June 20, 2006
Toshiba's HD-A1
HDTV - HD-DVD: Toshiba's HD-A1, A Mixed Success
Toshiba's new HD-DVD player has hit the shelves, at an initial price of around $500. Several reviewers give it mixed marks, with the picture quality rated excellent and several of the features rated less than ideal.
On the plus side, the player sells for half to one-third the expected price for Blu-ray machines, due in the summer of 2006. True, $500 is still pricey for a DVD player, but at more than four times the displayed number of pixels, resolution on an appropriate HDTV will dazzle even the most blasé viewers.
Also, to Toshiba's credit they hit their expected delivery date so that early adopters can judge for themselves whether the premium over a standard DVD player is justified.
Beyond price and delivery, a full line of ports is available on the machine, including not just the expected component and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) ports but also an Ethernet connection.
The HDMI port is essential for getting the highest quality out of HD discs and standard DVDs. Also, if the studios follow through on copy-protection, it will be required in order to play the discs in high definition.
Other features and behavior may or may not be acceptable, depending on the consumer's level of patience with first generation technology.
Since HD-DVD machines are as much a PC as a video player, they are slower and have many of the possible glitches that computers are prey to. The machines have an in-built operating system running on a Pentium 4, 2GHz chip. (It's rumored to be running a version of Linux, but with Microsoft strongly supporting HD-DVD over Blu-ray that may change, if it's even true.)
That's both a pro and a con. Any operating system, even running off a chip, is going to be slower to perform some functions than dedicated electronics. But it does open the door to increased functionality with a simple download (through the Ethernet port).
That may explain why the unit takes more than half a minute to display an inserted disc and why menu movement is sometimes a little slow.
Some reviewers had trouble with HDMI errors. They would hook up the cables and receive no picture, even after re-booting the unit, requiring the cables to be reconnected. That could be loose or defective cables, a semi-defective unit or a firmware error correctable via an update. Or, it may be a design flaw. There's no way to tell at this early stage.
In any case, it's something consumers should be wary of. You don't want to have to hassle with your DVD player the way you've (unfortunately) become used to with your PC.
Reviewers also gave poor marks to the remote, citing it as large and illogically arranged. Those things are often a matter of taste. What isn't a matter of taste are the semi-functional buttons that have to be repeatedly pressed. That could be a weak signal from poor batteries, but that's unlikely for a new unit. Buyer beware.
Back on the upside again, there's that undeniably excellent picture. Even standard DVDs look better, but that may be as much due to the HDTV used. In any case, the HD-DVD player is at least performing the minimum required by displaying standard DVDs in better than standard quality.
Sound quality, too, on the new unit is excellent - reproducing full Dolby quality. However, depending on your set, you may need to do some 're-engineering' to hook up your system differently to obtain the optimum sound.
Whether the units are 'ready for prime-time' is to some degree a matter of interest in HD material. Given that Sony is preparing to release (slated for Nov 2006) a $600 Playstation that will play Blu-ray discs, games and support downloads consumers may want to wait and see.
Posted by HDTV at 04:55 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2006
HDTV - Pioneer's Line
Pioneer, long known for excellent stereo equipment, has moved into television in a big way in recent years. Sizes on plasma sets range primarily from 42" to 50", with prices as low as $1,700 all the way to over $6,500.
All sets offer Pioneer's version of 3-2 pulldown, which they call Advanced PureCinema. This feature allows the set to manipulate film-based source material on DVD to provide the best quality picture on a HDTV set.
HDTV is, after all like every TV, a video reproduction system. Technical differences in frame rates and other factors always make conversion necessary for non-broadcast source material and even much broadcast material today. How well the set performs that conversion plays a large role in picture quality.
All sets offer a DCR (Digital Cable Ready) capability, making - in some cases - the use of an external cable box unnecessary. Beware that phrase 'in some cases'. Not all features are always supported, such as 'on demand', and not all cable companies broadcasts are compatible. Check with your area's provider.
As you would expect with a quality plasma set, color reproduction is excellent and deep blacks and good contrast are the norm. The bright, 1100 cd/m^2, screens are among the best.
The 50" PRO-1130HD is part of Pioneer's Elite line, the top of the line. Resolution is on the low side at 1024 x 768, but it includes detachable side-mounted speakers.
