High-Def Digest Forums - Home Theater Gear

looking for anew HDTV

2pacalypsenow — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:35:41 GMT

Im currently using a Sony 46ex500 and want to move up to the 60"-70" size . I was gonna get a 4k tv the 55" but read that 4k is useless under 80" . So my Budget right now is up to $2400 can anyone recommend the best tv i can get for that $ also ill be using it mostly for (:iconbluraypng::x360vq6::iconps3hq0: Ps4) . I was looking at some Sony tv's and want to get the best possible tv No matter the brand. Thanks

Audyssey DSX

ATLFalconsFAN — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:21:13 GMT

So I just bought a new Integra 80.3 preamp that has Audyssey DSX. I have an extra 2 channel amplifier and an understanding wife. All I would need is an extra pair of speakers.

I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with DSX? I read in a home theater magazine review that if one were to go 9.1 that wide speakers were a better bet than height speakers, but I have no experience with either.

So, any experience with either option? I'm willing to spend a few extra bucks if the sound is worth it...

Which I suppose woul open a can of worms. For now I'm just doing 7.1 direct, I wonder if DSX makes for any undesirable processing since it's above and beyond what was intended.

:confused:

Overhauling my home theater (projector), and I could use some suggestions.

NJScorpio — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:10:10 GMT

(TL;DR Summary - Looking for a high contrast [for black and white movies] projector, brighter than 1700 lumnes, that may be below $1,000 by December that is native 1080p. 3D a plus.).

I have a very solid understanding of home theater technology, but just an above average understanding of current home theater 3D tech.

I'm also way out of the loop interms of products, which is why I'm posting.

In December, I plan on picking up the next Xbox. I think it is safe to assume it will also function as a 3D Blu-Ray player. If not, I'll address that issue at the time.

I'm currently running off of an Infocus IN26, set to 16:9. It was a bargain, and I have a bunch of spare bulbs, so I've been in no rush to upgrade prior.

Current projector factor stats are
Throw Dist (feet) 4.9 - 32.8
Native Resolution 1024x768
Lumens 1700 ANSI
Contrast (Full On/Off) 2000:1

By now, you may be feeling sorry for me. I've been happy with this setup, until I got a 39" 1080p TV for my bedroom. After watching 'On The Waterfront', I realized I want to see it again at 100"+.

What I'm looking to do is upgrade to a 1080p projector, and as you can see, most models would be an upgrade in terms of both brightness and contrast. As I'd like to find a bargain, whatever I pick up in December would most likely already be on the market.

My primiary interest is a decent jump in brightness, but mainly a big bump in contrast (for watching black & white blu-rays). I'm looking for something in the sub-$1,000 price range.

I'd spend an extra few hundred if it means upgrading to a 3D model, but I'm not willing to compromise on the native resolution of 1080p. If it was a 3D projector, I'd appreciate clarification on what glasses would be purchased for it.

Also, in terms of throw distance, it would be about 13 feet away projecting about 90-105 inches.

If anyone has suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I had been looking, for a few years, at the Optoma HD20. I could probably get it around $600 if I look/wait, but it is only the same brightness, and only double the contrast.

Thanks in advance!

A Flaw and a Fix for OLED Brightness

Brian Hoss — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:33:43 GMT

NHK has theorized a way to fix an OLED exposure issue with iOLED.

Attachment 3692

The National Broadcasting Corporation of Japan, NHK, is troubled by one aspect of OLED. But rather than introduce a problem, NHK has theorized a solution.

OLED pixels, when exposed to open air, can suffer a quick and severe degradation of brightness. In one example from NHK, the OLED pixels fell to 50% of original brightness in just 100 days. Naturally, part of the current challenge for OLED production is to prevent this kind of open air exposure by ensuring that OLED products are correctly sealed.

In contrast, NHK's solution is a two-step shift in OLED design. First the cathode layer needs to be covered with a new material that is less susceptible to moisture and oxygen. This new cathode layer then needs to exchange position with the anode layer in order to display correctly. This exchange in positions is referred to as an inversion, for which NHK has dubbed the design iOLED.

