HDTV Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Cable Box’

Samsung UN55B6000 55 Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV

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User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star buyer beware
After only 3 weeks of owning this TV, the TV randomly shut off on its own while we were watching TV. Now the TV constantly just turns on and turns off (with no actual image being displayed on the screen). The only way to shut it off is to disconnect it from the main power source. Called Samsung and apparently it’s an issue with the power supply, and they have to send a technician to repair. Turns out, this is a common issue with Samsung. I am not amused that after spending 2500$ on a brand new TV, it will need repair after only owning it for 3 weeks.

4 Stars Enjoying the Samsung UN55B6000 HDTV
Image Quality and Connectivity:

This Samsung UN55B6000 is excellent technology and priced to move. We’ve got it hooked up to a cable box (MOT DCT 6200) via the 1 component connection and the image is sharp and crispy and the colors are vivid and bright.

We have an older PC connected via the VGA connection and the 3.5mm mini audio connection. Internet browser windows come up real sharp in 1920×1280i resolution. Sidebar: I’m also using wi fi and wireless mouse and keyboard.

Hi-res images look fantastic. This TV was assembled with web-browsing and computing in mind (Net widget, USB, JPEG and mp3 friendly) and Samsung has nailed it.

Online Support and Configuring the Cable Box:

Initially, the cable box was sending 720×480i to the TV. Fortunately I was able to find forums online with posts from a Samsung HD Tech and a cable co. employee that outlined the solution — turn off the cable box, hit the menu button (cable remote) and here you can select the higher (or different) resolution.

Additionally, the cable box required two power cycles for this (resolution) change to take effect but when it did I was viewing cable tv in 1920×1080i.

Using Samsung’s P.Size (Picture) Button:

When watching cable programming broadcast in HD, the 16:9 (aspect ratio) mode looks the best to me. For standard definition programming the Wide-Fit mode stretches the image a bit to fill the screen.

I’ve noticed some adjusting is required when flipping between channels, for example, sometimes CNN ticker text is below the screen and other times the Fox Sports Net FSN graphic is a bit above the screen. Perhaps this issue is addressed in the screen-fit mode, I’m not sure yet, I’ll have to mash a few more buttons. Overall, I give it 4.5 stars.

4 Stars Great TV if one can figure out how to use it.
My family and I just love this TV, particularly for watching sports. We looked at a lot of LCD and Plasmas but saw none that gave us the sense of depth this one does. It is like 3D. Moreover, our family room is also a sun room during the day but the picture is just as strong in the day time as it is when the room is dark. The viewing angle is comparatively wide. We see no appreciable drop off when it is viewed at an angle. It is large enough that my wife can view it from the adjacent kitchen with ease.

Learning how to use its features and to set it up is another matter and that is the one gripe I have with the TV. Samsung only provides a four page manual which tells the owner nothing. Instead it includes a flash drive which contains a manual for its use but it took me over three weeks to realize what the flash drive was for. The manual does not show the available ports or how things are to be connected to the TV. I finally figured it out by trial and error and got the flash drive connected. Finding out how to use it however, was again a lot of trial and error. Once I was able to read the pages, it was hard to read, mostly grey on black (I hate black-you can’t see where anything is on black). Figuring how to page the manual on the TV isn’t easy. Samsung provides numerous steps to take but the user has to leave the Manual screen to go through the steps and unless the user writes out all the steps, it is a tiresome process to follow the steps.

So I tried using the flash drive on my computer. Well the manual is in a strange format so it will not open normally. Windows searched for a driver that would allow viewing the manual and found one which I downloaded and installed The one I found that worked was from IrFanView but one must also download all the plugins before it will work. However, when I opened the Manual, it was unprintable except with a screen capture utility.

That was more trouble than it was worth and it then dawned on me to go to the Samsung Support Center and see if there was a Manual that could be downloaded. Voila, the Manual was available in both PDF and Word formats but because the Manual is in three languages, it is 273 pages long. Just print the first 75 pages.

