Televisions

The Doctor's impressive arsenal of technology is known to be finicky. The TARDIS, in particular, seems to have a mind of its own. Now imagine his sonic screwdriver is on the fritz and can only do one thing: operate a TV. You can have that sonic screwdriver.

The Sonic Screwdriver Programmable TV Remote at ThinkGeek is a note-perfect replica of the tool used by the latest Doctor, played by Matt Smith on the BBC.

The sci-fi magic happens when you use the remote's gesture-based command system. Rotate the sonic screwdriver for volume. Change channels with the flick of a wrist. It can also store up to 39 remote control codes to handle all the devices in your entertainment system.… Read more

37? 42? 50? 65? 90? There's an HDTV size for every room and every budget.

But if you're not limited by a cabinet or entertainment center, how big of a TV can or should you get? … Read more

Philips is currently working on its flagship 9 series HDTVs, and they just might be awfully impressive, according to a new report.

Philips will be launching two 9 series models that will come with 46- and 60-inch screens, Flat Panels HD, a site that focuses on televisions, is reporting today, citing a "credible source." The site claims to have obtained a document from Russia that provides information and images of the televisions and their elongated remote.

According to the publication, the televisions, dubbed the 9707 and 9607, will come with an extremely small bezel made of "some … Read more

It happened a little later than the rumors predicted, but Sony has indeed gone shopping for a cloud gaming service. With its purchase of Gaikai, announced this morning, Sony has potentially disrupted the nascent cloud gaming market, and also added an interesting wrinkle to its own competitive fortunes across platforms.

A few thoughts on how this acquisition will affect the various players.

OnLive The other, arguably better-known cloud gaming service, OnLive was another rumored Sony target. Presumably Sony's done cloud shopping, but other suitors, namely Microsoft, could still be interested.

17 months ago, VentureBeat reported analyst valuations around $1.… Read more

While Westinghouse positions itself as a budget brand, it has shown it's also willing to experiment with cutting-edge technology. The 55-inch is the company's first TV to feature a 4k resolution, and is planned to be released in the first quarter of 2013.

The TV features a Quad HD resolution, which is essentially a consumer version of 4K, and measures at 3,840x2,160 pixels (or four times 1080p).

Interestingly, 3M researcher Dave Lamb recently told CNET that 4K would only have benefits in sizes above 55 inches. Based on a brief demo of mainly static images in … Read more

CNET reader Jason asks:

We have a covered porch that's screaming for a television. I'm not worried about the "elements" as much as I am about the extreme heat and cold. Here in North Texas, we can see summer temps as high as 110 degrees and winter temps in the teens.

I know there are "weatherproof" televisions out there, but they are expensive. Is that my only route, or are there certain TVs that do better in the heat or cold of outside?

Good question.… Read more

With all the hype and hoopla about Sharp's 80-, and now 90-inch LCDs, I think it's important to point out that these are neither a good value, nor a good idea if your goal is a big TV for the home.

Yes, I'm talking about projection, and it's easier, cheaper, and better looking than a big LCD.… Read more

Manufacturers LG and Philips have joined forces to create a universal platform for apps on TVs, and the companies say the system has the support of Japanese manufacturers.

The newly created Smart TV Alliance is designed to create a single platform making it easier for customers to share apps across multiple TVs and encourage more developers.

"Before today, the Smart TV industry was a very difficult market for both TV manufacturers and application developers as TV's from different brands used different platforms and technologies," said Bong-seok Kwon of LG Electronics, president of the Smart TV Alliance.… Read more

It's a problem that has plagued the monied for decades.

How do you ensure that your TV goes well with your furniture? How do you find a cabinet upon which your TV might perch with regal grace? And how do you deal with all those cables?

This problem has been affecting me this week, as my TV -- as well as the surround sound, speakers, woofers, and everything else -- was fitted by three hairy men who sniffed a lot, and I have no idea how to take it apart in order to change the furniture around it.

Galloping to my aid is IKEA. … Read more