The term set-top box will become something of a misnomer in the near future, as most displays will become too thin to allow a box to placed on top of them. As the price of plasma & LCD displays has plummeted and their image quality has improved, they are popping up in homes everywhere.
Although they are the darlings of the media and the generic for flat panel display in the minds of many, plasmas are about to be in a serious fight with other technologies for the flat panel crown.
LCD displays, seen on the desktop for years as computer monitors, and commonplace in smaller flat panel TVs, are finally increasing in size to the point they are becoming a rival to plasmas in the 42" - 50" size range. Picture quality is similar to plasmas; however LCDs are immune to the burn-in that can affect plasma displays. This burn-in occurs when plasma units are used to display static images such as video game screens and stock or sports tickers.
Plasmas generally have an edge in the ability to produce deeper blacks and more saturated colors than LCDs. Plasmas are also better at producing full motion video than LCDs because of the response time of the LCD panels, although this difference is disappearing.
LCD TVs are a bit more expensive than plasmas at 42" and larger sizes, but they should last a while longer. Plasma displays should last 20,000 - 25,000 hours and LCDs should give 30,000+ hours of useful life. However, the latest generation of plasma displays from NEC is claimed to have a 60,000 hour life. If that is an industry trend, the traditional lifespan advantage held by LCDs may soon disappear.
Currently Sony has a 42", NEC a 40", Sharp a 45", and Samsung a 40" LCD TV or display. Samsung also has the big one, a 46" that started shipping in early September of 2004. The Samsung 46" was the first consumer LCD video display to have a 1080 line native resolution. This allows it to display 1080p native when that format arrives for HDTV.
Other technologies are on the horizon as well. One that has shown great promise is OLED, for Organic Light Emitting Diode. Developed by Kodak and Pioneer, this technology has been used for a few years in car stereo and cell phone displays. It's just about ready for prime time. Philips has shown a 13" unit, Samsung a 17", and Seiko-Epson has shown a 40" prototype.
OLED's advantages are many. It actually emits it's own light, so it requires no backlight and has better contrast than a traditional LCD. OLED displays have a wide viewing angle like a plasma display. Power usage is very low, less than 1/2 that of a traditional LCD display. At around 2mm deep, OLEDs are much thinner than either a plasma or LCD.
They have a refresh rate about 1,000 times faster than a traditional LCD, so they will be far superior for video applications. They have fewer parts than LCD or plasma and can be manufactured using a novel ink jet printing process. This promises to keep prices low as the technology is implemented. It is expected to see sub 20" displays in stores by 2006 with larger units following one to two years later.
Other promising display technologies on the horizon include SED (Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display) and carbon Nanotube. SED was developed by Canon, who began research into the technology in 1986. SED is basically the same principle as CRT, however there are important differences. The most important from a consumer standpoint is thickness. An SED display is only an inch or two thick, depending upon screen size.
The basic construction is two glass plates separated by a vacuum. One of the plates is coated with phosphors the other is mounted with electron emitters. Electrons are ejected when a voltage of about 16 to 18 V is applied to the emitters. These electrons are then accelerated by a higher voltage into a beam similar to that in a CRT display.
The visual advantages of SEDs are as for CRT displays, great color, deep black levels and quick motion response. These advantages, combined with the slim form factor, low cost and small power requirement should make for a real winner.
A unit shown by Toshiba at a Japanese trade show in April of 2005 even had it's contrast ratio up to an incredible 100,000 to 1 by significantly reducing black luminance. Even if the specs were a bit inflated this would still amount to a fantastic contrast ratio, on the order of 5 times that of a traditional CRT. Toshiba has indicated they will move to this technology for all displays over 40" by 2006.
One fly in the SED ointment however. On April 21st, 2005 US firm Nano-Proprietary has filed a suit against Canon in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Texas, alleging that the surface (SED) televisions that Canon plans to release violates a licensing agreement signed 5 years ago between the Japanese giant and Nano-Proprietary.
The pace of change in the home theater and entertainment display market has just kept accelerating. There are some promising technologies around the corner that will allow, as usual, higher performance, lower cost and more compact form factors. As prices for advanced technologies plunge and technology improves, it will make it even easier for the average person to have a fantastic media system almost anywhere in their home.
