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Samsung 50-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV Review
Are you thinking of buying a Samsung 50-inch 1080p DLP HDTV?
This is a popular DLP HDTV model, and is a bestseller in many different shops. It has been around for just over half-a-year, and the customer base and comments has grown enough that we can now get a good feel for its pros and cons. I've consolidated a number of customer reviews from around the net. Overall opinion is that HDTV model is good and cheap, but not perfect.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
Here is a useful rule of thumb: If you want to buy a HDTV, find out the watching distance in feet and multiply that with 5. That's the size of the screen you need. For example, if your watching distance is 10 feet, 10 times 5 is 50. So choose a 50-inch TV.
Good Points
Even when Samsung 50-inch 1080p DLP HDTV first came into the market, it was one of the cheaper 50-inch HDTVs. Now that the model is half-a-year old, it is even cheaper if you buy it from online retailers like Amazon. You are likely to see about 0 of savings off the list price. You also save on certain taxes and shipping costs. Additionally, if you find that the price has dropped between the time you bought the TV and the time you received it, you can ask the retailer to refund the difference. Reputable companies like Amazon actually honor such requests.
Although electronics tend to become obsolete quickly, this HDTV was leading edge when it came out. It already had 1080p resolution - many broadcasters are still catching up to this latest standard. Even now, its technology is quite advanced, and will likely remain so for the next few years.
Samsung 50-inch 1080p DLP HDTV uses an advanced technology called LED light engine. What it means for you is that the pictures are clear and detailed, and the colors look natural and true. Movement and action is much better rendered compared to normal LCD technology, and you won't see blurring or loss of detail. This HDTV also does well in bright rooms with considerable daylight penetration.
The built-in 2-speaker surround sound is of good quality. Do make sure the surround sound mode is turned on. HD broadcasts received over a simple, cheap, indoor antenna look great. Other content (Regular DVDs, SD/HD broadcasts, Nintendo Wii, DVD, Xbox 360, etc.) also look fantastic.
You probably already know its dimensions: 45.2"(W) x 31.8"(H) x 13.4"(D) 61.3 Lbs. This 50-inch DLP HDTV is thinner than many of its competitors, and is light enough for 2 persons to move around.
There are abundant connection inputs for HDMI, S-video, RGB component, digital, optical and analog sound, and RCA jacks, and they are located on the right side of the set for convenient access - this makes it easy to hook up. Unfortunately, this can be an issue if you place your TV in a cabinet.
Samsung 50-inch DLP HDTV is pretty user-friendly. The user manual is good and extensive (although not written for novices). The remote is intuitive and the menu system is straightforward. Note that it may not have as many functions as more expensive systems.
Its pretty quiet, since it uses LED light sources instead of the more normal bulb and color wheel of most other DLPs. Since the LED engine is cooler and more energy-efficient than the bulb and color wheel, Samsung 50-inch DLP HDTV also doesn't need a powerful cooling fan. Overall, you get good energy savings - it is Energy Star rated. Another good point is that the LED lasts longer than the bulb of normal DLPs (which need to be changed every 2 or 3 years).
Some of you might be nervous about getting faulty goods by buying from online retailers. The big and reputable companies like Amazon usually have a 30-day guarantee period. When any problems crop up, they have a good reputation of honoring their commitments to replace or refund the TV. If you are not certain about your online retailer, you can check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau.
Problems Encountered By Customers
Buying this DLP HDTV is not perfect, though. Customers have reported 3 main kinds of problems.
1) Delivery & Service Problems:
a) Some customers complain about not receiving their TVs. This is more likely to happen with online retailers with their more complex supply chain and delivery procedures - either their orders were not received by the vendor supplying the TV to the online retailer, or the delivery agent did not receive the correct delivery from the vendor, etc. There are precautions you can take to minimize problems (see the section below).
b) Sometimes you get an incompetent or lazy deliveryman. He may not be able to find the place you live. Or he may not want to deliver to your doorstep. Or he may just drop your TV off at your doorstep and refuse to carry it in for you. On the other hand, there are also stories of deliverymen who go beyond the call of duty - they help you to move your old TV to its new location, then they bring your new Samsung 50-inch 1080p DLP HDTV in and install it for you. Then the even take away the packing crate for you. Sometimes they do it for free, sometimes you have to pay them a few bucks extra.
c) There are also some complaints of poor customer service from Samsung. It is typical of any large company's service - when you get a good Customer Representative, you get good service. It helps if you get their name ahead of time before you start telling them about your problems or asking them questions. If you get a jerk, you get lousy service. Don't get mad, get their name, and escalate to their boss. If that doesn't work, get a refund or replacement from your retailer.
2) Quality Control Problems affecting some individual TVs:
a) The dreaded "blue-halo" effect, which basically is a blue-ish area of light that becomes visible in dark areas of high-contrast scenes, around the lower center of the screen. This seems to be caused by a ring around the lens of the projector that should be black, but is reflective silver in some TVs.
b) There is a "hot" or bright spot in the middle of the screen and the center is a little brighter than the edges.
c) When the entire screen is one color, sometimes the four corners of the TV fade in brightness.
d) The image is skewed (left side lower than the right), there is a noticeable green tint that is not correctable via any of the user settings.
e) Picture shuts off for minutes or hours at a time - which can be a motherboard problem.
f) Spots on the screen - which can be an unfixable LED light engine problem.
If the problem crops up well within the online retailer's guarantee period (typically 1 month), then call Samsung customer service and they will send a technician in about 2 working days to fix the problem. Otherwise, make good use of your retailer's guarantee period to get a replacement. Reputable online retailers like Amazon are pretty good about honoring their guarantees without hassling their customers.
3) Problems with the model or DLP HDTV technology which affect all TVs:
a) SD images via digital cable (connected via HDMI) are sometimes a little pixellated.
b) Small amount of curvature on horizontal lines right at the top of the set (which is a common artifact with this type of set) - not generally noticeable.
c) Minor incompatibility with 480p resolution settings and DirecTV (call your DirecTV customer service to get some satellite technicians to figure this out)
d) Echo if you have both TV speakers & surround sound speakers on and the volume is high. Just mute the TV, or use 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.
e) When viewing non-HD programming in 4:3 mode there are a set of double lines at the edge of the image. This may be too distracting for some people.
f) When playing a letterbox or widescreen DVD the 16:9 or Zoom settings are a little off. The center of the image at the top is nearly 3/4 inches lower than at the ends creating a slight "U" shape or concave appearance. This can also be very distracting for some people.
g) Slight geometry problems (noticeable bowing towards the top center portion of the screen)
h) On non-stretch mode with SD (where you have a black bar down each side of the picture), the sides of the image are bowed in a little bit.
i) Viewing angle is limited, which sucks if you have a large number of people gathered around it. Just make sure that you're in the center and can see the screen. The viewing angle is good to about 140 degrees, although it is best up to 90 degrees. Still, this is supposed to be the normal level of performance for DLPs. Basically, the best seat is the sofa in front of the TV, although anyone on the love seat has just as good a picture.