On the upside, the set provides excellent conversion capability for handling the wide variety of sources available today. Often HDTV sets do a poor job of converting 480i or 480p material to the 1080i that HDTV is capable of. Pioneer competes well in this area.
Scaling a standard analog TV broadcast to HDTV generally results in a degraded image below not only HDTV standards but even ordinary CRTs. Video 'noise' introduced by the conversion was non-existent and images were sharp with excellent contrast and brightness.
The set handles another kind of conversion well, also: scaling. Standard TV material is in 4:3 aspect ratio, films in the now-familiar 16:9 standard on HDTV sets. Sets can stretch the image to convert one to the other, or crop or zoom. The PRO-1130HD provides the option to select the one most comfortable to you.
But, not surprisingly, the set shines best with full-HD material. 1080i feeds provide fine detail with excellent color reproduction over a 170 degree viewing angle. When coupled with an HD-DVD or Blu-ray using a HD disc, we would expect the set to live up to its full capability.
Similar picture quality is available for much less (about $2,000 less) than the $6,500 price tag in the Pioneer PDP-5050HD. This set offers an excellent 4000:1 contrast ratio, using the same plasma element as the higher end unit.
Posted by HDTV at 04:47 PM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2006
HDTV - Hitachi's Line
Hitachi consistently makes it into the top 5 for all HDTV manufacturers and with good reason. They make quality products with excellent pictures.
In the LCD type, they wisely keep to the smaller sizes with flat panel models ranging from 26" to 37". All signal types are supported from 480i, 480p to 720p, 1080i and 1080p (with their 'VirtualHD' video processor). Even the smaller end 26" 26HDL52 offers a 768p resolution and the ability to reproduce over a billion colors. Far more than the human visual system can distinguish, anyway.
Some models, such as the 32" 32HLX61, offer a USB connector, allowing for the display of digital photos. Others, including the 32HLX61, offer HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and component video ports. That's important if you want to get the best quality picture out of your DVD. Using S-video, for example, will result in less picture quality reproduction than the system is capable of.
All models come with Hitachi's excellent warranty, in this case 2 year parts and labor with in-home service.
Hitachi makes only two sizes in the plasma type, 42" and 55" but all are quality sets. All are in the thin-panel (4") style, suitable for wall mounting. There are real differences, though, even among sets of the same size.
The 55" 55HDS69, for example, houses Hitachi's Picture III video processor while the 55HDX62 uses the VirtualHD 1080p II.
More than just a techno-geek's difference, the VirtualHD analyzes and smooths film frames as they're delivered to the set. The result is a crystal clear image with no motion blur. While the 55HDS69 is still a great set, it supports only the 1080i signal, which is not the highest possible quality.
The 55" 5HDS52 offers a USB 'Photo File Viewer' connector for viewing digital photos on the large flat-panel and uses the VirtualHD processor, as well. Unusual for such a large set, it also offers an optional swivel stand.
Models in the 42" size offer essentially the same range of choices in connectors, video processor and so forth. The smaller, though hardly small, screen size offers the same visual quality with the main differences being weight, size and of course, price.
Several models offer CableCard, a PC-type card that fits in a slot in the back of the set. In theory, and often in practice, it can eliminate the need for a separate cable box. Not all features (such as TV on demand) are always supported and the card isn't compatible with all cable systems. Check with your area's provider before spending the extra money.
On-board audio is good and comes in either a 36-watt 3-way or 40-watt 2-way option, but it won't satisfy audiophiles. Fortunately, all models offer audio connectors that enable integration with a stereo or home theater system. Warranties on some of the plasma sets is lower, at 1-year parts and labor. Be sure to check the details of the particular model you're considering.
Posted by HDTV at 04:28 PM | Comments (0)
June 10, 2006
HDTV - Panasonic's Line
Panasonic is at the pinnacle of home electronics and their line of HDTVs is no exception. Long focused more on plasma HDTV, they now sport many models in LCD and DLP as well.
