Init Low-Profile Wall Mount for 30" - 50" Flat-Panel TVs

Wanting to mount that beautiful HDTV up on the wall? The Init, Low-Profile Wall Mount for 30" - 50" Flat Panel TVs is a nice low budget option, and it's not that hard to install either.

The Init, Low-Profile Wall Mount

Why the Init, Low-Profile Wall Mount Was Purchased:

My cousin recently bought a flat panel HDTV, and Instead of looking endlessly at yard sales for cheap used TV stands, she wanted a wall mount.

The Init, Low Profile Wall Mount for 30" - 50" Flat-Panel TVs became her perfect solution. At only $119.99 she figured she couldn't go wrong. She was looking for a low budget model, and $119.99 seemed to be as 'low budget' as these wall mounts would go.

Seeing that I am there at her apartment so often, I figured I would help her set it up when she bought it (plus I wanted to see how good this 'wall mount' looked). We both have 40" HDTVs, but I never really paid much mind to wall mounts. I never liked the crazy high price, nor did I want to dedicate the time to attaching the complicated looking thing up to my wall.

I said to myself that day, that if her Init Low-Profile Wall Mount did anything to improve the look of her apartment, I would greatly consider getting one for myself.

I am greatly considering it!

Features

Simplicity is the key when it comes to the Init Low-Profile Wall Mount.

Although the Init Wall Mount lacks special features that some high end priced wall mounts do, it is still one heck of a good flat panel wall mount. The metal itself is done in a graphite finish; it looks nice, but the flat panel will cover up its entirety.

It is designed to hold most 30"-50" flat panel TVs at up to 130 pounds. The Init Low-Profile Wall Mount also has an integrated locking system, an adjustable quick mount system, and it comes packaged with a small plastic battery operated stud finder, which also has a small bubble leveler built into it.

It's simple, it's sturdy, and its affordable.

Ease Of Setting Up The Init Wall Mount
Rating

Me smart! Me no need no instructions. Me look at box, and me figure things out like brave caveman do.

So while there were instructions included with the Init, Low-Profile Wall Mount for 30" - 50" Flat-Panel TVs, us being girls we figured an occasional glance here and there would be all we needed in order to master the art of getting this wall mount up on the wall.

In all honesty it was all we needed; an occasional glance. We did not have to study the manual, nor follow the step by step instructions religiously. Setting up the actual mount itself was like a simple child's puzzle, things just came together without frustration. Everything is set up on the instruction manual in a neat easy to follow picture setting.

Tools we did need to put the mount together included a screwdriver. Nothing else was needed for this section of assembly.

The Init, Low-Profile Wall Mount comes with all of the necessary screws and washers. Putting the mount together was simple, all it really asked for was for us to screw two brackets into the back of the HDTV using the included screws.

With a little eye skills, we were able to level the brackets holes up with the mount holes on the back of the HDTV and screw them in. For those of you with smaller or larger HDTVs, fear not, there are holes placed in many areas on these brackets to ensure that the holes on the brackets will match the holes on your unit. Putting the mount together was simplicity at its finest.

So adding the brackets to the back of the HDTV was a cinch. let's see how easily things went when it came to getting the actual mount's back panel on to the wall.

Toshiba's Flashy New TV Models for Your Home Theater System

Toshiba is getting ready to release three new series of televisions. They're coming out with new LED and LCD televisions that will do everything from block ambient light to stopping that annoying volume raise when commercials come on.

REGZA SV670 Cinema Series LED TV series

There’s good news for anyone who’s shopping for a new TV for their home theater system. Toshiba, a leader in LCD and LED televisions, will begin releasing three new series of televisions in June and August 2009.

The first series to be released is the REGZA SV670 Cinema Series LED TV series, which comes in two models: 46-inch ($2,999.99) and 55-inch ($2,999.99). Toshiba is claiming that this new series will set the bar for new LED TVs. This new model uses FocaLight Full Matrix LED with Local Dimming, which will replace the standard edge LED. This new technology allows for uniformity in brightness, and also allows for deep blacks without giving up the brightness of white.

The SV670 also has a new design that is exciting quite a few people. The Deep Lagoon Design creates a sand into water effect while the Infinity Flush Front creates an infinity pool effect. The Infinity Flush Front uses an edge-to-edge anti-reflective front panel to create this illusion.

REGZA ZV650 LCD TV Series

Also being released in June 2009 is the REGZA ZV650 LCD TV Series, which comes in a 42-inch ($1,299.99), 47-inch ($1,699.99) and 55-inch ($2,399.99). This series is being promoted as a perfect fit for the sports and action-movie fan. Toshiba has introduced with this model its ClearScan 240 technology. This television technology combines 120 frames per second with Backlight Scanning Technology to obtain a 240HZ effect. This new technology allows for greater clarity in fast-paced images.

The new television comes with 100,000:1 contrast ratio, which allows for better clarity and picture depth. The ZV650 also provides greater connectivity with a USB port for digital video, audio and digital photography playback, an SD card for viewing digital pictures, four HDMI inputs with InstaPort, IR Pass-Through for controlling hidden devices, a high-resolution PC input and REGZA-LINK for two-way device control.

REGZA XV648 Cinema LCD TV Series

The final series to be released is the REGZA XV648 Cinema LCD TV Series, which comes out in August 2009 in the following models: 40-inch ($1,099.99), 46-inch ($1,499.99) and 52-inch ($1,999.99). Toshiba is saying that this new system prevents ambient light from ruining your viewing experience. Toshiba’s new technology is CrystalCoat™, which thwarts ambient room light from diminishing the TV picture. Toshiba says that it provides for 30 percent better contrast in brighter rooms.

The television comes with Dolby Volume technology and the technology ensures that the volume of your television stays consistent even when changing channels or when a channel breaks for commercials. Toshiba is saying that this will dramatically improve your home theater experience.

Overall, if these models live up to their hype, they should dramatically improve your television viewing experience.

Compact Photo and Video Projecting - Optoma Pico PK-101 DLP Review

A brief look at the projector by Optoma, a neat and compact projector which allows you to display photos or videos from any CVBS outputting device.

If you’ve ever wanted to show photos or videos to friends or family while on the move, or even have a cost-effective solution for quick demos or business-presentations, the pocket projector by Optoma is for you.

