Handy Gadgets

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Sharp Aquos LC-46X8E 46in LCD TV. 'It’s a very attractive TV, that’s for sure. On one level it follows Sharp’s current penchant for a pretty slim, gloss black bezel offset by a silvery ‘wave’ along the bottom edge. Look a little closer, though, and the key points that make the 46X8E different from the B20 models slowly emerge. The desktop stand it ships with, for instance, is smaller than Sharp’s usual models, and the TV’s speaker inserts look a bit smarter. Probably because, as it turns out, they’re made of titanium. Ooh, fancy.'

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the JVC LT-32DE9BJ 32in LCD TV. 'Probably the most significant strength of the TV’s pictures is their sharpness and detail. The DynaPix system really does a great job of making standard definition sources look crisp and surprisingly noiseless, while HD sources are stunningly full of texture and fine detail. In fact, during a run-through of test-room favourite Casino Royale on Blu-ray, detail levels during the early free running sequence are as high as I’ve ever seen them on a 32in TV.

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A review of the Samsung HT-BD2 Blu-ray Home Cinema System has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'All of the processing and amplification takes place in the main unit, which pumps out a respectable 1,100W (RMS) or power, which works out at 135W per channel with 155W for the sub. The built-in disc drive obviously plays Blu-ray, but it also spins DVDs (upscaling them to 1080p if you want), finalised DVD-RW/-Rs and CDs, and you can also play MP3 and JPEG files from recordable CDs and DVDs. However, the unit is locked into Blu-ray Region B and DVD Region 2 and you can forget about DVD-Audio playback, which would have been a nice bonus feature for fans of hi-res music

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CNET have published a review of the Samsung HL61A750 61-inch rear-projection HDTV. 'Like most modern big-screen LCDs, the HL61A750 has a native resolution of 1080p, which works out to 1,920x1,080 pixels. While we often downplay the importance of 1080p resolution at smaller screen sizes, with a 61-inch screen you should be able to see the benefits of 1080p over 720p, albeit at a very close seating distance of 7 feet. Three picture modes are available, including Dynamic, Standard, and Movie. I chose Movie, as it produced the best results at the factory presets. The selectable color temperatures are Cool 1, Cool 2, Normal, Warm 1, and Warm 2; we selected Warm 2, as its by far the closest to the broadcast standard color temperature.'

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Trusted Reviews have publsihed a review of the Philips Cineos 32PFL9603D/10 32in LCD TV. 'The black panel around the screen gets the ball rolling with its intensely reflective finish and tastefully rounded corners, all offset by an elegant silver trim. But where the set really stands out is with its distinctive translucent ‘cowl' that curves forward from the TV's rear to stand proud from the rest of the TV bezel by a centimetre or so. As well as looking attractive in its own right, this cowl serves two handy practical purposes as well. First, it helps push sound from the TV's ‘invisible' speakers down its sides towards your seating position. And second it adds a subtle extra dimension to the set's Ambilight Spectra 2 system.'

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CNET have published a review of the Dish Network DTVPal which is a digital to analog converter with built-in digital tuner. 'DTV converter boxes are fairly drab by nature, but the DTVPal is one of the better looking boxes we've seen. Its main attraction is its small footprint, coming in 1.3 inches high, 5.9 inches wide, and 4.2 inches deep. It has a rectangular shape with rounded corners, and the case sinks a bit in the middle, giving it a subtle wavelike appearance. There are no buttons on the front, which means you can only control the box using a remote. On the center of the unit is a single green light indicating that it's on, and the light turns off when the unit is off. The light is actually pretty bright, and unfortunately you can't disable it in the setup menu.'

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Digital Trends have published a review of the Vizio VO32L 32-inch LCD HDTV. ‘The VO32L is hardly a beauty and in fact looks kind of clunky. With its black body this set would look best plugged into the space of your A/V cabinet where the old 36-inch CRT gathered dust rather than as the centerpiece of your living room. The set measures 31.6 x 21.2 x 4.2 (WHD, in inches) and weighs 26 pounds without the supplied stand, 27.6 with. With the stand attached, the HDTV has a fairly utilitarian look—without the sweeping lines you’ll find on other models. Of course you can get rid of the stand and mount it to a wall, if you’d like with optional mounting hardware.

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Press Release

New Hybrid ExpressCard TV Tuner Gathers Clear QAM and H.264 Real-Time Recording Capabilities onto an Ultra-Slim Shell

MILPITAS, CA - May 19, 2008- AVerMedia® Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of digital multimedia and presentation technology announced today the release of the AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress, the compact ExpressCard TV tuner with the ability to receive HDTV (ATSC/Unencrypted "Clear" QAM Digital Cable TV), Analog TV or FM Radio on any Windows XP or Vista laptop. The slim-fit design easily inserts completely into the ExpressCard slot, leaving no protrusion of the unit outside of the laptop. The great functionalities and stylish appearance earned it a CES 2008 Innovations Design and Engineering Award Winner in the Video Accessories category.