NHK has promised to release full report on its findings at the end of the month, at which time critical analysis by engineers the world can be applied.

Engadget

Attached Images

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TCL Announces New "Super-Smart" 4K UHD MoVo UD

Brian Hoss — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:30:29 GMT

MuVo UD is the first 4K set with Google TV software.

Attachment 3690

TCL has announced the MuVo UD, the first Ultra HD set to feature Google TV. While nothing about the set's display characteristics was revealed, including the size, the set will feature Android 4.2.2, and more significantly, TCL's Personal Box Office version of Google TV.

Also described as "Lazy TV," here is TCL's breakdown of their Personal Box Office and MoVo TV features, "Based on Google's powerful search engine and combining TCL's proprietarily developed PBO (Personal Box Office, commonly known as the "Lazy TV") innovative technology, MoVo can automatically identify a user with its motion sensor-transmitter and proactively comprehend the user's preference by analyzing his behavior and habit. Its content recommendation engine can integrate the user analysis and its content searching module to recommend automatically exciting content that accommodates the user's preference. In so doing the user can enjoy a real "Lazy TV" super smart experience without operating a remote control or initiating voice recognition. This better serves the current needs of busy consumers and brings TVs back to the centre of home entertainment."

Admittedly, TCL 's triumph over the assumed difficulty of combining a 4K display with Google's TV platform does not seem like an astounding breakthrough. The company nevertheless seems to be beating to market both Samsung and LG, industry leaders who ought to have the edge in deploying Android functionality.

TCL has not yet shared whether or not the MuVo UD will see a release in the west, but with the company making noise with splashy products on the high-end of the spectrum, can a TCL breakthrough to North American homes be far off?

Engadget & PRNewswire

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Major Software Update Finally Available for Roku 2 Models

Brian Hoss — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:08:36 GMT

Update brings the new Roku interface, redesigned channel store, and home screen themes.

Attachment 3686

With the launch of the Roku 3 back in March, Roku introduced a number of new UI changes and features. That new design, which includes a built-in a search tool, was promised to come to Roku 2 models. Roku has now fulfilled that promise.

While Roku has sent out a few test cases of model updates, starting today, owners of the Roku 2 XS (model 3100), Roku 2 XD (model 3050), Roku 2 HD (model 3000), Roku LT (models 2400 & 2450), Roku HD (model 2500) and the Roku Streaming Stick (models 3400 & 3420) can manually update their Rokus to version 5.0, build 804X. Earlier first generation Roku models are not part of the new UI update.

Even without manually updating, those eligible Roku 2 models will be receiving the update automatically over the next two weeks.

The new built-in search feature, which searches across channels for queried content, is available in the US only. The new UI design is more grid based than twin axis based, and makes browsing for new channels easier. Both the new search function and UI have been received positively on the Roku 3, but many may not enjoy the increased amount of advertising and promoting found around the new UI.

Both the top-of-the-line Roku 3 and the formely top-of-the-line Roku 2 XS are available from Amazon.

Roku

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Ceton InfiniTV 6 Takes One CableCARD to Record Six HD Channels

Brian Hoss — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:32:03 GMT

The six tuners can be accessed by networked PCs and media extenders.

Attachment 3683

At $300, the Ceton InfiniTV 6 brings home six QAM 64/256 tuners. Once combined with a CableCARD and possible switched digital video tuner from a cable company, the Ceton InfiniTV 6 brings both live TV and DVR capability to the user's home PC network.

Right now, the Ceton InfiniTV 6 supports assigning tuners to PCs, but the box also offers as a beta feature dynamic pooling between PCs. For those willing to tackle what is likely and arduous set-up requiring assistance from the cable company, freedom from cable boxes, cable box DVRs, and their associated fees can be achieved.

The Ceton InfiniTV 6 hooks up either directly to your coaxial connection or to a tuning adapter if necessary, and houses a CableCARD. The box then needs a wired Ethernet connection to your home network. The supported PC requirements fall between the narrow lines of Windows 7 or Windows 8 Pro with Media Center. One of the common media extenders known to work with the device is the Xbox 360.

