LCD

Category Archives: LCD

Vizio 50-inch VP505XVT 1080p Plasma HDTV Reviewed

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The new Vizio 50-inch VP505XVT 1080p plasma HDTV ($1,499 msrp) is a sweet deal in terms of quality and screen size at a low price. PlayBack Magazine reviewed the Vizio VP505XVT and gave it some very high marks, including 10 out of 10 on their value scale. They summed up their review with this:

A true bargain, the Vizio sets the standard for affordable plasma excellence. With its high quality picture and equally good video
processing, this 50-inch set puts to shame other set out there that cost two to three times its highly affordable price.

They tested the set with the Blu-ray version of Seven Days in Tibet and found the color reproduction to be “full of expressive color” and “rich, but not overly saturated.” They also liked the set’s black levels and found shadow detail in dimly lit interior scenes to be “easily discernable,” an area where most bargain LCDs perform poorly.

Vizio XP505XVT specifications:

1080p
4 HDMI inputs
30,000:1 typical contrast ratio
1.073 billion colors
114.7 lb (with stand)

The Vizio VP505XVT is currently only available on Vizio’s website, where shipping costs ruin the bargain price, but hopefully it will be on the shelves of Costco soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up as one of 2009’s bestsellers.

Link:

Official Vizio VP505XVT website

Filed in LCD, Vizio | Comments (1)

Dell Home’s 2008 Black Friday Deals

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Dell Home (link) will have some HDTV-related deals for Black Friday. The most impressive is an XBOX 360 Arcade with 7 games, including Rock Band 2, for just $199. Wow. Check out all of Dell’s HDTV-related Black Friday deals below:

Sony BDP-S350 Blu-Ray Disc Player $249.99. This is a great player, but K-mart has same model for $180 on Thanksgiving Day. (Link.)

Sony HDX275 Home Theater System $229.99. 5-disc DVD/CD changer. 1000 watts. iPod dock. DVD upscaling to 1080p. HDMI interface.

Sharp LC42SB45U 42″ 1080p LCD HDTV $779.00. This is Sharp’s bargain line of LCDs. Not a bad price. Sears will have a 46-inch Sharp Acqous 1080p LCD for $900. (Link.)

XBOX 360 Arcade With 7 Games Including Rock Band 2 $199.00. The Arcade bundle includes 6 packaged games like Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, Boom Boom Rocket, Pac-Man Championship Edition, Uno, and Superstars Tennis. The real value is the addition of Rock Band 2, which is $60 on its own. Doesn’t come with instruments, however.

Via BlackFriday.info

Filed in Bargains, Black Friday, Blu-ray Player Reviews, Dell, Hot Deals, LCD | Comments (0)

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

Sunday, October 19, 2008

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.

Filed in 1080p, 120hz, Blooming, CNET, David Katzmaier, Full High Definition, HDTV Reviews, LCD, LED Backlight, Sony | Comments (0)

Collection of Vizio SV470XVT and SV420XVT Reviews

Saturday, October 11, 2008

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:

Filed in 1080p, 120hz, AVS Forums, Bargain HDTVs, Costco, Full High Definition, HDTV, HDTV Reviews, LCD, Sam's Club, Sears, Vizio | Comments (1)

Bargain: AOC 42-inch 1080p LCD for $799 at Costco

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Costco has the AOC L42H861 42-inch 1080p LCD HDTV for sale at $799 (original price: $1,000) while supplies last. PC World has a review of the AOC L42H761, which is essentially the same television. The Costco version, the L42H861, has a much better looking television stand (very Sumsung-ish). Prices are getting pretty low for large LCDs, it will be interesting to see what kind of deals there will be on Black Friday 2008.

Link to Bargain:

AOC 42-inch HDTV for $799 at Costco.

Helpful Links:

PC World’s review of the AOC L42H761.

Engadget HD post about the AOC L42H861.

Official AOC website.

Filed in 1080p, Bargains, Costco, Full High Definition, HDTV, High Definition, Hot Deals, LCD | Comments (0)

52-inch 1080p Sharp Aquos LCC-5262U LCD HDTV $1699 at Costco

Friday, June 27, 2008

Costco has the Sharp Aquos LCC-5262U listed as a “hot buy” on their website at $1,699. To give you an idea on price drops over time, one year ago, this is the price I paid for my 47-inch Vizio 1080p LCD from Costco. The Aquos delivers an overall better picture than the comparable 52-inch Vizio.

