What to look for when buying a 42 inch LCD TV

Archive for the ‘LCD TV Reviews’ Category

42" Vizio Widescreen LCD HDTV – VO42LF Or SV420XVT?

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

When it comes to choosing a 42″ Vizio widescreen LCD HDTV you have a few choices. I have chosen 2 of the best selling televisions of this size to compare them for you. You will find that the specs are virtually the same besides in a few key areas and feature sets.

Specification Comparison
When comparing these two TV’s on paper, things look very similar. The main difference is that the SV420XVT comes with all the top of the line features from Vizio, whereas the V042LF is a TV with similar specs but without the bells and whistles (Although the price difference between the two is not huge. The main differences are:

The SV420XVT is part of Vizio’s XVT series (Extreme VIZIO technology) and marks their top of the line range. It includes 120Hz processing and SRS TruSurround XT Sound.

120Hz Processing
SV420XVT is a 120Hz processing model and this is the main difference between the two. 120Hz is the best processing speed currently and in combination with Vizio’s Smooth Motion Video technology you will get increased smoothness and fluidity in the picture. The detail is also much better.

SRS TruSurround XT
Also unique to the SV420XVT is SRS TruSurround XT which is a state of the art sound system.

Colors:
V042LF: 16.77 million
SV420XVT: 1.06 Billion

Contrast Ratio
V042LF: 5000:1 (w/DCR)
SV420XVT: 6500:1 (w/DCR)

As you can see the V042LF is simply the cheaper version of the full featured SV420XVT. Both are excellent TV’s so your choice will depend upon your budget and your need for all the top features and latest technology.

Conclusion – Which Should You Choose?

The SV420XVT, whilst only costing a little more than the VO42LF, has all the bells and whistles of a top of the range Vizio TV therefore it gets my full recommendation.

The Vizio SV420XVT has continually come out on top in reviews and ratings and with good reason. It truly is a spectacular TV and since it only costs a little more than the V042LF I can highly recommend that you make it your choice for your next 42″ Vizio Widescreen HDTV.

Vizio V042LF HD 42 Inch Review

Monday, June 28th, 2010

The Vizio V042LF HD 42 Inch is a high definition TV that costs under $1000. Vizio are now one of the top selling lcd tv manufacturers because they combine high quality with excellent value for money. In many cases Vizio TV’s are even better than a Sony or Samsung comparative model, yet costs a fraction of the price. This article will take a look at whether the V042LF is as good as its competitors.

Specifications of the Vizio VO42LF
16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio
1920×1080 Resolution
5ms Response Time
4 HDMI inputs
178 degree viewing angles
Built-In HDTV/ATSC Tuner

The main specifications are listed above. I’ve simplified it so that you don’t have to read through too much technical jargon.

You can see that this is a full high definition TV, as indicated by the 1080p resolution.

The 5ms response time is outstanding, and the fact that this TV has 4 HDMI inputs puts it at the top of its class. Not many TV’s have that many inputs and in fact, Vizio are always quite generous with their connectivity options. This will please those who have several external devices to hook up.

Sound and Picture
Although the sound is not as great as on other Vizio TV’s, it is still acceptable. However I recommend buying an external sound system for best results.

Picture quality is clear and sharp and displays nice natural tones. You may need to bump up the color a bit with some sources.

Consumer Opinion:

Opinions are mainly positive for the Vizio V042LF HD 42 Inch. Here are some comments that people have made:

“This is a better than average set. The feature set is excellent 4xHDMI etc.”

“Excellent picture, great contrast. I definitely recommend this TV.”

“Do not be fooled by the price. The sound is also solid, very impressive for a flat panel.”

The Vizio VO42LF is a highly affordable 42″ full high definition LCD screen and comes highly recommended for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on quality.

The LG 42LH5000 TV – A Review

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Consumer demand for LCD televisions has caused manufacturers to develop more televisions that are affordable for the average customer. The televisions have continually been improved as technological advances have been made. The LG 42LH5000 is a forty-two inch, LCD television that is entering the market at a price that is more affordable than televisions of that size have been previously.

