Feed: surround sound speaker placement - AggScore: 45.1

AudioSource Amp One/A 160-Watt Stereo Power Amplifier with Internal Bridging Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been an audiophile since I was a teen (over 20 years), having owned some truly high end amplifiers like Bryston, Audio Research, and currently in my main system, a McIntosh MC162. All phenomenal amps. I also happen to own an AudioSource AmpTwo and an AmpOne, both superb amps for the money. The only difference with the AmpTwo, is that it has left and right channel lit VU meters that measure watts output and 'headroom' in db units. Very cool indeed! Other than this, the AmpOne is identical to the AmpTwo. The AmpOne is set up in my home office connected to higher end equipment like Parasound and a Denon HDCD player. My speakers are the very venerable and respected bookshelf horn speakers, the JBL HLS-610, which is very well balanced and revealing of source material and equipment. And lastly, I run fairly expensive 'StraightWire' interconnect cables between my components. That said, I have been blown away by the quality and neutral sound of this amplifier! The amp sounds detailed, accurate, warm, sweet, and powerful - attributes usually found in more expensive high end amplifiers as mentioned above, usually costing thousands of dollars! Quite an amazing feat for this solid little affordable AudioSource that satisfies even high demand audiophile ears like mine. Moreover, I have tested the AmpOne and AmpTwo while driving difficult power hungry loads, such as Magneplanar 4 ohm speakers, and they performed beyond my expectations. Kudos to AudioSource for providing one of the truly 'best bang for the buck' deals in stereo amplification out there! I highly, HIGHLY recommend this product.

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Not everyone wants or needs a single feature-loaded surround receiver, which is where the AudioSource Amp One/A 160-watt stereo amplifier comes into play. A favorite of audiophiles everywhere, the device is built to deliver powerful music, pure and simple, with few gratuitous extra controls to get in the way. Listeners can use the Amp One/A as an independent stereo amp (80 watts x 2) when used with a preamp, or as an adjunct amp for a low-powered surround receiver with preamp outputs (it delivers 200 watts of mono power). Combine the Amp One/A with an additional monoblock amp and a preamp and listeners can powerfully drive two front left/right speakers or two rear speakers, further clarifying each channel to create dynamic, high-end sound. To connect additional components to the amp, use the included line-in jacks (for connecting to a source such as a receiver, CD player, or preamplifier) or the line-out/thru jacks (for creating a multi-amp setup). It's also simple to switch between stereo and mono modes thanks to the bridging switch.
The amp features a precise frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and total harmonic distortion of less than 0.04 percent--barely enough to register to the human ear. It also boasts color-coded five-way binding posts that make it easy to hook up stereo speakers. And at 16.5 by 2.38 by 11.62 inches (W x H x D), the device should fit comfortably in most rack mount or home entertainment setups. In addition, the Amp One/A is covered by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box Amp One/A amplifier, user's manual.

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LG 42PQ30 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)Just replaced my 2 year old Panasonic Plasma with the 42pq30 from LG. The LG delivers a fantastic picture, the 600 mhz fluid motion effect works beautifully for sports and action movies. The ultra high contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 really brings out the dark backgrounds when fitting. Oddly enough it performed especially well while I was watching Charlie Rose. That black back-drop he uses really creates a personal proximity between him and his guests. The classic mahogany table is equally appealing on the set creating the ultimate prop for shared space and time.
I would highly recommend this TV for anyone not looking to spend a fortune on a good quality flat panel television.

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600Hz refresh rate, HD performance and Mega Contrast 42" PDP HDTV, 1024 x 768 Resolution, 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 1,500:1 cd/m2 Brightness, ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM - 1 Tuner, SRS TruSurroundXT, 3 HDMI input. USB 2.0.

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Sony STR-DG810 6.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this for it's HDMI switching capability. It does this well and that's a welcome accomplishment for $300 at this point in time. There is now 1 cable! from the HD DVD player to the recvr and 1 cable! from the satellite recvr and 1 cable to the plasma monitor. That's pretty exciting in my book. The prior reviewer seemed to expect it to do analog to digital conversion of video signals. That's far from realistic at this price point, but it seems like the 910 may do that. For me this receiver replaces an older Sony ES (high end) with better amplication. One knows the 810 is a step down just from its reduced weight. But in my simple home theater context I'm very happy with this recvr's capability. Of course, I've only had it a week. It has a nice blend of features, and even at this level its manual is a bit daunting re the features to be learned. For my wife, it's handy that it allows you to rename inputs. So, instead of SAT appearing on the display I changed it to DIRECTV, and I changed VIDEO2 to EMPTY. Radio stations can be preset and named too. Regardless of which input you switch to, it remembers your last sound settings for it -- that's helpful. When you insert headphones for late night tv watching, it senses that, turns off the speakers and optimizes the sound fields for 2 channel listening. Very nice. I hope it gives me many years of service.

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Sony 6.1 Channel110watts A/V Receiver

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Sony HTD-DW995 Full HD 1080p Component Home Theater System Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This unit does handle digital audio signals via HDMI. This means you don't have to have a seperate optical or coax cable for audio. But you won't get anything more than the DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 that you would normally get through the optical input. If you have a HD DVD player and are expecting this system to take advantage of Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD audio, forget it. The HD DVD players decode these new audio formats and sends them out as multi-channel linear PCM. But this Sony receiver can only handle 2 channel linear PCM. Not the 5.1 channels you need for surround sound. So there's no technical advantage over the optical or coax connections that have been around for years.

You may not care and you may find this to be a great system at a great price. But I wanted to clarify this point since Sony's documentation does not spell it out.

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Sony Full HD 1080 Component Home Theater System

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Sony CDP-CX225 MegaStorage 200-CD Changer Review

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(More customer reviews)The CX225 is a really good deal for a Sony 200 Disc changer. and you don't really realize how great a changer is till you get one. If you have a lot of CDs and want to listen to them fairly this sony is great. The optical out is nice, and it changes fairly quickly.
The only downfall is the block system, which is a nice convenince, but you can only put 25 CDs in a block and you cannot play from multiple blocks (all 200 discs or just 25).
If you have more money to spend ... go for the higher end players with CD-TEXT, but the insert organizers that came with the 225 work fine for me. If you are on a budget like me, leave the money for MORE CDS!!

