HDTV Flat Panel Review

If you're looking for a new TV, here are some things to consider that might help you decide. LCD tend to have a higher resolution than comparably sized plasma panels, with no danger of burn in. However if your looking in the 50" or over category LCD screens are generally more expensive than their plasma counterparts. The downside, lesser picture quality, poor blacks levels, and narrow viewing field. LCD screens have a lower refresh rate than plasma's, meaning that if you watch something with fast moving images (sports), you're more likely to experience a judder effect. In my opinion, when I was shopping for a TV I found the picture on LCD screens to be unnatural, too much like that of a computer display. Some of the better brands of LCD screens are Sharp, & Sony.

Plasma has the most natural, highest quality picture and wide viewing angles. The downside a slight potential for burn in and a generally lower resolution than comparatively sized LCD's. In my personal experience burn in is a non issue with the majority of today's plasma screens. You might experience some temporary "ghosting" due to static images (especially you gamers), but most plasma's are equipped with ways to counter ghosting, such as movable pixels or white wash screens. If you vary your viewing habits, viewing mostly full screen images for the first 200 - 300 hr. break in period, you shouldn't have any problems. I personally have not had any problems with "ghosting" on my Pioneer plasma screen with over a 1000 hrs viewing time on it. Top brands of plasma are Pioneer & Panasonic.

While ultimately the type of TV you settle on is up to personal opinion, you should keep in mind these points. Connectivity; look for at least 2 HDMI inputs. Screen size; whether you're looking for 27" - 42" range or 50" and above (LCD being a better choice in smaller screen sizes). Knowing these points will help you significantly narrow the field of options and make choosing that much easier. Remember just like any other thing you get what you pay for, so you're better served by not trying to save too much on the price. With prices in both types of TV's continually falling, you can now buy a quality TV of either kind for a reasonable price.

LG Super Multi Blue Player

Continuing in High Definition I thought I'd look at LG's new dual format disc player. The Super Multi Blue Player features;

- Blu-ray & HD DVD Playback

- Full HD 1080p Output through HDMI 1.2

- DVD 1080i Upconversion

- BD-J Interactive Menu System

(No HD DVD Interactive Menus)

- Supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Audio

- 5.1 Channel Analog Audio Out

- 96kHz/24-bit audio digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion

- 27MHz/8-bit video digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion

- Network-compatible with a built-in Ethernet port

Although the Super Multi Blue Player lacks complete support for HD DVD & apparently does not play CD's, it's a step in the right direction in ending the high definition format wars.

The Departed; HD DVD Review

I just picked up The Departed on HD DVD and thought I'd review it. Being a fan of Scorcese movies, I loved this movie when I saw it in the theater, and would place it along side Goodfellas & Casino. I loved it even more seeing it the second time through my Toshiba HD-A1 & Pioneer plasma screen.

I think it's a great movie, well written (love the dialogue), with excellent acting. All three of the principles, Nicholson, DiCaprio & Matt Damon could have been nominated for Oscars along side Mark Wahlberg.

The video is encoded using 1080p/VC-1 compression, for both the HD DVD & Blu-ray versions. Picture quality is outstanding, with bright popping colors, finely textured dark scenes, impressive close-ups, and excellent detail & depth.

The audio on the HD DVD version features a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack (the Blu-ray version has an uncompressed PCM 5.1 soundtrack). With the exception of a few key scenes, the audio mix is front-heavy for the majority of the movie. Perhaps a somewhat restrained soundtrack, the audio is never the less clear, crisp and well balanced throughout.

In short The Departed is another great Scorsese film that should finally earn him at least a best director Oscar. If your a Scorsese fan, or a fan of mob movies in general then this is a definite must for your collection. If you're still on the fence waiting out the format wars, it's movies like this that make a compelling reason to buy into either format.

Zune News

Microsoft plans a smart phone version of it's WiFi music player to be released in time for Christmas '07. It will run something similar to the Zune interface and connect to the XBOX 360 for streaming video to phone wirelessly.

Microsoft is also making plans for Zune "filling stations," places where you can literally pull in and download. A virtual shop on existing Wi-Fi networks like those at Starbucks & McDonald's, making it easier for Zuners to get access to downloads no matter where they are.

In the mean time while we wait for this to happen, you might want to check out Zune Reactor and get an unlimited access pass to download as many songs, HD-quality movies and TV shows, as well as the latest Zune downloads as soon as they are released. It's well worth a look.

Windows Vista

So with the release of Windows Vista, I just had to find out more. If you're like me and comfortable with XP, you might wonder why upgrade and go through the growing pains of a new operating system.

Well here's the spec's, Vista is a more secure and reliable operating system with many new and intuitive ways to view, organize and access your files. Improving on XP's vulnerability to hackers and malicious software, Vista has a built-in two-way firewall to monitor what's coming in and going out of your computer.

Vista also has a redesigned user interface with the introduction of "gadgets" on the right hand side of the desktop. Referred to as Windows Sidebar this area of the desktop contains these "gadgets"or mini-applications that are sticky notes for little reminders, local weather, a calculator, photo to slideshow, news headlines, and RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds.
Windows Media Center is also included, so you'll be able to watch and record live TV, connect a supported media player, and edit your photos and home movies.

Windows Vista comes in four versions Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate, with prices ranging from $129 - $499 depending on the version and if it's an upgrade.