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Posted by Admin at 10:29 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the Humax LGB-19DZT LCD TV 19-inch LCD TV with SRS speakers. ‘From a design point of view, this little TV is something of an ugly duckling: a conventional 19in (1440 x 900 pixels) LCD panel sitting on a bulbous speaker bar. The size of speakers is something of a necessity to deliver the SRS TruSurround XT sound, which is something you don’t normally find in smaller screens. Sticking with the speakers, you’ll find a display in the centre of them and things suddenly become apparent: this is actually a clever little bundle.’

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Humax LP40-TDR1 LCD TV. ‘In terms of cost, you can get your hands on the LP40's still very rare, subscription-free built-in Freeview Playback system, plus its big old 40in LCD screen, for the extremely aggressive price of £690. That's less than many ‘vanilla' 32in LCD TVs. So are we looking at the bargain of the year, or what? If you're the sort of person who just likes to get a lot of sheer hardware for your buck, the LP40's design will have you on cloud 9. It really is a brute of a thing, featuring a much wider bezel than is common these days, and sticking out round the back a country mile versus the increasingly skinny efforts of most of today's ‘flat' TVs. People with dodgy backs should also note that it weighs a relative ton.’

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CNET have published a review of the Sharp LC-32D44U widescreen HDTV. 'We've always liked the looks of Sharp's Aquos-branded LCDs, and the LC-32D44U follows in the vein of handsome little sets. Its black gloss frame is medium-sized, with an angled speaker running along the bottom, rounded edges, and a matching stand (no swivel, unfortunately). A silver accent below the logo, which looks vaguely like a smiling lower lip, provides some relief from the black gloss. The LC-32D44U measures 30.6 inches wide by 22.6 inches tall by 9.1 inches deep including the stand, and weighs 29.8 pounds.

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Posted by Admin at 10:14 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the LG 50PG6000 50in Plasma TV. ‘An investigation of the 50PG6000's inner specifications uncovers a remarkably high claimed contrast ratio of 30,000:1 (delivered via a combination of the new Frameless Design and improvements to LG's image processing), a promisingly high brightness level of 1,500cd/m2, and a native resolution of 1,366 x 768. If you're feeling disappointed that the 50PG6000's resolution isn't full HD, now would seem a pertinent time to remind you that this TV costs less than £1100. For a 50in TV with an award-winning design, oodles of connections, and mostly impressive specifications, this really is one hell of a price. Especially since we're actually nowhere near done with the 50PG6000's interesting features yet.’

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Posted by Admin at 10:22 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Elgato HDHomeRun network-attached HDTV tuner. ‘The HDHomeRun is similar to other TV tuners on the market in that it has two coaxial inputs that connect to TV antennas or cable television. When reception is available, the device receives free over-the-air standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) broadcasts, plus unscrambled SD/HD cable television from a coaxial cable. What makes the HDHomeRun truly unique is that instead of connecting to your computer via USB or an internal PCI slot, it's the only tuner that connects to your network via Ethernet.

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Philips 37PFL5522D 37in LCD TV. 'Aesthetically the 37PFL5522D is sort of okayish; just a relatively straightforward black rectangle with a small, slightly angled back speaker bar running along the bottom. But it at least feels quite solidly built, avoiding the overt plastickiness of many budget flat TVs. Turning to the TV's rear, we find a solid enough set of connections. Two HDMIs lead the way, with support from the de rigueur component video input, as well as a couple of SCARTs and the usual S-Video and composite video ‘fall backs' for anyone willing to put up with the inevitable reduction in image quality they introduce. The only disappointment is the fact that there's no D-Sub PC port, meaning you need to use one of the HDMIs for computer duties.'

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Posted by Admin at 10:25 PM | Permalink

A review of the LG 32LC46 32in LCD television has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'At under £400 it really does get down and dirty with 32in TVs from the budget-specialist likes of Goodmans and Bush. Yet there's really nothing in its on-paper specifications to suggest exactly how LG has managed to sell it for so little. For instance, its 32in screen comprises an HD Ready resolution of 1,366 x 768, and its claimed contrast ratio is a very respectable 5000:1. This latter figure reveals immediately that the TV employs a dynamic contrast system whereby the backlight can be dimmed automatically during dark scenes to deliver better black level response. This feature is by no means common in the sub-£500 32in flat TV market.'