By Steve Faber
Rabu, 16 Juli 2008
Flat Panel Displays - Beyond Plasma
Selecting a Satellite TV Network from the Audiences Perspective
The numbers of those who just connect their TV to a simple roof top antenna can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand. I assume you are not one of those minimalists who need 30 minutes of news programming to get by in a day. Most likely, you are one of those millions who want 200+ channels in their home and are wondering which of the biggies to choose.
There are hundreds of websites offering detailed price lists, programming analysis and freebies. I will not attempt to compete with them. By a simple comparison of costs, you are unlikely to get a good idea of the content and value of these channels. Therefore, we need to look at the viewing audience and see what the specific requirements of user groups are. On pricing, let me make a few general statements first:
Nothing is free. When any of the networks offers you free equipment and installation, it is only deferring payments over a year. Both DirecTV and Dish Network require you to commit on a one-year subscription.
If you are an average watcher - say 2-3 hours per day - then, over a two-year subscription - your costs with DirecTV or with Dish Network will be very similar.
To help you decide, I have broken down viewing audience into a few well-defined sub-groups. We will look at the networks from their differing perspectives.
Working Families - viewing primarily in evening hours or on weekends
Requirements: parental control on specific channels (children may be unsupervised during the day), control over pay per view, adequate children programming and info-entertainment channels. OK sports coverage. Availability of Internet, local channels.
Recommendation: either DirecTV or Dish Network is good enough. Select on least cost basis - Dish Network is marginally ahead here.
Housewives at home - not working
Requirements: recording capability, good film channel availability, good HD TV.
Recommendation: Dish Network.
Elderly people
Requirements: good film channels, good news coverage, religion channels. Internet, sports, simpler choice of equipment.
Recommendation: Dish Network
Immigrant workers in the USA
Requirements: language content from the relevant region, good news coverage.
Recommendation: DirecTV
Young working families
Requirements: strong sports content, easy shift of residence, good HDTV, and easy shift of residence.
Recommendation: DirecTV for strong sport and Dish Network for easy mobility
While both the networks offer you a number of accessories, the variety available with Dish Network is larger. The key accessories are:
IR to UHF converter for the remote - That means that even if you have hooked up four TVs as both the networks do free, you could only operate the receiver with the remote if you were in the same room as the receiver. The IR to UHF converter makes your remote radio controlled. This means that you can now operate it from any room in the house. Installation is simple; just plug it into the mains!
Wireless Phone Jack - Sometimes, you may not have a phone jack near the receiver. However, your receiver needs to communicate with the network for a pay per view TV experience. Just plug the wireless phone jack to a phone jack and an electrical outlet. The phone signals now travel on the electrical line to the receiver.
Purchase of Equipment
Dish Network insists that you use equipment supplied by them. Sounds autocratic but is OK by me since what you get is perfectly tuned equipment that works well together. DirecTV allows you to mix and match equipment of your choice. The key issue here is that you are responsible for compatibility issues.
Final Recommendation
As I read the paragraphs above, my choices become clear. For most general classes of viewers, Dish Network is a better choice - marginally in terms of cost, it also offers better HD TV choices and more accessories. If your main interests lie in sports or you are interested in foreign language programming - look at DirecTV. It offers more choices in these categories. You must be a more educated viewer by now and the decision you have to take must be clearer. Here is wishing you hours of satisfying viewing.
By Al Falaq Arsendatama
Home Theater Control - Its The Remote, Stupid!
It's the one piece of equipment that can really make or break your home theater system; the remote control. It's no good to have the latest and greatest gear and world's biggest DVD collection if you can't figure out how to use anything. True home theater nirvana is a fantastic performing system anyone can use with a single button press.
Many of today's home theater receivers and surround processors come with a "smart" remote control. Some of these are actually pretty good too. B&K and Denon come to mind. If you know what you are doing, you can get one of these babies programmed to orchestrate your entire system pretty well. If you haven't the time or inclination for such a project yourself, hire a professional installer to bring everything together for you. A great place to start is CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association). They have member firms in every state, and many foreign countries, that are experts in making complex home theaters easy to use.
