Tag Archives: tv

Picture Quality For Dummies

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Posted by 1BigCloset on March 2, 2010 – 6:53 pm
Filed under Audio Video

You can easily see with your own eyes the difference between good and poor picture quality. However, the technical definitions of image quality are rather complicated: image quality is a mix of contrast ratio, color saturation, accuracy and resolution.

Contrast ratio is the ratio between the brightest and darkest color a HDTV can produce. The better your system is, the higher contrast ratio it can produce. If your system has low contrast ratio, you will experience dull and washed out images, and fine details will be lost. The good news is that there were great improvements in contrast ratio, and even cheap HDTVs have enjoyable contrast ratios at this time.

Black levels are also very important for good picture quality. Good black levels mean you see absolute blacks, not greyish blacks. Poor black levels can be especially annoying in dim light conditions, because this is when your eyes are very sensitive about blacks. Lot of people achieve absolute black by setting the black levels too low: by doing this you may have absolute blacks, but black shadow details will be lost. Another important aspect of picture quality are the high white levels.

High white levels make the images on the screen appear vivid and lively. This makes the viewing more pleasant. Again, lot of people make a mistake by setting the white levels too high: this way certain details and bright highlights can be lost.

Important characteristics of the images on your display are color temperature, saturation and accuracy. 6500K, corresponding to daytime illumination, is the standard for color temperature. This is the natural light temperature. Everything above this is bluish, and everything below is yellow or reddish. If the color temperature is not set properly, every color will be bluish or reddish.

Color saturation can be relatively easily adjusted by using the color patterns that come with calibrations discs or TV channels. Color accuracy depends on how your HDTV decodes the image data. These are pretty complicated issues. You may want to read more about this elsewhere, but if you only want to stay at beginner-level, it is enough for you to know that the decoders of your system should match the color encoding used in film production.

Greyscale and display characteristic also affect the color reproduction of your HDTV, but again this is above the beginners knowledge about image calibration. You can choose to learn about this, or you can hire a specialist to do it for you.

The latest HD resolutions provide 5 times more pixel amount compared to Standard Definition. As a result, image is not simply clearer, but there is night and day difference: the smallest detail can be noticed on the image. If you want to have the best, go for 1080 capable HDTVs.

The term of percieved sharpness relates to resolution. It means users can sharpen artificially the image without modifying the resolution by creating a crisp edge along the border of the image. This also gives the impression of better image quality.

Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes HDTV reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To check out the latest Panasonic HDTV reviews or learn more about HDTV visit HDTVreviewlab.com

5 Reasons to Buy the Panasonic Viera TC-P65V10

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Posted by 1BigCloset on February 1, 2010 – 2:23 am
Filed under Computers

Looking for an excellent 65-inch HDTV? Here are five reasons why the Panasonic Viera TC-P65V10 should be at the top of your list.

1. Infinite Blacks

Plasma televisions are known for their outstanding black levels which contribute to the creation of breathtaking images and the Panasonic Viera TC-P65V10 is no different. In fact, it takes black levels to the next level with its Neo PDP panel and Real Black Drive System, making them infinite with a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1.

2. THX Mode

With the TC-P65V10, you don’t have to buy tickets to enjoy the movie theatre experience. You can enjoy it right in the comfort of your own living room by engaging the THX mode. This mode enhances color accuracy, detail and other picture characteristics, and even raises the audio quality up a notch, faithfully recreating the ambience of a movie theatre.

3. Video Processing

Like most HDTVs, this Viera model de-interlaces both film-based and video-based sources properly and displays every line of 1080p and 1080i content. Furthermore, it can reproduce 24p content efficiently with a 96Hz refresh rate - better, in fact, than the 2:3 pulldown option that other HDTVs offer. This means that you can get to see films in their original format without having to suffer from any flicker or other distracting problems. The TC-P65V10 also has a 600Hz Sub-field Drive, which keeps images smooth and crisp during fast sequences.

4. Interactive Add-Ons

Nowadays, HDTVs are loaded with a lot of interactive features and the same goes for the TC-P65V10. For starters, it comes with the Viera Cast like most other Panasonic models - a feature that allows access to photo files on Picasa and the latest news updates from Bloomberg, provided you have an internet connection. It even allows you to stream or download online videos like the free ones from YouTube and the high-definition ones from Amazon Video on Demand, which you can get without a subscription. If you have video and music files stored on your computers at home, you can play them, too, with the TC-P65V10’s DLNA capability - another new bonus for the V10 series.

