Archive for the ‘HDTV Reviews’ Category
Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC P65S1 65 Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Black

High definition is more than mere pixels. It’s all about visual quality. Plasma TV offers higher contrast and deeper color than LCD screens. With a screen at a class of 65″, you’ll observe a new concept of HDTV entertainment that rivals anything else. Why go to the movies when you’ve got this Viera TV! The Panasonic TC-P58S1 65″ Class Viera S1 Series Plasma 1080p HDTV brings a giant 64.7-inch class (diagonal) wide screen to bring sports, movies, and TV into your home with in-your-face realism. LCD is lighter in weight and a little more energy efficient but, when it comes to visual quality, most LCD screens seem pale in comparison. That’s why, when it comes to appreciating the qualities of HDTV and Blu-Ray, this Panasonic Viera plasma TV is a better buy. There are also some distinct features worth appreciating. 600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution (per APDC). For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into data. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects. It’s easy to view full-HD images with the SD card slot. Watch and show your photos right after you take them. Simply insert an SD card into VIERA to display photos on the large screen. You can also choose from among 3 types of background music and 4 display effects. It’s much more fun when you can view them on a large-screen HDTV with family and friends in 1920 x 1080-pixel high definition and a wide 16:9 aspect ratio. Pixel Pitch (H x V) 0.747 x 0.747 mm Moving Picture Resolution 1080 lines Shades of Gradation 6,144 equivalent HDTV Display Capability (1080p, 1080i, 720p) EDTV Display Capability (480p) Aspect Control Normal, Just, Zoom, Full, H-fill NeoPDP (Plasma Display Panel) New AR (A
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Bigger Is Better
I have had this plasma display for a week now. Great picture (particularly with blu-ray movies), and an amazing price. Don’t be fooled that LCD is better because it appears “brighter”. Plasma has a more cinematic feel to it.
Think 65 inches is too big? Think again. If you sit at least 8 or 9 feet away when viewing, this display will knock your socks off. To me it makes more sense to go big and get the real benefit of high definition. Just a few years ago a TV like this would cost $15,000+ and not look as good as this unit. Pull the trigger, and get it while the price is right.
5 Stars Just one word … WOW!
I have had this 65 inch plasma since 10/1/2009. So far everything has been outstanding, from the great price I got at the time and the white glove delivery service. They set up the TV in my media room, hooked it up, turned it on and WOW!
My TV is installed in a windowless room, and the picture is out of this world. I see absolutely no reason to have it professionally calibrated as the picture is outstanding. The picture is more than bright enough, even in a well lit room, if you need to up the brightness and contrast. There are no reflections, but then again I watch with no lights on … the 65 inch screen provides enough light.
I am glad I went with the 65 inch model … my other choice was the 58V model … and I am glad I went with the 65S model. The picture is breathtaking … almost 3D at times. Great depth … great and viberant colors, and the picture clarity is awesome with high definition input.
With my Cable, the HD channels are awe inspiring, and I am glad there are a lot of them as the standard definition channels are no match to them, and after watching hours of HD channels I don’t even want to watch the standard channels anymore.
So far no problems with the set, and I am 100% satisfied with the TV, Amazon, the price I paid, and the delivery. All in all a truely wonderful experience.
My room size is 16 foot by 19 foot with 10 foot ceilings, and I currently sit about 14 feet away from the screen. Anything less than 65 inches would have disappointed me.
Don’t worry about 65 inches being too big in a room this size, it isn’t. And don’t worry about professional calibration services as I see absolutely nothing wrong with the picture.
5 Stars Great overall value and HD set!
Simple review… Amazon’s price was great (with free blu-ray player to boot), shipping was free, and it was white glove, right to my living room. The shipping company called and scheduled a delivery, showed up within the window, and I dropped them a nice tip. Now the set is a monster. If you have the room, get this set! Pic quality is outstanding, and the plasma blacks are great. By far the best value going right now for a 65″ hdtv. The v10 model of this has some nice features, but not worth $1200 more to me.