What I found is that with no difficulty I could run picture shows directly from either my camera or from a card reader. They come out beautifully. If I tried to print pictures that big, they would be grainy as all get out. But the pictures show in full size on the big screen in terrific detail and color and they have depth.

But I wish the USB ports were either on the side or the front where they are easily accessible. I intend to wall mount the screen but if I do I won’t be able to get to the connections which are on the back. And even then it is difficult to insert USB cords because the recess is so narrow.

We love this TV however, because of the lack of a printed manual and the location of the USB ports, I can only give it 4 stars.

3 Stars Good but not great
I got this Samsung UN55B6000 to replace a dead Sony KDL52W3000 that was just shy of 20 months old.

For the price, it came down to this or the 52XBR9. I took the Samsung cause the picture looked sharper at the store and while still smarting from a Sony reliability issue.

Once set up at home, I started to reconsider my choice. While the dark levels are definitly darker, the glossy screen is a nuissance during low lit scenes.

The bezel design is such that the speakers have nowhere to go but behind the TV which relies purely on the condition and distance of the wall behind it. Compared to the Sony, the sound coming out of this TV sucked.

Samsung defaults their screen with 95% contrast level. So there’s not much room for increased contrasts if you ever need to. I believe this is how Samsung obtains their contrast advantage, raise it to max then cover it with a glossy screen.

The slim design also limits source input options. It comes with 4 HDMIs and only either a component or composite source. With the Sony I can connect all my sources redundantly so no need to boot up the power hungry receiver 100% of the time.

So if you hook up all your components into the TV via HDMI, the sound going into your A/V receiver depends on how well the TV can pass it through.

Buy/More Info

Eforcity HDMI F to DVI M Video Adaptor with Gold Contacts

High Performance Connection Between HDMI and DVI Components / Cables Makes Hookup Easy! HDMI, the hottest high-definition digital audio/video standard, is compatible with all digital video connection, DVI. So, if you’ve got DVI components (like DVD player, Cable box, HDTV tuner with DVI outputs) in your system and buy a new HDMI-capable component (like Plasma TV or projector), compatibility is guaranteed.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Works
Works fine. Connects HDMI from my Dish TV HD box to my Sony CRT TV’s DVI input.

5 Stars HDMI Is awesome.
I love that I can play my PS3 on my 20′ Dell monitor. It looks beautiful!! Great Product. High quality.

5 Stars OK
It works as advertised. This plus a cheap HDMI cable made for a very cheap, and flexible, way of connecting my laptop to my new TV.

4 Stars Works great, great price
Eforcity HDMI-F to DVI-M Video Adaptor with Gold Contacts

I bought this adapter to connect my PC to my TV. I gave it 4 stars because the screws are too small and difficult to tighten. Other than that, it works great. Don’t waste your money on some brand name adapter when this product works fine for just a couple bucks (the same goes for HDMI cables).

5 Stars works effortlessly, right after plugging it in.
didnt have to change settings on pc or tv. worked great. havent tested it in game yet. ill update if anything bad happens…

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Premium High Resolution 10FT 3m 24K GOLD HDMI TO DVI M M CABLE FOR HDTV PLASMA DVD

Premium high quality HDMI-DVI gold plated cable suitable for use in HDTV, Plasma, LCD, home theater, cable box, projectors and more.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Works like a charm
I just bought the cable. I use it to connect my MacBook Pro with my Sony HD Bravia. Works perfect.

3 Stars PS3
I bought this cablt to hook my ps3 up to my hitachi HDTV. I read a bunch of articles on wether it will work to hook up a ps3 to a DVI port. Some said yes and some said no, so I thought I would take a chance. It did not work, but for the price I paid for the cable it is not worth it to return.

5 Stars This product works
This product does exactly what you’d think it would do – send video hmdi-dvi or vice versa. I don’t think cables can exceed expectations, its a cable. Its 10 feet long. It works. It has fufilled its destiny. It works and is cheap, 5 stars.

5 Stars MacBook to HDTV
I used this to connect a MacBook to a Sony HDTV. Bought the adapter for the MacBook from Apple and this cable . . . works like a charm. The images on the Sony are fantastic. Price was right and very speedy shipment.

