HDTV Reviews

I've never posted a review before, but I purchased this antenna based on the reviews I read and thought I'd spread the word. This is a great product! I had a roof antenna with a very long cable connecting it to my TV. I live in West Los Angeles and no tall buildings obstruct my antenna. However, I was unable to receive CBS and NBC in HD. The Gemini picked up those stations and many more than my rooftop antenna did. I also had reservations about buying this because I have a 55" TV and wasn't sure if the antenna would be able to provide an adequate signal (I'm not very technical, so I don't know if it matters). Well, the Gemini antenna works great with my big screen. Great price too. I saw it at Best Buy for $40. Can't lose for this price.

As has been said by others, this almost toy-like antenna is quite a performer. I hooked it up and placed it on a shelf about 54" high and pointed it more or less in the direction of Mt. Wilson (where all the Los Angeles stations broadcast from; I'm about 32 miles from there). Instantly my HDTV recognized nine stations, and found another two when I tried acquiring a second time.

The only caveat, is the antenna's location is occasionally blocked by someone walking by. This will cause momentary signal loss. Consequently when you locate the antenna, try to get it high enough or in a non-traffic area so that it won't get blocked.

Note, this antenna was delivered in a box entitled "Zenith Silver Sensor", not Gemini. The antenna is 100% identical to the Gemini, and is known to be sold under a number of trade names.

This product - also known as the Silver Sensor under different brands - is definitely worthy of the hype. I decided to go HDTV this summer, but an outdoor antenna just wasn't a good option. Given my experience with other expensive "rabbit ears" I was doubtful. But this antenna brings in all of my local digital HDTV channels and I can even hide it in a closet. It's not perfect under all weather conditions, but digital tv is still in it's infancy right now and reception should steadily improve.

If you want to go digital and stay off the roof, try this one first. Reviews on Amazon are one of my most trusted sales reference sources, and this time the Amazon customers are dead-on.

I cannot review the product (originally listed for $1,000.00 dollars more), because Crates Direct pulled a switcheroo and sent an inferior, cheaper model whose true price IS $1,199.99 and not the $2,999.99 they charged me but refuse to alter.

If you order this one, don't expect to get it.

I just got the 32XBR450 yesterday (2/9/02) and I absolutely love it. I wasn't intending on buying this TV when I went shopping but once I saw the picture and other features compared to the "regular" flat screen TV's I had to have it. The picture's incredible, the colors are perfect and the skin tones are right on the money. I havent hooked it up to a home theater system yet but the TV audio on its own is wonderful. I connected a DVD player that has the progressive scan feature (only works with HDTV TV's) and I used the component video cable connection. All I can say about the picture quality while watching a DVD is WOW!!!! It's crystal clear. It was just like being in a movie theater except that my recliner is much more comfortable and the picture was actually better. The picture-in-picture feature is better than any I've seen. It's called Twin-View and instead of a small box in the corner of the screen it comes up in a split screen so both channels take up half the screen. Then you can resize either one you want and as one gets bigger the other gets smaller. You can also use the picture-in-picture mode while viewing a DVD, VHS, video game system or any other input you have hooked up. There are also plenty of in-put jacks (6) so you can hook up just about anything you want. Overall it's just the best TV I've seen. The ONLY reason I didnt give it 5-stars is because of the price. I paid the same price thats advertised here but I got the stand included. Oh ya and it's HDTV (ready) so when all broadcasts go over to HDTV in a few years you'll be all set. If you can pay the price then go out and get this TV NOW!!!

