Fully Loaded Review : Samsung LCD HDTV

Samsung LN26B360 Review

2009-12-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

Samsung LN26B360 Review
26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Lowest Price Samsung LN26B360 on Sale at the Best Price Store!

I have had this tv for 3 weeks and its been awesome. The colors are vivid, the sound is crisp and the use of the new style remote is simplistic. I bought this so that my wife and I could have a workout "partner" while we exercised - this Samsung 26" HDTV has definitely "fit" the bill! Perfect size for hanging in our basement. Surprisingly good picture quality and light enough to easily install on a swivel wall mount system. Outstanding value for the price. I have it hooked up to DirecTV and notice no blurry or pixelation on sports programming whatsoever. I would disgreard knee jerk negative reviews of this product. This is my 3rd Samsung and have not had one bad experience yet.

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Samsung LN32B550

2009-07-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN32B550
32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Customer Review

High Praise for this TV,

I have traditionally been a fan of the Sharp, or Sony TV's, however, I was looking for a TV to fit in a cabinet in my bedroom. I wanted to get the largest one that would fit my space restrictions. The Samsungs, in general, seem to sit lower on their stands than most other brands and really provided the only 32 inch option that would fit my height restrictions. I sure am glad this was the case.

This TV is wonderful. The best part is the picture. It just looks great. The swivel stand is a very nice touch too. I hadn't been looking for it, but it is quite useful as the TV is not directly in front of the bed. The settings and adjustments available are plentiful and adequate. The menus to access them are clean and intuitive.

Another wonderful feature is the energy saving modes. One can set varying levels of energy saving which controls the intensity / brightness of the light for lower power consumption. There is even an auto mode that will adjust the intensity based on what is currently on the screen. This is perfect for the bedroom. When it is late and I am starting to fall asleep I don't like the TV as bright. Energy saving mode is perfect for this and it saves power.

Another feature that I have been wanting in a TV and didn't have until now is a volume moderator. The TV will increase or lower volume automatically to make up for varying source volumes.

The TV seems performant. I haven't had a chance to plug my gaming laptop into one of the 4 HDMI inputs, but with heavy action scenes on TV I haven't seen any ghosting of images. Blacks look black and colors are sharp. No noticable artifacts of any kind.

All in all I am very happy with the purchase.

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Samsung Widget TV

2009-07-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

Samsung Internet TV

Samsung’s new online trickery is called Internet@TV. Press a remote button and your favoured widgets appear along the bottom of the screen. Once online there’s no denying that it’s a compelling way to access the web. There’s no need to boot up a PC, just choose your widgets from the TV’s gallery and personalise them to show local weather or news feeds and your own Flickr gallery. The widgets open in a panel on the left, which does eat up your screen, but the size of the TV feed can be adjusted to suit.

Internet features in Samsung TV is not all that great in 2009. With Widgets (small applications) you can link to some city to find weather conditions and forecasts for 5 days. With the stock widget you can enter your stock or mutual funds and get quotes. There is an image widget that lets you upload your photos and review. There is a widget to receive the news and most important news. Widgets are a little slow to boot but you can leave them open on the side of the TV and shrink the TV picture to be full image beside the widget or have the widget overlay the TV with the push of a button.

I have not seen the ability to download a movie and I hope that someone will write a widget to do it soon. You can go to Yahoo Widgets and download any number of interesting new applications shortly. I use a box (Voodoo) for downloading and streaming movies. Someday soon, you will not need a separate box.

The wireless connection requires a Samsung USB connected to a USB port available. It sells for $ 80 and is back ordered for 4 weeks. Use a wired connection, but I will go wireless when there is a good reason.

Samsung Widget TV

Widget it up

Your widgets sit at the bottom of the screen. Hit a remote control button to call them up, then scroll to select

Coming soon

Are Flickr, news and weather widgets perhaps not enough? Among others to appear soon are YouTube and Ebay apps according to Yahoo

Samsung TV with Widgets Feature...

Samsung LCD 32-inch Unboxing

2009-07-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Find 32-inch LCD set ??

Review: Samsung LN32B460

What I like: There is no movement blur (although it sometimes feels a little "off" frames which are extinct), SD looks better than I thought it would, beautiful picture of the DVD pretty color, nice looking TV.

What I don't like : Viewing angle is not good at all if you move only one step away from the center, the picture begins to wash. Black is not deep enough for my taste, if you change the settings so they are, then the entire picture is just not bright enough. Also, I do not know what is the right word, but the picture as a whole just seems a little lower RES when close screen (3 meters) on the whole picture looks kind of "champagne", and there was heat haze to it. Higher rates of SD .... Maybe this is just a way LCDs look? It considers pixelation?

More Review Samsung LN32B460...

LCD and OLED

2009-07-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

LCD vs LED Technology

LED is a new technology in TVs and Computer Monitors and distinctly different from LCD or TFT. LCD requires a backlight, LED does not. LCD uses silicon-based devices, LED uses organic plastic-based devices. LCD has low contrast, LED has very high contrast. LCD is now very old technology and will be replaced by the new organic LED quite quickly over next few years.

Find Model of Samsung LCD TV.
Find Samsung LED TV.

What is an OLED?

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) is a flat display technology, made by placing a series of organic thin films between two conductors. When electrical current is applied, a bright light is emitted. Because OLEDs produce (emit) light they do not require a backlight. This means that OLEDs can be made very thin and very power efficient when compared to LCD (which do require a white backlight).

OLEDs vs LCDs

OLEDs have the following advantages over today's flat-panel tech (LCD or plasma):

Low power consumption - OLEDs are a far better choice for portable devices. It also makes OLEDs much more environmental friendly, and a candidate to be the white-light "bulb" of the future
Faster refresh rate and better contrast.
Greater brightness - The screens are brighter, and have a fuller viewing angle.
Exciting displays - new types of displays, that we do not have today, like ultra-thin, flexible or transparent displays.
Better durability - OLEDs are very durable and can operate in a broader temperature range.
Lighter weight - the screen can be made very thin, and can even be 'printed' on flexible surfaces.

See Sony OLED TV.

[oled-info.com]

Samsung LN26B460 Review

2009-07-12T02:01:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN26B460

26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Technical Details

26-inch high definition TV with 720p resolution
Three HDMI, one component, and one composite video input
Improved picture with 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 8ms response time and Wide Color Enhancer 2 technology
Two 5W bottom speakers and SRS TruSurround HD for a rich surround-sound experience from two speakers
One-year parts and labor warranty
Read full Spec...

Customer Reviews

NO PIP ??

Picture in picture, IMHO, is way overrated. I have people who claim my TV is awful despite its great picture because it doesn't have PIP. Whatever! Anyways, PIP only works if you use the TV's ATSC or QAM tuner. If you use HD cable, then you'll need a STB that has that feature and most don't have it. But like I said, PIP is overrated. Most people usually watch only one program at a time. I can't see myself simultaneously watching two channels at once.

But I'm sure the B460 is better than the A450 because newer models tend to be better, especially in terms of contrast ratio. The B460 is 50,000:1 while the A450 is only 10,000:1.

Simply amazed!

This is my first LCD tv. I spent a lot of time looking at them in stores, reading reviews & finally decided that Samsung would provide me the best value for my money.
I purchased this 26" for my bedroom & it's the perfect size. I was a little nervous setting it up but it was so simple. From attaching the stand, hooking it up & setting up the menu options. The picture is amazing! The colors are wonderful, the blacks are not washed out at all but appear rich & dark. There are a number of setting options to achieve the perfect picture for you, including adjusting the backlight.

The sound is good, for a bedroom tv I'm not looking for a movie theater experience & quite frankly, I wouldn't expect tv speakers to ever give me that. I would expect to buy separate speakers. The sound is just as good, if not better, then any past tv I have owned. I have a computer desk off to the side & often glance over at the tv and can view the screen just fine from side angles.

There's also a sleep timer for turning both off & on. I've watched everything from movies to sports to regular shows. Also, for anyone nervous about getting this tv without HD, it's looks incredible even without the HD! There are tons of connections on this model too, including 3 HDMI (2 in the back & one on the side). There is a PC connection too but I haven't tried that or the game mode. I can't find a single negative thing to say & as a plus, the tv itself has a very classy sharp appearance. Very, very happy!

See more Review...

[Amazon.com]

USB Port can lead a Virus to our TV??

2009-07-11T01:57:00.000-07:00

TV USB Port and Virus ?

For now in this globalization, everyone continues using USB Flash-drive. It is easy and fit to take to go somewhere, may be in the form of the key ring or the locket. Because of the ease of using Flash Drive, to save it easily done. And retrieving information is very simple.

Currently giant television manufacturers such as Sony, Samsung, Philips, LG and Panasonic have installed USB Port on their television. So now make browsing files from Flash Drive does not need to do via computer. But everyone still doubt with "It's coming with Virus"

But don't afraid to use it because all LCD and Plasma TV USB port have no operating system, it isn't possible to inflect virus on your television.

To clarify : In computer or laptop when it caused an infection it will be inflected from the operating system as we know in the name of Microsoft Windows. Another obvious example is the mobile phone, if you have a Nokia 3310 or other models nearby. You will never have a virus inflection problem because those model have no operating system as we know in the name of Symbian. However if you use N or E series, sometime you will meet this problem since they have an operating system.

Conclusion : Plasma and LCD TV which have USB port or SD Card is an extremely features. To make your purchase, don't worry for virus inflection problem.

