Reviews related to : Televisions
Huge Plastacine rabbits, that’s what I think of when I think of the latest Sony TV’s they were used to promote the vivid colours that these are capable of. Of course they are great TV’s but are they worth the premium the name brings.
This is the KDL-32E4000 the instruction book lists seventeen models that all work the same way, maybe that says something that a whole range from 26 to 52 inch operate without difference. There is of course one that the screen will operate at a lower resolution for models less than 37 inches. I am told there are a couple of 32 inch around that work at 1080 but this is the first one I have reviewed.
From the same company that recently supplied the 19inch offering for a prize draw, this is a Digital and Analogue offering that has all the possible external connectors you might want and it’s HD Ready and widescreen with 16:9 viewing.
Most of the modern breed of Digital TV's are more of less the same to operate. Plug in the mains lead and your aerial and then switch on. If it's new then it should offer you the chance to scan for channels, if not you need to enter the menu and maybe search a bit for the option. Some scan both Digital and Analog at the same time others like this you need to scan twice.
In the coming weeks and months you will get a real alternative to Sky or Virgin that has only a one off payment to buy the box and fitting for your own satellite disk to view -at launch- 80 TV/Radio channels. In the coming months this will rise initially to 232 including (with the correct box) HD offerings from both BBC and ITV (the ITV is exclusive) and others as they become available.
Freeview has opened the market and with the immanent turning off of the Analogue spectrum we all have to find a way of getting digital TV. If you live in a good reception area this may just involve upgrading your loft/roof aerial. However there is a solution that is stated to work for 98.5% of the country and that is Freesat. Not only do you get all the free channels currently on Freeview but a lot more.
Bacon is not the only product from Denmark that has been feeding my interest as I take a look at a television receiver from that country.
In the past I have looked at a number of television receiver products from various manufacturers. These have ranged from cards that need to be inserted into an internal slot to USB devices covering analogue and digital channels. However this is the first time that I have had the opportunity to look at a television receiver from a company based in .
Never the one to indulge in half measures and with a strong preference for “world firsts”, Archos has taken the opportunity recently to announce some new products and additions to the company’s current range of service offerings.
I'm sure whether to classify the first announcement making up this report as multi-functional or more of a convergence in technology as Archos enhances one of its existing products. That product is the Archos 605 WiFi Media Player which featured in an earlier review ( ).
Perhaps it was not love at first sight but a Polaroid LCD HD ready unit quickly took over my living room in the role of providing my viewing pleasure.
The times, according to Bob Dylan, are "a-changing" This 60's observation by the American folk singing currently rings true with the one-eyed monster that has taken up residence in most living rooms. I am referring, of course, to the television set and the changes that are being brought about by the combination of LCD technology and the forth-coming switch-over to digital rather than analogue broadcasting.
Over the last few years the trend in television has been for ever bigger screens - whether LCD or Plasma. There
is however still a market for the smaller set - either for bedroom, kitchen or den. Humax have addressed this
somewhat neglected market with a range of 19 and 22" highly functional sets.
click to enlarge
I'm reviewing the 19" version here. Like it's slightly larger 22" sibling this set is available in
either black or white. The display is a 1440x900 wide-screen panel with a wide 160° viewing angle. This
sits on an integrated stand that contains the stereo speakers. Dimensions for the whole unit are approximately
500x439x170mm (Width x Height x Depth).
Its small size and low price make Lindy's USB DVB-T tv receiver worth looking at -- especially for the notebook user.
Having cut through the plastic of its display package I found that, in addition to the DVB-T Stick together with its USB extension cable and remote control, which weigh less than 100g altogether, there is a stick aerial attached to a 1metre cable, an aerial connector adapter and the driver CD. Where I expected to find the quick-start guide there was, in fact, a fold-out leaflet advertising a whole range of Lindy products.
This is far more than just a digital TV as it has a range of connectors enabling HD and perhaps at the size is ideal for connecting via VGA to a PC or notebook, I certainly tried them all.
I find it strange when a 32inch or greater TV has VGA connection as I doubt many would use it as a monitor apart from an emergency. But a 20inch I think is more than likely to be the reverse unless it is utilized in the bedroom. It is 49x38x6.5cm with a stand of 28x15cm that raises it 4cm above the desk or stand.
This is a 22inch panel with standard analogue (15pin input) but it also has – not as you may think digital – but HDMI so your high definition Blu-ray or other device connect directly.
I must admit my initial thoughts were disappointment as the maximum display is 1680x1050 although the graphics card in the system will display a screen up to 2048x1536 and does if set but you scroll to the bits not shown on the 22inch display. First the dimensions it is 52x42x6.5cm when on it's circular 22cm base that raises the screen around 7cm above your desk. The actual viewing area is 47x29.5cm giving the 21.6 inch diagonal measurement.