Like most manufacturers the plasma models tend to be more expensive than either LCD or DLP, but prices in all three lines are dropping. That trend is expected to continue for at least another year. Offsetting those price drops are an emphasis on larger screens and higher resolutions. The 37" plasma is still available and can - theoretically - display over 8 billion colors. 'Theoretically' since the human visual system can't discern that many differences anyway. Most models are 42" or larger. Several offer an in-built card that makes a cable box unnecessary, in some cases.
The 42" TH-42PM50U plasma sports a 4000:1 contrast ratio. In general, higher is better - though, here again there's a limit to what humans can perceive. Some plasmas are rated as high as 10000:1. Any set within that range is likely to offer very black blacks and vivid, realistic colors.
Most of the differences among plasmas, like other types, is size and price but some carry extras. The 50" TH-50PX60U comes with an additional SD memory card slot, which allows displaying digital camera photos on the large, flat-panel set.
There are a dozen different models to choose from, ranging from 37" to 50" with several 42" models available. Differences lie mostly in the small details. Some have more input/output slots and ports, some have PC card slots or SD slots, others have more speakers than another.
The LCD line is a good option for those wanting to spend a little less and willing to accept a smaller screen in exchange. Some extras are available among the LCD models. The 26" TC-26LX60, for example, comes with an included pedestal stand (which many of the larger units don't).
The PT-50LC14 is a 50" model that supports 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i in a flat panel design. Picture quality is excellent, but like any LCD it's important to view from the proper distance. For this size, eight feet would be the minimum recommended.
The 'i' stands for interlaced, a technique in which the pixel rows are illuminated every other line, a complete screen 'painted' in two passes. 'p' types make one pass across the screen. While, all other things being equal, 'p' types offer a superior picture, interlaced models are still excellent. Older technology suffered from some flicker with interlacing, but that's largely no longer true.
Whatever size you choose, be sure the model includes an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) interface and component ports. Without it, you may be frustrated by the poor picture quality from your DVD player. With it, even 480p DVDs can display an impressive picture quality.
Though among their newer offers, the DLP line is second to none. Currently, only three models are available - though you may find older models at some outlets - but all are outstanding.
The PT-56DLX75, for example, offers an extraordinarily clear, sharp 56" screen with a range of resolutions supported: 480p, 720p and 1080i. Prices are affected by screen size, obviously, but also by resolution supported (720p vs 1080i for example), extras and a host of other factors. As with any TV, be sure to view under good lighting conditions before deciding.
Posted by HDTV at 04:24 PM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2006
HDTV - Sharp's Line
Sharp Electronics doesn't offer plasma or DLP models, but in the LCD arena they have one of the most extensive lines available. Everything from the 26" LC-26D6U to the largest LCD panel currently available, the 65" LC-65D90U, are offered in the Aquos line.
Even at the lower end of the range the specs are impressive. And unlike some manufacturers, Sharp puts out detailed and honest comparison specs for all their models. The 37" LC-DB5U, for example, offers a 1366 x 768 resolution, with a contrast ratio of 800:1. They go on to list a dynamic contrast ratio of 4000:1.
The larger number is often used in ads and on websites to suggest a very high contrast, deep-black-capable picture, but the lower number gives a more realistic idea. Those two qualities make a significant difference when viewing one screen versus another. Lower contrast ratios give a kind of washed-out appearance familiar to users of LCD computer monitors.
Also, Sharp lists lamp lifetimes for all models, something others often leave out. All models are rated at 60,000 hours. That's almost seven years, if you left the set on 24 hours a day, year-round. DLP models, for example, require lamp replacement every 3-5 years under normal use and bulbs run in the $250-$300 range. Something to consider when deciding between LCD or DLP HDTV.
Larger models, such as the 45" LC-45GD7U come with 'full-HD' 1920 x 1080 resolution and 170 degree viewing angles. Response times on all models are under 12ms, so motion blur is not an issue. Older LCD sets showed significant blur for sports and active game displays. That's less common now, though shoppers should test for this when considering a set.
The largest model, the LC-65D90U, sports a 1200:1 contrast ratio and 6ms response time, which is stellar in such a large screen. The system provides 1920 x 1080, with full 1080p support for an excellent picture.
The system comes equipped with the increasingly popular CableCard. The card, which plugs into a slot in the back, can eliminate the need for an external cable box. But beware that word 'can'. Not all functions are supported and not all cable companies can use them. Check with your area's provider.