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This 200-disc CD changer features an 8x-oversampling digital-filter circuit that combines excellent phase linearity with superb suppression of aliasing noise to yield better stereo imaging. The four Hybrid Pulse digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are designed to place the DAC and digital filter on a single, integrated circuit. A digital servo-control system maintains stable tracking, laser focus, and disc rotation--all with high precision and low radiated noise. An optical digital output offers a pure digital connection with an MD or DAT recorder, as well as enabling DTS-encoded surround-sound CDs to be played through an outboard decoder. The three repeat modes allow you to replay a single track, a single disc, or all discs for continuous music.

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Panasonic PT-50LC13 50-Inch TheaterWide HDTV-Ready Projection LCD TV Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having researched a lot of HDTVs including DLP, Plasma etc., the Panasonic PT-50LC13 represents the best out of the lot out there!
Both from a quality and price perspective, it represents a great buy - purchased mine from Circuit City for $3000 and was delivered the next day (would NOT recommend buying from an online retailer even if it is $300 - $500 cheaper, since LCD TVs can have some bad pixels sometimes - this is a lot easier to exchange at your local supplier vs. dealing direct with Panasonic! Most online retailers - you canNOT do the exchange with them and have to deal with the manufacturer).
The TV itself is quite stunning to look at - a lot better than the Sony WEGA LCD which looks quite terrible at the base and the sony does not have RGB input either. It is a whole lot cheaper than a 50" plasma tv and does not suffer from the same problems as a plasma tv does.
Very easy to handle (compared to a regular CRT or projection or even a Plasma).
The depth is only 16 inches and tapers off sharply at the top. Does not suffer from a convergence problem like most projection TVs do.
Does not suffer from the Plasma TV burn - most Plasma TVs will last only 20,000 hrs and need to watch out for burn-in if you have constant bars at the side or at the top.
LCD TVs do not suffer from this.
Plasma TV - cannot be fixed if they have the burn-in.
LCD PTVs on the other hand can have a lamp burnout - but the good news is that the lamp can be replaced for around $300. The lamp usually lasts around 10,000 hours.
We sit around 6 feet away and the picture is quite stunning on HDTV.
Note however, if you just connect plain analog or even digital cable, you will be sorely disappointed - with the signal, not the TV :-).
DVDs look good - had to purchase a progressive scan DVD player just to make the pictures look good! Progressive scan DVD at 480p look great. However if the DVD is of poor quality, then the errors are magnified on the 50" screen!
The TV does 1080i and 720p very well on the DVI connector.
The RGB inputs work great - was even able to get my Dell Latitude laptop connected and working (most of the older laptops cannot connect with RGB to a LCD monitor).
THe BBE sound is nice as well - provides a much better surround sound experience. However, the auto volume correction does NOT work with BBE. Overall, having external speakers definitely makes the experience a lot better.
LCD TVs like Plasma TVs have a fan to cool the inside - but I did not hear the fan with normal and very low volume output. Only when the TV is off, I can hear the fan operating silently for some time before it switches off completely (after the lamp is cooled).
Pros:
- Looks extremely sleek - better than Sony wega LCDs!
- Lot cheaper than a 50" plasma and performs better over a longer period
- 2 sets of RGB inputs - one at side and one at back - this is great for laptop or computer connectivity. Imagine connecting the laptop to it and surfing from the couch with a wireless keyboard
- DVI / HDCP Input - for those who understand what this means, connecting the cable box via this connector provides the best possible connectivity (better than composite, better than RGB). Works great on Time Warner / Brighthouse HDTV cable box with DVI output.
- TV Comes with DVI cable
- Lots of composite and component inputs and digital audio out as well
- Remote looks and performs well (silver finish just like the TV) and is able to control the cable box as well if needed. We use the cable remote to control the TV instead.
Remote menus very easy to understand and operate.
- Offers quick aspect scaling from Normal 4:3 -> Full (extends the normal 4:3 screen to 16:9) -> Just (extends only the extreme sides so that people in the middle do not look abnormally fat!) -> Zoom (uniformly zooms out - but can lose the ticker at the bottom!). This aspect scaling works on the component, composite and the coax inputs.
Cons:
- Does not come with composite cables - but ask your cable provider - they usually provide one.
- Standard Cable (even just plain digital) looks just so-so. The size of the TV and the high resolution of the LCD display magnifies any deficiencies in the signal.
- DVI input does not seem to have closed captions - do not know if the problem is with the signal or with the TV
- BBE surround sound does NOT have auto volume correction
- takes around 30 sec - 1 min to startup after a cold start
- Lacks a built-in HD Tuner - but then most plasma TVs do not have it either and is a lot cheaper because of its absence!
- Cannot scale aspect on the Digital Input (DVI/HDCP) - I think this is a restriction on the signal as it is already 16:9 720p signal.
- Need to set the TV to Cinema mode otherwise the cable inputs on standard or digital look terrible! Make sure you do this, otherwise you will NOT have a good viewing experience! Wish Cinema mode is the default.