Precautions To Take
1) If you buy from an online retailer like Amazon, make sure the TV is sold directly by Amazon. Amazon sometimes acts like a storefront for other companies. This means that you are the other company's customer, not Amazon's. How can you tell? Look for this sentence on the 1st page after Amazon lists the "Price" of the TV - "Availability: In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com." Other online retailers should have something similar.
2) Print the receipt. Although this is common sense, sometimes we forget. Or something else happens, for example, your printer breaks down. If this happens, just take a screen capture and save the picture to Microsoft Word.
3) Remember: You are probably buying online to take advantage of lower costs and free shipping. Don't expect 5-star service. Take the initiative to find out the contact of the actual supplier and delivery agent so that you can keep track of your order and delivery. Call the online retailer's customer support if you have any doubts.
4) If you think there is a problem with your Samsung 50-inch 1080p DLP HDTV, take advantage of the 30-day guarantee period to get a replacement or refund. Don't suffer problems for 3 months before complaining. By this time, it is too late.
Samsung 50-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV Review
There were so many customer reviews on the Samsung 50-inch 1080p DLP HDTV on the internet that I became confused. So I decided to consolidate and summarize them, Samsung 50-inch 1080p DLP HDTV, so that I could make sense of things.
The Features Offered by the Samsung UN55B8000 55 Inch 1080P Monitor
There are very many features offered by the Samsung UN55B8000 55 inch 1080P monitor. This unit is a very large one. Many of the standardized features are present as well as several very unique ones. It is a really thin unit and can produce full resolution during progressive frame schemes. The design is very attractive and the device runs cooler than a lot of older models. The remote is very unique and the set manages to save the user energy.
Perhaps the most popular feature of this product is how thinly it has been designed. The thickest part of unit only measures in at 1.5". These very thin television sets are practically designed to be mounted onto a wall. Most people prefer this method of installation in the first place. Since the unit is so thin it happens to be very light weight. Anybody who has to move the monitor will appreciate this.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
This unit is able to display HD images in the highest possible of resolutions. This is usually nineteen hundred and twenty by ten hundred and eighty. This is the greatest possible resolution that a unit can display. This unit displays at this high resolution while making use of progressive frame schemes. This has become an industry standard. This style of motion is more like the cinema.
Many consumers are recognizing the stylish design of this monitor. The flat black that it comes in could be considered very attractive. This color usually does not interfere with the contents of a room. The black color is sometimes considered to compliment the movie watching experience. Most people on the market for these type of televisions prefer black models.
This unit is capable of running at very cool temperatures. Some LCD televisions tend to run very hot. The plasma units of the past have often been associated with this trait. When a unit runs very hotly for extended periods of time it could be damaged. This unit runs very cool, so a longer life could be a result of this. The life expectancy of a television is of much importance when making a purchase decision.
A unique remote is another benefit that makes this television stand out. The control makes use of something that is referred to as an RF feature. The remote control unit can send out commands that the HDTV is capable of receiving, even when the device is not pointed at it. Many menus and features unlocked by the remote, are important to mention. All standard features have been included such as the sleep timer.
This television is great at saving energy. Many people have gone green in the market place of today. A feature like this is one of the first things they demand in a monitor. The unit will shut down after extended periods of not receiving interaction. Most modern sets have this type of feature. This feature is great for the environment and can also save money on the electric bill.
The Samsung UN55B8000 55 inch 1080P set is a large, versatile television that has many great things to offer the consumer. Not only are standard features included but several unique ones help to set it apart. The remote control is among the best feature of this monitor. Also the fact that it runs at very cool temperatures is very important. This could create a longer lasting product.
The Features Offered by the Samsung UN55B8000 55 Inch 1080P Monitor
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Thursday, January 5, 2012
Plasma HDTV 1080p
Anymore browsing for televisions is like trying to decipher a foreign language. There are more number and letter combinations than you can shake a stick at. Take for instance a Plasma HDTV 1080p, any idea what any of that means?
Do not feel lonely, more and more TV's are chosen for how they look on the show room floor and not for the specifications that no one understands. This is a beginner's guide to deciphering the madness!
HDTV Resolution 1080p
Plasma
A plasma television is a flat panel display that utilizes two flat pieces of glass, which have tiny cells between them that hold an inert mixture of noble gases. Electricity turns the cells into plasma, which then excite phosphors to give off light.
One of the biggest claims that plasma has is the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, which gives the images on the screen a life like appearance. Makes the price of a plasma HDTV 1080p look more appealing doesn't it.
HDTV
High definition television is a claim everything from plasma to LCD are claiming. In reality HDTV is more a generic term that refers to any television that has more than average number of lines. It also refers to a set that has increased vertical, horizontal or temporal resolution. In other words, not all HDTV's are the same; the broad sweeping nature of the terminology is misleading.
Contrast Ratio
This is simply the difference between the whitest whites and the blackest blacks. A contrast ratio of 1500:1 is fine but anything over 2,000:1 is considered excellent. Since plasma, claims are as high as a million to one it is a safe bet that a Plasma HDTV 1080p is going to be one awesome picture.
1080p
When you look at the phrase plasma HDTV 1080p you can deduce what the first half of it is without this handy guide, however what in the world do those numbers mean?
The 1080 describes the number of horizontal scan lines. And the p stands for progressive scan.
You may also find 1080i notation after some models. In this case, the only difference is the lettering, which stands for interlaced. This process is commonly used with CRT monitors and is probably a thing quickly fading as LCD and Plasma become more affordable.
Screen Burn in
Lastly is screen burn in, while not a common term when it comes to purchasing a television it is an issue you could face especially with a plasma HDTV 1080p. Screen burn in is where a logo or other image becomes burned into your plasma screen, this happens when an image is static. For instance, when watching wide screen movies on a plasma HDTV 1080p you will notice the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, on this area of the screen the phosphors are not being excited and thereby are not aging at the same rate. Over time, this will cause a noticeable difference in the area when watching full screen television or movies.
A similar thing can happen when a log or menu is left up for too long. After some time the image becomes a permanent part of the display. Not a good thing when you have paid several thousand for the set.
New technology has limited the occurrence of this issue; however, it is not by any means non-existent.
Plasma HDTV 1080p
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The Truth About Helmet Mounted Sport Camcorders
I've had a Helmet mounted camera for quite some time now and I take it on many of my excursions. I've had a lot of fun with it, it has taken and withstood it's share of bumps and bruises and I thought I would share a few pointers that I've learned while putting my sport helmet camcorder through it's paces.