Of course, at a mere $15,000 and up you'll want to get one for the kid's room, too. Naturally, at that low price you'll have to pay for shipping if you buy online.
Speakers across the line are the now-common 10 watts and each model provides two for Dolby stereo reproduction. Fortunately for audiophiles, the sets offer a range of ports, including an optical digital output, audio, etc so that a hi-end stereo system or home theatre arrangement can easily be integrated.
Posted by HDTV at 04:18 PM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2006
HDTV - Samsung's Line
Samsung is at the pinnacle of home electronics and their line of HDTVs is no exception.
Like most manufacturers the plasma models tend to be more expensive than either LCD or DLP, but prices in all three lines are dropping. That trend is expected to continue for at least another year. Offsetting those price drops are an emphasis on larger screens and higher resolutions. Several 42" plasmas are still available and can - theoretically - display 549 billion colors. 'Theoretically' since the human visual system can't discern that many differences anyway.
The 42" HP-S4253 plasma, for example, sports a 10000:1 contrast ratio. In general, higher is better - though, here again there's a limit to what humans can perceive. Any set within the range of 4000:1 to 10000:1 is likely to offer very black blacks and vivid, realistic colors.
Most of the differences among plasmas, like other types, is size and price but some carry extras. The 50" HP-R5072, for example, comes with an in-built card that (in some cases) makes an external cable box unnecessary.
There are a dozen different models to choose from, ranging from 42" to 63" with several 42" models available. Differences lie mostly in the small details. Some have more input/output slots and ports, some have PC card slots or SD slots, others have more speakers than another. Several offer hidden speakers.
The LCD line is a good option for those wanting to spend a little less and willing to accept a 'smaller' screen in exchange. Sizes range from 32" to 46", with the smallest considered small only in the past few years.
The 46" LN-S4692D offers a great viewing angle, 178 degrees, in a flat-panel display on a swivel stand. Contrast ratio is very good at 5000:1.
Even the smaller 40" LN-S4051D would be enjoyed by gamers using an Xbox. At a contrast ratio of 4000:1 with 8 ms response times, blacks will be great and motion blur undetectable for most content, whether game or TV.
Like any LCD it's important to view from the proper distance. For this size, seven feet would be the minimum recommended.
Whatever size you choose, be sure the model includes a HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and component ports. Without it, you may be frustrated by the poor picture quality from your DVD player. With it, even 480p DVDs can display an impressive picture quality.
Samsung has a variety of DLP style TVs, ranging from as 'small' as the 50" HL-S5065 to the enormous 71" HL-R7178W. All offer excellent picture quality, though some reviews question Samsung's reliability.
The 71" HL-7178 sports a digital cable ready card and supports 1080p video, which no current Panasonic model does. Even the smaller 56" HL-S5688W offers a great 1080p picture and a 14,400 rpm color wheel to minimize 'rainbow' effects that some DLP models suffer from.
The 'i' stands for interlaced, a technique in which the pixel rows are illuminated every other line, a complete screen 'painted' in two passes. 'p' types make one pass across the screen. While, all other things being equal, 'p' types offer a superior picture, interlaced models are still excellent. Older technology suffered from some flicker with interlacing, but that's largely no longer true.
Many HDTV's are offered in HD-ready types. That indicates the receiver has no in-built HD tuner. That isn't necessarily a deal-killer, since many cable or satellite boxes have tuners that can perform just as well. HD-ready is generally less expensive, all other things being equal.
Prices are affected by screen size, obviously, but also by resolution (720p vs 1080p for example), extras and a host of other factors. Check your favorite price comparison website for details. As with any TV, be sure to view under good lighting conditions before deciding.
Posted by HDTV at 04:12 PM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2006
HDTV - Phillips' Line
Phillips, inventors of CDs and a host of other electronics related gadgets, offer an extensive line of both LCD and plasma HDTVs. The line covers everything from the 30" 30PF9946D LCD for under $1000 to upwards of $6400 for the 50" 50PF9986 plasma. Fortunately, with Phillips, you frequently get what you pay for.
Even the - these days - relatively tiny 30" 30PF9946D offers six widescreen modes, just as do the high-end models. The modes are used, for example, to adjust a standard TV broadcast from 4:3 aspect ratio to the now-standard 16:9 aspect ratio of HDTV.
