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TV / Video: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
HDMI, DVI, and HDCP
What is HDMI/HDCP and DVI/HDCP, and what do they do? Do I need one on my consumer electronics equipment? I'm thinking about buying a new television, so should I get one with HDMI or DVI?
Watch Free HD Programming
This isn’t much of a secret so there’s no reason to try to stuff the cat back into the bag. Buy an antenna. Get free high definition and digital television programming. There are some stipulations, but really, it’s that simple.
Top Antennas
A list featuring some of the top indoor and outdoor antennas.
Under-Cabinet LCD HDTVs
A list of under the cabinet televisions that would be perfect for the kitchen or any small space requiring viewing of the television from all corners of the room.
Do You Need A Digital Tuner?
Does your TV need a digital tuner to receive television programming?
What is HDTV?
High definition television is the highest form of digital television. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the same as a movie theater screen. This is possibly HD’s biggest selling point. The other is the resolution. High definition is the best available picture on a television. It comes in three different flavors: 720p, 1080i and 1080p.
What is TV Contrast Ratio?
Explanation of TV contrast ratio and how it affects buying a HDTV.
Connect RF Modulator to TV
How do I connect a digital cable box, VCR and DVD player to a TV that does not have AV inputs for the DVD player?
VCRs and DTV Converter Boxes
Is it possible to record TV programming on a VCR when using a Digital (DTV) converter box?
Wireless Transmitter/Receiver
I have cable service in my living room only. The apartment manager won't let me run a cable to my bedroom. Is there a device that will let me remotely have TV in my bedroom without running a cable?
Terk Wireless TV Transmitter
Product review of Terk Leapfrog wireless A/V transmitter/receiver model LF-30S.
TV Band Radios Work with DTV?
There is a solution but it isn’t for the portable radio listener. It involves an antenna and DTV converter box.
Cable/Satellite TV Comparison
A comparison of common services provided by cable and satellite companies in the United States and Canada.
All About OTA Antennas
Antenna Web really makes choosing an outdoor antenna within the United States quite easy.
Digital Converter Boxes
Buying a good digital (DTV) converter box is important if you use an analog television and/or VCR with an antenna.
Top Digital TV Comments
The digital transition had its share of controversy from multiple delays to post-transition problems with transmitting digital TV signals. Here are some of my favorite comments about digital TV, which includes a link to the blog post where the comment was posted.
DLP Lamp Replacement FAQ
Buying a television is like a car – you have to spend a little maintenance to keep it running smooth. Click to read about DLP replacement lamps.
Problems Connecting DTV Box
Here are a few troubleshooting tips you can use to try and fix your problem.
TruLink USB to VGA Adapter Kit
The TruLink USB to VGA adapter kit is a wireless TV transmitter in disguise.
Best Viewing Distance for TV
How far should a person sit from the TV? I always heard growing up that sitting too close would make a person blind. Is thus true?
Types of Televisions
Buying a television can be frustrating if you don’t know what you’re looking for. From tubes to plasma, there are more models on store shelves than covers of magazines. Before exploring analog versus digital, SDTV, HDTV, and EDTV, take a look at the basic styles of televisions in today’s consumer market.
Sony BRAVIA Refresh Rate
Need help understanding which refresh rate is better with respect to Sony BRAVIA televisions? Here's a quick answer to the 240hz, 120hz and 60hz question.
Extended Warranty
A look at extended warranties and items to consider before buying.
Top Surge Protectors for HDTV
A surge protector is something everyone should use to protect their television from electrical spikes. These spikes can cause permanent damage to your HDTV or electronic devices.
Connecting a Digital Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, VCR, DVD Player to TV
Connecting a Digital Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, VCR and DVD Player to a TV
Amplify a Digital TV Signal
Given identical broadcast conditions, a digital TV signal won’t travel as far as an analog TV signal because terrestrial constraints affect it more than analog. Amplifying or boosting the signal is a potential fix to your reception issue.
Compare DirecTV & DISH Network
Comparison between satellite providers DirecTV and DISH Network.
Buy Which - 720p, 1080i, 1080p
Which high definition television (HDTV) resolution is better - 720p, 1080i or 1080p? This is a question many people want to know. Marketing literature would suggest 1080p is the way to go but I'm not convinced.
Comparison of LCD and Plasma
A list of advantages and disadvantages associated with LCD and plasma flat panel display televisions.
Fix Digital TV Reception
How to fix digital TV reception with an indoor antenna.
