lcd

Get a 50-inch Sceptre HDTV for $399

Now that the combatants for this year's big game have been decided (and who doesn't love a battle of brothers?), perhaps you're ready for a big, new TV on which to enjoy the game.

For a limited time, and while supplies last, TigerDirect has the Sceptre X508BV-FHD 50-inch LCD HDTV for $399.99, plus around $30 for shipping. That's your after-rebate price, but, hey, some deals require a little delayed gratification.

As you might expect from the price, this is an entry-level TV. It's not especially thin, and it lacks apps and Wi-Fi and all … Read more

At CES, Sharp explains benefits of its IGZO display tech

LAS VEGAS -- At CES today, a Sharp engineer talked to CNET about the merits of LCDs that use IGZO technology.

IGZO displays first came to consumers' attention when it was rumored that Apple was going to tap Sharp's IGZO tech for the third-generation iPad.

While that didn't happen (at that time, Sharp apparently had not gotten IGZO to the point where it could be mass produced for a commercial 10-inch class tablet like Apple's), Sharp is now offering IGZO on commercial smartphones and tablets in Japan.

And the company is showing off 32-inch 4K-resolution low-power IGZO … Read more

Panasonic's E series LCDs are feature-rich

LAS VEGAS--In 2013, Panasonic is releasing its largest line of LCDs yet, with seven different series to choose from. While the WT60 and DT60 sit at the high end, it's the three types of E series that make up the bulk of the company's offering.

The three E series include the 50-inch and 60-inch ET60; the E60 in four sizes (42-, 50-, 58-, and 65-inch screens); and the entry-level EM60 at 39 inches and 50 inches.

Unusually for Panasonic, the ET60 and E60 are blessed with an embarrassment of feature riches. The most "gadgety" addition is … Read more

LG's 2013 televisions promise natural voice search and all-LED backlights

LG has unveiled its 2013 television range in advance of CES 2013. It builds on the superslim design ethos of the previous year, with LED backlights now standard across its entire LCD range. The company will no longer make TVs with fluorescent (CCFL) backlights

The range comprises just under 20 different series, not including the possibly newly announced 55EM9700 OLED. Just three series are plasma, and more than two-thirds of models now feature Internet connectivity.

Smart TV add-ons LG's big features for 2013 are an upgraded Magic Motion remote with "natural" voice recognition; dual-core processors; a camera … Read more

You have a new TV. Now what?

A new TV is a great thing. A new TV, right after it's taken out of the box, is not. To get the most out of your TV you need to adjust the settings, use the right cables, adjust your sources (like your cable box) and more.

Compiled here is a directory of everything you'll need to get your TV looking its best. Instead of one long article describing it all, it's broken down into sections so you can find just what you're looking for.… Read more

Buy a TV now or wait?

Most new TV models are announced at the Consumer Electronics Show, held every January. It's usually a few months before they ship, arriving in stores sometime in the spring.

So with new models imminent, should you wait to buy a new TV? We break down what we expect to see, and figure out when is the best time to buy.… Read more

Don't mount a TV above a fireplace

Mounting a TV up and out of the way above a fireplace seems logical, convenient, and undeniably cool. However, there are serious issues with such placement.

If you're planning on watching the TV only occasionally, that's one thing. But if this is your main TV and you're going to be watching it more than a few minutes at a time, beware.

What is 'Game mode'?

If you've bought a TV in the last few years, it's likely that TV has a "Game mode." As you've discovered (or will discover, now that you're looking for it), this is not some supersecret hiding place for Angry Birds. That's a different section.

If you're a gamer, Game mode might improve your gaming experience, but it comes at a cost. … Read more

Five lies your TV salesperson will tell you

Using the time-honored tactics of obfuscation, misdirection, and a little bit of fear, the people who try to sell you TVs can hit you with some heavy-duty lies.

Now this isn't to say that all TV sales people are bad, nor that any necessarily do this out of malice (there's plenty of misinformation out there confused as truth). But when it's your dollar on the line, being prepared with some facts can only be a good thing.… Read more

RIP, rear-projection TV

Rear-projection TV is dead, and there's little reason to think the technology will pull a Lazarus anytime soon.

On Monday Mitsubishi confirmed it has already ceased production of its last RPTVs, and told Twice.com that inventory is almost gone.

"The decision to exit the category was based on lack of profitability in the big-screen TV business," according to Max Wasinger, executive VP at Mitsubishi Electric Video Sales America. "MEVSA will honor all product warranties. Consumer relations will continue to support consumers and dealers' product service related needs." He added that there are no plans … Read more