myHDTVchoice.com » 1080p

Insignia NS-2BRDVD Blu-ray Player Reviewed

alan — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:00:11 +0000

CNET recently took a look at the Insignia NS-2BRDVD Blu-ray player and gave it a rating of 5.8 out of 10 (2.5 out of 4 stars). The Insignia is a bargain Profile 1.1 player with a starting price under $200. A firmware upgrade coming in March 2009 will make it a Profile 2.0 player.

Although the CNET review summary states that the NS-2BRDVD delivered a solid 1080p HD picture, in fact, it failed most of their image-quality testing. For instance, the player could not depict all the resolution of a text pattern provided by Silicon Optix’s HQV Blu-ray test suite. It also performed poorly in two other picture-quality tests.

Some other characteristics CNET did not like were poor DVD playback quality, slow Blu-ray disc loading, and lack of onboard decodng for Dolby TrueHD DTS-HD.

Links

CNET review of the Insignia NS-2BRDVD

Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7 Reviewed

alan — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:34:38 +0000

CNET recently reviewed the Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7 52-inch 240Hz LCD and found it to be one of the best performing non-LED-based HDTVs out there, assigning it a rating of 8.0 out of 10 ( or 4 out of 5 stars). The Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7 has a base price of $3,500.

HDTV guru David Katzmaier liked the set’s black levels for a non-LED set, noting it “matched or beat the standard LCDs in our comparison.” Especially excellent was the shadow detail, which “definitely surpassed the standard 120Hz models” CNET has reviewed.

The KDL-52XBR7 also scored high marks for its accurate color reproduction, good video dejudder processing, and a comprehensive set of inputs, including 4 HDMI inputs and one PC.

CNET didn’t like its expensive price tag and found some screen uniformity issues. They also feel that a 240Hz refresh isn’t worth the hype as it only offers “minor improvements to picture quality.”

Specifications

52-inch LCD screen
94lbs
1080p
DLNA Networking
3,000:1 contrast ratio
Motionflow Technology
Bravia Engine 2
18 months warranty
7 analog audio inputs
2 component inputs
3 composite inputs
1 digital optical audio out
1 ethernet input
4 HDMI inputs
1 PC video input
1 S-video input
1 USB 2.0 input

Links
CNET review of the Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7

Official Sony site for the Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7

Review of Samsung LN46A650 46-inch 120Hz LCD

alan — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:54:29 +0000

CNET recently took a look at the Samsung LN46A650 (edit: the 52-inch version, which has the same hardware inside), a 46-inch 120Hz 1080p LCD. They gave the set their coveted Editors’ Choice award and assigned a rating of 8.0 out of 10 (or 4 out of 5 stars).

They liked the set’s excellent black levels, highly accurate color reproduction, and the 120Hz dejudder processing. They also like the set’s novel ability to display weather, news, and stock market info on-screen, and that it is relatively energy effecient compared to similar LCDs.

They didn’t like the expensive price tag and the red-tinged frame around the front panel. They also noted that screen relfects light when there’s bright lighting in the room. They also discovered artificats when dejudder modes were used.

Links

CNET review of the Samsung LN46A650.

Samsung’s Official Site for the LN46A650

Sony Bravia KDL-46V5100 46-inch 120Hz LCD Now Available

alan — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:34:30 +0000

The Sony Bravia KDL-46V5100 has arrived a little early and is now available for order on Sony’s official website. The price is $1,899.99.

The KDL-46V5100 is a 120Hz 1080p LCD that weighs in at a slim 56.2 lb. It has 4 HDMI inputs, 2 composite inputs, 2 component inputs, 5 analog audio inputs, and 1 optical audio out.

It also comes with Sony’s unimpressive Motionflow technology, integrated speakers, and HD tuner.

Link

Sony Bravia KDL-46V5100 at Sony.com.

CNET Reviews Panasonic TH-50VX100U 50-inch 1080p Plasma

alan — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:37:55 +0000

CNET’s David Katzmaier recently reviewed the Panasonic TH-50VX100U 50-inch Plasma and gave it a rating of 8.4 out of 10 (or 4 out of 5 stars). This set is an HDTV monitor marketed by Panasonic’s professional division. It lacks a tuner, speakers, and other extras found on most consumer HDTVs. CNET noted that it was “one of the best-performing televisions we’ve ever reviewed, delivering a picture that approaches that of the current picture quality champion, Pioneer’s Kuro Elite.”

The list price for the TH-50VX100U is $4,995. There is also a 65-inch version of the set, the TH-65VX100U, that goes for $9,995.

CNET found the black levels of the set to be superb, producing excellent shadow detail. They also liked that it handles 1080p/24 sources proerly, and that it has an external scalar mode that can disable all video processing. The set also offers a large range of picture adjustments.

The didn’t like the expensive price tag, inaccurate reproduction of colors, and the scarcity of inputs, with only one component input and no standard def input.