Remote controls come in several flavors. The one most people are familiar with comes with almost any electronic component you buy these days. For the most part it does a pretty good job at making the particular component do what you want. Some of these even let you control other components, especially if they are from the same manufacturer. This way, for example, you can use your TV remote to also control your VCR or DVD player.
The next rung up the remote control ladder is the so called "smart remote". This type of remote is able to control multiple pieces of equipment from different manufacturers. Some can control up to 8 or 10 different components. They are usually set to control each piece of equipment by entering a 3 or 4 digit code. Some of these units will learn control functions from other remote controls. This is helpful if the unit you need to control is not in your remote control's internal database. You usually accomplish the learning by entering a "learn" mode on the smart remote, pointing the "teaching" remote at the smart remote and pressing the desired button. Viola! Your smart remote has learned the command from the original remote control.
If you want things even easier than using just one remote to control everything, you need a remote that does macros. These are command sequences initiated by pressing one button. For example, you want to watch a DVD. Typically you would have to turn on your TV, DVD player and surround receiver. Then you would have to switch your TV to the component input and your receiver to the DVD input. With a macro capable remote, this sequence is programmed into the remote. The remote then plays back all the commands in the appropriate order so you don't have to.
If you want a remote that controls everything, you need a remote with a lot of different buttons. This can make the remote a little intimidating. Sure it can do almost anything but make toast, but where to start? If you have the budget, now is the time to get a touch screen remote. With a touch screen, you typically have only a few actual buttons. These are typically the most used functions such as volume up / down, channel up / down, mute and possibly cursor functions.
All other buttons are just icons on a screen that you touch to initiate the desired command. The beauty of this approach is that you only need to have just a few icons on the screen at any one time. This really cuts down on button clutter and confusion. The icons can be graphical representations of the command, which makes everything very intuitive. For example, you can have an "NBC" logo you touch to go to the local NBC station.
Touchscreen remotes come in four basic variations. First there is the choice of color or grayscale. Color looks better and more information can be conveyed more quickly. Grayscale units are much less expensive. Next, the communication with the remote can be one way or two way. Two way communication allows status to be updated on the remote itself. For example you can display album and artist information from a music server or check the status of your security system or thermostats. Two way communication has been provided via a two way radio link, similar to a digital spread spectrum telephone.
The latest two way remote controls being introduced from companies such as AMX and Crestron use WiFi. This allows a whole host of other possibilities. The range is spectacular for one thing. You can roam around your entire home. On some units you can browse the internet too. Imagine, you are watching a game but you want updates from around the league. Just go to ESPN.com on your remote and take a look.
The remote can really make or break your system. You can have an unusable system with 7 different remotes or a slick system that even visitors can use with no instruction. It's all up to you, your budget and your programmer.
By Steve Faber
Why Satellite TV is better than Cable TV
Satellite TV is Making the Cable Companies Run Scared
Satellite TV holds a great advantage over the cable TV companies. Not only is the picture and sound quality superior, but there's more choice in what to watch. If you said to yourself 'there's nothing on TV', switch to satellite. The differences couldn't be more obvious.
Cable quality vs. Satellite quality
With the limited bandwidth that cable offers, it's no wonder the quality is poor. First, the cable wire comes from a hub transmission system somewhere near your home. At source, the signal is passable, but by the time it runs through your community, splitting to each house, the signal has degraded. As the cable is RF (radio frequency) based, it has converted from an audio/video signal (at source) to RF and then needs to re-convert back into audio/video for your television. Along the way, anything broadcasting through the air has tried to get into the cable line and will appear as noise on your TV screen.
Unfortunately, we are our worst enemy as well. Look at your cables and splitters inside your house. Poor quality RG6 or RF cable can cause great loss of signal too. Turn on your TV and have someone bend your cable in half and watch for ghosting on your picture. If it is ghosting, you have unshielded cables! Replace them with something better like Monster Cable. RF cable has a tough time producing stereo sound too, so don't expect great audio. Another culprit of poor cable quality is the cable splitter. Most splitters have just a positive and negative wire inside (it's a noise box). Throw it out and again replace with a good splitter (Monster Cable makes quality ones).
