bank or your brain then the Harmony 555 is highly recommended.
For under a $100 we here at TVSnob think you might want to take a look at the 555.
Deal of the Day: Sony DVPCX995V 400-Disc DVD Mega Changer/Player
If you're like me, getting up to put in a DVD is such a pain in the butt. That's why you want to check out this deal at Amazon on the Sony DVPCX995V 400-Disc DVD Mega Changer/Player:
Amazon.com Product Description
Conveniently store your entire DVD library (or all your favorite CDs and Super Audio CDs) in the Sony DVPCX995V 400-disc, progressive scan Mega Changer--the perfect tool for organizing your media library as well as providing extraodinary high definition sound and video to your home theater. It up-scales video to high-definition (1080i/720p) resolution and transmits high quality audio through a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). It also features a redesigned Disc Explorer on-screen graphic interface, providing intuitive and easy access to the expansive disc library. With the ability to conveniently house and sort through 400 media discs, this cool player can eliminate the need for racks and racks of CD and DVD storage.
It features Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive circuitry, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 channel outputs, and also offers coaxial and optical digital outputs. It's compatible with DVD-RW/-R/+RW/+R, MP3, JPEG, CD-RW/-R, VCD and SVCD formats--so it can play just about any disc you have from movies and video to music. Other convenience features include multi-disc resume (40 discs), custom parental controls (on all 400 discs), playback memory (400 discs), background graphics that display on your TV while music plays, and a multi-brand remote control.
Wow! You'll be amazed by the price, so be sure to check it out.
So I'm in Arizona for a couple of days and the weather has been absolutely perfect. It feels like it might be a pretty nice May. While the weather pretty much sucked in April, there were a few decent things happening on the TV front.
Deal of the Day: Vizio L32 32" Widescreen HD-Ready Flat-Panel LCD TV
Continue reading: 
If you're one of those who believes "bigger is better", you'll be interested in 
I've always been curious why people will spend thousands of dollars on a great 
So I'm in Arizona for a couple of days and the weather has been absolutely perfect. It feels like it might be a pretty nice May. While the weather pretty much sucked in April, there were a few decent things happening on the TV front.
Steals & Deals
Deal of the Day: Vizio L32 32" Widescreen HD-Ready Flat-Panel LCD TV
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