television

Apple could face a fight over the 'iTV' brand--should it go that way

Should Apple use the "iTV" moniker for its widely expected smart TV, it may entangle the company in a legal mess. Or it may not.

British TV network ITV has reportedly warned Apple not to use the brand name iTV for its upcoming smart TV product. The U.K. broadcaster may have even received assurances from Apple in 2010 that the iPhone maker would not christen any upcoming TV products with the iTV name.

At least, that's the scoop according to the U.K. Telegraph.

But ITV is denying the report, claiming it's had no such … Read more

Best Buy: That Apple TV survey was 'hypothetical'

Best Buy said it authorized a survey that discussed the as-yet announced Apple TV, but insisted that fuss over the survey is much ado about nothing.

"The customer survey was a routine offer effectiveness survey conducted by one of Best Buy's research partners," Best Buy told Wired in a statement last night. "Any brand reference was hypothetical. The survey is no longer available."

Apple TV rumors have been swirling over the last several months after co-founder Steve Jobs told his biographer Walter Isaacson that he had "cracked" the code for a revolutionary television. … Read more

Get a 42-inch Sharp HDTV for $329.99

I know I've posted a lot of TV deals of late, but, hey, they're a hot category right now. And who knows if the deals will be as good after this Sunday's big game?

For a limited time, and while supplies last, Best Buy has the Sharp LC42SV49U 42-inch LCD HDTV for $329.99, plus sales tax where applicable. You can opt for free site-to-store shipping, which, alas, takes 7-10 days, or pony up around $20 for shipping.

Two factors set this deal apart from some of the others I've shared recently. First, Sharp is a … Read more

Get a 46-inch HDTV for $379

Is it Black Friday again already? Somebody at Target must think so, because they've got a TV deal that has day-after-Thanksgiving written all over it.

I say that having already posted a couple of pretty amazing TV deals in the last few weeks. This one beats them all.

While supplies last, Target has the Apex Digital LD4688T 46-inch LCD HDTV for $379 shipped (plus sales tax where applicable).

That's a whopping $200 off the regular price. And if you have a Target REDcard, you can save an additional 5 percent. Throw Ebates into the mix and you'll … Read more

What is 4K? Next-generation resolution explained

As if LED and 3D TV weren't confusing enough, in the last few months we have seen a new HDTV technology called 4K, or its official name, Ultra HD. It's being heralded as the next high-def, and judging by the show floor at CES 2013, manufacturers are lining up to bring you a new array of products.

But just as was the case with 3D, it's the hardware chicken before the software egg: there's no consumer 4K content available. Still, if you listen to the industry, it'll tell you it's the last resolution you'll ever need. So what is 4K anyway, and what makes it different from high definition?

Editors' note: This was post was originally published January 23, 2012, and has been updated several times thereafter with expanded information, most recently on January 17, 2013.… Read more

Is this the ultimate big-game TV deal?

Is it wrong to, say, "bump" your old TV to the floor so you have no choice but to replace it in time for the big game on February 5?

Of course it is. A broken TV won't fetch nearly the same price on Craigslist as one that's in good working order. No, what you need to do is fake an internal problem, one that's seemingly beyond the scope of an easy repair.

For example, you could unplug the TV, then say it won't turn on. Fiddle with the remote for half an hour, … Read more

Marketing TVs: Then and now

Each year at CES, technologists and marketers trot out their newest wares, promising enhancements and upgrades in the user experience, especially as it relates to television.

While TV technology constantly evolves, its aspirations and selling points have remained consistent over the decades. Take a look at a few vintage ads from our collection as proof. The promises they offered to consumers many decades ago aren't all that different from those being made today.

Amazing picture quality This vintage TV ad for CBS Columbia TV set circa 1953 features celebrity spokesperson Arthur Godfrey and promises a picture so sharp that &… Read more

Get a 32-inch Coby HDTV for $169.99

Yowza. That's the only word I can use to describe this deal.

While supplies last (and I'm hoping they last longer than it takes me to finish this sentence), Best Buy's outlet center has the refurbished Coby TFTV3227-Z 32-inch LCD HDTV for $169.99 shipped (plus sales tax where applicable). That's definitely a new low for a TV of this size.

Update: Rats. Looks like it's already sold out. But keep checking, as Best Buy might just free up some additional inventory.

OK, but a refurb? And a Coby refurb at that? Admittedly, this is … Read more

Verizon Fios, LG team up to bring live TV, VOD to smart TVs

If there's any trend developing at CES, it's cable and satellite providers trying to capitalize on the growth of smart TVs.

Earlier this week, Verizon Fios announced that it will be offering 26 live HD channels and over 10,000 video-on-demand titles to customers who own an LG smart TV or Blu-ray player. In order to access the channels, LG TV owners must also be Verizon Fios customers and access the content through the service provider's Flex View offering.

Dish earlier this week at CES announced something similar for its customers. After acquiring one of the company'… Read more