Watch and Record DTV with VCR
One of the most common questions I get from readers is “can I use a DTV converter box and still record one channel on my VCR while watching another on my analog TV?”
Before You Buy A Television
What you need to consider before buying a new television like price, type, and where to buy.
Top LCD Manufacturers
A list of five leading Liquid Crystal Display manufacturers in the television industry.
Digital TV FAQs
June 12, 2009, the broadcast television stations will become fully digital. How will this affect you? What impact will it have on cable and satellite?
Review: RCA antenna for DTV
This is a product review of the ANT 1500 by RCA, a non-amplified indoor multi-directional digital antenna designed for DTV reception.
FAQ: Converter Box w/ a HDTV?
Will I need a DTV Converter Box if I buy a High Definition television?
How To Recycle Your TV
This list consists of businesses that can help you recycle or donate a television or accessories.
Comparison: Service Providers
Since I like to save a buck when I can, comparing digital television packages offered by cable, satellite and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) providers in my area just makes sense to me.
Analog Portable TVs
Will analog portable television be useless after the digital transition?
Pros and Cons: CRT Tube TV
A list of advantages and disadvantages associated with rear projection televisions when comparing them to CRT direct view and flat panel models.
Difference between TV-Monitor
I am shopping on the computer for a television. I see items listed as televisions and others listed as monitors. What is the difference?
FAQ: LCD Rear Projection
A list of questions comprised to help consumers understand the basics of LCD or Liquid Crystal Display rear projection televisions.
NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan
A review of the SuperFan add-on to the regular NFL SUNDAY TICKET package.
Connect a RF Modulator to TV that doesn't have any AV inputs
Connecting a Digital Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, VCR and DVD Player to a TV without AV inputs by using a RF Modulator
Audio/Video Wiring Basics
A short tutorial on how to connect any device to a television.
Connect multiple components to TV that has one AV input using a video switcher
Connecting a Digital Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, VCR, DVD Player and Video Game Console to a TV with only one AV input by using a Video Switcher
What Do I Need To Get HDTV?
In order to watch high definition (HD) programming you will need a television capable of displaying HD images and a source of programming.
What was Digital Television?
The digital transition is something that’s giving a lot of people headaches. What is it? Who will it affect? When is it? Why? What if I have cable or satellite? Do I have to buy a new television?
Save Money on TV Service
How to save money on your monthly TV service, whether you have satellite or cable television.
Converter Box Buying Guide
This is a buyer's guide for NTIA coupon eligible DTV converter boxes.
Best Budget TVs
Top five budget TVs at ConsumerSearch.com
Antenna Buying Guide
What you need to know before buying a TV antenna.
Review: Olevia 537H LCD TV
The 537H is a 37” flat panel LCD TV capable of displaying 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i video signals. It has a built-in ATSC/NTSC tuner - meaning it can receive and decode over-the-air (OTA) analog and digital broadcast signals. The panel has a native resolution of 1366x768; it utilizes MediaTek’s MDDI technology.
Connect Camcorder To TV
Learn how to connect your digital camcorder to your television by reading this article - comes complete with pictures.
UHF and VHF Antennas
Most digital signals are broadcast within the UHF spectrum but there are VHF digital channels. This is a critical point to consider when buying an antenna.
Connect a Video Switcher
Step 2: A step by step list of instructions with pictures detailing how to connect a video switcher (and appropriate devices) to a television.
Converter Box Coupon Program
In an effort to help curb the cost impact for analog TV owners, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce developed a converter box program, which allows analog TV owners to request coupons towards the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box.
Introduction to IPTV
IPTV stands for internet protocol television. Any person that's watched a clip online has experienced a form of IPTV.
HD Channels Are Not Encrypted
Did you know that many cable providers don't encrypt the high definition signal of broadcast stations on their analog cable feed? Find out how you can get these channels for free.
Wall Mounting Kit for Dummies
The TV Wall Mounting Kit for Dummies by Bell’O is one of those rare products that aims at removing the stress associated with house projects. The instructions are easy to read. The pieces are easy to handle. Leveling the bracket was a piece of cake.
FAQ: DLP Televisions
A collection of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about DLP or Digital Light Processing televisions.
Preview: Philips MiraVision TV
European companies with a focus on home decorating like IKEA and Eurway are making an impression with the American consumer. Therefore, the Philips introduction of the European-released MiraVision Mirror TV to American soil is not a surprise.