The Pico fits neatly in your pocket and allows you to project images, with native res of 640 x 480, onto any surface. It is battery powered and can be connected to anything with a video output, such as your PDA, mobile phone, DVD player, Playstation and many other mobile devices.

Design and build
Rating

The unit is designed for simplicity, featuring a black finish with a white band at the top displaying the Optoma logo. As mentioned it is extremely compact measuring 50 x 103 mm (W x H) and could easily be carried around in a pouch or in your pocket for convenience. The leather pouch is included in the packaging and looks similar to a mobile phone's, being attachable to your belt.

A led will indicate if your battery needs to be changed (2 provided) and the controls for the focus and the brightness settings can be adjusted with the power-on button. Although the buttons are well labeled, the black finish and the unit's compact measures make them slightly hidden away; once you have found your way around these it should be no problem however.

Finally, the mono speaker is just designed as a grill present by the side of the unit, near the focus button and the white band.

Features and Usability
Rating

The Pico projector uses a LED light source which, although not as bright as one would wish for a projector, is certainly capable of brilliant colour definition. The bulb has a long life expectancy (about 20,000 hours of life) and a fully charged battery should provide with more than an hour of projecting.

There are the usual USB ports to connect to your chosen devices, an AV cable, two batteries and a tripod adapter (the tripod is purchased separately) if you wish for a more professional presentation. The unit even includes an adaptor for IPhone so you can project images or videos you may have on there.

The Pico’s brightness isn’t powerful but its colour output more than makes up for that. As long as you have a good surface which to project to and the room is relatively dark you can expect good performance. There is no audio output here unfortunately, and the mono speaker which the unit has is hardly enough for presentations which need clear audio levels; you can still setup the audio from the source of your image/video and happily project away.

Anyone can set the unit up without any hassle and adjusting the brightness settings and focus is equally as easy. The connections are simple enough to understand even by non-technical users as there is only one video input connection.

The unit is particularly good for quick presentations, as mentioned in the introduction, and anyone from small business groups to design, advertising or photography agencies can find a good use for this neat DLP.

Overall
Rating

The Pico costs around $400 and, at first glance, you would think it is no different than any other portable projector. However the great colour rendering and the fact that it is so flexible regarding what and where you can project makes it a useful and neat projector to own.

Many reviewers righly insist that a new gadget must be useful before being cool; this could be easily applied to the Pico projector, since it certainly doesn't suffer from poor design or general 'uncoolness'. Luckily for Optoma or anyone who wishes to buy it, the PK-101 is both functional and neat to carry around. It caters to both the professional niche, who need to stick to their presentation deadline, or simply people who wish to have fun and show those goofy holiday snaps at the latest get-together.

HDTV Picture Setting Tips

Your HDTV provides you with vibrant high-definition video, but you wonder if you should play with the default settings for an even better picture. These tips will help you get the best picture possible on your HDTV

Picture Setting

Not every HDTV will have the same setting options, but most are at least similar. One such setting option is probably labeled "Picture" on the remote control or on your HDTV settings menu. There are typically three picture settings from which you can choose, which are usually named Dynamic or Vivid, Natural or Standard, and Movie, Professional or Cinema. There are other settings that you can adjust that will tweak your HDTV picture for the best outcome, but it is a good idea to start with the basic picture settings.

Selecting the Dynamic or Vivid picture setting will provide a brighter, more intensified picture. This picture setting is commonly used for HDTVs on display at retail stores because the colors are so brilliant and the lighting so bright. At first glance, this may seem like the best picture setting for your HDTV. However, due to the brightness, it can be taxing on your eyes after an extended period. This is especially true if you sit relatively close to the screen. This picture setting may be best suited for gaming or strongly lit rooms.

The Natural or Standard picture setting is likely the default picture setting on your HDTV. This setting is not as bright as the Dynamic or Vivid setting, but is somewhat brighter and sharper than the final setting option. If you are using your HDTV to view standard broadcasting, such as local television, cable or satellite, but not high definition channels, this picture setting may be best for you.

Finally, the Movie, Professional or Cinema picture setting is adjusted to provide the most realistic picture. This is especially true if you are viewing high definition programming, such as a high definition cable or satellite channel or a movie on DVD. Otherwise, you may feel this picture setting is too dark.

Photo Credit: sxc.hu/Steve Woods

Brightness or Black Level

The Brightness or Black Level setting you choose is also key in getting the best picture possible. To find the best Brightness setting for your HDTV, play a DVD or television program with a dark or night scene. It is best if you can pause the DVD or, if you have a DVR, pause the live television program during a particularly dark scene but one with some sort of detailed image, such as a person walking down a street at night.

Start with the basic picture setting in either Standard or Movie mode and turn the Brightness setting all the way down. Gradually bring it up in increments until you can just see details in the picture for the best setting.

Contrast

Just as you used a dark scene to find the best Brightness picture setting, find a scene with a lot of white detail to adjust the Contrast setting on your HDTV. This setting is typically high as a default, and having it too high increases the chance of burn-in on some types of screens. Try bringing it down in increments until you can see the shadows, creases or other contrasting details in the white objects of the picture - between 30% and 50% is usually best.

Color or Saturation and Sharpness

Without the best Color or Saturation and Sharpness settings selected, the picture may look brash or blurry. Fortunately, the defaults for these picture settings are usually close to the best possible. If people on your HDTV look orange, bluish or otherwise odd, carefully and gradually adjust these picture settings until you find the best ones.

More Help

If you have adjusted your HDTV picture settings but discover they are not the best ones for you, go back to your settings menu and find the Reset option. Click this and your default picture settings will be restored. You can then start over again from scratch, or stick with the manufacturer's defaults, whichever works best for you.

For more help setting up the best home theater ever, check out the Bright Hub collection of articles including Home Theatre Lighting Basics: What do I need? and How to Optically Calibrate Your DVD Player

A Look at the Best 32" HDTV

If you're planning on buying a new 32" HDTV, and want the best, look no further than the Samsung LN32B650. This 1080p television is packed with quality and features that leave other HDTVs in the dust.