5 Stars I am never leaving the house!
I hooked up the satellite equipment, hooked up my stereo, plugged it in, and WHOA! I just sit there for hours staring at it. I can just imagine how it will look when I turn it on! JK! I couldn’t have asked for more. It is so beautiful. The picture is as clear as I could ask for. Sometimes it’s almost 3D. Honestly, I was dozing off and there was a show on about space exploration and for a second when I woke up I thought I was in the cockpit of the spaceship soaring through space. It took me a few seconds to get back to the reality that I was looking at the TV, lol. Blu-ray really shines on this TV! This is by far one of the most amazing things I’ve every owned.
5 Stars The Best Plasma TV Out there
I bought this TV on August 30 and got it delivered on Sept 10. It’s a big set that needs to be delivered on trucks, not UPS. The seller communicates via email to update the status of your order. A day before the delivery date, the truck guys will call and confirm the hours, typically a four-hour window for them to show up. Now, there is something that I think a prospective buyer wants to keep in mind. TV of this size is not easily transported. So it’s the policy of the vendor, and probably industry-wide (because I’ve checked several vendors and that they all said the same thing), that you CAN’T RETURN IT if you don’t fell like it. In other word, don’t just buy it because you just want to check it out. The vendor will take it back if and only if it is 1) defective or 2) broken. So it’s crucial that once it’s delivered and while the delivery guys are still there, please open it up. Plug it in and make sure it work. In other word, do a thorough inspection. Because once these guys leave, you pretty much own it for good.
Now, comes the TV. This is a great set par none for its price. A quick walk through your local Best Buy will tell you that. I’ve seen TV’s a lot smaller and much less sophisticated got sold for prices very close to this set’s. Some of those are not very well known brands. The TV is not that heavy at all. The listing weight, according to Amazon is 175 shipping and 145, is not correct. Although I don’t know its shipping weight, the set itself is 90 lbs (yeah..this isn’t a typo). I’m a fairly small guy (5′7) and my brother’s (5′8), and we both were able to pick it up and set it on the console without breaking a sweat. The hookup is straight forward. Just find the right connection and plug it in. Very much self-explanatory. The remote doesn’t look that intimidating either. I mean if you’ve played around w/ electronic equipments, you don’t need to read the manual. Play around w/ a few keys and you’ll get it. It’s realllyyyyyy simpleeeee. I had mine hooked up to Direct TV w/ the premium package (Football package). So I’m able to watch fairly large number of HD channels. And …yes….it is…………awesome..yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh…
As with plasma TV, I’m sure we all know that it should be in a dark room because plasma screens tend to reflect light. Mine is a bit close to the window. Although I try to shut down all the blinds when I watch football on Sundays, a tiny bit of reflection is still visible. The best show is at night. Dim the lights and you will be amazed at its clarity. As for the speakers, don’t bother. You’re not buying this TV for its speakers. So why even bother to turn it on? All TV speakers sucks. Period. If you were willing to spend this much dough on a TV, do yourself a favor. Go big w/ speakers. Speakers nowaday are relatively cheap. You can easily get a decent pair of speakers for a couple hundred dollars. I currently have mine set up w/ the Yamaha speaker bar. It’s not the best, but decent enough for both regular TV reviewing and some action movies. The real nirvana will come when I save enough $$$ for a pair of Martin Logan.
Go ahead & Buy it. I guarantee you won’t regret. Be sure to buy it from Amazon. Their service is great.

HDMI 3-Port Mini Switch HDTV Digital Video Switcher v1.3b – 25m Amplified w/ External IR Receiver with Remote Control, HDCP: HDMISWM (Gold-Plated, Retail)
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Exactly as advertised
For about $20, my expectations weren’t too high, but this product has done everything the description says it will do. There’s three HDMI inputs on the “front” and one output on the “back” (front and back distinctions are at your discretion). Simply hook up your devices and then connect to your upstream television or other video display device. The box takes care of switching back and forth or you can use the included 3-button remote to manually swap.