Deal link: Sharp Aquos LCC-5262U at Costco for $1699.

Helpful Links:

Discussion of Aquos vs Vizio 52-inchers at AVS Forums.

Filed in 1080p, AVS Forums, Bargain HDTVs, Bargains, Costco, Full High Definition, HDTV, HDTV Shopping, High Definition, LCD, Sharp | Comments (0)

When Is the Best Time to Buy an HDTV? Answer: Probably Now

Friday, April 4, 2008

Some believe spring to be the best time of year to buy an HDTV. Why? Because new HDTVs are released in the late spring or summer, and stores want to clear their inventory of old TVs beforehand. That usually means a sale.

The truth is, there are sales throughout the year. There are sales on Black Friday. Post-Christmas. Pre-Super Bowl. And P ost Super Bowl. In fact, HDTV prices fall slowly throughout the year. If you’re waiting for the lowest price, you may never actually purchase the television.

Over the past few years, the average price of HDTVs has fallen pretty quickly. In 2005, a 40-inch Samsung LCD had a retail price of $5,000. Now you can get one for $1,200. But it appears the days of dramatic price drops are dwindling. Consumer Reports is reporting a deceleration in falling prices for the 2008 Holiday season:

In midsized to larger LCD TVs, price cuts will range from 5 percent to 19 percent, according to industry experts at the recent DisplaySearch Flat-Panel TV Conference….

• a 32-inch 720p set will sell for $647, down 7 percent from December 2007
• a 37-inch 720p LCD TV will cost $782, down 5 percent
• a 40- or 42-inch 720p LCD TV will sell for $944, down 5 percent
• a 40- or 42-inch 1080p set will sell for $1,123, down 19 percent
• a 46- or 47-inch 1080p set will sell for $1,528, down 17 percent
• a 52-inch 1080p LCD TV will sell for $2,243, down 19 percent”

Other predictions are an increase in interest of 120 hz displays (despite a 30 percent penalty in cost); Costco, Wal-Mart, and other discount clubs becoming bigger players in HDTV sales thanks to year-round low prices and sales; and a focus on selling HDTV bundles (with Blu-ray players, cable packages, etc) in an attempt to increase profit margins that have been shrinking.

The deceleration in price drops may be comforting news to those who pride themselves in always getting the lowest price. They’re now more likely to pay close to what the television will sell for months from now. However, for those who are still waiting for that 55 incher to fall another 50%, they may waiting be a long time.

So, when is the best time to buy an HDTV? Well, if you can afford the TV you want, and you have access to HD content, it’s likely that today is as good as time as any. Except maybe for Black Friday. But do you want to deal with the crowds, or do you want to be watching the crowds on your 50-inch HDTV with a cup of hot cocoa in your hand?

Read Consumer Reports: Link 1. Link 2.

Read TV Predictions: Link.

Filed in Bargain HDTVs, Black Friday, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HDTV Shopping, LCD | Comments (0)

What Is the LCD HDTV Clouding Effect?

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Almost all LCD owners will notice some degree of clouding effect on their HDTVs during dark or completely black scenes. What is the clouding effect? It’s a varying degree of brightness visible across the screen. It can be caused by different sources, most often from uneven backlighting or flaws in the LCD’s matrix of thin-film transistors. Clouding is most noticeable when a single dark color is shown on the screen, eg, black or dark blue. Other terms for the effect are backlight bleed, flashlight effect, cloud effect, and mura or the mura effect. Mura is a Japanese word meaning an unevenness, blemish, or inconsistency. The clouding effect is generally limited to LCDs because plasmas have a different back light technology.

One way to combat this effect is to avoid watching your television in completely dark rooms. Turn on a lamp with a low light setting to keep a small amount of ambient light in the room. Some LCD manufacters offer ambient light built in to their television, most notably Philips Ambilight.

