Editors’ Note: An updated article entitled Why Ultra HD 4K TVs are still stupid was published on January 28, 2013. A few months ago, hot on the multitude of 4K TV announcements at CES, I wrote an article called “Why 4K TVs are stupid.” I was shocked, shocked to find so many angry, contrary opinions …
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Do I need to break in a new plasma TV? (Morrison’s Mailbag)
CNET Reader Mike Smith asks: Is there some kind of burn-in procedure to run on new plasma TVs? I’ve read some crazy stuff online that says all sorts of things and I just don’t know what is real from what is nonsense. Please let me know. Thanks. You aren’t kidding, there is some crazy stuff out there. Plasma TVs, actually …
Read More »What is the white line along the top of my screen? (Morrison’s Mailbag)
Screenshot by Geoffrey Morrison/CNET CNET Reader R. Savoy asks: I recently purchased a 60-inch plasma and used your recommended picture settings. Question: I have my picture settings set to Screen Fit instead of 16:9 and on some stations when they go from hi-def to 4:3 I get a white flickering line right above the top of the picture. This problem …
Read More »Rear projection vs. LCD vs. plasma
Rear-projection TVs used to be the only way to get the “big-screen” experience at home. With the advent, and diminishing price of, large flat-screen LCDs and plasmas, the RPTV has become something of an endangered species. In fact, only one company, Mitsubishi, still makes RPTVs. Many people still enjoy their RPTV, and I’ve received several letters recently asking if it …
Read More »Why do my eyes hurt while watching TV?
CNET reader Jerry asks: I recently bought a 40-inch LED LCD. I like it a lot, but over the past few months I’ve noticed my eyes hurt after watching the TV. Mostly it seems to happen at night. This can’t be normal, right? Before I spend money on an eye doctor (I’ve never been), I figured I’d ask if there …
Read More »Don’t buy a jumbo LCD TV, buy a projector
With all the hype and hoopla about Sharp’s 80-, and now 90-inch LCDs, I think it’s important to point out that these are neither a good value, nor a good idea if your goal is a big TV for the home. Yes, I’m talking about projection, and it’s easier, cheaper, and better looking than a big LCD. In a way, …
Read More »Active 3D vs. passive 3D: What’s better?
CNET reader Taher asks: I’m trying to decide between two 3D TVs: a Panasonic that’s active 3D and LG that’s passive 3D. LG has all these international certificates for the best 3D picture and claims it’s full resolution, but you and others claim Passive 3D is half the resolution of a real 1080p. Is there is a way for me …
Read More »How are you streaming? (Poll)
Streaming video, with its instant access and wide selection, has exploded over the past few years. Whether it’s Netflix, which despite some recent fumbles still remains hugely popular, or other services like Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, and so on, more services and content have become available. Even better, the number of devices capable of streaming that content continues …
Read More »How do I get HD from one source to multiple TVs? (Morrison’s Mailbag)
CNET reader Will asks: When considering acquiring a second HDTV, I discovered that my satellite box cannot send such a signal over the house cable system. In fact, the box has only one HDMI port, so a new distribution system is required to get the HD signal throughout the house. What are the best options for distributing HD signal from …
Read More »Why do plasma TVs look washed out in the store?
CNET Reader Rob asks: I’ve been reading your articles on HDTV and find them very informative so, here’s something I need cleared up. You mentioned how plasma TVs can control the brightness of individual pixels, made me think they should have a superior picture to LCD — so I went looking at plasmas. I noticed that they seem to have …
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