Archive for August, 2009

Canon Powershot SD990IS

Canon Powershot SD990IS 14.7MP Digital Camera with 3.7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

Technical Details:
* 14.7-megapixel resolution for the highest image quality
* 3.7x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer; 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II
* DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection
* Quick Mode decreases lag time so you don’t miss anything
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards

Product Description
Manufacturer Description

When you’re ready to experience a higher level of pacesetting technology and image brilliance, the PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH is ready for you. One glance at the sleek sculptured profile, and you know this is a camera driven by design and features. Style without compromise is the perfect complement to the ELPH model’s most advanced feature lineup–engineering leadership that opens your eyes and imagination to the real potential and boundless pleasures of photography.

PowerShot SD990 IS Highlights
Powerful curves house a 14.7-megapixel Digital ELPH
Canon Powershot SD990IS.mpixelThe PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH is all about firsts. It’s the very first ELPH to offer you the contemporary cool of pure black–making the boldest camera contours seem even more dramatic. When classic style reflects your fashion sense, indulge in the satiny glow of silver tone. Both are the very image of photography at its best, featuring megapixels that’s the highest resolution among Digital ELPH to capture every detail of the world around you. There’s never been a better time to think big, knowing that every enlargement will be sharper and more full-of-life than you’ve ever experienced before. Read More…

Canon Powershot SD990IS 14.7MP Digital Camera with 3.7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
303 of 320 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good..but far from perfect…, October 13, 2008
By Radio Man “yarns13″ (NY, USA)
I realize there IS no “perfect point and shoot camera”. I suppose there can not be a PERFECT small camera due to the small size.
In recent months I have owned TOO many small point and shoot cameras including..the older Canon SD950, a Fuji F100FD, a Panasonic TZ5, Even an Olympus 1010 model..and lastly bought a new discontinued Fuji F30 off e-bay for indoor low light shooting. I am sort of running my own private consumer reports situation it seems. :)
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Panasonic SC-BT200

Panasonic SC-BT200 1000W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System

Panasonic SC-BT200 1000W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System

Technical Details:
* 1000 watts (1kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD) total distributed among all channels
* Blu-Ray player also plays DVD and CD discs
* Component Video and HDMI connections
* VieraLink ; VieraCast Features

Product Description
From the Manufacturer

Manufacturer’s Description (June 20, 2009)
In order to truly appreciate the Blu-ray Disc experience, many have to upgrade the audio portion of their system. Recognizing this, Panasonic created their Home Theater Systems. Bundling a Blu-ray Disc player, AV receiver, and speakers, the SC-BT200 makes it easy for you to step up to Blu-ray and to 7.1 channel, 1000-Watt surround sound for incredible home cinema. Easy to set up, the SC-BT200 offers a high quality picture, dynamic and clear sounds, easy operation, advanced networking and connectivity, and plenty more. Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems give you everything you need to experience all the emotional impact of a movie in your own home.
Panasonic SC-BT200-3Premium Sound Quality
With features like front and center Bamboo Cone Speakers, a Kelton Subwoofer, and a simple setup process, the SC-BT200 delivers 1000 Watts of 7.1 channel sound in a snap. Speakers include:
* Home Theater Mode: Total Output Power of 1000W
* Front: 125W x 2 (1 kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD)
* Center: 125W (1 kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD)
* Surround: 125W x 2 (1 kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD)
* Surround Back: 125W x 2 (1 kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD)
* Subwoofer: 125W (100 Hz, 3 ohms, 10% THD)
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Panasonic SC-BT200 1000W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Small Price, Big Sound!, July 9, 2009
By Chris Boylan “MrBoylan” (Astoria, NY USA)
It’s a crying shame that many people who plunk down their hard earned cash on a flat panel HDTV never bother to add a high quality sound system, or even attach a true high definition 1080i or 1080p source. Some are put off by the added expense, some by the complexity of setting it all up. Panasonic’s SC-BT200 Blu-ray Home Theater system addresses all of these issues: it’s inexpensive, easy to set up and offers full 1080p high definition Blu-ray playback with matching high definition surround sound. And I didn’t even mention the integrated iPod dock or IPTV features! (OK, I did now).
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Canon PowerShot SX200IS

Canon PowerShot SX200IS 12 MP Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot SX200IS 12 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD (Black)

Technical Details:
* 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
* 12x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer; 28mm wide-angle lens
* HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output
* 3.0-inch LCD screen; Face Detection, Blink Detection
* Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)

Product Description
From the Manufacturer

Creating gorgeous images is more fun than ever with the sleek, impressively-equipped PowerShot SX200 IS. Capture close-up, wide-angle shots with stunning 12x optical zoom. Experience the unprecedented image quality and point-and-shoot convenience of Smart AUTO, along with enhanced operability and an intuitive new menu. HD shooting at 1280 x 720 pixels with HDMI output lets you see all the beauty of your HD images and movies on your HDTV.

PowerShot SX200 IS Highlights
12.1-megapixel resolution, 12x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon PowerShot SX200IS.12xFor all its easy operability, the PowerShot SX200 IS has a feature set to be reckoned with. 12.1-megapixel resolution delivers a wealth of detail to every image, and allows you to crop and enlarge any portion of your shot freely. With the camera’s powerful 12x optical zoom, you’ll get up close fast, handy at sports and school events as well as everyday creative shooting. The 28mm wide-angle lens captures more in every frame, and gives your photography a professional edge. Read More…

Canon PowerShot SX200IS 12 MP Digital Camera Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
341 of 354 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Rebutting the Cons, April 3, 2009
By Jacqueline Buemi “Be the Light you Wish to See” (Ohio)
This review is based off of several days of use and a THOROUGH review of the manual. If you are interested in seeing specifications and actual pictures of this camera (which I suggest you do) I recommend visiting websites that offer extensive these types of reviews [...]First, lets review what seems to be common CONS to the camera.