In addition to the Viera Cast, you get the Viera Link and Viera Image Viewer. The former lets you turn your HDMI-compatible devices on and off remotely, which makes setting up your home theatre easier while the latter makes sharing photos a breeze - just insert the SD card slot, select a display effect and a background music and you’re good to go.

5. Adequate Inputs and Outputs

Whether you have a lot of digital devices or analog devices, you won’t have to worry about connecting them to the Panasonic Viera TC-P65V10, which has adequate connectivity. On the back, you will find two component video inputs, enough AV inputs and three HDMI inputs - the fourth one is on the side panel for easy access, along with the VGA input for connecting your computer.

These features, combined with a sleek design and other extras like a wide viewing angle and a Tools menu, make the TC-P65V10 one of the best Viera HDTV models available today. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, you can start looking somewhere else. Then again, the Panasonic Viera TC-P65V10 is worth every cent.

 

The TV Craze

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Posted by 1BigCloset on January 12, 2010 – 8:57 am
Filed under Computers

 

Most persons have found out of the LCD plasma TV technology. It is a craze that’s sweeping the globe and is considered by some to be the solitary approach to view TV or play video games. Those older and larger TVs simply will not cut it any longer.

 

This is an epoch of technology and of folks asking for superior quality in their viewing. If you have not had an opportunity to look into one of these flat screen TVs, then you are doing yourself a mammoth wrong.

 

Whether you buy a Samsung television or a Sony High Definition Television plasma television, you are part of a growing trend. Various people are converting their former, wide TV sets for the new leaner TVs. Remember those wide screen televisions that filled the majority of the living room? Forget about those outdated relics!

 

They provided distorted images and lighter colors. Liquid crystal display and plasma televisions slate those antiques away by presenting contemporary technology that spares users the deformation. Monday night football never looked so perfect when viewed on this contemporary phenomenon.

 

Okay, so an LCD plasma television is a bit pricier than what you paid for your ancient television. Then again, if you remember back, then you may realize that the price divergences are rather trivial. At that time, huger screen televisions could certainly sell at $500.

 

These days, you can own flat screen televisions for as small as $628 if you spot them on sale. Wal-Mart presents an RCA liquid crystal display HDTV for that price. It is 32″ and has an in-built DVD player. You are getting a 2 for 1 bargain.

A few individuals don’t ponder on buying their products or merchandise at big name retail stores because they like to aid their local businesses. This is creditable and there needs to be a concerted endeavor to save local businesses.

 

Nonetheless, the collapse of shopping at local “Mom and Pop” stores is that they possibly will not have the choice you like and if they do have the correct Samsung television or Panasonic plasma television, then you’re gonna pay more.

 

Throw out that boring old television set that is covering so much room! An LCD plasma TV will change how you view movies or play video games. You could go one pace past by buying cable or satellite packages that give HDTV. The difference between regular cable or satellite and high definition is astounding. Jump into the trend and witness what you’ve been passing up.

 

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Hot Gifts For The Holiday Season

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Posted by 1BigCloset on December 7, 2009 – 11:49 pm
Filed under Gifts

It seems that with every passing year, more and more families try to outdo themselves with their gift giving to one another. While this is endearing, it might not always be practical when you are stumped with less than a month left to shop around. You have to think less about gifts on a grand scale, and start thinking about gifts that those people on your list will love and remember.

You might be among the minority that has opted out of a traditional Christmas entailing many individual gifts catering to the various members of the house exclusively. Some are choosing to get one larger gift for the whole house that everyone can enjoy and appreciate equally. A common choice with this mind set is a new television for the living room. Just think, with all the money you will save on individual presents you can finally afford the 50 inch plasma screen your living room was missing.

Many families are trying to find ways to reconnect this year, and a good way of doing this is through family game time. If you were to purchase one of the three major gaming systems, you and your family could have an unlimited amount of fun. The PS3 and the Xbox 360 win the graphics game, but in terms of whole family (5 and up) fun, the Wii takes the cake.