It all works perfectly. The device does take about 30 seconds to notice that my Xbox 360 has been shut down, but I don’t know if that’s the fault of the box or if the 360 doesn’t close off the HDMI port until the final moment.
5 Stars Works like a charm!
Very nice unit for a very reasonable price. Does the job as advertised. Small size is handy for those with an aversion to clutter.
Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL 32XBR9 32 Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Experience the beauty of Full HD 1080p with the 32″ Class XBR9 HDTV. Perfect for your bedroom, office or kitchen, this flat panel has a 40,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, which produces deep blacks in darker scenes. Motionflow 120Hz refresh rate technology delivers crisp, clear images while gaming or watching sports and fast-action movies. Additionally, you can connect your camera or USB-enabled MP3 player and view photos or listen to your favorite MP3s. The 32″ Class XBR9 incorporates advanced power saving features and comes with 7 HD inputs (4 HDMI, 2 component and 1 PC) so you can take full advantage of all your HD components. USB – connect your camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device directly to your HDTV’s USB input to view photos on the big screen or listen to your MP3’s BRAVIA Link compatibility expands your HDTV’s capabilities by letting you connect optional BRAVIA Link modules, including the BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link, and BRAVIA Input Link (not included) BRAVIA Sync capability combines the one-touch access and control functionality of BRAVIA Theatre Sync with the ability to control CEC-enabled Sony Handycam(R) camcorders and Cyber-shot(R) digital still cameras using the TV’s remote and an on-screen display 24p True Cinema mode provides a direct connection to 24p video sources, avoiding conversions and allowing you to enjoy films at their intended 24 fps (frames per second) cinematic picture quality In the box – Remote Control Batteries (Type AA x2) AC Power Cord 4 Screws Operating Instructions Quick Setup Guide Warranty Card (limited 1-year parts & labor, Manufacturer) Table Top Stand (separate, pre-assembled) Tuner (Terrestrial) – ATSC Tuner, NTSC Tuner VESA Hole Pitch – 200X200 M6/12-16MM Speakers – 20W (10W X 2) Unit Dimensions – 31 1/2 x 23 x 9 in (798 x 584 x 227mm), 31 1/2 x 21 1/4 x 3 5/8 in (798 x 537 x 89mm) without pedestal
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Sony Is Great But Now Looking For Large Plasma…
The Sony KDL-32XBR9 purchased from Amazon is excellent and so was the cost, but now looking for a large screen Plasma for Basement Family Room. Anyone have any suggestions, like Samsung or Panasonic and which model?
5 Stars Great LCD TV!
I recently upgraded from my old CRT TV and have been completely satisfied with my purchase. We did compare LCD TVs in a showroom and the Sony Bravia clearly had the best picture. It had sharp detail and the best blacks of all the brands. The only weakness is the sound because of the small speakers but there is an output so I can use my stereo system and it sounds great. If you have home theatre system that will work as well.
5 Stars Beautiful and High Quality
I love this TV. I’m sure I would feel differently had I not updated the firmware before I even tried to use it, but since I did — I LOVE THIS TV! I am going to try to put the link for the update at the bottom of this review, but Amazon may have a policy to delete links in reviews. If this happens, then go to [...] and follow the links for this model. You’ll eventually find the update. Download it to a jump drive and plug it into the service port (the only one that’ll take USB) with the TV off, then turn the TV on and things will take care of themselves.
[...]
UPDATE
Okay, so Amazon did delete everything. That’s okay — you know Sony has a website.
5 Stars Finally Got it…Love it!
So I finally got this TV for a multi reason based using. I just replaced my G5 with a Mac Pro and got a PS3 slim for the bed room as well while the older PS3 is hooked up to our 60″ Sony SXRD. I needed a larger monitor for my Mac Pro, but also wanted a TV for the room and we were originally going to go with the 24″ Cinema display from Apple. Amazing unit but is only for the computer and that is it. With that said, I turned to Sony.