Aesthetically pleasing, this television comes in a black finish with a swivel stand that allows viewing from any corner of a room. Its rounded curvature design and invisible speaker system provide a sleek appearance without compromise to look or quality.

External attachments on the LG 42LH5000 are connected with 3 HDMI inputs ensuring a smoother connection and ports located in front as well as in back provide for easier access with less mess. Additionally, the 42″ screen offers 1920×1080 pixels and an intelligent sensor system that automatically adjusts the picture in order to reduce energy costs and eye strain.

The 200Hz engine of this television allows it to calculate three frames of data memory for each single real frame. This allows the fluidity, motion, high picture quality, and adjustable backlight that makes television viewable regardless of how much light is in a room.

The LG 42LH5000 has full HD native resolution and an 80,000:1 contrast ratio. It provides accurate motion and distinct edges on pictures by utilizing the most advanced process designed so far. The picture has image proportionate sensors so that it is wide screen viewing is possible.

The TV has some interesting added features such as the SD (secure digital)-card reader as well as the ability to play back MP3 music, JPEG photos, and other videos. The television has a USB port which will make connecting to a remote easier. In order to receive digital signals through cable or satellite, a person will need an additional set-top box. The television also comes with a 24p Cinema Real for BluRay playback.

The menu organization is very well laid out with clear graphics and easy to read controls and instructions. In addition there are clear instructions for using the remote available on the television set-up menu. This will be of great assistance to individuals who may not be able to master the remote manual that comes with most televisions.

An issue that is present with all LCD screens, and this one as well, is the glare factor. The screen of a LCD television reflects even small bits of light and will disrupt the viewer. This can create a problem if the television is mounted on a wall that faces a window or door. A glare resistant film is available that can be placed over the picture to make viewing in a lighted area easier.

As with any major purchase, research is required before a person makes a major investment in a product. The LG 42LH5000 offers many features at an affordable price and provides the quality available with many of the more expensive LCD televisions currently on the market.

HDTV Product Review – What is the Best?

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

High-definition Television (HDTV) is a television system that has a huge number of lines, than the usual one, per frame hence its picture quality is very high. Many of the HDTV buying individuals argue that the quality of the picture of these TVs appear great when displaying a Blu-ray or some other high-definition source, and that the exclusively important aspect on any HDTV is the capacity to display that picture. According to many people, the design of these TVs is one of the main review criteria that really distinguish an HDTV from other TVs. Generally, HDTV product reviews cover performance, design, and features.

Nowadays, many TV manufactures such as JVC, LG, Olevia, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Vizio, and Westinghouse have started producing best quality HDTVs. The HDTV product reviews are very much useful for the individuals those who are looking to buy a latest HDTV. Many new Plasma 1080p HDTVs cost almost twice the rate of a comparably sized 720p TV set.

Most of the consumer reports reveal that the new Panasonic 50-inch HD Plasma TV set (model: TH-50PZ700U) is one among the first fairly priced 1080p HD plasma TVs. It costs around $3,500. Panasonic also produces 42-inch 1080p HD plasma set; however, consumer reports reveal that the 50-inch model produces the finer picture aspect more apparent.

Some magazines report that Samsung’s 42-inch HD plasma HP-S4253 set supplies pretty strong picture quality and fantastic surround sound. The flat-panel set costs around $1,400. The HP-S4253 set performs reasonably well. The colors and skin tones looked accurate and bright. It is a better selection for well-lit rooms. The Samsung HD plasma TVs also offer a built-in HD tuner, two HDMI connections, integrated SRX surround sound, and a screen burn-in protection feature.

Many reports show that Philips’ 42-inch Plasma HDTV (42PF9631D) provides a solid picture and a dashing addition to the living room. The reviews of many magazines reveal that this Philips HDTV is an elegant and impressive set with its semitransparent stand, silvery speakers, and wide black bezel. This model also comes with the Ambilight feature (company’s trademark), which surrounds the video display with a glowing color associated with what is on the screen. If people watch movies with Ambilight function on, they feel the experience absorbing enough to support watching a couple of more scenes.