Samsung TV with USB port :

Panasonic TV with SD Card :

LG TV with USB port :

B650 vs A750

2009-07-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Find the different?

Hope it helps !!

Stand : Samsung B650 stand swivels, the A750 doesn't.

USB Flash Drive : B650 includes a USB flash drive with the user guide on it. And B650 has 2 USB ports. So you can use a wireless network adapter in one and a USB flash drive in the other.

PIP : Samsung B650 picture in picture will work with the analog or digital tuner. But A750 PIP only worked with the analog tuner.

Input : B650 doesn't have an S-video input, like the A750. (S-Video inputs are history on the Samsungs). Another, the side and rear inputs move from the left on the A750 to the right on the B650. (looking from the front)

Network : The B650 has the USB 2.0 Movie/photo/music, InfoLink, Anynet and network connection.

DLNA-Compatible : the 40 inch and larger include the Content Library and DLNA network (to access your PC content)

Mode : The B650 has the new "Custom" mode AMP fine tuning adjustments. There is a new (now 4) picture mode on the B650. (A "Natural" mode between Standard and Movie)

Other : The picture IMO is improved slightly on the B650 vs. the A750. The contrast is noticeably improved. Diagonal line jaggies are improved. SD broadcast artifacts seem lessened. (Especially the crap around text.). The menu colors look better.

Samsung LN37B550

2009-07-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN37B550

37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
with Red Touch of Color

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Manufacturer's Review (April 20, 2009)

With the Samsung 37-inch LN37B550 HDTV, you're investing in a high-quality LCD TV that offers top-of-the-line picture quality with 1080p high definition resolution. Enjoy the sharpest details and vivid color with 70,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more realistic images and a 6ms (millisecond) response time--virtually eliminating any blurring and providing smooth motion while watching fast-paced sports and action movies. Superb connectivity and networking with a USB port and four HDMI 1.3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) means this HDTV plays well with all of your other electronics.

This HDTV is accented by Samsung's TOC (Touch of Color) bezel design, which offers a hint of red translucent color around the edges of the unit for a uniquely fashionable look. Plus, it's Energy Star compliant, which helps you be green while saving on your electric bill.

Read Full Spec...

Step up to the power of Full HD on a 37-inch LCD screen, with Samsung LN37B550. The amazing 1080p resolution, the highest available, with Wide Color Enhancer renders the most crisp vivid tones, in every frame for the most realistic picture quality. Black tones and shadows are strikingly superb, thanks to the 70,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The attractive Touch of Color design, a red accent at the bezel¿s edge, lights up any room. A fast 6ms response time offers smooth, clear action. Watch or listen to files from your favorite media player, using the USB 2.0 input. Connecting your DVD, cable or satellite HD box, or Blu-ray Disc player is a snap, with four HDMI inputs. And thanks to SRS TruSurround HD technology, all the HD excitement sounds as incredible as it looks.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Awesome TV, July 3, 2009

This is a great TV from Samsung. I was looking at Bravia and this one. The Bravia has some dull colors while colors on the Samsung are very vibrant and beautiful. Also, it has a better contrast ratio. The viewing angles are great and you cannot complain at all with this one.
It is very good for watching blu-ray movies and playing games off PS3. The sound from the TV is amazing as well.

It has some great features like USB-picture (hope it had USB-movie too like in the B650). A very easy to use TV, no complex menus to deal with and no hassle. It has 4 HDMI input ports and a PC-port (to connect a computer). The swivel stand is a small but a handy feature.

Overall an awesome product and a great TV...Love it!!!

By Vidit Bhargava
[Amazon.com]

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Samsung LN40B630

2009-07-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN40B630

40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV
with Red Touch of Color

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Manufacturer's Review (April 20, 2009)

With the Samsung 40-inch LN40B630 HDTV, you're investing in a high-quality LCD TV that offers top-of-the-line picture quality with 1080p high definition resolution. Enjoy the sharpest details and vivid color with an 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more realistic images and Samsung's Wide Color Enhancer 3 technology for a more natural rendering of colors. It also incorporates a number of innovative features to reduce the motion blur and image judder, which traditionally plague LCD HDTVs when displaying fast movement. This B630 series HDTV combines an ultra-fast 4ms (millisecond) response time with Samsung's Auto Motion Plus frame interpolation technology, which utilizes a 120Hz refresh rate helps ensure crisp, easy viewing of sports, video games and movies.

You get superb connectivity and networking with 2 USB ports--for playing MP3 audio and displaying JPEG/MPEG files--and four HDMI 1.3 ports, and it also includes access to Samsung's InfoLink RSS service, which can instantly display updated news, sports, weather and stocks information with a touch of the remote. This HDTV is accented by Samsung's TOC (Touch of Color) bezel design, which offers a hint of red translucent color around the edges of the unit for a uniquely fashionable look. Plus, it's Energy Star compliant, which helps you be green while saving on your electric bill.

Read full spec...

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Samsung LN40B630 Vs. Sony KDL-40V5100

Samsung's Fabulous B630 Non-glare LCD HDTV, May 11, 2009

Being the first to review the 2009 Samsung LN40B630 on Amazon was purely an accident in that I actually bought the new Sony KDL-40V5100 on April 2nd. At that time, the Samsung B650 had just come out, but its high gloss panel would not have performed well in my brightly lit room. My high definition projection TV had kicked the bucket after 8-years, but I rarely enjoyed watching HD because the daylight glare would wash out the picture. The Sony's non-glare screen performed well except when the picture would black out during dark movie scenes. I discovered that many of the V5100 series have had this glitch and Sony had no fix for it at that time. To Best Buy's credit, they cheerfully exchanged the Sony under their 30-day return policy and delivered the Samsung B630 model which has a non-glare screen and is similar to the popular B650.

My expectations of the new Samsung were that it would perform much like the Sony. I could not have been more wrong. The B630 was like viewing another huge leap in a television experience, while the Sony seemed to be of past technology. The depth and breadth of Samsung's visual color tones are astounding and mesmerizing. A perfect example of that came from viewing scenes of the Caribbean Sea. The Sony could not match the Samsung's Wide Color Enhancer 3 processor with its three dimensional qualities and vibrant tones of turquoise, sea green, cobalt blue, coral pink and white sand clearly seen under the sea. It literally was like being there.

The Samsung's dynamic contrast of 80,000-1 was visibly superior to the Sony's 50,000-1 and convinced me that Samsung's contrast rating was more than a marketing numbers game. The viewing angle of the Sony was horrific when moving away from center by seeing flesh tones morph into green. Samsung's viewing angle was far better by maintaining the proper color tones, but it did lose contrast and brightness. Of course, a slight turn of its swivel base helped to alleviate Samsung's viewing angle issue.

The downside to Samsung's advanced technology was that every movie appeared as video and lost its magical cinema quality. Sony was superior in dealing with this issue. To address that problem, the backlight and contrast settings have to be toned down to soften the picture and to preserve a film's attributes. Most importantly, an adjustment to the 120 Hz Motion Plus feature must be done in order to keep movies from appearing surreal. While some recommend turning the 120 Hz off, I found video blurring far too annoying and placed the Auto Motion Plus to a custom setting of 6 for blur and judder reduction. That seemed like a good compromise without losing much of the film's realistic movement. Experiment with every adjustment to find your best settings and calibration instructions are easily found on [...]. It all came together beautifully for me and hopefully this information can be helpful to you.

One bad design feature was the power and channel functions on the TV itself. You cannot see where they are unless you have light shining directly on them. As long as you use only the remote control, it may be a non-issue. By-the-way, in case you were wondering how effective the non-glare screen was on the Samsung B630; it was perfect. I experienced crystal clear high definition TV -- Day or Night.

By Rich Vergo
[Amazon.com]

Read Full Review...

Samsung LN40B650 Review

2009-07-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN40B650

40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Manufacturer's Review (April 20, 2009)

With the Samsung 40-inch LN40B650 HDTV, you're investing in a high-quality LCD TV that offers top-of-the-line picture quality with 1080p high definition resolution. Enjoy the sharpest details and vivid color with a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more realistic images and Samsung's Wide Color Enhancer 3 technology for a more natural rendering of colors. It also incorporates a number of innovative features to reduce the motion blur and image judder, which traditionally plague LCD HDTVs when displaying fast movement. This B650 series HDTV combines an ultra-fast 4ms (millisecond) response time with Samsung's Auto Motion Plus frame interpolation technology, which utilizes a 120Hz refresh rate helps ensure crisp, easy viewing of sports, video games and movies.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

STUNNING. Period., March 29, 2009
By Matt Drostdy "Matt"

I'm happy to be the first to rate this wonderful LCD. I'll be short and to the point, and maybe come back and supplement this review after a few more weeks of use.

Aesthetically, the TV is clean and elegant. Love the touch of red. Love the crystal base. Love the fact that it swivels. It's a beautiful piece of equipment, and looks a good bit more modern than the more curvilinear A model. I'm very happy I waited for this one.

Set up was a snap. Took me about 2 minutes to connect the base. It took longer to remove the stickers. The manual is on a little USB drive that plugs in the side of the TV, but I haven't bothered with it yet.

The picture is stunning, right out of the box. Absolutely beautiful. Only adjustment I made was to turn the brightness down slightly, as I have a very dark TV room.

The on-screen graphics and menus are both intuitive and elegantly designed. I hate when the industrial design is carefully considered, and the on-screen UI is forgotten. That didn't happen here. Both are wonderful.