Having a Helmet Camcorder that is able of shooting and showing HD videos of your dynamic lifestyle with your friends and family is usually well worth the cost. Should you have a High Definition television than you would almost certainly prefer to purchase a video helmet cam that is Full Hd. Wireless helmet cameras offer top of the line HD resolutions recording. A 1080p full high definition wireless helmet video camera will record video along with sound on a microSD card in addition to standard sd cards.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
Wireless helmet camcorders offer you top quality 1080p / 960p / 720p HD resolutions producing at 30 and 60 frames per second (60 fps in 720p). Should you opt to pick your helmet camcorder resolution by frame rate, many top of the line cameras offer three. With this type of wireless camera capability, the fastest action will be silky smooth or ready to replay in slow motion.
Some top of the line helmet cams have an integrated display screen which sets them above and beyond other helmet cams that you can buy because this solution will mean you could enjoy your videos immediately after filming them which is always very exciting. By watching the video segments it's also possible to identify which clips may not be worth consuming up space on your storage device, these can quickly be eliminated from memory space utilizing the straightforward menu changes.
An extra huge bonus of the screen is that it allows you to see exactly what you'll be filming when aiming the camera onto your bike, surfboard or wherever else you can think of. This is a nice change from rivalling products where it is a hit-or-miss approach.
Using a full high-definition wireless helmet camera will give you the video that can be found out there to consumers. The video quality on a higher end system should offer HD 1280 X 720 image resolution, and it should pick up sound great as well. One thing that you should watch for concerned with, is how easy is it to use, if, say, you are in freezing temperatures and need to get your gloves back on quickly.
If you are in the market a wearable videocamera you will want to consider a Helmet Cam. The quality of these devices are increasing as the prices are dropping. Being able to have a lightweight, easy to use, helmet cam that produces a quality video is important, regardless of what you intend to record with it. A Helmet Cam is an option that has lived up to the hype so far.
You should also be on the lookout for other accessories for your Helmet Cam. If you need extra batteries, or a charger you can use internationally, they can be picked up for a reasonable rate. While helmet cams usually come with a goggle mount or a flat surface mount, you should also be able to purchase a universal mount adapter if you need to use it another way. Along with the camera you might also be looking for a wide range of mounting options included such as a a helmet mount, handlebar mount, a goggle mount, a head strap, universal clip, and more. Another thing to look for is if the camera has a regular camera thread on it letting you use any other mounts that you may already have.
And finally when choosing a wireless helmet cam, here are some other options to consider:
- Full-function, hands-free, digital recording
- Waterproof - for shooting underwater or other intense environments
- Dustproof
- shock-resistant for extreme conditions
- Mounts easily on helmets, handlebars, and other sports equipment
- High resolution at 30 frames per second
- USB and RCA cables included for easy playback on PC or TV (NTSC)
Frank is a multi-sport enthusiast who likes producing helmet camera movies, running a blog as well as hiking and skiing with his dog Taffy. My experience in film making has taught me that having the right equipment for the job makes or breaks the pleasure factor in the undertaking. Time is gold, save your time and energy scouring the internet looking for helmet cameras and sport camcorders and take a look at my recommendations. http://sportcamcorders.com
Great Price Buy Sony BRAVIA KDL40EX620 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV, Black Best Quality
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Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review
I bought this Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV 2 weeks before Christmas, on a VERY strict budget. (My wife's money) I work In the AV industry, (commercial design and installation) and I was tired, of working with stuff, that was far out of my budget. I have worked with the 52" version before, and It really looked great. The picture on the Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42" is very sharp.
The Inputs, are totally ample. Even including RS232 and USB port for firmware updates. HDMI's out the wazoo. All of the inputs are located in very accessible places. Including the TV's control buttons on the right side of the bezel. The "picture frame" bezel, rocks! I really hate looking at a wide, glossy, distracting bezel, that is VERY common on flat-panals. This one, is thin with hard lines. Very professional looking. Why not have a great looking TV to match the quality of the picture on it?
HDTV Resolution 1080p
Anyway, I was mostly concerned that most other Aquos models were 120Hz. Blu-Ray and Gaming, were the priority's in my ultimate decision on what to buy. The standard for Blu-Ray is 1080p/24Hz. Your Totally Covered! Killer refresh rate! Great performance! Especially when used with a Aquos Blu-Ray player. Oh, yea did I mention the combination, not only works together(via "Aquos Link"), but is also one of the CHEAPEST 1080p 5.00 Blu-Ray 0.00 combo's. I got what I wanted, without having to "settle". The lack of the 5th star on my review, was for the sound. Kinda stinks. Although, not so bad I wouldn't recommend this to anybody. MOSTLY, all flat-panel speakers stink. I love this Sharp Aquos LC42D65U TV regardless. I wold recommend it to anyone.
Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Feature
The AQUOS LC42D65U sets a new standard for large-screen flat panel TVs. With Full HD 1080p resolution and an elegant new design, it produces a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none. The LC42D65U utilizes Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine, providing high Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 6ms response time and wide viewing angles (176?H x 176?V). The LC42D65U is HDTV with built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and include 5 HDMI? inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, and 2 HD 1080p component video inputs. The LC42D65U features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle recessed bottom-mounted speakers. The included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.
Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review
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The Panasonic TC-P50G10 50 Inch 1080p Plasma TV
The Panasonic TC-P50G10 50 inch 1080p Plasma HDTV is a wonderful investment for any home. One of the best features of this product is that it's so thin that it can be mounted almost flush against the wall. At a depth of a mere 4.2 inches it has a very small footprint in the house and requires little space, especially if it's hanging mounted on a wall out of the way of foot traffic.
Like many other high end HDTV's this television has the ability to connect to the internet. You can connect to YouTube, obtain stock information from MSN, and watch Amazon Videos on Demand, to name a few, with just a simple click of the remote control button. Navigating the web is made easy by simply using the remote control.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
The VIERA Tools feature is also pretty interesting. Instead of interrupting your viewing pleasure to view the menu, or picture controls, it will simply open them in a toolbar along the bottom of the screen. You can change how the picture looks, what video you are watching on VIERA cast, or even switch picture modes effortlessly while still enjoying your content.
It also has a state-of-the-art gaming mode which allows you to play your games in the highest quality and you will even be able to see the dark scenes crystal clear. There is no lag in picture resolution and after effects are non-existent. At an astounding 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a blazing fast 600Hz Sub-field Drive it produces breathtaking, razor sharp images. It almost feels like you're sitting in the movie itself.