1 Star Horrible Cable
Horrible cable. Died after i used it once. I tried using it a 2nd time and did not work.

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Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL 52XBR9 52 Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV Black

Powerful performance and superior design come together with the stunning 52″ BRAVIA XBR9 HDTV. This flat panel TV features Motionflow 240Hz refresh rate technology for maximum motion detail and clarity. There’s also broadband Internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet video capabilities that let you view select on-demand movies, TV shows, music and more. You can even personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen. In addition to BRAVIA Engine 3 digital video processor, the 52″ XBR9 incorporates advanced power saving features and comes with 7 HD inputs.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars AWESOME TV!!!
This TV is more than I ever expected. It was a great purchase at a great price.

5 Stars I can see clearly now!
Picture is bigger than my 46 inch SONY, but just as clear with even better color. With all the XBR features offered, it’s a great bargain.

5 Stars A top tier TV with gorgeous picture and plenty of sweet features.
This TV was a recent upgrade for me from my Toshiba 42LZ196. It was a 2 and a half yr old TV which is still good looking and still treated me well but seeing this TV at the display really convince me that the 2099 price tag was well worth it. There were several features that I was looking forward to, mainly the Motionflow 240Hz and the 3800:1 contrast ratio compared to my previous set. I was honestly pleasantly surprised by the myriad of features that this set is packed with.

First off, this 52 in beauty was a little bit thinner than my previous set. The number of connections for external devices was also great. 4 HDMI connectors and even several different inputs for additional devices. This works great for someone like me. I have a X360, PS3, and Wii, along with my cable box and there’s still plenty of other connectors for other devices. I can even hook up a PC for anything else. Not only is this TV functional but operationally well designed as well. For PS3 owners, you’ll notice that the main menu will resemble the XMB interface just like a PS3/PSP. Most features are easy to find and also customizable. There are plenty of features to excite advanced users, but it’s still simple enough that most novices should be able to figure the main functions out. My only real issue was having problems connecting this TV to the internet. Unfortunately, my network was not DLNA compatible so I have not had the change to try the advanced features like internet video and widgets. I’m hoping to find a work around soon. I wouldn’t really penalize this TV for this because those features are just icing on the cake. Even without them, the TV still has plenty of options and functionality for the geeks to enjoy.

Now, for the main part. The video playback is absolutely gorgeous. I have the HDDVD addon for my X360 and my PS3’s BluRay also and the playback is just amazing. I have One Six Right, a flight documentary and it looks absolutely amazing. You can see the little details in the parts of the aircraft, see the indivitual rivets on the bodies and really appreciate the beauty of the landscape as the some of the planes make some quick manuevers around the screen. The colors are just amazing. From watching sunrises to the camera panning around a particular environment. One really important part of this TV was how the games looked. I’m a big gamer the playback is just very eye pleasing especially with the 240Hz refresh rate. Ninja Gaiden II look amazing, considering how much activity and motion is going on in the screen. To the detail in the bumpmapping and textures in the characters and environment. I will say that I did see a few splotches that appear to be darkness irregularities in the screen where some areas look brighter and some darks but this really only happens when the screen is blank. You never notice it on regular playback. I’ve seen plenty of TV’s in the past several months and this has to be one best displays for the LCD market. My father’s Sony Bravia 40V2500 and my previous Toshiba HD TV’s are definitely not slouches, they were really good TV’s for the price and even now, they still look great, but you can definitely see how these XBR TV’s are a cut above the rest. It’s like almost looking out a window. They make the eye candy in games and movies that much sweeter.

Even the sound is great for TV speakers, good volume output and good clarity. You can hear some of the little details such as the sound engines revving or swords clashing with each other, even the little clicks in the X360 NXB are vibrant. There’s even a demo piano track that showcase the sharpness and clarity that can be produced for built in TV speakers. Definitely not the same as separate sound setup but still great sound for built in speakers.

My final thoughts on this product is that this is definitely one of the best sets that I’ve see with the current round of tech that we have for TV’s. The 2099 price tag is well worth it not only for all that this TV can do feature wise, but most of all, the picture quality, it top notch. As of now, this is as good as LCD gets.

