TV Reviews

Since moving to a rural area, my cable modem reception became very unreliable. The modem would lose synchronization with the ISP's network several times per day. I had techs from the cable company examine my set up two times. They could not find anything wrong. The only recommendation they could give was that I not use a signal splitter. I had one cable going to my modem and the other to my ATI All-in-Wonder video card. Removing the splitter improved my modem reception a little, but the synchronization problems persisted, and I could no longer watch TV on my computer.

By chance I saw this signal amplifier in the store. My experience with such consumer electronic gizmos has not been good so my initial reaction was to shy away from it. But since it was from Motorola, the manufacturer of my cable modem, and the clerk would take it back if it didn't work, I decided to give it a try. I am very glad I did!

Using this signal amplifier has solved all of my cable modem synchronization problems. Network synchronization now happens within ten seconds of powering-up my modem, where before it would take two minutes, if at all. Furthermore, my modem stays connected-it hasn't gone down since I installed the amplifier.

On the down side, this amplifier noticeably downgraded (or is overdriving) my analog cable TV signal with what appears to be digital interference. The amplifier is mounted outside under the eves of my home where the cable comes in from the telephone pole. The Sony Trinitron XBR television in my living room shows a little interference on all channels, but it is not really noticeable unless you look for it. However, on my ATI All-In-Wonder card the interference is a lot more noticeable, rendering several channels almost unwatchable.

As for the people writing the other reviews on this product, you should not speak if you know nothing about Broadband. First of all, this booster will NOT increase your docsis cable modem speeds, no matter what you hear. This amplifier, installed correctly (at the entry point of your home) will boost your forward signal by +15db (allowing return signals to pass). Most cable modem operating level ranges are +15 to -15, so if your within that range on your cable modems operating frequency (for example 705mhz) there is no need for a booster. If you are on the treshhold of signal, like -17db, then this amp will be beneficial to you. Your GUI on your cable modem will give you this reading (http://192.168.100.1 for example). As for your cable reception, and amplifier can be helpful if you have multiple TV's, to make up for the loss that your splitters create. But again, this amp MUST be installed @ your cables entry point to your home. If you have a bad connection though, you will only amplify noise. So your outside drop connection from the pole must be good for an amp to work properly. In conclusion, your modem downloads a config file from your ISP which tells that modem what speeds to run at, and your ISP's router capacities determine what kind of speeds you get. So this amplifier will NOT boost speeds :-)

i've got one jack in my apartment and i need 8 cable line feeds (3 tv's, 3 vcr's, 1 tivo and cable internet) and the lines needed to be split 6 ways to sunday. landlord wouldn't allow a new jack to be installed so i had to figure something else out. the signal in some rooms were totally unwatchable so i had to disconnect a few things just to strenghten the signal. it improved a bit but not by much.

then i heard about this booster. decided to check it out and made the purchase at circuit city. i didn't expect the $80 price tag but figured if it didnt give me what i wanted i could always return it and get a refund. i found it in the internet area and at the time i wasnt aware that it could also boost cable modem speeds as well. so i get it home and connect everything.

wow... perfect signals thru out my home. then i reconnect all of my signals the way i originally planned and there was no degrading of the perfect signal at all. the completely unwatchable channels on my girlfriends tv (the ones that she records her soaps on) are now as clear and vivid as they can possibly be. even boosted my internet speed from an average of 3200 down to an average of about 4300 down.

i picked this up saturday the 20th. sunday i had a couple friends over who have similar issues with their cable. after seeing my improvements they went out that day and bought signal boosters.

for me this was an excellent purchase. did exactly what i wanted it to do and even more considering i didnt buy it because of its capabilities with boosting cable internet... which it seems to do very well. i highly recommend this product.

I have had this TV for about 2 years now and serveral months ago I noticed a problem with the cable we had connected to the TV. After several hours of use the picture would develop wavy lines of static that would eventually make the TV unwhatchable. I've tried switching out the cable box the VCR even the coaxial cable the picture still deteriorates after no more than 5 hours of use. The use of the VCR tends to speed the occurence of the problem and can obliterate the picture in roughly 4 hours. Also when whatching cable TV I have noticed ghosts in the picture. I have tried switching cable boxes with the TV in the other room but the problem persits. I would like to belive that the problem is with the cable but after discussing the matter with several of my chums who were pleased with the cable on the next street I ruled that out.

I am disapointed with this TV.

