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Wal-Mart’s Pre-Black Friday Sale: Sanyo 46-inch LCD $798, $100 Gift Card With PS3 Purchase

Sanyo DP46848 46 inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Wal-Mart is getting their Black Friday bargains started a little early with a sale on November 8. They will have a Sanyo DP46848 46″ 1080p LCD HDTV for $798. The Sanyo has not been professionally reviewed, but there is a small discussion thread about it over at AVS Forums (link).

Wal-Mart is also are bringing back a previous bargain: a free $100 Wal-Mart gift card with purchase of a Sony Playstation 3 ($399). If you’re know you’re going to spend $100 on something (e.g., groceries), and it’s available at Wal-Mart, the gift card essentially knocks a $100 off the price of the PS3.

PlayStation 3 at Wal-Mart

There are a few important details:

  • The deals are only good at 8:00am at a Wal-Mart store. (Online store will have its own specials.)
  • There is a limit of 1 per customer, but they are stocking at least 10 of each item at each store.

Via BlackFriday.info.


What Is a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player?

Blu-ray Profile 2.0

A Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player has the most update-to-date features a Blu-ray player can have. The most notable features of a Profile 2.0 player are Internet connectivity and a required 1GB of local memory storage.

The Internet connectivity (also called BD Live) gives access to online content that complements the content of the Blu-ray disc, for example, bonus material, online games, movie trailers, ringtones, desktop wallpapers, and other interactive content. Perhaps most intriguing is the ability to offer updated information on the film over time.

The 1GB of local storage is required for the downloading and caching of online and other types of content.

Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray player

There were two earlier profiles, 1.0 and 1.1. In the race to beat HD-DVD (a competing high-definition disc format), Blu-ray players were released without their planned full functionality. Here’s a look at what the previous versions had to offer.

Profile 1.0

A Profile 1.0 player offered the basic functions features you’d expect from a last-gen DVD player: the ability to watch movies and bonus material included on the disc as well as access to audio features like switching the type of audio and commentary tracks,. Profile 1.0 players are no longer being manufactured, but you might come across a store clearing their inventory of them.

Profile 1.1

The most notable feature of Profile 1.1 was the addtion of picture-in-picture (also called BonusView). Picture-in-picture allows for video commentary to be viewed in window on screen while the movie plays in the background. Profile 1.1 also offers a requirement of 256MB of local memory storage and support for a virtual file system.

Should I Only Buy a Profile 2.0 Player?

Although access to online content is nice, the strongest advantage of having a Profile 2.0 player is the ability to easily update the firmware thanks to its required Internet connectivity. Firmware updates can improve the performance of your player and fix any bugs the player might have shipped with. As for the bonus materials, up to this point they have been very unimpressive. But that could change if Blu-ray one day becomes as popular as the DVD format. Still, Profile 1.0 and 1.1 players offer the basic movie watching experience, so if you don’t watch bonus materials, then Profile 2.0’s features won’t mean much to you, and it’s ok to purchase 1.0 or 1.1.

Some Profile 1.0 and 1.1 players shipped with the ability to upgrade to 2.0. The best place to check are the manufacturer’s websites to see if the players are compatible for an upgrade.

Will there be a Profile 3.0?

There are plans, but don’t worry, Profile 3.0 has nothing to do with movies. It’s an audio-only format that’s supposed to be a replacement for CDs, much like the failed DVD audio format. It’s doubtful it will ever gain traction.

Sears HDTV Deals for Black Friday 2008

Black Friday 2008

Here’s an early look at a list of HDTVs and other interesting items of note that will be on sale for Sears on Black Friday 2008.

HDTVs:

Element 37″ LCD HDTV - $599.99
Panasonic 37″ Full HD LCD TV - $749.99
Panasonic 42″ 720P Plasma HDTV - $699.99 *
Proscan 32″ LCD HDTV - $499.99 *
Samsung 19″ LCD HDTV - $299.99 *
Samsung 32″ LN32A300 LCD HDTV - $499.99
Samsung 40″ 1080P LCD HDTV - $799.99 *
Samsung 46″ 1080P LCD HDTV - $1099.99 *
small starSamsung 46″ 1080p LN46A530 LCD HDTV - $1199.99 Ed. Great TV.
Samsung 50″ 720p PN50A400 Plasma HDTV - $899.99
Samsung 52″ 1080p 120Hz LN52A650 LCD HDTV - $2099.99
Sharp 26″ LCD HDTV - $399.99 *
small starSharp 46″ Class Full HD 1080P LCD HDTV - $899.99 * Ed. A lot of screen for a low price.
Sony Bravia S-Series 40″ 1080p LCD HDTV - $999.99
Sony Bravia S-Series 46″ 1080p LCD HDTV - $1299.99
Sony Bravia V-Series 40″ 1080p LCD HDTV - $1099.99
Sony Bravia V-Series 52″ 1080p LCD HDTV - $1799.99
Sony Bravia W Series 52″ 1080P LCD HDTV - $1999.99 *
Sylvania 42″ Class 1080P LCD HDTV - $699.99 *
Toshiba 40″ 1080p 40RV525U LCD HDTV - $849.99
Vizio 26″ LCD HDTV - $379.99
Vizio 37″ 1080p Full HD LCD TV - $699.99

