HDTV Best Price Blog

Best Buy will pick up the bulk of Circuit City’s estimated $9 billion in CE sales once the bankrupt chain shuts its doors, a report by The NPD Group suggests.

In a survey of Circuit City customers conducted by the market research firm in November, fully 55 percent said they would do their CE shopping at Best Buy after the chain closes.

Wal-Mart was the second leading alternative, cited by 11 percent of those polled.

NPD industry analysis VP Stephen Baker said the likely consolidation of two-thirds of Circuit City’s volume into two national chains will force manufacturers “to become savvier about how they go to market in the future.” Strategies, he suggested, could include opening their own retail stores, as Microsoft recently said it plans to do.

But while the retailing strengths of Best Buy and Wal-Mart make them an undeniable draw for consumers, vendors should also consider other retailers and channels that can compete with those chains on price, selection and location, he said.

According to the survey, price, product selection and store-location convenience were cited as the top three criteria in choosing an alternative to Circuit City, at 40 percent, 29 percent and 22 percent, respectively, NPD said.

When it comes to liquidation sales, like the one at Circuit City, consumers need to be wary about buying potentially damaged merchandise.

A Massachusetts couple learned the hard way after purchasing a Samsung LCD TV for $1,100. When they opened the box at home, they realized the display was shattered. Not a crack, nick or ding. Shattered.

Because “all sales are final,” Circuit City’s liquidators will not refund the couple’s money.

“They said, ‘Sorry, your problem, not ours,” the frustrated woman told WCVB-TV in Boston.

You’re probably wondering why the couple didn’t check the TV before buying it? Some stores aren’t allowing consumers to open any boxes.

WCVB claims to have found signs that read “Check your purchase” and “Don’t open the merchandise” at the same store.

This isn’t an isolated incident. According to the Consumerist, a family in Minnesota paid $1,500 for a shattered TV.

The Massachusetts couple is hoping their credit card company will help them fight the purchase. Good luck.

Making up for its absence from this years CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, the Dutch electronics giant Philips has unveiled a huge range of LCD TV’s.

Heading up an impressive line-up of new panels, the top of the range 9700 series comes in 40in, 46in and 52in sizes. These panels are part of the Philips super slim range and boast eye catching aluminium bezels. Elsewhere there is Ambilight Spectra 3 and the latest picture processing technology, Perfect Pixel HD engine.

Beauty runs more than skin deep however, with the 9700 screens featuring Wi-Fi connectivity and Philips’ novel Net TV feature. With an improved local dimming feature the 9700 packs an extra two rows of LED segments along with the latest Perfect Pixel HD engine.

Next in line, the 9600 panels which include the 9664 series, 42in and 47in sizes with 200Hz panels and the 9604 series offering 100Hz and 37in and 32in options. Both lines offer claimed 80,000:1 contrast ratios, Ambilight Spectra 2 and five HDMI inputs.

Next up is the is 8000 series which feature 32in up to 47in sizes, with Philips’ Pixel Precise HD engine. Wi-Fi and Net TV are also present along with four HDMI inputs.

The 7000 series, with panel sizes from 32 to 52in, offer Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolutions, claimed 80,000:1 contrast ratios, Pixel Precise HD processing, and four HDMI inputs.

Finally, the budget 5000 series offers Pixel Plus HD processing, sizes of 32in to 52in with Full HD resolutions (apart from the 32in version).

Technorati Tags: LCD TV

Sony has announced a new line-up of Bravia LCD TVs, a slimmer, minimalist range the company describes as having “best-ever full HD quality”.

Featuring the new Bravia Engine 3 and Motionflow 100Hz with Image Blur Reduction, the TVs will apparently offer enhanced picture detail, vivid colour reproduction and smooth moving images.

It’s also the Sony’s greenest-ever range of LCD TVs, with most Bravia 2009 models carrying the “EU Flower” – an eco-label introduced by the European Commission to certify greener, more environmentally friendly products.

In fact, the 2009 Bravia range aims to save 20-30% more energy than last year’s range.