Satellite signals stay digital until the receiver. That means better picture and audio. The picture can be 2-3 times better resolution from your cable picture. The sound from the satellite receiver is true stereo and can be Dolby Digital surround depending on the program you are watching. Plus there are many more channels to choose from.
By the way, if you have a digital box from the cable company, you have only a handful of digital channels, the rest are the same if you remove the cable box.
Satellite companies like Direct TV (or DirecTV) and Dish Network, provide national satellite service with hundreds of digital stations. The picture is clear and crisp, especially if you spring for a high definition receiver to match your HD ready TV. While most cable signals are below 150 lines of interlaced resolution, standard satellite can approach DVD quality (480i) and HD content will be sent at either 1080i or 720p (progressive). A regular 27" TV has the capability of no more than 500i while a HD television can produce the full range.
What are interlaced and progressive signals? Interlaced broadcast was developed from the old NTSC format where the designers in the 1920's and 30's couldn't get the TV to scan every line from the top of the screen to the bottom fast enough. They needed to cheat by having the TV scan all the odd lines; 1, 3, 5 etc. then go back and scan the even lines; 2, 4, 6 etc. The result is thick black lines running horizontally across your screen and only half the picture appearing. These flickering lines prevented you from sitting close to the television without getting eye strain. As the TVs got bigger, you sat farther away.
The new HD televisions scan all the lines progressively and refresh the screen much quicker. It is like looking through your front window with horizontal blinds. Turn the rod so the blinds are half open. The street outside is now half covered like interlaced pictures and you only see half the picture at one time. Now pull the cord to fully open the blinds. You now see the entire window unobstructed or like a progressive signal.
Plasma Compared To DLP Television and LCD
When you think of comparing plasma to DLP technology you should really compare the main aspect and that is the picture quality. The contrast by definition is the measurement of black depending of the white amount. The plasma is a step ahead this time. The boast of this in the plasma technology is truly remarkable and it's possible to heard about ratios like 4000 to 1. But not all the manufactures can accomplish this level of quality and the main ration is only 1000 to 1. The DLP is a relative new technology on the market so it's not really fair to compare with plasma but some of the big manufacturers came close to the standard ration 1000:1.
The clarity is measured by the amount of lines and by looking at the clean edge around the picture. So again is hard to compare DLP television to plasma on this topic because both technologies have great reviews regarding the clarity. The plasma achieves this by conversion and processing and the DLP have made this possible using the best clean mirror technology.
The brightness makes the DLP set to take a step ahead the competition. The viewing angle in DLP is big. The final product has really no component that can burn, perhaps only the easily replaceable lamp. The advantage plasma may have at this chapter is the fact that the brightness doesn't affect the colour richness but this affects most of the DLP TVs.
Both technologies are incredible and the difference between the two is equal in the final product. Both have a little advantage in some areas and some disadvantages. In the end it's up to you and of course the price will affect your decision a lot. For the same visual result the technology in LCD and plasma is very different. Don't let yourself be deceived with the fact that both are flat and thin because there are lots of differences between LCD and plasma televisions.
The Plasma TV is outclassing the LCD with the size of the display and a better contrast! When in comes to price plasma wins by far in this competition so this could be a decisive factor. On the other hand the LCD has its own advantages when compared with Plasma. The brightest is increased to LCD. The main advantage is the big life span of such sets and the fact that the light source can be replaced with ease. An interesting think could be that LCD doesn't have any problems with high-altitudes and the running temperature is smaller.
At last if you want to get technical then we should talk about the making technology. The Plasma is based on the light bulb and the display consists of cells. But all in one this has the same disadvantages as the traditional televisions (heat and screen burn). The LCD making technology is far different. The LCD are made of two layers polarized and glued together so the big advantage could be the less power is consuming and the lack of radiation around it ; all this because there are no phosphors that light up.
Satellite TV Comparison Shopping Made Easy!
DirecTV vs. Dish Network and Satellite TV vs. Cable TV
With so many satellite TV providers competing for your business, how do you know who to choose from? Let's take a look at two of the more popular satellite TV service providers, DirecTV and Dish Network for an apple to apples comparison.
Dish Network
Dish Network Satellite is the nation's second largest provider of satellite TV. Does that mean that Dish Network offers better service? Not necessarily.