The Sony XBR Wega Flat-Screen HDTV Monitor (KV-32XBR450) will please even the most discriminating movie viewers. I looked at every model imaginable in the stores, and this television is a hands-down winner over all the rest. Friends prefer watching their movies at *my* house now. :) The TV features a 16:9 enhanced mode for high-aspect ratio video sources. Many DVDs are now available in this 16:9 widescreen ratio format (also known as anamorphic movies). The TV also features "component video" 3 cable video inputs from a DVD player. (These feature 3 separate wires for RGB signals and provide the best transfer available today.) Use a Progressive Scan DVD Player to take advantage of the full capabilities of this TV. Other features include channel labels in which you can program a 5 character description for each channel. This makes browsing easier when you forget which channel number goes with each network. The remote control is easy to use and operates very quickly with on-screen computer-like bar menus. The television is very heavy, so be prepared to have help moving and installing it. It weighs around 175 lbs. The sound is quite good, but the most discerning listeners will prefer to hook the sound into a stereo system. Nonetheless, if you are not an audiophile, the sound quality should be more than good enough. A full year warranty is included with this TV. Also, it's HDTV compatible to be able to handle the upcoming future improvments in availability of HDTV broadcasts. The television is expensive, but a set of this quality should provide many years of viewing enjoyment which is well worth the extra cost.

I bought this recorder a month ago and have recorded 20+ TV shows and a few movies on it. I was a little skeptical about this device at first, as I read many reviews about how DVD recorders seem to eat through DVD discs with mis rights and have other problems. However, this recorder has worked flawlessly so far. I have been recording on cheap Imation DVD-R discs without a problem.

I have recorded in the 2 hour and 4 hour formats. The 4 hour format is actually much better quality than I expected. So much, that I have been recording TV shows (Sopranos, Deadwood, Elmo, etc.) in this mode for later viewing.

I do have two minor dissappointments. 1) the technical specification stated that this unit has both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. This is not true. It only has an optical digital audio output. This is a problem for me, as I don't have enough optical inputs on my receiver and have a coaxial connection to spare. 2) the recording schedule feature is a bit odd in that it requires you to turn off the recorder to record a scheduled program. This is a bit annoying, as I'd like to watch the event when it comes up. Because of this, I have to wait for the recorder to start recording before I can watch TV through the DVD recorder.

This was a very good thing to get. i just wish that there were 2 of me .it takes along time to get all of my old tapes on DVD. good price but the only thing is that it is too picky about what kinds of blank disc it will record to.you have to be carefull what kinds of blank disc to buy.

Unlike some lesser brandnames, this Panasonic DVD recorder actually works. I've heard that with some other brands, you can get failed burning sessions, which would waste your blank DVD media. Also, since this Panasonic uses the DVD-R ("dash" or "minus" format) instead of DVD+R ("plus" format), the discs you burn are compatible with *more* DVD players. For my money, I'd stick with DVD-R all the way. Also, be sure to get high-quality blank discs for better recording quality and longer shelf lives.

(Ignore the DVD-RAM format. No DVD player I know of except some Panasonic models can read DVD-RAM.)

I'm really happy with the great build quality and great price I got with this model. I didn't need one of those Panasonic models with a built-in hard drive, so I saved money. But if you want TiVo-like capabilities, check out those HD-equipped models.

The best virtue of this Panasonic is it does a great job at what it's supposed to do. I'm sure better models are already in the channel, so I'd say if you can wait a bit longer, wait a bit longer. Otherwise, the Panasonic is your best bet for value, quality, and durability.

I looked at almost all the mid sized, flat panel TV's from "High End" places to Best Buy and the Sharpe 37" LCD had the best, most consistent picture. The prices varied from $5500.00 in a retail store to $3700.00 on the Internet. I had several reasons for choosing LCD over Plasma. 1) Plasma displays have considerably bigger pixels (even on smaller screen sizes) than LCD making it harder to watch at close distances. 2) Plasma's have the problem of not being able to re-produce "negative black" (-7.5ire). The result is that even an extremely clean live video feed has a kind of "haze" over the picture that simply can't be adjusted out without compromising sharpness, brightness and color intensity. It's just the electronic nature of Plasma. It's especially annoying when watching HDTV movies or broadcasts where clarity and sharpness are so important. After all that's what your paying for, right? LCD screens however are capable of reproducing negative black quite nicely so consequently don't have the "washed" look of plasmas. Plasmas are fine from a distance of say 15' or more but my viewing distance is only about 9 ft so the choice of the Sharpe 37" LCD was clear in that regard.