POP UP FLASH. Contrary to some reviews, this camera is not hard to handle/hold nor does the pop up flash get in the way or feel flimsy. Notice Canon has made three designs to combat this problem (e.g. indented thumbprint above controls on back of camera, curved body on right side of camera, and about 3/4 inch space to place finger behind the flash. As I right this review, I am playing around with the flash and notice it feels sturdy; not flimsy. Also, the further the distance between the flash and the lens allows for a better red-eye reduction.
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Samsung LN52B630

Samsung LN52B630 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung LN52B630 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Technical Details:
* 52-inch LCD HDTV with full HD 1080p resolution for the sharpest picture possible and red Touch of Color design
* Auto Motion Plus 120Hz for amazingly fluid motion, 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 4ms response time, Wide Color Enhancer 3 for more vivid colors
* InfoLink RSS feeds of news, weather and sports via Ethernet; ; side-mounted USB port for displaying JPEG/MPEG files and listening to MP3 audio
* Inputs: 4 HDMI-CEC, 2 component, 2 composite, 1 PC, 2 USB, 1 Ethernet, 1 optical digital audio output
* Includes removable stand; measures 49.7 x 34.5 x 12 inches with stand

Product Description
With Samsung’s LN52B630, you’re connected to great HD entertainment and up-to-the-minute online info. Enjoy a Full HD feast for the eyes, courtesy of the 1080p resolution and 52-inch LCD screen. Check sports scores, stock quotes, weather and other update able RSS content at just the touch of a button on your remote, with the InfoLink feature. Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus120Hz technology keeps even the fastest on-screen motion smooth and natural. Enjoy bold black tones with an impressive 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Four HDMI inputs give you fast and easy connection options for your Blu-ray Disc player and gaming system. And the stylish yet subtle Touch of Color design adds a red accent to the bezel’s border – perfect in any modern home.
Learn More
Full HD 1080P
Samsung LN52B630 -1080p2Samsung LN52B630 -1080pFull HD, or 1080p, contains 1.5 times more scanning lines than conventional HD TVs. More scanning lines mean more pixels, more details and a better picture. The new Samsung LCD TV with resolution that is approximately 2 times greater than conventional HDTVs, creating the most perfect picture imaginable. Samsung’s 1080p panel uses a new high-speed liquid crystal to cut response time to 6ms (milliseconds). Read More…

Samsung LN52B630 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome TV, June 1, 2009
By P. Butler
We were looking for a 55″ matte screen lcd tv, but there doesn’t seem to be any. I came across this 52″ & took a chance, I couldn’t find it in our local stores. I am very pleased with it, the picture is great. I am not an expert, so I can’t give a detailed review. I can say that my husband said it has a heck of a picture (the HD is great).
I also wanted to comment on the delivery. I have read reviews on other tvs that gave bad reviews to pilot service. When I first got the email saying it would be delivered by pilot, I expected the worst. There service was great, they set it up in the room I requested, attached the stand & checked for a blue screen & I verified no damage before I signed. They also took away the packaging.
Also, Kudos to Amazon. I ordered the TV on Wednesday & it was delivered Friday. I couldn’t ask for more. I am happy with the tv & Amazon’s service.
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Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1

Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1

Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Technical Details:
* 50-inch plasma 720p HDTV with three HDMI inputs
* 600Hz Sub-field Drive produces crisp, focused images for sports, dramatic action, and all other fast-moving scenes
* VIERA Image Viewer lets you share your digital photos with friends and family directly from SD cards
* VIERA Link lets you control your compatible Panasonic DVD, Blu-ray Disc player, home theater sound system with a single remote
* Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1 Native; Infinite Black Panel

Product Description
From the Manufacturer

Manufacturer’s Description (April 23, 2009)
Setting the standard for image quality in their class, Panasonic’s X1 Series plasma HDTVs are ideal for sports, movies and gaming, with crisp, focused images during fast-moving scenes. The 50″ TC-P50X1 offers 600Hz Sub-field Drive for crisp, focused images, VIERA Image Viewer for easy photo sharing, and VIERA Link to control all compatible devices with a single remote. Add three HDMI inputs and other unique features like Panasonic’s “Game Mode” and you’ve got the perfect center to your entertainment system.
Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1-01VIERA Image Viewer
VIERA Image Viewer makes it easy to watch full-HD images by using the SD card slot. It lets you enjoy high-resolution, full-HD photos and videos with superb image quality and vivid colors on VIERA’s large screen. Simply insert an SD card into the SD card slot to show your photos and full-HD videos on the large screen!
* Shoot still and motion images with a digital camera or HD camcorder.
* Insert the SD card into VIERA’s card slot
* View photos and motion images in full-HD quality on VIERA’s large screen.
Read More….

Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1 Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Top Price-Performer… A Great Buy, April 16, 2009
By R. Barnett (Mobile, Alabama USA)
Purchased for our master bedroom, the Panasonic TC-P50X1 50″ 720p has true brilliant color, impressive blacks, great resolution (looks like a 1080p to me and I am a picky engineer), surprisingly good sound and great looks. It sports the lowest price per square inch of screen area and beats LCDs hands down with its 600Hz refresh rate (absolutely no motion blur) and looks the same no matter where you are in the room. After considerable research, the TC-P50X1 was the clear choice due to its price, performance and appearance. A super buy.
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Samsung HT-BD1250

Samsung HT-BD1250 Blu-ray Home Theater System

Samsung HT-BD1250 Blu-ray Home Theater System

Technical Details:
* 1-disc BD/DVD
* HDMI-CEC function allows all products in the system to discover and communicate with each other.
* Wireless ready
* iPod connectivity compatible
* BD Wise: perfect replay of Samsung Blu-ray disc

Product Description:
Samsung 5.1 Channel Black Blu-ray Home Theater System – HTBD1250/ 1000 Watts Total Power/ 2 Way Speakers/ Netflix And Pandora Streaming/ IR Amp Technology/ BD 2.0/ WiFi Ready/ Black Finish.