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The slim-body PT-50LC13 liquid-crystal projection TV offers a perfectly flat, 50-inch display in a widescreen (16:9) dimension that's perfect for viewing DVDs in their native aspect ratios. The high-definition-ready set is equipped with a total of 13 different inputs, including four component-video inputs, a DVI digital video input for a direct digital connection with a DTV set-top box, and two PC inputs (capable of VGA, SVGA, or compressed XGA resolution). A handy PCMCIA/SD Memory Card slot lets you hook up your computer for viewing a digital photo slide show.The set offers a native resolution of 1,280 x 720 alongside high, 400 cd/m2 brightness ensures vivid, exacting images from DVD players and other devices. What's more, Panasonic's Progressive Scan Doubler will upconvert standard interlaced (nonprogressive) broadcast and auxiliary signals to flicker-free, 480p resolution.The PT-50LCL13 is considerably less bulky than most rear-projection televisions and consumes less energy. Further, LCD displays don't suffer from misconvergence or flicker, like their CRT counterparts. The Panasonic multimedia display incorporates thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, also known as active matrix, to improve color reproduction, eliminate ghosting, and boost response speed. TFT technology also helps achieve an extraordinary brightness level of 700 to 800 cd/m2.Two-tuner picture-in-picture with split-screen display lets you view two programs at once by dividing the screen in half down the middle. Each program is shown at full height, with one program on the left side and the other on the right. Eight-bit PIP image processing provides 256 levels of gray from black to white in the inset picture for finer image detail. Movie sources get their due with Panasonic's 3:2 pulldown feature, Progressive Cinema Scan. This enhancement compensates for motion artifacts that sometimes result from the telecine process that's used to convert film's 24-frames-per-second to an NTSC-friendly 60 frames per second. Other picture-enhancing features include horizontal and vertical edge correction and a motion-adaptive 3D Y/C digital comb filter, which eliminates "hanging dots" and color rainbow effects in closely spaced patterns.What's in the Box TV, remote control, remote batteries, and user's manual.

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Harman Kardon HK3385 High Current Stereo Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently replaced a 25-year-old Marantz with an Onkyo 8222 and had ordered another Onkyo to replace a 30-year-old Technics. But the Harman Kardon suddenly struck me as worth going to the trouble of an exchange of one of the Onkyo's. It's the only comparably priced stereo receiver carried by Amazon that's in the running (it's hard to take Sony seriously when they omit a phono jack, and Teac is little more than a purchased brand name like Sherwood, Sylvania, Westinghouse, and some others that have little to no connection with past product).
The Onkyo performs admirably, but the all-black face can make hitting the right control a minor challenge. Moreover, with the arrival of grandchildren, the presence of input jacks on the face front of the HK recommended itself to me all the more (handy for plugging in a camcorder or digital camera, for example). As a kind of clincher, I had assumed Onkyo was still manufactured in Japan (my older Onkyo equipment is), but I find the receiver is made in Malaysia (same with G.E., RCA, and numerous other electronics products). So the fact that this HK is made in China can hardly be used to its discredit.
As for wattage (HK 3385 vs. 3485, Onkyo 8222 vs. 8522), anyone who thinks they need more than 40-50 RMS per channel is kidding themselves or still insisting on 8-cylinder engines (come to think of it, that's me). But occasionally I'm seeing a better deal on the higher power models, so price may be the ultimate determiner. (As for the dedicated sub-woofer output that Amazon's description mentions in reference only to the HK 3485, not to worry: it's present on the 3385 as well.)
Finally, if Harmon Kardon is selected by Apple computer to make its speakers, they must still be considered a high-end, quality company.

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Do you hear music when there's no one there? The Harman Kardon 3385 Stereo Receiver is the core component of a sound system geared to deliver great audio performance at home or in your office. It uses the same high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design found in Harman Kardon's home-theater receivers but is optimized to reproduce superb 2-channel stereo for music and video-sound. It has an AM/FM tuner, four video inputs, a phono input and a cable for direct audio/video connection to an iPod or MP3 player. It's all controlled by an included multicomponent remote. You don't need a basket of remotes! Customize the sounds you want to hear. Add 2 of your favorite optional speakers or listen with headphones from the front integrated headphone jack. Connect your TV, your DVD or CD player, a VCR, even your good old turntable. Sit back and enjoy high-quality audio as you've never heard before.Headphone Jack for adding optional headphones or earphonesPhono input - Connect your turntable component to play those old recordsCable for connecting a digital media player (i.e MP3 or iPod)Multibrand remote controlUnit Dimensions WHD - 17.4 x 6.6 x 15 (442 x 168 x 382 mm)Unit Weight - 20.9 lb (9.48kg)

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Samsung LNT4065F 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)I had recently purchased the Samsung LN-S4095D 40" 1080p LCD HDTVfrom Amazon, but it had a good amount of back light issues exactly like the Sony XBR's. I have read that it sometimes goes away by itself after a few weeks of use. But after 3 weeks it was still cloudy. I shipped it back and received a full refund. I'd heard that the LNT-series of Samsung's were coming out in March and that the problem had been resolved. After many in store demo's at BB and CC by asking the sales associates to hook up a blu-ray 1080p DVD (luckily they all had "Happy Feet" so they were exactly the same movie compared) I product tested the Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV, the LNT4065F, and LNT4066. Along with two Sony's that caught my eye Sony KDL-40XBR2 40" Bravia XBR 1080p LCD HDTV,Sony KDL-40V2500 40" Bravia V-Series 1080p LCD HDTV. All were within my price range. But the Sony V2500 wasn't even close to standing with the Samsung LNT's. The XBR2 is great, but watch out for clouding which Sony will NOT admit is a problem, I recommend googling the XBR clouding problem before buying from SONY. If you're looking for the best all around TV (price, sound, picture quality, no CLOUDING, hook-up versatility(3x HDMI)) then the LNT4065 is the perfect TV for you. It has hidden side speakers that sound very rich and full. If you already have a sound system and prefer a matte finish to your TV get the LNT4061. The LNT4061 has poor sound from its hidden bottom speaker, but the matte screen is excellent to prevent glare. The LNT4065 has a semi-gloss screen, which makes the 15K:1 contrast ratio look amazing! I haven't had any glare problems at all. The only difference between the LNT4065 and LNT4066 is that the 66 has a different chasis. The internals are all the same. I've confirmed this through extensive research. The 65 has buttons on the top of it, while the 66 has pressure sensitive buttons on the bottom left corner. Not worth the extra money to me. PS2 and Gamecube games look fantastic on it. I don't have a Wii or PS3 to try on it yet, but I'll submit another review when I do. This TV is so versatile. So many features for sound, gaming, and picture quality. You can adjust everything you want. LCD is the only way to go, with this TV you get the CR of plasma without the ghosting! This is the TV to buy!
Big plus to Amazon. I bought the TV for $2199 and saw that a week later it was 1905 and they refunded the difference.
JUNE 5, 2007 UPDATE: I purchased a PS3 and a Wii and both look fantastic! The 1080p HDMI 1.3 look crystal clear, I've played Fear(720p), and Ninja Gaiden (1080p). The 1080p upconverting that the PS3 does with the recent firmware upgrade makes all of my regular DVD's look great, and my PS2 games look just as good. The Wii only uses RCA but it looks great with 480i. Zelda and the Wii Sports look fantastic. Having three HDMI ports really comes in handy with a PS3 and DirecTV (HDMI 1080i).