I did a bit of research before buying a flat panel tv, and decided to go with LCD because of the reported lifespan (after all, it's still a LOT of cash to put out for the technology)and because LCD doesn't suffer from 'burn-in' like plasma (kids with video games). So, first stop was to Tweeter to see the sets side-by-side. I was completely impressed with the picture quality of the sharp LCD and my opinion has not changed 7 months later. My only complaint is there are not enough HDTV channels. I now find my viewing is almost completely controlled by which broadcasts are in HDTV (I am totally spoiled now). This set is great... now my husband wants them in every room.

This discontinued model was one of the largest LCD TVs when it first came out last year. Now others have surpassed it in size, but Sharp's quality is still the best. The viewing angles are admirable, the colors from DVDs are vibrant and true, and pixelation, although still apparent at times as is with *all* LCD screens (due to liquid crystal response time -- do not believe the "below 16ms" hype from some non-Japanese Asian manufacturers), is quite acceptable. The images displayed on this are just breathtakingly beautiful. Since this model is discontinued, you can find it at bargain prices, or get one of the newer big Aquos LCD monitors.

Had this monitor for 3 months now. Used almost exclusively as a computer monitor and xbox monitor. Great for xbox using progressive component. For the most part very good for computer using vga and 1280x720 with ATI Radeon Video. Ran into huge problem when I upgraded my video card to Nvidia 6600gt. Although the card says it supports 1280x720 the picture looks like it is running at a non-native resolution. (very blurry similar to running at a resolution other then 1280x720). As far as the tv side, the picture quality is horrible using the standard catv inputs on the back. I have not tried hooking this up to a hdtv decoder or satalite but would assume those would look very nice given the quality of the xbox signal. Overall I like the monitor and for under $1000 it is probably one of the best buys out there for a 27 inch monitor/tv.

This is an awesome TV, period. As the reviewer before me now knows, this TV does have CATV cable hookup. It is located behind and lower on the TV. It functions great as a monitor in 1280 x 720. The xBox also looks great in widescreen mode. The TVs menu system allows you to set just about everything for each type of input, and then go back to default settings any time. The 750:1 contrast ratio looks as good as the Sharp Aquos. Just unbelievable!!!

Actually got this unit somewhere else for a little less. You still cant beat the price if you compare it to comparable 30" models with 1280 x 768 lines. The other models are selling for around $2000 and higher.<br /> <br /> It's so sharp that I can use it as a computer monitor. Which I did for 2 weeks. Text was very clear (using DVI cable, it was slightly blurry with the vga cable) and the graphics were amazing. Can you believe the screen was TOO big, especially when I sit 2 feet away. So for now, it's a bedroom TV.<br /> <br /> Final note: U will see and appreciate the exceptional resolution on this TV/monitor if you use high definition TV input or DVI input from a computer. I say this because some retailers are showing normal Direct TV or cable stations on this TV. That's like driving 55 mph all the time in a 500 hp Dodge Viper. It can do 200 mph if you give it the right input.<br /> <br /> So happy with my 30 Syntax, I'm looking for another LCD or Plasma. I suggest a minimum of 1024 lines or higher. Forget about Enhanced TV or 852 lines. It's cheaper but go for higher lines if you plan to use HDTV.<br /> <br /> Basic Guide:<br /> Lines- higher the better<br /> Brightness- higher the better<br /> Contrast- higher the better<br /> Response- lower the better<br /> <br /> PS. Syntax got very good reviews from various indepedent sources. Search Syntax Group via Yahoo and see the reviews for yourself.

Had this monitor for 3 months now. Used almost exclusively as a computer monitor and xbox monitor. Great for xbox using progressive component. For the most part very good for computer using vga and 1280x720 with ATI Radeon Video. Ran into huge problem when I upgraded my video card to Nvidia 6600gt. Although the card says it supports 1280x720 the picture looks like it is running at a non-native resolution. (very blurry similar to running at a resolution other then 1280x720). As far as the tv side, the picture quality is horrible using the standard catv inputs on the back. I have not tried hooking this up to a hdtv decoder or satalite but would assume those would look very nice given the quality of the xbox signal. Overall I like the monitor and for under $1000 it is probably one of the best buys out there for a 27 inch monitor/tv.