The picture quality is made better with the advanced image retention filter. Regardless of where you are looking on the screen, the glare of outside lights, windows, etc, are a thing of the past. So, for those who enjoy moving around while playing your games, rejoice: No window glare while playing dark games.
If movies are your thing, then you'll love the fact that this television is THX certified. Both the video and audio features of this television meet the strict standards of THX labs, and allow dynamic sound range, and video quality. With the increased video and black screen resolution added, as well, the movies appear just as the producers and directors intended: Bright, crisp scenes, with dramatic movement.
It has effortless connectivity allowing you to be able to connect a gaming system, camera, or camcorder to it easily and with its built in SD memory slot it makes sharing pictures a breeze. It even has a easy to view thumbnail giving you complete control over which pictures to view at any given time.
When you purchase the VIERA HDTV it comes with a free concierge program. With this program you receive a toll-free expert hot-line, priority service scheduling service, a benefits card, and a live chat option to speak with a VIERA Expert. So, if you have an issue with the television, or have a problem connecting on your devices to it, simply call their toll-free number, and boom: Your issue can be resolved!
The TC-P50G10 is also eco-friendly: Due to its lead-free construction, energy saving filters, and long lifespan, this television is the right product for anyone who wishes to blend both the internet and video lifestyle. Sit down, enjoy and relax, this television will be a wonderful investment for any home.
The Panasonic TC-P50G10 50 Inch 1080p Plasma TV
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How to Choose the Best HDTV For Your Ps3, Xbox 360 or Wii Gaming Consoles
Uninformed consumers expect that every digital TV will provide a clearer and sharper picture compared to their analogue counterparts. This expectation has also extended to their favourite gaming console. While some high definition television brands and models will meet this expectation, others can disappoint gamers who are looking for that fantastic gaming experience.
Manufacturers of High Definition Television (HDTV) sets provide elaborate specifications about their models as part of the advertising and promotion campaigns. However, most consumers don't fully understand what these specifications really mean and why they are important in making their decision on which HDTV to buy for gaming purposes.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
The main thing to understand is that high definition TV was designed for broadcast television viewing and not for gaming consoles. Gaming console makers are constantly adapting or redesigning their gaming consoles to match the standards set down for high definition digital broadcasting and displays. Some of the higher priced HDTV brands offer direct gaming console modes that are matched for popular gaming consoles.
This article provides a brief education on the 5 key factors to consider when looking for a HDTV for playing video games. This will assist you to make an informed decision without the confusion that surrounds gaming with the Sony Play Station 3 (PS3), Microsoft XBox 360, or the Nintendo Wii.
1. Bigger HDTV Screen Sizes Are Better For Gaming
The bigger the screen, the easier it will be to see the details in the graphics used in the games. Games appear to be more realistic with larger screens. If your HDTV screen is not large enough, then you may see a black strip at the top and bottom or sides of the picture to make the game fit within the screen. Consider HDTV screens that are greater than 24inches (60cm) in size.
2. LCD Screens Are Better Than Plasma For Gaming
Plasma HDTV screens can suffer from "image burn-in" from constantly playing the same video games. Image burn-in occurs when static images are left displayed on a plasma screen for very long periods. This is the case with some video games that don't have a changing backgrounds. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) HDTV screens like those used for computer monitors, do not suffer from burn-in problems.
3. Higher Scanning Resolutions Are Better For Gaming
Makers of HD TV use two different scanning mechanisms to produce a picture on a HDTV screen. One mechanism is an "interlaced raster scan" and the other is a "progressive scan". A progressive scan will display all the horizontal lines that make up each picture frame in sequence. In comparison to an interlaced scan, all the odd horizontal lines are shown first and then alternately the even horizontal lines of the picture changing back to the odd lines in rapid succession.
A standard definition TV (SDTV) uses 525 (US NTSC) or 625 (Europe PAL) horizontal lines and is also known as "480i resolution" for US NTSC and "576i resolution" for PAL where the "i" stands for interlaced raster scanning. Interlaced video produces an annoying flicker that blurs the detail of video pictures. The flicker can be reduced with special filtering called anti-aliasing but this tends to reduce the clarity of the picture. High definition TV is shown using 720i or even 1080i resolutions.
Progressive scanning produces crisper and sharper pictures with no flickering compared to interlaced scanning for the same picture frame rate. High definition pictures are shown using either 720p, 1080p, 1440p or 2160p resolutions where the "p" stands for progressive scanning. HDTV with progressive scanning is usually more expensive than the lower resolution HDTV models. A typical LCD computer monitor resolution will start at 720p and may support higher resolutions.
4. Higher Refresh Rates Are Better For Gaming
Picture frame refresh rate is a measure (in Hertz or Hz) of how many times per second each picture frame is refreshed on a video display. Generally, the higher the refresh rate, the faster the display can respond to changing pixel colours thus reducing, and in some cases eliminating, picture blurring and judder when watching fast moving action scenes such as live football.
LCD screens that have a high response time (in milliseconds or ms) are often unsuitable for playing fast paced computer games. A response time of less than 15ms is considered to be sufficient for most video gaming given the human eye can not perceive changes faster than about 10ms. Brand name LCD HDTV manufacturers are producing models with 120Hz refresh rates and 4ms pixel response rates which is adequate for gaming consoles.
5. HDTV With Game Mode Is Better For Gaming
More recently, some HDTV makers have recognised that consumers also want to use their high definition televisions to play fast-action online and console games. This has lead to the development of a "games mode" to give you an instant reaction with the game controller. The principle behind the game mode is to optimize the reaction time and the picture quality of the TV to be closely matched with the higher resolution 1080p capable video game consoles such as the PS3 to give the gamer more realism.
What You Need To Know About The Popular Gaming Consoles
The Nintendo Wii only provides support for up to 480p resolution so you don't need a HDTV for using this gaming console. The XBox 360 gaming console supports 720p and 1080i resolutions so it can be used with a HD TV. The PS3 supports 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions making it a versatile gaming console that can be used with a broader range of high definition TV display resolutions.
Recommendations
When shopping for a HDTV for gaming consoles, look for at least a 24inch (60cm) LCD screen that supports 720p and 1080p, offer at least a 100Hz refresh rate and has a game mode. As with all technology, you basically get what you pay for. But given that high definition digital sets are continuing to come down in price, it is worth looking at HDTV models that can also support gaming consoles such as the PS3 and the XBox 360. Make sure you change the settings on both your HDTV set and your gaming console to support HD resolutions to experience the best these technologies have to offer.
