Home Theater Insider

Samsung ES8000, ES7500, ES7100, ES6500, ES6100 3D LED Series

admin — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:31:53 +0000

Samsung brings top notch displays every year and showcases them in January at the CES. This year was no different as the South Korean giant unveiled its Plasma TV series and 3D LED series at the Consumer Electronics Show.

If you were a visitor at the CES, it was almost impossible to miss these new LED displays featuring 3D capabilities and coming in a gorgeous design.

The display that attracted the most attention was the flagship ES8000 model, bringing top notch quality and an improved design in comparison to last year's models from the company.

The ES8000 is truly a quality 3D LED TV, but if you're looking for something more affordable this year, you can't go wrong with Samsung's ES7500, ES7100, ES6500, ES6100, EH6000 and EH5300 LED TV series for 2012.

Samsung ES8000 3D LED TV Series

The ES8000 is Samsung’s flagship series in 2012 and if you happened to pass by the company’s stand at the CES it was almost impossible to miss it. Samsung promises that the ES8000 models are more than just gorgeous design, but also bring with them top notch image quality and best of all, the possibility of an upgrade.

Probably the most appealing feature coming with the ES8000 series is that the models in this line can be upgraded next year and brought up-to-date with the latest technology on the market. This is possible due to Samsung’s Evolution Kit, a slot on the back of your ES8000 LED model that can be replaced and enabling you to own all the latest technology next year, without purchasing a new Samsung HDTV.

The Samsung ES8000 models are all Smart TVs bringing 3D capabilities and the latest technology for superior image quality.

The ES8000 models all come with Internet connectivity that enables users to access Internet Streaming Services such as Netflix, Pandora, HULU and many others or extend its functionality with the Samsung Apps.

You will be able to video conference with your friends and family through Skype as the ES8000 models all feature a built-in webcam.

Samsung’s ES8000 series comes with no more than five models, ranging from 46-inches to 75 inches in size.

Screen Size	Model	Price	Buy
46-inch	Samsung UN46ES8000	$2699	n/a
55-inch	Samsung UN55ES8000	$3399	n/a
60-inch	Samsung UN60ES8000	$3999	n/a
65-inch	Samsung UN65ES8000	$4699	n/a
75-inch	Samsung UN75ES8000	$7299	n/a

You can read more about Samsung's ES8000 flagship LED TV series.

Samsung ES7500 3D LED TV Series

Further down the line there’s the ES7500 series which is not that different from the flagship ES8000. It comes with all the goodies brought by the flagship range in the first place, however what Samsung calls "Ultimate Micro Dimming" in the ES8000, in the ES7500 line is called simply "Micro Dimming". This technology is used by Samsung to dim and brighten certain areas of the screen and improve contrast and brightness levels.

The Samsung ES7500 series also features Smart TV capabilities and other great innovations for 2012 such as gesture and voice control, thanks to the built-in webcam. You will be able to interact with your HDTV like never before thanks to these features.

The ES7500 models are all 3D enabled, they feature a 960Hz refresh rate and built-in WiFi for connectivity to your home network. Upon purchase you’ll also get two pairs of shutter glasses and these models are about $300 cheaper than the ES8000 models.

The ES7500 design is slightly different as as you can see from the photos, these come with a more conventional stand and you’ll still be able to enjoy the 0.2-inch ultra slim bezel.

Screen Size	Model	Price	Buy
46-inch	Samsung UN46ES7500	$2399	n/a
50-inch	Samsung UN50ES7500	$2699	n/a
55-inch	Samsung UN55ES7500	$3099	n/a
60-inch	Samsung UN60ES7500	$3699	n/a

Samsung ES7100 3D LED TV Series

This year’s line-up from Samsung also includes the ES7100 series of LED TVs.

The ES7100 series brings four new models, each featuring a dual core processor, Smart TV capabilities and Samsung Apps. The models are ranging from 46 to 60-inch in screen size and you’ll also be able to enjoy Samsung quality 3D images with these. Other features include Micro Dimming Plus, 720 CRM and a 240Hz refresh rate.

These models will connect to the Internet via WiFi and allow you to enjoy all those popular Streaming Services and upon purchase you’ll also get four Pairs of 3D glasses bundled.

