Friday, September 3, 2010

3D TV Warning – Health Warning with 3D Function

3D TV Health Warning

Well just when you’ve decided on what 3DTV to buy along comes a health warning from the most unlikely source- Samsung! The world’s biggest electronics company has issued the warning on their own website alerting people to the possible dangers using the 3D TV function.

The original 3d tv warning which now seems to have been toned down alerts the public that pregnant women, the elderly, children and those with epilepsy or a family history of epilepsy and strokes are more likely to be at risk.

The South Korean giant could be covering their tracks in anticipation of any legal claims should anyone fall ill due to watching a Samsung 3D TV.

Samsung could be shooting themselves in the foot with claims of side effects such as dizziness, fits, confusion, nausea, altered vision and light-headedness. With the launch of 3DTVs imminent for both Samsung and Sony this could affect sales dramatically.

However, it looks like Samsung are reviewing their warning so as not to cause undue alarm. Sony and other leading manufacturers claim to have commissioned independent research and had found 3D viewing safe with no health risks.

Many people buying a 3D TV have already experienced the new exciting immersive experience at cinemas and pubs around the country. Some people had felt dizzy after watching the film Avatar in 3D but others were OK. It will be interesting to see how this pans out and whether it will go the same way as the mobile phones scare did not so long ago.

3D TV is set to transform the way we watch TV and movies at home and buying a TV with 3D capabilities is exciting stuff. The best part of all this is you can still buy a fantastic 2010 3D model crammed full of high end features and choose when you want to view in 3D. Watching in 3D isn’t going to be compulsory but it’s a great option to have especially for watching great movies and football.

You may decide to hold on until the jury is out on this one and buy a decent 2D model instead. It’s worth bearing in mind though that you can’t upgrade to 3D at a later date unless the TV you buy is 3D compatible. Advice being dished out from the TV wise guys is if you are ready for a new TV then 3D has to be considered even though you may not want to use it just yet.

New 3D TVs ready to watch with or without the 3D effect

  • Samsung 40 inch UE40C7000 5 star award from What HiFi Sound & Vision
  • Sony 60 inch KDL-60LX903 flagship Signature model with Full HD 3D capabilities
  • Sony 52 inch KDL-52HX903 3D enabled 200Hz model

Buying a new FlatScreen TV

Today’s TVs are crammed full of innovative features and cool gadgets that can be quite mind-blowing when on the look out for a new TV. You can be easily tempted into buying one with bells and whistles when really all you want is a smashing picture and an easy to use remote.

There are however a few functions that do make TV viewing a more pleasurable experience. Here are our top TV features offered from newly launched LCD, Plasma and LED TVs from big named manufacturers including Samsung, Sony, LG and Panasonic:

Useful TV Functions

  • Freeview HD
  • Picture Enhancing 100Hz Processing
  • Extra Wide Viewing Angle
  • Upscaling
  • LED Backlighting
  • Power Saving Technology
  • Voice Boosting Audio
  • Full HD Resolution
  • High Contrast Levels
  • Multi Media Connectors
  • Freesat HD

There are many highly rated HDTVs with amazing audio and visual qualities that may not have all the fancy features but are a best buy. TVs such as these will eventually be reduced in price as more fully loaded TVs enter the market, making them an even better choice.

The Samsung LE40B530 may not include all the latest techno gadgets or even LED backlight but is now great value at under £500 for a 40 inch Full HD LCD.

Samsung LE40B530 40 inch LCD TV


Internet TVs with widgets may sound a must have but the technology for web browsing is really in its early days yet. Another tempting feature is the latest ultra slim TVs but as not everyone wall mounts their TV the panels thickness shouldn’t pose a problem when placed on a corner TV unit or stand.

A shiny gloss black finish is another selling point that doesn’t add anything to the picture quality and can be more of a distraction. It’s also worth mentioning TVs with shiny coats need lots of cleaning from sticky finger marks too!

Buying a TV is a personal choice however and what suits one person doesn’t necessarily suit another. The main thing to consider is how important and how much you are prepared to pay for the array of functions offered with new televisions.