Engadget

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Is it even possible to buy a high end HDTV without being a Smart TV?

Juio — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:37:01 GMT

I just want a TV with top notch picture quality, but without all that crap from those Smart TVs. Is that too much to ask?

Lossy DTS-HD streaming now being offered and in the future lossless audio is possible

HDTV1080P — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:42:29 GMT

The new CinemaNow service that streams DTS-HD audio is a big improvement in streaming audio quality compared to VUDU and others that only offer up to 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus. However DTS-HD audio at 512kbps is still a lossy audio format. The Blu-ray format is currently the only way to listen to DTS-HD Master audio which is lossless sound quality that is bit for bit the same as the studio master.

With Verzion FIOS offering 300Mbps download and 65Mbps upload speeds for consumers, over time streaming services will keep improving on their picture and sound quality. One day DTS-HD Master audio most likely will be offered as a streaming option as Internet bandwidth keeps increasing in speed and capacity. For now Blu-ray is still king of picture and sound quality since the bit rate is much higher compared to streaming.

Quotes

"DTS Express is a low-bit-rate multichannel audio codec that can be efficiently streamed over the internet. It is also used as a secondary audio channel on Blu-ray Discs."

�With DTS-HD, streaming services can deliver multichannel audio at data rates up to 512Kbps. If the stream is received at the TV at 512Kbps via a good network connection, then the sound quality will be �nearly indistinguishable� from lossless PCM soundtracks and from soundtracks encoded in lossless codecs, DTS said. Cinema Now�s audio data rate was unavailable.�

http://www.twice.com/articletype/news/dts-sees-wide-dts-hd-compatibility-home-theater-systems/106777

http://www.twice.com/articletype/news/cinemanow-launches-dts-hd-content/106701

Denon Adds Four New IN-Command Receivers Starting at $500

Brian Hoss — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:56:55 GMT

IN-Command line includes smartphone, web, and home automation control options.

Attachment 3649

As Denon continues to thread the needle with a somewhat prestigious and somewhat exclusive air about its products with the "Denon Difference," four new networked receivers join the company's product offerings. The IN-Command feature set not only includes smartphone control through Denon's iOS and Android app, but also control through a web browser, or through a home automation system.

At $500, the 5.1 80 Watt per channel AVR-X1000 features 6 3D ready HMDI inputs, USB input, DLNA 1.5 certification, and multi-zone pre-amp output (audio only) in addition to the IN-Command feature set. At $700, the 7.1 95 Watt per channel AVR-X2000 adds 4K Ultra HD pass-through and scaling, and a RS-232 port. At $900, the 7.2 105 Watt per channel AVR-X3000 adds a second HDMI output, HDMI SACD support, +12v Trigger Output, multi zone video output, a second parallel LFE output, and digital to analog audio conversion. At $1300, the 7.2 125 Watt per channel AVR-X4000 adds a third HDMI output, Denon Link HD capability, phono input, three zone audio output, analog and digital multi zone output, 11.2 channel pre-amp output, DSX surround, and AL24 Processing Plus.

TWICE

Attached Images

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Screen Innovations Adds Pure Zero Edge to Its Line of Pure and Black Diamond Screens

Brian Hoss — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:29:17 GMT

Rigid screen design supports up to an 8K resolution, frameless edge, and LED backlighting.

Attachment 3644

Screen Innovations, credited for producing affordable screens that excel in dark and light environments, is now offering the Pure Zero Edge line of screens.

From SI, "Filling a void onscreen and in the marketplace, our new Pure� projection screen materials feature an enhanced texture that is 9x finer than that of the best screen available. Redefining what white and gray screens can do to enhance the visual entertainment experience, our proprietary Micro Texture delivers absolute perfection when reproducing resolution from 1080P to 8K. The image is razor sharp with perfect color and uniformity, providing a sensory experience unlike any other."