How to Choose the Best HDTV For Your Ps3, Xbox 360 or Wii Gaming Consoles
Want to be an informed consumer? Discover more useful information about high definition television technologies at http://www.best-hd-tv.com/ where you will find HDTV Reviews in simple to understand language.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
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Samsung P2570HD 24.6-Inch Full 1080p HDTV LCD Monitor - Black Rose Review
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Best Blu-Ray Players For 2011 - Top Ten Recommended
Every year, all the major Blu-Ray manufacturers like Sony, Panasonic, LG, Samsung come out with a new line-up of Blu-Ray Players. They try to incorporate new and innovative features that will separate them from the competition and win over consumers. In 2011 we have seen over a dozen new models being released, with even more to come. Samsung, alone has released seven new players. So with all the old players still available and the new players being release; it can get a little confusing trying to decide which player would best suit your HD requirements. Here is a list of the top ten most recommended Blu-Ray players to help make the decision a little easier.
Panasonic DMP-BDT110 - Great Blu-Ray Players do not need to cost a bundle. Panasonic's DMP-BDT110 Blu-Ray Player proves this by offering us a great player at a very reasonable price. You can watch stunning 3D images or use standard Blu-Rays and DVDs for spectacular HD viewing. It is packed with other features such as Wi-Fi capability - LAN Adapter is required, Online Streaming, DLNS capability, Skype, Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD and so much more.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
Pros: Easy to use Streaming Services - Affordable Price - Skype
Cons: No built-in BD Live memory - Only WI-FI 'Ready' - LAN Adapter Sold Separately
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
Pansonic DMP-BDT210 - Touch-Free Sensor playback / Full HD 3D / 2D to 3D Conversion / Built-in Wi-Fi / Skype Video Calls / AVCHD, MKV, MP3, JPEG compatible / USB - The Panasonic DMP-BDT210 seems to be equipped with every possible Blu-Ray feature and more. You not only get a great Blu-Ray player capable of Full HD 10810p/24 video resolution on standard 2D Blu-Ray and 3D Blu-Rays; but the player can even convert 2D Discs into 3D images. Built-in Wi-Fi will allow you easy access to Online Streaming Media (via VieraCast) and Skype Video Calls.
Pros: Easy to use Streaming Services - Built-in WI-FI - Very Fast Loading Speeds
Cons:No built-in BD Live memory - No Hulu Plus and MLB.tv
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
Panasonic DMP-BD75 - The DMP-BD75 is a very affordable Blu-Ray player from Panasonic that should provide consumers with great video and audio performance. Offering 1080p/24 playback on Blu-Ray discs and support fo Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Extra features include online streaming from Netflix, CinemaNow ans VUDU. It has a front panel USB port, is DLNA certified, supports BD Live (Profile 2.0) and Multi-Format Playback. Panasonic has developed a new user interface to make navigating the DMP-BD75 much easily and user-friendly. Add to this its fast booting time, the DMP-BD75 makes for a very appealing entry-level Blu-Ray player.
Pros: Easy to use Streaming Services - Affordable price - Very Fast Loading Speeds
Cons: No built-in BD Live memory - Only WI-FI 'Ready' - LAN Adapter Sold Separately
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
Sony BDP-S580 - The BDP-S580 is shaping up to be one of the best Blu-Ray players of 2011. Providing all the features you come to expect in a top Blu-Ray player, the BDP-S580 has built-in Wi-Fi, online streaming, DLNA capability and much more. Including watching your movies in HD with 1080p playback (on both Blu-Ray and 3D Blu-Ray) and DVD up-conversion for truly stunning images with great clarity and detail.
Pros: Affordable price - Online Streaming - Quick Loading Speeds
Cons: No built-in BD Live memory - Only WI-FI 'Ready' - Adapter Sold Separately
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
Sony DBP-S780 - The Sony BDP-S780 seems to have the complete package, offering you unbelievable audio and video quality whether you are playing back 3D Blu-Rays, standard Blu-Rays or DVDs. It provides a wide range of entertainment features that is easily accessible with its built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Giving you wireless access to online services such as Netflix, Vudu, Pandora, Hulu Plus, and much more. You even have the option to turning your HDTV into a video calling display. By connecting a camera (not included), you can even access Skype to video chat with your family and friends right from your living room.
Pros: 2D to 3D Conversion - Built In WI-FI - Skype
Cons: No built-in BD Live memory - No 7.1-ch Analog Outputs - Complex Menu
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
Samsung BD-D6500 - This mid-range BD-D6500 player will provide you with excellent, realistic images with vibrant colors on both standard Blu-Rays and 3D Blu-Ray discs. It supports high-resolution audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This attractive looking player is loaded with extra features including web-enabled Samsung Smart TV for online streaming and social networking, DLNA, built-in Wi-Fi, fast loading and boot times, Touch Sensor Control and USB playback.
Pros: Superb image quality - Easy setup - DLNA Support
Cons: No built-in BD Live memory - Missing Amazon Instant - User Interface for Smart Hub
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
Samsung BD-D6700 - The BD-D6700 player from Samsung has compelling cutting-edge features and a stunning design. Lets you enjoy 3D technology on 3D Blu-Rays or even convert your 2D titles to 3D for a whole new experience. The BD-D6700 has built-in Wi-Fi and access to Samsung's innovative Smart TV feature. Providing access to Samsung apps, searching for content online or on your TV. It also, has USB playback and DLNA capabilities that expands your home entertainment to new and exciting levels.
Pros: Unique and Stylish Design - Easy setup - Dual HDMI
Cons: High Price - Missing Amazon Instant - User Interface for Smart Hub
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
LG BD670 - The LG BD670 3D player is loaded with great features that should expand your Home Entertainment experience to a whole new level. Beside offering stunning Full HD 1080p 2D and 3D images, the BD670 has built-in Wi-Fi that allows easy access to your home internet connection. Once connected you can take advantage of LG SmartTV. This includes apps and online streaming from Netflix, CinemaNow, YouTube and much more. This player is also DLNA certified and has USB playback support. Another nice feature is a free iPhone/Android app is available to allow text input from your phone's keyboard.
Pros: Smart TV - Easy to use - WI-Fi/3D
Cons: No built-in BD Live memory - No 7.1-ch analog outputs - Slower Loading Speeds
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
LG BD690 - The BD690 player is the flagship model for LG's 2011 line-up. This upgraded model of last years highly successful BD590 player, the BD690, now supports 3D Blu-Ray playback in Full HD 1080 video resolution. It still has a 250GB internal Hard Drive with CD ripping capabilities. Hard drive space of this amount is still extremely rare for any player. It provides stunningly crisp and sharp images, with Dolby TrueHD and HD Master Audio in 7.1 channels of lossless surround sound. Extra features such as online streaming with LG's SmartTV, DLNA, free iPhone/Android app and much more, make the BD690 one of the best players of 2011.