This is an awesome TV, period. As the reviewer before me now knows, this TV does have CATV cable hookup. It is located behind and lower on the TV. It functions great as a monitor in 1280 x 720. The xBox also looks great in widescreen mode. The TVs menu system allows you to set just about everything for each type of input, and then go back to default settings any time. The 750:1 contrast ratio looks as good as the Sharp Aquos. Just unbelievable!!!

Actually got this unit somewhere else for a little less. You still cant beat the price if you compare it to comparable 30" models with 1280 x 768 lines. The other models are selling for around $2000 and higher.<br /> <br /> It's so sharp that I can use it as a computer monitor. Which I did for 2 weeks. Text was very clear (using DVI cable, it was slightly blurry with the vga cable) and the graphics were amazing. Can you believe the screen was TOO big, especially when I sit 2 feet away. So for now, it's a bedroom TV.<br /> <br /> Final note: U will see and appreciate the exceptional resolution on this TV/monitor if you use high definition TV input or DVI input from a computer. I say this because some retailers are showing normal Direct TV or cable stations on this TV. That's like driving 55 mph all the time in a 500 hp Dodge Viper. It can do 200 mph if you give it the right input.<br /> <br /> So happy with my 30 Syntax, I'm looking for another LCD or Plasma. I suggest a minimum of 1024 lines or higher. Forget about Enhanced TV or 852 lines. It's cheaper but go for higher lines if you plan to use HDTV.<br /> <br /> Basic Guide:<br /> Lines- higher the better<br /> Brightness- higher the better<br /> Contrast- higher the better<br /> Response- lower the better<br /> <br /> PS. Syntax got very good reviews from various indepedent sources. Search Syntax Group via Yahoo and see the reviews for yourself.

Had this monitor for 3 months now. Used almost exclusively as a computer monitor and xbox monitor. Great for xbox using progressive component. For the most part very good for computer using vga and 1280x720 with ATI Radeon Video. Ran into huge problem when I upgraded my video card to Nvidia 6600gt. Although the card says it supports 1280x720 the picture looks like it is running at a non-native resolution. (very blurry similar to running at a resolution other then 1280x720). As far as the tv side, the picture quality is horrible using the standard catv inputs on the back. I have not tried hooking this up to a hdtv decoder or satalite but would assume those would look very nice given the quality of the xbox signal. Overall I like the monitor and for under $1000 it is probably one of the best buys out there for a 27 inch monitor/tv.

This is an awesome TV, period. As the reviewer before me now knows, this TV does have CATV cable hookup. It is located behind and lower on the TV. It functions great as a monitor in 1280 x 720. The xBox also looks great in widescreen mode. The TVs menu system allows you to set just about everything for each type of input, and then go back to default settings any time. The 750:1 contrast ratio looks as good as the Sharp Aquos. Just unbelievable!!!

Actually got this unit somewhere else for a little less. You still cant beat the price if you compare it to comparable 30" models with 1280 x 768 lines. The other models are selling for around $2000 and higher.<br /> <br /> It's so sharp that I can use it as a computer monitor. Which I did for 2 weeks. Text was very clear (using DVI cable, it was slightly blurry with the vga cable) and the graphics were amazing. Can you believe the screen was TOO big, especially when I sit 2 feet away. So for now, it's a bedroom TV.<br /> <br /> Final note: U will see and appreciate the exceptional resolution on this TV/monitor if you use high definition TV input or DVI input from a computer. I say this because some retailers are showing normal Direct TV or cable stations on this TV. That's like driving 55 mph all the time in a 500 hp Dodge Viper. It can do 200 mph if you give it the right input.<br /> <br /> So happy with my 30 Syntax, I'm looking for another LCD or Plasma. I suggest a minimum of 1024 lines or higher. Forget about Enhanced TV or 852 lines. It's cheaper but go for higher lines if you plan to use HDTV.<br /> <br /> Basic Guide:<br /> Lines- higher the better<br /> Brightness- higher the better<br /> Contrast- higher the better<br /> Response- lower the better<br /> <br /> PS. Syntax got very good reviews from various indepedent sources. Search Syntax Group via Yahoo and see the reviews for yourself.

This is a new TV that uses DLP technology to give you an excellent HDTV picture without requiring a big, heavy set (like the Sony XBRs).

Good Points: Great option for those who don't want an expensive plasma TV. Fits in large armoires.

Bad Points: The remote isn't lighted. The remote is a little clunky. It has some basic functions for a VCR/DVD, but certainly not as good as the remote that comes with your VCR/DVD.

General Comments:
The Samsung HLN437W is a terrific option to have a big screen HDTV without being too heavy (only about 67 lbs) or too deep (less than 16 inches deep) to fit into an armoire. The price... is excellent for its size (43 inch).

I am very pleased with the picture quality and the features of the TV. The picture quality in a brightly lit room with non-HDTV signals may not be as good as your cheap old-fashioned tube TV, but it is certainly adequate. Furthermore, the quality is excellent in a dark room or with a progressive scan DVD player.

You can watch TV in the old 4:3 format, or widescreen or panorama or zoom modes. It has a picture-in-picture mode so that you can watch two of your favorite programs at the same time. You can program the remote to press one button for your favorite 10 channels.

I purchased this TV after a year of research on Plasma and LCD. In store personal comparisons showed better pictures than the prior two technologies at less than half the price. I think DLP technology is the first step in making HD televisions affordable. This tv is light and thin to compared to CRT and the picture when seen in true high definition is stunning. Even non HD siganls are best I've ever seen. I have two friends who bought plasma tv,s who say DVD images are perfect, but regular tv is terrible. I don't kow if this is the TV or too advanced a cble connection. Either way, this is not happening with this tv or my connections. I've not witnessed any rainbow or other image problems others have mentioned. I hooked up my Cablevision IO HD box with component Video/audio and my DVD using DVI cable. The fact that there is almost no wasted space on left, right and top sides allows you to fit as much picture as possible in the smallest space. I've nothing but a positive review of this TV and would advise purchase to anyone. Plasma is just not worth it, unless you have to have a wall mount. With the money I saved buying this, I purchased a beautiful antique entertainment center to hold it and more. Very happy I found this.

SH

I purchased this set in November '03 after doing about 3 months research and visiting Best Buy etc. to view picture quality and technology comparisons. I settled on the Samsung DLP (43") to fit the opening in my wall cabinet. I wish I could have gotten a bigger model, however, it would have cost me $1600 to remodel my built-in wall cabinet. I have Direct TV and installed a roof antenna for my local stations(Direct TV doesn't broadcast in HD for local stations). The picture quality is astounding.

It beats Plasma and any other picture technology 2-1. HD Net, Discovery Channel HD, ESPN HD, and all the other HD channels available are sharp and without any type of distortion to my critical eye. The roof antenna brings in the local channels (about 60 miles away in Cleveland) as if they were HD coming off the satellite.

I have a Samsung HD 931 DVD player which is connected to the TV via a DVI cable. What a difference between my present picture and the one I got from my old analog TV.

I have a Samsung SR T165 HD receiver box and I am very dissappointed with its user interface with the 2 antenna feeds.
Although it provides the above mentioned great reception, it is very cumberson to use when surfing.

In conclusion, The Samsung DLP is a dream. I can't imagine how they can improve on the quality and clarity of this set, but I'm sure they will. The closer you sit to this set the clearer the picture becomes.

So far I have had no problems with the TV and have not adjusted the set as it came from the factory.

I purchased this set a little over a year ago because I was amazed with the picture while comparing it to other sets next to it. The colors can be adjusted with the different theater settings, and I love how you can set it so that while switching channels some don't come in louder than others. I've had friends and family over for football games and to watch movies and have received many complememts on the picture.

