Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820 LED TV

The Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820 is an upgrade from last year’s HX800, which won our Editor’s Choice award for its combination of excellent picture quality and useful BRAVIA Internet Video service. The HX820 expands on the HX800’s setup with a new design, some new Web features and improvements to picture quality. However, the competition from LG and Samsung is stronger in 2011, and we think that while the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820 still excels in some areas, other brands can offer equal or better features.

Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820: Design and setup

The Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820 looks more attractive than last year’s model thanks to a seamless fascia, using a single sheet of glass along the front panel with no bulky bezel. It’s very reflective glass, which means you’ll need to make sure to position the TV where no direct light sources are hitting it — otherwise you’ll be distracted by reflections and will have to turn the screen brightness up to compensate. It’s an annoying inclusion that limits the locations the HX820 can be placed in a house.

The Sony BRAVIA HX820 has inbuilt Wi-Fi, which meant we didn’t need to run an Ethernet cable to it to enable Internet features. Another feature that’s now integrated is the HX820’s 3D transmitter — in last year’s HX800 the 3D transmitter and glasses had to be purchased separately, driving up the cost for anyone who wanted to watch a couple of 3D movies. Two pairs of 3D glasses are included with the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820.

If you’re planning to use an older video input like component or composite with the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820, note that the TV uses a break-out box to hold some of these connectors. If you’re wall-mounting the TV, the break-out box is another piece of cable you’ll need to hide. All the other connectors you’d expect like HDMI, Ethernet and USB are built into the side and base of the HX820’s rear panel.

We hooked the BRAVIA KDL-46HX820 up to a Sony BDP-S380 Blu-ray player, a TiVo HD PVR, and a Apple MacBook Pro notebook to test picture quality from a range of input sources.

Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820: Picture quality

The BRAVIA KDL-46HX820 uses a dynamic LED back-light arranged around the TV’s edge, but there’s no local dimming to vary brightness in different screen areas. Nonetheless the Sony BRAVIA HX820 is able to achieve very deep black levels, soundly beating the Samsung Series 8 plasma when it came to overall blacks. Our Terminator: Salvation and The Dark Knight test Blu-ray discs looked cinematic and delivered rich blacks.

Once you’ve adjusted the Sony BRAVIA HX820 to the room it’s in, it is well-suited to watching movies or any other video. The HX820’s picture processing is of a very high standard and makes high quality video like Full HD Blu-ray video look clean, extremely detailed and almost perfectly vibrant. The screen does take a fair amount of adjustment, though — the default Vivid mode blows out highlights and over-saturates colours. We opted for the Cinema preset but further lowered saturation and brightness, as well as turning off various picture enhancements like the Clear White setting. You also have to sit right in front of the TV to get the best picture — colours wash out and blacks brighten as you move towards the HX820’s sides.

The Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820 cleans up low resolution video very well. Streaming content off ABC iView was almost free of compression artifacts, and DVD video was similarly clean and detailed. Noise reduction also works wonders on free-to-air digital TV, which only struggles during scenes of fast motion.

3D video is leaps and bounds ahead of Sony’s efforts from last year. Cross-talk is almost non-existant with good 3D content — we used Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs and a few 3D ocean documentaries. The 3D effect is generally realistic and does offer a noticeable amount of extra depth. The 3D effect does become less prevalent as you move to the sides of the screen. We found it best on proper 3D content, but Sony has also included a 2D-to-3D mode on the BRAVIA KDL-46HX820.

The Sony BRAVIA HX820 handles on-screen motion well for the most part, although 24p Blu-ray video can occasionally look slightly jerky depending on the video being played. We opted to keep the TV’s MotionFlow setting on Smooth for TV and streaming video, but Blu-ray movies looked better with it disabled.

Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820: Internet features

All of the features from 2010’s BRAVIA HX800 are still in the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820 — iView is a perennial favourite. These BRAVIA Internet Video services are of a high standard and the BRAVIA HX820 generally makes them look great, so their inclusion broadens the amount of content available to any TV watcher.

Some new features have been included, like a Web browser, as well as Facebook and Twitter access. However, we didn’t like them too much — controlling the Web browser is a difficult exercise with the keypad of the Sony remote control, and logging into Facebook and Twitter becomes a slight hassle. Both Samsung and LG have strong browsing features built into their TVs, and Sony’s effort pales in comparison. LG’s remote control is a Wii-like pointer, and Samsung’s premium TVs come with a full QWERTY keyboard on the back of the remote.

Sony BRAVIA KDL-46HX820: Conclusion

The Sony BRAVIA HX820 is a high quality television when considered on its own merits — it’s got an excellent picture and a wide range of extra features built in. While the video-on-demand services are great, with the only thing missing a direct movie streaming option, other Web features are mediocre. There’s no app interface for users to choose their own content, and the Web browser is eclipsed by Samsung’s (which makes use of a QWERTY keyboard remote) and LG’s (which uses a ‘magic motion’ pointer).