Resolution is excellent at 1280 x 768p. The 'p' stands for progressive, a technique in which the pixels are illuminated in one pass, rather than interlaced - i.e. 'painted' in two separate passes. The contrast ratio is a respectable 600:1, and brightness is good at 600 cd/m^2.
But, Phillips' line really starts to shine in the 42" plasma arena. The 42PF9630A, for example, offers Phillips' proprietary Ambilight and Pixel Plus 2. The first allows a very fine control over the color and brightness, while the Pixel Plus 2 creates a smooth, natural-looking movement.
One advantage most plasmas have over some LCDs is the off-axis contrast. Though less an issue now, contrast and even color can shift at wide-angles of view with a LCD set. Plasmas don't suffer from this effect and provide a deep black and good contrast at all angles.
Contrast ratio for the 42PF9630A is listed at 10000:1, which would be phenomenal. Some reviewers put the actual measured number in the 1500:1 range; still an excellent number.
One possible reason for the large difference, may be less blatant dishonesty than old-fashioned marketing. The larger number often refers to dynamic contrast, as opposed to static. Since images are usually moving, the larger number isn't completely bogus.
Burn-in is largely a thing of the past for most normal circumstances. Not too long ago, having a stationary image for 15 minutes on a plasma could contribute to a permanent haze. Now, it would take hours before the effect would be a concern. Newer sets move the image across pixels ever-so-slightly every few minutes. So, unless you leave a news broadcaster's logo on the screen all day, every day you can buy a plasma without concern.
The set comes with a variety of ports, such as two HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) inputs, which allows for showing the best quality possible from your DVD. S-video, for example, doesn't output the highest possibly quality for films on DVD.
The USB ports will come in handy for those who want to display digital photos or video on their large, flat panel and can also be used to upgrade the software inside the set.
At 93 lbs (42kg), the set is on the heavy side for wall-mounting, but that's certainly possible with proper installation. Priced around $2,400 the set is competitive with comparable models from Samsung, Hitachi and others. Larger models offer the same great picture, but with a correspondingly higher price. Phillips is known for making quality equipment and shoppers will find it worthwhile to give their line a look.
Posted by HDTV at 02:06 PM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2006
HDTV - Sony's Line
Beginning in 2006, Sony has made significant changes to their HDTV lineup. Moving out of plasma HDTV and re-branding their LCD line to Bravia, the consumer electronics giant may be trying to rebuild a badly tarnished image.
They offer an extensive array of LCD sets ranging from the 26" Bravia XBR KDL-V26XBR1 to the 46" KDL-46S2000.
The larger set comes with 1366 x 768 resolution and Sony's proprietary Bravia Engine video processor. But at $3,500 and up the set is barely competitively priced, given the company's history.
Reviews tout the fine quality picture you would expect from a LCD with good blacks and vivid color reproduction, though some calibration is required to achieve optimum levels. The 720p reproduction in the 40" KDL-V40XBR1 provides a sharp image, for example, but proper color balance is difficult to achieve.
Not quite at the level of the better plasma screens, the LCDs offer good viewing angles and perform well under varying lighting conditions.
Like all brands and most models, the sets come with multiple in-built tuners. One delivers standard-definition TV, but like most the picture isn't as good as a quality CRT for the same source. The ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner provides reception for over-the-air HDTV broadcasts, which are becoming more common.
The KDL-V40XBR1 also comes with DCR (Digital Cable Ready via CableCard) and a QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) tuner, making it - in some cases - unnecessary to have a separate, external cable box. Beware of that 'in some cases' warning, though. Not all features (such as 'on-demand') are always supported, nor is the card compatible with all cable companies offerings. Check with your area's provider.
Like many sets, they offer the ability to change aspect ratio from the HDTV standard 16:9 to 4:3 (standard TV). Be sure to preview how they do this, though. Some viewers find the results displeasing. Cropping by black bars on the screen can usually be adapted to, but some viewers find stretching the image unacceptable.
The sets provide good quality images, but at $2,000-$3,500 and up shoppers will want to investigate other brands before deciding.
Posted by HDTV at 02:00 PM | Comments (0)