If you already have a Wii, or have decided to get one, you can then buy Nintendo games. Games like Wii Fit and EA Active will help you tone muscle quickly and slim down after all the holiday meals. There are so many games to choose from that will be able to get all your family having fun and hanging out. The best part is that most Wii games are very user friendly, so anyone can play with little direction.

Another popular gift idea for the 5-12 year old in your family is a Zhu Zhu Pet. This little critter is meant to simulate owning a real hamster without the mess or the responsibility. It is certainly this year’s Furbee or Tickle-Me-Elmo and so you might have some difficulty finding them. You have to keep your eyes peeled, but if you find one, you can get one of these hot commodities for around .

A general rule for gift giving is: a gift card is always better than cash. This is simple because a specialty store gift card shows that you know enough about them to be aware of their interests. While you might not know the specifics, you know that they will be able to get something they will really enjoy from one particular place. This shows that you care about what they care about… That might be the best gift of all.

This should be enough to get you started with your gift giving this year. Surely there are many things that you can do to show that someone on your list that you care, but this is just the beginning.

What is Our Addiction With Black Gadgets

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Posted by 1BigCloset on November 1, 2009 – 11:29 am
Filed under Gifts

This does seem like a strange question to ask, why are we in love with black gadgets, but it does make you wonder. The majority of people know by now that we are a nation of gadget lovers. Whether your gadget of choice is an iPod, a mobile phone, or a netbook. Everyone has a few gadgets that they take with them everywhere they go and simply can’t live without.

However, when we go to choose a new gadget, why do we always end up with the same colour, black.

This question came to me after I read an article about Nintendo releasing their black version of the Wii in November. Nintendo have said that they expect to see a rise in sales when the black console is released. However, why do they think they’ll get a sales boost just because they released the console in a new colour case. It’s not like their competitors are blowing them out of the water simply because they have black versions of their console. In fact, the Nintendo Wii has actually sold more units, and that’s a white console.

The question about gadget colour can be asked in a number of electronic markets. Just take the phone market as an example. When the recent iPhone was released, the all black version sold out before the version with a white back. You can take any phone off the shelf and more often than not, it will either be available in black, or only in black.

Another market would be the TV market. A few years back, the main colours for TV were black and silver, hell you could even buy blue or pink if you wanted. However, now it’s a real mission to find a TV that doesn’t have a black frame.

Nowadays, the majority of gadgets come in black, from digital photo frames to light alarm clocks. It’s hard to see the main reason why we always opt for black gadgets. Although the black colour hides dirt, it does show dust more. Plus, if a black gadget gets damaged, the marks are more visible than if it was silver or white.

For those of you who don’t like back gadgets, there’s still time to get your gadgets because for the time being, some are still available in other colours. Although this may change in the near future, you can still manage to grab an flying lanterns without it only coming in black. As for the question of why black is so popular, I’ve covered all my ideas, anyone else have an incite?

TV Market No Longer Richer Than the Oil Market

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Posted by 1BigCloset on September 26, 2009 – 4:35 pm
Filed under Computers

If we cast our minds back to around a decade ago, you will recollect that TV was the number one place to be. I mean you would have literally have had to have a huge budget if you wanted to advertise on the television. Nowadays we see even the smallest of companies advertising all over the TV screens.

 

The rise of the internet has seen mainstream television advertising hit rock bottom. People are instead spending their money on online advertising which is targetted a lot more and converts a lot better. People are actually instead investing their money into things such as SEO, PPC and social media.

 

Recent announcements though have indicated that the Oil market is probably now three times wealthier than the TV advertising sector, which is actually quite bizarre everything being considered as they both used to be level as one.

 

The government has recently stated though that TV programs will now be allowed product placement on our screens, personally I think if that is taken to another level then it may well ruin TV as we know it in this day and age no one wants to see forced advertisements everywhere. I mean could you literally imagine if there were pop ups all over the place while youre trying to watch a program, it would actually be ever so bothersome.

 

I believe if the Television channels want to hold up then they need to strike a deal with some of the internet firms, to offer Telecasting and net integration. As an example when a program goes on a commercial break, people will be granted the choice to visit a site that has paid for advertising. This way the advertiser will get a lot more brand exposure, traffic and ultimately revenue.