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For people looking to step up to full 1080p resolution in a 40-inch flat-panel LCD, Samsung's 2007 model LNT4065F is a good choice. Besides offering full 1080p resolution the LNT4065F also features a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for rich blacks and subltle tecture display, an 8ms response time panel for smooth motion, hidden side speakers, an NTSC tuner, and 3 HDMI ports.
Compared to other Samsung Models The primary differences between Samsung's LNT4065F and the lower priced LNT4061F LCD HDTV is in the contrast ratio and video processing power. Where this model offers a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a 10-bit video processor, the LNT4061F has a 10,000:1 ratio, with an 8-bit video processor. The LNT4065F should display finer gradients of shading making for more detail in darker scenes. The video processing difference should ensure smoothermotion in fast moving scenes.
Image Processing The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. The 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time to dramatically reduce edge image artifacts while improving transition detail.
Audio Features High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the speakers built into the TV. SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass through hidden side speakers. TruSurround XT audio adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.
Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.

What's in the box: Samsung LNT4665F 40-inch 1080P LCD TV, remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power Cord, cleaning cloth, owners manual, warranty card.

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HP HDX16-1370US 16-Inch Entertainment Laptop Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a big fan of the HP HDX series. It sits at the top of their Pavilion line and is one of the best built notebooks sold in the retail channel. It's aimed solidly at consumers looking for a high end entertainment laptop. Because the material quality is well above average it's not necessarily the best value: you can get these specs for less money, just not with the same build quality. This is a good choice for someone looking for a notebook that can handle more than just web browsing. The biggest drawback of this HDX model is a slightly under powered battery and a little more weight (though again, much of that lies with the superior frame and shell).
Let's go over the specs:
CPU: The Core 2 P7550 runs two separate cores at 2.26GHz and has 3MB of on chip cache. The Core2 line is the best notebook CPU out there today and and this model this is about in the middle of the mobile Core2 line in terms of performance. At 35W it sits in the same thermal envelope as much slower chips (such as the Mobile Pentium line). Having two cores means you can run your full internet security suite and not have your computer freeze up for events like a virus scan.
MEMORY: 4GB of DDR2 RAM is plenty and the 1066Mhz memory speed is plenty fast.
HDD: The 500GB HDD has plenty of storage, even if you like to do video encoding. The 5400RPM speed isn't the fastest but it is more reliable that 7200RPM drives.
DISPLAY: The 16in (1366×768) display looks great. Like a lot of glossy screens it's a little more susceptible to glare, but in the home it looks fantastic. There's also a HDX line with an 18inch screen.
GRAPHICS: The Nvidia GeForce GT 130M w/ 1GB of DDR2 used in this notebook is a large step up from the standard Intel 4500 graphics. It is basically a Nvidia 9600 on a newer (55nm) manufacturing process. With this notebook you can play newer 3D games at reasonable resolutions. This is still a step down from being a true "gaming notebook" but if you want to be able to do occasional 3D gaming on it you can (I should note that online 3D games like World of Warcraft run fine on this chip). If 3D gaming is important to you I would suggest looking for a notebook with something more powerful (either the Nvidia GTS and GTX line or the ATI 4800 or 4600 series). It is more than enough to handle your home entertainment needs. The only downside is it uses more power and will drain your batter faster than the standard 4500.
AUDIO: The Altec Lansing with Dolby Home Theater and Sub-Woofer is part of what sets this notebook apart. The sound is fantastic. It is rich and deep and has none of the tininess usually associated with notebook sound.
DVD/CD DRIVE: Uses the "HP Super-Multi Drive" which means it can read and write pretty much any CD or DVD format out there except for Blu Ray. The lack of Blu Ray is the main ding on the "entertainment" specs of notebook. You can get Blu Ray on other HDX-16 models or by custom ordering it from HP.
BATTERY: The 6 cell battery falls a little short. With this size screen and the upgraded graphics chip you really want a 12 cell battery (which some HDX models have). If you expect to be plugged in most of the time you probably don't care. If you expect to travel with this the 1.5-2 hour typical performance (3 max) will disappoint you.
WEIGHT: Coming in a 7.06 lbs this is slightly heavier than the next step down from HP (a DV6 comes in around 6.5 lbs) but that's mostly improved framing and heavier grade plastics. This notebook is solid.
WIRELESS: The usually Intel 5100 A/G/N supports the most common standards ("A" and "G") along with the new "N" standard. You should have no trouble connecting to wireless networks.
PORTS: This notebook has all the usual ports (USB2, Ethernet, VGA, headphones, microphones, eSATA) and a HDMI port. Thanks to the included remote you could watch DVDs on your TV (if it supports HDMI) in relative comfort. I'm not sure why you would want to foor DVDs, but if you want to use Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Video On Demand, it makes it easy to download and watch movies on your TV.
So if you want a solid notebook with good video and sound this is well worth taking a lot at, especially if you want to download movies. If you are looking for a gaming notebook keep looking. If you want Blu Ray keep looking. If you just want to surf the web you don't need a computer this powerful unless you want really good sound. If battery life is important look for a model with a 12 cell battery (or custom order one from HP).

