Newsletter-2012-04

It is one year when I stopped write Newsletters, but one of my clients - during discussion about new trends , TVs and picture quality - told me that I should continue.
So I am doing it again.

What about new technologies, quad HD TVs  Do you remember my info from Cedia, October 2010? Then, it was first time I saw Quad HD and I was impressed.  Now you can buy it.  First projector and TVs are here.  Article about so called 4K.

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Newsletter-2011-04

Interesting articles:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/stop-being-duped-by-the-3d-scam/7983

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/3d/3net-debuts-3d-news-program-23753

What's new?  Nothing special.  New generation 3D equipment, little bit better than last year, but....personally I am not interested in 3D.  What I need is a quality not gimmicks.
I want high quality of content, picture and sound.

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Newsletter-2011-03

Spring 2011 is behind a corner.  CES is over and new equipment is on the market.
What's new?  Nothing special.  New generation 3D equipment, little bit better than last year, but....personally I am not interested in 3D.  What I need is a quality not gimmicks.
I want high quality of content, picture and sound.

But this is just my opinion.  People buy 3D displays players and content so I calibrate their displays to get the best picture poissible.

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Newsletter-2010-12a

New Year will be here in two weeks, I think that you can use some information below before end of this year:


            Promotions
Samsung still offers good deals on 3D TVs.
The best place I found is Crutchfield:
63" 3D TV plus 3D BluRay player two pair of glasses and 3D movie for 3,200.00 with free delivery
58" 3D TV plus 3D BluRay player two pair of glasses and 3D movie for 2,500.00 with free delivery
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_30563C8000/Samsung-PN63C8000.html?tp=35862
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_30558C8000/Samsung-PN58C8000.html?tp=35862

Panasonic offers free 3D BluRay player, two pair of glasses and 3D movie with purchase of Viera VT series or GT series Full HD 3D plasma TV.  You have to browse Internet for the best offer for:
TC-P65VT25 or
TC-P58VT25
Ask seller for promotion, please.


            Internet Radio
I loved to listen to radio when I was young, but after I arrive to the USA I was pushing away from radio by (usually stupid and always annoying) advertising.
When I first listened to Internet Radio several years ago, I wasn't impressed, MP3 compressed music, 48 or 64 kbps didn't sound good at all.
Today is a different story, try yourself please. (It is not SACD neither DTS-MA, but.....)
First, a lot of internet stations offer good quality music, WMA and MP3, 16 bit up to 320 kbps.
Second, almost all new receivers with internet connection have Internet radio tuner built in, many of them with so called "HQ Restorer" improving audio quality.
You can browse stations by Favorites, Most popular, Genres or Countries.
Are you learning foreign languages?  Listen to stations from that country. Easy.

Do you use Napster, Pandora or Rhapsody?  Your Denon receiver can play music from these servers.  I am sure that Integra or Yamaha can do it as well.
You can also stream music from your computer connected to your home network.

If you have any questions about above information call me or e-mail me, please.



Happy New Year to all of you
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Newsletter-2010-12

            New equipment
Denon released Network Ready Receiver model RCD-N7.  This receiver has​ many features, like Wi-Fi Network Streaming, Internet Radio, AM/FM radio, CD Player and Integrated iPod Dock.  MSRP 599.00.
Additional speakers available for 199.00, but you can use it with speakers you already have.
More information: usa.denon.com/us/

Anyone interested?  I have one unit – open box – for $499.00


            Flat loudspeakers
Definitive Technology has all XTR models in stock. Please look here for more information.


            Apple TV Color Issue Reported with Sony, Philips TVs
From Engadget:
It doesn't appear to be especially widespread, but a sizable number of reports are cropping up on the official Apple support forums of some pretty wild issues affecting the new Apple TV when paired with certain Sony and Philips TVs. As you can see above, those issues can include a rather unfortunate pastel color scheme (apparently common on Philips TVs), while others are also reporting inverted colors, and green or black screens.
As for Apple, at least some users who've contact the company about the problem say it is aware of the issue, but early reports from those who've applied the Apple TV 4.1 update suggest they haven't fixed the problem just yet.
Full Text: http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/some-apple-tv-users-reporting-wacky-color-problems-with-sony-ph/

            Internet speed
Guys, do you really have Internet speed you pay for?  Please go to this website and check it:  http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/
Here are my results (NY connection).  I have Comcast service.

 If you want to stream HD movies from Netflix, Vudu or other providers – high speed Internet is obligatory.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you
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Newsletter-2010-10

CEDIA-EXPO.  I spent three days on CEDIA-EXPO in Atlanta last month.

            3D presentations
What really impressed me? 
Panasonic 4,096 x 2,160 resolution, 152"diagonal plasma.  No because of size, (I saw 152" plasma last year) or 3D capability, but because of resolution equal to four full HD displays.
http://www.slashgear.com/panasonic-152-inch-4k2k-plasma-hdtv-0869150/
 
What didn't? 
3D presentations with active shutter glasses, most popular option in home applications in present time.
I saw ghosting, smearing and other errors regardless if I was on Panasonic, Samsung, LG or Sony exposition.
JVC presented 2D to 3D converter and polarizing (circular) glasses.  They presented short movie from Africa.
Picture looked good without object jumping from the screen, with proper depth and sharper picture from edge to edge.
This technology looks interesting.
 