The aluminum-backed rigid screen design aims to offer the kind of appearance that consumers normally seek in bezel-less screen design without compromising image quality. Pure White and Pure Gray now join the company's Black Diamond screens. SI promises that these screen options in a two piece projector set-up yield much larger screen sizes than comparably priced flat panel TVs.

One capability being pushed by Screen Innovations is LED backlighting, which can easily be included in the Pure Zero Edge backing. The idea behind LED backlighting is to complement onscreen content while making it easier to watch bright content in a dark room.

Screen Innovations

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Sub Woofer Problems

craizedmanic — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:41:55 GMT

Hey guys I have a subwoofer problem (klipsch sw-112). I recently remodeled my garage into a small TV room. Since that time I have been trying to calibrate my system for the new room. The problem is on the sub, and it is only on Call of Duty Black Ops 2, seems to bottom out every time a EMP goes off. Also on Nuketown 2025 map after the round is over and the bomb goes off. What happens, and I will try to explain the best I can, is the sub is nice a tight filling the room with great bass sound as well as thumping my chest. Then as it gets to the lowest point it sounds like the sub cannot hold the tightness and it starts to ( I do not even know how to explain this) get loose and then just a big puff almost of air comes out of the port. I have messed with the settings in the receiver as well as the gain on the sub. Trying to find that sweet spot. I have also performed a crawl around the room making sure that the sub is in the best spot. However what I am getting is when the sub is turned down low enough that it does not �bottom out� then I have hardly any bass with anything else. And when the bass really shakes the room and I try to play the game I get that sound every time. Is my problem simply the sub trying to go lower than what it can handle frequency wise. Or is it something else altogether. Here are a few specs on the sub that may help. Frequency response 26Hz-120Hz +/- 3db with a max acoustic output of 116db @ 30Hz. Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks

TCL TV Powers the Upcoming 'Iron Man 3'

Brian Hoss — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:26:18 GMT

TCL set featured in Tony Stark's living room.

Attachment 3635

Product placement in Hollywood movies is nothing new, and TCL has been teasing its involvement with 'Iron Man 3' for some time. Now a TCL set, said to be the one the company's newest models, is featured prominently in an 'Iron Man 3' trailer.

TCL is teasing new 58 inch and 50 inch models that are coming to the US, but the model most Tony Stark like is the 110 inch 4K UHD 3D Multi-touch halo set from TCL.

From TCL CEO Li Dongsheng, "The successful launch of our 110-inch screen with our patented technology including our Fine Stereo Performance technology application once again proves TCL's research, design and development capabilities. Not only will TCL benefit from the development of this breakthrough technology, all TV manufacturers in China and overseas will be able to capitalize on this revolutionary product design and provide people with even more enjoyable entertainment experiences."

TCL has previously partnered for 'Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon,' and recently acquired the naming rights for the iconic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. On the 'Iron Man 3' parntership, TCL gerneal manager Q.C. Liang said, "Our partnership with Marvel�s �Iron Man 3� has been very fruitful, as we share a number of common grounds. Throughout the Iron Man franchise, the lead character Iron Man is one of the very few superheroes that does not possess supernatural abilities, but relies on his innovative ideas, deep engineering expertise and advanced technology to solve problems and create a better world. Similarly at TCL, we always strive to deliver inspiring and a brand-new experience to our consumers through technology innovation.�

TWICE

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Sony HT-CT660 Surround Sound Bar Available for Pre-order

Brian Hoss — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:15:52 GMT

3 HDMI inputs, wireless sub, Bluetooth, and NFC top the list of features.

Attachment 3633

Available for pre-order is Sony's new HD sound bar. The 330 watt 2.1 channel set-up features connectivity options that include HDMI, optical, analog, Bluetooth, and NFC. Sony is also pushing an IR Repeater Pass-through, which essential allows the sound bar to reside in front of a TV's IR sensor without obstructing it.

The sound bar includes Sony's S-Force PRO Front Surround 3D, which when coupled with the sound bar's ability to handle HD sound formats promises some of the best sound bar faux surround sound.

The three HDMI inputs and one output include 3D and 4K UHD pass through and Bravia Sync.