Screen Size	Model	Price	Buy
46-inch	Samsung UN46ES7100	$2199	n/a
50-inch	Samsung UN50ES7100	$2499	n/a
55-inch	Samsung UN55ES7100	$2899	n/a
60-inch	Samsung UN60ES7100	$3499	n/a

Samsung ES6500 3D LED TV Series

The Samsung ES6500 Series of 3D LED TVs comes in no more than six 3D-enabled models ranging from 40-inch to 65-inch in screen size.

There’s not much information about these, but from the photo below we can tell that it comes in an appealing design but with no voice or gesture control as the webcam has disappeared with these models.

Screen Size	Model	Price	Buy
40-inch	Samsung UN40ES6500	$1599	n/a
46-inch	Samsung UN46ES6500	$1829	n/a
50-inch	Samsung UN50ES6500	$2179	n/a
55-inch	Samsung UN55ES6500	$2619	n/a
60-inch	Samsung UN60ES6500	$3279	n/a
65-inch	Samsung UN65ES6500	$3999	n/a

Samsung ES6100 3D LED TV Series

The Samsung ES6100 series comes in five new models with 3D capabilities. There isn’t much information about this series, all we know right now is that the ES6100 ranges from 40 to 60-inch screen sizes with Smart TV and 3D capabilities.

Screen Size	Model	Price	Buy
40-inch	Samsung UN40ES6100	$1099	n/a
46-inch	Samsung UN46ES6100	$1299	n/a
50-inch	Samsung UN50ES6100	$1599	n/a
55-inch	Samsung UN55ES6100	$1999	n/a
60-inch	Samsung UN60ES6100	$2599	n/a

Samsung EH6000 LED TV Series

The EH6000 series from Samsung does not feature 3D capabilities, however it is still a decent option for a non 3D display in 2012. There are six non-3D models in the EH6000 series available this Spring for affordable prices.

Screen Size	Model	Price	Buy
40-inch	Samsung UN40EH6000	$779	n/a
46-inch	Samsung UN46EH6000	$979	n/a
50-inch	Samsung UN50EH6000	$1149	n/a
55-inch	Samsung UN55EH6000	$1399	n/a
60-inch	Samsung UN60EH6000	$1899	n/a
65-inch	Samsung UN65EH6000	$2399	n/a

Samsung EH5300 LED TV Series

Last but not least there's the EH5300 series of LED TVs from Samsung for 2012. The EH5300 series comes in five new non-3D models and are around $50 cheaper than the EH6000 models.

Screen Size	Model	Price	Buy
32-inch	Samsung UN32EH5300	$529	n/a
40-inch	Samsung UN40EH5300	$729	n/a
46-inch	Samsung UN46EH5300	$929	n/a
50-inch	Samsung UN50EH5300	$1099	n/a

LG HR925D & HR825T HDD Recorders

admin — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:05:53 +0000

There are many people out there who want to record TV content and watch it with their loved ones in their own home.

LG has prepared a surprise for those people and announces two new HDD recorders for the European market, coming this Spring.

The flagship HDD recorder model from LG this year is the LG HR925D while the second one is a lower end model - the HR825T.

LG HR925D HDD recorder

The LG HR925D features a bult-in 500GB HDD and is able playback almost any video format right now. It comes with built-in dual tuners and support for both 2D and 3D Blu-Ray discs, as well as more common digital platforms like DVD and CD.

The LG HR925D HDD recorder comes with Smart capabilities and users will be able to use the LG Smart 2.0 platform and TV apps, including DLNA and SmartShare or play media from other USB enabled devices you may own.

The LG HR925D comes with WiFi in order to connect to your home network and there's LG's BD profile 2.0 support as well as an iPhone app that let's you use your iDevice to remote control this media player.

If you're looking for something more than just a Blu-Ray player this year, the LG HR925D seems to be an inspired choice this year.

2D and 3D Blu-ray Disc Playback
Built-in 500GB HDD (1 TB in HR929D)
Dual Tuner
HD video format support DivX Plus HD, MKV, M2TS, AVI, MP4
USB ports
Smart TV 2.0 built-in (Smart Share + DLNA)
BD Profile 2.0
Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
External HDD support
Remote Control app for iPhone

LG HR825T HDD Recorder

The LG HR825T is the lower-end model of the couple and is almost just as good as its bigger brother. It also supports an array of video formats, including HD video formats, however this one doesn't come with Smart TV capabilities, so you won't be able to enjoy or record Internet streaming content. You will still get the 500GB HDD included with the HR825T, as well as the remote app for your iDevice.

