Sony KDL-52V5100 Review
The Sony KDL-52V5100
Sony is one of the leading HDTV brands around, which is why Bravia models are highly sought after. They can be quite expensive, too, though - at least, most of them are. In the case of the Sony KDL-52V5100, it offers the excellent picture quality Sony is known for, but with an affordable price tag.
Sony KDL-52W5100 Review
The Sony KDL-52W5100
Most expensive HDTVs come loaded with interactive features and the Sony KDL-52W5100 is no different. Still, it is relatively affordable compared to the higher-end Bravia series and to even other brands, and it offers excellent picture quality, which make it a great choice for those who want both an amazing viewing experience and hours of interactive fun.
LG Introduces Ultra-Thin Plasma HDTVs
LG’s XCanvas HDTVs have always had a reputation for being very slim. These have been mostly LCD sets, though - a fact which LG is trying to change as it releases two more ultra-thin Plasma HDTVs - the 60-inch 60PK550 and 50-inch 50PK550.
The last time LG released Xcanvas Plasma models was in the middle of 2009 - the 42-inch 42PQ60D and 50-inch 50PQ60D, both of which offer a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
The 60PK550 and 50PK550 measure only 25mm thick at most but at the same time offer three HDMI inputs and a USB port for excellent connectivity. They also have a 600Hz refresh rate, which matches the 240Hz technology of LCD sets, as well as a dynamic contrast control for automatically adjusting the contrast to suit various lighting environments.
The models are currently available only in Korea, where the LG Xcanvas series is based out of and cost $3,300 and $1,500 respectively.
Earlier, at the 2010 CES in Las Vegas, LG announced its new LED, LCD and Plasma models, which offer access to Skype and Napster, online video streaming capability, DLNA connectivity and a new Magic Wand remote system. Some of these HDTV sets are 3D-Ready.
Toshiba Launches Freeview HDTVs
This year, Toshiba is making a commitment to Freeview HD. As part of this, it is releasing two LED HDTV series with built-in DVB-T2 tuners - the Regza WL and SL series.
This means that viewers who buy these sets will be able to enjoy crystal-clear HD broadcasts without buying additional hardware such as a satellite dish or subscribing to HD services from local providers.
Both the WL and SL series come with local dimming LED technology, an ultra-slim panel and Toshiba’s Resolution+ technology, which enhances the quality of Standard Definition broadcasts so they appear in stunning HD. The WL series offers 200Hz processing and is available in 55-, 46- and 40-inch screens while the SL series comes with 100Hz processing and consists of 46-, 40- and 32-inch models.
The Regza SL models will hit the market in April with the more expensive WL models following shortly in May.
Aside from these, Toshiba is also offering the Regza RV, XV, AV and DV series for 2010. The RV and XV models are the first from Toshiba to offer wireless DLNA connectivity; the DV models have a built-in DVD player and the AV models are among its lowest-priced while still providing amazing picture quality.
Other products Toshiba has in store for 2010 include a Freeview+ HD DVR with a 500GB hard drive, DVD players with HDMI and USB ports, Blu-ray players and laptops like the Satellite U500-1EX, which has a touchscreen display which weighs just a little over two kilos.
HDTV Tuners FAQs
If you have an HDTV, you’ve probably heard about HDTV tuners. You might be considering buying one, too. Before you do, though, make sure you clear up any doubts and confusion first, by reading these answers to the most frequently asked questions about them.