LN32B650

Introduction to the Samsung LN32B650

Many people agree that Samsung TVs are some of the best you can buy. With top-notch image quality, great features, and good prices, it's no wonder that this brand comes so highly recommended. There are several Samsung HDTVs in the 32" class, but the flagship is certainly the LN32B650. Moreover, the Samsung LN32B650 is one of the best 32" class HDTVs available, for many reasons.

Build and Screen Quality

The Samsung LN32B650 has several aspects that make it stand out. Not many 32'' HDTVs can boast an ultra-low 4ms response time, much less coupled with full HD 1080p resolution. This combination means that you'll be able to watch fast-paced action movies in stunning clarity without blurring or "ghosting" that is common with slower LCD panels. Samsung HDTVs have some of the best picture quality out of all the manufacturers, and this model's mind-blowing 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio will display the most lifelike colors imaginable.

Not to mention, the television itself looks great, being a sleek, glossy black with red accents along the bezel. The swivel stand is sturdy, and feels solid. Whether it's on an entertainment center or mounted on the wall, this television will be sure to impress anyone.

Features and Inputs

You'd expect a television in this class to come packed with features, but Samsung really goes all out. It includes all the basics, like picture-in-picture, game modes, color enhancers, but this television has so much more. Samsung's Automotion Plus, coupled with the 4ms response time brings the smoothest picture possible during sports or action scenes. With the InfoLink RSS feature, you will automatically have up-to-the-minute customized news feeds, weather, sports, or even stock information, right at your TV. All in all, you won't be left wanting with this TV.

The LN32B650 features no less than 4 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs, 1 composite input, 2 USB ports, an ethernet jack, and a PC input, allowing you the capability to connect anything you can imagine. Hook up your game systems, DVD players, Blu-Ray player, even your computer to this great TV.

Conclusion

If you're in the marked for a new 32" HDTV, for you or even for a gift, look no further than the Samsung LN32B650. There are few, if any, HDTVs in it's class that can even come close to this television, in any aspect. The quality of this set is unparalleled, and it's features blow other TVs away. You can find the Samsung LN32B650 for a little over $1000 at most stores, and it is worth every penny.

65" Sony Bravia LCD HDTV

Nothing says home theater like a big TV, and the Sony 65" LCD is a really big TV. Of course, if you want really, really, big, you'll have to consider the 70" Sony LCD HDTVs

Sony Bravia 65" LCD HDTV W Series

It used to be that if you wanted a really big flat-screen TV, you had to get a plasma. Those days have gone. Manufacturer's offer several LCD TVs in the 60+ inch range. But, huge LCD panels offer several challenges to TV makers. How those challenges are addressed determines whether or not that really big TV is also a really great TV.

The Sony Bravia 65" W Series LCD HDTV offers full high-definition. Unfortunately, the various ways of meeting the undefined standard of HDTV means consumers are often left scratching their heads about just what a certain TV offers and what it means for the overall picture quality. Fortunately, there are no such issues with the Sony 65 inch LCD HDTV.

The Bravia 65" W Series LCD HDTV comes with a 16:9 aspect ratio, of course. It also has a full 1920 x 1080 panel which is supplied by a full 1080p input. That means the Sony 65 inch LCD will fully support all that Blu-ray Discs offer, as well as PlayStation 3 and other 1080p sources.

One of the complaints about large size LCD TVs is motion blur. The way LCD panels traditionally display a constantly illuminated picture can cause a blurring effect in certain situations. One solution to this issue is a faster refresh rate. The Sony 65" LCD HDTV has Sony's Motionflow technology. Motionflow is Sony's name for 120Hz technology which can dramatically reduce motion blur on LCD panels.

While anyone can build a LCD panel that his all the right numbers on the spec sheet, when it comes to picture quality, what really matters is how video signals are processed by the TV. The Sony 65" LCD W Series has Sony's Bravia Engine 3, a third generation video processor that provides deep color, and nice sharp images. No more, purple, black, white, blur when displaying an image that contains thin black and white lines.

The Sony 65 inch LCD TV comes with seven high-definition inputs, including four HDMI inputs, which allow for transfer of full uncompressed video signals, plus multi-channel digital audio, and on compatible equipment, a control link that allows for multiple devices to be controlled via a single remote.

While the Sony Bravia line is no longer Sony's top of the line series, they are still quality TVs worthy of all by the most serious enthusiast. Take a look at the 65" Sony LCD HDTVs at many Sony Style store locations.

Top Rated LCD HDTVs: Summer 2009 Edition

LCD HDTVs, including the new LED versions, are still the most popular type of HDTV today. There is a huge array of choices available when looking for an LCD HDTV, but not all of them are worthwhile. This guide points out three of the top products currently available.

Ruling the Roost

LCD HDTVs remain the most popular form of HDTV available today. The reasons for this are obvious. LCD HDTVs offer bright, sharp pictures with good color accuracy. They are also lightweight and generally easier to watch in bright rooms due to less reflective screens.

While this popularity has it benefits, it also has its problems. There are a lot of LCD HDTVs to choose from, making it easy to get confused about what would be the best purchase. The three LCD HDTVs listed here should be great for any home theater and are a good place to start when looking for a top rated LCD HDTV.

Remember the products listed here are simply the models which have been reviewed. There are normally many different sizes in a series. The KDL-46XBR8, for example, is also available in a 55 inch model known as the KDL-55XBR8.

Sony KDL-XBR8 Series

The XBR line of televisions has long been Sony's flagship, so it is not surprising that is both one of the first and best LED televisions available today. Sony sets have always been commended for having an extremely sharp picture with great color accuracy, but blacks have never been their strong suit. Banding, which occurs when the back-light is brighter in some areas of an HDTV than others and visible during dark scenes, was a common complaint of older XBR sets.

The XBR8's new LED technology defeats this problem, however, and the result is one of the best pictures money can buy. Which it should be. The XBR8 sets are not exactly cheap - the KDL-46XBR8 is currently listed as $2699 on the Sony Style website.

Samsung LNB650 Series

Samsung has always been a leader in LCD HDTVs. Nearly every HDTV made by the company is considered highly competitive at its price-point and the LNB650 is no exception. While the LNB650 doesn't feature a new-fangled LED backlight, it still has a stunning picture. The LNB650 also has an enticing feature set including four HDMI inputs and high energy efficiency. The price is also fantastic, as the LN46B650 can be had for $1699. That's a thousand less than the Sony.