2D and 3D Blu-ray Playback
500GB HDD
Support for HD video formats: DivX Plus HD, MKV, M2TS, AVI, MP4, etc.
USB ports
BD Profile 2.0
Wi-Fi connectivity
External hard drive support
Remote control app for iPhone

LG has announced that threre will most likely be a second version of the LG HR925D recorder, this time featuring a 1TB hard drive built-in for a lot more space. If you still want this product but are not interested in recording TV content, there's the HR720T model, without a built-in HDD.

LG's HR925D and HR825T HDD recorders will most likely hit the market sometime in the Spring 2012. No pricing information has been released at this time.

Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 12 3D Plasma TV

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:19:32 +0000

Bang & Olufsen is well known for its BeoVision plasma tv featuring 3D capabilities.

The BeoVision 12 is the 2012 model from the company and it's bound to attract some attention with its huge 65-inch screen with NeoPDP panel.

If you're thinking of buying this one you should know that the barebones version goes for no less than $11,000, while the full package will cost you $20,000.

This one is definitely a luxury 3D panel that would look amazing in a mansion or an MTV crib, however for the average consumer seems a bit unaccessible due to its high price.

The Bang &amp Olufsen BeoVision 12 comes measures an astonishing 65-inches in size and comes with a NeoPDP panel that uses phosphors for short retention time and very little motion blur.

Bang & Olufsen has showcased this amazing plasma display at this year's CES, however the price was unknown until today when the company announced that you will have to pay $11,000 for the BeoVision 12 which will become available in March in US and Canada.

Philips 8000 Series 3D Smart TVs Unveiled

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:56:16 +0000

It’s almost impossible not to consider Philips and its displays for an option this year. Even though the displays from Sony and Samsung attract the most attention, Philips has some displays as well and these can compete with any model in 2012.

Philips releases four new series of 3D LED displays this year, all featuring a sleek design, LED panels, Ambilight Spectre XL and Max 3D technology to sweeten the deal.

The Philips 8000 is the flagship series for 2012 and the company has strived to improve the minimalist, slim design and make the bezel even thinner in order to pack a wider display in comparison to other displays on the market with the same size.

The Philips 8000 TVs comes with active 3D technology in the form of 3D Max technology which still requires active shutter glasses. That’s not all though, Philips’ Dual-View technology enables two viewers to watch different images on the same Philips 8000 3D display using just their glasses from different viewing angles.

There’s also 2D-to-3D upconversion with the Philips 8000 and also a couple of 20W speakers for a decent sound, but most people will probably choose to make use of a professional sound system anyway.

Other specifications for the Philips 8000 series include the Smart TV premium platform coming with TV apps and VOD, USB recording directly to your external HDD, Skype for video conferencing and last but not least users will be able to push content from their tablets or smartphones directly to their Philips HDTV.

This year, Philips has chosen to use a new Smart TV interface so you’ll get an improved experience with these displays. Also worth mentioning is the new remote control which comes bundled with both the 7000 and 8000 series. This remote control packs a QWERTY keyboard on the back that will help you with Internet searches or look for videos on YouTube.

The bad news is that the Philips 8000 series won’t become available until September 2012. No pricing information has been released at this time, but these will most likely be introduced during the IFA 2012 in Berlin.

Panasonic SC-HTB550 and SC-HTB20 Sound Bars

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:41:29 +0000

Are you looking for a sound bar solution for your home theater system this year? Panasonic seems to have just the thing for you and presents two new sound bars for 2012.

The 2012 sound bars from Panasonic bring superior sound quality to the table and cover all design options available, featuring both vertical and horizontal placement.

The Panasonic SC-HTB550 sound bar has been designed for large screen displays while the SC-HTB20 sound bar has been designed for smaller displays.

Panasonic's SC-HTB550 and SC-HTB20 sound bars can be placed on the floor next to your display or you could choose to place them horizontally or vertically on your wall.

The SC-HTB550 is dedicated to displays larger than 42-inches while the the SC-HTB20 has been designed to complement the sound experience for displays between 32 and 37-inches wide.

The Panasonic SC-HTB550 also comes with Bluetooth connectivity so you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone, tablet or any other Bluetooth-enabled device. There are also a few new technologies coming with the SC-HTB550 including MASH which eliminates noise distortion and jitter as well as Clear-Mode Dialogue system that makes speech a lot clearer for the human ear.

There's also a wireless subwoofer that you can place anywhere you want and you'll have to connect the SC-HTB550 through HDMI ARC in order to control the volume through your HDTV's remote control.