If people looking for a reasonably priced 50-inch HD Plasma TV, they can go for Vizio P50HDM. These sets cost as little as $1,399. The Vizio 50-inch plasma HDTV provides an amazing black-level functioning and exact color decoding. With applaudable quality of image and a great deal of connections, this comparatively inexpensive Vizio P50HDM 50-inch HD plasma TV is the most beneficial value in its category.

Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

I bought this Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV 2 weeks before Christmas, on a VERY strict budget. (My wife’s money) I work In the AV industry, (commercial design and installation) and I was tired, of working with stuff, that was far out of my budget. I have worked with the 52″ version before, and It really looked great. The picture on the Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42″ is very sharp.

The Inputs, are totally ample. Even including RS232 and USB port for firmware updates. HDMI’s out the wazoo. All of the inputs are located in very accessible places. Including the TV’s control buttons on the right side of the bezel. The “picture frame” bezel, rocks! I really hate looking at a wide, glossy, distracting bezel, that is VERY common on flat-panals. This one, is thin with hard lines. Very professional looking. Why not have a great looking TV to match the quality of the picture on it?

Anyway, I was mostly concerned that most other Aquos models were 120Hz. Blu-Ray and Gaming, were the priority’s in my ultimate decision on what to buy. The standard for Blu-Ray is 1080p/24Hz. Your Totally Covered! Killer refresh rate! Great performance! Especially when used with a Aquos Blu-Ray player. Oh, yea did I mention the combination, not only works together(via “Aquos Link”), but is also one of the CHEAPEST 1080p $975.00 Blu-Ray $200.00 combo’s. I got what I wanted, without having to “settle”. The lack of the 5th star on my review, was for the sound. Kinda stinks. Although, not so bad I wouldn’t recommend this to anybody. MOSTLY, all flat-panel speakers stink. I love this Sharp Aquos LC42D65U TV regardless. I wold recommend it to anyone.

Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Feature

The AQUOS LC42D65U sets a new standard for large-screen flat panel TVs. With Full HD 1080p resolution and an elegant new design, it produces a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none. The LC42D65U utilizes Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine, providing high Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 6ms response time and wide viewing angles (176?H x 176?V). The LC42D65U is HDTV with built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and include 5 HDMI? inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, and 2 HD 1080p component video inputs. The LC42D65U features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle recessed bottom-mounted speakers. The included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.

Top Selling LCD TVs

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Shopping for a new TV can be difficult. There are many things to consider such as style, brand and price. With so many features and things to consider it helps to know which LCD TVs are selling well. Sometimes buying a TV based on its popularity can prove to be a rewarding purchase with few let downs.

LCD TVs offer many great advantages over a regular TV. They are super thin and can be propped up on a small piece of furniture. You also do not need to see a huge bubble on the back of your TV. And not only can you put it almost anywhere; you can also hang it on your wall, making it a great space saver. The lcd tv also emits no radiation making it a healthier electronic system to have.

Picking an LCD TV takes some knowledge. You will want to know what brand of TV you want and which one you trust. Perhaps you have had a few bad experiences with a particular brand, in which case you might not be inclined to purchase yet another one. Or maybe you haven’t bought a certain brand and have heard excellent reviews about it. You will also want to decide on the size of the TV that you want. This may have to do with space or the look you want for you room, or perhaps the function of the TV itself. If you’re using the TV for gaming and movies you might want a larger one.

There are several different sized LCD TVs that are selling quite well and are fairly popular. The first one to mention is the Sharp Aquos 40 inch lcd HDTV with 5.1 channel home theatee system. It offers a high definition quality and a sharp picture image. It has on screen motion, 120Hz, fine motor enhancement with dejudder. This TV is perfect for action movies, sports and gaming.

Another TV worth mentioning is the LG 42 inch 1080p, 240 Hz LCD HDTV with LG 5.1 channel home theater system. It comes with 1080 p resolution with 240 Hz frame rates and lots of detail. Having 4 HD MI inputs means that you have access to an array of high definition devices.

