This is me being stoked for the holidays.
(Credit: Matt Hickey)As is the tendency at year's end, this week Crave has seen several "best of" lists, including the 10 best cell phones of the year. Not to be single-minded, we also put out the 10 worst cell phones of the year. But it's not just phones, we listed the 20 most notable tech products of the year, period.
We also shared a collection of last-minute gifts you can print. If you have a printer, you now have stocking stuffers. Getting a new HDTV for Christmas? We're here to help.
Did you hear about the wicked giant new airplane that flew for the first time here in my city? It was pretty awesome.
But it's not all gifts and end-of-year fun. We learned that Apple is trying to patent reality. No, really.
Speaking of ballsy moves, we sort of have to mention Google's Nexus One phone here, don't we?
And feel free to gift us, your humble bloggers, with something from our wish lists. I'll take the MacBook Pro repair service, thanks.
(Credit:
zerozeros.com)
Things are certainly winding down here at the CNET New York offices as The 404 finishes up its last two live episodes for the year. In the studio with us today is Natali Del Conte along with her CBS producer Will--so it sounds like the show is about to get some Early Show love on Friday morning!
Today's show starts off on an unsettling note as we talk about word of U.S. drones being hacked in the skies of Iraq. Apparently, all that was needed was a cheap $26 program that allowed insurgents access to our unmanned aircrafts--how comforting!
Bonehead military security issues aside, it's about time the FCC addresses the all-too-common issue of blaring TV commercials. How many times have you blown an eardrum after an ad comes on that's 35 times louder than the program you were watching?
In our unintentional effort to destroy the green movement, we uncover the ridiculous side effect some new LED traffic lights are having involving their inability to melt snow. It's actually causing accidents, so maybe good-old-fashioned energy-sucking, heat-producing traffic lights were the way to go.
There's more 404 fun in today's show: Y2K memories, "Iron Man 2" talk, and the year's best YouTube videos!
EPISODE 489
Listen now: Download today's podcastSubscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video
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Now what?
You've just broken your new high-def TV out of the box, hooked it up to your cable box and fired it up. And chances are, you love the picture. But after the initial joy of seeing that screen in action wears off, you might be wondering: How can I get the most out of it? Here are a few tips.
Get a high-def source
The single most important thing you can do to get your new HDTV looking its best is to hook up an actual high-definition source. For television programming, that means an HDTV-capable cable box or satellite box--or an antenna. Ask your cable or satellite provider for a high-def box or DVR, and they'll hook it up for you (although it's a good idea to double-check their work; see below). If you don't have cable or satellite, try using an antenna to tune over-the-air HD stations, which are available in most areas.
Most TV services offer both standard-def and high-def channels, and if you have an HDTV you'll want to be watching (or recording) the HD versions. If your box allows it, you might be able to select a list in your programming guide that shows only HD channels.
You might also want to consider getting a Blu-ray player. The picture quality on standard DVDs looks very good on an HDTV, but Blu-ray discs look even better, especially on larger screens. Just don't expect the player to make regular DVDs look noticeably better on your TV--it can help, but usually not by much.
Other HD sources include game consoles like Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 (but not the Nintendo Wii, which is standard-def), media players like Roku and Apple TV, and even newer digital cameras, camcorders and computers.
More info: HDTV 101: A beginner's guide, Blu-ray guide
Use an HDMI connection
The cable guy might connect your box using analog component-video cables, but HDMI is really the way to go. It's worth buying an HDMI cable to get the most out of your TV. HDMI cables are often quite expensive in stores, however, so we recommend buying a cable from an online vendor like Amazon, newegg.com or monoprice.com. For the vast majority of viewers, it's not worth spending extra for an HDMI cable.
More info: What HDMI cable should I buy?
Set up the source resolution to match your TV
Here's where a lot of even experienced HD owners (not to mention cable box installers) get confused. HD sources can have a lot of settings, and to take full advantage you'll want to match the resolution of the source as closely as possible to the capabilities of your TV. If you have a 1080p TV--the most common resolution among new models--you should set the source to 1080i or, if available, 1080p resolution. If you have a 720p (or 1366x768) TV, set the source to 720p resolution.
If the source lets you choose among other resolutions, check off every one that the TV can support. If there's a "native" option available, we recommend most users check that one off as well. These steps allow the TV to perform the video processing, and usually TVs do a better job of it than cable or satellite boxes. If you have a Blu-ray player and a TV that can handle 1080p/24 sources, we also recommend engaging that option. Computers should be set to output the native resolution of the display, as long as the TV can accept it. Check your manual if you're not sure what source resolutions your TV can support.
More info: HDTV resolution explained, PS3 Blu-ray settings
Adjust screen format (aspect ratio)
Now that you're watching HDTV, you might notice that the screen often isn't completely full. That's because the wide format of the screen doesn't always perfectly fit the source. The first step is to make sure your source is set to the wide-screen (or 16:9) format mode. The next is to adjust the aspect ratio control, which can zoom, crop, stretch or properly display the image. The confusing part, aside from the name "aspect ratio," is that such controls can be found on both the TV and the source.
