Purchasing a Big Screen Television

Like most other men I enjoy watching a big screen television. In my opinion the bigger the better. But there are so many choices when it comes to purchasing a big screen television it's easy to get confused. There are three main types of big screen televisions. Plasma, LCD and Rear Projection. Let's go through the pro's and con's of the three.

The first is Plasma televisions. These televisions have been praised for their clear picture and thin frame. I've found these televisions to deliver a high quality picture. They are so slim they can be hung on the wall like a picture frame saving a lot of space in the lounge room. The downside is they don't have a very long life-span. A lot of people I know that have a plasma television complain about having to keep getting it fixed after only a year.

The second is LCD televisions. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. LCD televisions deliver and even higher quality picture that plasma televisions. They are also light weight and slim in size. The only downside I can see is the price. LDC televisions are the most expensive out of the three.

The third is rear projection televisions. The main advantage to buying a rear projection television is the price. It is the cheapest out of three, a lot cheaper in fact. In most cases the half the price. Now let's talk about the disadvantages. A good saying is "you get what you pay for" and in this case it is no exception. Rear projection televisions are bigger than the LCD's and Plasma's. A lot bigger, so you better have a big lounge room if you want to purchase one. The second disadvantage is the picture quality. The picture picture quality of rear projection televisions are a lot poorer.

So the question really is how much you want to spend. Paying less for a rear projection television will help your hip pocket but will be a lot harder on the eyes. Buying a LCD television will cost a bit but will deliver excellent picture quality. The choice is yours, but if you have the money get the LCD television.

www.technologyslice.com

Visit : TV buying guide Television reviews

LCD Flat Screen TV - Are 120Hz LCD Flat Screen TVs Worth The Extra Money?

If you have been looking at buying an LCD flat screen tv, no doubt you have read about the 120Hz models. You are probably wondering if the 120Hz models are worth the extra cost. The value of the 120hz feature has been widely debated in recent months. There are a number of things to consider before making your decision.

In the early days of the LCD vs Plasma tv wars, one of the biggest drawbacks to purchasing an LCD tv was that they were prone to motion blur and a somewhat choppy picture, especially in times when there was a lot of fast action such as sports or in movie scenes such as car chases. Although there has been a great deal of improvement over the years in the tvs ability to handle fast motion, LCD is still battling the stigma of not having as smooth of a picture as plasmas.

Enter the 120Hz tv. As a direct response, LCD manufacturers have incorporated 120Hz tvs into their newest tv models. These tvs have refresh rates that are twice as fast as the "standard" 60Hz models.

Those who are supporters of the 120Hz technology claim that the picture is noticeably smoother with crystal clear clarity, especially during fast action scenes or sports. Another benefit is the ability to produce an almost 3D-like picture.

On the other hand, others say that they can't notice a difference when comparing side to side with the "standard" 60Hz models. They feel that the 120Hz models are simply marketing gimmicks to sell higher priced tv.

So who is right? As usual there is a middle ground. Put simply, a 120Hz tv will take a standard 60Hz signal and simply replicate it twice which by itself does little to enhance the picture quality. The real difference is made when applying a video processing feature for motion enhancement. Each company has there own name for this process. For example, Samsung's feature is called AMP for Auto Motion Plus. This feature takes the screen and interpolates the image to provide a smoother picture to reduce judder.

Does the motion enhancement provide a more satisfactory picture? Again this is open to debate. Motion enhancement at its best provides a noticeably smoother, stable picture, free of jutter, motion blur and ghosting. Some describe gaming in 120Hz as making a 30 frames per second game look like a 60 frames per second game, while others are mesmerized by the ability to make sports and movies look live and 3D-like.

At its worst motion enhancement, especially during fast motion can introduce split second glitches in the picture called artifacts which can obviously be distracting. Others feel that while documentary type shows like Planet Earth can provide stunning stable live action shots, that motion enhancement takes away from the cinematic feel of movies by providing an almost too realistic, live tv or soap opera feel instead of a cinematic experience.