I somewhat skeptically connected my camera card reader to one of the USB plugs on the side, and inserted a memory card from my father's camera. He'd hoped to show us pictures, but didn't have a plan for how. Perfect timing, as the TV had arrived that day. The TV recognized the card, and very quickly we were watching pictures and video in high res on our new TV. Fantastic.

Less than perfect: the sound. Actually, it's a bit of joke. But, that doesn't effect my rating because I don't feel that the internal speakers are really meant to be used w/ a TV like this. I'm using a 5 channel surround system, but before I hooked it up, I heard the speakers. It makes sense that they wouldn't sound good since you can't even see them.

Also less than perfect was the delivery process via this company, CEVA/Eagle. Note that they claimed to have contacted me via email to set up delivery, but I never rec'd anything. They didn't call. So, I had to google them and call them. Plan for this! Stay on top of them. The driver called me no less than 4 times during the day, each time making up some goofy excuse for being even later. I think he was watching the NCAA tournament at a bar somewhere. But, in the end, it arrived 1 day late, and in perfect condition. So, I don't care. And, I can't take away a star from the TV due to the delivery service. I just think Amazon needs to communicate the process better with it's customers and make sure that CEVA does a better job too.

Anyway, Amazon's price is great, the TV is fabulous. Enjoy!

Read Full Review...

[Amazon]

Samsung LN32B650 vs. Sony KDL-32XBR9

2009-07-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN32B650

Vs.

Sony KDL-32XBR9

LN32B650 Better than 32" XBR9, April 12, 2009
By Isi Jr.

I got this TV a few days ago and i can honestly say that the picture looks like a million bucks. My brother has the Sony 32" XBR9 TV and this Samsung TV completely blows it away. For a better picture the TV has to be calibrated (by a pro or yourself using online manuals) and your blu-ray system as well.

I have this TV hooked up to my PS3 and my 360 and the picture looks amazing. The ability to have this TV connect to the net is a huge plus. You can check the Weather, News, and Stock Market info all with the push of a button.

Movies look great running at 1080p/24! If you want a TV with a superior picture then this is the TV for you!

Read Full Review : Click!

[Amazon]

Samsung LN32B650

2009-07-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN32B650

32-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Technical Details

32-inch LCD HDTV with full HD 1080p resolution for the sharpest picture possible and red Touch of Color design
Auto Motion Plus 120Hz for amazingly fluid motion, 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 4ms response time, Wide Color Enhancer 3 for more vivid colors
InfoLink RSS feeds of news, weather and sports via Ethernet; side-mounted USB port for displaying JPEG/MPEG files and listening to MP3 audio
Inputs: 4 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 1 PC, 2 USB, 1 Ethernet, 1 optical digital audio output
Includes removable stand; measures 31.6 x 23.7 x 9.4 inches with stand; 10-watt x 2 bottom mounted speakers

› See more technical details

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Manufacturer's Review (April 20, 2009)

With the Samsung 32-inch LN32B650 HDTV, you're investing in a high-quality LCD TV that offers top-of-the-line picture quality with 1080p high definition resolution. Enjoy the sharpest details and vivid color with a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more realistic images and Samsung's Wide Color Enhancer 3 technology for a more natural rendering of colors. It also incorporates a number of innovative features to reduce the motion blur and image judder, which traditionally plague LCD HDTVs when displaying fast movement. This B650 series HDTV combines an ultra-fast 4ms (millisecond) response time with Samsung's Auto Motion Plus frame interpolation technology, which utilizes a 120Hz refresh rate helps ensure crisp, easy viewing of sports, video games and movies.

You get superb connectivity and networking with 2 USB ports--for playing MP3 audio and displaying JPEG/MPEG files--and four HDMI 1.3 ports, and it also includes access to Samsung's InfoLink RSS service, which can instantly display updated news, sports, weather and stocks information with a touch of the remote. This HDTV is accented by Samsung's TOC (Touch of Color) bezel design, which offers a hint of red translucent color around the edges of the unit for a uniquely fashionable look. Plus, it's Energy Star compliant, which helps you be green while saving on your electric bill.

In addition to this 32-inch model, the Samsung B650 series also includes the 1080p 37-inch LN37B650, 40-inch LN40B650, 46-inch LN46B650, and 55-inch LN55B650 as well as the 720p 19-inch LN19B650 and 22-inch LN22B650.

Key Features

Screen Size: 32 inches
Full 1080p HD (Learn more)
Blazing fast 4ms response time minimizes blurring of fast motion in sports programs. (Learn more)
HD-Grade 1920 (H) x 1080 (V) pixel resolution: High-resolution pixel density is combined with a built-in image scaler to handle inputs from a variety of digital and analog audio/video sources.
Built-in digital tuner: No external box needed
Auto Motion Plus 120Hz: Advanced processing that reduces blur and enhances image detail when viewing fast motion video sequences. (Learn more)
Ultra Clear Panel: Advanced LCD technology lets you enjoy crisp image details, natural skin tones, excellent shadow detail, and vibrant colors.
Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient, simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC content sources.
Game Mode enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games. Picture and sound quality optimized for the special needs of gaming systems at the touch of a button.
Side-mounted USB 2.0 port: Connect USB devices directly to your HDTV to view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV's audio system or your home theater system.
Touch of Color (ToC): Samsung's unique manufacturing process accents the surrounding bezel with a stylish red tone. (Learn more)
Wide Color Enhancer 3 optimizes a given color's hue, resulting in more natural rendering of colors. (Learn more)
Audio: Two 10-watt stereo speakers (for 20 watts of total power)
SRS TruSurround HD creates an immersive, feature-rich surround sound experience from two speakers, complete with rich bass, high frequency detail and clear dialog.
InfoLink: Get free RSS feeds of news, weather and sports right to your HDTV with a built-in Ethernet port (Learn more)
Variable sleep timer can be programmed to turn the TV off at different time intervals.
Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
Energy Star Compliant: Reduces energy consumption by up to 25 percent compared with standard TVs.
Swivel stand included.
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support

Connections

A wide variety of multimedia devices can be connected to the set through any one of the four HDMI 1.3 inputs (including one on the side). Connect HD digital devices like disc players, game consoles, and satellite dish components into the two rear connections and use the side-mounted input for cameras, camcorders, and laptops. HDMI is the best performing interface for displaying an HD source on an HDTV.

HDMI (version 1.3): 4
Component: 2 rear
Composite A/V: 1 rear/1 side (shared with component)
USB 2.0: 2
PC input (15-pin, D-Sub): 1
Ethernet: 1
RS232C: 1
Digital audio output: 1 optical

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[Amazon]

Samsung LN52B750

2009-07-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN52B750

52-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV with Charcoal Grey Touch of Color

Front

The front of the LN52B750 has the same clean, simple design as the other models Samsung announced this year, with a stand made of aluminum and glass. One difference is a change in the styling of the bottom part of the bezel, though; a clear space separates the screen itself from the speaker bar at the bottom.

Sides

The left side of the LN52B750 has no major features, but the right is the home to the side ports panel. The LN52B750 is slightly deeper than the high-end LED backlight models that Samsung has announced this year at about 2 to 3 inches thick, but it doesn't look or feel overweight.

Stand/Mount

The stand has the same styling as all of Samsung's 2009 line, with a large piece of aluminum forming the base plate, and a glass pillar holding up the main part of the screen. It's a very attractive look that makes the panel look rather like it is floating on air. Standard VESA mounting ports are located on the back of the LN52B750, and the entire stand can be removed for wall mounting.

Display Size & Technology

The panel in the LN52B750 is a 52-inch LCD panel that has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. uses CCFL (Cold Cathode Florescent Light) backlights. Although we are seeing an increasing trend for LED backlights, that's restricted to the higher end models, and middle of the range models like this one are still using the older technology. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though; CCFLs are a proven technology.

Refresh Rate & Motion

The major upgrade that this model includes is the addition of a 240Hz refresh rate and an update to Samsung's Auto Motion Plus motion processing. The increase in the refresh rate (last year's models only did 120Hz) should mean smoother motion, as the screen is updated more often and the TV attempts to smooth out fast movement between frames that can cause juddering or jerky motion. We'll have to wait and see how effective this (and the update to the Auto Motion Plus) will be until we can get in a review unit, but the demos that Samsung were showing certainly looked promising.

Viewing Angle

We saw a wide viewing angle from the LN52B750; colors started fading out at about 30 to 40 degrees from straight on, but they were still pretty viewable at wider angles. We did see that the edges of the screen seemed to get brighter at more extreme angles, but this may be related to the pre-production nature of the display. Samsung also claims to have improved the front of the screen with the addition of a polarizing filter that helps to block reflections

Color

Samsung offers something called Wide Color Enhancer 3, which they claim matches the colors of the video source more accurately to the colors that the display can actually reproduce. Samsung claim that this means more accurate but vibrant colors, but we weren't able to test this feature at the show. An additional viewing mode called Natural is also present, which aims for color accuracy rather than the exaggerated colors that some modes produce.

Audio & Video Ports

We were not able to get access to the back of the LN52B750 to determine which ports were on offer, but we were able to ascertain that there should be 4 HDMI ports in total, plus a selection of analog inputs on the back. On the side of the LN52B750 are a selection of ports designed for devices that need to be plugged in and removed on a more regular basis, shown in the photo below. These are (from the top) a USB port, a HDMI port, an additional USB port, and a combination of composite video and analog audio inputs. Noticeably absent here is a headphone port.

