Plasma HDTV Prices
Figuring out the best price on HDTV
Archive for the 'LCD' Category
Consumer Reports top LCD TVs
06 Feb 2008
There’s no need to wait any longer to buy an HDTV. That’s the advice from Consumer Reports. Tests of 101 plasma, LCD, and rear-projection TVs for the March issue yielded more sets with top scores for picture quality than in years past. CR also reveals that prices are down as much as 40 percent on some TVs, so consumers continue to get more bang for their buck.
Consumer Reports notes that there are three major considerations when buying an HDTV: the type – LCD, plasma or rear-projection, the size of the screen, and whether it’s worth paying a premium to step up from 720p to 1080p resolution. CR recommends considering a 1080p model first, especially if price is not an issue.
But CR strongly advises that shoppers shouldn’t automatically rule out a 720p set. Not all 1080p sets were superior in CR’s tests, especially when selecting a smaller screen-size. CR found that on a 42-inch screen, the advantages of 1080p resolution aren’t as apparent as on sets 50 inches or larger. Some of CR’s top-rated TVs are 720p models. For example, the 40-inch Samsung [LN-T4053H], a $1,500 LCD set, was the top-rated model in its category. It has 720p resolution, sufficient for its screen size, and had deeper blacks than many LCD sets. Consumers interested in a 720p plasma set should consider the 42-inch Panasonic [TH-42PX77U], $1,300, a CR Best Buy for its combination of top picture quality and price.
CR also has several recommendations for shoppers looking for a larger screen. The top-rated 58-inch Panasonic [TH-58PZ750U], for example is a $5,000 1080p plasma model that has excellent picture quality, rich, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. Two 50-inch 1080p plasma sets from Panasonic, are among CR’s Quick Picks. Other highly-rated 50-inch plasmas include sets from LG and Pioneer.
Among LCD sets, CR recommends models by Sony [Bravia KDL-52XBR4], $4,000, Sharp [Aquos LC-52D64U], $3,000, and Samsung [LN-T5281F], $4,500. All of these 52-inch 1080p models did well for picture quality, brightness, image detail, and color accuracy. Other recommended sets include 46-inch models by Sony, Samsung, and Mitsubishi. The 46-inch 720p Sony [Bravia KDL-46S3000], $1,900, a CR Best Buy, did very well for picture quality. However, its 1080p sibling, the Sony [Bravia KDL-46W3000], $2,500, had finer detail.
If price, rather than screen-size is the priority, CR has quite a few recommendations. For under $1,000, consumers can get very good picture quality from the 37-inch 720p LCD Olevia 537H, $800 or the Insignia [NS-LCD37], $750. The 32-inch 720p LCD Vizio [VW32LHDT], $600, had comparable performance at a lower price. The best 32-inch 720p LCD sets came from Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung, all cost more than $1000.
The report also includes ratings of 14 rear-projection models. However, CR notes that a growing number of manufacturers – including Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi, and Philips – have exited the category and have stopped making rear-projection TVs.
What it costs to run a big screen TV
One new feature in the latest HDTV report is energy consumption. CR’s engineers determined the amount of energy used by typical LCD, plasma, and rear-projection TVs turned on for 8 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most sets didn’t use significantly more energy than a 32- to 36-inch picture tube TV. One exception was 50-inch 1080p plasmas, which used twice-as-much energy as the biggest picture-tube set, and more than a comparably-sized LCD. Not surprisingly, bigger screens of all types consume more electricity than smaller ones. See the chart on the right to see CR’s estimates on what it costs to run a TV annually.
TV Reliability & Extended Warranties
According to Consumer Reports’ most recent product reliability survey, repair rates for LCD and plasma TV sets have been very low, an average of three percent overall, especially during the first three years of use – the time covered by many warranties. In the small number of cases where a set did need servicing, most repairs reported by respondents were free, presumably because they were covered by the manufacturer’s standard warranty. The few respondents who paid for repairs spent an average of $264 to fix a flat-panel LCD, $395 for a plasma, and $300 for rear-projection sets.
The latest issue of Consumer Reports includes advice on how to handle repairs in warranty and out-of-warranty. CR also advises whether to repair or replace a TV depending on its type and age.
