Dave’s Dilemma: New HDTV

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Since moving about two years ago, I haven’t bothered replacing my projector. However, we just gave away our last SDTV (32″ JVC) and moved the 30″ CRT HDTV into the bedroom. So we’re looking at 40″ – 46″ LCDs for the living area. (New projector or larger higher-end set is on hold until the next move.) And I’ve got to say despite the bulk, I much prefer the picture quality of tube televisions. But they’re a dying breed (“microdisplay” projection sets will soon follow) and no one makes larger HDTV tubes anymore. LCDs just don’t handle fast motion (or black levels) like a CRT… and given our usage patterns (potential burn-in issues) a plasma is out of the question. The new Sony XBR4/5 and the Samsung 71/81 LCDs offer double the refresh rate (120Hz, versus 60), but it’s yet to be seen it this is a hack or a genuine improvement. Regardless, I can’t justify $3k on a 40″ screen. I’m most seriously looking at the 42/53 (720p) and 61/65/66 (1080p) Samsungs at the moment, but can’t say I feel great about watching sports on any of them. LCD quality just isn’t there yet. At least not at prices I’m comfortable with.

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Google Makes Amends

After taking heat for insufficient reparations in killing paid video downloads, Google’s reconsidered: We’re giving a full refund — as a credit card refund — to everyone who ever bought a video. You can still keep the Google Checkout credit that you’ve received already. We’re going to continue to support playing your videos for another … Read more

SDV Keeps On Rollin’

In the next month, Cox will deploy SDV in neighboring Fairfax (VA) county. Multichannel News writes: In Northern Virginia, where Cox has about 240,000 subscribers, the SDV system will go live systemwide in about 30 days, according to Kelso. Later this year, Cox plans to roll out the system in its Phoenix and Orange County, … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Dave missed while vacationing. DVB-T tuners, DVR functionality, and placeshifting coming to European PS3: Sony Logitech Harmony 1000 reviewed: PC Mag Paramount and Dreamworks sell out to HD DVD: TiVo Lovers YouTube video advertising arrives: Yahoo

Dave’s Traveling Tech

Last week Mari hit the beach (with her gadgets)… and now it’s my turn. We’re going to spend a few days playing in Vegas, before I head off to California for work. So I snapped a pic of some devices I’ll be bringing along (in the best backpack ever): First up are my Shure buds … Read more

Need More Power!

Not only did a I pick up a new car this week, I managed to rearrange and move a decent amount of my home gear. Among other changes and issues, I ran out of power outlets in the bedroom. I’ve (now) got two cable boxes, a TiVo, ITVN, Slingbox AV, Buffalo wireless bridge, and of … Read more

60GB PS3 for $349?

Over on TiVo Lovers, I spotted a very attractive deal: Pick up a Sony credit card and Get instant approval and a $150 card credit after your first Sony Card purchase of $299 or more! While televisions are often discounted at big box stores and online retailers, you won’t find significant discounts on the $499 … Read more

The Altec Lansing iM500 Giveaway (and mini-review)

Quite a few products make their way through my door. Many I purchase and others are review units – like the Altec Lansing inMotion 500 above. I have to say that this is one of the very few devices I’m reluctant to let go of. (All review items are returned or given away.) The iM500 … Read more