For multimedia usage, DLNA allows you to stream and control any music, digital photos or video content stored on a VAIO networked PC or home media server through your TV, or alternatively you can hook up your media device directly using the USB Media Player.

You’ll also be able to get online with your Bravia TV and access a number of online services including RSS feeds.

The range is made up of six models in total. The WE5 heads up the eco-friendly line-up, packed with energy-saving features that means it consumes 50% less power than its predecessor.

Available in 40 and 46-inch screen sizes, Sony is boasting that the WE5 is “one of the most energy-efficient HD televisions available”, thanks to its micro-tubular HCFL backlighting, and Energy Saving Switch that turns the TV off as if turning it off at the plug.

It also features an intelligent Presence Sensor that can tell when people leave the room and puts the TV into “picture off” mode until they re-enter.

Other TVs in the range include the piano black W5500 and V5500 in five screen sizes between 32- and 52-inches, and the S5500, touted as the “great-value” entry-level option with four screen sizes between 22- and 40-inches.

Finally the E5500 and E5300, available in 32- and 40-inch, and 22-inch models respectively, feature Picture Frame styling that allows you to ‘tilt’ theTV screen upwards for comfortable viewing when the set is placed on a low table or sideboard.

The E5500 is available in a choice of black, aluminium and walnut-effect finishes, while the E5300 is available in a simple choice of black or white.

Pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed on all models. We’ll get the information to you as soon as we get it.

Originally, LCDs come in smaller sizes but the growing demand and the competition made LCD manufacturers improve and advance their technology. And so, LCD nowadays come in as big as 50 inches. But whether you have the biggest or the smallest LCDs, certain flaws still need you utmost attention. And if you will take the time to choose the best LCD, then certainly you will not experience any such flaws.

At the present moment, the top brands like Sony, Samsung, LCF, Panasonic, Sharp, and Philips have led the LCD TV market. Some computer manufacturers such as Gateway and Dell have also tried to enter the LCD TV market. But this is not basically about the brand; remember that a big brand name would not always ensure a great product. Although it is advantageous to purchase from the trusted brands and the pioneers in the market, one should still be careful about finally deciding which LCD TV to choose. The economic crises the world is experiencing may contribute to the quality of the products these brands produce. In short, better check the units from these brands while they are on the showroom.

One important aspect that you should consider is the aspect ration some big screened TVs boast of their 16 to 9 aspect ratio. But be careful to believe everything that you hear and read. There are some screens that stretch and enlarge the image to fit into the screen. In this kind of treatment, the images appear blurry and jagged. Keep in mind that the best LCD TVs are those that have bright, vivid, and clear images even in its biggest screen. Basically, all you need is your pair of eyes to identify which can and cannot fool your vision.

Consider also the viewing angle. In the previous years, LCDs failed to deliver remarkable viewing angles. Because the pixels twist and bend, the visuals tend to be almost indiscernible in obtuse angles. But latest technology has improved this area. Modern LCD TVs have as obtuse as 160 degrees viewing angles.

Consider also the three kinds of LCD TVs. We have the SD or Standard Definition, the ED or Enhanced Definition and the HD or High Definition. The last kind is the most popular and the most loved. However, they can be a little expensive as well. Most HDTVs are best used as replacement for computer monitors or as monitors for video or computer game playing. They can serve as a regular TV of course and can produce both analog and digital signals. These types of televisions have high freeze rates so they produce better moving visuals.

These are mostly the important things to consider when purchasing an LCD. You may want to consider purchasing something that has passed everything that is mentioned here. Remember that the best LCD TV suits your needs, fits your budget, and gives you more additional features for you to enjoy.