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LUXURIOUS STYLE:Expanding on the elegance of the current line, the new HDX series is defined by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes with surprising innovations inside and out. High-gloss HP Imprint finish in titanium and chrome now encases all surfaces visible during normal use for greater durability, and a sleeve is included for extra protection. The HDX series Fluid Imprint features a flowing linear pattern that enhances the reflective qualities of the metallic finish. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance. HP¿s mobile products have won coveted International Red Dot, iF and CES Innovation design awards andbeen recognized by other leading design institutions.EXTREME ENTERTAINMENT: Extreme entertainment is at your fingertips with everything you need to enjoy content in the highest-quality formats - and create your own show. Introducing HP MediaSmart for access to DVDs, videos, photos, music, Internet TV and radio at the touch of a button.What's in the box: HDX-1370us laptop, 90W AC Adapter, 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2009 with 60 days complimentary live update, Microsoft Works and Adobe Acrobat Reader

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Harman Kardon AVR 445 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver with 2 HDMI Inputs Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a fantastic piece of equipment! Its easy to hook up and easy to operate. The instruction book is easy to understand. This is the perfect companion to my big screen TV and it puts a big smile on my face every time I watch a movie.

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The Harman Kardon AVR 445 home theater receiver serves as the hub of your home entertainment system, providing a wide range of listening possibilities for almost any audio or video program source. This 7.1-channel surround sound receiver pumps out 65 watts of power per channel (with all channels operating at full power), for 455 watts of total power. The AVR 445's seven-channel amplifier provides the power to reproduce the loudest crescendos or cinema sound effects while remaining virtually free from distortion or system noise. It includes two HDMI inputs for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable. And it's compatible with the optional Harman Kardon Bridge, which links the receiver to your Apple iPod and enables you to control playback of individual songs and playlists via the Harman Kardon remote control.
When playing digital audio sources, the AVR 445 decodes Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS and DTS-ES data streams. Two-channel stereo and matrix surround sources benefit from all current Dolby Pro Logic IIx modes and DTS Neo:6. The latest version of our proprietary Logic 7 process is on-board to create a wider, more enveloping sound field and more defined surround channel positioning, regardless of the type of source material. Additional audio playback options include a direct connection to compatible computer-based sources through a direct USB connection.
Along with two HDMI inputs and three 60MHz analog component video inputs, the AVR 445 converts composite and S-video to component for single video connections. The AVR 445 also provides A/V sync delay so that lip sync errors--commonly seen when digital video processing is used in a source, program or video display--are eliminated.
Thanks to a wide range of multizone options and a standard ZR 10 remote control, the AVR 445 makes it possible to watch and listen to a separate source in one room while the main home theater uses a different source. Using the assignable rear surround channel amplifiers, you may create a basic remote listening zone without any additional equipment, or the unit's multiroom outputs may be used to feed an optional, external power amplifier and volume control. For one-wire multiroom connectivity, the AVR 445 is A-BUS/READY, requiring only a single Category 5/5e cable run and an optional remote module to power a pair of remote speakers while controlling volume and enabling full control over the program source and connected IR-controlled devices.
Other features include:
All popular digital and matrix surround modes, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete and Matrix, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24
EzSet/EQ for quick and accurate system setup and room correction
Dolby Virtual Speaker processing for use when less than a full 5.1 or 7.1 speaker complement is available
Dolby Headphone for spacious, open sound when using headphones
USB connectivity for audio playback with compatible computers and quick system upgrades
Full bass management for all inputs, including the analog direct inputs for high-resolution DVDs, DVD-Audio and SACD players, including Quad Crossover settings and individual settings for each input
Front-panel analog audio/video jacks may be used as either inputs or outputs for connection to the latest portable products or video game consoles
Backlit, eight-device, programmable learning remote control with two-line LCD display
It includes the following audio/video connections:
Coaxial digital: 4 in (1 front), 1 out
Optical digital: 4 in (1 front), 1 out
Composite audio/video/S-Video: 5 in (1 front, which is switchable to output), 2 out
Component video: 3 in, 1 out
HDMI: 2 in, 1 out
RS-232C: 1
USB: 1

What's in the Box Receiver, remote control (with batteries), EzSet/EQ microphone, extender rod for microphone, AM antenna, FM antenna, AC power cord, printed operating instructions

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Samsung LN52A550 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have had my TV for nearly a month now and I love it. I am coming from a 27" CRT TV, so of course, I'm going to be impressed. However, here are a few things I would like to pass along to those of you in the market for a new flat panel TV:
* LCD versus Plasma:
If you are having a hard time deciding between LCD and plasma, LCD has nearly caught up with plasma in terms of being the better flat panel TV. You still pay a bit more for a comprable LCD though. If you are hooking up a PC to your TV, will be pausing live TV, or anything else that keeps the picture still for a while, definitely consider an LCD as plasmas still have their problems with ghosting. I was in a Circuit City recently and looked at a new plasma TV with all the "anti burn-in" technologies built in. After accidently leaving an image on the screen for 4 hours, there was obvious "burn-in" on the screen.
* Screen Size:
I originally started looking at 42" TVs, but realized that the picture quality is so good on HDTVs that you can buy a much larger TV even if your seating distance is only a few feet away. So, I limited my search to the 46" - 52" range. Another factor to consider is whether or not you want to spend extra for a 1080p set or settle for 720p. Most experts will say that you can't notice the difference between the two in a set smaller than 50". So, you may want to save the money and go with 720p. Also, I was worried if my TV would look too "big" in my family room, but trust me, it looks great. I'm so used to the screen size now that anything smaller just doesn't look as nice anymore.
* HD and SD Channel Quality
The HD channels look fantastic. I have an HD package with Dish Network and all of the HD channels are incredibly clear. The SD channels are certainly bearable, but a big step down from watching SD channels on my 27" CRT TV (in terms of picture clarity).
* PIP
This feature will not work for most people as you must have an analog signal. Those of you with digital cable or satellite TV will not be able to use it. For everyone else, it seems like it would be ok.
* Sound
I didn't have as big of a complaint as everyone else did. I could hear everything loud and clear. I will soon be hooking it up to a home theatre system to improve the sound, but as for basic TV speakers, they seemed ok to me.
* Price
If you are considering a TV purchase, buying from Amazon is a must. They typically have the lowest price (much lower than big box stores) and you don't have to pay S/H or taxes. The customer service was excellent any time I contacted them with regards to receiving a price adjustment. The delivery service was good too.
* Picture Settings
Most people will complain about the "Dynamic" mode of the TV saying that this is what the big box electronic stores use to make the picture look brighter, sharper, etc. This is true, but keep in mind that if you want to use the DNIe (Samsung's picture enhancing engine), you will need to use "Dynamic". I'm still figuring out if DNIe is worth having on, but what I did was set my "Dynamic" settings to be very similar to the "Standard" settings. This way the screen isn't so bright. As for the rest of the picture quality settings, I left most of them the same except for a few minor adjustments for my personal liking.
* No Auto-Motion
This was definitely a struggle for me. Do I buy a 46" 6 series to get Auto-Motion or a 52" 5 series? I've seen fast moving action scenes in both sports and movies and you can at times pick up some jutter (especially when the background is also moving). If you are really picky, consider getting Auto-Motion (which you can set to off, low, etc), but for most people the 5 series with out Auto-Motion is fine. I don't really notice anything most of the time unless I am really looking for it.
* Bonus
Since you've taken the time to read my long review, here is a little bonus. After you buy this TV (or any Samsung), register it online and they will give you an additional 3 free months of product warranty.
Happy Shopping!