Both the Panasonic SC-HTB550 and the SC-HTB20 sound bars will be arriving in the Spring of 2012. The company hasn't released any pricing information yet.

Philips 6000 and 7000 WiFi-enabled Smart TVs

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Philips has announced their new 6000 and 7000 series of Full HD LED TVs coming with WiFi connectivity and Smart TV capabilities.

What's special about these two is the the dual screen gaming mode allowing users to watch two separate images when playing games on their console, thus leading to an improved gaming experience.

The Philips 6000 was first seen at the IFA 2011 and uses passive polarisation technology for 3D as well as 2D to 3D conversion, a popular feature that enables you to watch your old movie collection in 3D.

The Philips 7000 series features 800Hz Picture Motion Enhancement and use Active Shutter Technology in order to provide 3D.

Philips hasn't said anything about pricing or availability for these two series, but they're expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2012.

via T3

Panasonic PT-EX500L 3LCD Projector

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:18:20 +0000

Panasonic has a new projector ready to hit the market very soon.

The Panasonic PT-EX500L is a 3LCD projector aimed to business professionals that are looking for a professional device to display their presentations.

The PT-EX500L features 5000 ANSI lumens, 2000:1 contrast ratio and 1024x768 resolution and Panasonic guarantees up to 4 thousand hours of lamp life in Eco-mode.

Connectivity includes Composite, Component, two D-Sub, DVI-D, S-Video and HDMI.

There's no word about pricing or availability at this time.

Sharp AQUOS LC-70Q7 70-inch LCD TV

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:35:50 +0000

Sharp has just announced a new addition to its AQUOS line of LCD TVs, coming in the form of a brand new 70-inch display for the Japanese market.

The Sharp AQUOS LC-70Q7 LCD TV comes with a large, 70-inch LED backlit display making it perfect for watching movies in a hom theater environment.

Sharp has equipped this one with a WTuner and USB in case you intend to record TV content on a USB hard drive. There's also DLNA connectivity with other compatible devices in your home and you can expect this one to cost around 550,000 Yen (~$6,900).

Onkyo TX-NR616 THX-certified 7.2-Channel Network Receiver

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:07:25 +0000

Onkyo brings forward a new THX-certified 7.2-channels network receiver, the TX-NR616.

Onkyo claims that their new TX-NR616 AV receiver is the first in the world to include the InstaPrevue feature allowing you to preview on-screen video thumnails of the media available on the HDMI-connected components to it.

The TX-NR616 features Marvell's Qdeo processing technology allowing you to upscale your video content to 4K and watch it on a 4K compatible display and output your audio on 7.2 channels.

The Onkyo TX-NR616 comes with a USB port on the front panel where you can connect your iPhone/iPod so you can access you personal media collection.

Onkyo has announced that their TX_NR616 7.2-channel network receiver will become available in March for $699.

via TechFresh

Pioneer BDP-140 Network 3D Blu-ray Player

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:17:56 +0000

Pioneer has a great reputation in the home theater world and this time the company releases a new network-enabled 3D Blu-Ray player that’s bound to excite the fans.

The Pioneer BDP-140 is a 3D Blu Ray Player with network and wireless capabilities. The BDP-140 will play 1080p 3D Blu-Ray discs as well as DVD, SACD, CDs and regular Blu-Ray discs. That’s good news because you’ll still be able to play your old movie collection with the BDP-140 from Pioneer.

There’s strong audio support coming with the BDP-140 3D Blu-Ray player as well. This Pioneer Blu-Ray player is also able to decode high definition audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and Super Audio CD. The BDP-140 uses its HDMI 1.4a on-board to transmit Full HD 3D images to your big screen TV and is also able to handle formats such as DivX HD and DivX Plus HD(MKV/H.264) up to 1080p.

The network capabilities come in very handy and you’ll never be bored again in front of your HDTV. You will be able to access streaming content from streaming services such as Pandora, YouTube or Netflix.

The Pioneer BDP-140 3D Blu-Ray player also supports DLNA 1.5 and can wirelessly stream content from other DLNA-enabled devices in your home and also features a new technology. The Precision Quarts Lock System Bit-Stream Multi-Channel reduces jitter when you playback DVD, CD and Blu-Ray discs if you use a compatible Pioneer PQLS AV receiver.

The Pioneer BDP-140 is now available for $199.99 at Amazon.com.