Samsung HT-BD1250 Blu-ray Home Theater System Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
76 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars So far so good, with caveats, May 11, 2009
By Dave R.
After deciding on a Samsung HTIB system to integrate with my 2-year-old Samsung 46″ HDTV, I came across this HT-BD1250 system at Best Buy with all the features I wanted (Bluray, surround sound with wireless to the rear speakers, Anynet+ integration, iPod integration), plus a few that I decided were “nice-to-have” (wireless network integration/Pandora/Netflix). Once I realized I would need to add the Samsung SWA-4000 wireless speaker amplifier and additional HDMI and optical cables for integration with my TV and HD/DVR cable box, the total package through Amazon was by far the best deal and way to go.

First quick note: You DO NOT need anything other than BASIC HDMI cables, which when purchased as a package here with Amazon are 80+% cheaper (even with the shipping charge from the third-party vendors) than if you buy them at Best Buy or other brick/mortar. DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE on so-called “higher end” HDMI cables.
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Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Technical Details:
* 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
* 5.8x AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens included
* D-Movie Mode; Cinematic 24fps HD with sound
* 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Nikon D90: Highly recommended by dpreview.com
Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera2We described the D80 as a photographer’s camera and, despite the addition of video, the D90 appears to share that same ethos. On a purely specification level, it’s a highly competitive piece of kit, but it’s the way the features have been chosen and put together that make it the camera that it is.

The D90 viewfinder is amongst the best you’ll find on any APS-C camera and it sits above the highest-resolution screen we’ve yet seen on a camera of this class. The buttons are well chosen and sensibly positioned, and the two-dial interface is a pleasure to use. (Buyers coming from other systems can even reverse the operation of the meter and dials to make everything that bit more familiar).

Product Description
Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90s breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikons exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90s cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode.Read More…

Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
222 of 224 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – Designed for serious shooting, but fun to use! Lots of customizations., October 20, 2008
By Alan G. (New York)
Several months before the D90 came out, I bought a D60 to hold me over until the D90 was released. Well, I’ve enjoyed using both cameras, but this one is a huge step up and more suited to an advanced enthusiast, like me. It’s a real pleasure to use.

UPDATED AUG 2009 TO PROVIDE MORE CLARITY
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Canon PowerShot SD780IS

Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Silver)

Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Silver)

Technical Details:
* 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
* 3x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer
* HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output
* 2.5-inch widescreen PureColor LCD II screen; Face Detection
* Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)

Product Description
From the Manufacturer

It may be the slimmest Digital ELPH Canon has ever created, but the impact couldn’t be bigger. The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH captivates the senses with bold saturated colors and a daringly original design that matches the intensity of Canon’s most innovative camera technology. Even when picture-taking conditions seem pretty unforgiving, you’ve got Canon on your side. So the shots you used to miss are the images you’ll now be sharing, and the movies you never took before will be HD unforgettable.

PowerShot SD780 IS Highlights

12.1-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon PowerShot SD780IS.ois.febCanon’s commitment to innovation defines the excitement of the PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH. 12.1-megapixel resolution is more than a number, it’s your cutting-edge link to the outstanding clarity and quality you’ve always wanted in your images. Think bold and big, because razor-sharp oversized prints are a breeze. Get the picture? It’s absolutely brilliant.
The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH has a 3x optical zoom lens that makes it easy to get the inspiring, emotive close-ups that will make your images lasting keepsakes. This magnificent lens gives you the power to shoot distant subjects with razor-sharp precision and stunning lifelike color. So you can brilliantly capture a closer shot of a landscape, or a child’s big smile.

The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH is equipped with Canon’s acclaimed Optical Image Stabilizer Technology that automatically detects and corrects camera shake–one of the leading causes of fuzzy or blurred shots. Even when zoomed in, you can get the steady, crisp, brilliant images you’ll be proud to shoot and share. And Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer Technology is so convenient to use. It functions perfectly with or without a flash.
Canon PowerShot SD780IS.hdmiHD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output
The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH lets you record video in beautiful high definition (1280 x 720 pixels). The camera also makes it easy to enjoy HD movies (and still photos) on your HDTV with a mini-HDMI connector for direct connection to a high-definition monitor. You’ll enjoy the HD experience with no degradation of image or audio in the signal, plus the ability to display up to 130 still images at once.

Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings
Just set the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH to Smart AUTO and you’re ready for maximum enjoyment from your picture taking every time. It’s a relaxing and satisfying way to shoot because you can completely concentrate on your subject knowing that the camera has the technical details covered. Advanced Canon technology intelligently analyzes your situation and shooting conditions. Then it automatically selects an appropriate setting from 18 specially defined settings. So whether you’re photographing flowers, a captivating sunset, or your friends at the park, you can be confident that you’re getting dramatic, memorable images.
Read More…

Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Silver) Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
295 of 298 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – A True Pocket Camera with HD Video, March 16, 2009
By U. Wilkins (San Jose, CA USA)
I just purchased this Canon on a whim, earlier today at Best Buy. I have been tinkering with it for the majority of the evening. My previous SD300 is still working like a champ, however I have been considering a video camera for some time…after some peering at the video camera counter I wandered over to the point and shoot table… what initially drew me in to the SD780IS was its appearance on the display stand. The sleek matte-black body is very eye-pleasing…then I looked at the specs. and realized that it shoots video in HD! (1280×720) Then all the other attributes made me realize that it was time to update my “everywhere, anytime” camera.
I proceeded to check out some of the other Canon SD cameras. The SD960 became the other candidate…it has a little more glass(4x)zoom, over the SD780’s (3x)zoom. The SD960 has an appealing f2.8 apeture over the SD780’s f3.2. The SD960’s screen is more tailored for the HD video capture as it has a 16:9 ratio LCD panel. (Kinda nice for instant viewing ON THE CAMERA)
After some thought I went with the SD780 for these reasons:

1. The HD video capability is awesome and comparible with the SD960. It has a HDMI jack. The traditional 4:3 screen does not bother me, because the video is ultimately going to be viewed on a HD TV.(There will be an upper and lower bar on 16:9 playback through the SD780’s LCD).