The 65 inch class Bravia from Sony with full HD 1080p resolution is another great TV. It has Motionflow, 120Hz refresh rate and a great contrast ratio. It also comes with the Bravia internet video with widgets that offer 7HD input.

The last TV to mention is the 55 inch class Bravia XBR8. It has a RGB LED backlight, Triluminos, ten bit panel, motion flow and 1080p resolution. It also features Bravia engine two PRO. This TV provides all the detail and sharp color expected in a fantastic TV.

There are so many different LCD TVs on the market that finding one will take some time. Try to shop around for the best deal. You can check out electronic stores for their online flyers and go into the stores for possible clearance and floor model sales. In the store you may also be able to talk down the price of the TV.

A new LCD TV will make a great addition to any room and change the way you look at TV. Find a TV that fits your needs. If you need one for gaming, try to buy one that is designed for high picture quality and perhaps one that is even bigger for better game viewing. If you just want a TV for watching the odd TV show, there might be other options available to you that may be cheaper.

Samsung PN42B450 42 Inch 720p Plasma HDTV – A Review

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

This article is a review of the Samsung PN42B450 42-inch 720p Plasma HDTV.

This Samsung plasma TV is better than most other $2,000 TV’s that are under 3 years old! I have seen this plasma TV priced as low as $650 or so. I have had this television set for just about 2 months or so and I couldn’t be happier with it. The performance of this plasma TV is outstanding. Both the colors and the blacks are amazing.

This is my first plasma televisions so I was afraid of the typical problems associated with plasma such as burn-in. However, this set has none of those problems. My kids play lots of video games and so far, there has been no ghosting whatsoever. There is also no buzzing. It turns on fast, switches channels quickly, and motion on video games is perfect.

I compared this TV to a few Panasonic plasma sets and the Panasonics simply had more background noise and the blacks were not as crisp in daylight settings. Don’t get me wrong, Panasonic makes good plasma TVs, I just favor this Samsung over the others immensely.

I plan to move this one to the bedroom and purchase a 65″ Samsung for the living room in the near future. If the quality of the bigger Samsung model is anywhere near the quality of this one, I’m going to be one happy camper! If you are in the market for a plasma TV, do yourself a favor and check out the Samsung PN42B450 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV. You will be happy you did.

Best LCD TV – The Philips 42PFL8404

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Hey everyone

Today’s choice of review on best LCD TVs…The Philips 42PFL8404 LCD HDTV.

The Philips 42PFL8404 is a stunning piece of kit. It possesses a bezel that is less than one inch thick that pretends to placing all the emphasis on the picture but is really saying look at me….I’m beautiful! We have been so used to thick picture frame designs that it is certainly refreshing to see a minimalistic approach when designing an lcd tv.

So it looks great off, but whats it like when you turn it on?!

Unfortunately, for reasons unbeknown to me but probably as always based on price, the processing system is not the renowned “Perfect Pixel HD system” that has blown away all competition on the 9000 series. Instead we are given the “Pixel Precise HD”. Now being able to speak English, I am immediately given the impression that what I am about to see is not going to be as good as the picture with the “Prefect Pixel HD system”…why….because in my world precise is never as good as perfect!!! Maybe something for the marketing bods at Philips to think about next time they are naming their products.

But all joking aside, the “precise” is not as good as the “perfect”, it just can not quite deal with motion as its perfect brother! Dont get me wrong, its good, its very good..but its not perfect! The picture is incredibly sharp and detailed but the occasional picture lags and flickers do just enough to spoil the experience and ruin its chance of gaining the tag of best 42 lcd TV!

Now maybe I am being a little harsh when comparing the Philips 42PFL8404 to its more expensive brothers, because they are more expensive. A lot more expensive! The Philips 42PFL8404 was released at £1,100 which is a least half the price of an LCD in the 9000 series.

How about its connections? One word..comprehensive! What ever you need the Philips 42PFL8404 has! 4 HDMI’s, 2 RGB Scarts, USB slot that plays virtually all multimedia file formats and even an Ethernet port to access Philips unique full Internet access. The only problem with all this option is they all had to be incorporated into the menu which means unfortunately the menu is a nightmare to navigate and change the specs to your suiting.