Read More...
[Televisioninfo.com]

Samsung LN46B650

2009-06-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN46B650

46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

The BEST Review!

Excellent Picture Quality (Unless you need a matte screen), April 30, 2009

**May 1, 2009 Updates at the bottom
**May 8, 2009 Updates at the bottom
**May 14, 2009 -- I've updated my final calibration

I just received my LN46B650 today so I may update this review in time. Feel free to comment with questions and I'll try to respond to them in later updates.

UNBOXING
The box for the LN46B650 comes is not too much larger than the TV dimensions itself. Sometimes you'll see a 32" TV come in a box that could easily fit one much larger. I wouldn't exactly call it environmentally friendly, but the box easily fit through doorways and into the elevator of my apartment building. The box is fitted with Styrofoam at the corners to keep the TV in its place and inflated plastic bags filling in all the empty space. There is the typical screen protective plastic in place and I found that the TV came in excellent condition with no noticeable shipping damage. I used Amazon.com's shipping company, the handling of other shippers may vary.

In the box is the stand (which comes with assembly instructions, though mine was already assembled), remote, 2 x AA batteries, a USB flash drive containing multimedia content and the TV instruction manual, a cover for the bottom of the TV in case you wish to mount it on a wall, a cleaning cover,screws for securing the stand to the TV, a power cord and a software CD for connecting the TV to a Windows Vista or XP computer via ethernet connections.

Moving the box by myself was a bit difficult as it is still quite larger, once I got it out of the box though, the TV is very light for a 23 year old male and getting it on the stand was very easy. Once on the stand it snaps in place, you can (optionally) insert screws to keep it locked into the stand.

Inserting the power cord and connecting my components to the TV was easy, but the cable management system for the TV is pretty much non existent -- cables pretty much dangle behind the TV.

DESIGN
There is a lot of debate about whether the Touch of Color Red Design is a good thing or bad thing. Also, you'll see on last year's models that some people claim it's barely noticeable while some people claim it's a major game changer. My TV sits on a black TV stand in a spot in the room that sits in the shade -- I can barely see the red color. However, I feel that if you were to shine a lot of light on it, it would quickly become very noticeable.

The bezel is not quite as thick as I thought it looked in the Amazon.com pictures (which are Samsung's official PR shots). There is a somewhat "fat" pointed chin which I don't think looks too terrible. If you look at the pictures you'll notice that the glass of the bezel extends about half an inch beyond the actual TV bezel, I kind of like it. The neck of the stand is a glass pillar and very nice looking. The stand itself is surprisingly deep compared to the TV stand, but, again, not a bad thing, it's just hard to see in the pictures.

The built in TV controls sit on the bottom right hand corner of the bezel and are impossible to see from more than a foot away. It's a good thing for watching movies, but when I told somebody how to lower the volume on the TV, they couldn't find the buttons. I should also note that the buttons are touch sensitive there's no tactile way to find them or get feedback when pressing them. To the right of the buttons is a red light that turns on when the remote is pressed or the TV controls are pressed. It is otherwise always off unless the TV is in standby.

I should point out that the TV is very glossy and during very dark scenes it is absolutely necessary to shade your windows. Even when the not in dark scenes, I found that the bezel reflects what the screen does not. When I closed my blinds, the TV looks absolutely superb. The bezel is no longer noticeable, dark scenes are fantastic.

The remote is fairly straight forward. The design is just a tiny bit red like the TV bezel, buttons are nice and large and easy to memorize. The backlight button for the remote sits in the top right corner of it and when pressed illuminates the keys fairly well.

There are a good number of connectivity options which are thoroughly explained on the Amazon.com specs or on Samsung's website.

MENUS/SETTINGS
Turning the TV sent me through a few welcome menus that I didn't particularly want. The first thing the TV did was begin scanning for channels -- but I have my cable box connected via HDMI so there was nothing to scan. Stopping the channel scan process was easy, though, and when I got out of the welcome menus and switched to the HDMI 1 source, the TV was easy to use.

The menu layout is not atypical of other HDTVs you may have had the chance to use. Pushing the menu button brings up a series of menus indicated by pictograms for picture, audio, antenna setup, general TV setup, input setup, Application (media/internet functions) and Help. One thing I don't like, is that one feature that I like to be able to adjust on the fly, automotion plus (or refresh rate), is buried in menu -> picture -> picture options -> Auto Motion Plus. It's a pain to get to if you're just trying to adjust the setting for one channel.

The menu gives you very simple descriptions for each setting that you're adjusting. Sometimes they're fairly obvious but I imagine for some people it clears up some ambiguity. For an example, when I highlight "color" the bottom of the menu reads, "Adjusts the color saturation of the picture using the bar on the screen. The closer to 100, the more saturated the color."

I connected my TV directly to my computer network via ethernet cable. I had absolutely no issue in setting this up, the TV detected my network settings without any problems.

One nice feature is that you can rename the sources on your TV to pre-designated alternates. For an example, I named HDMI1 "Cable Set Top Box" and HDMI2 "Game" and Component1 "DVD." It makes things easier for non-technical people. Picture settings are always retained based on the source, if you keep your HDMI source on "movie" mode and adjust the picture settings, every time you watch HDMI these settings will be restored.

[-----READ FULL REVIEW : CLICK!-----]

By M. Joachim "Matt"
[Amazon.com]

LCD Buying Guide Article

2009-06-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

High Definition vs. Standard Definition

Before we begin, we need to establish a couple of basic terms. The HD in HDTV stands for high definition. In comparison, those old boxy TVs that we grew up with are standard definition, (SD), though they were never called that because there was no HD.

Without be too technical or exact, the picture that we see on a TV screen is made up of thousands of little dots called pixels. SD TVs use fewer pixels to create a picture, which means less detail - or definition - than an HDTV. More definition translates to a sharper, cleaner, finer image - a "honey come look at this" humdinger of a picture.

Representation of 1080p, 720p & 480i - More Pixels = Sharper Image

Definition for TVs is stated in terms of resolution. When you go shopping, you will probably run across these two common resolution numbers, 720p and 1080p. As you would guess, a 1080p TV uses more pixels than a 720p TV. Both are considered high definition TVs. (For comparison, standard definition is usually stated as 480i or 480p. I don't even want to get into i, interlace, and p, progressive.) I will discuss resolution as a factor in choosing a TV later.

To an extent, buying TVs in 2009 is easier than it used to be because almost nobody makes standard definition TVs anymore. If you go into a store, you really have to search for them. So if you are buying a new model TV, about your only choice is an HDTV. In a couple of years, we will simply drop the HD tag and go back to calling them TVs.

Picture Quality - Minding Your P's & Q's

For me, the foundation for judging any HDTV is picture quality, which cannot be reduced to one characteristic like sharpness or contrast or color. Picture quality is a combination of all those and more. It's the gestalt.

When you experience great picture quality, you'll nod your head and think, "Damn, that's what all this hubbub about HDTVs is about."

The problem is that picture quality is subjective. For example, I'm particularly sensitive to overly colorful skin tones, so a pleasing picture to me may seem way too desaturated to you.

Samsung LN52B750 52-Inch

In my reviews, I will give you my opinion about a TV's picture quality, but you're the one that has to live with your choice. And the real fly in the ointment is that it is really difficult for you to judge a TV's picture quality by strolling through the HDTV aisles in a big box store - even harder online.

If you can, I would suggest that you carry your favorite DVD with you and find a store that you can play it on a few TVs. If nothing else, get your mitts on the remote control and take the TV for a spin around the Setup menu. I know that idea causes dread in the hearts of salesmen; but if you are seriously shopping, then they should be glad to help.

One last thing before we move on. This is a guide. I will not tell you which specific HDTV to buy. There are way too many HDTV models out in the marketplace and I only feel comfortable recommending TVs that I have reviewed. If you want specific suggestions from me, look for the Highly Recommended logo on a review.

Price

Let's continue this HDTV Buying Guide with what is often the major consideration in buying an appliance - cost. For most of us mere mortals, we need to decide how much we want to spend. Without some dollar limit, strolling into the HDTV section of the store (whether brick and mortar or online) can lead to a major household budget buster.

I'll discuss price of TVs in terms of screen size, screen type, and screen resolution in the following sections. For now, let's talk about cost, near term and long term. Beyond the price of the TV, before you leave the store you will be accosted with a few other expenses that you should factor in - cables, wall mounts, transportation, installation, and warranties.

Rather than dive into a long discussion on cables or wall mounts at this point, please see the Accessories section at the end of this article.

If you are buying at the local big box store down the freeway, you will have to transport that lovely toy to your house. And if we're talking about any screen much larger than 32", its box probably won't fit into your Prius. It may not even squeeze into your Escalade. Hopefully, you have a good friend with a strong back and a cargo van.

If not, you may want to consider using the store's delivery and installation service. Often installation is priced reasonably and packaged with the TV as an incentive. Do the math, only you can to decide if it is worth it.

Of course, if you are purchasing online, then shipping to your door will be calculated into the final price. Unless it is otherwise stated, don't be surprised if the delivery man tells you that there will be an extra charge for maneuvering the box into your TV room or upstairs into the bedroom.

Most retailers will try to sell you a warranty that can amount to a sizeable chunk of change. The general consensus is that warranties are not a great idea when it comes to TVs. You can read more about warranties in an article. "What's with Warranties?"

Finally, depending on your disposition, when you are buying a big ticket item like an HDTV, negotiation opportunities may arise. With intense competition, the profit margins for retailers on the TVs are fairly thin, but you may find some wiggle room, especially on prices for warranties and installation.

[HDTVsolutuion]
Credit

Samsung LN46B750

2009-06-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN46B750

The Samsung LN46B750 is 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV that sold for $2,399.99.But now the Samsung LN46B750 LCD HDTV is available for $1,799.00 + Free Shipping after 29% discount.Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.The Samsung LN46B750 LCD HDTV comes with everything you’ve been dreaming about. 150,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio takes picture quality to a higher level and Auto Motion Plus 240Hz™ delivers action scenes that are smooth, crisp, and realistic. Add to that full 1080p resolution which creates picture perfect images - from bold colors to sharp details. Plus Medi@2.0™ changes the way you watch TV by allowing you to access content from Yahoo!® and Flickr®. Turn your high-definition dreams into reality with the LN46B750 HDTV.

>> Check It Out Samsung LN46B750 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV

Buy new Television?

2009-06-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Your budget range

Pricing parameters
Televisions are expensive beasts, but they fall into a few distinct price categories. Here's a cheat sheet that will help better align the set of your dreams with the reality of your bank account. Note that these prices reflect the latest street/online price as of this writing.

	What you'll pay				What you'll get
	Less than $300 (Click to See Products)				CRT: up to 27 inches LCD: up to 24 inches

	$300 to $500 (Click to See Products)				LCD: up to 32 inches

	$500 to $800 (Click to See Products)				LCD: up to 42 inches Plasma: up to 42 inches Rear-projection: up to 61 inches

	$800 to $1,100 (Click to See Products)				LCD: up to 47 inches Plasma: up to 50 inches Rear-projection: up to 61 inches

	$1,100 to $1,700 (Click to See Products)				LCD: up to 52 inches Plasma: up to 50 inches Rear-projection: up to 67 inches

	$1,700 to $2,700 (Click to See Products)				LCD: up to 52 inches Plasma: up to 58 inches Rear-projection: up to 67 inches

	More than $2,700 (Click to See Products)				LCD: up to 108 inches Plasma: up to 103 inches Rear-projection: up to 73 inches

[cnet.com]

Next: See size up your screen

Samsung LN40B650

2009-06-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN40B650

40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

The Samsung LN40B650 sits in the middle of Samsung's lineup of LCD HDTVs. At 40-inchs it's available for a suggested retail price of $1,699.99, but can be found for a couple hundred dollars less if you shop around. The LN40B650 sports a variety of high-end features, including 120Hz refresh rate, two USB ports, internet connectivity and a full 1080p resolution. Still, $1700 is a lot to pay for a 40-inch HDTV, the question is whether the performance justifies the price. Read the review to find out.

Section	The Good	The Bad
Tour & Design	Clean and simple lines.	Some don't like the red finish.
Blacks & Whites	Very deep blacks, bright whites and excellent contrast ratio.	Greyscale gamma curve too agressive.
Color Accuracy	Reds, greens and blues are very accurate.	Color gamut shows significant errors with blues.
Motion	Limited motion blur.	Significant problems with artifacts.
Viewing Effects	Not much.	Poor viewing angle and very reflective display.
Remote Control	Well-balanced and nice backlight.	A bit too long.
Audio	Not much.	Poor audio quality from built-in speakers.
Connectivity	Good selection of ports and well-placed.	Not much.
Menus & Interface	Easy to navigate and attractive menus.	The USB manual is a poor substitute for a paper one.
Formats & Media	Photo, video and music playback.	Limited support for photo and music formats.
Power Consumption	Above average power consumption.	Not much.

Other Models in the LNXXB750 Series

LN32B650 32"	LN37B650 37"	LN46B650 46"

Tour & Design Summary
• Glossy design • Subtle red finish • Heavy, swiveling base

Front

From the front the Samsung LN40B650 features a glossy glassy bezel in very dark red, practically black, with a transparent edging. The bottom edge of the bezel curves down to a slight chin. Beneath the display is the Samsung logo and the on-tv controls are touch sensitive and embedded into the bezel on the lower right.

The front of the Samsung LN40B650 has a subtle red finish on the bezel.

Back

The back of the Samsung LN40B650 is glossy black. Most of the ports are located on the back towards the left side when facing the back or just around the right edge when facing the front.

The back of the LN40B650 is so reflective you can use it as a mirro.

Sides

There are no features on the left side of the HDTV, but on the right side you'll find a second grouping of ports, which actually sit very near the ports on the back of the LN40B650.

The right side has a set
of ports.

Stand/Mount

The Samsung LN40B650's is heavier than the whole television itself. It's made of the same material as the bezel with a flat bottom that is styled in very dark red/black, again like the bezel. The television itself sits on a clear round pillar that rotates about twenty degrees towards you on either side.

The stand has a see-through pillar that rotates.

In The Box (4.0)

The Samsung LN40B650 ships with a variety of interesting accessories. There's the basics like the remote with batteries and the power cord. The manual doesn't come in a paper variety but rather on a USB key that you actually plug right into the HDTV and browse using the remote. This is an interesting feature, but we wonder what happens when you can't get your HDTV to work right and you need to access your manual for information?

You also get a cleaning cloth, a CD to install on your computer to use the Samsung LN40B650's network capabilities, and something called a TV Holder and screw. We're not sure what this is for, it's basically a small piece of plastic with a string attached. We don't recommend you try and hang your HDTV from it as don't believe it would actually "hold" it. Unfortunately there's no HDMI cable included so you'll have to purchase one (or more) separately to connect the Samsung LN40B650 to the rest of your home theatre components.

Aesthetics (6.0)

The Samsung LN40B650's elicits varying responses. Some like the glossy finish, clean lines and the subtle red styling. Others find it a finger-print magnet, don't like the chin at the bottom of the bezel and think the red highlights are unnatractive. Basically it's a love it or hate it design, we recommend you see one in person before buying it to see if you can live with the way it looks.

Calibration Summary
• Used Movie Mode • 4 video modes offered • Used DisplayMate for calibration

Calibration

Note: We mad an error in our original calibration process, we have updated this table with an adjustment to the gamma setting.

DTVs don't come out of the box ready to give you the best picture possible. As such we use DisplayMate software and have worked closely with DisplayMate's creator to create a standardized method of calibrating every HDTV that we review. With the Samsung LN40B650, as with most HDTVS, we found the preset closest to our ideal to be the Movie mode. From here we adjusted a few controls and turned off processing features to ensure that we get the most accurate color and greyscale possible. This means we are willing to give up things like brightness in order to get accuracy in what the HDTV produces on the screen. If you wish you can pay for someone to come to your home and calibrate your HDTV, or you can use the settings we used, which are outlined below.

Setting	Default	Calibrated
Picture Mode	Movie
Backlight	6	10
Contrast	95	85
Brightness	45	44
Sharpness	20	0
Advanced Settings: Gamma	0	+3
Picture Options: Digital NR	Auto	Off

Video Modes

The Samsung LN40B650 offers four different preset video modes, below are the modes and Samsung's indication for when they are compatible.

Mode	What it Does
Dynamic	Selects the picture for increased definition in a bright room.
Standard	Selects the picture for the optimum display in a normal environment.
Natural	Selects the picture for an optimum and eye-comfortable display.
Movie	Selects the picture for viewing movies in a dark room.

Blacks & Whites Summary
• Very deep blacks • Bright whites • Excellent contrast ratio • Greyscale gamma a too aggressive • Testing done with DisplayMate

Black Level (8.77)

We measured the Samsung LN40B650's black level at 0.07 candelas per meter squared (cd/m2). This is an excellent black level, especially for an LCD HDTV, which tend to have more trouble producing deep blacks than Plasma televisions. You can see in our comparison chart below that the LN40B650 actually produced deeper blacks than Samsung's plasma model the PN50A760. It obviously produced much better black levels than the other two LCD models in our comparisons.

Deep blacks are important as it allows an HDTV to produce much more contrast between dark and bright areas of the display.

Peak Brightness (9.01)

The Samsung LN40B650's peak brightness was measured at 365.79 cd/m2. This is the brightest white that we could produce on the HDTV using our calibrated settings. This is an excellent peak brightness, amongst the best we've seen from an HDTV. Below you can see that the Samsung LN40B650 outpaces all of our comparison televisions. In particular note that the peak brightness of the LCD LN40B650 is more than twice that of the plasma Samsung PN50A760. This highlights one of the problems of plasma televisions, that they are not capable of producing as bright an image as their LCD counterparts.

Contrast (9.26)

The Samsung LN40B650's contrast ratio of 5226:1 is simply the best we've ever measured to date. This excellent contrast ratio is due to the very deep blacks and very bright whites that the LN40B650 is capable of producing. Below you can see that the Samsung LN40B650 far outpaces our comparison HDTVs in this area.

Contrast is very important because the human eye is very sensitive to contrast. The more contrast an HDTV is capable of producing the better it's going to look to you.

Motion Summary
• Not much motion blurring • A great deal of artifacting with motion • Supports 24fps natively • Testing done with DisplayMate

Motion Smoothness (7.0)

The Samsung LN40B650 features 120Hz refresh rate, which is a method used by LCD manufacturers to try and reduce motion blurring. The Samsung LN40B650 does a decent job, producing only a small amount of blurring in complex patterns like faces. When we looked at solid objects, however, we noticed significantly more blurring. The performance was about the same when dealing with both 1080p and 1080i content.

The LN40B650 offers users very detailed control over the effects of it's refresh rate, with independant blurring and judder controls and several different presets. Unfortunately we didn't notice any improvement to the Samsung LN40B650's performance as we adjusted those controls, which is ok as the LN40B650's performance is already above average in this area.

Motion Artifacting (3.5)

Artifacting refers to things that appear on the screen that shouldn't be there. They usually appear due to problems with processing. Unfortunately the Samsung LN40B650 displayed several different artifacts related to motion. There was a very noticeable shutter effect that we saw in both moving still images and with test patterns. We also saw content on the screen tilt noticeably as it moved. Finally there were definite areas of brightness leading and trailing certain objects on the display. We were very dissapointed with the extensive artifacting we saw on the Samsung LN40B650.

3:2 Pulldown & 24fps (8.0)

3:2 pulldown refers to the process by which an HDTV will take a broadcast signal that comes in at 60 frames per second (fps) and converts it to 24 frames per second. This occurs with films that should be displayed at 24fps as this framerate gives content a film-like feel. The Samsung LN40B650 did a decent job with this process, we noticed only minor glitches in test patterns and saw very little evidence of the "jaggies" that can occur when this process is done poorly.

The Samsung LN40B650 can also natively handle 24fps content, which you'll get from DVDs or Blu-ray discs. When you do watch content at 24fps, however, we strongly recommend turning off the HDTVs 120Hz refresh rate as the LN40B650 doesn't seem to do a very good job of interpolating the 24fps content for a screen that refreshes 120 times a second.

Viewing Effects Summary
• Poor viewing angle • Very reflective display • Testing done with DisplayMate

Viewing Angle (4.55)

The Samsung LN40B650 has a very poor viewing angle of 19 degrees from center, for a total viewing angle of 38 degrees. This is only half of our average viewing angle of 41 degrees from center, and is pretty poor even for an LCD HDTV, which tend to have worse viewing angles than plasma televisions. Below you can see our graph for the Samsung LN40B650's viewing angle. We calculate the acceptable viewing angle as the point at which the contrast ratio falls below 50% of the optimum. We did appreciate that colors did hold up well across viewing angles, with no significant solarization or fading.

The Samsung LN40B650's poor viewing angle means that you should really watch it from directly in front. This makes it a poor choice for a large room where you expect to have people viewing the television from a wide range of angles.

Reflectance (4.5)

The Samsung LN40B650's display is very reflective. Lights shined onto the display were not diffused at all, we were able to make out the individual LED lights of the array we use to do this test. Even when the light is shined on from an oblique angle it is still very noticeable. We also noticed significant streaking from the light on the display, especially when the display is dark. You should make sure that the Samsung LN40B650 is set up so that none of the lights in your room are able to shine directly onto the display.

Video Processing (3.5)

Like most HDTVs the Samsung LN40B650 offers a variety of video processing options that allow you to tweak certain settings or address some problems. Most of the time these options do little and aren't worth playing with. They also cause problems with processing so we turn them off (if possible) in our calibration process. If you have a significant problem with your image, however, it might be worth trying them out. Below are our impressions.

Setting	Claimed Function	Our Impression
Black Tone	You can select the black level on the screen to adjust the screen depth.	Reduced the apparent depth of blacks.
Dynamic Contrast	You can adjust the screen contrast so that the optimal contrast is provided.	Slight change in apparent saturation of colors.
Gamma	You can adjust the primary color (red, green, blue) intensity.	Saw slight increase or decrease in brightness.
Flesh Tone	You can emphasize the pink ‘flesh tone’ in the picture.	Very minor apparent change in skin tones.
Edge Enhancement	You can emphasize object boundaries in the picture.	No apparent difference.
Digital NR	If the broadcast signal received by your TV is weak, you can activate the Digital Noise Reduction feature to help reduce any static and ghosting that may appear on the screen.	No apparent difference.

Remote Control Summary
• Comfortable to hold • Well balanced • A bit too long • Some controls a stretch to reach for those with small hands

Ergonomics & Durability (7.20)

The Samsung LN40B650's remote is very similar to the one that came with the Samsung PN50A760, with the exception that the directional pad is made up of real buttons instead of the rotating dial, which we don't think is much of a loss. The remote is heavily back weighted, with a bulge at the end that gives it very good balance in the hand. It is a bit long, however, and although it's nicely contoured the slick plastic makes it a bit easier to drop than we'd like.

We do like the baklight function on the remote. There's a dedicated backlight button that lights up in the dark so you can find it easily. Press the button and all the rest of the button on the remote are illuminated in a mild orange light that's very easy on the eyes. The buttons are made of soft plastic and provide a reasonable amount of key travel, but not a lot of tactile feedback. Despite a couple of flaws we like the remote a lot, it should be comfortable to use on a regular basis and the backlight is very well thought out.

Button Layout & Use (4.85)

At neutral your thumb sits right above the directional pad on the Samsung LN40B650's remote. The menu button and several additional navigation buttons are all within easy reach, especially for those with small hands. Unfortunately the channel and volume buttons will require a stretch or a shift for those with smaller hands. Speaking of which there are buttons studded across almost the entire face of the remote, and given it's length you'll find yourself moving up and down the remote a lot. We were happy that the remote was able to control the television at a very oblique angle, but we did notice that on occasion we had to shift our target to the right side of the LN40B650 as pointing at the left side wouldn't always work.

Programming & Flexibility (1.0)

Unfortunately the Samsung LN40B650's remote doesn't work as a universal remote, nor does it have programmable buttons. It will work to control other Samsung devices connected via HDMI or Optical Audio Out using Samsung's Anynet+ system. We're not big fans of such proprietary systems, but we will award a single point for this functionality.

Audio Summary
• Below average audio quality • Simulated surround sound mode does not replace a real surround sound system

Sound Quality (4.0)

The Samsung LN40B650's built-in speakers did not produce very impressive audio quality. The sound was clear, but flat and tinny, lacking the depth we've seen from other HDTVs. We recommend looking into some speakers if you want to get good quality audio out of the Samsung LN40B650.

Surround Sound (3.0)

Like most HDTVs the Samsung LN40B650 offers a simulated surround sound mode. Turning this feature on did add a little bit of depth to the audio, which isn't saying much. Frankly if you care about audio quality at all you'll be best off investing in even a cheap set of surround sound speakers. We do need to mention, however, that it seems like the Samsung LN40B650 cannot output surround sound from its optical audio out. We tested this in our lab and indeed the rear speakers were mute. This means you'll need to connect your surround sound system directly to your DVD/Blu-ray/Console in order to get suround sound.

Maximum Volume (7.73)

We measured the Samsung LN40B650's maximum volume at 77.3 decibels. This is at the lower end of the spectrum for an HDTV, but it should be quite loud enough for anyone who wants to ruin their hearing by cranking the volume all the way up.

Connectivity Summary
• Good selection of ports • 4 HDMI ports • 2 USB Ports • LAN connectivity • Excellent placement of ports

Input Ports (7.0)

The Samsung LN40B650's ports are arranged in two groups, one on the right side of the HDTV and the other just around the right side on the back. On the right side you'll find one HDMI input, the HDTVs only composite video input and an analog audio input.

The ports on the side are easy
to access.

On the back you'll find the majority of input ports. Here are three additional HDMI inputs, an RGB input for connecting older computers along with an associated 3.5mm audio input. You'll also find two component video inputs and three analog audio inputs, one of which is associated with the HDMI inputs. Finally you'll find the antenna input, which supports both digital and analog over the air and cable signals.

The ports on the back are just around the right side of the television.

Output Ports (2.0)

As with most HDTVs the only output ports on the Samsung LN40B650 are one digital audio out and one analog audio out, both found on the back of the HDTV.

Other Connections (3.0)

The Samsung LN40B650 is one of a new generation of HDTVs that tout their internet connectivity, and as such you'll find a LAN port on the back of the television so you can connec to the internet. You can also use this to connect to your computer and stream content from it directly to your television. You will need to install the Samsung PC Share Manager software on your computer, which comes on an included CD.

Media (2.0)

The Samsung LN40B650 has two USB ports, which is an interesting trend we've seen with newer Samsung HDTVs. This allows you to connect two USB devices to your HDTV and access media from them, although you can only access one at a time. You can also attach a USB hard drive to the USB 1 port.

Placement (8.0)

The Samsung LN40B650's ports are very well positioned. The ports on the right side can be easily accessed for quickly connecting a device, even if the HDTV is mounted on a wall. Those on the back are placed right around the right side of the HDTV, meaning you won't have to stretch around to the middle of the back to reach them. Combined with the swiveling stand this makes all of the ports on the LN40B650 very easy to reach.

Power Consumption Summary
• Efficient power consumption • $26.08 in annual cost for typical family

Power Consumption (8.7)

To test power consumption we adjust an HDTV to give off 200 cd/m2, with an LCD this is done by adjusting the backlight. We then run through a standard video with the volume at zero to see how much power is drawn by the HDTV. The Samsung LN40B650 did very well in this test, drawing an average of 133.54 watts under these conditions. For an average U.S. family that works out to $26.08 in power costs each year. Below you can see all of our results, including the power draw with the backlight turned up to maximum and down to the minimum.

Setting	Average Watts	Cost per Year
Backlight 6	133.53	$26.08
Backlight 10	194.1	$37.90
Backlight 0	74.53	$14.55

Below you can see how the Samsung LN40B650 performed compared to other HDTVs. You can see that it it drew a bit more power than the other two LCD televisions, but significantly less than the Plasma HDTV, which is what we expect to see. Overall the LN40B650's power consumption was below average.

