Samsung UN55B8500 Review

 

The Samsung UN55B8500

It is a fact that LED HDTVs produce deeper blacks than standard LCD sets, the reason being that its backlight consists of many tiny LED bulbs that can be dimmed more significantly or even turned off completely to match the dark areas on the screen. This is especially true for local-dimming LEDs, like the Samsung UN55B8500, which is one of Samsung’s best LED HDTVs yet. Read more

Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Review

 

The Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800

While many HDTVs now offer network streaming and interactive features, only a handful come equipped with Wi-Fi capablity. The Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 is one such rarity, but that is not the only reason it deserves a second look. Rather, it provides many reasons to be placed at the top of your HDTV shopping list.
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Sony 3D HDTV Coming In June

Sony has announced that its 3D HDTV, the Sony HX803, will be launched in June, just before the start of the 2010 World Cup.

The HX803 is going to be the first Sony Bravia HDTV with 3D capability available, alongside the LX903 which will also be released around the same time. It is available in two screen sizes – 40 and 46 inches, both with full 1080p resolution for high quality resolution and a 200Hz refresh rate. They will also be capable of up-conversion, converting 2D images into amazing 3D, taking the viewing experience up a level.

The best part about the Sony HX803, though is that it is bundled up with a lot of 3D content. It comes with two 3D Blu-ray discs – “Deep Sea” and “Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs” as well as four 3D PlayStation3 games – Wipeout HD, Motorstorm Pacific Rift, PAIN and Super Stardust HD.

Unfortunately, the sets will not come with the active shutter 3D glasses required. These are to be purchased separately, though Sony guarantees they will be worth the extra cost, having a battery life of up to 100 hours and offering maximum comfort. There are even small ones available for children in pink and blue.

Sony is also planning to release the HX903 this year which is a step-up version of the HX803, featuring deeper black levels and larger screen sizes.

Hillcrest Labs Launches Browser for HDTVs

Hillcrest Laboratories has recently launched a new browser made specifically for large screens like the HDTV.

The new browser is called Kylo, and looks similar to Mozilla Firefox. Like any browser, it is designed to help internet users access their favorite websites. However, it is different since it automatically adjusts the page to fit the screen, enlarging the font of the text and the buttons while moving the address bar and toolbar to the bottom for more space.

It also allows users to zoom on specific content and comes with a large, online keyboard for those who don’t have an external one or would rather not use one.

The main goal of Kylo is to allow those who use their HDTV screens as computer monitors to surf the internet comfortably, without squinting, letting them enjoy the surfing experience just as much or even more than they would on a smaller screen. Hillcrest has released a new device, as well, called the Loop, a remote control for in-air pointing that will give users even more convenience.

The best thing about Kylo is that it is free to download, working on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Hillcrest Labs is based in Rockville, Maryland and has been in business since 1991.

LG Launches OLED HDTV In The UK

LG has been making a lot of announcements lately. Not too long ago, it announced that its 3D HDTVs would be available in May and now it has announced that its first OLED HDTV will be out in the UK market later this month.

The LG 15EL9500 measures only 15 inches – small compared to the 40 and 50-inch screens dominating the market – but is still the largest OLED TV available. It offers only 720p resolution instead of 1080p. However, it makes up for this with a built-in Freeview tuner, an ultra-slim profile measuring just 3.2mm and an amazing contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1 which guarantees deep black levels that LG claims can be observed from any angle.

It also uses TruMotion 100Hz technology and is even water-resistant – making it good for the bathroom, perhaps? – while only consuming 40 watts of power. A USB port is provided for connectivity.

The LG 15EL9500 offers serious competition for Sony’s own 11-inch OLED TV, the XEL-1, which also has a 3mm panel, a high contrast ratio and excellent connectivity – two HDMI inputs and a MemoryStick slot. It is also cheaper, costing between 1500 and 2000 pounds whereas the XEL-1 costs around 3000.

OLED is short for Organic Light Emitting Diode, a film of organic compounds which allow an HDTV to create brilliant pictures without a backlight.