5 Stars SONY NO BALONEY !!!
SONY NO BALONEY !!! if you remeber that line, you are showing your age. GREAT TV. Nice that it is 95% screen and not a lot of trim, Picture quality is great and it has so many geek gadgets.

5 Stars Sony Bravia Review
Great TV! Arrived in perfect condition and delivery was as we arranged. HD picture quality is great. So easy to hang on the wall that my wife and I were able to do it.

Buy/More Info

Sony BRAVIA V Series KDL 40V5100 40 Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Keep pace with fast-action movies, sports and game play. Equipped with Full HD 1080p and Motionflow 120Hz refresh rate technology, the KDL-40V5100 40-inch BRAVIA V series LCD flat panel HDTV provides a more fluid, natural and realistic viewing experience while enjoying fast-paced entertainment. Additionally, every scene will be sharp, vibrant and life-like thanks to BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor. Plus, a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio yields deep blacks in darker scenes. The V series also includes 7 HD inputs to ensure you get impressive image quality from all your HD components such as PlayStation 3, Blu-ray Disc player and your PC.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars it is okay.
For while ,it is a good price for the item. but now it is not the good deal.

4 Stars Great TV for the Money, but still has problems.
I purchased this TV about two months ago. I waited until now to write the review. I have this v5100, a PS3 Slim, and Xbox 360 elite. First and foremost, the picture is exceptional, I already have a 65′ Mitsubishi DLP, this is a welcome addition to the home. First off, the picture on this LCD unit is amazing, it may be the 120 HZ refresh, I’m not sure. Blu-Ray looks good enough that I am in the process of updating my DVD library with as many as I can find.

Cons, I bought this TV, a PS3 Slim, and Sony Sound Bar for the Bravia Sync. Bravia Sync is about 50% effective, I can control the Sound Bar with my television and cable box remote which makes it bearable. The bravia sync feature seems limitied, to the point where it doesn’t work half the time. I’m constantly having to rescan the unit, not to mention that the PS3 won’t even recognize the television as a Sony Product and limits Blu-ray capability until you find the 1080p Blu-ray option in the settings and disable.

I wrote this review because I purchased this TV to watch blu-ray, and I purchased the v5100 to sync w/ the PS3 slim, and it doesn’t even work properly. The TV it self is great, the problem is that it is not as advertised.

5 Stars I couldn’t be more pleased
The picture is awesome and the menu is easy to use. I just can’t find anything to complain about this product. I have only owned it for a month.

5 Stars really happy
I love the picture – it’s absolutely beautiful (too beautiful, I’m watching too much tv now!) And the user controls are quite easy, the inputs a snap and the overall usage quite nice. Attractive tv. And the price was quite good!

BTW, I am using an HD antenna and am happily surprised with the quality – it’s great!

5 Stars Best TV In The Price Range
This TV requires two things:

1) Install the firmware update. Details on how to do this can be found at the manufacturer’s website by typing in the model number (KDL-40V5100) and following the support instructions.

2) Calibrate the settings for optimal performance. It will vary a bit based on your room environment, but this should be pretty darn close (settings found in the “Picture” menu):

* Picture Modes

o Picture Mode : Standard

o Color Temperature : Warm

o Aspect Ratio : Full

* Picture Settings

o Backlight : 3

o Picture (Contrast) : 85

o Brightness : 54

o Color : 40

o Hue : R6

o Color Temperature : Warm

o Sharpness : Min

o Noise Reduction : Off

o Adv. Contrast Enhancer : Off

o Gamma : Low

o Clear White : Off

o Live Color : Off

* Advanced Settings

o Cinemotion : Auto 1

o Game : Off

o MotionFlow : Off

o White Balance : Factory Default

You now have one of the best pictures you can get for under a grand, and not too far away from even the most high-end of models. The TV has a few flaws (like only 1 HDMI input on the back of the TV, making wire control a bit of a hassle and having a bit clunkier design than some models), but the picture itself is great. Highly recommended.

Buy/More Info