Conclusion

The Samsung LN40B650 is an impressive HDTV. This 40-inch LCD television offers deep blacks, bright whites and the contrast ratio was the best we've seen to date. We also like the native 1080p resolution and solid color performance.

From a performance standpoint alone this would be a solid television, but Samsung has included several interesting extras like internet connectivity, network streaming of media and 2 USB ports.

That's not to say that everything's perfect here. The Yahoo widget system doesn't offer many features yet. We also saw a few performance problems, for example the motion performance displayed quite a few artifacts and the color gamut was significantly off in the blues. The viewing angle is also poor and the television itself is so reflective you won't want any lights shining on it.

The positives outweigh the drawbacks, however. The question is whether the television is worth it. Samsung's recommended price of $1700 gives us pause, but if you can find this HDTV for around $1400 we feel you'll be getting a solid value.

Comparisons
	Versus Samsung PN50A760 One of the best HDTVs we've reviewed to date the PN50A760 doesn't offer the wide contrast ratio that the LN40B650 does, but it does address some of the drawbacks, including an excellent viewing angle and significantly better motion performance. It will cost you, however, with the PN50A760 coming in at around $2000.
	Versus JVC LT-42P300 This JVC is just about the same size as the Samsung LN40B650, but the similarities end there. Although it's a reasonably capable HDTV, if you care about performance the Samsung beats it out in almost every area. You'll pay for that extra performance, however, as the LT-42P300 can be had for close to half the price of the Samsung LN40B650.
	Versus LG 32LG40 The 32LG40 is a reasonable television from a performance standpoint but it's nowhere near as good as the Samsung LN40B650. It's probably targeted at a different market, however, this 32-inch LCD has a built-in DVD player that probably makes it a good choice for college dorm rooms and the like. It'll also set you back considerably less than the Samsung LN40B650.

Series Comparison Summary
• Mid-range LCD Lineup • All models have 1080p resolution • 2 USB ports on all models • LAN port with Yahoo Widgets available on all models

LNXXB650 Series

Samsung B650 series of LCD HDTVs offer a variety of high-end features, including internet connectivity, 2 usb ports and 120Hz refresh rate for improved motion performance. Every model in the series offers a full 1080p resolution and support Yahoo Widgets, albeit with a limited selection at the time of this writing. There are four models in the series 32, 37, 40 and 46 inches. We reviewed the 40 inch model.

	Other Models in the LNXXB650 Series
	Size	Price	Connectivity	Other Features
LN32B650	32"	$2,099.99	• 4 HDMI • 2 Component • 1 Composite • 1 Digital Audio • 1 LAN	• 120Hz refresh • 2 x USB • Yahoo Widgets • Music/Video/Photo Playback
LN37B650	37"	$1,699.99	• 4 HDMI • 2 Component • 1 Composite • 1 Digital Audio • 1 LAN	• 120Hz refresh • 2 x USB • Yahoo Widgets • Music/Video/Photo Playback
LN40B650	40"	$1,299.99	• 4 HDMI • 2 Component • 1 Composite • 1 Digital Audio • 1 LAN	• 120Hz refresh • 2 x USB • Yahoo Widgets • Music/Video/Photo Playback
LN46B650	46"	$1,199.99	• 4 HDMI • 2 Component • 1 Composite • 1 Digital Audio • 1 LAN	• 120Hz refresh • 2 x USB • Yahoo Widgets • Music/Video/Photo Playback

[televisioninfo.com]
By Alfredo Padilla

Samsung LN40B550

2009-06-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN40B550

Price Range: $899.00 - $1,099.99

CLICKS!! to Compare Price

Read below Review before BUY!!

Very, Very Pleased!, April 22, 2009

Only the second night with this set and I can't unglue myself from it. This is a great sub-$1,000 set that will please all but the most hardcore videophiles. This set is also very light, I tucked it under my arm to move it up and down the stairs. ToC is subtle, almost invisible, so those who don't care for last year's ToC, don't worry, you can barely see it the color on this TV. The swivel stand makes it easy so access the rear of the TV to hook up the cables that it makes you wonder why other manufacturers make stands without the swivel feature.

I had originally purchased an LG, but the off-angle viewing was awful, but from the same seating position, the Sammy shines. As with all LCDs, some color is lost when viewing from off-angle, but this set always displayed a picture that was acceptable.

If there's a weakness, it's displaying standard definition, as in regular cable, but that's a challenge shared by most LCD screens. SD does not look as good as I've seen on some other LCDs, but the picture is more than acceptable.

DVD's showed great... Upconverted DVD even better, I was impressed... Blu ray blew my mind. The color depth, the dark blacks, the crisp picture... I was VERY pleased. I am sure you will be too!

By chinee
[Amazon.com]

240Hz LCD TVs: What you need to know

2009-06-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Every year it seems there's a new catchy spec in the HDTV realm everybody likes to talk about. A few years back it was 1080p resolution. Then we heard about 120Hz, which is supposed to reduce motion blur in fast-moving images on LCD TVs. Well, this year, the latest and greatest spec is 240Hz, which is supposed to do what 120Hz does, but better.

Not too long ago, our video guru David Katzmaier gave his initial impressions on 240Hz in a post titled "Is 240Hz worth waiting for?" When he wrote that piece, he'd just seen his first 240Hz TV in action and wasn't sold on the new technology. Now that he's reviewed four 240Hz HDTVs and has a fifth review (the LG 47LH55) in the works, he's still not sold, but he admits the verdict isn't totally clear-cut.

Part of the problem is that there's a difference between what your eye sees in everyday material you watch and objective testing done with test patterns. As Katzmaier notes in his post, "Standard LCD and plasma TVs refresh the screen 60 times per second, or 60Hz, which is plenty fast enough to eliminate flicker and create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. In fact, most sources sent to your display arrive at the nominal rate of 30 frames per second, and each frame is repeated once by the television to achieve 60 total fps."

For most people, including me and Mr. Katzmaier, it's very difficult to see the impact that "faster" LCD sets have on picture quality. We spent some time in our AV lab watching various source material from 120Hz TVs and 240Hz models and it's really hard to detect any difference (it's hard to detect any difference between 120Hz and 60Hz models, too). To be clear, I'm referring here to motion-blur reduction because of faster refresh rates, not to dejudder processing, which smooths out motion and makes film-based material shot at 24fps look more video-like. When dejudder is engaged, you can easily spot its impact on the picture. (It's also worth mentioning that the dejudder processing on the 240Hz TVs we tested so far wasn't any better--or worse--than than the dejudder on 120Hz TVs).

All that said, when it comes to motion blur, not every set of eyes and every brain is created equally and, as Katzmaier points out, "Some viewers can perceive motion blur in fast-moving objects on standard 60Hz [LCD] models (motion blur like this isn't an issue with plasma or other display types, whether 60Hz or otherwise, because they use different methods to create the illusion of motion)."

To reduce blurring, most 120Hz LCD displays use a system called MEMC (motion estimation and motion compensation) to slip in a new frame between each of the original frames. The end result is one extra frame for every true frame.

You'd think, then, that a 240Hz TV would just double up to achieve an even more blur-free picture. Alas, it's a little more complicated than that. The problem is there are actually two different types of 240Hz, including one that doesn't bill itself as true 240Hz but rather as a "240 effect." Here's a breakdown of the two versions and which companies employ them.

MEMC (motion estimation-motion compensation): Both Sony and Samsung 240Hz sets use MEMC to basically double the 120Hz process described above. However, instead of getting one extra frame for each "true" frame, you actually get three extra frames. (See reviews of the Sony KDL-52XBR7, the Sony KDL-XBR9 series and the Samsung LNB750 series).
Scanning backlight (240 effect): LG, Toshiba, and Vizio use what's called "scanning backlight" technology. Such TVs use MEMC once to get to 120Hz, but instead of doubling the interpolation, a backlight flashes on and off very quickly to achieve what Toshiba calls a "240Hz effect." LG, for its part, fails to make that distinction and uses the 240Hz term without qualification to describe its scanning-backlight models

After having reviewed three 240Hz TVs that use MEMC and one, the Toshiba 47ZV650U, using the scanning backlight, Katzmaier reports that the MEMC version of 240Hz is slightly superior at reducing blur. But when he says that, he's referring to test patterns where models from Sony and Samsung scored slightly better than the Toshiba. MEMC displays delivered between 900 and 1,000 lines of motion resolution, which matches the result of a typical plasma, while the Toshiba scored between 800 and 900. But again, watching everyday material, whether it be from a Blu-ray movie or HDTV content from your cable or satellite provider, he and I both maintain that the difference between having a 120Hz LCD TV and a 240Hz TV is virtually imperceptible. In other words, superiority is a very relative term in this instance.

In terms of what kind of premium you'll pay for a 240Hz TV over a 120Hz model, you're currently looking at somewhere between $200 and $400, and we expect that by next year the gap will be even smaller. So, is it worth the premium?

At this point, the answer is probably no. Objectively, in lab tests, you can't dispute the fact that 240Hz does seem to reduce motion blur. But in real-world terms it doesn't amount to much, if anything. But as I always say, if you want the latest and greatest spec--and don't mind paying a little extra--go for it.

Feel free to comment.

David Carnoy
[reviews.cnet.com]

Samsung LN32B460 Lowest Price

2009-06-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN32B460

Price range : $522.49 - $649.99

Read Below Reviews Before BUY!!

