TV Articles

Apple TV for $1,499? Would you buy it?

An apparent Best Buy customer survey mentions a possible Apple 42-inch HDTV for $1,499. That's up three times as much as current 42-inch models; could it be worth the price?

Before we go any further, let's disclaim the idea that there's proof such a product actually exists or is even in the pipeline. In fact, it seems fairly likely Apple had nothing to do with the list of hypothetical specs cited by Best Buy, which includes outdated branding like "iSight" for the system's camera (Apple has long since taken to referring to cameras like those in the iPad as "Facetime cameras").

Further, the survey goes on to say the camera can be used for Skype, a statement Cupertino isn't likely to have signed off on given that the platform is owned by Microsoft and competes with its own FaceTime.

So, assuming the survey was drafted by some kind of middle-management cog at Best Buy who has an inkling of what Apple could be working on but clearly didn't coordinate with the mother orchard on this survey project, there are still some interesting discussion points, particularly the price.… Read more

Poll: Which 2012 TVs do you most want CNET to compare?

Last year more than 7,000 CNET readers answered this question regarding 2011 TVs, so I couldn't help but ask it again this year.

This time, however, there's a new twist that simultaneously makes the poll more interesting and fun (in my opinion) but also, because of some funky site design issues, makes it tougher to read. So bear with me and scroll down all the way to read all the choices before you vote.

Reports of pops, peeling on Samsung plasmas explored (update)

Update Feb 3, 2012: In early January Samsung told me of a firmware update that addresses the brightness pops in both the D7000 and D8000 plasmas (I was also told that 2012 versions wouldn't suffer this issue), but since that time the company has not given me any additional information despite repeated inquiries. Meanwhile multiple CNET readers have told me how they have contacted Samsung customer service (in one case via chat), described the "pops" and been sent updated firmware on a USB stick (version 1024.8). The effectiveness of the new firmware varies according to reports … Read more

Sony Google TV update coming soon

A tweet from the official Google TV twitter account indicates that a noteworthy update's coming to Sony's Google TV devices.

When the update lands this week, owners of the NSZ-GT1 Google TV/Blu-ray player will be able to watch 3D Blu-ray movies through the device. The new firmware update also speeds up the Google Chrome browser implemented in the aforementioned Internet TV box and Sony's short-lived NSX-24GT1, NSX-32GT1, NSX-40GT1, and NSX-46GT1 televisions with Google TV built-in. We assume the next generation of Sony Google TV devices (NSZ-GS7 and NSZ-GP9) will ship with this new functionality. … Read more

MinuSkull speakers add some creepiness to your audio

Strangely shaped speakers aren't exactly the most outrageous things we've encountered.

Speaker drivers can be built into almost anything, with results ranging from the cute and gimmicky iPig iPod dock to high-end horn speakers shaped like butterflies. Now, we have the MinuSkull, a dual-driver-powered speaker that's shaped like a more angular human skull.

With a distinctive design, the MinuSkull is the handiwork of French design company Kuntzel+Degas, which is made up of artists Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Olivie. The speaker is self-powered with a built-in 50W RMS amplifier and weighs less than 11 pounds. … Read more

Art Motion frames turn TVs into imaginary windows

To install your spanking new flat-panel TV on the wall, you can either purchase a regular bracket or go all out with a made-to-order Art Motion frame.

These window-like frames are compatible with screen sizes ranging from 37 to 65 inches and come in a choice of standard, deluxe, and ultimate versions. The standard edition is designed to clamp onto your TV's bezel, while the deluxe and ultimate equivalents go one step further by offering easier access to the sockets behind the panel.

Meanwhile, a total of 10 speakers and a powerful 100W amplifier have been integrated right into the ultimate version. … Read more

2012 TVs: Every new HDTV compared

Here's nearly all of the information I've been able to get from CES and since regarding the shiny new TVs of 2012.

I know it's not every TV; minor brands aren't represented, and lack of information from some manufacturers (namely Samsung) prevents me from capturing a few midrange and entry-level models. But as of press time I'm confident that the chart above contains the most comprehensive, current information on forthcoming 2012 models available anywhere.

Gesture control won't wave TV remotes goodbye yet

There were a few new buzzwords floating around at this year's CES, and among "OLED" and "4K resolution" came another: "gesture control."

What is it? Why, it's the new touch, according to its inventor, PrimeSense. But instead of touching the screen you wave at it.

But the technology isn't brand new; if you've seen an Xbox Kinect you've seen gesture control--particularly if you've played with the newest update.

Microsoft licensed PrimeSense's 3D sensor technology for use in the Kinect, and PrimeSense says it wants to see gesture control in all consumer electronics, and not just TVs. But the thing I don't understand is why I would want to wave at my telephone rather than touch it. Asus and Microsoft are experimenting with using gestures in their products, but as CNET editor Scott Stein says: why? … Read more

Sony TVs 2012: Ten is enough

This year at CES 2012 Sony announced just ten total televisions--a pittance compared with last year or any of its Korean of Japanese competitors.

Maybe the company is holding out and will announce more models, perhaps including an XBR, later this year, but for now the chart below, with its seven lonely models, is it.

Moreover the TVs detailed below are largely similar to last year's models. While Samsung and LG announced shipping OLEDs--a technology Sony ditched in 2009--the only next-gen display technology in Sony's booth was a prototype "crystal" LED that may never … Read more

Sharp TVs 2012: 60 is the new small

Sharp is hawking sub-$2000 70-inch LCDs for the big game, and in 2012, its TV lineup will only get bigger and, I'll wager, more affordable.

Last year Sharp switched marketing gears from Quattron's wacky yellow pixel (have a nice day, lab-coated Takei) to a new focus on the "meganormous" (howdy, fat-head dudes). Its lineup emphasized models 60 inches and larger, including 70-inchers from both ends of the price spectrum and the first "affordable" 80-incher.

At CES 2012 Sharp tautologically claimed to be "the No. 1 market share leader in the large-screen television … Read more