Dish Network does provide most of the satellite TV resources other providers do, including a satellite TV guide, free satelite TV dishes, free dish network deals and more. Dish Network also offers customers the option of purchasing HDTV equipment and service packages, giving viewers access to 8 high definition channels, a bonus for consumers with high definition TV sets.
In addition Dish Network does have a slightly larger channel selection that DirecTV which is a benefit to some customers.
Here is a summary of the major services offered by Dish Network:
More than 180 channels
HDTV for up to 8 channels
More than 30 sports dedicated networks including subscription options to NBA League Pass, and NHL Center Ice
Foreign Language Programming in many languages
More than 103 local channels available
Monthly cost generally less than $100
Available in all 50 states
DirecTV
DirecTV is the nation's largest provider. Like Dish Network, DirecTV is available in all 50 states. DirecTV's claim to fame is that they offer more channels dollar for dollar than other satellite TV providers.
So how do you know whether DirecTV or Dish Network is right for you? Let's look at some of the specifics of DirecTV. DirecTV does offer fewer overall channels than Dish Network satellite (but not much fewer) but it does feature exclusive sports packages including NFL Sunday Ticket, which are a bonus for avid sports fans.
DirecTV also offers a high definition package including four feature high definition channels. DirecTV also offers many of the same freebies Dish Network does, including free Direct TV receivers, free satelite TV dishes and satellite TV resources.
A summary of the benefits of DirecTV is as follows:
More than 150 channels
More than 30 sports networks including special and exclusive sports package deals
Foreign language programming in Spanish and Chinese
Up to 8 HDVT channels
Approximately 126 local channels
Monthly costs less than $100
Available in all 50 states
DirecTV or Dish Network Satellite
So, with an apple to apples comparison, you can see that you get most of the same benefits regardless of which provider you choose. There are some subtle differences between the two, Dish Network offers slightly more overall channels and a larger foreign language programming selection. DirecTV offers some exclusive sports networks and greater access to local channels. DirecTV Tivo is an added benefit for DirecTV consumers, which providers channel recording capability to consumers.
Which provider you select may depend on your location. Some may offer better deals or service in some areas than others.
Satellite TV vs. Cable TV
The question of satellite TV vs. Cable TV is an age old one. How do you know which to choose?
Thus the two also deserve a comparison.
Cable TV
Equipment - Requires a TV set top box in order to access digital services Transmission - Usually Analog but consumers have the option of upgrading to digital for a higher premium. Analog channels don't convert to digital in this situation.
Programming - Supports more than 260 channels and offers options such as pay per view, where viewers can buy movies for a small fee. Usually cable TV offers more local channel options than satellite. Offers fewer HDTV services
Pricing - Cable is usually more expensive, in part due to additional costs added onto monthly premium, which may include fees, taxes, pay per view and equipment
Satellite TV
Equipment - Requires use of satellite dish and receivers. Many providers offer free satelite TV systems, free satelite TV dishes to entice customers.
Transmission - Satellite TV services are all digital, which consumers usually translate to mean better quality reception. TV reception can be subject to interference during inclement weather, but this happens with cable service too.
Programming - Usually offers 200 or more channels, including more international and sports channels than cable. High definition channels are more easily accessed through satellite
Pricing - Satellite TV can be less expensive than cable particularly if equipment is thrown in for free. Local channel packages are usually extra with satellite, but over time the expense is less. So which do you choose?
For many it's a matter of price, and satellite TV seems to be at an advantage here. Both cable and satellite offer similar channel line ups, though if you plan on watching a lot of foreign or international films you might opt for a satellite provider such as Dish Network or DirecTV.
That said most consumers just end up getting whichever is convenient at the time they are setting up home. No matter your choice, you'll end up with decent service and a wide channel range which is all most consumers are looking for in the end. Buyer beware, you should know that cable TV fans are very strictly cable, and satellite TV fans very strictly satellite.
You could literally cause an argument between two otherwise friendly neighbors simply by asking them to rate satellite TV vs. cable. That said, you'll probably find that once you make your selection, you too begin an avid supporter of one vs. the other.
By Antigone Arthur
The Benefits of Satellite Television!