Once the 2010 LCD, Plasma and LED TV models are released last year’s top quality TV models can be found at heavily discounted prices. The Summer Sales, Bank Holidays including Easter and Christmas sales are great times to grab a bargain but it may be prudent to shop around for the best price.

TV comparison charts can save you pounds and shopping on the internet gives you a chance to compare prices from your favourite stores. Check out reviews and specs on model numbers, discover the next generation TVs plus find who’s selling the best budget TVs all at a click of a mouse.

Freesat TVs

Freesat-enabled TVs are the new kids on the block but what actually is a Freesat TV and is it worth the extra price tag?  There may only be a handful of these chaps out at the moment but it won’t be long before word gets out that there’s money to be saved.

Freesat TVs have a built-in satellite tuner which offer satellite TV without subscription and includes high definition channels as well. So for anyone not too keen on joining the masses of Sky subscribers and parting with a monthly subscription fee, a television with a built-in Freesat Tuner is the answer.

Picking up channels for free will however require a satellite dish. Once installed, it’s a great way to receive digital television via satellite without the need of a separate receiver. HDTVs with Freesat built-in not only do away with the tuner box and cables, but also bring the true brilliance of high definition into your home.

By 2012 the digital switch over will be complete and a new method to convert from analogue to digital TV will be needed. Platforms to consider will be Freeview, Cable, and Broadband and of course Satellite (Freesat).

TVs with Freesat
There is a wider choice of channels with Freesat and until Freeview HD launches in 2010 is the only way to receive free-to-air HD in the UK. This is one of the reasons Freesat TVs are proving so popular.

At the moment Freesat gives you access to around 140 TV and radio channels these include all the BBC channels on Freeview (BBC1, BBC2, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC and Cbeebies). ITV 1- 4, Channel 4, More 4, Film 4 and E4. There is something for everyone, movies, sports and children’s programmes.

Panasonic and LG were first out of the traps with their impressive collection of LCD and Plasma TVs with Freesat, plus a promise of more for 2010. Sony has now joined the fray and upped the ante with two newly launched glossy HD models with integrated HD Freesat tuners: the Bravia W5810 and Z5800 series. No doubt LED TVs with Freesat will be available in the future. M & S currently have the Sony KDL-32W5810 with Built-in FreeSat and a Free DVD player on offer.

Here is a list of popular Freesat HD TVs Models currently available to buy

Sony BRAVIA Freesat LCD TVs

W5810 Series

V5810 Series

  • KDL-32V5810 HD 1080p Digital TV 32 inch LCD with Built-in freesat
  • KDL-37V5810 HD 1080p Digital TV 37 inch LCD with Built-in freesat
  • KDL-40V5810 HD 1080p Digital TV 40 inch LCD with Built-in freesat
  • KDL-46V5810 HD 1080p Digital TV 46 inch LCD with Built-in freesat
  • KDL-52V5810 HD 1080p Digital TV 52 inch LCD with Built-in freesat

Z5800 Series

  • KDL-40Z5800 HD 1080p Digital TV 40 inch LCD with Built-in freesat
  • KDL-46Z5800 HD 1080p Digital TV 46 inch LCD with Built-in freesat
  • KDL-52Z5800 HD 1080p Digital TV 52 inch LCD with Built-in freesat

Panasonic Freesat LCD TVs

G10 Series LCD TV

  • Viera TX-L32G10B LCD HD 1080p Digital TV, 32 inch with Built-in freesat
  • Viera TX-L37G10B LCD HD 1080p Digital TV, 37 inch with Built-in freesat

V10 Series LCD TV

  • Viera TX-L32V10B LCD HD 1080p Digital TV, 32 inch with Built-in freesat
  • Viera TX-L37V10B LCD HD 1080p Digital TV, 37 inch with Built-in freesat

G15 Series LCD TV

  • Viera TX-L37G15 LCD HD 1080p Digital TV, 37 inch with Built-in freesat

Panasonic Freesat Plasma TVs

G15 Series Plasma TV

  • Viera TX-P42G15B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 42 inch with Built-in freesat
  • Viera TX-P46G15B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 46 inch with Built-in freesat