My one problem is with something that someone else also noted. In the lower left corner of my television, the color began to look faded. I'm happy I purchased an extended warranty through Circuit City. A local technician came over to fix it a few days later, but the fading looks worse, and I will have to call them again. My speakers are pushed all the way against each wall, about 5 feet away from the TV. I REALLY don't want to replace this set with another because I love the picture I get from it, but the faded color in the corner bothers me, especially after paying so much for a TV. One other minor complaint is that I sometimes hear a high-pitched noise coming from the back of the set. That also bothers me.

I don't have a progressive scan DVD player yet, but I will probably be upgrading that and my receiver within the next year. I love the picture on this TV, but there have been a few small problems with it.

I HAD TO DECIDED BETWEEN A FLAT SCREEN PANASONIC OR THE HITACHI. HITACHI IS THE ONLY MAKER OF AN HDTV NON FLAT SCREEN. I DECEIDED TO GO WITH THE HITACHI BECAUSE IT WEIGHS ONLY 105LBS VS. THE HEFTY 165LBS PAN.(32HDX42) FITS NICELY IN MY ENTERTAINMENT FURNITURE WHICH WAS DESIGNED FOR A 27" TV AND BECAUSE I HAVE A 27" HITACHI TV/MONITOR(WEIGHS THE SAME AS MY NEW 32" HITACHI) FOR 12 YEARS STILL OPERATES THE SAME AS THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT IT. I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE THE PIP -CAN'T CHANGE THE CHANNEL?
OTHERWISE, A WONDERFULL TV SET WITH ALL THE INPUTS ONE WILL NEED TO ATTACH 2 VCR'S, DVD PLAYER, TAPE DECK! GREAT VALUE FOR [money ammount].

I looked and looked for a new TV. Read every review I could find. After purchasing a 51" projection set from Hitachi, I was impressed with the picture and quality of their sets. The 32" was one of the few of that size that would fit into my cabinet. Although, initially, I wanted a flat-screen, I decided to go with the Hitachi. This is a great TV! Picture quality is stunning. Watching DVDs from my progressive scan player is an awesome experience. I have heard some negative reviews regarding sound quality, but have yet to experiance ANY problems in that area. Instead, the sound has been great. Not as good as my surround set-up in the den, but exceptional for a TV. So far, I am exceptionally happy with my decision and purchase. Hitachi makes great TVs!

I rated this product 4 stars rather than 5 stars only because the air cooling fan for the LCD monitor is a little noisy. Not enough to bother you but I am a little critical. However, it did not stop me from buying the set for its great picture and great looks.

I had previously owned an RCA F38310 HDTV which was nothing but trouble. I have had this set for almost 6 months now - bought it sight unseen from circuit city and have been thrilled with it. Works great with digital cable, DVD, PSX2 and terrestial HD signals(need an HD reciever) and High Def DirecTv - standard DirecTv was not so great (looked washed out) but I am dropping my subscription - I only used it for High def channels and I just got HD Cable which is fantastic (Discovery HD Theatre is awsome)!

the minor con -Speakers are not great but I'll bet if you are looking at this TV you already have or will get a quality surround sound system.

The bottom line with this set is the picture, this set is on par with entry level Plasma sets and well exceeds any standard rear projection tvs.

Absolutely no problems so far but if I have learned anything from my RCA HDTV purchase,always get a good warranty with in home service.

I've had this tv for over a month. (Also purchased the new Onkyo 950 home theater package to go with it.) While more than your average projection TV, this LCD rear-projection offers almost the same resolution as plasma. The delivery guys from Best-Buy brought it to my house and set it up had never seen one before. After we plugged it in and fired it up, both of them uttered, "wow" as the screen came alive. They had set up two plasma tvs for NASA in the past, and both of them througt this Panasonic was as good .... with a lot less hassle than a plasma.

Reactions from new viewers on DVDs is predictable: universal acclimation that it's a much. much better experience than in the theater. Stunning clarity: you will notice more visual details than in the theater.

It doesn't get any better than this, unless you're willing to fork over MUCH more money. Couldn't be happier.