The XBR9 does a great job with blacks and colors so when my Mac is running and im in Final Cut or iPhoto, the picture quality is great (I went DVI to HDMI) and when I switch the input over to the PS3 (HDMI), everything continues to look fantastic. So Games/Blu-ray and TV are great.
Again, I have to stress though like other reviewers, the XBR9 does not look as good as the XBR8 because its lower in the series! I mean look at the price difference for the love of god. So please, dont think that somehow Sony has gone back in their mindset. Just 2 different series.
5 Stars sony lcd tv
Great product, I really love hd. Spend the extra money for top of the line you won’t be disapointed. Works perfect with my over the air antenna, if not better than direct tv. Save 30% from retail. Shipping was to my door, open box and plug in for free, beat that. I will trade with them again.

With this versatile wall mount, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The articulating arm, which attaches to any wall, creates the perfect viewing angle for your TV with 180 degree lateral rotation, tilt and swivel. The Articulating LCD Wall Dual Arm supports most 32″ up to 60″ plasma TV’s and holds up to 175 lbs. Bonus 6′ HDMI cable and LCD/Plasma Screen Cleaning Kit Included with this TV mount.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars Easy but some quirks
When it arrived, i right away noticed the thing is huge and heavy, which doesn’t make it too easy to hang it up by yourself. I got it up ok and i love it except for some quirks.
- When completely collapsed, the attachment to the TV is not in the middle of the mount.
- Hanging your tv on the mount is piece of cake but if its not EXACTLY in the middle of the mount, it tilts sideways and cannot be solved by tightening bolts.
- to secure your TV from sliding on the mount, it uses two screws. They are a PAIN to screw in.
- The whole thing is pretty heavy and you have to extend the arm to screw the thing into the wall. Requires at least 2 people, 3 preferred.
5 Stars Great wall mount
I bought this wall mount because it was the cheapest and most solid looking mount I could find. I used it to mount my 42inch Samsung Plasma. It takes two people and some tools to get this thing setup but once the work is done you will be satisfied. It looks great, feels solid, and it allows you to move your tv up, down, left, right, forwards, and backwards. I wish it could tilt up and down a few extra degrees but otherwise its a great mount. Bottom line, best mount you can find for the price for flat tv’s 40inch and up.
5 Stars Loving my wall mounted TV
This wall mount is perfect. I mounted my 42″ LG TV that weighs 75 Lbs. The mount went up in 30 minutes using only the hardware included. The mount is secure and I feel more than safe with my $1200 TV on it. I saved a lot of money by going with this mount and you should do the same!!!
5 Stars Scott, Milwaukee, WI
I am very pleased with this product. I ordered two to hang matching Phillips 47′ LCD’s next to each other in our living room. They arrived in 5-7 days and were in perfect condition, nothing damaged or missing. They each weight about 30-35 lbs and have been holding up my 45 lbs TV’s with no problems for a couple weeks now.
I got the articulated mounts so we would have the options they give. Only one of them is pulled a couple inches out and angled. I haven’t noticed any sagging or other problems. We haven’t been pulling it far from the wall, so I haven’t tested them in that fashion.
They were pretty simple to put up. All you need is a drill, drill bits and a ratchting wrench set or an old style wrench set it you like working harder and screw drivers. If you have the right size attachment for you drill, you could fly through it. I put the mounts up myself, but had my wife help me put the TV’s on the mount just to be safe. Also, it has a level on the item, but I still used my own. I don’t trust those tiny levels.
The mounts were a lot cheaper than those I saw at Sam’s Club ($160) and Best Buy, which were even more and went up to 400-500 each.
I was a hard choice for me between the Cheetah mount that is similar to this one, but I think I made the right one.