It is important to point out that motion enhancement can be turned on or off, so if you prefer to watch a movie without the motion enhancement you can simply turn it off.

For the time being the choice to go with a 120Hz LCD flat screen tv is purely one of personal choice and budget. Keep in mind that this is a very new technology and as with all new technologies there are still some things that need to be perfected. There is little debate that 120Hz is the wave of the future and that technology will only improve over time. If price is not of primary concern or if you can spare the extra dollars in an attempt to future proof your tv purchase then it would seem to make perfect sense to go with the additional features and benefits that a 120Hz LCD flat screen tv can offer. If price is a primary factor and you are working on a limited budget then one of the standard models would be a fine choice until the 120Hz models are perfected.

Tags : TV buying guide

Classic Television DVDs Bring the 1970s Back to the Small Screen

Imagine a family, all sitting around the TV, possibly the only TV in the house. Dad is holding the remote control, which everyone refers to as "the clicker." The remote has only two functions. One of the functions turns the TV off and on. The other changes the channels, all 7 or 8 of them, with a click of a button. Now try to imagine what that family is watching. Are you imagining them watching one of the classic TV shows from the 1970's?

In the 1970s most families had one, maybe two televisions in the house, and the second television was usually stashed away in mom and dad's room where they could watch the classic shows that the kids couldn't watch yet like Maude or Soap. The televisions in the house might have even shown the programs in black and white.

What kept families glued to these televisions that had only a handful of channels, an ancient clicker, and frequently no color? The classic TV shows from the 1970s, of course. There were so many family-friendly shows in a variety of genres.

For families that enjoyed comedies, the 1970s had some of the most memorable sitcoms. The families in the '70's learned all about families in the 1950's by watching the wildly popular Happy Days and its equally popular spin off Laverne and Shirley. Happy Days also launched the career of comedian Robin Williams who went on to star in another spin off of the show - Mork and Mindy.

Other family friendly classic television shows of the 1970's include The Partridge Family (with teen hearth throb David Cassidy), the show that introduced us to John Travolta, Welcome Back Kotter, One Day at a Time, Chico and the Man, The Odd Couple, Good Times, WKRP in Cincinnati, What's Happening, Three's Company and The Jeffersons.

Families with older children enjoyed comedies with a social conscience like All in the Family, Maude, Barney Miller or Mash. These classic 1970s sitcoms dealt with the social issues of the day in poignant yet comedic way.

Families also had several variety shows to choose from for their viewing pleasure. Classic variety shows such as The Donny and Marie Show and The Sonny and Cher Show had music, comedy sketches and popular guest stars each week. The Carol Burnett Show brought together some of the 1970's funniest comedians each week and The Muppet Show combined the genius of Jim Henson's fantastic creations with musical and comedy guest stars sharing the stage with Kermit, Miss Piggy and Animal.

There were plenty of one hour family dramas, too. Eight is Enough, Little House on the Prairie, and The Waltons were just a few of the classic television dramas that brought families together in front of the television each week.

There was also room for crime fighting and action heroes in the classic 1970s TV shows. The world learned what bionics was in The Six Million Dollar Man and its spin off The Bionic Woman. Each week families would tune in to see how Lee Majors and Jamie Sommers would use their bionic eyes and ears. CHiPs gave us a glimpse into the life of California Highway Patrol officers. Starsky and Hutch chased bad buys in their hot rod and BJ and the Bear tracked down bad guys in an 18 wheeler.

Two other classic television shows from that era that can't be defined by any of these other genres were The Love Boat and Fantasy Island. These shows were the place for the stars of yesteryear and the stars of the current era to make guest appearances, several at a time. For years, families stayed home on Saturday nights just to see who would get off the plane onto the island or turn up Julie the Cruise Director's guest list.

In today's modern times, there are hundreds of channels on each of the four or more TV sets in most homes. Yet, there seems to never be anything to watch, especially something that the whole family can enjoy together. Many of these classic TV shows from the 1970's are now on DVD and can be bought or rented either online or at a store. Why not consider getting a classic TV DVD for your family this Friday night instead of the usually family movie?

