TV Reviews

The Panasonic VIERA X1 Series for 2009 has upped the stakes in image quality for plasma TV's. If you're a fan of big game sports, blockbuster movies or large scale all out war gaming then this is the TV for you!

Fast moving objects, footballs or missiles, stay clear and sharp as they zip across the screen, thanks to Panasonic's 600Hz Sub-field Drive for crisp, focused images. This TV also has a dedicated Game Mode that cuts down on 'time lag', plus connections for a memory card and an iPod.

Panasonic have embraced the home network ethos, creating an all round entertainment system with their X1 Series of HDTV Plasmas.

VIERA X1 Series Plasma 720p features include:

• 720p Resolution
• Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1 Native; Infinite Black Panel
• 720 Lines of Moving Picture Resolution
• 600Hz Sub-field Drive
• VIERA Image Viewer
• VIERA Link
• AR (Anti-Reflective) Filter
• Game Mode
• 3 HDMI Inputs
• 100,000 Hour Panel Life

The Mitsubishi LT-52149 is widely marketed as an HDTV system that provides an excellent viewing experience, but what many people do not realize is that it also caters to those who are seeking an excellent audio experience as well. 

Due to the built in 16 speaker 5.1 sound system of the LT-52149 viewers get to experience an audio wonder alongside their picture complete with an underlying sounder that runs under the bezel of the LT-52149 to create the full surround sound effect without taking much more room up out of the framework of the set.

Due to the unique placement of the Mitsubishi sound system you do not have to rush out to the store to purchase obtrusive speakers, or even any speakers at all since the LT-52149 has them built. 

Plus, Mitsubishi uses both Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic to help process the audio system which creates a low frequency wavelength that is in turn enhanced by the built in subwoofer or if you choose you can upgrade the woofer by purchasing one yourself and hooking it into the output cable area.

Of course all of the charms of the audio system of the LT-52149 would not be worthwhile if you did not have a top of the line picture to match, which is of course provided as part of the package. 

The LCD model is equipped with four different picture and video modes so that you can properly match the quality of the type of media you are watching with the source for the best picture presentation.  You can even switch from natural mode to gaming mode to differentiate scenes that you may want to look more natural such as live television programs and scientific or action scenes that you may want to see more contrast in.

All of this is provided by for the LT-52149 and with plenty of ways to utilize the set since it has many different connectivity options.  Due to its HDMI interface, the LT-52149 offers four connections that can allow for multi channel feeds, automatic cable recognition, HDTV internet viewing, and of course DVD and VHS players. 

Additionally, the Mitsubishi LT-52149 set has a USB port built into the front of the television so that you can plug in a memory card reader or a thumb drive and use the large screen as a photo viewer.

One of the reasons that the UN-40B7000 is a class leader is its LED edge lighting which shines from the edges of the set so that the result is brighter contrast in lighter areas of the picture, precise colors on the screen, and a 40% decrease in energy consumption overall.

Of course, while these features are nice, the Samsung is also loaded with many other great features. In terms of the viewing picture, the UN-40B7000 is also complete with the Samsung capabilities of Enriched Color Expression which is essentially faster and more advanced processing of frames so that every image that is displayed on the screen looks as life like as when it was filmed.

The crisp images translate over to fast moving quality bas well due to the 120Hz speed that the Auto Motion Plus delivers so that even fast movements are realistic and concise. The unit is also processed with a red hue infused into the bezel so that the set does not need painting or a plastic veneer to hang from on the wall. Also included in the Samsung UN-40B7000 is the ability to surf the internet if you connect for access via the Ethernet port.

Once the TV is connected, the set has easy to use navigation tools to help you get onto some of the most popular websites such as Yahoo!, eBay, Flickr, YouTube and more with just a click of the TV remote.

Additionally, you can also synch your home PC with the Samsung set so that you can view your video files or listen to computer audio from the television set. Other connectivity options include an S-video input for DVD and VHS players, a USB v2.0 port, and a PC port.

Last but not least, the Samsung UN-40B7000 provides the same quality of sound as it does picture due to its SRS TruSurround XT technology. It allows the user to deliver multichannel content over two separate speakers to give them the surround sound experience. It can also be used via headphones or television speakers. Additionally, the Samsung UN-40B7000 is equipped with an integrated woofer and dual 10W speakers to further enhance the sound quality.