hdmi

How to save money on home theater gear this holiday season

Lots of great choices for new AV gear this year, but it's also easy to get suckered into getting more than you need.

Check out these tips and tricks to save yourself some big money this holiday season.… Read more

'Cotton Candy'--Android computer on a stick

At last--a sweet stick of Cotton Candy that won't rot your teeth. Instead, it aims to put an Android-based computer on just about any screen you can find.

Norwegian company FXI Technologies calls it "the world's first any-screen, connected-computing USB device," code-named Cotton Candy. The tiny system is basically a USB thumbdrive with an HDMI output on the other end and a microSD slot added to complete the package. According to a release from FXI:

The vision for Cotton Candy is to allow users a single, secure point of access to all personal Cloud services and apps through their favorite operating system, while delivering a consistent experience on any screen. The device will serve as a companion to smartphones, tablets, notebook PCs, and Macs, as well as add smart capabilities to existing displays, TVs, set-top boxes, and game consoles.

The Cotton Candy prototype's specs aren't too shabby, either--especially for a system the size of a pack of gum:… Read more

HDTV doorbuster deals to avoid

Every year, retailers tempt consumers with too-good-to-be-true deals designed to tempt them into the stores and buy...something else.

Chances are, these deals are too good to be true. Before you head out to join the mad rush, here are some so-called "deals" to avoid.… Read more

Why doesn't my TV say 120Hz/240Hz?

CNET reader Steven U. asks:

I bought a 240 Hz LED LCD, and if I press the "Info" button, all I ever see is 1080p/60. Does this mean I'm only getting 60 Hz? Is there something wrong with my TV? Do I need a special HDMI cable? Your question is a pretty common one, actually.… Read more

Why all HDMI cables are the same, part 2

A few months ago, I wrote the provocatively titled "Why all HDMI cables are the same."

There was a ruckus. Which I expected.

But the post also generated some great questions. Which I hadn't. So let's take a look at some of the more common and persisting questions from my article, and flush some more of the myths surrounding the decidedly-not-magic HDMI down the drain.… Read more

How do I connect an Xbox 360 and PS3 to the same AV receiver? (Morrison's Mailbag)

CNET reader Jibran writes:

Hi, I need your help. Currently I have my PS3 connected to my 5.1 AV receiver through the PS3's optical out. The TV is connected via HDMI. I'm planning to get an Xbox 360 also, but my dilemma is that how do I connect the Xbox 360 to the same AV receiver? There is only one optical input on the receiver.

Anxiously looking forward to your help.

Regards, Jibran

Great question, Jibran. There are several options. … Read more

When is the best time to buy an HDTV? (Morrison's Mailbag)

CNET reader R. Tiig writes:

For the remainder of this year, when is the best time to buy an HDTV?

Thanks,R. Tiig

Yesterday! Kidding. Tips for when to find the best deals, and how to shop for them after the jump.… Read more

Droid Bionic car dock hacked for video output

It all started with a dream. An enterprising Motorola Droid Bionic owner on the DroidForums message board wanted to be able to watch the Netflix videos streamed to his Bionic on the rear-seat entertainment (RSE) system in his 2003 Lexus GS 300. The user (who goes by the handle InspiredGS) went to work modding and, after a bit of careful hackery and a careful application of epoxy, his Droid Bionic Car Kit had been upgraded to allow the handset's display to be mirrored on the Lexus' screens.

What the modder basically did was add an HDMI connection to the … Read more

Hands-on: Atlantic Technology PowerBar 235

I don't like soundbars. I'm not impressed easily. I admit to phasing out a bit during the press conference for this product. A soundbar that's "groundbreaking?" Uh-huh.

Then they turned it on. Where's all that bass coming from?

Well that's what I get for being jaded. A soundbar that actually sounds good? Interesting...

Does my TV have a break-in period? (Morrison's Mailbag)

CNET reader Joe writes:

I recently purchased a Samsung PN59D8000. My question is what is the best procedure for the break-in period? I've read different things online talking about leaving contrast and brightness levels down. I looked through the PDF manuals for this model and didn't see anything mentioning a break-in period. Is this something that was only required on older plasmas? Thanks for any help.

Thanks, Joe