 

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Tips To Catch On To The Video Podcasting Trend

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Posted by 1BigCloset on September 24, 2009 – 3:35 pm
Filed under Computers

No matter how much we deny it, every one of us has a secret desire to appear on TV. Though there are hundreds of TV channels out there, still very few of us manage to see ourselves on TV, even if for a second or just a glimpse.

Now here’s a little open secret, our desire of appearing on TV can be fulfilled sitting at home, with a little variation. Have you heard about video podcast? Video podcasting is broadcasting a video on internet. This video can be a personal one, your home video or just an amateur video; there are audiences for every type of video podcast. Thousands of people have become overnight Internet celebrities, courtesy free video podcasts; many products have gained instant recognitions worldwide again because of video podcasts.  

With the number of Internet users worldwide crossing one billion mark, today it is one of the most cost effective advertisers medium. Since nobody regulates it, video podcasts are not restricted by any subject or topic. One can raise his recipe by making a video podcast of it and uploading it on Internet. If there is product that you want to promote, just make create a commercial for it and reach millions with few clicks.

How To Create Video Podcast

A video podcast can be created easily if you just have a video recorder and some freely available software’s. All you need is a great footage, which you want to video podcast. However a good footage finishes your half work but there is nothing to worry about the quality of footage. While shooting the video podcast, keep in mind that the footage will be watched by people on small screens (iPod’s, monitors or other hand held devices), so try to keep the subject of your video podcast as visible as possible.

Once you have taken the footage, now its time to add some spice to it by editing it. Add special effects, add credits add some audio and you are ready to go. This editing can be done with help of freely available software of your operating system or by downloading it from Internet. As far as distribution of video podcasts is concerned, there are a number of ways; the easiest one is to submit it to iTunes. Otherwise RSS and Atom can also be used. The trend is catching on and be sure that you don’t get left behind.

 

Plasma TV Stand - Shall You Shop It?

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Posted by 1BigCloset on September 23, 2009 – 2:18 am
Filed under Furniture

When you have got your plasma TV, comes the problem: “where should I put my plasma TV?” ”How the plasma TV would be the best? 
Have you ever thought of getting your own plasma TV stand? You may be thinking what purpose this could give to you, right? Well, it could somehow add to the appearance of the plasma TV that you have at home. This is also a good design for your living room. However, do you have any idea what would be the best stand for your plasma TV?

Since you are searching for a plasma TV stand, the first thing that you should consider is that it should be constructed with the use of a stable and a heavy material to keep your plasma TV in a stable position while on it. This is very essential because like other furnitures in your own living room, your plasma TV is fragile, and with its cost, you don’t want anything to happen to it just because of an unstable stand.

Usually the stands is similar to a floor cabinet. However the cabinet doors are made of transparent glass that would allow you to get easy access to your video tapes and other gadgets needed for your home entertainment system.

In searching for the right plasma TV stand, you must consider the design, the color, and how much it goes together with your own plasma TV. In doing this, you can assure yourself of having a beautiful living room and a beautiful TV system.

Make sure that the stand is made of long-lasting materials. Of course you would like to make sure that this specific TV furniture should be able to withstand the test of time and keep your plasma TV secured in its place while it is on it.

Lastly, you should consider finding a plasma TV stand that can suit your viewing capabilities. You should be able to purchase a stand that would not limit you to look at just one angle of your plasma TV. You can definitely find TV furniture that can adhere to this. You may look for one that has a revolving desk that would allow you to move your plasma TV from side to side at your convenience.

If you can find one from stores, try the Internet, they have the best deals and the supplies you need for your plasma TV including stands and other furniture.

TV Viewing Distance and Screen Placement in the Home Theater

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Posted by 1BigCloset on September 19, 2009 – 11:42 pm
Filed under Computers

The optimal television screen size is directly correlated with the available viewing distance.  Conversely, there are other aspects as well that must be taken into account.

Viewing Distance: Is it just an affair of individual partiality?

Sit extremely near your big screen TV and you would be able to discern the image build-up structure - scanning lines or pixels forming the picture, consequently off-putting your attention and ruining your home theater experience. Nonetheless, stay excessively far away, and the impression will be gone.

The truth is that there are no scientific rules here. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any principles that you need to adhere to when planning a huge screen purchase or a probable home theater room.

SMPTE Recommendations and the THX Certification standards:

The Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers (SMPTE) commends that the screen dimension for home theater use needs to fill a 30 degrees field of view - in the horizontal map - for the spectators. On the other hand, the perfect television viewing distance ought to be such that the screen width fills an angle of 30 degrees from the watching place.