The only major downside which must be mentioned is the glossy screen. Samsung has been using glossy screens on many of its LCD sets to increase the brilliance of its HDTVs. It does result in a picture which is amazing for the price, but it will make viewing more difficult in rooms which are not dimmed.

LG LH50 Series

Compared to Samsung and Sony, LG has always been considered a second-rate manufacturer. Their sets are good, and often great value, but never have the image quality to compete with the best of the best. The LH50 is, to be frank, no different. It's image quality will probably appear incredible to casual viewers, but harsher critics will notice poor black levels and poor viewing angles.

So why it is on this list? The features and the price. The LG LH50 series, like Samsung's LNB650 sets, has four HDMI inputs and tons of other connections. The LG LH50 also has some nifty extras like Netflix streaming. This feature allows a user to stream Netflix to their television without any kind of external unit. The LH50 also includes Yahoo Widgets and it is highly energy efficient. Better yet, the L47LH50 can be purchased for as little as $1250 dollars. That's outstanding value, making it a superb choice for those who have a very thin budget.

How to Select a Widescreen TV Size

After much deliberating and a lot of budgeting, too, you have decided you can finally purchase a widescreen TV. However, do you know what size is best for you? These points will help you determine how much widescreen you need

Measure

The first thing you should do might seem as though it is unecessary to mention. However, many of us think we have a good idea of how large or small an area is just by looking at it. You may be great at estimating how much room is on a wall or in an entertainment center. However, if you are not quite right, you may come home with a widescreen TV that is way to large for the unit or area in which you need to place it. On the other hand, you might underestimate and be disappointed to come home and find out you could have opted for the next size up.

Measure and write down what the maximum height and width the widescreen can be to fit into the entertainment center or space where you want to place it. Also, measure the depth of the shelf, if you will be placing the TV on one. When you shop for a TV, make sure you check for the total dimensions and not just the screen size as they will be different.

photo credit: sxc.hu/woodsy

Room Size and Viewing Distance

The next thing to consider is the size of the room in which you want to place your new widescreen TV, as well as the distance from the seating area to where the TV will be placed. You don't want a widescreen TV that overpowers the room, and yet neither do you want a TV that is difficult to see.

One rule of thumb that many experts recommend is to measure the distance between your couch or main seating area and the plannd location of the widescreen TV. Divide that number, in inches, by three. The result will give you a guideline of the size of widescreen TV you should consider. By these standards, you would need to be sitting about 14 feet from the widescreen TV to justify a 57" model.

If that doesn't sit well with you, try out this Viewing Distance Calculator instead.

Other Considerations

There are other important factors to consider when choosing a widescreen TV size. The first is quite important: your budget. When spending your hard-earned cash, it is always a better idea to opt for quality over quantity. Opting for a better made widescreen TV in a smaller size will mean longer and better viewing enjoyment.

Another consideration is how you will get your new widescreen TV home. If the store from which you are buying your widescreen TV offers free delivery, then you don't really have to worry about the size of the TV. However, if they will charge a substantial fee, if you have to bring it home yourself and all you have is a hatchback, or if you move frequently (and live on the fourth floor), you might want to consider a widescreen TV in a smaller size.

All things considered, only you can make the final decision as to what size widescreen TV you need. Use these factors to guide you, but make sure you buy a television that you love.

photo credit: sxc.hu/woodsy

For more help, check out the Bright Hub collection of Home Theater Systems & Components Reviews

How Do I Replace a DLP Bulb?

A short article on how to replace a DLP bulb in a rear-projection television, which will cut the costs of getting someone else to do the job.

Digital Light Processing

DLP stands for Digital Light Processing and is technology which uses dynamic conductors in order to manipulate light digitally. If you own a rear-projection TV then it will be using a DLP Bulb which, although lasting for many hours, will eventually come to the end of its life and need to be replaced (like all things).

Replacing such a bulb used to be a complex task. There were high costs associated with both the bulb and the technician you needed to hire to perform the task. However it is easy to change the bulb yourself, and you do not need anything more than a cross-headed screwdriver to do the job (i.e. Phillips or similar).

Read onwards for simple steps on how to change your DLP bulb without hassle and, more importantly, without injuring yourself.

Changing the DLP Bulb in a Rear-projection TV

First of all, you want to turn your DLP TV off for one and a half to two hours before attempting to do anything. The bulb will be anything from 300 to 600 degrees in temperature if your TV hasn’t been left to cool down at least a bit.

Another point to note is not to touch anything other than the case of the bulb. This means any other components inside the TV which may be hot or still conduct high-voltage electricity. In short, stick to the guide.

1) Find the door with the bulb in it. It will usually be near the outlet wire at the back, and it has four cross-headed screws which you will need to unscrew. The panel will come loose and the case where the bulb is will be visible, between two rails where you can slide the case in and out.

2) Slide out the case. It should have a handle so you can do this easily.

3) Look for another two screws at the side of the case and unscrew. It may be more, perhaps use a torch to take a good look at what is keeping the case firmly attached. Remove the lamp from the casing.

4) Now insert the new lamp, remember not to touch the lens. You may need to wriggle it a bit as it can be tricky to fit. Do not use force but do this gently, eventually it will go in as long as you slide it between the two rails. You should hear a click once its in place.

5) Screw it in to make sure it's firmly in place and then screw the panel back in. You are done.

How To Calibrate Your Plasma TV For Domestic Use

If you've recently purchased a plasma TV, chances are you've got it mounted where you want it, your surround sound is configured and your seating arrangements place your favourite chair in the sweet spot. But what about picture quality? Calibrate your new TV for use at home, not the showroom.

Calibrate Your Plasma HDTV

Purchasing a brand new high definition plasma TV demands a good deal of research into cost, specification and positioning.

What buyers often forget when making an outlay on a considerable piece of home entertainment hardware is not just how it looks in the living room but how sport and movies look while the plasma TV is watched in the living room.

Electronics showrooms for instance have their wallmounted plasma HDTVs set to high brightness and contrast to both counter the brightly-lit shop floor and to draw attention from other models (such as LCD TVs).

Getting your 42 inch widescreen flat panel plasma HDTV back to your home and mounted as required is therefore only half of the job.

By setting the device up correctly you can save money on power consumption, extend the TVs life and get the best picture possible. To do this, you need to calibrate your TV.