Pros: Innovative Features - Easy to use - WI-Fi/250GB Hard Drive
Cons: No built-in BD Live memory - No 7.1-ch analog outputs - Expensive Price
Price you should look for when purchasing - Under 0.00
Oppo BDP-93 - Many people were surprised when Oppo announced last year it was discontinuing the very successful and highly praise model, the BDP-83. No one needed to have worried, Oppo soon released the newer model, the BDP-93. It was just as good as the BDP-83 and added some extra features to make it a very worthy successor. While not technically a 2011 player, the BDP-93 came out in December of 2010. But it is regarded by many experts and consumers to be THE best player available, so it can not be left off this list.
The BDP-93 Universal player has 3D Blu-Ray Disc support, Online Streaming Services(Netfix and Blockbuster), Wireless-N networking and an eSATA port. It has 2nd Generation Qdeo Video Processing, USB playback, 1 GB of internal memory, dual HDMI Outputs, Ip and RS232 Control. It does cost more than your average Blu-Ray Player, but it is still extremely less than other high-end models. Most experts agree, the Oppo BDP-93 produces the best quality images and sound of any Blu-Ray player currently available.
Pros: Highest Quality Images and sounds - Universal Player - 3D and Network Capability
Cons: High Price - Lacking any dedicated stereo outputs
-- Price you should look for when purchasing -- 9.99
Best Blu-Ray Players For 2011 - Top Ten Recommended
I would like to offer this FREE BLU-RAY PLAYERS BUYING GUIDE when you visit http://www.Bluray-DVD-Players.com Or for more details on the Best Blu-Ray Players visit: Best Blu-Ray Players Copyright 2011. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.
How To Select The Best HD TV To Buy
This is the right time to do so, if you're thinking of buying a HD TV. A HD TV or high-definition television uses the digital signals broadcast by television networks and stations. As a result it delivers quality image with CD sound that results is every bit as good as a 35mm movie, with CD sound quality.
Connectivity is a factor to be considered before you make a buying decision. Can you have multiple hookups connected directly to your HD TV without special equipment? A HD TV usually has multiple HDMI inputs and at least one PC input. Some are equipped with as many as 4 HDMI inputs. A rooftop antenna that is compatible with HD TV is worth buying, and in the case of a satellite system, one that's designed for use with HD TV.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
What kind of sound package do you want with your home theater system? This could prove to be one of the trickiest components to deal with. Most HD TVs are equipped with great sound quality and are compatible for connection with home theater systems.
There are various types of HD TVs.
One is HD-ready; it displays standard-definition programs on its own, but needs a digital cable/satellite box to get other digital channels.
Another is integrated HD TV which has an ASTC digital tuner built in and, if connected to a roof antenna, it doesn't require additional equipment.
A third type, Digital Cable Ready DCR-or plug-and-play, can plug a digital card from a cable/ satellite company directly into TV. HD TV-ready sets get their high-definition images either from an external source like a cable box or a satellite receiver, or from a separate digital tuner (these start around 0) that you hook up to an antenna.
There are several levels of HD resolution; 1080p is the high end. The vast majority of HD content, including cable and broadcast programming, will be below1080p for years to come. Normally 720p is acceptable.
An anti-reflective screen is the best option, shiny screens, under normal lighting, will reflect. As far as screen size is concerned consider the recommended distance of viewing before splurging on 84-inch set.
Is your HD TV small enough to be moved? If not, don't try to move it. Trying to move could cause severe injury to your back, neck, shoulders or legs, as well as compromise the unit itself.
Never move, mount or install your HD TV on your own; let a professional technician do it, for you. That way, you can prevent it from getting damaged in transit.
How To Select The Best HD TV To Buy
Richard J. Runion is the President of Geostar Publishing & Services LLC. Rich loves net research & blogging. His new blog on Best HDTV is fast becoming popular, as it is comprehensive and well-researched.
Read his blog at: http://www.besthdtvreview.com/
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The Best Smartphone for 2011
Searching for the best smartphone for 2011? Look no further - you've just found it. It's the Samsung Galaxy S II (Samsung Galaxy S 2 / Samsung i9100). Whether it's good sound quality you're looking for, astonishingly colorful display, 1080p full HD capabilities, easy browsing, rich media and entertainment, or simply a phone that looks awesome, you'll find it all in the Samsung Galaxy S II.
The Galaxy S II has a wide 4.3" screen, with the Super AMOLED Plus technology. Although it doesn't have the highest resolution available to date, the Super AMOLED Plus display makes up for it with vivid, clear colors. The phone's width might take a bit to get used to, but all in all it's the most compact and slim phone out there. The Galaxy S II is only about 8.49mm deep - almost 1mm less than the iPhone 4. Additionally, the phone weighs only 116g, which is amazing, considering what it can do.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
To make sure everything runs smoothly, the Galaxy S II is equipped with a 1.2GHZ dual-core processor, and 1GB of RAM. Even when many CPU-demanding applications run at once, there is still no noticeable lag. Coupled with the wide, high-quality screen and the exact touch interface, this makes browsing a real treat. Samsung has optimized the power consumption of the device, and the battery lasts for a whole day of extensive use, or about 2 days of "normal" use (phone calls and some media).
If you're concerned about the multimedia abilities of such a small device, don't be. The Galaxy S II features two cameras: a front-facing 2MP camera, and a high-quality 8MP camera with LED flash. The back camera indeed delivers the goods, with highly-detailed quality photos, and switching between the two cameras is easy and fast. If you enjoy taking movies, you'll love the 1080p full HD video recording and playback capabilities. The movies you take are just amazingly real, and the internal 16GB memory (can be extended to 32GB via a micro SD card) can save about an hour and a half of full HD recording.
As any Samsung Galaxy S II review will tell you, the Galaxy S II is a definite buy. Not only does this phone look chic and elegant, Samsung squeezed a lot of good things into its compact casing. The fast processor, high-resolution camera, full HD video support, and cutting-edge communication protocols make sure that the Galaxy S II will be a prime phone even a year from now.
The Best Smartphone for 2011
Gal B is a high-tech enthusiast, and is very impressed by the Samsung Galaxy S2.
AmazonBasics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters) Review
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Tuesday, January 3, 2012
720p Vs 1080i HDTV
Is 720p vs 1080i worth being concerned about? Yes and no. If you're a consumer looking for a new TV, you can happily ignore the 720p vs 1080i debate because every TV which is described as HDTV or HDTV Ready is required to support both formats.