Consumer Reports’ latest product reliability survey data also reinforces its long-standing advice to skip the extended warranty. Rear-projection TVs have been more repair-prone, but even for these sets, an extended warranty usually won’t pay off. And, consumers may be able to get longer manufacturers’ warranty coverage on their set without paying for it. Some premium credit cards add up to a year on the manufacturer’s warranty at no cost if the TV is bought with their card. Also, Costco offers a free two-year warranty on sets purchased in its warehouse or on its Web site.
Top 10 LCD and plasma HDTVs compared
28 Sep 2007
PC World reviews 40″ and 42″ plasma and LCD TV sets:
We examined twelve of the latest 40- to 42-inch flat-panel TVs we could find to determine which ones give you the most for your money. Our test group consisted of five plasma sets (Hewlett-Packard’s PL4272N, Panasonic’s TH-42PZ700U, Pioneer’s PDP-4280HD, Samsung’s HP-T4264, and Vizio’s VP42) and seven LCD sets (HP’s LC4276N, LG’s 42LB5D, Philips’s 42PFL7432D/37, Samsung’s LN-T4061, Sony’s KDL-40V3000, Toshiba’s 42HL167, and Vizio’s GV42LF).
See the comparison chart here.
comments off
SAMSUNG Introduces 70inch Full-HD LCD TV with Local Dimming Technology
17 Jul 2007
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has introduced the largest (70 inch) commercially available full high-definition LCD TV in Korea. The new TV boasts Samsung’s very best image enhancement technologies and employs a light-emitting diode (LED) backlight instead of the conventional cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) version. Moreover, Samsung’s unique local dimming technology enables the LED backlight to be turned off in dark image areas, delivering a dynamic contrast ratio of 500,000:1. At the same time, power consumption is lowered by as much as fifty percent.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s LED scanning eliminates the flicker and ghosting problems associated with large-screen LCD TVs.
“I am pleased to introduce the 70′ Full-HD LCD TV with innovative Local Dimming Technology,’ said JongWoo Park, President of the Digital Media Business, Samsung Electronics. ‘Samsung will continue to strengthen its LCD TV leadership, enhancing Full-HD and large screen LCD TV line-up.’
A high-gloss, ‘piano black’ bezel and titanium chrome trim accentuate the elegance and sophistication of Samsung’s new 70′ full-HD LCD TV. The dual hidden speakers and rear woofer deliver the rich sound quality to match the larger-than-life on-screen images.
Samsung plans to put the product on sale worldwide in the second half of this year. Samsung is the largest LCD TV supplier in January-March this year with 17.4 percent share by revenue, according to Display Search.
42″ 1080p LCD HDTV for $1,000
25 Jun 2007
Vizio 42″ 1080P HDTV LCD is $999.99 after rebate in Costco with the coupon. This is the first 1080p model from Vizio at sub-$1,000 price.
JVC LAUNCHES NEW 1080p FLAT PANEL LCD TVs
25 Jun 2007
JVC today expanded its LCD TV line-up with the addition of four new models that offer 1080p full HD resolution. All four models, in 37-, 42- and 47-inch screen sizes, incorporate an array of JVC technologies that combine to deliver sharp, natural images with even the most challenging program material.
JVC’s expanded LCD line includes two series – in the 688 series are the 37-inch LT-37X688 and the 42-inch LT-42X688, each offering a new black cabinet. The higher performance 788 series includes the 42-inch LT-42X788 and the 47-inch LT-47X788, featuring black cabinets with silver trim and an ultra-thin bezel. The 788 series sets also provide a higher contrast ratio, faster response time and wider viewing angle.
All four models feature full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 and JVC’s fifth generation D.I.S.T. (Digital Image Scaling Technology) engine that upconverts all signals to display at full 1080p. Dual HDMI v1.3 inputs allow connection of the latest generation of 1080p sources that offer 1080p outputs. Other features include nine aspect modes, four picture modes, a new universal remote with new convenience features, and a USB photo viewer.