I saw two presentations on big screen, in both presentations two projectors have been used.
First on SIM2 both.  Two projectors stacked together.
  http://www.sim2usa.com/home/us/Grand-Cinema-C3X-Lumis-Series-US
They use Infitec Technology 3D stereo visualization.
 
This was the best 3D demo I saw so far.  Very sharp picture, a lot of details, great dynamics, very good black level.
The price?  Over $60,000.00
 
Second presentation included Vutech screen and two Sanyo projectors with polarizing (linear) glasses.
Very slow motion, computer animation.  Picture was fine as long as I kept my head perfectly vertical.  After tilting my head to left or right I saw two pictures, like without glasses. 
 
 
            Front projectors.
There are a lot of Hi Quality projectors, worth to spend money on them.

• SIM2 already mentioned above, Hi End, but expensive.
• dVision-1080p – projector powered by LEDs instead of bulbs.  No color wheel, no bulb replacement every 2000÷4000 hour, no recalibration required.
• Mitsubishi jumped to LCOS wagon and new projectors look interesting.
• Epson also jumped to reflective panel technology calling their panel 3LCD-R.  Epson Pro Cinema 61000 offers very good picture and several features including ISF calibration.
• JVC presented new series of projectors 3D ready with great blacks and higher light output than last year.  Impressive and recommended.
• Movies fans using front projector were enforced to use anamorphic, expensive lenses for wide screen movies on 2.35 or 2.40 aspect ratio screens.  Not anymore.  Avielo (Projector Design) offers projector with new hi pixel density DLP chip to deliver true 2536 x 1080 resolution picture.  No external lenses required. (http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/avielo-optix-superwide-235-projector)

  
I hope that other manufacturers will follow PD in their new designs.

• The same company, (Projector Design) presented 5,500 lumen DLP projector; M-Vision Cine 400.  Perfect for big screen applications, like large home theaters, bars restaurants, auditoriums etc.  Any one interested?

 
            New loudspeakers
Definitive Technology presented three new models of Mythos XTR on-wall loudspeakers. I listen to them and I am impressed.  Yes I would install them in my own home theater.

Please look here for more information.
They also presented new line of floor standing bipolar speakers; Series 8000
The new BP family includes four SuperTowers® with built-in powered subwoofers for the ultimate in space-saving convenience and heart-pounding performance.
Personally, I prefer Mythos ST for music.  But it is just me.
 
Several companies presented really interesting, very good speakers:
·         Steinway Lyngdorf (http://www.steinwaylyngdorf.com/Home-1.aspx).  Speakers sounded amazing but I didn't even dare to ask for price....
·         Wisdom
·         B&W
·         Atlantic Technology
·         Totem
·         Canton and many, many other manufacturers
 
Ambisonic Systems presented outdoor speaker systems; SoniScape.  It is very interesting concept with speakers on the ground and underground subwoofer.  http://www.ambisonicsystems.com.  Good sound.
 
 
            Auxiliary equipment
Chief introduced new series very thin swing mounts for flat panels, some of them motorized.
 
 
            New technologies
Dish Network presented Tuner/DVR that is SlingLoaded.  It eliminates the need for a separate piece of hardware (or Slingbox).  Consumers either use the Web-based SlingPlayer™ software or install the SlingPlayer client software on their equipment they want to use to remotely access their content.  The software works in conjunction with streaming technology to connect to the video source to view whatever video is available as well as offer control options for that source such as changing channels or managing a recording queue for a DVR.
It is very interesting and useful option for many.  (http://beta.dishonline.com/big-news)
If you don't have Dish Network you have to buy Slingbox and software. (http://www.slingmedia.com/)
 
Several companies presented HDMI extensions; over CAT5, CAT6, coax, fiber and wirelessly.  It is very easy to distribute HD video over entire house today, regardless how big the house is.
 
Screen manufacturers presented screens for "not perfect" (read "too bright") environment.  Picture was good, acceptable in bars restaurants, auditoriums etc.
 
It was a lot of other interesting products, but I don't to bother you.
If you are interested about any technology or product – e-mail me, please.
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Newsletter-2010-09

             LCD LED TVs

Samsung LED LCD UN55C7000 and 8000
This is LCD panel with LED backlight.  I calibrated couple of them.
This display did not tolerate the slightest amount of off axis viewing without the color shifting badly.
Final result is OK if you look at panel on axis.

            New loudspeakers

On September 10, 2010, Definitive Technology announced that three new models of Mythos XTR on-wall loudspeakers will be available to see and hear at CEDIA Expo in booth SR7: the XTR-60 sized to match 55- to 60-inch and larger displays; the XTR-40 for 40- to 42-inch displays; and the XTR-20BP whose design is optimized for surround channel use. XTR-50, the original model in the product line (shipped in March 2010), is sized for 46- to 55-inch TVs. The three new models are slated for November delivery.