Links:

Official Panasonic page for the Panasonic TH-50VX100U

CNET Review of the Panasonic TG-50VX100U

CNET Reviews Vizio VOJ370 37-Inch 1080p LCD

alan — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:23:58 +0000

CNET reviewed the Vizio VOJ37OF 37-inch 1080p LCD, giving it a rating of 7.0 out of 10 (or 3.5 stars out of 5). The VOJ370F has Vizio’s new Java styling, which is advertised as a brown theme, but in reality is more of a dark chocolate tone that looks black in soft lighting. The set does have some gold trim along the bottom edge.

CNET found the strengths of the set to to be strong, accurate color reproduction, and good grayscale. They also liked the number and variety of inputs, including 3 HDMI connections and one PC input.

They didn’t like the below-average off-angle viewing performance and the VOJ370F’s “tendency to dip into bluish green in near-black and black areas.” They also noted that the styling of the set may not be for everyone, so you should check it out in the store before buying.

Specifications

37-inch LCD
1080p
44.2 lbs w/ stand
16. million colors
500 cd/m2 brightness
1300:1 contrast ratio
3 HDMI inputs
2 component inputs
2 composite inputs
1 S-video input
1 computer RGB audio
1 analog audio output
1 5.1 SPDIF optical audio output

Helpful Links

CNET review of the Vizio VOJ370 37-inch 1080p LCD

Offiicial Vizio VOJ370 page at Vizio.com

CNET Reviews Vizio VO32LF

alan — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:59:27 +0000

CNET recently took a look at the Vizio VO32LF, a 32-inch 1080p LCD. They assigned it an overall score of 7.0 out of 10 (or 3.5 out of 5 stars).

One of the stronger aspects of the VO32LF was accurate color reproduction, which has always been a standout aspect of Vizio LCDs. CNET called the color reproduction the “best we’ve seen in its class.” They also liked the set’s accurate grayscale, complete set of picture controls, and generous amount of connections, including three HDMI and one PC input. They also found black levels to be acceptable, stating the set’s “black was fine for a smaller display.”

The set had some problems with screen uniformity and off-angle viewing, but CNET said these problems “don’t spoil an otherwise solid picture.” Comparing the VO32LF’s black levels to similar 32-inch Sony and Panasonic LCDs, they found the Vizio’s blacks to be a bit brighter, but pointed out “the differences were relatively minor.”

CNET also pointed out that having a 1080p picture doesn’t matter much with a set this size. Practically all new HDTVs are shipping with 1080p these days regardless of size, but consumers shouldn’t weigh 1080p too heavily in their decision-making process.

Specifications of the Vizio VO32LF

32-inch screen
1080p
16.7 million colors
1300:1 contrast ratio
480cd/m2 brightness
4 HDMI inputs
1 VGA input
2 component inputs
1 composite input
1 S-Video input
1 TOSLINK output

Helpful Links:

CNET’s review of the Vizio V032LF

Official Vizio VO32LF page at Vizio.com

Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-ray Player $199 at Costco (with HDMI cable)

alan — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:45:09 +0000

Costco has the Panasonic DMP-BD35AK Blu-ray player for $199 ($279.99 – $80 instant rebate = $199.99) at their brick and mortar stores. CNET called the DMP-BD35 the “best player for the money” and noted it was the first standalone Blu-ray player to match the essential features of the gold standard Playstation 3. See their video review below.

This is a solid price for a great player, especially with the inclusion of the HDMI cable. Not a bad deal if you missed out on the Sears’ pricing mistake that had it at $149 a couple weeks ago.

Links:

Panasonic DMP-BD35AK at Costco deal discussion at FatWallet.com

CNET’s review of the Panasonic DMP-BD35

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

alan — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:34:24 +0000

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.

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?

alan — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:06:13 +0000

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.

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.

Helpful Links:

Blu-Ray Wikipedia article.

CNET explains Blu-ray Profile 2.0.

myHDTVchoice.com » 1080p

Insignia NS-2BRDVD Blu-ray Player Reviewed

Links

Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7 Reviewed

Specifications

Links CNET review of the Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7 Official Sony site for the Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7

Review of Samsung LN46A650 46-inch 120Hz LCD

Links

Sony Bravia KDL-46V5100 46-inch 120Hz LCD Now Available

Link

CNET Reviews Panasonic TH-50VX100U 50-inch 1080p Plasma

Links:

CNET Reviews Vizio VOJ370 37-Inch 1080p LCD

Specifications

Helpful Links

CNET Reviews Vizio VO32LF

Specifications of the Vizio VO32LF

Helpful Links:

Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-ray Player $199 at Costco (with HDMI cable)

Links:

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

What Is a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player?

Profile 1.0

Profile 1.1

Should I Only Buy a Profile 2.0 Player?

Will there be a Profile 3.0?

Helpful Links:

Links
CNET review of the Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7

Official Sony site for the Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR7