No comments about Audiovox FPE2608 26-Inch LCD HDTV.

3 comments about Pioneer PDP-4360HD 43-Inch PureVision Widescreen Plasma HDTV.

1. Although this is the most expensive plasma in its class (excluding the specialty producers), the picture rewards the buyer long after the extra grand is forgotten. Like a baby grand, even when not in use, the monitor's sharp styling and modern finish impress. In an ideal world, there would be one more component input on the rear of the receiver and the excellent speakers would be optional as most will insist on a 5.1 system for the full viewing experience. If the monitor is out of your price range, the Panasonic 42" is an excellent second choice and a no-brainer if you cannot exceed $3,000.00.



2. Basically if you are after a 42" to 43" Flat Screen TV then the Pioneer is the choice for best picture. It gives a better picture than any rival manufacturer on either Plasma or LCD.
   The superb picture is a result of Pioneer's Purevision system.
   Exclusive to Pioneer, Purevision ensures that contrast is pin sharp, colours are clean and are not distorted, and black in particular is is beautifuly defined, with hues of incredible depth and clarity.
   The fuzziness of colours like black you would expect on other Flat Screen TVs is simply non existent.
   Watch a black and white film on this Plasma display and you will see what I mean.
   
   I have foregone the optional side speakers and have plugged mine into a 6.1 Home Cinema System. Therefore, I cannot give any opinion on the performance of these speakers.
   However, I would recommend a good HDMI DVD player to go with this Plasma Display. Look no further than the magnificent Denon 1920 DVD player which gives superb HDMI pictures, in conjunction with the Pioneer Plasma Screen.
   One drawback of the Pioneer Plasma Screen is that it will clearly show up not so great pictures at source eg VHS, old TV programmes, DVDs with poor picture transfer etc.
   
   
   A note for cleaning the screen and surround, invest in a Fibre Free cloth. Follow Pioneer's instructions re being able to use flannels or soft cloths and you will end up scratching these surfaces, in particular the gloss black surround. To repeat, the only cloth that will clean these surfaces safely is a Fibre Free cloth.
   If you do end up scratching the Gloss Surround though, an application of a DVD/CD Restorer such as Bib Polish will normally reduce such scratching by 90% to 95%.
   
   Screen burn is a hazard of Plasma TVs. Logos from News and Sports channels can remain afterwards! If you get screen burn, my advice is to select a channel without any logos immediately, and let it play for approximately 30 mins. I find that it does clear it.
   
   Nonetheless, this remains a magnificent Plasma Screen, and well worth the additional money over its rivals. That superb picture alone will quickly make you forget any extra cost.
   I have had my Pioneer Plasma Screen for 7 months now and am still absolutely delighted with it.
   I think you will feel the same way after purchasing one of these beauties.



3. This is a fantastic tv, although a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Brilliant colours, quality sound, would look good in anyones living room. Unfortunately though i have come across a BIG problem, screen burning! after watching 90 minutes of football when the match had finished i was left with the sky one logo on the top left hand corner of my screen, among a few others. This is deeply frustrating as i think after paying so much money this shouldn`t happen. I am no expert on plasma tvs and had no idea this sort of thing could occur. This problem lets down a great tv. So please be aware when purchasing your new plasma

1 comments about Remanufactured Philips 17PF8946 17-Inch LCD Flat-Panel HD-Ready TV.

1. I purchased this model through the Philips Outlet online site as a "factory renewed" item. I generally like the TV, even though using it to view progressive scan DVDs was not as easy as I had hoped.
   
   One of the main reasons I got this Philips HDTV-ready LCD TV was for watching progressive scan DVDs from my Philips DVD player. Turns out you cannot just hook up the component/RGB connections and put your DVD player into progressive scan mode.
   
   I had to call Philips (and was able to get through without hassle) and was told the only way to view DVDs in progressive scan mode on this TV is by hooking up to the TV through the VGA connection. After searching on the Internet I found a great outfit (AVD Gear) that had the component/RGB-to-VGA cable I needed. (Radio Shack did not have the cable and said the only way it would work was with a $100 conversion device.)
   
   When making the video connection using this method, you also need a special hookup for audio. I had to get a RCA audio (red/white) to mini jack cable too. (Again, thanks to AVD Gear.)
   
   Now, with all the correct special cables, the progressive scan DVD playback is amazing on this TV.
   
   I just wish Philips has been more clear in their product specifications and user manual out the need for this special hookup. I don't know why they make it so difficult. One would think that one of the main reasons someone would want a HDTV ready TV would be for progressive scan DVD playback.
   
   I have not bothered to order HDTV through my cable company yet because I don't watch that much TV, and would want a larger primary TV first, but this unit that I use in a bedroom works very nice with DVDs now that everything it set correctly. Regular TV viewing is just okay.
   
   The user guide is also lacking on details about all the different picture modes (widescreen, fullscreen, 4.3, 16.9, zoom, super zoom) but if you play around with it, you can find a picture that suites you for whatever particular viewing you are watching. The remote is sort of lacking also. It only works with the TV. The remote that came with my other Philips TV allows me limited control of the DVD player and VCR also.
   
   I would recommend the unit (and the Outlet purchase option I used), but just be ready to order your special cables! Once you do get it working with progressive scan DVDs, the picture is pretty amazing.

2 comments about Toshiba REGZA Cinema Series 40XF550U 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV.

1. The Toshiba 40XF550U has, at this writing, been available for about a month. Here are my observations after 10 days' use
   
   This brand and model appealed to me for three reasons. First, a new widescreen TV had to fit into a cabinet that previously held a 32" Panasonic CRT (tube) TV. While a 37" LCD TV fits, bigger is definitely better and this narrow bezel Toshiba is currently the only 40" on the market whose width is comparable to most 37" TVs. Second, I wanted technology that would not become obsolete for several more years, and this TV seems to fit the bill. I judged it superior features-wise to 37" offerings from Sony, Samsung, JVC, and Sharp. Third, I wanted a "name" brand that had consistently good ratings for performance and reliability from independent reviewers like Consumer Reports and techie users on avforum.com.
   
   PROS
   Nicely executed cutting-edge technology. Toshiba's 2008 top of the line 40" LCD HDTV: 1080p resolution, 120 Hz frame rate, and 5:5 pull down with a 10 bit panel. Features go on and on and are impressive.
   
   Very high quality panel with no dead (that I could detect) or stuck pixels. It's uncertain whether the 40" panel is sourced from Samsung (generally recognized to make some of the best panels) or Sharp, though informed opinion leans towards Samsung. My set was assembled in Mexico.
   
   Excellent picture, with good color and black levels (some techies think blacks could be slightly better, but I'm impressed). Subjectively, the picture is superb in HD; perhaps a similar Sony or Samsung's picture would "pop" slightly more (I've always been impressed with Sony picture processing). I have detected flashlighting on black backgrounds like movie credits. Haven't fiddled with the default settings, but there seems some green push. However, haven't seen any ghosting, banding, or motion blur (shouldn't with 120 Hz refresh). This set, though, is not used for gaming.
   
   Living in the San Francisco bay area with numerous broadcast stations around, I prefer freeview over-the-air (OTA) to cable and satellite. Standard definition (SD) from OTA analog broadcasting sources, if strong signals, is surprisingly good - the equal if not slightly better than the old Panny. Old VCR tapes and SD broadcasts, when recorded on, dare I admit it, a VCR, are also surprisingly good. Note, though, that this TV (as most any HDTV) will struggle with weak analog broadcast signals, generating a grainy picture. Of course, all analog broadcasting will be history in a few months. (Digital OTA broadcast signals are subject to the "cliff effect" - if the signal's weak, you'll just get a bluescreen.)
   
   The digital tuner is fine, but not as sensitive as a Samsung's I tested last year. Note that digital broadcasts are largely in the UHF part of the spectrum, so an existing UHF antenna might be adequate. See [...] for more information. Reception problems in my area are largely solved by adding a signal amplifier (both the Philips 24DB Dual Output Vhf/uhf/fm Amplifier and more expensive Motorola 484095-001-00 Signal Booster worked equally well). So if you have a good existing UHF antenna try a signal amplifier before investing in a new one. Note that VHF antennas are still good for analog channels 2 through 13 but useless for digital.
   
   Audio: pretty typical, meaning not superb but adequate. Mute button gives half-mute and full mute. Full mute is complete.
   
   For the most part, well-engineered, solidly built, and elegant form factor. It's hard to tell from pictures posted on the net, but this set has a thin and shiny black frame (bezel) with a stainless band about ½" thick set back from the outer edge (can't see it facing on). The lower part of the speaker strip at the bottom is a dark silver color.
   
   Judging from my set and early adopter comments at avforum (see some really thoughtful and technical reviews and comments there on this line of products from Toshiba) this model seems nicely put together from both an engineering and manufacturing quality control standpoint.
   
   CONS
   The remote control is a bit clunky and not up to the design standards of the TV in my opinion (I like Samsung's so much better). No separate buttons for input sources. No separate audio button, though there is a picture size button. It's as though the remote was an after-thought or farmed out to a junior design team.
   
   Some users have complained that custom preferences for input sources can be lost under some circumstances - if true, this can be fixed with a firmware upgrade. I haven't yet been able to do a global turn-off of the annoying closed-captioning that sticks.
   
   NOTES
   You can dim the bottom blue light if desired from the menu. The two-pronged power cord is not detachable from the set.
   
   Toshiba's product literature has been inconsistent about the 40XF550U's dimensions - a very important consideration for those placing in entertainment center cabinets. I can confirm they are: 36.77 inches (934 mm) width, 25.3" (632 mm) height w/stand, and 12.1" (130 mm) depth w/stand. Toshiba customer service is 1-800-575-5469.
   
   The set is not as tightly and securely packed as the Samsung that I reviewed last year. The box can be easily opened by popping 4 plastic tabs at the bottom (my set had a hand smudge on the top and the seller told me that freight companies routinely open the boxes to make sure all is OK !; I can't confirm the veracity of this statement but try to convince your seller to securely seal it before shipping). The TV has a loose cover over it, and is accompanied by a sealed plastic packet with serial number label on it containing user's guide, remote, and AA batteries. An included sealed and (finally) well-packed box contains the stand, also with serial number sticker.
   
   Finally, I recommend checking with your credit card providers before purchasing. My Amex and MasterCard credit cards double Toshiba's 1 year parts and labor in-home warranty. My VISA does not.



2. I love it. If there is a flaw I haven't found it yet. I have not used all of its options so far, but right out of the box the picture was incredible, even on non-digital channels. I bought the monster 1000hd high speed hdmi, and I highly recommend that for this tv. Also, I found the overall height to be slightly smaller than stated, which is a good thing for me, as it fits perfectly in my tv armoire. I have it in a 13 x 17 room and the speakers are more than adequate, although I increased the bass a bit. I admit I spent more than I wanted to, but I had space restrictions that this accomodated. However after seeing it in action, I have no regrets. I LOVE IT!

5 comments about Panasonic CT-30WX54 30" Widescreen Pure Flat HDTV-Ready TV.

1. This 30" TV wasn't as big as I wanted, but I couldn't pass on the price. The picture is amazing, although it did take some tweaking on the color (a little hot on the factory setting) and sharpness. And that's on standard TV. I'll be interested to see what HDTV looks like. One thing not mentioned is the sound is great! The console is heavy also. Overall this TV is as good as any of the other major brands but costs a LOT less.



2. I read dozens of reviews before buying this set. I've had it for about 2 months now and can't get over how great the picture looks. Whenever friend's come over and see it for the first time they are totally amazed. I got this set because I wanted improved picture quality over my 27" Wega but couldn't afford Plasma or LCD. Widescreen is the way to go if you watch a lot of dvd's or HD. I watch programs I wouldn't normally watch just to see the HD picture. I got the HDMI cable which connects to my Comcast cable box and digital audio connections from the cable box and dvd player - I also upgraded to a progressive scan dvd player which works better with an HD set. I often use my Panasonic home theater system for sound but the speakers do sound really good. My only criticism besides the size of the set (no surprise there - you know what you are getting - and don't try to lift this thing yourself) is that the yellows and greens are just a tad off which I notice most when watching football with the green grass and yellow first down marker - I can't seem to get the yellow perfect with the tint control. I wish sets had individual color controls - if we can send a man to the moon this doesn't seem impossible. When you watch anything shot in HD it really is like looking through a window. Like going from dial up to DSL once you see HD there is no going back. I only wish I ahad this tv to watch my Sox win the World Series but I'm sure they'll do it again. I got my set at Circuit City for $850 with free delivery which came 2 days later right on schedule.



3. I just purchased this television from walmart at a verrry good price. Originally I was looking for a bigger screen TV but I couldn't pass this one up. The picture and sound are great and I love that the universal remote is automatically programmed for panasonic equipment. I was shocked when I went to turn up the tv volume and it turned up the volume on my receiver instead. Overall I'd say this TV da bomb!



4. Panasonic Widescreen: Take 2.
   
   Our 16:9 Panasonic CT-30WX52 bit the dust after 2 years, and was replaced under warranty with this new CT-30WX54 in December 2004. Instantly my wife and I noticed a huge difference with the colour quality, richness and clarity. However, the new TV is larger, heavier, and much uglier than our beautifully designed 30WX52, and, we also did find problems with the TV on the very first day.
   
   Problem #1.
   The ZOOM setting did not function as it was designed to. When we watch widescreen shows such as "ER", "Enterprise" and "Everybody Loves Raymond", we use the ZOOM setting to achieve widescreen. But the picture was being compressed vertically (stretched horizontally). The TV was immediately sent back to the store and after 8 long, agonizing weeks, it was returned to us, still not fixed. Emails to Panasonic customer service failed to resolve the problem and the technician from the store had to come directly to our house to try and fix the problem. After a very complex procedure on our own remote (I watched him do it), he was able to access a secret factory menu and adjust the screen setting. We are now pleased that the picture is accurate in ZOOM mode. If you own this TV, and notice stretched images (people look unnaturally fat) it is likely your TV was not set up properly at the factory as well.
   
   Problem #2.
   This is not so much a problem as it is a lack of a feature that the old CT-30WX52 had, and I miss. This new model does not have a Degauss feature, which is surprising because it does still have the geomagnetic correction, which is very useful.
   
   So, due to the very inconvenient incorrect ZOOM set-up, and the lack of the Degauss feature, I can only rate this TV 4 stars for now, and only time will tell if it deserves that fifth star, or if the picture tube fails on this one, just like our last one.
   
   Because of our past experiences, I am not confident in Panasonic's ability to create reliable electronics, but so far this TV is faring well.



5. i have had this tv since january of this year and i've been nothing but impressed with it. picture quality continues to be great when hooked up to an HD receiver. PiP, and split screen options on this tv are a nice touch. the remote control response is quick and you can program it for use with a DVD player and other AV equipment.
   
   the tv is heavy and bulky for it's size. i would recommend having another person help you mount it on your tv stand. don't skimp out on the tv stand, because the tv looks real nice when coupled with a decent looking stand. i recommend Bello, and here's the one picked up with it.
   
   http://www.bello.com/index.php?partition=show_product

4 comments about Sharp LC26SH20U 26-Inch LCD HDTV with Integrated ATSC Tuner.

1. This is a nice lightweight hdtv with crisp picture, clear distinct sound, easy setup and remote variable adjustable controls for picture, sound, other connections such as a dvd player, and can be wall mounted. However, it does change analog channels very slowly-about 10 to 15 seconds--which Sharp tells me is due to the type of processor used in the product. I have it hooked up to my comcast cable without the digital box so I am receiving only a few digital public tv and espn channels). It also appears to emit a low hum that is unavoidable (this is the second one I have used in two weeks with this noise-exchanged another one because of this.)



2. We decided to get a flat panel TV to save space with HD capabilities because the technology is going that way, but the bulk of our viewing is still just regular digital cable. Maybe I'm just not used to how flat panel TVs look, but the images look dull and blurry to me. People have strange coloration to their skin and movement is somewhat choppy.
   
   Consumer Reports rates this TV's "standard definition" television viewing as only fair. I wish we'd checked the review ahead of time. We're returning it and getting the Toshiba 26HL66.



3. I have my Xbox 360 connected to this Tv, and it's just awsome. My 360s component cables can do up to 1080i! Witch is good for the proce tag. My only complaint is the amount of inputs. Only one component, one hdmi, and two composite with s-video... A couple more component couldn't hert...



4. This TV is sleek, cute, excellent picture but not a TV to put in the family room. If you don't have a HD box, you'll suffer even more, i'm a person that does not care too much for the clear crisp picture but also I have sattelite which manages to give it a decent look. Overall this TV was purchased for my bedroom so it really does not matter to me if I can see a piece of sweat coming off of the forhead of an individual.
   
   The pros
   
   TV is lightweight
   Picture is decent but best to have sattelite as cable will not give you a proper picture
   Has coaxial port along with RCA and HDMI
   Small and compact
   Affordable
   User friendly
   Different viewing modes available
   
   Cons
   
   Channels takes too long to change if using cable
   Picture distortion can be annoying at times, widescreen is the only time you really get a good view of what is on the screen
   Sometimes if movement is rapid on the screen such as running or fighting scenes, the picture can become pixelling at some point and the picture becomes distorted
   
   
   Otherwise I am pleased with this TV as it was only purchased to put in my bedroom

1 comments about Panasonic TH-65PF10UK 65" 1920X1080 1080P HDMI Plasma HDTV.

1. I bought this to use in conjunction with my Direct TV receiver, Blu-Ray Player, and as a PC Monitor. The picture quality is excellent, especially in HD mode. I purchased two three-way floor speakers to hook up to the provided jacks. The only thing I wish this had was a non-amplified sound output so I could go straight to a sound system. This product ROCKS!!!!

1 comments about Westinghouse SK-42H240S 42-Inch LCD HDTV.

1. We purchased eight of these for our company to use as large informational displays. They seem to work alright, and have all the inputs that we need. In our case it's actually a benefit that they don't come with tuners, that way we're not paying for something we're probably not allowed to use here. Seems to do a good job of up-sampling, but not all resolutions (especially those larger than 1366x768) seem to be able to be displayed.
   Only reason it's not five stars is that it would be nice if the unit would turn on automatically when it receives VGA input.

5 comments about Westinghouse LTV37W2 37-Inch LCD HDTV.

1. Terrible sound. Impossible to calibrate. Yellow lines on some HD channels. No pnp. Stay away from this one even if they give it away.



2. One month after the one year warranty ran out, so did my color tuner. I was Westing HOSED



3. While the picture and features of this TV are great for the price, you will be very unhappy should you have any problem with it. Mine keeps switching inputs for no apparent reason and going blank. Also the sound does not work with the HDMI input. Westinghouse service admits these are problems when I call but the only solution is to ship them the TV in California because they have no parts for it already. Neither do they have any local service center where it could be returned. The freight to ship it to California is $245.00. Great warranty, isn't it? My advice is to pay more upfront and get a brand that has manufacturer's support.



4. I've had this TV for a little over a year now, so I've had plenty of time to formulate an opinion.
   
   -Pros-
   *Great Picture in any mode. I have a PS3 and watch Blu-Ray movies and they look incredible!
   *2 HDMI inputs
   *Big bang for your buck.
   *Its been over a year and haven't had any technical issues.
   
   -Cons-
   *Unimpressive sound quality. It isn't bad until you start turning it up pretty loud. I like movies rather loud, so thats where I had my issues with the sound.
   *Doesn't save your audio settings when you change your audio output from internal to external, so every time you turn your tv on and want to use your home theatre for cable/sattelite sound you have to reselect that option on the menu.
   *If you do use the audio output to a receiver you have to put the TV near 100% to get a decent output to your stereo receiver.
   
   -Summary-
   A very good picture with over a year of trouble free viewing. The cons are really minimal when you factor in everything you get for the price. I would highly recommend this TV to everyone.



5. Waited a year to see if Westinghouse would fix the HD Tuner that randomly locks up when changing channels or powering on.
   
   They won't admit there is a problem with this model only their 47".
   
   I use OTA (rabbit ears) to get my HD channels and when it is getting the HD signal the TV will occasionaly (about 4 times a week) lock up. Lock up completly the only way to unlock it is to pull the power cord from the wall.

5 comments about Panasonic PT-50LCZ70 50-Inch 1080p LIFI HDTV.

1. I saw this product approximately 4 months ago, and I was amazed that Panasonic even offered a 5 Year Warranty on this new Lamp device called LIFI, made by a company called LUXIM. I ordered the 50" 1080P version (PT-50LCZ70) at the time I did not know that the TV had not been released at the time. Well, today August 29th, 2007 the TV was Delivered. I must say that the Picture Quality is "Absolutely Amazing". Digital Cable looks great, but you have to see the Quality of the picture with the Xbox 360 and the HD DVD Drive via HDMI connection is "AWESOME" running in Full 1080P. The price was good at $1799.99 for this 50". I hate Panasonic Customer service! Panasonic sure knows how to make "Excellent" HDTVs.



2. 
   I purchased the Panny PT50-LC13, also a rear projection LCD HDTV, several years ago. Unfortunately, Panasonic will not stand behind its products. Do yourself a favor and google for past experiences of Panasonic rear-projection LCD TV owners before spending your hard-earned dineros.
   
   KW: PT50LC13, class action, lamp



3. I ordered this 50"monstrosity, and I misread the description for it thinking it was an HD LCD TV. It has a great picture but when you try to view the screen from the side, it darkens. I love Panasonic Products and for the price this item was, it was a bargain. The only thing wrong with it was where ever it was stored, something got inside the TV and onto the screen because while viewing movies, Cable, there were these black streaks on the inside that can't be repaired unless the whole screen is replaced. Anyway, the best bet for anyone who is into Hi-Definition should buy a HD LCD TV (Liquid Crystal Display). The reasoning behind that is the picture is perfect, even from the side, its still perfect. The next two HD TV's I'll be purchasing will be a 32" Panasonic HD LCD and a 42" Toshiba HD LCD which that will be the last pieces of equipment for my home theatre.



4. All-in-All it is a great TV, however, when I bought the TV I was mislead. I found the TV after following the "narrow your search tabs". The TV was found in flat-panel,Plasma. Because I narrowed my search to only what I wanted I didn't think that I would have to double check and make sure. I will remember that for next time. Nice TV but, would be better if it was what I was looking for.



5. My family has not owned any HDTVs until recently, and that not until I moved out to college, so I do not have much experience with HDTVs. That said, I have had very few problems with this TV. The only two things that I had issues with were the fact that the first TV shipped had a severely distorted screen, which I believe came from damage while shipping, but the Amazon return policy fixed that. The only other issue was that my XBox 360 could not display 1080p with the regular component cables, but a five dollar HDMI cable fixed that. Besides that there's nothing wrong to comment on. I also have to disagree with another review here that recommended LCDs because of the viewing angle darkening, as I noticed that problem significantly with my old 13" LCD but far less with this TV. That said, other LCD screens I have do not darken, but overall it isn't a significant problem for the TV anyway.
   
   And getting this for under $1000 was astounding for a 1080p TV this large. It put it into my price range, albeit at the upper end, even as college student. A Radio Shack employee described the price as "win".
   
   I won't comment on the quality of the picture because I have so little experience with that, but I have noticed that my sniping got significantly better in Halo 3 with this TV. And the speakers are as much as I could want, though I suspect most people would have a sound system for this.