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Posted by Admin at 9:19 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Boston Acoustics TVee Model Two (black/onyx) which consists of a soundbar that can be placed above or below a television or mounted on the wall, and a wireless subwoofer that can be placed anywhere in the room for a boost of dynamic bass. 'Boston claims that the TVee Model Two is a stereo speaker, but we found that it sounded as spacious as many "virtual" surround speaker systems we've tested here at CNET. Sound was projected a few feet out from the left and right ends of the speaker, and forward of it, as well. But the source is still 2-channel stereo, so don't expect any elaborate surround effects. Our DVDs' sound was detailed and the little subwoofer surprised us with its power.'

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Samsung PS-63P76FD 63in Plasma TV. 'As a TV with clearly vast home cinema potential, it's pleasing to find the 63P76FD carrying three HDMIs, as we wouldn't be surprised if the sort of person likely to buy this TV used all of them: one with a Sky HD box, one with an HD DVD/Blu-ray player, and one with an Xbox 360 Elite or PS3 games console. These HDMIs are no ordinary HDMIs either, since they're built to the v1.3 standard allowing compatibility with the Deep Colour system for producing a richer, wider colour palette from HD discs encoded with the Deep Colour data. Which would be great if any such discs actually existed…'

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Posted by Admin at 2:33 PM | Permalink

A review of the Philips 32PFL9632D 32in LCD TV has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'Before getting into whether or not all of Philips' processing efforts deliver the picture quality goods, we really need to briefly cover the 32PFL9632D's connections, for they're prodigious. Three HDMIs get the ball rolling, with other highlights including a component video feed, a PC jack, and a USB port able to playback a variety of multimedia formats, such as MP3s, .alb slideshows, JPEGs, plus MPEG1 and MPEG2 files. Other key specs you should know about are a native resolution of 1,366 x 768, and a seriously high - by LCD standards - claimed contrast ratio of 8000:1.'

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Posted by Admin at 8:17 PM | Permalink

A review of the Sony Bravia KLV-46X350A (46-inch LCD) TV has been posted over at CNET Asia. 'The KLV-46X350A is a near-clone of the original X series. You will still get a floating glass design synonymous with the flagship Bravia as well as other fine touches. For example, there is the illuminated Sony logo, shiny aluminum rims and interchangeable bezel. The latter now comes in six contrasting hues to better match your home deco. On top of the usual selection of black, blue, red, white and silver, you will also have a choice of gold. Other cosmetic variations are a stain-resistant brushed metal finish and a slightly wider form factor primarily due to a pair of side speakers.

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Posted by Admin at 11:02 PM | Permalink

A review of the Mitsubishi WD-65734 Rear Projection HDTV has been posted over at CNET. ‘We appreciate that Mitsubishi decided to make the exterior of the WD-65734 as understated as possible. Refreshingly, the set lacks the glossy black cabinet found on so many other HDTVs this year, and instead sports no-nonsense, dark-gray trim. The bezel around the screen is quite thin at just three-fourths of an inch along the top and sides, while below there's a wider section with the Mitsubishi logo. The speakers are hidden in narrow vents below the bezel, and below that you'll find a slightly wider, downward-angled pane into which is set a flip-down door that hides inputs and controls. The whole set measures 58.2 by 39.5 by 15.3 inches and weighs 76 pounds. Its depth is about average for the breed.’

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Pocket Lint have published a review of the Rock Meivo Media Centre TV PC. ‘The 22-inch screen is very impressive, as we'd expect from someone as successful with portable display technology as Rock. It comes with Vista Home Premium preloaded, along with a wireless mouse and keyboard and remote control to access and control the Media Center functionality. Setup and control of the Meivo is about typical of any Vista PC, so the main shout for Rock with this new entry is clearly the home cinema oriented features that it has integrated seamlessly into a unit with such a small footprint.’

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A review of the LG 42LF66 42in LCD TV has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'With fellow Korean outfit Samsung setting the TV bar right now when it comes to balancing keen pricing with high performance levels, LG could really do with stepping up its game to keep the local rivalry strong. Especially as the continuation of such a competitive situation can only spell good news for us bargain-hunting AV punters. So let's keep everything crossed for LG's latest big-screen LCD TV, the 42in 42LF66. First impressions suggest that our hopes are going to be lived up to. The set's design, for instance, is a class act, partly because of the sheer glossiness of the bezel's finish, and partly because of the unusual slenderness of the chassis.'