2.The weaker 3x zoom is not a big deal as this camera is for general shooting(out w/ freinds, bars, random afternoon at the beach, mountain biking, etc.)and with this camera EASLIY fitting in my jeans pocket or camelbak, the portability is what gives me the opportunity to document those moments, that would otherwise be missed. The SD960 is a little bulkier(but still small). I do also shoot with a Canon 40D, accompanied with L optics, but the weight and bulkiness do not lend to certain shooting circumstances. (as mentined above)

3. The user interface on the SD780IS is like most (if not all?) preceeding SD cameras. While there is not much control in the way of shooting settings, feature buttons like flash override, AE lock, AF lock, and exposure compensation are present on the camera body. The SD960IS has two buttons and a jog wheel, which lend to swims in the menu. I’m sure the new interface on the 960 is intuitive, but I liked the 780 due to its similarity to my old SD300.

I am very happy with the results produced thus far with the SD780IS. The HD video is excellant, however it should be known that once recording you can only zoom digitally. Low light cabilities and sound in video mode are excellent. The stills I have taken look great. Also, to the budget-minded who are upgrading from older digital point-and-shoots, a class 4 minimum 4GB or 8GB SDHC card would be well suited due to the demanding memory of the 12.1 million pixels, and HD video. Also, most old card readers will not process the the SDHC cards so you may have to purchase a new card reader as well.

I have to mention it again…the small size of the Canon SD780IS is mind-blowing…and the functionality actually mirrors its beauty.
See all 122 Customer Reviews…

Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Silver), Free Shipping & Special Offers Available…Compare Now!

LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with THX Display Certification

Technical Details:
* THX Display Certification delivers exceptional video images and true sounds
* 600Hz sub-field driving refresh rate technology for realistic movement in sports and movie actions
* 1080p Full HD resolution 1920 x 1080p with 3x HDMI v 1.3 digital inputs with swivel stand
* Mega contrast ratio of 2 million to 1 provides sharper image quality
* Single-layer design looks like a seamless pane of glass for sleek design

Product Description;
THX display certification sets this series apart. 50″ PDP 1080P HDTV, 1920 x 1080 Resolution, THX Display Certified, 600Hz Sub Field Driving, 2,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 1,500 cd/m2 Brightness, ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM – 1 Tuner, Dual XD Engine, SRS TruSurround XT, 4 HDMI input

LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Customer Reviews;

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – Great TV, great value, June 8, 2009
By John Tollefsrud (Morgan Hill, CA United States)
The LG 50PS60 is my first flat panel TV purchase. I’m very happy with it. I don’t use the THX Cinema setting, instead I’ve modified the standard setting to my liking – though black is not as black as when it is off. I can’t seem to achieve that, but as a novice I’m not sure if that’s a reasonable goal.

One small nit – sometimes I find the TV has changed itself from the standard setting to something else, like THX or Vivid. I think this happens if I toggle around too much in the TV menu, but I’m not sure what triggers this changing.

This TV has an auto-brightness feature that evaluates the room brightness and adjusts the picture accordingly. Lower brightness reduces power consumption on a plasma. This TV does have a more glossy screen than some other manufacturers. We watch TV in the evening, in a moderately dark room – but even with a lights on I can’t say I’ve ever been aware of reflections in the screen. So for me, no biggie.

I’m driving this display with a DirecTV HD DVR and a Panasonic DVD recorder/player, both via HDMI. I’m surprised and pleased how good the DVD looks. BlueRay is on the wish list for now. DirecTV 1080i and 720p content looks great.

Yesterday my family viewed my daughter’s jpg pictures of her trip to Greece on the 50PS60 via the USB jack and built-in picture viewing software. The pictures looked outstanding, and the large screen is perfect for group viewing. You can even add a music file to play while viewing pictures! All I need now is for the TV to serve chips and beer.

I bought my 50PS60 from Amazon partner OneCall, which shipped within 24 hours from Washington state. They had strapped it upright on a long pallet, with two shockwatch stickers attached. Perfect condition. OneCall is an authorized dealer so I was able to take advantage of the LG [...] on this unit, which made selecting this unit a no brainer.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – Overall Excellent TV, June 8, 2009
By E. Mezhiritskaya (Philadelphia, PA)
I have now owned this TV for about a week. The delivery was three days earlier than expected, and took ~4 days to get from CA to PA. So far, this has been a great experience. The Picture Wizard allows for the optimization of the picture to one’s personal standards. The picture is very contrasty and sharp once properly calibrated, and all of the content that I play on it looks very smooth. I primarily use it with my PS3, for gaming and watching BluRays. One thing that upsets me is the black bars present in most movies, but this is not the TV’s fault.

Some people say to “break in” the TV for the first 100-200 hours, by watching everything at 50 contrast and brightness. I decided, in my constant search for instant gratification, to use the picture wizard settings right away. With games, this creates some slight image retention (not burn in) in areas such as HUDs and the like. However, image retention disappears very quickly with the white-wash option. I feel this TV is very IR-resistant.

Many people will not like the fact that the screen is not glare-resistant. It has not been a problem for me as the TV is in a dark basement, but for others that may want to place it in a bright living room, it could become an issue. Another problem: there is a fluorescent tube at the lower right of the TV that lights dark red when the TV is off. This shouldn’t be a problem unless you sleep in the same room.

Overall, the style of the TV is very attractive. The picture always pops, and THX mode looks good when used in total darkness. Good luck with your TV search!
See all customer reviews…

LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with THX Display Certification. Special Offers Available…

Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100

Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100

Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100

Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100 52-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV

Technical Details:
* 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920×1080)
* BRAVIA Engine 3 fully digital video processor
* Motionflow 240Hz
* BRAVIA Internet Video/Widgets
* XMB w/ enhanced 3D Favorites Menu

Product Description;
Enjoy the latest in HDTV performance with the Sony BRAVIA Z-Series, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus broadband internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video capabilities, that let you view select on-demand movies and TV shows and listen to music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen.
Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-1Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-2Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-3Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-4
Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-5Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-6Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-7Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-8Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100-icon-9
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Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100 Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – Great HD Picture w/o Glossy Screen Reflections, June 15, 2009
By Carl B (Arvada, CO)
Love the HD picture quality (PQ) of the Samsung 52B750, but don’t watch TV in cave and don’t want to deal with all those reflections off a glossy screen? Well, the Sony 52Z5100 is the answer. HD PQ with the Z5100 is excellent with great black levels, but without the “shaving mirror” reflectivity of the screen during dark or black scenes. We were looking at the 52B750, based on reviews and seeing it at UE, but after testing our viewing room at various times of day with a glass picture frame and our “bright screen” LCD notebook, it was obvious that the reflections would drive us crazy over the life of the TV. We have two older HDTVs, both with matte screen and we don’t miss the reflective glass screens of the old CRT TVs. The 52Z5100’s screen is best described as semi-matte. Un-powered, the screen is reflective though dull. Power it up and there are essentially zero reflections, even with very dark scenes. What ever Sony has done to defeat reflectivity and minimize glare, it works very well.