While the Sony BRAVIA HX820 has some strong competition that should also be considered, we do have to applaud Sony for positioning its 2011 TVs at a reasonable price — the BRAVIA HX820 is a full $700 cheaper than the Samsung Series 8 LED that it competes with. The HX820 has great picture quality due to excellent video processing and reasonable Web features.

AOC e2243FW LED Monitor Review

Back in the days of my computer building era, I used to only trust one brand of monitor. That brand was Envision. They had the highest quality monitors at an affordable price. Yeah, I could pony up for a Viewsonic or Sony, but the Envision gave me that same great quality at a much lower price point. I remember having a huge 19? flat tube monitor sitting on my desk in San Diego. The advent of the LCD monitor changed everything in the world of ergonomic computing. When I first heard of AOC, I had no idea who they were. I later found out that Envision and AOC were one in the same. I was excited to have the opportunity to review the AOC e2243FW LED monitor. It would be my first experience with an LED and also the first time I would setup a secondary monitor to my system.

The stats of the 2243 are shocking. Firstly, it’s one of the worlds thinnest monitors. It’s about as thin as an OLED or a copy of one of those thick issues of Diehard Gamefan at only 1.29cm. It has a dynamic contrast ration of 50,000,000:1. That means very deep blacks and vibrant colors. It’s a low powered monitor and only consumes 15 watts of power. It uses LED touch buttons on the base to control menu options and cycle power. The 2243 is about 21.5? in viewable size. It also has a 16:9 aspect ratio so will be a tad wider than most LCD monitors and also will allow full edge to edge viewing of widescreen 16:9 films.

Samsung T260	AOC e2243
Samsung T260	AOC e2243

Samsung boosts Explore 3D app for LEDs, plasmas

Samsung has expanded its Explore 3D television app to include a wealth of new, free 3D content, the company announced today.

Samsung’s 3D glasses.

Owners of 3D LED and plasma televisions from the company’s 2010 and 2011 lines will now have access to music videos; full-length television shows, courtesy of small network Wealth TV; and educational programming via the Explore 3D program. The application is available on the sets’ SmartHub interface.

Samsung’s Explore 3D application has been available to owners of those televisions for quite some time. Previously, users only were able to watch 3D movie trailers.

To further bolster its 3D push, Samsung also said today that it plans to add paid content, including 3D films and documentaries, to the Explore 3D application “later this year.” The company has yet to reveal pricing or availability.

The addition of new 3D content to Samsung’s line of televisions is a welcome advancement for consumers. Earlier this month, IHS iSuppli revealed in a study of the 3DTV market that just 80 live sources of 3D content were available in the U.S. and U.K. last year, leaving consumers with very little programming to watch on their sets. However, this year, the research firm believes 3D content will grow via sporting events, films, and prime-time shows.

Green LED TVs and computers ‘a step closer to reality’

WASHINGTON: Scientists have developed a new method for manufacturing green-colored LEDs with greatly enhanced light output, which could likely lead to a new generation of high-performance, energy-efficient display devices.

First discovered in the 1920s, LEDs – light-emitting diodes – are semiconductors that convert electricity into light.

The research team, led by Christian Wetzel, professor of physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, etched a nanoscale pattern at the interface between the LED’s sapphire base and the layer of gallium nitride (GaN) that gives the LED its green color.

Samsung launches Smart TV in the UAE

Samsung Smart TVs line-up combines design with a wide range of smart features. Combining smart content and smart experience, Samsung Smart TVs offer a viewing experience with its minimal aesthetics and 3D impact, as well as a new world of web-connected TV entertainment and allows users to easily search for movies, TV shows, browse the web, explore Samsung Apps, chat with friends and much more.

Samsung’s “Smart Hub” is the interface to all Samsung’s Smart features, offering a simple menu system that is easy to connect, discover and enjoy a wide range of content. Users can also easily search for movies, shows and videos via online services and across connected devices, browse the Web from their TV and access a wide variety of applications from Samsung Apps, the world’s first HDTV-based apps store.

The smart features that constitute the Smart Hub include

Samsung Apps—the world’s first HDTV-based application store offering hundreds of apps globally that help people connect to their various passions—whether in sports, entertainment, information, games or social networking. Currently Samsung Apps boasts around 400 applications for Smart TV globally, of which approximately 300 are free, and is looking into increasing that number to 1000 by end of 2011.

AllShare— Samsung’s enhanced DLNA feature called “All Share” offers a wireless network, which is convenient and easy to use, allowing users to share HD quality content such as pictures, videos and music among all Samsung and other DLNA compatible digital devices, including mobile phones, notebooks and digital cameras.

