LAS VEGAS--If you had the feeling that Blu-ray players have "peaked" as a product type, LG would tend to agree with you.

At least that's the feeling I get looking at LG's newly announced line of Blu-ray players at CES 2012. Not much has changed from last year's line, except that built-in Wi-Fi is no longer a premium feature, appearing on the nearly entry-level BP320. The chart above has most of the important details summarized, but the breakdown is essentially:

LG BP220: Smart TV (Ethernet-only) LG BP320: Smart TV + Wi-Fi LG BP520: Smart TV + 3D + … Read more

LAS VEGAS--LG's latest batch of home theater systems will make it tough for other manufacturers to treat wireless rear speakers as a premium feature.

LG announced four new home Blu-ray theater systems this morning at CES 2012, with all but the entry-level BH6720S featuring wireless rear speakers. That's a big shift from years past, when wireless rear speakers were typically only available on the flagship model.

The major features break down like this:

LG BH6720S: Smart TV + Wi-Fi + 3D LG BH6820SW: Smart TV + Wi-Fi + 3D + wireless rear speakers LG BH9220BW: Smart TV + Wi-Fi + 3D + wireless rear speakers + Bluetooth + &… Read more

You can soon talk to your LG Cinema 3D smart TV using a new Magic Remote announced by the Korean chaebol. Besides voice recognition, the controller has also been upgraded with a scroll wheel, gesture sensing, and a 2D-to-3D conversion button.

LG says the Magic Remote makes for a faster smart-TV browsing experience, and improved comfort and convenience. That said, the company did not provide any pricing and availability details in its press release. LG's current Magic Motion remote control is bundled with certain TV models such as the 47LW6500.

So what's your preferred smart TV controller? Is it a swanky smartphone, large-screen tablet, or funky Wiimote-like wand? Share your thoughts with us below.

(Source: Crave Asia via Engadget)… Read more

If you're looking for a TV that offers the blacks of a plasma with the energy-saving benefits and slimness of an LCD, then the M3D0SR range from Vizio may be of interest to you.

"Plasma-like blacks?" you ask. Almost, yes. The Vizio's Smart Dimming is able to give excellent contrast levels.

Most CNET TV reviews are based on an entire series as, according to manufacturers, most TVs in a series are very similar. But the 46-inch and 55-inch M3D0SR here are quite different. In what is an interesting business decision, the three models in the Vizio … Read more

Updated November 2012!

In this television technology trifecta, which comes out on top? The subject of countless debates and diatribes, the better question is: which works best? Or more precisely, which works best for you?

When you cut through the hype and the fanboys, each tech has different benefits and costs. So to help you figure out which TV is right for your house, let's take a look at each one.… Read more

The onslaught of marketing this time of year is unsurprising, but no less unpleasant. Advertising of products can be a useful tool, informing the public of the latest and greatest.

Where it becomes offensive is when it includes blatant lies, misleading truths, or perpetrates a myth.

Don't be fooled by these deceptive practices, in this (admittedly first) edition of Myths, Marketing, and Misdirection, the HDTV edition.… Read more

Lots of great choices for new AV gear this year, but it's also easy to get suckered into getting more than you need.

Check out these tips and tricks to save yourself some big money this holiday season.… Read more

Hit play on the video above to witness our hands-on testing of Sony's thoroughly weird Personal 3D Viewer headset, which straps two tiny screens in front of your eyes to deliver a totally isolated movie experience.

The Viewer itself attaches to your head, and is secured in place by a series of straps. Two 0.7-inch OLED screens, each with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution, then fire images into your eyes, creating a 3D effect.

But does it look any good? Watch the video and you'll find out what we thought. Sadly you won't be able to see because you're watching in 2D. Bummer.

Read more of "Sony Personal 3D Viewer hands-on video" at Crave UK. … Read more

If you want the most features for your TV buck, look no further than Vizio's E3D0VX series.

It's the least expensive 1080p 3D TV on the market--yeah, entry-level 720p 3D plasmas from Samsung and LG cost less but don't include active glasses, while Sony's PlayStation TV is just 24 inches.

The Vizio also sports a well-equipped Internet package, complete with content galore, built-in Wi-Fi, and, yes, a remote equipped with a QWERTY keyboard on the flip side. About the only thing missing is an LED backlight.

The downside is that the Vizio's disappointing 2D picture can't match that of many basic-featured competitors that cost less. If you can overlook that significant flaw and actually want 3D, you'll find Vizio's E3D0VX plenty appealing.

Read the full review of the Vizio E3D0VX series.

… Read more