As to performance, PQ with HD sources (OTA DTV and Dish HD) is as good as it gets, absolutely excellent and easily equal to the Samsung B750 (we viewed the Z5100 side-by-side with the B750 and the XBR9 at UE and couldn’t discern any difference in HD PQ). Blacks are excellent and shadow detail is the best I’ve seen on a TV. No flashlights, clouding, or uneven lighting across the screen. Color realism and saturation are excellent. Viewing angle is average or typical of CCFL LCDs, which is about 45 degrees off center. Not bad and much better than the LED LCDs, which could be important if you plan to show off your new HDTV with a Super Bowl party next February (not everyone can sit right in front of the TV to see great PQ, like they have to with the LED LCDs).

We’re just thrilled watching Starz and Cinemax HD movies, prime-time HD drama on the major networks, any live HD broadcasts, and especially any live HD sporting even broadcasts. The WOW factor is back! Can’t wait for the NFL season to start. We watched the men’s and women’s French Open finals via live, OTA, HD DTV, with the Scene setting set to “Sports (MotionFlow on High, 240 Hz) and it was like we were standing behind Roger Federer on the court. BTW, the on-board ATSC digital tuner in the Z5100 is excellent. It is obviously of the latest generation as it is the most sensitive and most stable of any of our DTV tuners, including the Zenith CECBs we bought for our old, remaining CRT TVs. If you buy the 52Z5100, try hooking up an antenna to it and see what you can get. The uncompressed live HD from an OTA antenna is something to behold.

PQ from non-BD DVDs is excellent. Upscaled DVD movies on my Sony 1080p upscaling DVD player look as good as many of the HD movies on the pay HD movie channels. I don’t have a BD player yet and with the PQ of my upscaled DVDs, I probably won’t get one until the price drops substantially.

PQ from SD sources is a mixed bag. It really depends on the source. Decent 480i stuff comes across excellent, but some older video and movies look pretty bad and the MPEG Filter and CineMotion filter don’t do much to help regardless of which setting you use. I’d give this set Average to a little above average on SD PQ. Using the MPEG filter set to Medium or Low improves bad SD video over no filter at all.

I’d rate the on-board sound system as above average for flat panel HDTV sound systems, even though I typically us the sound from my DD7.1 sound system. I don’t do games, so I can’t comment on that.

As for the internet connectivity, I’m not impressed. I’ve surfed through most of what is offered and it isn’t worth much. A nice universal remote comes with the set. On-screen menu is poorly arranged (not intuitive, not logical, redundant in places).

Overall, I can’t see anyone being disappointed if they buy this LCD HDTV and your friends will be impressed as well.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4 stars – Great LCD Television, June 16, 2009
By By-Tor “By-Tor” (Central Florida)
This display was sent to me by Sony to replace my KDS-R60XBR2. I had to have the optical block replaced three times. The bonus was that I got to keep it as well. The set arrived this past Friday and when I un-boxed it, I was immediately taken by its no-nonsense sexy look. I consider flat panel TVs to be a work of art, even when they are not running.

I placed a Blu Ray copy of Digital Video Essentials in my PS3 and an HD DVD copy in my HD-XA2. I calibrated the TV, which was a breeze since there are so many HD inputs and they can be set completely independent of the other. Also, surprisingly, the set was pretty close out of the box. Something out of the ordinary that I noticed, though. Out of all of the Sony TVs that I have owned, the Warm 2 setting seemed to be closer to 6500 K. On this set, I found neutral to be much closer to the desired color setting. Other than putting it in standard mode (another out of the ordinary setting for me, on other Sony’s, custom seemed to be the way to go) and changing a few things, it looked fantastic. The black levels, eye popping 3D effect and the razor sharp detail are awe inspiring.

Make sure you turn off settings such as Clear White. As far as Noise Reduction, that’s your personal preference, I turn most ‘enhancement’ circuits off anyway. On this particular set, I noted that Noise Reduction had very little effect on the picture, anyway. Also, turn off the MPEG Noise Reduction. It seems to actually decrease screen resolution but I could be wrong. On a set that can achieve a 100,000 to 1 contrast ratio, it’s easy to get carried away with Advanced Contrast Enhancer, so be careful and set it on low or off. The same goes for the Black Enhancer.

I have no complaints about the 1080p performance of this TV. It is top notch. Even over the air HD looks fantastic. I have actually ‘cut the cable’ and am only getting OTA content, IPTV such as PlayOn and TVersity Pro, Blu-Ray and HD DVD. Of course, SD looks awful but this is no fault of the TV. Garbage in, garbage out, as it where and the larger the set, the worse it’s going to look.

I cannot comment on the audio since I have a 5.1 surround system but I have read other reviews that the sound is acceptable. I would assume that most people who spend over $1000.00 on a display have at least a home theater in a box, anyway.

I would have absolutely no problem recommending this television. I see no reason to spend $300.00 more on the XBR9. When I saw them side by side, I did not notice any difference. I’m sure there is some benefit to the Wide Color Gamut backlighting, it’s just not perceptible to the naked eye. We have come so far with display technology, that with what would have cost thousands more for the same quality and feature set just a couple of years ago can be had for a very reasonable price now.

BTW, don’t let anyone tell you that the Samsung sets are so much better than Sony’s. In my opinion, they do so much video processing that the picture doesn’t even look natural. Sure, you can crank it up with the 52Z5100 but you certainly don’t have to. The glare with the Samsung screens is unbearable, in my opinion.

