ie8 fix

LG's Blu-ray home theater systems bet big on wireless rear speakers

LAS VEGAS--LG's latest batch of home theater systems will make it tough for other manufacturers to treat wireless rear speakers as a premium feature.

LG announced four new home Blu-ray theater systems this morning at CES 2012, with all but the entry-level BH6720S featuring wireless rear speakers. That's a big shift from years past, when wireless rear speakers were typically only available on the flagship model.

The major features break down like this:

LG BH6720S: Smart TV + Wi-Fi + 3D LG BH6820SW: Smart TV + Wi-Fi + 3D + wireless rear speakers LG BH9220BW: Smart TV + Wi-Fi + 3D + wireless rear speakers + Bluetooth + &… Read more

New LG Magic Remote gets voice control

You can soon talk to your LG Cinema 3D smart TV using a new Magic Remote announced by the Korean chaebol. Besides voice recognition, the controller has also been upgraded with a scroll wheel, gesture sensing, and a 2D-to-3D conversion button.

LG says the Magic Remote makes for a faster smart-TV browsing experience, and improved comfort and convenience. That said, the company did not provide any pricing and availability details in its press release. LG's current Magic Motion remote control is bundled with certain TV models such as the 47LW6500.

So what's your preferred smart TV controller? Is it a swanky smartphone, large-screen tablet, or funky Wiimote-like wand? Share your thoughts with us below.

(Source: Crave Asia via Engadget)… Read more

Vizio M3D0SR series: Quick take

If you're looking for a TV that offers the blacks of a plasma with the energy-saving benefits and slimness of an LCD, then the M3D0SR range from Vizio may be of interest to you.

"Plasma-like blacks?" you ask. Almost, yes. The Vizio's Smart Dimming is able to give excellent contrast levels.

Most CNET TV reviews are based on an entire series as, according to manufacturers, most TVs in a series are very similar. But the 46-inch and 55-inch M3D0SR here are quite different. In what is an interesting business decision, the three models in the Vizio … Read more

LED LCD vs. plasma vs. LCD

Updated November 2012!

In this television technology trifecta, which comes out on top? The subject of countless debates and diatribes, the better question is: which works best? Or more precisely, which works best for you?

When you cut through the hype and the fanboys, each tech has different benefits and costs. So to help you figure out which TV is right for your house, let's take a look at each one.… Read more

Myths, Marketing, and Misdirection: HDTV edition

The onslaught of marketing this time of year is unsurprising, but no less unpleasant. Advertising of products can be a useful tool, informing the public of the latest and greatest.

Where it becomes offensive is when it includes blatant lies, misleading truths, or perpetrates a myth.

Don't be fooled by these deceptive practices, in this (admittedly first) edition of Myths, Marketing, and Misdirection, the HDTV edition.… Read more

Sony Personal 3D Viewer (heads-on test)

Hit play on the video above to witness our hands-on testing of Sony's thoroughly weird Personal 3D Viewer headset, which straps two tiny screens in front of your eyes to deliver a totally isolated movie experience.

The Viewer itself attaches to your head, and is secured in place by a series of straps. Two 0.7-inch OLED screens, each with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution, then fire images into your eyes, creating a 3D effect.

But does it look any good? Watch the video and you'll find out what we thought. Sadly you won't be able to see because you're watching in 2D. Bummer.

Read more of "Sony Personal 3D Viewer hands-on video" at Crave UK. … Read more

Vizio E3D0VX series review: 3D and apps for less

If you want the most features for your TV buck, look no further than Vizio's E3D0VX series.

It's the least expensive 1080p 3D TV on the market--yeah, entry-level 720p 3D plasmas from Samsung and LG cost less but don't include active glasses, while Sony's PlayStation TV is just 24 inches.

The Vizio also sports a well-equipped Internet package, complete with content galore, built-in Wi-Fi, and, yes, a remote equipped with a QWERTY keyboard on the flip side. About the only thing missing is an LED backlight.

The downside is that the Vizio's disappointing 2D picture can't match that of many basic-featured competitors that cost less. If you can overlook that significant flaw and actually want 3D, you'll find Vizio's E3D0VX plenty appealing.

Read the full review of the Vizio E3D0VX series.

Read more

CNET's 3D TV Buying Guide

To help you, prospective TV shopper, get a handle on 3D terminology and determine whether it's something you should care about, we've put together this handy guide. We think it's a worthwhile read for any TV shopper, even those who have already decided they don't care about 3D at all.

The guide comes in four easy-to-digest courses.

What is 3D TV and why should I care?: Whether you consider it a gimmick or a breakthrough on par with high-def itself, 3D TV is here to stay. Here's an overview of the technology and a few … Read more

Study finds passive 3D TVs superior to active

A new study comparing the two current types of 3D TVs available for sale, active and passive, finds that passive 3D TVs had superior image quality to their active counterparts. I was personally surprised by the finding, since I've found the opposite in my reviews comparing the two types of 3D TVs.

The author of the study, Raymond Soneira, is the man behind the DisplayMate evaluation and calibration software. I've found his past work generally on target and well-researched, with plenty of supporting labs-based observations. This study, encapsulated in an article called 3D TV Display Technology Shoot-Out, is … Read more