After my recent review of the excellent Analogue TV from Polaroid I took little persuading to look at their brand new digital offering.
The Polaroid Definia is totally black not only the screen surround but also the speakers mounted below the screen. First the dimensions, it is 83x58cm and the rectangular stand (23x51cm) raises it 7cm above the base. It is a maximum of 10cm thick and the actual screen is 69x39cm giving the notional 32inch diagonal measurement, (actually 31.
Certainly a lot more than another bedroom TV, this has the ability to view HD, it is of course widescreen and at 19inches is far more watchable and just for good measure it has a built in DVD player.
First the measurements it is 47x35x6cm when on the stand that is 24x17cm and raises it up by 4cm. The screen is 41x26cm and this gives the 19inch diagonal measurement. There is a 52 page A4 manual and it is filled with lots of illustrations that are useful if only because this is not just a TV but so many devices. The only assembly required is to slot the base into the TV, no screws or twist and it's a good fit.
You've got a TV in the bedroom, the living room, the conservatory and even the
kitchen. But the bathroom... Until now the last bastion of TV free living has
finally fallen with the arrival of a waterproof television from Tech Vision.
The 10.4"LCD screen of the TechVision TW104 is protected by a plastic case with front panel buttons for volume, channel and input selection. Other than that all TV functions are controlled by a separate water-proof remote control. Overall dimensions are 395x292x42mm (width x height x depth). The TV is certified to IP56, which broadly speaking means it can be hit from water at any angle and will be fine.
Polaroid is a name traditionally linked with instant film and sunglasses. They have however been
at the forefront of a number of technical developments over the years. Now they are capitalising
on that heritage to enter the high-definition TV market.
We'll be taking an in-depth look at Polaroid's Definia Range in December. This is a little sneak
preview of the Polaroid range. Paul Smart recently
and
was impressed with the results. The Definia range take that core technology and integrates a
digital (Freeview) tuner.
This is an Analogue TV but it has almost any connection at the rear so with a digital PVR you have a new TV with the ability to view and play HD.
This is the first TV I have reviewed that is supplied with a screwdriver. Yes it is self assembly - of the stand - the screws are provided as are the screw holes and after a couple of minutes it is ready. A good idea should you ever need to relocate it as the box for a 32 inch TV is tiny only just bigger than the screen so the stand needs to be flat in the boxes back.
Following its acquisition by the Petters Group Worldwide in 2005, Polaroid has undergone a change, maybe not of image but certainly with its range of products.
Certain names have the ability to bring memories flooding back with the effect that you have the totally wrong impression of the current situation. Take, as an example, Polaroid. My immediate thoughts, when invited to the company's product briefing, were of instant cameras that were bulky and produced instant snaps. Later, perhaps, I would have probably thought of sunglasses.
Continuing my series of 32 and 37 inch TV’s here is the latest offering from Toshiba that has full HD abilities but does it come at a detriment to standard TV broadcasts?
First the all important dimensions, the is 91.5x66x12cm on it's stand. The screen surround is 91.5x60cm with the viewable screen 82.5x46.5cm giving the diagonal inch measurement. For those needing to move it the weight is around 20kilos. 37" Regza 37 It is described as gloss black but while the screen surrounds are black the speaker grill below the screen is grey and the various controls under that are silver grey to match the 'C' shape stand.
JVC are most known for Camcorders and TV’s, finally I have managed to get one of their recent 32inch offerings to tell you about.
It is technically possible to connect a VCR, a DVD recorder, a DVD player, Audio Components, Games Console, Digital Camera and or course a Video Camera from this unit. I have never seen an illustration showing all these connected at one time, however as it has more or less the same external connections as most modern TV's they could probably do so as well. The right side has only four buttons and an input for earbuds.
Adding a television tuner capability to your computer has never been easier thanks to USB but the viewing results can be disappointing.
Adding to its already extensive portfolio of television tuner products, Terratec has released its latest offering for those looking for digital and analogue viewing on a Windows XP system. This product is the which consists of the tuner unit, a small aerial, software CD and slim User Guide. Cinergy HT USB XE As is becoming standard practice with add-on television tuners, this device slots into an available USB port.
This is an ideal bedroom TV and with the DVD player built in so even when there is nothing to watch live you can always resort to the DVD’s.
I was somewhat surprised that no aerial is supplied with the / . If like me the bedroom is just too far away from the roof aerial then a portable one has to be used. While the image they give is normally far from ghost free the quality in most cases will be watchable. Bush LCD DVD combination I first tuned the unit in my lounge using the loft aerial. Next I moved it to the bedroom and found a couple of portable aerials.