Toshiba REGZA 32HL67US
If you’re looking for a sub-$1000 32” LCD panel then I definitely recommend looking at the REGZA line of Toshiba LCDs. The 32HL67 is part of Toshiba's 2007 line of REGZA high definition televisions.
What is HDCP?
Learn about HDCP, High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection.
Connect DTV Converter and VCR - How To Connect a DTV Converter and VCR to a TV
Connect DTV Converter and VCR - How To Connect a DTV Converter and VCR to an analog TV
Types of VCRs
A look at the types of video cassette recorders available to the consumer, including VHS, S-VHS, DV, and Digital.
NFL and NCAA Football on TV
A list of where to watch NFL and NCAA football for the 2007 season.
Connect DTV Converter - How To Connect a DTV Converter to an analog TV
Connect DTV Converter - How To Connect a DTV Converter to an analog TV
What Is an A/B Switch?
An A/B switch is a very useful TV accessory. See how it could help you.
Budget 32" LCD HDTVs
If you're looking for a deal then this list is for you as these HDTVs should have non-sale purchase prices of under $600. For the most part these are entry-level models so it would be unfair to rate them as high end.
Replace A Lost Remote Control
One of the most frantic of times for people can come when they learn that their remote control is lost or broken. How it got that way is unimportant. The moral of the story is that the remote control is gone. No longer will it serve its master. So, how do we fix this situation?
Buying Online vs Stores
A comparison between online and retail with respect to convenience, price, availability, customer service, returns/exchanges/refunds, and warranty.
Westinghouse 1080P LCD TV
Westinghouse's LVM-42w2 is a 42" flat panel LCD TV that has a maximum resolution of 1080P, which is the highest resolution of digital high definition content. At 42", the screen is big enough to fill a large room, but at only 4.5" thick this widescreen beauty is thin enough to fit in a tight space.
Is High Definition Over-Rated?
A look at the top-level digital television category, High Definition, and its relevance in the consumer world.
How Much Does HD Cost?
The price of a new HDTV is variable. It is a mixture of how much you are willing to spend versus how much your taste wants you to spend.
Audio-Video Wiring Solutions
Do you have to rewire equipment everytime you want to watch a movie, record a show, or play a video game because you don't have enough inputs on your television? Take a look at five products designed to help solve home electronics audio/video wiring problems.
Ask This Before You Buy a HDTV
Digital Light Processing (DLP) televisions are great alternatives to plasma and LCD flat panels, especially on models larger than 50".
HDCP Error
An issue facing consumers/TV watchers is using HDMI and DVI on non-HDCP components. It could cause you to lose the benefit of high definition.
Best Buy Zero Interest Offer
Best Buy is offering no interest for three years on any Samsung HDTV purchase when the purchase price is greater than $999. You must use a Best Buy consumer credit card to be eligible for this deal.
How to connect DTV box to TV
A step by step tutorial showing how to connect a dtv converter box to an analog tv.
Introduction to CableCARDs
An introduction to CableCARD technology, which is also known as Plug and Play. All televisions with a CableCARD slot will have a built-in ATSC digital tuner, which means the TV is digital cable ready. However, not all digital cable ready televisions will feature a CableCARD slot.
40-49" LCD Flat Panel TVs
A list of the top LCD flat panel televisions.
Profile: Sharp Aquos LCD TV
A profile of Sharp Aquos model LC-37D7U LCD flat panel television.
Easy TV Terminology
Definitions of terms associated with the purchase of a television.
Skip Doctor Product Review
A review of Digital Innovations SkipDr disc repair system - manual model.
Choosing an Outdoor Antenna
Part of the antenna buying process includes choosing the type of outdoor antenna that is best for your area. This process is made easy by Antenna Web
Review: Philips Pronto TSU9600
Digital remote controls with LCD screens are becoming more and more in the consumer electronics industry. These thumb-exercisers are now turning into a workout for one, maybe two, hands.
FAQ: Analog Cable and my TV?
What happens to my analog TV and analog cable after the digital transition?
Definition: Response Time
Definition for the TV-Video term 'response time', which is a term associated with LCD monitors and televisions.
RF modulator & Video Switcher
What is the difference between a RF modulator and video switcher?
Zenith Indoor HD Antenna
A quick look at the benefits of an indoor HDTV antenna like the Zenith ZHDTV1.
PC to TV - Changing Resolution
If the Mirror function doesn't work for you when using the TruLink Wireless USB to VGA Adapter Kit then you'll have to change your PC resolution to match the VGA output. Here's how.
37" LCD TVs under \$1000
A list featuring LCD TVs for under $1000.