The TV is great, I've just had a few minor problems. First of all, after receiving it from Amazon, it didn't work out of the box. I had to drive it out of town to have a connection on the picture tube repaired before I could watch it. Now that I have it back, there are three lines of what I would describe as dim pixels on the screen. Not a big deal, annoying at best. Otherwise, I'm happy with the Sony as always.

I've had this tv for 3 years and it is wonderful, great picture and sound. No smart color or anything it's does everything for you. And it's made by the wonderful company Sony!

I bought this TV about a year ago from Circuit City and have absolutely no complaints. From day one, the picture quality has been stunning and the sound exceptional. When playing DVDs, the sound is so realistic, it sometimes startles me and especially my cats. I used to have a Sony 13" TV. It was good, but old, and my cats never paid attention to the picture. With this 20" flat-screen Sony, my cats are much more interested with what's happening on-screen and are more likely to "attack" the screen. I mention my cats, not because I'm a nutty cat person, but to illustrate how realistic the picture is -- it even fools them. Frankly, I was blown away by the sharpness, clarity and vivid colors of this flat-screen. Set-up was a breeze. I had no problems with default settings, as some people have mentioned. The TV is used primarily in the evenings, almost never during the day, except to watch afternoon baseball games. So, I'd estimate it's used maybe 30 hours per week at most. That's probably less than a family with kids, but even still, after a year of moderate use, it still works like new. Aside from the function, I also think this set has a lot of aesthetic appeal -- at least for me. I find it very attractive. It's also the perfect size. I don't think I'd want anything larger, especially in my smallish townhouse. I have only one minor complaint, and I don't think it's the fault of Sony or the TV: When you first turn the set on, you have to wait about 5 seconds before you can change the channel. For some reason, this annoys me, but as I said, I don't see this as a flaw with the TV. All in all, I've been very happy with the set and have recommended it to friends and family.

I was going to buy the JVC flat-screen tv, but I am glad I didn't. You pay more for Sony but you know with Sony you always get quality. The picture quality is great for a 20" tv, it makes DVDs and video games look great. Since I am not so much into the home theater thing and hooking up a bunch of speakers and a receiver, I wanted a tv that had pretty good sound quality on it's own, and this tv does have good sound quality (the WOW setting provides rich sound with nice bass). I am very satisfied with this tv.

Few things in life, or at least in my life, have lived up to and exceeded my expectations. In electronics the Bose Wave Radio
comes to mind, or in computers the Dell 8200, and in small tv's the Sony KV20FV300. In the store display areas it outperformed the others. I am always wary of store displays though, improper adjustments etc....I finally found it at $260 and jumped on it. I am totally pleased. The picture is fantastic and the sound is remarkable, no need to add a small external speaker system. The controls I found to be logical and intuitive to use. Reception in my non cable house is very good. You really cannot go wrong getting this product.

Just purchased the Toshiba 42H82 and couldn't be happier. The picture is great, but if you buy online be sure you're aware that only the newly released 2002 models will be capable of receiving the DVI upgrade as this will be the very best technology before long.

According to Toshiba's website, "DVI is an uncompressed (base band) digital video connection. It provides a secure digital interface for connecting a Digital Set-Top Box to an HD Compatible TV. It is not made to replace IEEE1394, which can still be used to connect the Digital Set-Top Box to a Digital Recording Device. 2002 H82 Wide Screen PTV models can be upgraded to an optional jack pack that includes a DVI input with HDCP for a true uncompressed digital video connection.

This is only to prepare for the future when all major network HDTV broadcasts will supposedly require the DIV connection so they can protect their copyrights easier.

All in all we're thrilled with the stunning picture and easy to use menus-a true deal at this price level.

I purchased this TV back in August after about a month of research. I am very careful when making large purchases so I like to read up quite a bit on the products available. After reading reviews from professionals and consumers I had decided on the Toshiba 41H81.I could not be happier with this set. When I first got the TV I was a little disappointed with the picture. I decided to let it go for a while and after the 100 hour recommended break in period the picture was a million times better. I also had to change the settings on the picture quite a bit. When you look at TV's in the store they will tend to change the settings of the higher priced TVs to the optimum settings so they can talk you into spending more. With some quick adjustments (I highly recommend buying the Avia guide to home theater. It is a must have for setting up your home theater and adjusting the picture on your TV) the picture on this TV was amazing. As for the features... I love watching TV in widescreen. I was initially worried that the picture would look distorted but after about a day you really don't notice it. Another thing I enjoy is that instead of picture in picture this TV has a feature where you can split the TV screen in half. I can watch and listen to the TV while my friends can play video games on the other half of the TV. I definitely like that feature. As for the sound, I can not really comment on that. I listen to everything through my surround speakers. I have the TV sound turned off. I have heard reports of a light "hissing" sound but the few times I turn up my TV's volume I do not hear it. All in all I could not be happier with this television. Like my title says, It is the best thing I own (sorry car).

After careful and I mean a year of careful web searches on info on large widescreen t.v's in crt, plasma and lcd we took the plunge and with our hard earned dollars purchased a 42H83 the latest model offered by toshiba. I believe we made the correct choice. Sure its not 6 inches deep like plasma but 18 inches is pretty slim. The picture quality after our adjustments is as good or better than plasma or lcd. Watching standard broadcasts takes getting used to on a widescreen but no big deal. We have it hooked up to a DTS 5.1 receiver and a progressive scan DVD and watching widescreen movies is awesome.

I bought this TV thinking it would only be an ok television. And was I surprised! I dont care much for these types of TVs. I would much rather have a flat screen(preferably 34" and up, but definitly not with my budget). This was an incredible buy! The picture is great. It could compete with some of the lower quality brands(advent,daewoo, etc.) of flat screens. The only brands of flat screens I would prefer for a 20" Tv over this are sony and panasonic. This a definite buy.Id get this with the Sony MCH-MG310AV 60-CD Compact Stereo System
and a PS2.That would be my dream entertainment center.(thats what i have, they are all great, and my dream entertainment center would be slightly different and with a lot more items. Dont get me wrong that is still really nice:).) Great buy.

Good TV but the back portion sits out about 6 inches. Not making this the best choice for those with tiny apartments.

We purchased this TV for our 5 year old's room. Needless to say, it takes quite a beating from all of the little hands. It works great and I would recommend this TV to anyone.

I also have known of Apex's good reputation. That's why when I discovered this home theater system, I couldn't pass it up. It's well worth what you pay. The sound quality is excellent. Although 150 watts may not seem like much, it is more than enough to make the walls in my living room rattle when turned up halfway. I was also impressed with the quality of the DVD player. The AFF feature is a nice touch but stretches some movies out of proportion, which may not bother some people, but it sure did bug me. Luckily you can turn it on or off with one-button.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the previous reviewers who said there is no 5.1 support for input devices. I was disheartened when I tried plugging in my XBox only to find sound output was analog and only came from 3 of the 5 speakers. For the price, though, I can't complain too much. The Apex HT-150 is a terrific budget home theater system that perfectly complements a small living room or dorm room.

This is a great low-budget 5.1 system. However if your wishing to connect any other components up, it's not going to happen in 5.1 format. It has an input for 1 analog device. Unfortunately only the DVD player itself is played in 5.1. That said, I enjoy this system, and it really enhances the movie watching experience. For anyone looking for a decent 5.1 setup, without spending all the cash, this is the way to go.

I don't own this particular item, in fact I don't have a home theater system at all! What I do have is the Apex 1600 and also the Apex 2600 DVD players. They were easy-as-pie to hook up and learn to use. The prices were unbelievable, too! As for most TVs having the S-video hook-up, I own 4 TVs ...uh huh, and only the 1994 (the newest of the 4), RCA 27" one has the S-video gizmo. Yeah. I have an almost identical 1993 RCA 27" that does not have it. My oldest TV is a 1980 13" Hitachi (with a dial for channels 2 thru 13)...uh huh, but I've hooked it up to an inexpensive VCR player and access the other cable channels that way. It is just in a guest bedroom at my cabin getaway.I really love reading what your reviewers say about the products here...because they help me an awful lot. I'm not a techie by any stretch of the imagination. But I pick up a little info here and there, read the instructions (sometimes again and again and again) and eventually get things to work. Anyway, I'm almost sold on this product. Of course I'll hook it up to the newest TV (ha ha ha)...and it sounds as tho maybe only 3 of the 5 speakers will work with my older TV. I'm waiting for the prices to come down on HDTVs...and also for more HDTV channels before I buy a new TV.Thanks to all your reviewers!

This states that there are FRONT and BACK AV inputs, there are NONE in the front, only in the back.

I bought this TV specifically because it would be easy for the child I purchased it for to hook up his Nintendo systems and such right from the front.

This is simply not possible, there are no inputs in the front, so they are simply stating an untruth here.

Extraordinary picture. Sharper image, precise color without needing adjustment...and I have a small RCA 13" and a Panasonic. This picture is better. The autochannel setup directions were a bit confusing...and in fact I set it up by playing around. But, I can't believe the picture quality. I'm getting another set. Really great.

EXCELLENT!!! My wife laughed at me, but after setting up the color TV I'm getting the last laugh...

I have many Sony products in my home, but never have I been more disappointed in a product and Sony's customer service. This set crapped out 2 years after I purchased it. Sony did not want to know anything. An estimate to fix it was $200 for a set that I had paid $550 for at Circuit City. Sony would not even meet me half way on the part even though they replaced it with another indicating that it had been a problem.

I bought this TV about 8 weeks ago...Of course I overpaid for it at Circuit City; however I could not be more pleased with my purchase. Digital television seems to be lagging so I went ahead and splurged.... Wow, this television screen is amazingly flat and bright. I enjoy watching this Sony more than my larger 36" Proscan... perhaps it is the aesthetic of its modern, sleek design. Definately the next best thing to those prohibitively expensive plasma screens.... YEAH SONY !!

If you are going to buy any Tv on the market, make sure that it is a Sony FD Trinitron WEGA flat screen TV. This is the top of the line for today's television. How can I rave about the EXTREME clarity and focus. Man! It is super clear. Also, the contrast is so high, it is nice and bright, and so real looking, rather than having dull colors on a conventional set. Now, don't be so excited, however, if you would buy it only for cable TV. Cable TV is so fuzzy, so I'd recommend getting Satellite TV. And when I first used my Nintendo 64 video game system, I was AMAZED at the high focus and resolution with the S-Video cable. I could look up close to the screen and I wouldn't even see any dot crawl, shimmering, or fuzz. It is exactly like looking at a picture. In other words, the picture is totally stable. And, I can turn on all of my room lights and there is NO glare what so ever. I can leave all my windows open too. And, since it's flat, there is no picture distortion either. Don't think about buying any other TV. This one is almost like watching Digital/HDTV!!!

In a search for a bedroom TV, I found this set and the Sony's. I feel that the picture quality of the Toshiba FST was slightly better than the Sony. It also had a better set of video inputs on the back of the set than the Sony (Toshiba allowed 2nd set of inputs to be composite or component video; Sony 2nd set of inputs is component only). The only feature I feel is missing in the set is color temperature control (the Sony does have this).

One problem I encountered with the Toshiba was that when turning up the volume, there is a huge jump between "4" (barely audible) and "5" (almost normal volume). I call to a Toshiba CSR claimed that this was normal behavior for this TV. Since I need lower volume levels occasionally, I was forced to return this TV. A second unit had the same problem. Just be aware of this if you are considering purchasing one of these for your bedroom or will need to run it at low volume levels.

I own this set as well as the 27" Toshiba FS. All of the critiques by low raters here are very debatable.

I have owned my 27" for over a year and it looks great with my digital cable and toshiba DVD set-up. I don't have surround sound, and with the simulated surround on the 27", I don't need it.

After giving my 27" Zenith away, I went and scooped up the 24" Toshiba FS for the bedroom. Unbelievably, the 24" picture looks better than the 27". I have s-video running from my converters on both sets and the picture is beyond awesome. I notice no distortion or bending, the sound pumps, and neither of my sets hum (as reported below).

Sure the remote ..., and ever viewer will have to set the contrast to their liking, but damn - these are great sets. If you want a good FS at a decent price ($... out the door at Be...) go get this. Wega's are a waste of at least $...bucks. Buy some DVD's with that cash.

I've had it for about 6 months now. Still love it. I only wish I had better cable service to put it to the test. DVDs look great. Definitely recommended for those not needing a huge tv.

I recently purchased the Sony KV-24FV12 24" Flat TV. I absolutely love the picture and sound quality. I have it in my bedroom on a swivel stand and I can watch it at any angle. I paid $549 for it at the Wiz and I think it was worth every penny. I was going to get the 20" FS model but the 24" was more appropriate and it came with better audio. I would recommend this set for anyone looking for the ultimate watching experience.

The clarity of the picture is nothing less than marvelous. I don't know how anyone could complain about this flat screen, which reduces glare and reflection. It is almost as though one is looking at real people through the glass.

The set has various sound and picture control features which enable the user to adjust the brightness of the picture and the quality of the sound.

The sound features are good. I run it through my stereo and the sound becomes great. This is just the best TV I have ever had or used.

WONDERFUL! TV EASY TO VIEW, AND OPERATE. REMOTE CONTROL CAN BE PROGRAMMED TO YOUR CABLE BOX ETC. GREAT SOUND. BRIGHT COLORS BUY IT YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!:o)