Most teenagers today won't remember what the entertainment world was like before the days of satellite television. They simply take the hundreds of entertainment channels for granted, unlike the adults, who remember just how tedious things could get before the luxury of satellite television exploded on to our screens.
Satellite television is hugely popular in America as well as in other civilized countries around the world. There are many benefits to having satellite TV - it's not just a case of there always being something to watch - although this is one of the main attractions for many people. However, satellite TV is also the source of a great deal of information, which can be used for education as well as entertainment.
What Sort of Channels You Can Enjoy
Satellite television will give you access to just about every type of channel you could hope for. You will enjoy numerous channels that are packed with comedy and drama; you can relax whilst watching a wide selection of sports channels covering every type of sport you could hope for. You'll be kept abreast of what's happening in the world with a range of news channels that cover both national and international news; and you can enjoy the latest blockbusters with a wide choice of movie channels.
The kids will also be delighted with satellite television. They can enjoy the entertainment value of a wide choice of kid's channels, from cartoon and comedy to drama and movies. From Disney and Nickelodeon to Cartoon Network and Fox Kids, the choice is endless, which means that on weekends and during holidays your kids will never be short of things to watch.
Your kids will also enjoy having access to a wide selection of informational channels that provide both interesting and educational programming. Channels such as Discovery Science, National Geographic and Animal Planet can help your kids to broaden their horizons as well as provide valuable information to help with their education.
And let's not forget the incredible choice of music channels - a delight for both adults and kids. You can enjoy listening to all sorts of music, from retro or classical to pop and rock. So, as you can see your satellite television system will enable the whole family to enjoy enhanced entertainment and information.
Why Go for Satellite Television Instead of Cable?
Independent research carried out on customer satisfaction has already proven that satellite television customers enjoyed far better prices and a more enhanced service than cable television customers.
While cable customers appear to be paying more than average, receiving a limited service and forking out on monthly rental charges and additional fees, satellite television customers are able to enjoy free installation of the necessary equipment, and they do not have to pay rental for it. One simple monthly fee gives you access to crystal clear pictures, a wealth of choice and top quality service.
Getting Satellite Television Online
There are three choices of satellite television providers in the Unites States, and these are: DIRECTV, Dish Network and Voom. There are also a number of retailers from whom you can buy your satellite television equipment, and you will often find some great offers from retailer to retailer. This is why it is better to compare the deals on offers rather than just rushing into the purchase of your satellite television equipment.
The easiest way to make comparisons on the various satellite television deals being offered is to go online, where you will find all sort of excellent and cost-effective offers from satellite television retailers. You can enjoy such benefits as free installation, free equipment, heavily discounted receivers, free trials on various channels and free periods on your satellite television package.
The Internet is an effective tool with which you can quickly and easily view the various offers available from each retailer. The popularity of satellite television is huge and is expected to continue to grow in the future, so the competition between these retailers is fierce. Each will try and beat their competitors with a range of incredible deals and prices, and as consumers, we are the ones that benefit from this.
By comparing the various offers online, you can make a far more informed choice with regards to which deal is going to prove the best value for your needs and your budget, enabling you to enjoy the benefits and entertainment of satellite television at a really affordable price. With so many deals available from these retailers, it is possible to get a fabulous deal on cost and service on your satellite television package, so you can make the most of your television viewing experience.
You Can Start Enjoying Satellite TV with Speed and Ease
When you go online to browse the various satellite television deals, you can really speed up the whole process. Browsing from the comfort of your own home, you can find the most cost-effective or comprehensive deal for your needs and then place an order for the necessary equipment. Although you can install the equipment yourself, it might be better to have a professional come out and do it to ensure that you can start to enjoy your satellite television viewing experience as soon as possible. And since this service is often free of charge, there is no reason not to get a fast and professional installation.
With a choice of excellent packages to select from, you can enjoy a satellite television deal that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle and family. If you have kids, you can choose a package that incorporates the vast choice of kids television and educational channels. If you are something of a movie buff, you can select the package with the widest range of movie channels, and if you want to spend your spare time listening to the latest tunes, you can go for a package with a wide choice of music channels. The choice is impressive and there is sure to be a package that will suit the whole family.
By Reno Charlton