In general we recommend setting the TV to the mode that fills the screen without distortion when fed a high-def source, yet preserves the full resolution of that source. Such modes can be called "Native," "Dot-by-dot," "Just Scan," "Full Pixel," or others. Some TVs have a secondary control to enable this native mode, then require you to select "Full" or a similar mode to fill the screen without zooming or stretching. Try cycling through the modes on your TV by pressing the button that controls aspect ratio repeatedly, just to get familiar. The manual will also have a section devoted to this control.
For TVs connected to cable boxes with their own aspect ratio controls, the least confusing route is to select the recommended TV mode as described above, then control aspect ratio using the box's own control. But results vary widely, and it's important to remember that some sources, like non-wide-screen TV shows and many movies, look best when you leave the bars on the screen.
More Info: Quick Guide to aspect ratio
Adjust the picture settings
If you thought the section on aspect ratio was confusing, brace yourself. The myriad picture settings available on many TVs can leave the most experienced techie baffled. Fortunately there are some shortcuts to adjusting your picture for optimal quality.
First try cycling through the presets. They have names like "Standard," "Movie" "Dynamic," and "Sports," and each typically delivers different brightness, color and other characteristics. Many TV watchers are content to choose a mode they like and leave it at that.
If you're not, it's time to dive into the individual controls. You can make basic adjustments by eye with the right program material, invest in a setup disc on DVD or Blu-ray, or even spring for a full-fledged professional calibration. You could also try using the picture settings we at CNET publish as a part of our TV review process.
More Info: HDTV Tune-up tips, CNET's HDTV picture settings forum
Consider tweaking your room
Room lighting can have a big effect on picture quality, so when you can we recommend watching in a dim or dark room. When that's not possible, you should avoid letting a light source, such as a lamp or even a window, reflect from the TV screen. To avoid windows you might even want to consider moving your seating configuration to avoid reflections.
Conserve power
HDTVs can use a good deal of power, especially large models with bright picture settings, so if you want to be a greener TV watcher you can definitely take a few steps. Check out TV power saving tips for more info.
Still confused about how to get the most out of your new TV? Check out CNET's Home Audio and Video forums. Think you have a good tip I missed here? Leave a comment below.
Wayne A. Spring might be wishing he had better privacy settings on his Facebook page.
According to the Associated Press, Spring, in an attack of hubris, madness, or merely Saints fandom, told his socially-networking nearest and dearest that they could come and shoot his TV if the Saints beat the Washington Redskins last Sunday.
Yes, I said "beat," because Spring is a longtime, long-suffering fan of one of the NFL's more spirited and unfortunate franchises.
"I was a Saints fan, but used to be they never could win, and I admit I was a fair-weather fan," Spring told the AP.
The Saints won in overtime, 33-30. And as soon as the winning field goal pierced the uprights, Spring's ears were pierced by the sounds of his ringing phone.
Around a dozen equally sane Saints fans turned up with beer and guns. The resulting video has already caused something of a stir on YouTube. So please enjoy the merriment and the fact that Spring, who owns a medical staffing company, will apparently be watching the Saints on a small black-and-white screen this weekend.
Sometimes, it seems, electronics just don't get the respect they deserve.
Before you comment, keep in mind that this Panasonic plasma is NOT part of a Crave giveaway. This blog post simply highlights the publication of its review.
Plasma has been ceding ground to LCD for years, and the latest patches of territory at risk are screen sizes above 50 inches. Panasonic, both sheriff and principal resident of plasma town, has traditionally ruled the vast-size flat-panel frontier with an iron fist, but with LCDs available in new 55-inch and, lately, 65-inch versions for competitive prices, the company has had to continually make its own big screens more affordable.
The happy result, at least for HDTV shoppers with room to spare, is that larger models can be had for chunks of change that seem small by historical standards. And while the bigger sets in Panasonic's TC-PS1 series plasma might surprise you with their affordability, they also deliver better picture quality than most of their large LCD competition.
Read the full review of the Panasonic TC-PS1 series.
On Sale Now: $1,295.00 - $1,829.98
View the latest prices for Panasonic TC-P54S1
On Sale Now: $1,645.00 - $2,299.95
View the latest prices for Panasonic TC-P58S1
On Sale Now: $2,595.00 - $3,199.95
View the latest prices for Panasonic TC-P65S1
(Credit:
Apple)
Recently, with the help of some of the editors here at CNET, I put together list of the biggest tech flops of the decade. Since I'm not a negative guy at heart, it was only a matter of time before I came up with a more positive spin on the whole tech-products-of-the-decade concept that's all the rage as we approach the end of '09.