Search All— a smart feature unique to Samsung Smart TVs, makes it easy to access and search for desired content on the web and other DLNA connected devices, networked PC and mobile devices, and Internet and video-on-demand services.

Social TV—makes it easy to chat with friends and family in real-time while watching the same TV content, thanks to integration with social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Google Talk.

Web Browser—offers Samsung’s proprietary built in Web Browser that includes full flash video support, allowing you to surf the net right from your TV. For easy navigation, you can turn your Android or Apple OS device into a Cursor Control remote control or QWERTY keyboard by downloading the relevant mobile application.
Second TV— a Samsung proprietary feature that allows users to stream visual content between devices where viewers will be able to push Blu-ray, DVD and live TV from their screen to other Samsung devices such as tablets and Galaxy smart phones.

From a design perspective, Samsung’s new “One Design” 5 mm ultra-slim bezel on premium LED TV models impacts the viewing experience by liberating 3D pictures from the TV set.

In addition, Samsung has launched a Total 3D Solution, which takes consumers even deeper into the immersive 3D experience. Total 3D Solution includes a ground-breaking 3D Audio technology which simulates the height and depth of the audio track by distinguishing between foreground and background sounds to create an immersive experience. Complementing the stylish elements in any home, Samsung Total 3D also includes the world’s slimmest 3D Blu-ray player; the BD-D7500, that comprises smart features and epitomize Samsung’s 3S concept design philosophy—symmetric, slim and slot-in.

Adding to the experience, Total 3D Solution brings the company’s Silhouette -designed 3D active glasses which are now the world’s lightest 3D active glasses at merely 28 gm and greater comfort thanks to the new placement of printed circuits and batteries behind each ear. Samsung’s Total 3D Solution is further complemented by a stylish new wireless charger which charges up to four pairs of active 3D glasses through an elegant, glossy black cylinder.

Samsung’s new 3D glasses use Bluetooth instead of infrared signals to sync with the 3D TV, meaning the glasses do not need to have line-of-sight with the TV set.

“Samsung continues to blend technology and art to take TV design one step further and the Smart TVs range offer the most exciting home entertainment experiences we have ever created. We have developed smart new features and applications based on our “Smarter Life” concept and combined those with innovative design. Samsung’s Smart TVs offer the ultimate viewing experience and will redefine the way users experience home entertainment,” said Justin Shaw, General Manager of AV division, Samsung Gulf Electronics.

The Samsung Smart TV line-up includes a range of LED, LCD and PDP TVs in order to provide a minimalistic, more immersive viewing experience. The flagship D8000 LED Smart TV with 3D capabilities has a barely visible 5 mm brushed metal bezel, a fine line that slightly frames the rich content on the screen and enhances the TV’s light form factor. The D8000 Series continues the minimalist style of the award-winning C8000 Series and uses an improved Quad Stand to ensure ultimate harmony between the TV and its environment. The new series also has all the features of Samsung’s Social Hub that allow users to access all types of online content from one location thereby making it easier for viewers to engage their passions by accessing Web-delivered content on their TV screens.

Samsung’s Smart PDP TV range delivers the best viewing experience in 2D and 3D coupled with breath-taking picture quality, advanced connectivity options and superior audio-visual technologies. The range also offers Samsung’s breakthrough Plasma+1 design, which features a new narrow bezel that adds one inch of viewable screen size for a greater viewing area without increasing the outside dimensions of the set which is now available in 43″, 51″, 59″ and 64″.

Samsung UN60D6400 LED TV

The good: The Samsung UND6400 series offers beautiful, compact styling with an ultrathin bezel and panel for a nearly all-picture look. It produces relatively deep black levels for an edge-lit LED-based LCD TV, with accurate color in bright areas, excellent video processing, and improved 3D picture quality. The Smart Hub Internet portal boasts more apps and streaming services than the competition.

The bad: This Samsung LED TV is relatively expensive. Its picture suffers from imperfect screen uniformity and blue-tinged darker areas, while its glossy screen reflects a lot of ambient light. The UND6400’s Smart Hub lacks Amazon Instant, its search is next to useless, and its interface can be cluttered and confusing.

The bottom line: Solid overall 2D and 3D picture quality, as well as a wealth of features and beautiful looks, mark the Samsung UND6400 as one of the better edge-lit LED-based LCD TVs we’ve tested.

Samsung 2011 LED TV prices and availability reeled out

It doesn’t matter whether the market is thronging with people hunting down an 18” LED TV or one that stretches to 55”. Samsung has them covered with a huge array of LED TVs including 3D-capable models. Most of these feature Smart TV capabilities, Samsung Smart Hub and the company’s One Design concept.