Other items of note:

Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Disc Player - $199.99
Samsung DVD-1080P Upconvert DVD Player - $49.99
Sony DVP-NS700 1080p Upconverting DVD Player - $69.99
Belkin HDMI Kit - $34.99
Logitech Harmony Remote - $59.99 w/32″ TV Purchase
Samsung 1000 Watt Home Theater System - $159.99 *
Samsung HT-BD2E Blu-ray Home Theater System - $599.99
small starSony Blu-Ray Disc Player - $179.99 * (Ed. Model unknown, probably the BDP-S300)
Sony DAV-HDX275 1000-Watt 5-Disc Home Theater System w/1080p Upscaling HDMI
Sony DAV-HDX576WF 1000-Watt 5-Disc Home Theater System w/Wireless Rear Speaker - $349.99
Tech Craft 48″ TV Stand - $149.99
Tech Craft 58″ TV Stand - 50% Off
300 BluRay - $19.99 *
National Treasure 2 Blu-Ray - $18.99 *
Sleeping Beauty Blu-Ray - $18.99 *

*Doorbuster item.

(Via BlackFriday.info)

Best Blu-ray Player: Panasonic DMP-BD35

Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-ray Player Profile 2.0

CNET recently reviewed the new Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-ray player ($299) and gave it their coveted Editor’s Choice with an 8.0 out of 10 rating. The DMP-BD35 is a Profile 2.0 player, and CNET noted that it’s the first player Blu-ray player with all of the essential features of the PlayStation 3 at a much cheaper price.

Panasonic DMP-BD35 Remote Control

They liked the Panasonic’s image quality for Blu-ray discs, and even said they feel it equals the quality of the PS3 (the PS3 is currently the gold standard of Blu-ray players). They also liked the player’s slim styling, in-player decoding for all high-res audio (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), and bit-stream output. The only cons were that the PS3 has faster disc loading and navigation, and some other functionality like media streaming and online movie renting that the Panasonic doesn’t.

Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-ray Player’s Back Panel

The old argument that the PS3 was the best value for a Blu-ray player is losing some steam. If you’re a game player, the PS3 is still the best choice. But if you only want to play Blu-ray movies, there are now options that meet the PS3’s quality for a much cheaper price. Check out CNET’s video review below:

Links:

CNET’s review of the Panasonic DMP-BD35

Official site for the Panasonic DMP-BD35

Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U Reviewed

Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U LCD 1080p HDTV

If energy consumption is a primary factor in your choice of an HDTV, the 52-inch Sharp Aquos LC-52D65 LCD ($1500) should be of some interest. CNET recently reviewed the set and gave it a 6.9 out of 10.

They liked the Sharp’s cheap price, energy efficiency, good color reproduction (after calibration), 5 HDMI inputs, and its smooth and subtle styling. They didn’t like the set’s poor black levels, average off-angle viewing, and “below average” standard-def picture.

The Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U complies with Energy Star’s new version 3.0 energy efficiency standard, which, for the first time ever, measures power consumption when devices are turned on.

Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U Remote Control

Specs for the Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U:

  • 52-inch LCD
  • 1080p
  • 60hz
  • 5 HDMI inputs
  • 2 component inputs
  • 2 composite inputs
  • 1 VGA input
  • 63.9 lbs (Ed. That’s very light for an LCD this size)
  • 2,000:1 image contrast ratio
  • 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 450 cd/m2 brightness
  • 1-year warranty

Sharp Acquous side view

Link:

CNET’s review of the Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U

Sylvania NB500SL9 Blu-ray Player Falls to $199.00

Sylvania NB500SL9 Blu-ray Player

The Sylvania NB500SL9 Blu-ray player had its priced chopped to $199.00 at Amazon.com.