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Why settle for anything less than top-of-the-line picture quality? With the Samsung LN52A550 high-definition TV you get the total package: a 52? wide screen with 1080p HD resolution, crystal-clear sound, and advanced features like wide color enhancer that are guaranteed to give you the full high-definition experience. With 3 HDMI inputs, connecting to all your peripherals is a snap. Enjoy crystal-clear, lifelike HD sound, with SRS TruSurround XT. Hook up your MP3 player or digital camera via the Wiselink USB 2.0 connection. A versatile user interface lets you scroll through playlists and pictures. Experience the next generation of HD television in all its glory. Widescreen NTSC/ATSC Tuners with Clear QAM Viewing Angle - 178º x 178º DNIe (Digital Natural Image Engine) delivers a crisp, lifelike picture that is closer to film Watts per channel - 10W x 2 SRS TruSurround XT sound Bottom speakers 3 HDMI, 2 Component video, RF antenna inputs S-video, Composite, PC input Hook up your MP3 player or digital camera via the Wiselink USB 2.0 connection Headphone output HDMI-CEC allows peripherals to be controlled by remote control Stereo broadcast reception (MTS & SAP) with 181 channels Picture-in-Picture V-Chip Swivel stand English, Spanish & French on-screen displays Variable sleep timer Dimensions - without stand - 49.9 x 31.1 x 4.3; with stand - 49.9 x 33.7 x 12.8 Weight - without stand - 59.3 lbs.; with stand - 71.2 lbs.

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Denon AVR-2808CI 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've owned a few receivers in the past (mostly Sony ES models), but none of them compare to this one. Denon specializes in audio, and it shows! Don't get me wrong, I love and own alot of Sony's products (two TVs, PS3, Vaio computer, DVD player, etc.), but after picking up this Denon and pairing it with a Polk speaker/sub setup, I've never been happier, and the upgrade from the Sony ES it replaced is substantial in many ways.
Denon AVR-2808ci Pros:
-Sound quality is absolutely incredible! Even compressed music from iPod is great ("Restorer" feature really helps!). Highs, mids and lows are all accurately reproduced, and there are tons of custom EQ options!
-Audyssey Auto-Calibration is accurate and thorough.
-Includes decoding of all current and future sound-fields (DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, as well as Uncompressed PCM and everything else you can imagine, all via HDMI version 1.3a)!
-Display is large and includes alot of necessary info-this thing tells you what it's doing.
-Solid build quality and nice looking!
-Connectivity options (HDMI, toslink, digital coax, component video, s-video, etc.)
-Video upconversion via HDMI using built-in Faroudja DCDi processor, or just passthrough and use as a convenient HDMI switcher (assignable inputs).
-Excellent sound processors, both for movies and music, complement a solid, beefy amplifier.
-Customizable as all heck: 4-stage dimmer, "Quick Select" feature for three sources, learning lcd remote, volume level options, mute level options, default settings per-source, massive amount of EQ/channel level/crossover settings, and more!
-Main remote works great, learns and controls just about all of your gear.
This receiver is truly great for anybody who is serious about their Home Audio/Home Theater. The only drawbacks are that it is very complex, which is fine except that Denon doesn't make it any simpler to understand in the manual. It definitely takes some time to set this thing up and learn its interface. The Sony's I've owned in the past were far more user-friendly from the initial set-up/calibration onward. However, they never delivered results that were even close to this unit, and once you learn it, it does make sense and is relatively user-friendly after setup.
Cons:
-Complex manual and interface takes time to learn.
-On Screen Menu lags a little and blacks out picture rather than a nice overlay. Also, it's not the better looking, more user friendly GUI that more expensive models have (as well as all Sony's).
-Smaller secondary remote only works for other Zones (not a big deal really, but still...)
-Main remote takes forever to program/set up for universal usage. complicated.
-Only two HDMI inputs (could've used at least one more at this price range).
-No HD radio or Sirius support (does have XM).
Overall, minor gripes aside (nothing's ever perfect), I'm incredibly pleased and excited to own this unit and have it as the central hub to my Home Theater. I have Blu-ray now (PS3) and the advantages and options both now and in the future are vast. I'm confident that the Denon AVR-2808ci will allow me to take full advantage of that and other things for years to come. Mostly, though, it just cranks out amazingly good audio from any source, and that is ultimately what receivers are for. Highly recommended!