Filed in Clouding, Clouding Effect, HDTV Buying Tips, LCD, Mura, Plasma, backlight, backlight bleed, backlighting | Comments (1)

CNET’s Review of the Vizio VO47L

Sunday, March 23, 2008

CNET’s HD guru David Katzmaier has published a thorough review of the Vizio VO47L, giving it a score of 6.2 out of 10. Positives for the television include a bargain price, good color reproduction, 4 HDMI inputs, good screen uniformity, good-looking all-black bezel and speakers, and a comfortable remote control. The cons are poor black levels, the need to adjust the color settings out of the box, and only two aspect ratios for viewing HD content.

“[The VO47L’s] image quality stands solidly in the middle of the road, with those lighter black levels and subpar off-angle viewing characteristics seen on many other budget LCDs, but balanced by good color accuracy, at least after adjustment. You can still find numerous larger, 50-inch plasmas available for around the same price, but if you must have LCD and want a big screen for smaller money, the VO47LF deserves strong consideration.”

The score Katzmaier assigns the VO47L, 6.2, seems surprisingly low, as the Vizio GV47LF, 47-inch Vizio LCD the VO47L replaced (and is essentially the same as), is rated at 6.6. Perhaps the low score is an indication of the scales tipping in favor of plasma televisions, which, on average, offer a must better viewing experience than LCDs. Just browsing through CNET’s scores shows lower scores on average for most LCDs compared with plasmas. The main justification for the VO47L’s low score seems to be poor black levels, which have tended to be a strength for plasma technology.

Katzmaier’s mention of the VO47L’s better than average screen uniformity comes as a surprise, as Vizios (and most LCDs, in fact) are notorius for a clouding effect on dark screens. The VO47L’s good screen uniformity should come as a big plus for those thinking about buying the television, as it’s a rare attribute for bargain televisions. However, Katzmaier does mention noticing one corner of the screen is brighter than the rest. I’ve had a similar experience with my Vizio GV47LF, but it’s interesting to note that my screen uniformity has improved over time.

Link to review.

Also checkout our collection of VO47L customer reviews.

Filed in 1080p, CNET, Clouding Effect, David Katzmaier, Full High Definition, HDTV, High Definition, LCD, V047L, V047L Review, V047LF Customer Reviews, VO47L, VO47LF, Vizio | Comments (2)

2008’s Vizio 47-inch LCD VO47L to Replace 2007’s GV47LF

Saturday, January 19, 2008

It’s a new year, and along with it Vizio has introduced its 2008 LCDs. How much of an update is this year’s 47-inch 1080p LCD, the VO47L, over 2007’s GV47LF? There are few nice tweaks, but not enough to call it a major update.

Vizio added two more HDMI inputs for a total of four on the VO47L, as opposed to two on 2007’s GV47LF. Also, the VO47L comes with a 6-foot HDMI cable, a nice consumer-friendly touch from Vizio.

Vizio also updated the TV’s look. The VO47L now has black speakers along its undercarriage as opposed to the awkward silver look from last year’s GV47LF. A very smart design move. Although it now appears the speakers are no longer detachable.

Compare the pictures below:

2008’s VO47L:

2007’s GV47LF:

However, a big disappointment is an apparent lack of picture improvement for the 2008 model. The technical specs from Vizio’s site has the contrast ratio staying the same at 2000:1 contrast ratio (with DCR). Contrast ratio was one of the biggest weaknesses from last year’s model, so it’s a little surprising they didn’t choose to improve it. Until CNET gets around to reviewing the unit, potential buyers should probably check out reviews of last year’s GV47LF. Also, check out the V047L thread on the AVS Forums. New owners will report their reviews and problems there.

There are reports the VO47L is selling now in some Costco stores for $1,399. Other Costsco stores are reportedly holding back until they clear current inventory (probably the GV47LF). Vizio.com has the manufacturer’s price at $1,499. That is a lot less than last year’s GV47LF’s starting price of $1799.

*Update* I’ve gathered together customer reviews for the VO47L from the AVS forums here. There’s also a CNET review of television.

Links:

Official Vizio page for the VO47LF Evolution.

VO47L thread on AVS Forums.

EngadgetHD news blurb about all the new Vizios.

Filed in 1080p, Costco, GV47L, GV47LF, LCD, V047L, VO47L, VO47LF, Vizio | Comments (0)