All in all…I couldn’t be more happy having this display in my home. The quality is absolutely jaw dropping. There are no ‘clouding’ issues and not a ‘flashlight’ effect was to be found.

One more thing…I really like the Cinemotion and Motionflow technology. I really don’t see much of a difference between this set’s 240 hz frame rate and TVs that incorporate 120 hz. I’m sure the same thing will be true about LG’s new 480 hz displays.

Another thing…I meant to give this TV 5 stars. I can’t figure out how to change it!
See all 9 customer reviews…

Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100 52-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV Save: $1,002.00 (35%) Compare Prices Now…

Panasonic SC-BT300

Panasonic SC-BT300 1250W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System

Panasonic SC-BT300 1250W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System

Technical Details;
* 1250 watts (1kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD) total distributed among all channels
* Blu-Ray player also plays DVD and CD discs
* Component Video and HDMI connections
* Connectivity : VieraLink
* VieraCast Network HDTV’s
Product Description
Panasonic SC-BT300-2-thHDTV is easy. Home-Theater sound systems used to be hard but Panasonic has made it easier than pie (ready-made pie). Blu-ray extends beyond HDTV in sound. HDTV has 5.1 channel ability but Blu-Ray offers 7.1 channels. The SC-BT300 boasts seven speakers to envelop viewers in a remarkably true-to-life surround sound experience. The front and center channel speakers are made with a bamboo diaphragm which provides a tightly intertwined fiber to deliver greater rigidity and accuracy, resulting in clear reproduction of sounds over a wide frequency range, from massive explosions to metallic clangs. The subwoofer features a Kelton system with a dual diameter structure to deliver a deep powerful bass. The Smart Set-up guide uses the help of GUI navigation to allow users to set up their SC-BT300 home-theater system for optimum performance. The result is being able to stay at home while enjoying a thrilling, incredibly lifelike audio performance that rivals a movie theater. The appeal of Panasonic Blu-ray products goes beyond the breathtaking pictures and sound; the networking functions open the door to new kinds of entertainment fun. The SC-BT300 can connect to the Internet for downloading bonus content available with Blu-ray Discs and for playing Internet games via BD-Live. This connectivity is further enhanced with the addition of VIERA-Cast. VIERA-Cast integrates the Amazon Video-on-Demand (VOD) online movie rental service. The Amazon VOD service joins other content options already available on VIERA-Cast, including videos from You Tube, access to online photos via Picasa Web Albums, financial information from Bloomberg News, as well as local weather updates. The possibilities are virtually endless. It comes with a Universal Dock for iPod, making it easy for iPod users to play their favorite music or video downloads. This system is also Green-friendly. It has a power-save mode to protect the green in your..
Read More Manufacturer’s Review (June 20, 2009)…

Panasonic SC-BT300 1250W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – A Great System, especially for the price, June 25, 2009
By Brent M (Rochester, NY)
I was unsure if I should get this system due to the lack of reviews online. Most of the negative reviews I saw complain about the lack of in box wireless but say little about the sound/video.

After watching Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Planet Earth, I can tell you that the video looks great and the sound is really impressive. Planet Earth looks amazing on it. The surround sound works very well. So far I am really satisfied with the whole setup. I highly recommend the whole unit.

The only negative I can find with it is the manual. I rarely read manuals, however, there are a lot of features that are not explained real clearly for non-audiophiles. Therefore, I am not totally sure if I have it setup for the best possible sound/picture. Besides that, I am extremely satisfied.

Read More Customer Reviews…

Panasonic SC-BT300 1250W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System,Special Offers Available-Compare Now!…

Panasonic VIERA C12 Series TC-L32C12

Panasonic VIERA C12 Series TC-L32C12 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Panasonic VIERA C12 Series TC-L32C12 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Technical Details:
* 1366 x 768 Resolution
* Dynamic contrast 10,000:1 for the brightest whites and darkest blacks
* 2 HDMI inputs
* Viera Image Viewer, enjoy your photos on the big screen via SD card
* PC Input for computers
Product Description
32″ LCD, 720p, PC input, 2 HDMI, Dynamic contrast ratio 10,000:1, Viera Link

Panasonic VIERA C12 Series TC-L32C12 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – first flat screen, glad I waited to buy!, April 29, 2009
By Shogo Kawada (East of Somewhere)
This TV was just recently released as of the time of this review, and it’s one of the best TVs under $500 you can find on the market. I did a LOT of research looking for what I wanted in a TV. I’ve been wanting a nice flatscreen for a while now. I’ve been holding out as and quality has been improving while prices have been dropping. I finally settled on this Panasonic.

I wanted a TV for primarily movies (Hi Def and standard or upconverted Def) and video games (Hi Def and standard def). I do not have a cable subscription and am not interested in HD cable services. That being said, I also wanted a TV that would double as a humongous PC monitor. I’m pleased to say this TV meets and exceeds my needs so far. It’s a big upgrade from the 20 inch tube TV I was using before the VIERA.

The LCD TV is nice looking and has a variety of cable inputs. Both the remote and menu systems are top-notch and useful. This TV puts out true 720p resolution and has 4:3 ratio (standard, full-frame) and zoom scaling as well. For TVs 32 inches and under, 1080p (while nice) is not necessary, as you’d be hard pressed to notice a dramatic difference with your HDMI or component sources. The picture is super sharp, and the image control available with this TV is pretty impressive. You can really play with the picture and color. I was laughing at the ability to essentially reproduce that 60’s Technicolor supersaturation if you want. It really brings films to life. You can make up to 4 preset color choices, too- One for films, one for sports or live action TV, one for video games, one for kid’s cartoons, etc, etc.

There is 1 stuck pixel on the TV. This is to be expected, and is not noticeable unless you’re looking for stuck or dead pixels from about 18 inches away. I cannot see the pixel when watching, though, only when I’m up close on the screen. This is not an issue at all. You cannot pick out 1 dead pixel on a TV of this resolution. 1 out of over 1 million pixels, the rest are flawless.