To ensure the best possible picture, the new sets feature JVC’s Genessa chip, a 32-bit CPU processor that combines all image processing, noise reduction and color management technologies together onto a single chip for more efficient communication, and thus better performance. Genessa includes JVC’s Motion Adaptive Dynamic Gamma control, an algorithm that preserves tonal details and gradations in dark areas so that the image doesn’t appear muddy.
Genessa also includes Digital Video Noise Reduction that reduces the graininess for both analog and digital video sources, a Block Noise Suppressor that detects and eliminates “block noise”, a Mosquito Noise Suppressor that eliminates noise in low bit-rate signals without degrading the image, and a 3D Y/C comb filter with DTV Cross Color Eliminator that uses an advanced 10-bit 3D Y/C separation process to eliminate cross color and dot interference that is imbedded in older source material.
Standard definition signals are improved through new Natural Progressive IP conversion, improved scaler performance and a new PLL (phase lock loop) system that improves the performance of a composite signal.
In convenience features, the new sets offer nine video aspect modes, including a full native mode that shows the full picture with no overscan, four picture modes (standard, game, theater and dynamic) to optimize performance for different room situations and program material, and a USB photo viewer – a USB input for connection to a USB mass storage device, including JVC’s Everio hard drive camcorders. Images can be zoomed and rotated, viewed individually or played as a slide show.
New with the launch of these LCD sets is a completely redesigned remote control. All four new sets come with an illuminated universal remote that includes five direct video input buttons, and can be programmed to operate many brands of set top boxes, DVD players, digital video recorders, VCRs and audio products. In addition, the remote features dual infrared transmitters so that the set receives the signal whether the remote is pointed at the TV or held vertically for a better view of the buttons.
All four sets offer a full complement of inputs – two HDMI v1.3 inputs, two component inputs, three composite inputs, three AV inputs, an S-Video input, and optical digital audio out, and a fixed audio out.
For HD program reception, all four sets include a built-in ATSC tuner for receiving over-the-air digital terrestrial broadcasts and a Clear QAM tuner for receiving unscrambled digital cable signals.
The audio package in JVC’s new LCD TVs is comprised of a 10-watts-per-channel amplifier, JVC’s Advanced Hyper Surround for simulated surround sound and twin oblique cone speakers. Also included is JVC’s Smart Sound feature, which maintains a constant volume level as content changes (such as from program material to commercial).
Prices and availability:
Model Available Approximate Retail Price LT-37X688 June $1,599.95 LT-42X688 June $1,999.95 LT-42X788 July $2,099.95 LT-47X788 July $2,699.95
comments off
1080p LCD HDTVs from Microtek
05 Jan 2007
Microtek, a world-leading manufacturer of digital imaging products, introduces two new 42-inch LCD HDTVs with Full-HD 1080p resolution in the United States through its North American subsidiary, Microtek Lab, Inc. The new CL42HA joins the Cineon(TM) series — a high-end line of HDTVs created for the custom A/V installer and home theater channel — while the new L42CX2A joins Microtek’s line of HDTVs for video enthusiasts.
With 1080p full-HD resolution, these LCD HDTVs display two million pixels; twice the resolution of typical plasma HD TVs at 720p and six times the resolution of standard DVD movies at 480p. “We are proud to offer these new LCD HDTVs in addition to our plasma HDTVs,” said Parker Plaisted, product brand manager at Microtek. “LCD and plasma have emerged as the top choices for consumers for high-definition televisions because they offer outstanding picture quality with the flat-panel convenience and affordable prices. Some people prefer plasma technology and others LCD technology.
By offering both to our customers we can satisfy the full range of consumer needs, and we can monitor and compare the advances in these technologies to make critical decisions on future products.”
Full HD at 1080p
Both the L42CX2A and the CL42HA deliver Full-HD 1080p with a native resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels in the wide-screen 16:9 format and are the perfect match for 1080i or 1080p video that is available now from broadcast TV, cable and satellite TV, Blu-ray discs and HD DVDs. Using advanced scaler technology, the L42CX2A and CL42HA also accept and accurately display video at 480i, 480p and 720p in addition to 1080i and 1080p.