Once again, I've enlisted the help of my fellow editors, so while my name may appear at the top of this list, it's really a collective effort. That said, you can blame me if you don't like the picks.
As always, feel free to suggest your own picks. If you make a good case, we'll update the list and make some changes. Also, let us know what your top five picks are in order of innovation and influence.
Click on any image to start the slideshow and see the picks (they are listed in alphabetical order).
This mysterious black rectangle is the most popular TV on CNET during 2009.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)Among the three most-popular technology product categories covered by CNET Reviews--cell phones, laptops, and TVs--just one doesn't feature anything made by Apple. At least not yet.
Without having to fear roundish, white-logo-clad products whose names begin with a lower-case vowel, the scads of nearly identical-looking glossy black rectangles (notwithstanding a touch or two of color) can safely saturate the HDTV battlefield with their "Hz"-infused blood, assured of relatively equal footing.
Or is it? Judging from our list of most popular HDTVs of 2009, accessible below in suspense-building reverse order, said field is dominated by two titans that pummel the rest. Of the ten HDTVs listed, only one--the remarkable Pioneer Kuro PRO-111FD, still the highest-rated television I've ever reviewed--comes from a brand other than Panasonic or Samsung.
The disparity between brands is no coincidence. Products that made the list, which is arranged by total pageviews over the span of 2009 (and so includes a good number of TVs from 2008), invariably spent a lot of time atop or near the top of the Best Products lists. ... Read more
Another Monday and another hot holiday giveaway here on Crave. We've given away Sony, LG, and Vizio 32-inch TVs, and now we have a Samsung 32-incher, the LN32B360.
Editor David Katzmaier reviewed this set and says that although it isn't as feature-heavy as some models in its class, "Samsung's LNB360 series takes the picture quality cake among entry-level LCDs." (Read the full review).
Special thanks to Shopper.com, which powers CNET's price-comparison engine and is a great site for finding the best prices on products. (See all of Shopper's deals, coupon codes, and rebates).
Normally, the Samsung LN32B360 would cost you about $500, but you have the chance to get it gratis.
So, how do you try to win this Samsung 32-inch LCD TV? Let me enumerate the basic rules. Please read them carefully; there will be a test.
- Register as a CNET user. Go to the top of this page and hit the "Join CNET" link to start the registration process. If you're already registered, there's no need to register again.
- Leave a comment below. You can leave whatever comment you want. If it's funny or insightful it won't help you win, but we're trying to have fun here, so anything entertaining is appreciated.
- Leave only one comment. You may enter this specific giveaway only once. If you enter more than one comment, you will be automatically disqualified.
- The winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive (1) Samsung LN32B360 32-inch LCD TV. Retail value is $500.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified via e-mail. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
- Entries can be submitted until Tuesday, December 8, at 6:59:59 a.m. EST.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. MUST BE LEGAL RESIDENT OF ONE OF THE 50 UNITED STATES OR D.C., 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AT DATE OF ENTRY INTO SWEEPSTAKES. VOID IN PUERTO RICO, ALL U.S. TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS AND WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Sweepstakes ends at 7 AM ET on December 8, 2009. See official rules for details.
Good luck.
Come back tomorrow for our next holiday giveaway. Tomorrow's prize will be a set of Targus Crave laptop bags.
On Sale Now: $399.00 - $449.95
View the latest prices for Samsung LN32B360
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Sharp's LC-32D47UT has solid energy saving features and a third HDMI input.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)None of the cheaper 32-inch LCDs we've compared recently will satisfy viewers seeking the best home theater picture quality. The main strength of the Sharp LC-32D47UT, for example, lies not in the fidelity of its image, but in areas that might be more important to shoppers at the entry-level price point: features and energy efficiency.
The former is comprised mainly of a third HDMI input, conveniently mounted on the side panel and quite rare for the breed. The latter will only save you a few bucks a year, at most, but over the lifetime of your typical bedroom TV, that can add up.
The sacrifice compared with other entry-level sets, despite the Sharp's relatively deep black levels, comes in other areas of picture quality, namely color and video processing. But if you want that third HDMI input and prize eco-consciousness, this little Sharp belongs on your own comparison list.
Read the full review of the Sharp LC-32D47UT
On Sale Now: $429.29 - $459.47
View the latest prices for Sharp LC-32D47UT
(Credit:
Sarah Tew/CNET)
Much like Vizio, budget TV brand Westinghouse has decided to capitalize on the usual energy efficiency of small-screened LCDs. Its "greenvue" line, which includes the SK-H640G series, is said to surpass Energy Star by 20 percent.
That's not a very high standard yet, however, and according to our tests, the 32-incher, while among the most efficient of its kind, will save you at most a few bucks a year over similar TVs. Compared with those TVs it also came up a bit short in the picture quality and features departments, but its simple design and control scheme could appeal to bargain hunters fed up with a typical HDTVs' complexity.
Read the full review of the Westinghouse SK-H640G series.