G10 Series Plasma TVs

  • Viera TX-P42G10B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 42 inch with Built-in freesat
  • Viera TX-P46G10B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 46 inch with Built-in freesat
  • Viera TX-P50G10B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 50 inch with Built-in freesat

V10 Series Plasma TV

  • Viera TX-P42V10B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 42 inch with Built-in freesat
  • Viera TX-P50V10B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 50 inch with Built-in freesat
  • Viera TX-P58V10B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 58 inch with Built-in freesat
  • Viera TX-P65V10B Plasma HD 1080p Digital TV, 65 inch with Built-in freesat

600Hz Z1 Series

  • Viera TX-P46Z1 NeoPDP Plasma Full HD TV, 46 Wireless HD with Freesat
  • Viera TX-P54Z1 NeoPDP Plasma Full HD TV, 54 Wireless HD with Freesat

LG Freesat TVs

LF7700 Series

  • LG 32LF7700 32 inch HD Ready 1080p LCD TV with HD Freesat
  • LG 37LF7700 37 inch HD Ready 1080p LCD TV with HD Freesat
  • LG 42LF7700 42 inch HD Ready 1080p LCD TV with HD Freesat
  • LG 47LF7700 47 inch HD Ready 1080p LCD TV with HD Freesat

latest IDTVs (Integrated Digital TVs) include a seven day electronic programme guide (EPG) that can be set with programme reminders, a favourite’s list option, and interactive TV and digital text. Up to 70 hours a week of amazing HD content can be enjoyed along with stunning surround sound.

TV Suppliers offering Free Delivery

Shop around and you can save even more money when buying an LCD, Plasma or LED TV if free delivery is being offered. On finding the right widescreen TV to suit your budget take a moment to check out whether this includes any extra costs.

The cheapest price for your new TV may not include delivery charges until you get to the checkout process. Some stores offer free delivery on all their TVs while other suppliers base the delivery charge on the products purchased.

For example a flat panel over 40 inch may have a charge of around £30 or £50 so its worth searching through stores that offer a free delivery service and see how competitive their prices are before deciding to buy.

At AJ Electronics they offer totally free delivery to most UK addresses so the price you see is the price you pay.

Here are a few selected TV stockists offering free delivery:

1stAudio Visual: offer free delivery (3-5 days) plus a choice of other options at a charge.

These are only a few offering free delivery on televisions but there are more. The best advice is to look at the price for your budget and then consider whether it is still a cheap TV after carriage is added on.

Same Day Delivery on TVs

Some stores offer other types of delivery options at an additional charge. So if you can’t wait for that new TV to arrive you may prefer to pay the extra.

A number of stockists offer Next Day Delivery, Next Day Delivery before 12, and Saturday Delivery plus at Amazon they are offering Same Day Delivery and Evening Delivery on TVs.

Please note that delivery information and charges may change from time to time.

Best 19″ Bedroom or Kitchen LCD TV

Sharp LC19SH7E

Whether its for a bedroom or kitchen the 19 inch is the most popular size for people looking for a small TV and all of the major brands have LCD models in this size. A 19 inch LCD can cost between £150 and £300 with some models also including a DVD player.

Recently Channel Five’s Gadget show  did a review of 19 LCD TVs with the Sharp LC19SH7E coming out top of the 3 they reviewed with good picture quality, decent sound and rich colours. The Sharp was also the cheaper of the 3 making it overall their favourite bedroom TV.

The two other LCDs in the test where the Panasonic TX-L19X10B 19-inch Widescreen HD Ready LCD TV with Freeview available in either black (TX-L19X10B) or white (TX-L19X10BW) and the Sony KDL-19L4000 19. The LC19SH7E is available for under £200 at a few online stores including Amazon.

Meanwhile the Panasonic TX-L19X10 is widely available at quite a number of outlets and slightly cheaper than the price quoted on the TV show TX-L19X10 Prices. The Sony KDL-19L4000 is also available KDL-19L4000 Compare Prices

Other models to look out for are:

Most of the above have similar specifications with a HD resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and 1 HDMI connector although the sony has a a higher 1680 x 1050 resolution and 2 HDMI inputs.