5 Stars Great mount, no complaints
As others have said, this thing is most definitely heavy. It’s possible to take the mount apart so that you can only deal with the wall plate but since I had my roommate help me, I didn’t bother with that.
Mounting this was a nightmare but only because my stud finder is crap. I borrowed two other stud finders and they all gave me different readings- it really got frustrating. Also, my apartment doesn’t have the standard 16 inch or 24 inch gap between studs. The two studs I eventually found were 14 inches center to center. Luckily the wall mount has multiple slots for the bolts. Once I had the holes drilled, the rest was a breeze.
Others have complained about the instructions but I didn’t see a big issue there- the diagrams show pretty much everything you need to do.
I used 2 levels and found that TV-side plate was off by a good 10-15 degrees. Luckily, the designers put 5 hex screws that allow you to adjust the tilt.
Unfortunately due the stud issues I was not able to mount this in the center of my wall. But I was able to move the arms to right and hang the TV right of center on the mount- those combined centered it. Now, I’m hanging a 46 inch LCD HDTV on it and have noticed no sagging.
The mount is very stiff, hard to move. But I see this as a plus since it makes it seem more sturdy.
Antennas Direct DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Antenna

Intended for people at great distances from the transmitters, the DB8 is a powerful multi-directional HD antenna. In fact, its 15.8dB gain make it one of the most powerful multi-directional antennas available.The bow tie design of the DB8 uses triangular elements instead of rods to greatly increase the bandwidth allowing it to cover the entire UHF band. Additionally, the mesh reflector of the bow tie is more efficient than a rod reflector, is lower in weight, and provides less wind resistance for greater performance and durability.This DB8 is the ideal antenna for use in locations that can pull long range signals from various directions and offers an attractive alternative to using a directional antenna mounted on a rotator.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars It works!
I took downs my old antenna – at least 20 years old and installed this new HD antenna. I also took off my old booster and added a need booster to match the antenna. Well guess what I wasted my money, I get the same reception and picture that I did before. Same channels are weak and the same channels are strong. Was easy to install and put together ans works.
2 Stars Very Disappointing
Purchased the DB8 based on the reviews after our previous antenna came down in a storm. We live about 35 miles south east of Nashville and the UHF reception was only fair. Unfortunately, there were still a couple of stations remaining in the VHF range and this antenna does VERY poorly with VHF. As for being multi-directional… it wasn’t. It was very sensitive to direction, much more so that a “directional” antenna such as the Winegard HD8200U.
After six months, I finally tossed it and replaced it with a Winegard HD8200U. Should have purchased this antenna in the first place. The HD8200U has great reception for both UHF and VHF stations.
1 Star Look Elsewhere
I ignored the reviewers who noted the poor construction, etc. and bought anyway. The instructions are useless, and the product simply cannot be assembled as shown in the images. Even the instructions on the AD site are less than useless. Any company that markets a product so shoddily made and who cannot manage to write simple instructions to assemble a product with about 10 screws will be out of business before too long. Maybe if I drilled a few more holes I could get it to look something like the picture,,,but that would void the warranty…. You’d be far better off going with another brand.
5 Stars finally got all the channels
This was the 4th antena we bought trying to get all of our area channels. This antenna picked up everything we were looking for and then some. If you are looking for a great HDTV antenna, look no further. This is it!
5 Stars Very Pleased – (4th time is the charm)
This was the fourth antenna that I tried.
You read that right. I live less than 30 miles from the transmitter stations, but below a bluff and behind a solid screen of trees in the line of the signal. This was the only antenna that could pull in all the stations I was trying to receive. Compared to other antennas, even a giant, 10 foot long antenna, the DB8 is much less finicky with regards to directionality and seems to hold signals more steadily.
Assembly is relatively simple and straightforward – while most of the fasteners are wingnuts, you’ll still need to an adjustable wrench and pliers for some of the other bolts.