Use A Calibration Disc

Calibrating a plasma TV can be done manually. However, selecting mode, color temperature, brightness, contrast, sharpness and making a vague guess as to what colors look like in real life can be both tricky and time-consuming.

The best way to calibrate your plasma TV therefore is to utilise a calibration disc.

Calibration discs are not cheap - however they can be picked up for around $50 new. They're DVDs (or Blu-Ray discs) with patterns and various color optimisation charts designed to guide you into setting color, brightness, contrast and sharpness as needed for your home theater.

Free Calibration Tools

If you're using a HD DVD or Blu-Ray player, there are a selection of free tools available most notably from www.avsforum.com.

These tools are also useful for calibrating MP4 images (very high quality images often stored on optical or hard disk) and can be used to setup your plasma HDTV for nothing more than the cost of a blank DVD.

Using the calibration disc simply involves inserting it into a HD DVD or Blu-Ray player and finding the appropriate file for your TV.

A series of calibration images is then displayed, along with instructions on how to optimize these charts. It can take an hour or so to get the settings correct across the board, but when complete you'll be looking at a brand new, freshly mounted and fully calibrated plasma HDTV!

Do Magnets Affect LCD TV’s?

A commonly asked question is whether LCD TV’s are affected by common household magnets in the same manner as a Cathode-Ray Tube TV set. Read this article if you wish to know more about the safety of your LCD or Plasma set.

Magnets, magnetic fields and televisions are a common concern amongst owners of LCD sets, one which begun when CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) television sets were still popular.

Often owners of Plasma or LCD TV’s are worried about magnets or magnetic fields due to speaker placement and the magnet the speakers contain. Speakers can occasionally cause a problem with old CRT televisions. This is why there is the worry of picture distortion or colors fading if the LCD set is placed near an appliance containing a magnet (which a wide number of appliances do contain). However, most new CRT models are unaffected by magnetic fields or powerful magnets such as rare-earth magnets.

Read on to find out whether magnetic fields or magnets can affect your Plasma or LCD set negatively.

CRT’s and Magnets

The only thing that is at risk of being damaged by a magnet in a CRT set is the slot mask/shadow, which is outside the main cabinet or casing. If there is exposure to an extremely powerful magnet, it is possible to distort this and ruin the picture. However, the slot mask is still protected and it is unlikely to be damaged by most magnets found in common appliances.

Most new CRT sets are protected from this danger and the problem does not apply to old black and white sets. Even if the problem occurs, it is possible to rectify it by something called “manual degaussing,” which should be performed by a technician. Hence, even the concern of magnets severely affecting an old TV set is not entirely accurate.

LCD’s, Plasma’s and Magnets

Magnetic fields do not affect these types of sets since they do not use a beam or phosphors but static liquid crystals, which are solid-state unmoving cells. Although they are still sensitive to electric field changes, it would take substantial effort for you to ruin the display. Even then, it would be have to be done willingly.

Moreover, projection displays do not have shadow masks and hence this type of damage does not apply.

Therefore, you should not worry about placing speakers next to LCD and plasma TV’s or about placing a television near any other kind of appliance with a magnet in it, since magnets do not harm them.

Related Articles

For more helpful information on LCD and plasma TV's, read the Bright Hub articles Plasma Versus LCD: Which is the Best? and How Does Sunlight Exposure Affect a Plasma TV Screen?

How to Clean a Rear-Projection TV

If you have been struggling to watch old style TV, due to fingerprints, grease marks or other dirt, here is a guide on how to clean your rear-projection set without damaging the screen.

Electronic and electrical components generally attract and gather a lot of dust and your TV is the same; sometimes having small children around the house also means having all sorts of creative and artistic fingerprint-smudges on your screen. Luckily it is quite easy to clean your set without scratching the screen and ruining it permanently, and you can also clean the insides to some extent due to the air vents present (unless you go through the trouble of unscrewing panels and opening the TV set).

This brief guide will show you the steps you can take to efficiently clean a rear-projection TV simply by using a vacuum cleaner, a feather duster and some cleaning liquid. It is quite easy to do and is worth the effort; apart from the fact that you will actually see better with a clean screen, dust can also block the vents and your set can over-heat.

Cleaning Your Screen

First, make sure the set is switched off and unplugged: leave it that way for an about an hour to let it cool down. Get a cross-headed screwdriver so you can unscrew the back-panels if you wish to clean thoroughly. You might need to remove a protective cover if you have an older set, which you can either slide off or unscrew.

Get hold of a glass-cleaner spray which isn’t corrosive, as that can lead to problems and damage the glass. Free and clear glass cleaner is fine, as is Formula 409 or Spic and Span; avoid cleaners with ammonia or similarly harmful solutions.

Spray a bit of your chosen glass-cleaner onto a soft cloth to wipe the surface of the screen; microfiber cloths and soft cloths are ideal for this purpose so you should buy one. Just wipe away and this should get rid of any marks or fingerprints, and then you can put the protective cover back if you had one.

Thorough Cleaning

You can also unscrew the back panels, with the cross-headed screwdriver, and clean the projection lamp; consult the manual of your TV for schematics as to where it is. You do not need to do this at all costs, as cleaning the screen is sufficient, and I would suggest that you avoid it if you are unsure on which part is which.

An easier way to clean the insides is simply to use a vacuum cleaner through the air-vents, and remove and dust which clogs the vents, which could result in overheating the set.

Biggest LCD TV in the World

Watching movies, sports or even your favourite shows on a big screen is great. Most people buy the biggest LCD TV they can afford. What if money was no obstacle? In this article we take a look at the biggest LCD televisions out there.

Huge LCD TVs

Persuading your significant other that it is worth re-mortgaging the house so you can enjoy a cinema experience in your front room may prove to be a tough sell. Let’s face it - most of us can’t justify or afford a truly gigantic television. If you don’t have a huge room to match, you’re going to end up sitting too close to your TV anyway. We can all dream though, and just in case that big bonus comes through or you pick the right lottery numbers, here are some of the biggest LCD televisions in the world.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-70XBR7

We’ll build it up gently starting with this 70 inch beast from Sony. This is naturally capable of displaying full 1080p footage, it has a refresh rate of 120 Hz and it is packed with superb functionality. There’s a cinema mode, surround sound, great color depth, sharp contrast and superb brightness. It is DLNA compliant and packed with connectivity options including the BRAVIA sync for one touch control of multiple devices. This is the biggest and most expensive LCD TV you can order on Amazon and it costs around $20,000.