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Denon AVR-2808CI A/V Multi Source/Zone 7.1 Receiver with Built-in Processing

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Samsung PN50B860 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well, I did not buy this TV from Amazon but found an authorized online retailer that had a fantastic price with free shipping. Let me tell you, I researched televisions for about three months straight. I had been debating between the Samsung LN52B750 LCD, which had a razor sharp picture and at the time was priced right. Aesthetically, it was a beautiful television in just about every way. My biggest hang up was that certain movies and shows looked too realistic (distracting) and not movie like, especially when watching animated films or TV shows and even with the 240Mhz refresh rate for motion, the motion in fast scenes felt a bit off or distracting. The picture was/is extremely bright and the features hit the sweet spot.
I had also been comparing the LN52B750 with several different plasma televisions, mostly from Samsung, several Panasonic Plasmas that were/are highly rated from several review websites and the Pioneer Kuro Plasmas. So, I read all of the reviews I could find on about 10 televisions total that were highly rated or new to the market for 2009. My buddy has the 50" Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD which I might add, has a beautiful picture! It is almost unmatched. Then I went to BestBuy and directly compared several lower model number Samsung plasmas and LCDs and the Panasonic TC-P50G10 50" plasma. I honestly do not see what the big deal about the TC-P50G10 TV is. The picture is okay, it even looked okay playing a Blu-ray movie, but I was not impressed. The picture was a bit green, the casing of the TV was not the most eye pleasing design and that huge Panasonic logo on the front "chin" with a grey back ground was not appealing to me. I also compared several LG Plasmas and LCD TV's for 2009 and the new Toshiba Regzas (nice picture for the price I have to admit).
Ultimately, it came down to comparing the Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD to the Samsung PN50B850 (which has one feature less than the PN50B860 Samsung, as no one had a PN50B860 on display that I could find) and was amazed at how awesome the picture detail, flesh tones, natural colors, fast motion, contrast, brightness and motion was on the two Plasma televisions. They are very comparable and I consider them dead on as competitors. I ended up choosing the Samsung PN50B860 having seen the PN50B850 in person at BestBuy. The PN50B860 has the Cinema Smooth feature which the PN50B850 does not. I got it for under $2k with free shipping online with the optional 802.11N wireless Samsung Linkstick (WIS09ABGN) for less than $60.
The picture on the Samsung PN50B860 is phenomenal. Not only is the picture on this TV one of the best I've seen after months of extreme research, I got the best price on it and it cost less than the Pioneer and the Samsung LN52B750!!! I've been watching Blu-ray movies on it via my Sony PS3 gaming console for the last few days through HDMI. Movies like Hellboy II and Casino Royale are stunning and unbelievable on this set!!! Motion resolution/rendering is phenomenal. I recommend it over the Pioneer Kuro because I think it is a bit superior in quality (build and picture), features, aesthetic and Energy Star rating. It's SUPER THIN! You would not be sorry for purchasing this set! It's simply stunning. The remote is surprisingly nice as well. I'm not a huge fan of Samsung's remote controls or TV interfaces (Sony and LG rule when it comes to remote control design an TV interfaces) but I'm happy with the one that came with the TV.
Audio is very acceptable in my book on this television. It's not super loud and robust but what television is, but for a small condo or apartment, it's perfect and very usable and enjoyable! The picture from the digital TV tuner for Over-The-Air broadcasts is pretty impressive as well.
Get it! You won't regret it! As for the other review regarding the buzzing...mine does not buzz at all. I'm guessing the person must be at a high altitude or may have received a bad set but this TV is pretty much flawless.
20091223 Update - Well, I have had this television for a while and I've had numerous friends asking for my opinion of televisions. They ask whether they should choose LCD, LED LCD or Plasma. I actually like all three technologies, but I have to admit I still prefer Plasma. This TV puts out a bit of heat I noticed but it is not that big of a deal. I still very much love this television and at it's current price is one of the BEST televisions on the market. Still have never heard a buzzing issue that others have talked about in this forum.
One Cool thing...Get the 802.11n Wireless Adapter. I was on travel for a while, came home and turned the TV on and I received an update notification on the screen from Samsung. I went to Samsung's support website to look for the update and it had not been posted yet. I have to say, I really like this feature of updating firmware automatically over the internet ON my television. I've also downloaded a few Blockbuster video's on this TV over the Adapter and it's a pretty pleasant experience.
In the end...no regrets on buying this TV. It's beautiful, functional, thin and the picture is literally just phenomenal.

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Samsung’s new 8 Series plasma flat panel HDTV represent our finest innovations in design and performance. Samsung’s 8 Series E-Panel technology combined with our Ultra FilterBrightTM Plus technology provides a stunning high contrast picture even in brighter rooms. It’s not just the images on screen that capture your attention – the Ultra Slim cabinet is only 1.2” deep and gives you added versatility with its stylish vibe. The new Medi@2.0 connectivity package offers customizable online content via user-friendly “widgets,” networking capability via the DLNA standard, and playback of your camera and camcorder via USB 2.0. Add 4 advanced HDMI inputs that feature Samsung’s Anynet+ (CEC standard) technology making system control of compatible A/V devices like a Blu-ray player or HTIB system a one-touch operation. If you’re looking for the best Full 1080p performance and advanced connectivity, Samsung’s new 8 series plasma HDTVs are designed with this in mind.

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Onkyo TX-SR876 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have had this receiver for several weeks now. I was a little leary about purchasing this unit as it was being used in a room that does "double-duty" of being a place where I listen to high-end analog and digital music along with occasional use of a home-theatre. The primary purpose is music reproduction and I was tempted to go with tube-style amps and other gear in support of my vinyl record collection. But since there are always compromises in this area (space, money, etc) I decided to take a chance with this Onkyo. All I can say is WOW. I run 5.1 channels with bi-amplification on the front speakers (my one concession to music versus video). The sound reproduction is excellent. I have done a lot of comparison shopping and looked at a lot of different systems and I would have had to spend over $4-5K on hybrid tube amps to get sound better than this.
In terms of home theater, it is even better. It performs as advertised. Set-up was a breeze and the audessy is a pleasure to use and instantly "balanced" my room. For home theater use, it is incredible. Ground-shaking lows, booming sound when appropriate yet the most subtle sounds (such as dialogue at a low level) is outstanding. Some reviewers complain about it running hot. I have mine outside of any cabinet (top shelf of a component stand) and have run it for hours at 75-80% of max volume with no problems.
My two complaints are: The remote as the buttons are a bit hard to read in dim light (even with the back-lighting) and it only has 3 digital optical inputs. Given I use seperate CD and DVD players, along with a Laser Disc and other digital sources, I had to use the alternate digital cable connects. Not a big deal, I just expected more digital optical inputs.
In summary, if you are looking for a leading-edge video processing unit that has outastanding home-theater characterstics at a low price, then this is definitely it. Throw in the fact that it processes music far beyond the expectations one would have for solid-state receiver (especially at this price point) and you really have a great unit.
If you do decide to buy this, please note the dimensions and weight. This is a large, heavy receiver. And given the heat concerns of other posters, I would make sure it has plenty of "breathing room".