NOTE: You should be aware though that lots of TVs which support 1080i have fewer than 1080 lines and so scale the 1080 signal down. That's not a huge issue as even scaled down 1080i is far ahead of a regular NTSC signal. It is worth bearing in mind that more expensive HDTVs tend to have better scalers than cheaper ones, and this may be an issue.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
However, for broadcasters it's a live issue. Should they broadcast 1080 lines of interlaced video or 720 lines of progressive scan? They could just broadcast two signals, one in each format, but that would use up a huge chunk of bandwidth and be hugely expensive for very little gain.
To answer the question, it's important to understand the difference between 720p vs 1080i. A 720p signal is made up of 720 horizontal lines. Each frame is displayed in its entirety on-screen for 1/30th of a second. This is know as progressive scan (hence the 'p')The quality is like watching 30 photographic images a second on TV. A 1080i signal comprises 1080 horizontal lines but all the lines are not displayed on-screen simultaneously. Instead, they are interlaced (hence the 'i'), ie every other lines is displayed for 1/60th of a second and then the alternate lines are displayed for 1/60th of a second. So, the frame rate is still 30 frames per second, but each frame is split into two fields, which your brain then puts together subconsciously.
Most of the time interlacing works fine, but for fast moving images, such as sports like baseball and hockey it can cause problems which manifest themselves as a 'stepping' effect on-screen. Progressive scan signals don't have this problem and so are better suited to sports.
ESPN puts it like this: 'Progressive scan technology produces better images for the fast moving orientation of sports television. Simply put, with 104 mph fastballs in baseball and 120 mph shots on goal in hockey, the line-by-line basis of progressive scan technology better captures the inherent fast action of sports. For ESPN, progressive scan technology makes perfect sense.'
Bottom line? For us, as consumers 720p vs 1080i is not a debate worth worrying about, so you can relax and focus on all the other criteria on your list when you buy your next HDTV.
720p Vs 1080i HDTV
Kenny Hemphill runs Discounted Web Hosting and is the editor and publisher of The HDTV Tuner - a guide to the kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.
Acer Aspire 5542g Review
The Acer 5542G is the company's replacement model for it's very popular 5536/5536G series. The new model comes with an improved processor and a whole new Tigris platform. It was after more than a week's wait and phone calls that I got hold of one Acer Aspire 5542G. From the moment I read the specification sheet, I have been very thrilled to get the machine in my hands. The specs boasts about a AMD Turion II 2.2 Ghz, 3GB DDR2 Memory, ATI 4570 Dedicated graphics card with a 512MB DDR3 memory and a quite generous 320GB Hard disk drive for a price tag of less than RS 34000, which is quite a tempting deal.
In this detailed review we will see how these specs meet the real performance needs.
HDTV Resolution 1080p
Key features:
In this section, we will look in detail at the key components that makes up this laptop. I will also try to include as much specifications and details as available from the manufacturer's source.
Processor:
Acer Aspire 5542G comes with the second generation AMD Turion Processor (AMD Turion II M500) clocked at 2.2Ghz which houses a 1MB L2 Cache. The Turion II M500 is fabricated using the 45nm technology. It belongs to the Caspian generation of processors and supports HyperTransport 3.0 and hardware virtualization.
The Turion is AMDs answer to mobile processors, which provides excellent performance while keeping the power consumption at the minimum. The Turion processors generates less heat compared to AMD's desktop work horses that have a bad reputation in heat emission department. The Turion II being the next version of the decent performer Turion, it sets high expectations in terms of competing with the Core 2 Duos in the market. We will see how it scores in real performance when we benchmark it down the road.
Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 512MB DDR3
One of the main attractions of this laptop is the graphics engine that lies beneath the hood. The Acer 5542G comes with a dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 with 512 MB of DDR3 memory.
For those of you who are not clear about the difference between an integrated and a dedicated graphics solution, I'm adding a few words. An Integrated graphics solution (eg: the Intel's X4500) doesn't come with dedicated video memory; it eats up your system memory for graphics processing and thus the slower path between the system memory and the graphics engine causes the biggest bottle-neck when it comes to performance. Also the integrated graphics processor would be less powerful than a mainstream dedicated one in raw processing power. On the other hand, a dedicated graphics card will usually have a high speed dedicated video memory (eg: DDR3) which is coupled to the graphics processor. This removes the bottle neck and gives the card superior performance. The graphics processor on a dedicated card would usually support high-end effects provided by the latest DirectX and OpenGL APIs which gives the realism and visual-candy in the latest games.
The HD 4570 is a faster clocked version of the Mobility Radeon 4530/4330. It has a 64 Bit memory bus and comes with a 512MB DDR3 VRAM. The 512MB should be adequate for most gaming and graphics needs, unless you play in the craziest resolutions. (As rendering resolution increases, the more memory it needs). The DDR3 memory will meet the needs for the fastest and huge volume texture processing that modern games demand. However the 64 bit bus stands inferior to the 128 bit bus that most mainstream cards offer.
The ATI Mobility Radeon 4570 is based on the RV710 chip and it provides 80 stream processors. The Mobility Radeon also provides the video technology called Avivo HD that provides an on board 7.1 sound chip. The graphics solution also features a 2nd generation Unified Video Decoder that supports full bitstream decoding of H.264/MPEG-4 AVC and VC-1 streams. The 4570 graphics unit is capable of handling all video tasks including HD video decoding.
Display:
The Acer 5542G comes with a 15.6" High Definition LED backlit TFT LCD display that provides 220-nit high brightness and Acer's Cinecrystal display technology. The pure widescreen (16:9) display supports a maximum resolution of 1366X768 and provides a 60% color gamut. It has a high-def response time of 8ms.
Memory: There is nothing much to boast about a 3GB DDR2 800Mhz memory that comes with the Acer Aspire 5542G when compared to the current line of laptops many of which sports a 4GB under the hood. The 3GB is sufficient for most of the computing needs which can later be upgraded to 4GB. However the 3GB deal would appear reasonable when we keep the price tag of the Acer 5542G in mind.
Hard Disk Drive: Again there's nothing jaw dropping in this department. But I would say that the 320GB that comes with the Acer 5542G is generous for most of your storage needs.
Processor performance and benchmark:
I was initially reluctant to switch from the Intel's proven workhorse Core 2 Duo to the AMD's Turion family of processors. It is a widely accepted fact that the Intel's processor outperforms the AMD counter part, provided that both runs on the same clock speed; the main culprit being the lower L2 cache in AMDs. But my reluctance to move on to the AMD Turion II was swept away by the performance benchmarks. The AMD Turion II M500 2.2 Ghz outperforms the Intel Core 2 Duo 6670 2.2 Ghz. When AMD Turion II M500 scores a decent score of 1426, the Intel Core2 Duo 6670 managed to get only 1379, though the margin is not huge.
The Turion II M500 also scored higher in the Windows 7 performance rating with a score of 5.7 against the score of 5.5 of the Intel's Core 2 Duo 6600.