Sharp Aquos LB-1085

This eclipses the Sony by a distance and as far as I know it is the biggest commercially available LCD TV in the world. How big is the screen size? Drum roll please….a staggering 108 inches! Oh yes this beauty is indeed gigantic with over 2 million pixels. It supports full 1080p footage and features all the extras you’d expect of the Sharp Aquos range. It has decent brightness at 400 cd/m2, a 1,200:1 contrast ratio and a viewing angle of 176 degrees. There is also surround sound, but the connectivity options are a little more limited than you might expect with just 3 HDMI ports. If you’re rich enough to buy this then I’m guessing you could make use of more. It costs around $100,000.

Toshiba 2651

To find the world’s biggest LCD TV we have to look beyond the consumer market. Behold the Toshiba 2651, specially built for a Tokyo racecourse this LCD TV has a surface area of around 8,000 square feet. It is around four storys high and most definitely would not fit in your house. If you have a large back garden and a spare $25 million you could always order one up. It seems like a travesty of justice to me that the biggest LCD TV in the world is used for horse racing. I could be watching movies on that.

Gigantic LCD Televisions

There are a few other gigantic LCD televisions being used in the corporate events world but nothing can compete with the Toshiba 2651. When it comes to consumer LCD TVs the Sharp Aquos has the title and it has actually held it for a while now. The size spurts were quite competitive for a couple of years there. The biggest LCD TV record was being broken quite regularly but it looks like Sharp might be awaiting a challenger for the Aquos LB-1085 for quite some time.

Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray Player Review

The Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray player is put through the paces in this comprehensive review. Does it do enough to merit purchase for PS3 owners? Can you get the same features for less? Find out inside.

Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray player a PS3 Beater?

The Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray player was released towards the end of last year. Blu-ray is definitely the new format with HD DVD conceding defeat before this machine was even released. Sony have released a range of stand alone Blu-ray players over the last couple of years but the smart money has always been on the Playstation 3 which can be snapped up for a similar or lower price and includes Blu-ray functionality. Is this the player to finally beat the PS3?

Picture Quality
Rating

The picture quality offered here is excellent. This Blu-ray player offers a full 1080p high definition resolution. It also supports both 60 frames per second for standard television and 24 frames per second for a dedicated cinema mode. The image quality offers a smooth and well defined picture even during fast action sequences. The BDP-S550 can also upscale DVDs and the picture is generally satisfyingly free of jaggies. The HDMI connection offers top quality footage and multi-channel audio but there are also component, S-Video and composite connection options.

Sound
Rating

Sound is where the Sony BDP-S550 really stands out. It has onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Since it covers the high resolution soundtrack formats you don’t need a separate receiver to enjoy the excellent sound. It does offer a bit-stream output option in case you prefer to use your AV receiver. There are also optical and coaxial digital audio outputs and even 7.1 analog audio outputs which you won’t find on many Blu-ray players.

Extra Features
Rating

It is Profile 2.0 compliant, also known as BD-Live. This means you can hook it up to the Internet via Ethernet and access the additional content provided by some Blu-ray discs. This feature is underused at the moment but it is liable to grow in time. It also means you need to have some storage space and Sony have included a slim 1 GB USB Flash drive which you can use straight out of the box. In terms of disc format you’re covered for everything from CDs and home burned DVDs to support for JPEGs. About the only format it won’t play is VCD.

Operation
Rating

In terms of speed there is a bit of a loading delay but this is far from the slowest machine on the market. It operates very quietly and doesn’t output as much heat as the PS3. The Precision Drive helps to correct even damaged DVDs and Blu-rays and the menu system is easy and intuitive. It also ships with a backlit remote control which is great for watching movies in the dark.

Versus PS3

If you have no interest in gaming then this will certainly appeal over the PS3. It has a few extra audio connection options, it is quieter, it heats up less and it is easier to operate for movie watching. If you already own a PS3 I don’t think this player does quite enough to justify the extra expense though.

Overall
Rating

The Sony BDP-S550 has come down in price since release and if you shop around you’ll find it much lower than the original $400. There are other Blu-ray players out there with similar functionality which cost less but you’ll struggle to find one with this exact feature set and if the top notch sound support and analog outputs are important to you then this is the device to buy.

LG 42LG60 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD Television

LG 42LG60 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD television packs quite a punch for a little price. It's packed with features that can improve your viewing experience.

Dimensions
Rating

The dimensions of this television are 2.4 X 40.9 X 29.4 inches. It weighs around 45 pounds, which isn’t too bad for a television this large. While you may still want help if you plan on mounting this television on the wall, you’ll probably be able to pretty easily maneuver this television by yourself to take it out of the box or place it on the swivel stand.

It comes with a swivel stand so that you can adjust the television to give you optimal viewing no matter where you are sitting. The only drawback to the swivel stand is that it’s a little technical to put together.

Features
Rating

The LG 42LG60 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD television is quite comparable to many of the higher-priced, Samsung models, but it only costs $1,000. While you may be sacrificing some features, you’re not giving up much.

The television comes with 4 HDMI 1.3 digital ports. One of them is located on the side for trouble-free access. This means that you can effortlessly hook up a variety of devices to the television. For example, you can use the television to view your digital pictures or digital videos from your camcorder.

The dynamic ratio is at 50,000:1, which is quite close to the higher-priced televisions. It comes with 1080p full HD resolution so your high definitions movies and television programs will pop on this screen, and it also has a "Trumotion" 120 Hz panel.

The television is quite nice to look at, and the power button is an interesting feature that can capture a visitor’s attention. The television itself is quite easy to set up.

Picture and Sound
Rating

The picture on this television is incredibly sharp and clear. Plus, you can watch your television in a few different modes, including cinema, sport, or automatic. So, you can adjust your viewing settings depending on what you are watching.

Also, the sound is quite good for a LCD television. Another nice thing about the speakers is that they’re hidden. So, you won’t have them distracting from your viewing experience. The sound has a pretty even quality even when you’re playing video games.