Please look here for more information.

CEDIA in Atlanta, GA starts tomorrow and I am going to be there.  I will inform you about new technologies and interesting products in Newsletter-2010-10.

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Supplement to Newsletter-2010-07/08

Newsletter-2010-07/08
 
 
            LCD vs Plasma:
In last couple of years I was strongly against LCD TVs because of picture quality.
Recently I saw and calibrated several LCD panels and I have to admit that – after calibration – I liked somehow a picture on these panels.  Good black level, fast response and improved viewing angles, but still not even close to good plasma panels. 
With plasma, you can sit to the side of the TV and the picture won't degrade, and blooming and other uniformity problems are nonexistent.  LED backlighting doesn't improve LCD's poor off-angle viewing and LED TVs have worse picture quality than their standard CCFL-backlit cousins in this regard. 
 
There is one advantage of LCD panels, however; Maximum light output.
What brands?  Samsung, LG and (surprise) Mitsubishi.  Samsung's UNB8500 series and LG's LE8500 series – are the best LCD panel recently.
 
In June and July I calibrated couple of Samsung PNxx-C8000.  After calibration picture on these panels is perfect.  I strongly recommend this model.  PNxx-C8000 has almost all controls necessary to dial picture to perfection making external processor obsolete.
 
Panasonic is on second position.  Panasonic panels don't have black level advantage anymore over Samsung panels.  (Look at Newsletter 2010-04) or here
 
 
            Outdoor LCD:
Looking for outdoor TV?
Check SunBriteTV.  They make several models All-Weather Outdoor LCD TVs, but only two are full HD; 4610HD (Retail Price: $4,995.00) and 5510HD (Retail Price: $7,195.00).
 
Runco has announced two new outdoor LCDs, the CP-42HD and the CP-52HD.  PRICE: CP-42HD: $6,495  CP-52HD: $13,995
CONTACT: Runco.com
 
            Attention:
Avoid component cables in new installation, please.  All BluRay players built after Dec 2010 must down convert any analog output to 480p.  Only equipment built before end of 2010 will be able to send HD over component.
Cable and satellite boxes may down convert signals to 480p over analog outputs since Jan 2011 (not confirmed yet).
For HD programming – HDM connections are required.
 
 
I was collecting information about audio for August newsletter.  I found several very good articles about audio in Home theater magazine.
In my opinion, it makes no sense to write about something, that other already did and did it very well, so please buy August issue of Home Theater magazine and read following articles:

• "Sound Matters" by Thomas Norton, p. 18
• "A/V Receiver Buyers Guide" by Mark Fleischmann, p.22 *
• Test of "Samsung BD-C6900 BluRay 3D player", p 56 and other tests – if you are interested.
• Do not miss "A Lighter Shade of Black, Over Time?" on p 67 or online
• Please look at great outdoor speakers (Def Tech.) at p.39 &47.  Do you need outdoor speakers?  I will get them for you.

June 2010

          Where are 3D front projectors?

The only 3D consumer projectors currently available are 720p DLP models. LG, Mitsubishi, JVC and Sony will offer 1080p projectors using LCoS technology in the 4th quarter of 2010.
The DLP manufacturers have been very quiet about their plans but 1080p 3D projectors should be introduced on CEDIA in September.
My advice is to wait until end of the year to make the purchase, or at least until Sept. after the manufacturers have made their announcements for upcoming 3D 1080p projectors.
One announcement has been already made by LG:

LG CF3D is the first single lens 3D video projector in the world! CF3D feature 2,500 ANSI lumen’s brightness, a contrast ratio of 7,000:1 as well as TruMotion 120Hz which is designed to deliver smoother and more detailed images.

          3D compatibility.

1. With active, shutter glasses. – Active technology
   1. Side by side. 

2. Over and under.

3. Interlaced.

4. Page flip mode

2. With polarizing glasses – Passive technology

3. Checkerboard 3D format used by DLPs which needs a converter, but Mitsubishi does have one coming for an estimated $100.  In addition some 3D Blu-ray players like the Panasonic 3DT-300 will output checkerboard 3D.

4. With color glasses – Anaglyph technology.

          Is HDMI 1.4a required for 3D?

No, in fact many HDMI 1.3 cables, switches and other equipment will work with multiple 3D formats, but none are guaranteed to work.  HDMI 1.4a equipment is guaranteed to work with most 3D formats.

          Opinions about 3D:

Newsweek
Digitalprojection
Home Theater Magazine-1
Home Theater Magazine-2
 
          Info about 3D

Amazon
Engadget

        Calibration

Very often people ask me what they gain after video calibration.  Answer:
After calibration you will have reference picture on your display.
My colleague from ISF forum prepared nice presentation.  Please look at it here.  You can compare reference image with the same image but with some errors in black level, gamma, color gamut etc.
Most of non calibrated displays have all errors combined, so picture is far away from perfection