Sony sees the system as a great option for those looking for wireless smartphone pairing. Not only does the system use NFC, but the Bluetooth capability includes stand-by activation. Whenever a Bluetooth-enabled device attempts to connect to the sound bar, the sound bar will power up and be ready to stream music.

Naturally, anyone unwilling to commit the space for a full receiver set-up, but still wanting better than TV speakers and HDMI routing will want to consider pre-ordering the $400 Sony HT-CT600.

Sony

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Sony Reports First Profit Since 2008

Brian Hoss — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:39:18 GMT

Ninth straight annual loss for TV side of the business.

Attachment 3629

Sony has managed $2 billion in profit from selling off several assets, including healthcare data provider M3 Inc., social game website operator DeNA Co., and offices in Tokyo and Manhattan. Sony's fiscal year was also buoyed by the weakening yen. As with so many Japanese manufacturers, the weakening of the record strong yen permits Japanese goods to priced more competitively in the global market.

That $2 billion profit from asset sales resulted in $403 million in net income, and those numbers illustrate how Sony still needs to get various parts of the company into the black.

Unfortunately, both Sony TVs and Sony Xperia phones top the list of products that need to become money-makers if Sony is to remain profitable. Ace Securities Co. analyst Hideki Yasuda, "Asset sales are one-time gains, and the challenge this year will be to generate as much profit from businesses."

Chief Executive Officer Kazuo Hirai has already bet heavily with upcoming PlayStation 4, while 4K UHD seems to be Sony's next step for attracting new sales of TVs amid slowing demand and competition from Samsung and others. Still, the new CEO has been in charge one year and turned a profit.

Sony is set to disclose a full earning report on May 9th, which will hopefully be accompanied by a firm plan to rescue some of Sony's less certain products.

Bloomberg

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Blu-rays Can Now Be Purchased and Downloaded Directly to a Kaleidescape Server

Brian Hoss — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:27:26 GMT

Warner Bros. licensing allows Kaleidescape owners to bypass disc-ripping and housing.

Attachment 3626 Attachment 3627

The Kaleidescape movie server has existed as one of the more extravagant options to wrangle in an overflowing Blu-ray and DVD collection. While using the server to rip all of the owners DVDs and Blu-rays has allowed the user to maintain the quality of disc-based media without having to store and sort through the discs, Kaleidescape has now eliminated the disc entirely, allowing users to purchase and "download movies in exactly the same audio/video quality as Blu-ray discs."

Of course many users may prefer to keep purchasing discs, ripping them, and housing them, as opposed to waiting for 50GB of data per full dual layer Blu-ray to download.

While titles are limited to Blu-rays distributed by Warner Bros., Kaleidescape's Blu-ray prices are competitive and include a digital copy that can be accessed by the user for use on tablets, smartphones , and computers. Even better, Kaleidescape owners can upgrade their ripped "DVDs to Blu-ray quality" downloads through the Kaleidescape store.

The Kaleidescape does not currently support 3D playback, and thus 3D titles are not supported. Still, if Kaleidescape does offer 3D Blu-ray support in the future, then users should also be able to upgrade ripped Blu-rays to 3D Blu-rays.

While buying a Kaleidescape server and player can easily run over $15,000, the ability to own digital versions of movies that are bit-for-bit identical to Blu-rays is a significant feat for HD enthusiasts. Kaleidescape is looking to get more studios on board, and their trail-blazing may pay dividends beyond their current niche.

Electronic House

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OLED production wastage could be 90%

HDTV1080P — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:24:40 GMT

OLED production wastage could be 90%

This is one of the reasons that the first generation 55 inch 1080P OLED displays will have a list price of around $12,000.

Quote

�He says that factories are only getting one good panel out of every 10 panels at 55-inches. �Production problems are making it very, very tough,� he said. �There was a lot of hype about OLED last year and it will improve over time, but it will be painfully slow.� Gray claimed that in comparison to OLED, LCD was a fast moving target.�

http://advanced-television.com/2013/04/22/oled-production-wastage-could-be-90/