Another nice feature about this television is the automatic lighting adjustment. LCD televisions are known for their ability to work in bright lighting settings, and this feature helps with that. If you turn on a light or if suddenly you have a burst of sunlight coming through the window, the automatic lighting adjustment will modify the picture to compensate for the new lighting in the room.

Bang for your Buck
Rating

At just around $1,000, the LG 42LG60 LCD television is a good investment. All your HD programs will look nice on it. You can use it with your Blu-ray or high definition movies, and the colors will remain clean, crisp and vibrant. This HD TV is well worth the investment.

Sharp Aquos LC52D65U 52-inch 1080p LCD HDTV

The Sharp Aquos LC52D65U 52-inch 1080p LCD HDTV is very large and quite inexpensive. But, while it is a 52-inch television, you won't get some of the features that you would from a more expensive television. Then again, you may not care.

Features
Rating

The Sharp Aquos LC52D65U 52-inch 1080p LCD HDTV can be purchased online for about $1,350 online. While you do give up some features, it’s a nice, large television for the money.

The LC52D65U comes with a surprising number of HDMI inputs at five as opposed to the usual two or four. You will be able to hook up a variety of devices via these inputs. You can also plug in your computer and use the television as a monitor.

The television does have true HD 1080p and wide viewing angles, allowing you to place you are seating just about anywhere. It comes with a removable black cabinet that hides your speakers if you don’t plan on mounting your television on the wall.

The dimensions of the television are 33.7 X 49.2 X 12.8 inches, and it weighs nearly 64 pounds. If you do plan on mounting this television, ask a friend or someone in your family to help you. But, one good thing is that the system is very slim, and Sharp has great customer service if you happen to run into issues.

Picture and Sound
Rating

The Aquos LC52D65U is relatively responsive with a 6ms response time. For a television that’s way under the $2,000 mark, the picture is surprising clear and crisp. Both Blu-ray and HD programming look very nice on it. The sound is also quite good for a cheaper model. The television is 3.0 Energy Certified so it won’t use up that much power.

While the picture and sound are great, you are going to sacrifice some quality with the lower price. The contrast ratio is 10,000:1 which is much lower than the 50,000 or even 100,000:1 ratios that can be found on similar units. This unit also doesn’t have many of the features that the more expensive models have.

Possible Problems
Rating

The remote control requires a thorough reading of the manual since it’s awkward to use and figure out. Setting up the television is going to take some work on your part because it’s not standard. But, you should be able to figure it out. If not, as mentioned earlier, Sharp has excellent customer service.

Price for the Quality
Rating

Overall, this is a wonderful television for anyone who’s on a budget. It’s very large for the price, and the picture quality is quite good. Your Blu-ray movies and HD programming will look perfect on it. While you are sacrificing some quality, it isn’t going to be enough for those who want a true bang for their buck.

How to Mount Your First Plasma/LCD Television

So, you just bought a flat screen television. You're excited to get it up on the wall but first there are some steps that you need to take to make sure that the television is hung right. So, grab a helper, get some tools and learn how to hang your first flat screen television!

Introduction

There are some things that you need to do and some things you should really consider before, during and after hanging your flat screen television.

First of all, you should probably hang your flat screen television on an interior wall. It’s harder to drill into exterior walls because there are usually more obstacles behind them. Next, learn your local building and fire codes.

Now, you need to figure out the optimal position and height of your television. You want to make sure that it’s low enough so that you can see it without straining your neck, but high enough so that it’s not awkward to view it.

Materials

Before you start make sure you have the right materials.

Mounting hardware: Most televisions will use Video Electronic Standards Association brackets, but it’s good to confirm this before you go out and buy anything.

Stud finder: You need to nail your brackets into wood studs. If you have metal studs in your house, you will not be able to mount a flat screen television.

Measuring tape: To figure out how to mount your brackets correctly, you should use your measuring tape to measure the distance between the bottom of the wall bracket to the bottom of your television. Next, mark with a pencil where you would like the bottom panel of your television to be. Using the distance measurement from the first figure, mark where you would like the bottom of the bracket to be. Do the others.

Utility knife/drywall saw: You will have to cut into the wall if you plan on running your connecting cables behind your wall. Do not run your power cable behind walls.

Leveler: Use this to make sure that the marks you made for the brackets are even.

Hanging Your Television

Next, you need to mount your brackets. To do this, turn off the power to the area where you will be working. There will be two pieces to the brackets. One piece will go into the wall, and the other will attach to your television. Always use a stud finder that allows you to see the exact middle of the stud so you can be sure that you’re at the center of your wood studs. Mark this with a pencil.

Where you made the measurements for where the end of the bracket should be, line it up with your bracket so that the bottom of the bracket touches the mark. You should have a helper working with you so this can be their job. Drill a hole into the bracket’s screw hole and screw in the screws. Screw in the other bracket. Use the level to double-check that the brackets are even.

Next, remove the plastic caps from the back of the television. These cover the holes that you need to attach the brackets. Keep the flat screen television face up or lean it against a couch or other sturdy object. Never place it down face first. Screw in the brackets at the corresponding holes.

Now, follow the directions in the owner’s manual to verify that you are mounting the television correctly, especially if you’ve bought brackets that allow your television to swivel or move up and down. Have a helper assist you whenever you are handling the television or going up and down a ladder. And, then, enjoy!

HD Movie Downloads: Where to Get Them Legally

If you want to watch HD movies without leaving your home, and do it legally, then this article can help you find them.

Going to a video store can be a pain. Investing in a Blu-Ray player is still probably expensive for the average family. Does that mean that you have to be left out of the fun of watching HD movies. Heck, No! You are just going to have to go about getting your HD movies a different way. That way is with your computer.

There are a few places where you can download HD movies legally. You will even have the option between renting or buying on some films. That way you can enjoy a film without having to pay the full purchase piece in order to see it. Great news if you are taking a chance on a new film or if you are low on disposable income at the moment. Today we are going to look at some of the legal options with the biggest libraries.

iTunes

The iTunes software is available for both Windows and Macintosh computers. The iTunes store offers a selection of HD films to buy and to rent as well as a library of non HD films. You will be able to tell a high definition film from a non-HD by looking for the HD logo by the download button. Be aware that rented movies will show up in a separate category from movies that you buy out right.