~Ben Anton, 2007

Recommend : Television reviews TV buying guide

3D TV Glasses - Eye Gaze Track and Project Screen Scene to You

3D-TV seems to get to stay close pretty fast, and all energy-producing works, these marvels of free hot and heavy, that a person-tech early-adopter-hungry. In this year's CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, 3D TV is as popular as the iPhone, Motorola, Droid, and the promises of the Nexus One Google Smart Phone.

We all remember as kids going to the movies and wearing this card in 3D and funkyglasses worn. I remember the first 3D movie matinee, and I saw how cool it was, 3D View Jaws III as a teenager - Fast forward to today and you can see and next year the world championships in various sports and movie channels. Manufacturers of 3D glasses are already producing them for those who want a future to participate in a surround sound, flat panel, 3D living room.

No, it will be cheap, but if we are not allin this way - perhaps until the next new thing, holographic TV and games room - I have a suggestion. I propose instead to build eye-tracking goggles or glasses, 3D TV, so if your eye sees a certain part of the screen, larger and closer to the rest of the screen for the less committed. Why you ask? Well, make 3D TV in personal experience and every person a bit 'different and unique.

If those staffHigh-tech option at all possible?
They are people who currently have the technological progress, to do this?

Yes, and I imagine that for military use, drones flying, online gaming or work permits, and training simulator? Yes, so 'many applications in practice. So we have this technology now? Yes, indeed we have the eye-tracking technology, vision in the eye of record, and then everything we do what must be the integration of our future 3D TV in electronic toys.

Well,This requires someone like me, so at any time? No, because I think it is easy possible future, and once everyone starts with 3-D TV and / or is used to the reality or VR-AR (augmented reality or virtual) game, I'm finally going to ask. So, start time is our best and brightest minds in the field of toys and consumer electronics are working on this new technological concept to me. Please consider this.

Visit : Television reviews TV buying guide

Flat Screen Televisions LCD Vs Plasma

When it comes to flat screen televisions lcd vs plasma seems to be the epic battle. However, many shoppers don't know the difference. Recently, the cost has come down significantly on both types, making either one more affordable. Now buyers are faced with the questions of 'lcd vs plasma which is better?' and 'what television is best for me?'

Flat Screen Televisions LCD vs Plasma: Which One is Best?

Both televisions offer features and benefits that are distinct. As for which one is 'best', it really depends on YOUR situation.

LCD TV'S vs PLASMA TV'S: Plasma Televisions

Although the picture quality of the LCD is said to be sharper, Plasma images offer more realistic colors, and a wider range of colors. As a result, they handle contrast better and produce deeper, darker 'blacks.' Plus, they offer a wider viewing angle. If your room doesn't allow full 'head on' viewing, a Plasma would be the better choice. As for life span, LCD's lighting source can be replaced, giving it longer life. However, most plasma's still provide a minimum of 30,000 hours (sometimes double that amount). That might not sound like much, but if you watched 10 hours of TV a day for a year it would be over 8 years before any major picture depreciation occurs. So in the battle of flat screen televisions lcd vs plasma, you should pick a plasma if cost is a concern or your viewing area is wide.

LCD TV'S vs PLASMA TV'S: LCD Televisions

LCD's generally cost anywhere from $200-700 more than plasmas, depending on the make and model. LCDs also have a larger selection of screen sizes and have brighter screens, so if the room has many windows, or other bright lights, LCD televisions are the better choice. In addition, the bulb can be replaced which helps add to the life span of an LCD TV. LCDs are also better for people living at high altitudes because it isn't affected like the gases in plasma. Plus, as far as energy consumption, the LCD is the more efficient of the two. So when selecting your flat screen televisions, lcd vs plasma, LCD is a great option for eco-conscious owners, persons with a lot of windows in the same room, or at high altitudes who don't mind paying a little more. 

Visit : TV buying guide