CNET If you’re fan of plasma TVs, last year’s announcement by Panasonic that the company was no longer going to make them likely came as quite a blow. So now what? What do you do if you want a new TV but want the picture quality of a plasma? This guide leads you though all …

Now playing: Watch this: Step into a virtual reality with the Oculus Rift 1:44 Black frame insertion (BFI) is, to put it simply, inserting full-screen black images between the original frames of a source. Hmm, OK, that didn’t really put it simply, and I’m pretty sure I defined a term with the term. How about this: black frame insertion is …

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET For many years now, plasma televisions have been the standard for picture quality and value. Sure, there have been some great-looking LCDs, but for the best overall image, the best plasmas couldn’t be beat. Now plasma is going away for good. OLED certainly can beat plasma, but we’re still years away from OLED TVs being affordable. In the …

Dolby Dynamic range: the spread between the darkest and the brightest a TV can be. In other words, contrast ratio. But having beaten that term into the ground with a decade of dubious marketing use, it was time for new terminology. Except, this isn’t just marketing fluff. High dynamic range, in its multiple forms, can be a significant and noticeable …

It’s that magical time of year: Lists are made and checked twice, little eyes sparkle with anticipation, and countless children (at heart) prepare for the unveiling of something new and incredible. I speak, of course, of the Consumer Electronics Show, where manufacturers from around the world show off their upcoming products. And let me tell you, the onslaught of nonsense …

While the majority of the TV industry prattles on about higher and higher resolutions, few talk about improving other, more important aspects of the TVs picture: contrast ratio and color. Dolby, though best known for its audio technologies, has been doing a lot with video recently too. The latest development addresses dynamic range, or difference between light and dark, for televisions. …

Which store has the best deals on HDMI cables? Which Web site has the best selection? Which HDMI cable is right for your TV? Answers to these questions, and more, in the definitive (if I do say so myself) HDMI cable buyers guide: First off, cheap cables will produce the exact same picture and sound quality as expensive cables. Check …

Geoffrey Morrison A common complaint I get via e-mail or in comments on other articles involves a picture that breaks up into what look like little blocks. Often, people incorrectly refer to these as “pixels,” or blame their TV settings. In fact, this artifact is in the source, and unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about it. All video …

Cable box or satellite box, DVR or digital media receiver, it’s important to set the output resolution so it looks best with your TV. But what looks best with your TV? The answer is probably easier to find than you’d imagine. All HDTV broadcasts are either 1080i or 720p. Most stations, such as CBS, NBC, and others, are 1080i. Fox, …

A new TV is a great thing. A new TV, right after it’s taken out of the box, is not. To get the most out of your TV you need to adjust the settings, use the right cables, adjust your sources (like your cable box) and more. Compiled here is a directory of everything you’ll need to get your TV …