Archive for category CNET

Insignia NS-2BRDVD Blu-ray Player Reviewed

Feb 21

Posted by alan in 1080p, Blu-ray, Blu-ray Player Reviews, Blu-ray players, CNET, Firmware Updates, HDTV, Profile 1.1, Profile 2.0 | No Comments

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

Feb 12

Posted by alan in 1080p, 52-inch HDTVs, CNET, Sony | No Comments

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 Panasonic Viera TC-37LZ85 37-inch 1080p LCD

Feb 10

Posted by alan in CNET, David Katzmaier, LCD, Panasonic | No Comments

Panasonic Viera TC-37LZ85

CNET recently reviewed the Panasonic Viera TC-37LZ85 37-inch 1080p LCD and gave it a 6.6 out of 10 (or 3 out of 5 stars) rating. The 37-inch screen size is something new for Panasonic, who was previously known for its plasmas, whose smallest and most popular size was 42 inches.


Reviewer David Katzmaier liked the reproduction of deep blacks in the set, but liked the shadow detail even more. The set delivers good off-angle viewing, and has excellent screen uniformity. It comes with a good range of inputs, including 3 HDMI inuts, two component inputs, and one SD card slot.

Katzmaier didn’t like the inaccurate grayscale that produces a reddish tine to picture. The inability to adjust color temperature is almost inexcusable. The set also lacks a PC input.

Overall, the Panasonic Viear TV-37LX85 is well-priced for its performance, making it a solid value.

Panasonic Viera TC-37LZ85 Remote Control

Link:

Panasonic Viera TC-37LZ85 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV at Amazon.com

CNET reviews the Panasonic Viera TC-37LZ85

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

Feb 10

Posted by alan in 1080p, 50-inch HDTVs, CNET, David Katzmaier, HDTV Reviews, Panasonic, Plasma | No Comments

Panasonic TH-50VX100U

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

The Best HDTV Review Websites

Feb 9

Posted by alan in AVS Forums, CNET, Consumer Reports, David Katzmaier, HDTV | No Comments

When you’re going to drop some big bucks on an HDTV, you want to know what you’re getting into. And if you’re like me, you’re going to thoroughly research your purchase before you plunk down the money. A quick Google search will show that it can be hard to find good HDTV reviews. Below is a list of some websites and other resources that provide reviews and other information for HDTVs.

CNET.com

CNET HDTV Reviews

CNET is one of the best places to look for HDTV reviews. Its main strength is the sheer number of professional HDTV reviews. Their reviews are thorough, covering almost every important feature measurable for an HDTV. Its site is searchable and has numerous tools for listing and and sorting HDTVs by review rating, price, size, LCD, Plasma, manufacturer, and other categories.

Some drawbacks are that its database is so large, it can be somewhat daunting to sift through the data. The reviews can be filled with technical jargon that can be hard for the average consumer to understand.

One tip for using CNET is to scan the most recent reviews first. Viewing reviews of the newest HDTVs will give you an idea of what the latest bells and whistles for HDTVs are. To view CNET’s lastest HDTV reviews listed by review date, click here.

Link:

CNET HDTV Reviews

AVS Forums

AVS Forums

Another great HDTV resource is the AVS Forum. The AVS stands for Audio Visual Science, and the forums cover just about everything home-theater related. The great thing about the forum is that it’s filled with firsthand accounts from HDTV owners, including reviews of their sets. A thread on a popular HDTV can literally have thousands of posts.

What I like most about AVS Forum is that it’s the best place to get answers for unique or unusual questions you have about a particular set. You can use the built-in search feature or post your question on the board to get answers.

However, the forum can be filled with biased reviews, as people who have just dropped a lot of money on their HDTV tend to exaggerate the quality of their set. It can be tough to get a neutral, comparative point of view from reviewers.

Still, AVS Forum is an active mass of information and opinions from real consumers on the world of HDTV and home theater gathered together in one spot.

Link:

AVS Forum

Consumer Reports

ConsumerReports.org

Cosumer Reports is a great resource of professional HDTV reviews, but unfortunately, their information is not free. To access their site, it costs $5.95 for one month, $26.00 for a year, or $19.00 for subscribers of the magazine. Consumer Reports does a good job of describing HDTVs in easy-to-understand terms and comparing different sets to one another. They also point out HDTVs that are good values, that is, sets that give you the most for the buck.

Link:

ConsumerReports.org

CNET Reviews Vizio VP505XVT 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Nov 24

Posted by alan in CNET, Costco, David Katzmaier, HDTV, HDTV Reviews, Vizio | 1 Comment

Vizio 50-inch VP505XVT 1080p LCD HDTV

Vizio previously made inroads into the world of HDTVs as a bargain brand, but their most recent HDTVs are starting to impress reviewers with their quality as well as their price.

CNET recently took a look at the new Vizio 50-inch VP505XVT 1080p plasma HDTV ($1499 msrp) and was extremely impressed, rating it a 7.7 out of 10, the highest rating yet for a Vizio television. Reviewer David Katzmaier had this to say:

Simply put, the Vizio VP505XVT is one of the better-performing plasma TVs we’ve tested this year from any manufacturer. It delivered deep black levels, relatively accurate color, and solid video processing, thanks in part to HQV.

That’s a pretty strong statement for a bargain HDTV.

Remote Control for Vizio VP505XVT HDTV

Katzmaier liked the Vizio’s cheap price, deep black levels, realistic shadow detail, accurate grascale, extensive picture controls, and 4 HDMI inputs. They didn’t like the fact they noted some false contouring and an inaccurate green primary color reproduction. But overall, they found the set to be “Vizio’s best effort yet” and find it stands toe-to-toe with similar-sized but much more expensive models from other brands. Playback Magazine also reviewed the VP505XVT recently and was likewise impressed.

The Vizio’s $1499 price tag is the suggested manufacturer’s price and is likely to drop quickly in the near future. Be on the lookout for the Vizio VP505XVT on the shelves of Costco soon.

Links

CNET reviews the Vizio VP505XVT

Official Vizio VP505XVT website

Playback Magazine review

Best Blu-ray Player: Panasonic DMP-BD35

Oct 25

Posted by alan in 1080p, Blu-ray, Blu-ray Player Reviews, Blu-ray players, CNET, HDTV | 2 Comments

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

Oct 25

Posted by alan in 1080p, CNET, David Katzmaier, HDTV, HDTV Reviews, Sharp | No Comments

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

Oct 22

Posted by alan in 1080p, Bargains, Blu-ray, Blu-ray players, CNET, Hot Deals | No Comments

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

Oct 19

Posted by alan in 1080p, 120hz, Blooming, CNET, David Katzmaier, Full High Definition, HDTV Reviews, LCD, LED Backlight, Sony | 1 Comment

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.

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