Design Specifications and Factory Calibration
With more than 20 years of experience in digital color imaging, the Microtek engineering team has chosen high-quality components and implemented rigorous design specifications to deliver outstanding picture quality. The L42CX2A and the CL42HA LCD HD TVs offer a brightness of 500 cd/m2, contrast ratio of 1200:1 and viewing angle of 176 degrees. Each individual TV is calibrated at the factory to set the optimum brightness, contrast, sharpness, color saturation, and color balance for a typical home viewing environment.
For the Microtek L42CX2A, factory calibration means the customer can enjoy the picture quality right out of the box with plug-and-play simplicity. For the Cineon CL42HA, factory calibration sets the middle-ground starting point for tuning the TV to a specific viewing environment. The controls used for the factory calibration are separate from the on-screen adjustment controls, so the factory calibration can be restored by simply restoring the default settings for the on-screen adjustment controls.
Input Connections
The Microtek L42CX2A and Cineon CL42HA feature a full array of input options that allow you to connect several devices to the LCD HDTV to create a comprehensive media center. These input connections include antenna ports for analog NTSC and digital ATSC tuners, composite video, S-video, component video (YPbPr), computer RGB via VGA port, and HDMI for 100% digital data transmission. The HDMI input facilitates direct input of digital signals from a variety of sources — making the L42CX2A and CL42HA perfect displays for home theater, game consoles, digital photography, and the latest digital entertainment applications.
Availability and Pricing
The Microtek L42CX2A 42″ LCD HDTVs carry a one-year parts-and-labor warranty and will be available soon through Microtek’s distribution channels and select direct mail and online retail stores for $1,899.99. The Cineon CL42HA 42″ LCD HDTVs carry a two-year parts-and-labor warranty and will be available soon through custom A/V and home-theater installers for $1,999.99.
Sony 40″ LCD HDTV $1,500 on Amazon
14 Dec 2006
Sony KDL-40S2400 40″ Bravia S-Series Digital LCD HDTV is $1,500 with free shipping on Amazon.com. Also on Amazon: Buy a qualifying Mustang Mount along with a qualifying flat-panel TV and get the mount free after mail-in rebate. There’s also a $20 rebate offer from PriceGrabber once you buy the TV and complete a review. This stunning, 40-inch BRAVIA television offers a bright, clear picture with superior detail and contrast. Enjoy new features such as the dynamic backlighting system called ACE (Advanced Contrast Enhancement), which automatically adjusts the intensity of the backlight for improved contrast. In addition, a built-in light sensor intelligently fine-tunes the screen brightness to match the ambient light in your room, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience. The BRAVIA S2400 LCD televisions use the BRAVIA Engine full digital video processor for crisp and clear images. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio & video interface. HDMI technology supports enhanced or High Definition video. The PC input (HD-15-pin) offers easy connection to your PC, allowing you to use your high resolution BRAVIA S-Series Digital TV as a computer monitor. On-Screen Video Contrast Ratio – 1300 – 1 Viewing Angle – Right/Left 178 degrees, Up/Down 178 degrees Panel Response Time – 8ms (gray to gray) Video Processing – BRAVIA Engine System 3D Digital Comb Filter Parental Control (V-Chip) 4 Rear, 1 Side Analog Audio Input 1 Rear Audio Output (Variable/Fixed) 2 Rear Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Inputs 2 Rear, 1 Side Composite Video Input 1 Rear Digital Audio Output 1 Rear RF Connection Input 1 Rear, 1 Side S-Video Input with rear Auto S-Video Input Detection 1 Side Headphone Output 1 Rear PC Video Input with D-sub 15 and L/R stereo mini plug connection 1 Rear HDMI with L/R RCA audio connections Power Consumption – 200W in Operation, Less than 0.1W in Standby Power Requirements – AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz Audio Power Output – 20W (10W x2) Energy Star Compliant VESA compatible (200 x 400 hole pattern / M6 thread size / 16.5mm hole depth) SRS TruSurround XT Audio Effect Di
32″ LCD HDTV $1000 @Vanns.com
07 Dec 2006
32″ LCD HDTV $478 @HomeDepot
23 Nov 2006
A 32″ LCD HDTV by Element is currently $478 at Home Depot today and tomorrow. Create a theater right in your own home with this 32 in. LCD HDTV from Element. With 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown with motion compensation and a fast 12ms LCD response time, you get less motion artifacts and background picture noise. The dual tuner (1 NTSC/1 ATSC) provides Picture-in-Picture. You’ll enjoy stereo and simulated surround sound with bass, balance and EQ control. With its superior design, compact footprint, intelligent cable management and multiple input connectivity options, it’s the ideal set for all of your home entertainment and multimedia needs. It’s item #412813, if you want to pick it up in store.