I’ve just gotten this, and haven’t fully tested all the bells and whistles, like the SD card port or the VIERA Link HDMI software (waiting for 1080p media player, coming in the mail). PC to TV was effortless and looked great. Even my old PS2 looked pretty good, albeit jaggy. I think that’s more the game than the TV, though.

I almost went and got a $300 or $375 no-name tv at Walmart or Target, but I’m glad I paid a bit more for a higher-quality product. This Panasonic is really, really, well built, and is a near-perfect 32 inch TV. I’m more than happy with my purchase. As I test it out more, I plan to update this review, but so far, I’m loving it! This Panasonic is a great TV at an affordable price point, and 32 inches is perfect for most small to medium sized rooms.

Also, if you have any specific questions, post ‘em and I’ll do my best to answer.

**UPDATE**

I’ve had the TV for a while now and still love it. I got an upconverting Sony DVD player (model DVPNS710HB ) that puts out 480p, 720p, and 1080i upconverts of standard DVDs. I bought a $3 HDMI cable from buy.com (skip the $100 monster cables, trust me) and the picture is fantastic. The trick is that since the TV displays 720p, by switching the DVD player to send the data in 720p, you get a native resolution that lets the image look its best on the TV. While the TV has a scaler built in, having the DVD player scan and scale and then transmit via HDMI produces a signifigantly clearer picture. Some of the DVDs I have that were shot on digital video look very, very close to HD programming. My digitally remastered James Bond DVDs also look signifigantly better than through a component DVD player. I was impressed.

As for the other features- the SD card reader is too slow for my tastes. It takes a few seconds to load each picture. Of course, I have a VGA connector hooked up, so its much more convenient to load the pictures to my PC and view them thru windows. HQ images look AMAZING on this TV, though. I had always shot digital pictures at high resolutions, but couldn’t really see them as they were meant to be seen, only having a 15 inch LCD. With the new TV as my monitor, my pictures now look 100 times better.

Another cool feature- through Viera Link, the HDMI Sony DVD player works with the Panasonic remote- no programing needed. I simply went into the Viera Link menu and selected the HDMI DVD player, now my DVD player will start and stop when I power on the TV and I can control it all from my TV remote. Very cool.

I’ll post some more updates if I have anything else to say or if anyone has any questions.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – panasonic lcd tv, June 14, 2009
By The Amazing Worker (USA)
The Panasonic Viera C12 series, 32 inch tv is my first lcd tv. I have had a flat screen crt tv from sharp for about 4-5 years. the Sharp tv was great for what it was and have only good things to say about it, but it was getting old, occupied too much space and wanted a slick LCD. My girlfriend has an 37 inch LCD from Samsung and i have to say i was never too impressed with it so i wanted a different brand. I got the Panasonic for under $500 which was absolutely great and i am extremely satisfied. Firstly i have to say that the picture quality is better than the Samsumg and it has great features. I have only basic cable but i do get some hd channels which look fantastic. Also i love the fact that you can easily turn the tv screen to a giant computer screen by hooking one cable up to your computer. I tend to watch some european soccer online and being able to see it on the tv screen was one thing i was looking for in a LCD. THe TV also has this cool feature where you can put in a digital camera memory stick and it will show all the pics on the tv. While this is not a reason in itself to buy it, it is a nice add-on when you want to check out how pictures look without having to download them on the computer first. Also i find the menu of the tv quite easy, simple and very user friendly.
I am very happy with the purchase from a quality & price perspective and would recommend this .

Panasonic VIERA C12 Series TC-L32C12 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV, On Sale You Save:$149.96 (27%) + Free shipping.Compare Now!

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Technical Details
* New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
* Includes Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
* Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution; HDMI output
* 3.0-inch Clear View LCD; Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video
* Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Product Description
Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera_bodyBe happy! Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You’ll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand. Auto and Manual Focus modes Shutter Speeds – 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec.; 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode) ISO Speed – ISO 100-3200 (in 1-stop increments), H1 – 6400 H2 – 12800; Basic Zone modes – ISO 100-3200 set automatically Retractable, auto pop-up flash – E-TTL II autoflash Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with HDMI output for HD viewing of stills and video Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video Auto Lighting Optimizer for superior highlight-shadow control Wide range ISO setting 100-3200 (ISO expansion – 6400, 12800) Creative Auto goes a step beyond auto allowing control over frequently-changed settings Lens Mount – Canon EF mount (compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most EOS System accessories) Battery Type – Rechargeable Battery LP-E5 Recording Media – SD memory card, SDHC memory card Dimensions (WxHxD) – 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm Weight – 16.9oz. /480g (body only) Kit includes EOS Rebel T1i Body; EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens; Eyecup Ef; Wide Strap EW-100DBIII; USB Interface Cable;

EOS Rebel T1i Highlights …Read More…

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
588 of 593 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – A wonderfully full-featured camera at an unbeatable price, April 29, 2009
By Rimesh Patel (Washington D.C.)
I’ve had the T1i for about almost week now and after some extensive use, here are my thoughts:

1. 15.1 megapixel sensor. Yes, the high megapixel count is impressive, but keep in mind that, as you approach higher resolutions, you need to ensure the lens on the SLR can resolve that much detail. Sadly, the included 18-55mm IS lens is functional, but the high resolution really shows the so-so quality of the lens. Even if taken at the proper focus, pictures can appear soft with this kit lens. Shots I have taken with Canon EF-S 17-85mm and EF 70-200mm L lenses are crisp. I don’t have any gripes on image quality. There are some issues with noise on the higher ISOs that don’t seem to show up on the Nikon digitals, but overall, the quality is amazing for the price. Skin tones, textures, colors are reproduced very accurately.
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Samsung PN50B650

Samsung PN50B650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Samsung PN50B650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Technical Details:
* 50-inch high definition TV with 1080p resolution
* Four HDMI, two component, and one composite video input; two 15W bottom speakers and SRS TruSurround HD for a rich surround-sound experience
* Samsung E-panel technology like Ultra FilterBright Plus, 600Hz Subfield Motion, .001 response time, and a Mega dynamic contrast ratio
* Medi@2.0 connectivity package offers customizable online content via user-friendly “widgets,” networking capability via the DLNA standard
* One-year parts and labor warranty

Product Description
Samsung¿s new PN50B650 plasma flat panel HDTV exemplifies the design and performance refinements for those with discerning tastes and a passion for innovation. Picture your favorite room filled with 50 inches of 1080p Full HD picture performance artistically accented in a new Touch of ColorTM design. Samsung¿s 6 Series E-Panel technology delivers improvements with our Ultra FiterBrightTM technology that further reduces glare in brighter rooms and our advanced Crystal Full HD Engine expands the picture viewing experience with less power consumption. 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. Experience Full 1080p performance and advanced connectivity on Samsung¿s new B650 series plasma HDTVs that are designed to meet higher pride of ownership expectations and lower the cost of ownership.