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Based on a winning design for high-definition home theater reproduction, the TX-SR876 is a comprehensive A/V processing "hub" with a deep reservoir of amplification power to draw on. Reveling in its new THX Ultra2 Plus certification, the TX-SR876 shows its class with a broad range of capabilities, phenomenal performance, and noticeable finesse.With its advanced HQV Reon-VX video processing-which enables upscaling to high-def 1080p-and supreme high-definition surround sound decoding, this receiver belongs in elite company. It's also one of the first receivers anywhere to employ ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) video calibration. From whatever movie, music, broadcast, or gaming source you choose, the TX-SR876 will impress time and time again.

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Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100/B 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had been researching TV's for about a month or so. I knew I wanted an LCD in the 42"-50" range, backed by a trusted brand name, with if not cutting edge technology then at least most of the latest and greatest features on current high-end models. This because a TV is something I buy and use for many years, and I don't want my set to become obsolete two years from purchase date. So after reading many product specifications, manufacturers' descriptions, reviews from other users and professional reviewers, and spending many hours walking through electronics stores and looking at displays, I picked the Sony Bravia KDL-46Z4100. The next closest contender was the KDL-46W4100. However, the Z series won out, although it was a couple of hundred dollars more expensive, for these reasons:
- Much better looking set (I'm talking about the physical TV here) with a very slim bezel and all-black design, as opposed to the two-tone black and silver of the W.
- 10 bit color processor, which gives far more on-screen colors. I didn't think this was a big deal, until I saw a W and Z series side by side in a store, and the display happened to show a sunset. The W had distinct bands of color, while the Z had a gradual change of color.
- DLNA. I don't use this option yet, but it's nice to know that I can if I want to. I have a PS3, which also has DLNA, and I use that to beam images/music/video from my computer to my TV. The reason I use the PS3 is because its DLNA capability is wireless, while the TV's is not. This is an important caveat for those to whom the TV's DLNA capability is important. There are ways to make it work wirelessly, like hooking up a bridge, but I have not tried that. However, just know that out of the box, the TV can't do wireless DLNA.
I also compared this TV with the XBR series, and found that it has almost all the features XBR has but for many hundreds of dollars less. I just didn't see any huge benefit in going for the XBR versus this model.
As for comparison with other brands: I did consider Samsung, LG, Sharp, and others, but only Samsung seemed to have products that could take on Sony's Bravias in terms of picture quality and features. However, in my humble opinion, Samsung shot themselves in the foot by putting glossy screens on their LCD's, thus defeating one of the primary purposes people are moving from plasma to LCD. This is something I read about and didn't think was a huge difference until I did a side-by-side comparison in the store. The Samsung ToC models reflected the image from the TV displays across the room. The Bravias did not. I have a living room with many windows, so this instantly killed the Samsung's chances.
As for this TV: I can't say enough good things about it. If you are a techno geek, there are enough settings and features to keep you busy playing with them and setting them for days. If you are not, and just want to take it out of the box and use it, then it works too because setup couldn't be simpler. Just set it where you want it, hook up the power, connect your DVD/STB/receiver/box etc, and it's good to go. You can tweak settings to your heart's content, but don't have to. I was amazed by the picture right out of the box. The first movie we watched was Wall-E on Blu Ray, and the picture just blew my mind. We also watched a few episodes of Lost, and there were various scenes where the picture almost looked 3-dimensional, like looking out a window. Just amazing colors. We actually paused the show a few times to admire the picture. :) Oh, and the surround sound speakers are pretty good too. I hooked up my USB flash drive directly into the TV, and played a few songs from there via the TV's speakers, and it sounded very crisp. I'm not an audiophile, but to my ears it sounded more than satisfactory.
Is the 120Hz a big deal? Here's something anecdotal (and the sample size is only one), but for what it's worth: I was standing in the store and looking at the display on this TV for a few minutes. Then I turned around and looked at another TV that was showing the same display but had a refresh rate of 60Hz. I instantly started getting a headache. This is not a definitive scientific test, but I thought I'd mention it.
Nice little touch: the TV stand has a screw-hole in the back to fix it to the unit it is sitting on, to prevent the TV from toppling over if pulled too hard. You don't have to use this, because the stand is sufficiently wide and deep to take the weight, but just good to have. I don't know if all such TV's come with stands that have this. I appreciated this because I have a 2-year old child at home. It will take two people to lift the TV and set it up, either on its stand or wall mount. The TV is light enough that I can lift it on my own, but I'd rather be cautious with an expensive electronic device. I'm also happy that the box fit on the back seat of my Maxima, otherwise I would have to hire a truck to bring it home.
Complaints: The remote is too large, and is a basic universal remote. It works just fine for this TV, and will also probably work fine with most other standard devices, but lacks the very important learning feature. I actually like the layout of buttons and the ergonomic design, just not the size and the lacking feature set. Also, the slim bezel around the TV is high-gloss, so it reflects light from other sources. Nitpicking here, but I wish it were matt.

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LCD still not thin enough for you?Then look no further than the KDL-Z4100. With a striking slim bezel design, Motionflow™ 120Hz for the reproduction of smooth, lifelike images, BRAVIA Engine 2™ and ACE for a deeper blacks and better shadow detail, now your TV design matches the picture. Ready for the latest technology to go along with the design and picture— The KDL-Z4100 also include DLNA™ compatability so you can access your digital photo collection over your home network (additional DLNA™ components required; sold separately), and Sony's unique DMex and Digital Media Port technology.

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