Amazon Downloads

Amazon is another legal choice for HD downloads of films. They are primarily an HD-to-buy venue, but there are also options that will allow you to rent. You can watch the movies online, but you may have to update your Flash player in order to do so.

Will I Need to Set Up an Account?

Yes, with both iTunes and Amazon you are going to have to sign up for an account. Both of these have relatively basic sign up procedures.

It's Never Free

How will I Pay?

On either the iTunes or the Amazon account you can pay with a credit or debit card. If you choose not to pay with a credit card then you can use a prepaid card on iTunes, known simply as an iTunes card, in order to pay for the movie.

How much will a download cost me?

The cost of a movie will vary depending on a lot of factors. The most notable factor will be the age of the film involved.

Happy Downloading!

HD Movie Downloads: Where to Get Them Legally

If you want to watch HD movies without leaving your home, and do it legally, then this article can help you find them

Going to a video store can be a pain. Investing in a Blu-Ray player is still probably expensive for the average family. Does that mean that you have to be left out of the fun of watching HD movies. Heck, No! You are just going to have to go about getting your HD movies a different way. That way is with your computer.

There are a few places where you can download HD movies legally. You will even have the option between renting or buying on some films. That way you can enjoy a film without having to pay the full purchase piece in order to see it. Great news if you are taking a chance on a new film or if you are low on disposable income at the moment. Today we are going to look at some of the legal options with the biggest libraries.

iTunes

The iTunes software is available for both Windows and Macintosh computers. The iTunes store offers a selection of HD films to buy and to rent as well as a library of non HD films. You will be able to tell a high definition film from a non-HD by looking for the HD logo by the download button. Be aware that rented movies will show up in a separate category from movies that you buy out right.

Amazon Downloads

Amazon is another legal choice for HD downloads of films. They are primarily an HD-to-buy venue, but there are also options that will allow you to rent. You can watch the movies online, but you may have to update your Flash player in order to do so.

Will I Need to Set Up an Account?

Yes, with both iTunes and Amazon you are going to have to sign up for an account. Both of these have relatively basic sign up procedures.

It's Never Free

How will I Pay?

On either the iTunes or the Amazon account you can pay with a credit or debit card. If you choose not to pay with a credit card then you can use a prepaid card on iTunes, known simply as an iTunes card, in order to pay for the movie.

How much will a download cost me?

The cost of a movie will vary depending on a lot of factors. The most notable factor will be the age of the film involved.

Top Five 26" LCD TVs

If you're planning to buy a 26 Inch LCD TV, you're best bet would be to check out what the major brands currently have to offer. Here we give you five top-of-the-line 26 inch LCD TVs from five major brands

Sony Bravia L-Series KDL-26L5000

We're talking about TVs, so it is but proper that we put Sony first on the list. We have the Sony Bravia L-Series KDL-26L5000, a 26-inch LCD TV that provides 720p resolution and dynamic contrast ratio of 13,000:1. It features various HD connections including HDMI inputs as well as PC input to use it as a PC monitor. You can also stream videos onto this LCD TV coming from your A/V component using Bravia Sync technology as this monitor is compatible with Bravia Link modules including Bravia Wireless Link. When it comes to image brightness this LCD TV feature Dynamic Backlight Control which allows the LCD TV to exceed the Energy Star 3.0 standards from energy consumption. The LCD TV also gives you one-touch access and control of your other home theatre which are compatible with the LCD TV. That goes for your Sony Handycam as well. (Price:$449.00)

Samsung LN26B360 720p LCD HDTV

Next on our list of course is Samsung which has been pretty active in the LCD TV market today. For Samsung, we the 26 inch LN26B360 LCD HDTV boasting 720p resolution. It has a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and high 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. It also features 8ms response time and wide color enhancer 2 technology that provides clearer image quality. For connecting other devices, this LCD TV comes with two HDMI inputs for component and composite video. Other notable features of this LCD TV include two 3W bottom speakers and SRS TruSurround HD sound quality, built-in digital and analog TV tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts, and a built-in QAM cable TV tuner for receiving unscrambled programs without a set-top box. (Price: $419.00)

Toshiba 26AV502R 720p LCD HDTV

The Toshiba 26AV502R 720p LCD HDTV gives you a combination of quality, style and value in one TV box. It boasts of Toshiba's own DynaLight technology that provides deeper picture quality. You can use it in Native Mode for TV viewing or Gaming Mode. It features 2 HDMI digital inputs, 10 bit video processor and 60Hz video scan rate. It has a built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM digital tuning capability as well as a sleep timer to help you conserve power consumption. For its sound quality, this Toshiba LCD TV features HD component video inputs and Dolby Digital Optical Output Dimensions. And finally, this LCD TV comes in a thin, high-gloss black cabinet that will blend well with your room's motif. (Price: $339.95)

Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-L26X1 720p LCD HDTV

Panasonic's entry on our list is the VIERA X1 Series TC-L26X1, also a 720p LCD HDTV with a 12,000:1 contrast ratio. Unlike the other LCD TVs on our list, Panasonic's VIERA X1 Series LCD TV was made with the music and video lovers as the primary target buyers. This LCD TV comes with a universal iPod dock that you can use to plug-in your iPod devices and enjoy listening to music or watching videos and photos on the LCD TV. It also comes with a memory card slot for a convenient and quick way of viewing your digital photos. It also allows you to control your other Panasonic DVD recorder, Blu-ray disc player, home theatre sound system and even HD camcorder via Viera Link. Other features of this LCD TV include HDMI and PC inputs, intelligent scene controller, and a gaming mode. (Price: $414.21)

Sharp LCD26DV24U 720p LCD HDTV

Sharp's LCD26DV24U 720p LCD HDTV features a slim design that won't make you believe that it comes with a built-in side-loading DVD player. Aside from that, it is also equipped with built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners that allow you to enjoy DTV and analog TV viewing. It connects to your digital devices via 2 HDMI inputs and to your PC via a PC input. It boasts of a true 16:9 aspect ratio at 1366x768 resolution, 16:9 widescreen LCD panel display and high brightness up to 500 cd/m2. This brightness allows you to place the LCD TV even near windows without worrying about distorting its vividness. This LCD TV provides 800:1 contrast ratio and 8ms response time. (Price: $529.99)