Sylvania Blu-ray Player at Amazon

The unit has not been professionally reviewed, but it shares the same internal hardware of three other bargain Blu-ray players manufactured by the Chinese company Funai, two of which were rebranded:

Of these brands, only the Insigna NS-BRDVD was reviewed by CNET. It received a 6.0 out of 10 rating. CNET liked the unit’s 1080/24p video quality and its DVD upconversion. They also liked its ability to output Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio in bit stream format. They didn’t like the subpar video quality Blu-ray discs in standard 1080/60p mode, and the fact that it’s forever stuck as a Profile 1.1 player. Check out CNET’s video review below:

Links:

Sylvania NB500SL9 at Amazon.com

CNET’s review of the Insignia NS-BRDVD

Best LCD HDTV: CNET Reviews the Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8

Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8 LCD HDTV 1080p with LED Backlight

The 55-inch Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8 ($6,999) couldn’t knock off current overall HDTV champion, the Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD plasma, but as far as LCDs go, the Sony rules the roost, or at least according to CNET’s latest review.

They gave the Sony, which has the new LED backlight technology, an 8.7 out of 10 (the Pioneer has a 9.1), stating that the set has deepest blacks of any LCD they’ve tested, very accurate color reproduction and grayscale, superior dejudder capabilities, and comprehensive inputs (4 HDMI and one PC).

55-inch Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8 from the side

They only cons are that it’s “mind-boggingly expensive” and that it showed some blooming in areas of high contrast. They also didn’t like the unremovable speakers that jut out from the side.

Specs for the Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8:

  • 55-inch screen
  • 120Hz
  • LED backlight
  • 72.8 lb
  • Gloss piano black
  • 3000:1 image contrast ratio
  • 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 178-degree viewing angle
  • Ambient light sensor
  • 1080/24p, 1080/60p

Sony RM-YD024 Remote for the Sony Bravia

Check out CNET’s video review of below:

Helpful Links for the Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8:

CNET’s review.
Sony’s official page for the Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8.

Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Player $209

Samsung Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Player

Rounding out the recent Blu-ray player price drops is the Samsung BD-P1500, which is now $209 at Amazon.com. The BD-P1500 is a Profile 2.0 player (after a firmware update) with 1080p output, DVD upconversion (1080p), in-player decoding for Dolby TrueHD, and bit stream audio output.

Price 2

CNET rated the player a 6.8 out of 10 (or 3 stars). They liked the image quality for Blu-ray discs, but disliked the DVD upconversion quality and the lack of analog multichannel outputs. For a second opinion about the unit’s DVD upconversion, Ultimate AV Mag also reviewed the unit and had this to say:

The PS3 had a slight edge over the BD-P1500—and I do mean slight. Playback of The Incredibles on the Samsung appeared a little flatter, while the PS3 exhibited a bit more detail and vibrancy in darker scenes.

The Samsung BD-P1500 should continue to be aggressively priced as we head into the holidays and may be an ideal choice for bargain hunters to keep a watch on.

Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray player

Helpful Links:

CNET review.

UltimateAVmag.com review.

Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray Player Now $259

Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray player with Remote

The cost of Blu-ray players continues to fall before the 2008 Holidays. Buy.com has cut the price of the Panasonic DMP-BD30K from $399 to $259 with free shipping. The DMP-BD30K is a profile 1.1 player with 1080p/24fps output and 1080p DVD upconversion.

Price of the Panasonic DM-BP30

CNET rated the player a 6.6 out of 10. They loved the picture quality, but didn’t like the lack of in-player decoding for high-resolution audio and that it has no ethernet jack for firmware upgrades. See CNET’s video review below.

We still like the Sony BDP-S350, a Profile 2.0 player (with firmware update) that can be found for around $275 on Amazon, but the Panasonic is likely to see its price fall even lower in the near future.

Other Helpful Links:

Buy.com link.
CNET review.
Ultimate AV Magazine review.
High-Def Digest review.
Home Theater HiFi review.
AVS Forum thread for the Panasonic DMP-BD30.

Collection of Vizio SV470XVT and SV420XVT Reviews

Vizio SV470XVT 1080p LCD HDTV
This is a collection of reviews I’ve put together from the AVS Forums thread on the Vizio SV470XVT and SV420XVT. This is for your convenience so you don’t have to cull through dozens of pages of price questions, technical queries, and troubleshooting. (Note: The 47 inch and 42 inch models are exactly the same except for screen size.) The original thread can be found here.

Reviews:

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