Samsung PN50B650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Customer Reviews:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – Highly recommended!, June 24, 2009
By Eternyl “Drew” (Milwaukee, WI USA)
Basically I’ve had this TV for about 3 weeks already, and wanted to share since when researching this new 2009 Samsung PN50B650 set, there were limited reviews.

the specs and price on this had me at hello…

3,000,000:1 Mega Contrast
0.001ms pixel-response time.
600Hz
Cinema Smooth
4 HDMI ports
Tuners: ATSC / NTSC / QAM
ENERGY STAR qualified
Anynet
DLNA

First off I was always sketchy on Plasma…because of course burn in, and the whole LCD rage taking off.

Basically it was a “burn in” vs “dead pixel” face off.

But burn in is a non issue…sometimes the History channel will leave its logo for a few seconds, but it’s not even noticeable unless you try to find it. I play PS3 games on it and it’s perfect.

The 4 HDMI ports are priceless….I thought it would be overkill…but add in a TivoHD, PS3, Receiver…and I’m down to 1 side HDMI input left…

The 650 also has the extra internet USB adapter ($75) is very nice as well….connecting to Flickr, your network & Yahoo Weather is very nice.
not built in but, so what.

The TV speakers are basic and tolerable I guess, but if you are looking to get a 50″ plasma, I would hope you would have a home theater in a box at least.

The TOC finish is very very nice, and the touch of color really makes this set stand out…I thought I’d hate it but once it’s in the house…it is nice.

I think the main reason to really look at this set is the “Cinema Smooth” feature which is present on this panel….and I think only until you get to the 850 model you won’t see it available. This is very nice since it delivers in the native 24p content, same frame rate as movies are recorded.

and I don’t have any buzzing, which some people were reporting on the AVS Forum.

Well compared to my Samsung 40 40A650 LCD 120hz, which I really liked…this Plasma is a big step up.

In the store the bright lights and the demo modes make the LCD stand out…but in my home setting….holy bright…it was always in movie mode…so now the kids can play games on it in, the plasma is for the living room now.

The blacks and whites are more lifelike on the Plasma…although the LCD has way whiter whites…it just make it look too digital.
basically I have a much better viewing angle…pic looks perfect from all angles….and it looks more “real life quality”..if that makes sense.

basically I still can’t get used to the “3D Soap Opera effect” on the LCD, and the speed is still nowhere to the plasma especially in sports…even with the 120hz I could catch the blur in a football.

Here’s my deal sealer….standard def channels, are pretty good…I can watch them again. On the LCD…standard Def..I preferred to watch an old Toshiba 36″ CRT in the loft if I had to.

granted it’s not an 850 or 950….but the price difference is huge.
at this cheap of a price, I’m thinking about getting a second…seriously it’s a steal.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5 stars – Makes me feel I made the right choice., July 12, 2009
By S. Bae (Miami, FL)
If you’re in the market for a HDTV then the Samsung PN50B650 is worth a second look. Externally, the attractive Touch of Color design incorporated into the clear beveled edged glass exudes sophistication and class. Internally, the Crystal Full HD Engine and Samsung’s e-panel technology translates into a blur free clear vibrant picture perfect for sports and movies alike.

Truthfully I started off in the HDTV market looking for a 52″ LCD panel with 1080p and 120hz specs. After a month of searching I realized that a name brand set with the specs above was out of my budget. I wasn’t considering a plasma because I thought it was outdated technology, fear of image retention (IR), cost of operation, and plasma’s heavier weight difference. However, as I researched more into plasmas I learned that my fears were they themselves outdated. Plasma was not outdated technology, many companies were still pouring money into plasma R&D. IR for sure is still a concern but with some simple basic precautions and use of the built in pixel shifting option, IR has become a very minor concern. This set is also Energy Star compliant using 40% less power than prior years plasmas (as per Samsung’s website) and comparable to LCDs of similar size. As for weight, I wasn’t too concerned because my set wasn’t going on a wall. Regardless, the weight difference to a LCD is only about 15 lbs or so. Also, this set comes with an attractive stand that allows the TV to rotate for optimal viewing.

The cons I have so far are: Even with the FilterBright technology incorporated into the screen, glare is still a factor. I have my set in a room with no curtains but no direct sunlight and find myself changing the brightness control at times during daylight use. While the Media 2.0 is a fantastic feature (and the reason why I highly recommend this set over the B550 for a few extra $) it can be slow at times. Lastly, the speakers on this TV are marginal. Not bad in loudness but definitely no mid range or bass as one would expect. You will eventually need something externally powered.

I will not bore you with pros and cons of this set’s internal specs, you can interpret them anyway you want but for a non HDTV expert that was merely trying to get the best value for the money, with great picture quality and technology (e.g. Cinema Smooth 24p frame rate), in an attractive looking TV, this Samsung was a clear choice for me. Lastly, the other plasma I was considering was the Panasonic G10. It has slightly better reviews but esthetically IMO the Samsung was a clear winner. For the non HDTV expert like myself, the image quality differences were unnoticeable.

*I do not have the buzz or the pinkish hues some others claim on their sets.

Samsung PN50B650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV On Sale Save $400.99 (24%)+Free Shipping. Compare prices NOW!

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