The Turion II without doubt has improved it's architecture dramatically compared to the previous generation Turion, which helps it to achieve a higher performance benchmark, while competing head-on with the Intel's counterpart, even though AMD Turion II M500 houses only 1MB L2 cache compared to the 2MB offered by the Intel's variants.
The AMD Turion II M500 is doubtlessly an excellent performer and is commendable for being the first AMD processor model overtaking the Intel Core 2 Duo along the performance lines, both of which are clocked at the same speed. Though the Turion II has only 1MB L2 Cache it brings excellent performance and computing power on a budget. The Turion II M500 processor gives the Acer 5542G with great number crunching efficiency, that was much noticeable when we ran tests involving compressing/extracting, Gaming and Video rendering using 3D graphics tools. The Acer 5542G showed brisk performance during daily computing, and the Windows responsiveness and multi-tasking were significantly quick.
Graphics card performance:
The Acer 5542G with the ATI Mobility Radeon 4570 with 512MB Dedicated DDR3 VRAM is not an exceptional performer in terms of the latest gaming standards. But very few laptops comes with a high end graphics card that meets the high-end gamer's needs and those machines will burn a hole in your wallet for sure. The HD 4570 in the Acer 5542G is a decent graphics card to play a little older game titles in full detail whereas when it comes to the most recent games, you might have to tweak the detail level to a medium to get reasonable frame rates.
The Acer 5542G is an excellent choice for gamer's on a budget as well as 3D Graphics designers and Animators.
I found the Acer 5542G delivering very smooth frame rates on Test Drive Unlimited even at the highest settings, though a video review of the Dell Studio 15 housing the same graphics card showed significantly lower frame rates in YouTube. May be the performance boost is due to the DDR3 Video Memory as well as the better number-crunching done by the AMD Turion II M500. The card fared really well in older titles like Need For Speed Most Wanted, Need For Speed UnderCover, Unreal Tournament 2003, and Crysis Warhead even at the highest detail settings with 1024X768 resolution and FSAA turned on. The Acer 5542G also delivered consistently playable frame rates in Microsoft Flight Simulator which is a quite resource hungry game, due to the presence of huge textures and extensive terrain.
Display performance:
The 220-nit high brightness display of the Acer 5542G, gives excellent display quality with good sharpness and contrast. It also delivers very good and accurate color reproduction (60% gamut). The viewability from sides is not exceptional, but is adequate. The only major disadvantage of the display is that it's high glossy finish attracts glare. Hence it is not suitable while viewing against any direct light source.
Audio Performance:
The Acer 5542G sports a Dolby certified audio system. The Realtek chip provides 32bit audio decoding and provides SP-DIF and Dolby Digital output. It also supports Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Surround modes. It means you will be in audio bliss, if you connect the Acer 5542G to a nice home theatre or high-end headphones.
The built-in speakers of the Acer 5542G clearly lacks the bass and was a disappointment during our tests. The sound clearly lacks the thump element in it. It doesn't mean that the speakers are worthless. The speakers give you very nice high and medium range frequencies quite well. The audio volume levels were loud enough and will be adequate if you are not in the middle of a very noisy environment.
Battery:
The Acer 5542G comes with a 6-cell battery pack. It would probably disappoint you, if you are looking for a laptop with 3+ hours battery backup. The lower battery backup can be attributed to the modestly big 15.6" display paired with the dedicated graphics card that can drain out quite a lot of battery power. With the screen brightness at low, I was able to obtain a 2 hours 50 minutes backup with no audio, video or games turned on. At highest performance setting, you can expect roughly two hours of battery backup.
Heating:
Being an AMD based laptop most of us who have used an AMD based sytem would have concerns about over-heating. Stay cool. The Acer 5542G handles heat well. When you use it for extended hours for your daily computing needs, it doesn't generate any significant heat. I found the heat near the palm rest regions less compared to some other Intel based competing laptop models. The Acer 5542G has adequate ventilation at the bottom and has a vent at the back, that blows the hot air out. The fan steps into high speed the instant things start getting hot.
It doesn't mean that the Acer 5542G won't generate heat at all. The moment you start playing games, the rosy picture changes. Though the Acer 5542G's body remained just warm, the vent at the rear end was blowing out really hot air, which obviously means heavy heat generation, though it gets displaced well. Though the Acer 5542G gets away with the heat quite well, it would be a good choice to get an efficient laptop cooling pad if you are into serious gaming.
Other components:
The Acer 5542G comes with a good DVD Writer, Bluetooth, Wireless LAN etc. These devices performs quite well and doesn't seem to have any specific points worth mentioning.
Accessories:
The laptop comes with a nice backpack from Targus with Acer logo on it. The backpack has adequate space to carry some extra stuff in it while you are on the move. It's build quality is good and provides adequate cushioning for the laptop compartment.
Conclusion:
Acer 5542G is a laptop that brings great value to those on a budget, who need excellent processing and graphics performance. I highly recommend it for all gaming enthusiasts and graphics designers, owing to the excellent performance of the processor and the graphics solution built-in. It's powerful processor can meet most of the extreme computing needs unless your needs target the ultra-high-end like an i7. The Acer 5542G equipped with it's Turion II processor competes really well with the Core2 Duos out there; no need for the 'Will AMD perform equally well?' question anymore. It delivers brutal processing power.
If you are an audiophile who would play music through the laptop's built-in speakers round the clock, Acer 5542G may not be the best suit for you. If that is not a top-priority for you or if you have a nice home theatre/headphone, then the Acer 5542G gives you great joy in the audio department too, through it's Dolby processing and digital outputs. It all depends on your needs.
The battery suits the home computing / gaming / designing needs. It's 2+ hours backup can handle your presentation, on-the-go needs too, though a 3+ hours backup would have been more recommendable.
The laptop model I purchased comes loaded with Linpus linux operating system (command prompt only) and eliminates the Windows dependency, which helps the Acer 5542G keep its price down. You might also get a version with Windows pre-loaded but for a higher price tag.
Pros:
Excellent processor
Excellent graphics for designers and budget gamers
Good Looks
Quite sturdy design
Good Audio processing and digital out
HDMI
Cons:
Built-in speakers do not match the good audio processing and lacks bass completely
Glossy screen difficult to work with in direct light
Volume control keys could have been softer to touch
Arrow keys needs refinement
Pricing and final words:
This laptop is available in India in many online shopping websites at a sub RS 35k price tag. I got hold of one for RS 33700/- (approximately 717 USD) through a local dealer. With such reasonable price tag and compelling set of features, I strongly recommend the Acer 5542G.
Acer Aspire 5542g Review
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You can read the review with illustrations here Acer Aspire 5542G detailed review
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