The 31.5” UN32D6000 and 40” UN40D6000 are available in the market for $899.99 and $1,099.99, respectively. The UN55D8000 and UN55D6000 sport 54.6” displays. They are attached with price tags reading $3,599.99 and $2,099.99, correspondingly. Also falling within this bracket in terms of screen size are the UN55D7000, UN55D6400 and UN55D6300 costing $3,099.99, $2,399.99 and $2,299.99, concurrently.

“The living room is the activity center for many people and the TV is an ideal media hub for the home. Our products make it easy for anyone to instantly access and share the content they want, when they want it,” remarked John Revie, senior vice president of Home Entertainment, Samsung Electronics America. “Together with new breakthrough designs, Samsung is encouraging people to take entertainment to the edge with our TVs.”

Flaunting 45.9” panels, the UN46D7000, UN46D6400 and UN46D6300 may be picked up for $2,299.99, $1,599.99 and $1,499.99, respectively. The list does not stop there. The 40” UN40D6400 is pegged at $1,299.99, while the 40” UN40D6300 has been stuck with a $1,199.99 label. The UN22D5010 and UN22D5000 share the same 21.5” screen size as well as the $299.99 cost.

The four other LED TVs Samsung has on offer include the 40” UN40D5500, 18.5” UN19D4000, 31.5” UN32D5500 and 31.5” UN32D4000. The last two are chalked at $529.99 and $699.99, correspondingly. The UN40D5500 can be purchased for $899.99 and the UN19D4000, that happens to be the most modest-sized in the group, costs $249.99.

Apart from the TVs, Samsung also tossed in four new pairs of 3D active glasses, one of which is the SSG-3700CR with ergonomically designed flexible ‘legs’ and nose pad.

First Haier 3D LED TV Launched

Haier has announced its venture into the 3D TV space with the LE55A310 LED backlit TV. The TV sports a metallic finish and is supposed to be super slim. The 55-incher will also sport USB 2.0 with video (no word on DivX HD playback), a ‘mega’ contrast ratio and 120Hz refresh rate. On the sound front, we have SRS TruSurround XT technology for a simulated surround effect .

“India is fast emerging as the key driver in the global television market and 3D LED TV is one of them.” said Eric Braganza, President, Haier India. “Haier’s new range of 3D LED TV’s provide an experience similar to one in a movie theatre. The new range of televisions from Haier represents company’s efforts to continuously innovate and introduce new cutting edge technologies offering convenience to the consumers in the Indian market. Innovation, functionality, durability, eco-compatibility and clear user-friendly functions were the criteria kept in mind while designing these ranges of 3D LED TVs,” he added.

However, the company did not disclose the pricing details of the TVs as yet. Expect to see them in store in the following months.

LG’s LED monitor/TV

LG’s LED monitor/TV

LAS VEGAS–Monitor TVs are nothing new, but it’ll take manufacturers some continued innovating to keep me excited. LG shows that it understands this with its latest monitor/TV, the M80D.

The M80D is LG’s first monitor/TV to use an LED backlight. The design is sleek and stylish and looks to be wall mountable.

Incoming specs:

• 1,920×1,080 resolution
• 250 cd/M2 brightness
• 5ms response time
• VGA, DVI, HDMI connections
• Component, VGA, HDMI, Audio in/out
• Built-in speakers with 2.1-channel sound

Samsung LED D8000 Series LCD 3D HDTV

New for 2011, the Samsung LED D8000 series 3D TV comes in a 0.2″ brushed metal bezel, a fine line that subtly frames the rich content on the screen and enhances the TV’s light form factor. The D8000 Series continues the minimalist style of the C8000 Series and uses an improved Quad Stand to ensure ultimate harmony between the TV and its environment.

The reduction in bezel size means consumers can enjoy a larger viewing screen and wider viewing angle without having to increase the physical size of their TVs, and makes using social applications like Skype and YouTube, browsing the Web, sharing content and playing games that much more inclusive.

With a 240Hz refresh rate, 2 millisecond motion picture response time (MPRT) and improved LED backlight scanning, this CES Innovation Award honoree offers true-to-life 2D, 3D and HD images with outstanding clarity. In addition to the Ultra Clear Panel, the TV is the first to offer Micro Dimming Plus technologies to provide the richest, most lifelike pictures with deep blacks and pure whites.

The D8000 Series comes with Samsung’s new 3D glasses and Samsung’s innovative Touch Control that can also stream TV programs to its built-in 3″ LCD screen, almost like a second TV, even while a Blu-ray disc is being played on the TV.

The D8000 has a built-in Wi-Fi connection and many convenient ways to manage and display content through Samsung’s Smart Hub portal. The set can connect to other devices using DLNA or Samsung’s patented One Foot Connection technology.