This SMPTE principle is also similar to the THX certification guidelines in that these advise that the back line of seats has to have no less than a 26 degrees watching angle and while suggesting an optimum viewing angle of 36 degrees.

So How Does All This Translate In Practical Terms?

An overall rule for the TV watching distance based on the SMPTE and visual perception guidelines, is that the nearest TV watching distance between you and your big screen television should be limited to almost two times the screen width (more accurate 1.87 x screen width for a subtended angle of 30 degrees), while the farthest distance being barely five times the width of your screen.

On the contrary, it is also critical to comprehend that these maximum and minimum watching distances have to be seen in the light of the video signal definition.

A fully resolved HD television (1080i, 1920×1080) supports a nearer viewing distance than ordinary analog TV. While twofold the screen width will be the best television watching distance for a HDTV display, it will be a bit too close for typical TV; in the later case, a three times the screen width will be a superior pick.

When it speaking about the use of regular-size standard definition analog TVs in the home theater, i.e. around 36 / 40 diagonal, the most favorable watching distance range is between 8 feet and 12 feet. television sets tinier than 36-inches aren’t big enough to meet the requirements for Home Theater use as their smaller screen dimension would not impart the wanted impact on the watcher.

Vertical Angle of View & Screen Height:

For best possible viewing, the sight of the watcher needs to be leveled with the center of the screen.

Maximum vertical angle of view: In those home theater set-ups where this is not likely, the SMPTE principles advise that the maximum vertical angle quantified at the seated eye height from the front row center location to the top most section of the projected image should not surpass 35 degrees.

This does not stand for the best possible watching angle but rather the threshold beyond which the watcher would be exposed to an intensified neck strain.

Minimum angle of vision: While there do not appear to be any specialized SMPTE or THX guidelines in this respect, studies have presented that if the screen dimension occupies less than 15 degrees of the viewer’s vertical field of view, then that picture looks miniature.

Practical Points:

In a usual home theater set-up, you do not need to actually fret concerning neither the maximum vertical angle of view, nor concerning the tiniest vertical angle of vision for an effective movie theater experience.

If one were to adhere to the mentioned TV viewing distance of twofold the screen width (as additionally listed previously according to the SMPTE principle of 30 degrees horizontal field of vision), you would necessarily be obeying the smallest possible angle of vision. The grounds behind that is there is a preset relation between screen height and width in accordance to your home theater screen aspect ratio of either 16:9 or 4:3.

Keeping in mind that most home theater rooms are almost 10 feet (3m) high, the resulting vertical viewing angle is customary well within the maximum of 35 degrees detailed in the SMPTE principles, all you must do is solely remain within the double the screen width guideline for your viewing distance.

For more information about TVs and general technology check this Jix Technology Blog.

TV brackets are the MTV generation

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Posted by 1BigCloset on September 8, 2009 – 2:02 pm
Filed under Home Improvement and Appliances

There's an interesting thing that happens when you get a new TV. Realsing when you get home, that yes, there's no where to put it. You fudge the measuring process, you sort of think "yeaaaaaahhh it will fit in that corner" and set your eyes on the biggest screen your budget can afford.

Getting that it home is exciting, just make sure you have something to put it on or hang it from. Have something to hang it from, have something to put attach it to, otherwise you'll have a big stupid television rather than a big clever one.

TV stands are a good way to go if you’re putting the TV in your living room. They're best suited to a room that doesn't have enough wall space to justify a TV bracket. TV stands can be quite expensive, so shop around and get a good deal. Minimalistic simplistic. That is the best route to take.

Of course if you do have enough room to put your TV on the wall, this is a good route to take. In fact, buy yourself a TV for every wall in your house and slowly degenerate your existence into the MTV cribs era that it should be. On the subject of MTV cribs, did you know the homes used are rarely the homes of the said celebrity? Surely this is a front page scandal of huge significance? Maybe not…

If you haven't got a TV on every wall of the house, then you're no one. Everyone knows that right? You need a TV in the bathroom and one in the kitchen, a TV that pops up from the end of the bed, and a TV in the fridge. Oh and the garage of course, never forget the garage. And probably a few in your car. That about settles it doesn't it?