Technorati Tags: best LCD TV, best LCD TVs

Sony’s 1080p KDL-52W4100 with Motionflow 120Hz technology doubles the number of existing frames by calculating in real time and inserting 60 entirely new frames between the original 60 frames, this creates a new standard for picture performance, with smooth, lifelike image quality that responds to the demands of even the fastest moving images with ease. Full HD 1080p means the W4100 connections accept 1080p signals and the Display will render that signal in Full HD 1080p. Take full advantage of Blu-ray Disc players and PlayStation(R) 3 systems that can deliver 1080p content. The latest version of Sony’s respected BRAVIA Engine fully Digital video processor uses a collection of unique SONY algorithms to significantly reduce noise and produce sharp, vibrant, life-like images. With Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) you get real-time image processing to dynamically adjust backlight levels for improved Contrast without masking details the filmmaker intended you to see. ACE delivers deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see. Add to that unique features like the enhanced Xross Media Bar(TM) with 3D graphics and integrated TV Guide program information, built-in DMeX functionality, and you can see why we call the W-series the new standard in 120Hz performance. Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit (ACE) BRAVIA Engine fully Digital video processor 24p True Cinema capable DMeX capable New TV Guide IPG New Enhanced (XMB) User Interface with Rich 3D Graphics BRAVIA Sync capable S-Force Front Surround Voice Zoom BRAVIA Theatre Sync capable Dolby Digital V-Chip Parental Control VESA hole spacing compatible Piano Gloss Black color 1-Year Limited Warranty Input Ports - 4 x HDMI (1 Side/3 Rear), RF Connection, 3 x Composite Video (1 Side/2 Rear), S-Video, 2 x Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input, PC in (D-Sub) + Audio

Color: Black
Brand: Sony
Model: KDL-52W4100
Dimensions: 4.80″ h x 49.80″ w x 32.80″ l, 71.00 pounds
Display size: 52

Features

* 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution (1920×1080p) LCD Panel
* Motionflow™ 120Hz - clear, smooth motion for DVDs, TV
* DMex ™ compatible; allows seamless feature upgrades
* Enhanced XMB™ with 3D graphics incl. TV Guide
* HDMI™ x4, HD Component x2, PC Input

Technorati Tags: HDTV, LCD, Sony Bravia, Sony Bravia KDL-52W4100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Sony’s 1080p KDL-52W4100 with Motionflow 120Hz technology doubles the number of existing frames by calculating in real time and inserting 60 entirely new frames between the original 60 frames, this creates a new standard for picture performance, with smooth, lifelike image quality that responds to the demands of even the fastest moving images with ease. Full HD 1080p means the W4100 connections accept 1080p signals and the Display will render that signal in Full HD 1080p. Take full advantage of Blu-ray Disc players and PlayStation(R) 3 systems that can deliver 1080p content. The latest version of Sony’s respected BRAVIA Engine fully Digital video processor uses a collection of unique SONY algorithms to significantly reduce noise and produce sharp, vibrant, life-like images. With Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) you get real-time image processing to dynamically adjust backlight levels for improved Contrast without masking details the filmmaker intended you to see. ACE delivers deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see. Add to that unique features like the enhanced Xross Media Bar(TM) with 3D graphics and integrated TV Guide program information, built-in DMeX functionality, and you can see why we call the W-series the new standard in 120Hz performance. Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit (ACE) BRAVIA Engine fully Digital video processor 24p True Cinema capable DMeX capable New TV Guide IPG New Enhanced (XMB) User Interface with Rich 3D Graphics BRAVIA Sync capable S-Force Front Surround Voice Zoom BRAVIA Theatre Sync capable Dolby Digital V-Chip Parental Control VESA hole spacing compatible Piano Gloss Black color 1-Year Limited Warranty Input Ports - 4 x HDMI (1 Side/3 Rear), RF Connection, 3 x Composite Video (1 Side/2 Rear), S-Video, 2 x Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input, PC in (D-Sub) + Audio

Color: Black
Brand: Sony
Model: KDL-52W4100
Dimensions: 4.80″ h x 49.80″ w x 32.80″ l, 71.00 pounds
Display size: 52

Features

* 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution (1920×1080p) LCD Panel
* Motionflow™ 120Hz - clear, smooth motion for DVDs, TV
* DMex ™ compatible; allows seamless feature upgrades
* Enhanced XMB™ with 3D graphics incl. TV Guide
* HDMI™ x4, HD Component x2, PC Input

Technorati Tags: HDTV, LCD, Sony Bravia, Sony Bravia KDL-52W4100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV