TV Reviews

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.

HDTV television sets come in all sizes and with many different features, but the Panasonic TC-P50V10 is one that stands out among the many varieties available. With a small 2 inch width and a low profile design it can easily fit into any home but its simple design masks its actual technological wonders.

The TC-P5oV10 is able to offer a Digital Cinema Color quality that offers every color you would need for a movie theater experience and also has a Neo PDP panel that allows for a large 1080p resolution. Even better for your monthly budget, Panasonic carefully crafted the TC-P50V10 so that it can provide all these perks using half the energy of previous models.

The TC-P5OV10 also provides for a 40,000:1 contrast ratio which will make everything you view on it from a movie to a video game to even JPEG photos a majestic viewing event. Even better, it is not hard to view items such as JPEG photos due to the fact it has an SD memory card digital slot so that you do not even need a special cable.

Additionally, if you use other input devices on the Panasonic TC-P50V10 you will not have to concern yourself with an overflowing supply of remotes, since the set has a VIERRA link which allows you to use all components of your home system with just one button on the television remote.

This is due to the fact that the HDMI cable is equipped to handle digital video and audio signals alongside control signals as well. Thus, when you use VIERRA you can easily access everything in your home system and not just the television set.

The TC-P50V10 also has internet access that is available through the VIERRACAST line as well so that you can open your email or watch YouTube from your front room television set if you like. This also enables you to get all updates for the Panasonic set via the television as well.

If you aren't impressed with the Panasonic TC-P50V10 than you may be after you hear that it also offers THX display certification so that you get images that are above standard frame by frame. With a resolution of 1920x1080p you get one of the highest pixel resolutions without blurring or color distortion. Standing at 50 inches, the images you watch on your Panasonic will be hard to beat unless you are seated in a cinema.

LCD's and Plasmas are currently competing for the title of best monitor in terms of which can offer the best picture quality. LCD's have been lagging behind in the competition which has caused manufacturers to step up their game which has of course also stepped up the price of the LCD sets.

In exchange, the new LCD models have better refresh rates that even reach 240Hz which helps to reduce the blurring. One of the newest LCD sets that have a lower price tag than its counterparts is the Toshiba 55ZV650OU. It also is able to produce a 240Hz rate using Toshiba's own trademarked technology.

One of the most appealing factors outside of the technology of the Toshiba is its slim design as it is a flat panel that is edged with a silver frame that surrounds a silver background until the black bulk support of the television.

The corners have a black fade above the silver that can be seen through the transparent edges that creates a nice visual effect making it look like a television from the future. For those who are more concerned with the actual picture on the television, it also offers five picture modes that are adjustable or a sixth mode in which the monitor will adjust between the modes itself based on the set parameters of the set known as Auto View.

Outside of appearance and viewing, the Toshiba 55ZV65OU offers a few features that are pleasing as well such as the Clearscan 240 which uses the a backlight scanning system with its 120 frames per second capability to create the 240Hz effect that he 55ZV65OU is known for. It also is able to double frames to create a 120 Hz LCD effect which is what most stations broadcast in and will help reduce blurring in the set picture.

Toshiba also uses a technique of dejudder processing they refer to as Film Stabilization to correct viewing problems as well. Further adjustment can be done manually with a gamma slider that allows for 31 positions to fine tune and it can be set to lock into the color management mode you choose so that in case the color mode button is accidently selected you will not have to worry about remedying the problem.

The 55ZV65OU also offers input slots such as a component-video, VGA style PC, and an AV input with S-Video. Of course, it also has the typical digital and analog audio outputs that you would expect from any set.