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Posted by Admin at 8:57 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ700B 42in Plasma TV. ‘Connection wise, Panasonic has pushed the boat out with this TV. Kicking things off are three HDMI 1.3 ports – not only will you be able to hook up more high definition kit than with most other 42in TVs, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of high bit depth, Deep Colour content once discs appear that support this feature of course. There’s also a component video input for analogue HD sources like an Xbox 360, as well as D-SUB port for hooking up a PC. You also get three Scart sockets (two RGB), analogue audio in for the component video and D-SUB connections and analogue audio out. There’s also optical digital audio out, allowing you to pass through the digital audio from the HDMI inputs to a suitable external amp or processor.’

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A preview of the LG 60PY3RF Plasma TV has been posted over at CNET Asia. ‘If you are looking for something of a substantial size, you have obviously found the right match. This mammoth offers a generous 60-inch screen size that delivers a near-theatrical effect second to projectors. To top it off, a future-proof 1,920 x 1,080-pixel native resolution ensures pixel-to-pixel crisp visuals when paired with HD sources such as Blu-ray and HD-DVD. Easy on the eye, the chassis is dressed in all-round glossy black and measures an ultra-slim 98.5mm depth.’.

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The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U Plasma HDTV is a fully HD 1080p high-definition monitor. ‘The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U is one of the most expensive 42-inch plasmas on the market, but it's also the best-performing flat panel of its size we've ever tested. The high price can be blamed squarely on its native resolution--it's the first and only 42-inch 1080p plasma--but the picture quality has little to do with all those pixels. Instead, we noted its deep black levels and realistic shadow detail along with a commendably clean image. Of course, we could complain about other aspects of its performance, namely its color accuracy, but that's not enough to spoil an excellent picture. If you have the cash to burn but don't have the space to go bigger, the Panasonic TH-42PZ700U fits the bill perfectly.’

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CNET have published a review of the Samsung 50" widescreen HP-T5064 plasma HDTV. ‘The HP-T5064 doesn't have the same kind of sculpted, aggressively high-tech look as Samsung's LN-T65F series of LCDs. Instead the squared-off corners and flat planes of its glossy black frame create a more traditional, albeit perfectly handsome, appearance. The swath of frame below the screen opens up into a long horizontal slit at its bottom edge, from which the sound of the otherwise hidden speakers emerges. Samsung does include the same kind of swivel stand found on its LCDs, which allows the panel to move up to 20 degrees in either direction. Including stand, the HP-T5064 measures 48.5 inches wide by 33.3 inches tall by 13 inches deep and weighs 97 pounds; without the stand, the panel comes in at about 48.5 inches tall by 31 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep and 91.4 pounds.’

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PC Magazine have published a review of the value-priced AOC Envision L32W461 high-definition television. 'The main A/V connection on the L32W461 is located at the rear of the display, facing downward near the lower edge. The TV's HD-compatible video inputs include one HDMI connection, two component-video inputs, and a VGA input for PC use. A side-accessible input block provides composite and S-Video input with RCA-style stereo audio connections, as well as a mini-jack port for use with earphones. I feel that the L32W461 could really use a second or third HDMI input, but its relatively low price makes its limited selection of digital inputs a little easier to accept. The set's native resolution is 1,366 by 768 pixels progressively scanned (768p), and it produced crisp-looking imagery when fed the common PC resolution of 1,360-by-768 via VGA input. The same resolution fed from a PC via HDMI, however, produced a slightly underscanned image.'

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CNET Asia have posted a preview of the new Sony KS-60R200A (60-inch rear projection SXRD) TV. ‘From afar and facing the KS-60R200A head on, it's extremely difficult to differentiate this RPTV apart from its sleek flat-panel counterparts aside from the generous 60-inch screen. Sporting an equally stylish front that's on par with most Bravias, many consumers would have easily passed the set off as just another LCD or plasma model. But two factors are sure giveaways of its rear-projection roots. For starters, there is the affordable S$7,999 (US$5,089.97) price tag that's unheard of in the supersized flat TV segment. If this is not enough to arouse your suspicions, a quick peep at its sides is all it takes to dismiss the perceived "slim" illusion.

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Posted by Admin at 11:26 PM | Permalink

Pocket Lint have publised a review of the 32-inch Regza C-series HDTV from Toshiba. 'The new Regza C-series from Toshiba, available in 32-inch and 37-inch and 42-inch sizes, aims to bring more weight to LCD's case as the current flatscreen technology of choice. The 32-inch screen we have on test is a nice enough looking unit, with a swivel stand, twin HDMI and a range of typical inputs. You'll also find a built-in digital TV tuner with Freeview, which is particularly impressive in its clarity and sharpness, outperforming a digital satellite signal which in itself is still pretty good.'

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