The most helpful favorable review :

Samsung stands out in hdtv!!!, April 23, 2009

Very impressed with my new Samsung LN32B460. very easy to set up with the on screen plug and play setup.Bought this tv for my bedroom looks great with the sleek design and appereance.The contrast is unreal life like picture.Can't beat the price of 599.00 plus free shipping and no TAX!!!Fast delivery ordered on 04-19-09 recieved it on 04-22-09.Highly recommend the Samsung LN32B460 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV.

By J.Hobson

The most helpful critical review :

Nice Looking But Problem Already?, May 28, 2009

TV arrived delivered from CEVA in perfect condition. However, when I plugged it in, there's a high pitched buzzing sound. When I unplug, it is not there. Anyone else had this issue? I will be calling Samsung to report and ask for options. I'll review my rating afterwards.

**Update ao 5-29-09: Called Samsung and was told a tech would come for in-home servicing. Called service company to schedule the appt. but was told I would have to mail it in and it could take up to 21 days for servicing and return. I called Amazon Customer Service and they are sending me a new unit and the delivery people will pick up the defective unit and take it back. I am much more satisfied with Amazon's swift resolution than Samsung and their vendor servicing through CVE. Apparently, any sets under 37 inches must be mailed to their facility for servicing. The only concession is that they will extend your warranty by 90 days but on the other hand, you're out of the tv for almost a month! Amazon handled the transaction very well. Will update rating upon re-delivery.

By sramspam "sramspam"

Read more ...

Samsung LN32B460 Price Compare : CLICK!!

[Amazon.com]

Size Up Your Screen.

2009-06-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Size up your tv screen

After you have your budget squared away, you need to decide how large of a screen you want. Usually, the largest screens cost the most, but regardless, the TV should deliver the right-size picture for where you'll sit relative to the screen. Sitting closer to a smaller TV means you won't have to spend as much on a big screen. But if you sit too close, the picture will look poor.

Wide-screen TV-viewing distances
Nearly every TV sold these days is a wide-screen HDTV, so the chart below only applies to those sets. If you have a regular TV that's not wide screen, the rule of thumb is that you should sit no closer than twice the diagonal measurement in inches. Wide-screen televisions showing high-resolution DVD and HDTV look better than regular sets, allowing you to sit closer and experience a more immersive, theater-like picture.

With wide-screen sets showing DVD or HDTV, you can sit as close as 1.5 times the screen's diagonal measurement and still not notice much of a loss in quality, while sitting farther away than three times the screen size means you're likely to miss out on the immersive feel. Here's a rundown of minimum and maximum recommended viewing distances for wide-screen sets.

16:9 TV diagonal screen size	Min. viewing distance (in feet)	Max. viewing distance (in feet)
26	3.3	6.5

30	3.8	7.6

34	4.3	8.5

42	5.3	10.5

47	5.9	11.8

50	6.3	12.5

55	6.9	12.8

60	7.5	15

65	8.1	16.2

Size and your room
Generally, 30-inch and smaller sets are great for bedrooms or guest rooms but too small for the main living room. Sets with bigger screens are large enough for the whole family to enjoy and will probably be too much for most small bedrooms.

If you're mounting the set inside an entertainment center, be sure it fits in every dimension; also, leave a couple inches on all sides so that the TV has enough ventilation. If you're getting a bigger set, you may want to consider a dedicated stand. Many such stands also include space for your TV-related components, like cable boxes and DVD players.

Screen sizes and display types
CRT tube televisions are a dying breed, and new ones you'll see generally max out at 27 inches. Flat-panel LCDs can range anywhere from 5 inches to more than 100 inches diagonal; plasmas are between 32 and 103 inches; and rear-projection sets start at about 50 inches and go to as large as 73. These different TV types have their own strengths and drawbacks, which we detail in "Four styles of HDTV."

[HDTV World]

Samsung LN37B650 Lowest Price

2009-06-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Samsung LN37B650

Price : $1,299 - $1,030

Read below Reviews before BUY!!

The most helpful favorable review :

Amazing picture quality!! Thrilled with my purchase!, May 3, 2009

I was hesitant to buy an LCD TV because so often they seem to have such poor contrast, have lot's of visual artifacts and look horrible with fast moving scenes. However, Plasma technology is all but dead and there are no 37" Plasmas anyway. So I decided to look at high end LCD's.

I saw the Samsung LN37B650 at a local electronics store (for $300 more than the price on Amazon) and side-by-side it looked head and shoulders above all the other 37" LCD's in the store. After doing more research online and comparing specs, I decided upon this TV.

Amazon delivered to my home in Los Angeles in 5 business days through a delivery company called "Pilot". The delivery arrived exactly within the appointment window I scheduled with Pilot, and the box and merchandise were in perfect condition.

I connected the TV to my HD cable box with an HDMI cable. HD picture quality is immaculate. I never could see the picture quality in SD at the local store, so I was surprised and thrilled to see that in SD the picture is every bit as good as my reliable CRT that this TV replaced. The SD picture on my 50" Sony KDS-50A2000 does not compare to the excellent SD picture on the Samsung.

My only complaint is the lack of a printed manual. At these prices, Samsung shouldn't have gone cheap by neglecting to add a paper manual. Having to review the manual on the TV is a pain.

I could've spent ½ the price on a cheap 37" LCD, but would've hated the picture. I think in this case, the saying "you get what you pay for" holds true. I am glad that I spent more to get what may be the best possible picture quality in a 37" LCD TV.

By D.Joesph
[Amazon]

The most helpful critical review :

Excellent picture, AutoMotion settings annoying, May 18, 2009

Purchased this a few weeks ago. The image quality is excellent. The 120Hz eliminates the 3:2 pull down you'll see when watching movies. However, there is an interpolation mode that generates the extra frames, attempting to reduce motion blur artifacts.

The irony is that while it looks great in many instances, it can generate artifacts in fast paced sporting events (though most of the time this is fine). Also, if you watch movies, the film tends to look like a soap opera video quality until this is switched Off (eliminating the motion blur makes the image really clear and strangely too much like video).

You can set this Off but it is nested under three menus and I cannot seem to save this setting. Very annoying when it kicks in during a movie. This setting does not appear to save correctly so I find I have to switch it Off as a go back and forth between HDMI sources. I am hoping a firmware fix can correct this in the future.

Some other annoyances:
*lack of headphone jack (you will need to get an adapter)
*if you want to use the "buttons" on the set itself, they are solid state and hard to find on the surface of the TV
*no physical manual; digital copy on USB key that is included

Pros:
*excellent picture quality (when the correct settings are chosen)
*lots of ports
*nicely designed frame

By W.Lin
[Amazon.com]

LCD HDTV - Video Gaming & Computer Tips

2009-06-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Video gaming and computer tips

DVD and Blu-ray movies aren't the only non-TV content that's likely to be shown on the television. Here are a few other pointers on what to look for in a set that'll do multimedia duty.

Game consoles
The sweet graphics of the Xbox, the PlayStation, and the GameCube, not to mention the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3, and the Wii, can take full advantage of high-end televisions, but even inexpensive sets do best with a few added features in the mix.

Front-panel inputs. A set of A/V inputs on the front or side panel of a TV makes hooking up and disconnecting a game console--or a camcorder--much easier.

Picture preset. Many TVs come with picture presets that affect the contrast, brightness, and other controls. Some presets crank those values sky-high to provide a more intense picture. If you like that bright image, check out sets with Game, Vivid, or Sports presets.

Component video inputs. For a big improvement in gaming video quality, step up to a TV with component video inputs. The downside is that you might have to buy a special adapter for your game console. Some of these adapters also include connections for digital sound, but you'll need a home-theater system or a surround-sound setup with an optical digital connection and support for Dolby Digital sound to take advantage of the superior sonics.

HDMI inputs: All PlayStation 3s and newer Xbox 360s have HDMI outputs, providing the best-quality video connection to compatible HDTVs. In reality though, most people have a difficult time telling the difference between a picture delivered over component video and one that comes via HDMI.

Burn-in. Some high-end TVs, namely plasmas, can become permanently scarred by very bright, stationary images that remain on the screen for a long time; think of a paused game or that constant score/life-bar/ammo-count graphic. However, we consider the danger of burn-in to be greatly exaggerated and plasmas and the like can be fine candidates for all but the heaviest gaming situations. Check out Plasma burn-in: Seven things you need to know for more information.

Computers
Today's televisions have plenty of connections and capabilities, and plasma, LCD, and most rear-projection HDTVs usually make excellent big-screen computer monitors. If you want to use your TV as a monitor for games, Web surfing, and other tasks, here are a few tips:

Don't bother with standard-def TVs. CRT-based direct-view and rear-projection televisions, as well as smaller 640x480 LCDs, don't make very good computer monitors. They display only low resolution, and often lack the proper inputs.

VGA input = good for computers. If you're serious about using your set as a big monitor for standard software, look for a VGA-style RGB input, just like the kind your computer monitor uses (see Inputs and outputs for more).

HDMI or DVI input = best for computers. The best types of inputs are digital, so if your TV has a spare HDMI or DVI input, you'll usually get the best performance by matching it to your PC's digital output. Often the PC has a DVI output and the TV has only HDMI, so you'll need an adapter cable to make the connection.

Match the native resolution. As with LCD computer monitors, you'll usually get the best PC picture by matching the native resolution of the TV to the output resolution of your PC. Some HDTVs can't accept PC sources, especially via VGA, at their native resolutions however, which makes them less -than- ideal for use as monitors.

[HDTV World]