So what do I think of the Philips 42PFL8404? Best 42 LCD TV? Not quite….Its impressive….but only in some areas! It looks great, it has tonnes of features and connections and the picture is incredibly detailed. But at £1,100 I cant help feeling there should be something more…there just isn’t that star quality that makes it stand out I’m afraid.

My recommendation…save up and buy a 9000 series with the “perfect” processing system!

42" Vizio Widescreen LCD HDTV – VO42LF Or SV420XVT?

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

When it comes to choosing a 42″ Vizio widescreen LCD HDTV you have a few choices. I have chosen 2 of the best selling televisions of this size to compare them for you. You will find that the specs are virtually the same besides in a few key areas and feature sets.

Specification Comparison
When comparing these two TV’s on paper, things look very similar. The main difference is that the SV420XVT comes with all the top of the line features from Vizio, whereas the V042LF is a TV with similar specs but without the bells and whistles (Although the price difference between the two is not huge. The main differences are:

The SV420XVT is part of Vizio’s XVT series (Extreme VIZIO technology) and marks their top of the line range. It includes 120Hz processing and SRS TruSurround XT Sound.

120Hz Processing
SV420XVT is a 120Hz processing model and this is the main difference between the two. 120Hz is the best processing speed currently and in combination with Vizio’s Smooth Motion Video technology you will get increased smoothness and fluidity in the picture. The detail is also much better.

SRS TruSurround XT
Also unique to the SV420XVT is SRS TruSurround XT which is a state of the art sound system.

Colors:
V042LF: 16.77 million
SV420XVT: 1.06 Billion

Contrast Ratio
V042LF: 5000:1 (w/DCR)
SV420XVT: 6500:1 (w/DCR)

As you can see the V042LF is simply the cheaper version of the full featured SV420XVT. Both are excellent TV’s so your choice will depend upon your budget and your need for all the top features and latest technology.

Conclusion – Which Should You Choose?

The SV420XVT, whilst only costing a little more than the VO42LF, has all the bells and whistles of a top of the range Vizio TV therefore it gets my full recommendation.

The Vizio SV420XVT has continually come out on top in reviews and ratings and with good reason. It truly is a spectacular TV and since it only costs a little more than the V042LF I can highly recommend that you make it your choice for your next 42″ Vizio Widescreen HDTV.

Vizio V042LF HD 42 Inch Review

Friday, June 25th, 2010

The Vizio V042LF HD 42 Inch is a high definition TV that costs under $1000. Vizio are now one of the top selling lcd tv manufacturers because they combine high quality with excellent value for money. In many cases Vizio TV’s are even better than a Sony or Samsung comparative model, yet costs a fraction of the price. This article will take a look at whether the V042LF is as good as its competitors.

Specifications of the Vizio VO42LF
16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio
1920×1080 Resolution
5ms Response Time
4 HDMI inputs
178 degree viewing angles
Built-In HDTV/ATSC Tuner

The main specifications are listed above. I’ve simplified it so that you don’t have to read through too much technical jargon.

You can see that this is a full high definition TV, as indicated by the 1080p resolution.

The 5ms response time is outstanding, and the fact that this TV has 4 HDMI inputs puts it at the top of its class. Not many TV’s have that many inputs and in fact, Vizio are always quite generous with their connectivity options. This will please those who have several external devices to hook up.

Sound and Picture
Although the sound is not as great as on other Vizio TV’s, it is still acceptable. However I recommend buying an external sound system for best results.

Picture quality is clear and sharp and displays nice natural tones. You may need to bump up the color a bit with some sources.

Consumer Opinion:

Opinions are mainly positive for the Vizio V042LF HD 42 Inch. Here are some comments that people have made:

“This is a better than average set. The feature set is excellent 4xHDMI etc.”

“Excellent picture, great contrast. I definitely recommend this TV.”

“Do not be fooled by the price. The sound is also solid, very impressive for a flat panel.”

The Vizio VO42LF is a highly affordable 42″ full high definition LCD screen and comes highly recommended for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on quality.