comments off
27″ LCD HDTV $480 @Best Buy
23 Nov 2006
Best Buy currently sells Westinghouse LTV-27w7 27″ Flat-Panel LCD HDTV for $480 after rebates. HDMI-HDCP input provides a direct digital-to-digital hookup with compatible devices and supports copy-protected HD broadcast content. Inputs: 1 composite, 1 S-video, 2 component, 1 HDMI-HDCP with audio, 1 PC (RGB/VGA), 1 audio mini, 4 dual RCA audio and 1 antenna. Outputs: 1 dual audio RCA, 1 SPDIF audio.
comments off
42″ LCD HDTV for $900 at eCost
22 Nov 2006
eCost currently sells a Soyo 42″ LCD HDTV for $900 after a rebate. The unit features 1500:1 Contrast Ratio (1366×768 Resolution), 10ms Response-Time, ATSC & NTSC Tuners, HD to 1080i, HDMI Component Video Inputs, Built-In Stereo Speakers. Also, no payments for 6 months on purchases over $500.
comments off
23″ LCD HDTV $370
21 Nov 2006
Syntax Olevia 23″ 1600:1 LCD-TV LT23HVX Flat-Panel TFT Widescreen LCD TV is $370 with free shipping at SuperGoodDeal. The Olevia LT23HVX LCD TV is an HD-compatible display that is conveniently sized for any room that has space limitations. This TV supports video resolutions up to 480p and PC modes up to 1024 x 768 at 60 Hz. Its 16:9 aspect ratio and 178 degree wide viewing angle produce images that are easily viewed from any location in the room.
comments off
42″ LCD HDTV $1,600 @OneCall.com
18 Nov 2006
Toshiba 42HL196 42-inch REGZA 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTV is $1,600 at OneCall.com. Wide 176 Degree Viewing Angle – Off axis viewing is maximized to allow everyone in the room to enjoy the show. Double Window/Multi Window POP – For the convenience of monitoring two sources at once, the set allows side by side viewing of multiple sources, or snapshot images of up to 9 channels at once. Read 4 user reviews of this model on Pricerunner. Also read CNET Review: “Overall, this TV’s features are in line with its price. However, liquid crystal display TVs with similar viewable size have an average cost of about $2,530.”
comments off
32″ LCD HDTV $725 @Buy.com
16 Nov 2006
Viewsonic N3251W 32″ Widescreen LCD HDTV 1000:1 RGB/DVI with Speakers is $735 at Buy.com, $725 if you check out with Google Checkout. Ultra-high brightness of 550 nits (typ), high contrast ratio of 1000:1 (typ), and 1360×768 optimum PC resolution provide vibrant video and crisp data images on the desktop or in the living room. CNET gave this unit 6.3 stars: “Another inexpensive yet well-put-together LCD, the ViewSonic N3251W’s picture flaws are eclipsed by its solid value proposition.”
comments off
40″ 1080p LCD HDTV $1,700 @Outpost.com
16 Nov 2006
Samsung LNS4095DX 40″ 1080p LCD TV w/ATSC Built-In Tuner is currently $1,700 on OutPost.com. Samsung’s sleek 40″ LCD leads the industry in realistic home entertainment. With its 6000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, over two million pixel resolution, Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp, S-PVA Panel, and 10-bit processor with 12.8 billion colors, the LN-S4095D delivers a picture of startling clarity that rivals real life. The new, optimized game mode and fast 8ms response time will thrill Xbox fans with its movie-like visuals. The audio system is equally impressive, with hidden bottom speakers that offer SRS TruSurround XT sound. There are 2 reviews of this HDTV on NexTag.
comments off
37″ LCD HDTV $900 @NewEgg
15 Nov 2006
SCEPTRE Black&Silver 37″ 16:9 8ms Wide Screen LCD HDTV w/ Built-in ATSC Tuner with HDMI Input Model X37SV is currently $899 after rebates on NewEgg.com. The Komodo Dragon is a lizard of great size and brilliant color, and the Sceptre X37SV Komodo is a 37” LCD TV with the same qualities. The crisp, high-resolution 16:9 screen draws you in to examine it more closely, where you notice the 1000:1 contrast and 500 cd/m2 brightness as it washes over your senses. The panoramic 170 degree viewing angle brings a beautiful view to all who watch, wherever they might be in the room. Read a review of the model on AVS forum, and check out Sceptre X37SV-Naga by PC Magazine, who gave it two stars.
comments off
37″ LCD HDTV $999 @SecondAct
15 Nov 2006
A refurbished Samsung LNR377D 37″ LCD HDTV is $999 at SecondAct. Slim, light and beautiful, Samsung’s 37 LCD flat panel HDTV combines sleek looks and high performance. Powerful bottom built-in speakers with 10 Watts x 2 audio power create theatre-like sound. This television also displays brilliant HD-Grade 1366(H) x 768(V) pixel resolution.
comments off
Refurbished 37″ LCD HDTV and stand $700 @Geeks.com
15 Nov 2006
A refurbished VIZIO L37 37″ High Definition Widescreen LCD TV is currently $700 at Geeks.com. The VIZIO L37 37-inch Widescreen Liquid Crystal (LCD) HDTV supports 720P and 1080i allowing you to enjoy High Definition content broadcast in either format. This Vizio L37 LCD TV offers a super high 1366 x 768 native resolution, has an integrated ATSC tuner supporting HD off-air and clear digital cable and unscrambled HD channels. Use coupon FREESTAND to get a free Hitachi stand. There are 9 reviews of Vizio L37 on epinions, all generally positive: “We purchased this at BJ’s a month or so ago. The picture is fantastic. I purchased a $24.95 digital antenna and hooked it up to watch the over the air signals from the local affiliates. The picture is breathtaking. I watched the US Open Tennis and I could see spots Agassi missed shaving. The set comes with 2 built in tuners one for digital HD and one for analogue/regular cable. Regular cable looks great but you are aware of the lower quality after watching HD. The sound is great, the remote is excellent and you can really watch 2 programs at once which I have done several times. It is very easy to switch the audio from side to side when watching 2 programs with a single push of the button. And I can really use it as a large monitor when I want to. The HD picture is so clear that when I do a freeze frame I can walk up to the TV and look at the picture from 18″ and you look at it the same way you would a magazine. This is the best buy for the money.” If you’re planning to buy, also read discussions on AVS Forum.
32″ LCD HDTV with wall mount for $525 @Buy.com
14 Nov 2006
Buy.com sells Astar LTV-32HBG – 32″ LCD HDTV – 1200:1 Contrast Ratio – Wall Mount Bracket and Hardware Included for $625 after rebate. The Astar 32” Baby Grand High Definition Widescreen LCD TV features bold Black on Black styling guaranteed to attract attention in any room. It looks great mounted on the wall or on top of a nice piece of furniture. The LTV-32HBG includes REMOVABLE speakers; a table stand and wall mount kit (VESA compatible). Another $100 rebate comes from PriceGrabber. No reviews of this HDTV so far.
comments off
32″ LCD HDTV for $750 @Buy.com
06 Nov 2006
Norcent LT-3250, a 32″ Widescreen LCD HDTV with 1000:1 contrast ratio is currently $750 at Buy.com. Save $10 extra for checking out with Google Checkout. There’s a pretty good review of the TV set in HDTV Magazine: “The Norcent LT-3250 wins my praise for delivering not only a top notch HD image, but also for squeezing SD signals for all they are worth. This HDTV is not without its quirks and it couldn’t be called feature rich. But at this price point, it is a solid performer.”