Westinghouse SK-32H240 32" LCD
Product Review of Westinghouse model SK-32H240S, a 32" 720p Flat-Panel LCD HDTV.
Sennheiser Headphones RS-120
Sennheiser's model RS-120 wireless headphones give consumers an easy-to-use wireless alternative to open-air speakers and headphones with cords. Read more in the product review.
Review: Dell W2600 26" LCD-TV
A review of Dell's 26" LCD-TV model W2600.
Recall: Philips Ambilight TVs
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced through its Web site that Philips Consumer Electronics has issued a recall notice on plasma flat panel televisions with the Ambilight feature. According to the announcement, "Consumers should stop using the Ambilight feature immediately unless otherwise instructed."
How To Connect a DTV Converter and RF Modulator To an Analog TV
Connect DTV Converter and RF Modulator - How To Connect a DTV Converter and RF Modulator to an analog TV
Samsung 30" HDTV Monitor
Product Review: Samsung 30" DynaFlat™ Widescreen HDTV Monitor, model TX-P3064W.
Review: Pioneer PDP-6020FD
This is a product review of the Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD 1080p plasma flat panel high definition television (HDTV). Pioneer also has a 50” version of this HDTV, model PDP-5020FD, so I presume comments made here will also apply to the PDP-5020FD.
Toshiba SD-V392 Review
A product review of the Toshiba SD-V392 DVD Video Player & Video Cassette Recorder.
The Best 1080P Televisions
sssIn 2006, many manufacturers unveiled a line of high definition televisions (HDTV) with a maximum resolution of 1080P. This is digital television's highest resolution.
Review of Envizen EF71001
This is a review of Envizen Digital portable TV, model EF71001, written by Matthew Torres, About.com's Guide to TV and Video.
Get a Better Satellite Signal
A tip on how satellite subscribers can improve or stop losing reception during a storm.
Pros and Cons: DVD-Recorder
A comparison of good and bad features associated with DVD-recorders, video cassette recorders and digital video recorders.
Ruckus MediaFlex System
A profile of the MediaFlex Wi-Fi 802.11 wireless home networking system from Ruckus Wireless for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).
Sky Angel IPTV in Canada
Sky Angel, a United States satellite provider, has partnered with Canada's ShifTV to create an Internet Protocol Television programming package consisting of 33 channels of Christian and family programming.
Digital Transition Issues
The digital transition in the United States was June 12, 2009.
Pros and Cons: CRT Tube TV
A list of advantages and disadvantages associated with CRT direct view televisions when comparing them to rear projection and flat panel models.
Wiring Solution Model, Stage 2
Wiring Solution Flat Panel Television Mount by Superb Home Theater. Created by Anthony Lozano.
LG Electronics 102" plasma display at 2006 International CES
Image Gallery: LG Electronics 102" plasma display at 2006 International CES
Over-The-Air
Definition for the TV'Video term - Over-The-Air
Wiring Solution Model, Stage 3
Wiring Solution Flat Panel Television Mount by Superb Home Theater. Created by Anthony Lozano.
Do I Need A New TV?
Analog broadcasts signals will become extinct on February 17, 2009. After this date all broadcast signals will be digital. You’re the smart consumer that probably wants to make the best purchase. After all, this TV will be part of your home for the next 15-20 years.
Kill A Watt EZ P4460
Measuring your HDTV energy consumption is easy with the P3 Kill A Watt EZ electricity meter, model P4460, by P3 International.
Best HDTVs To Watch Sports On
Sports in HD - The Best HDTVs To Watch Sports On
Review: Pioneer PRO-950HD
Review of the Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-950HD 42" Plasma High Definition Television (HDTV) by About.com Guide to TV/Video, Matthew Torres. Created on December 26, 2007.
EI Icon and Children's TV
What is the meaning of the EI (E-eye) icon appearing on children's Saturday morning television programming?
User Review:Mitsubishi 65" DLP
User Review of Mitsubishi 65" 1080p DLP Rear Projection, Model WD-65731. Submitted on September 19, 2007, by Steve Kinsman.
Accell's UltraAV HDMI Splitter
Accell’s UltraAV is a nice product for those wanting to transmit a single high definition source to two displays. The UltraAV is a HDMI 1-2 Audio/Video Splitter.
Review: ZAT-600HD Set-Top Box
Review of Zinwell's ZAT-600HD atsc digital terrestrial HDTV set-top box - a high definition television receiver.
HDMI
HDMI is High-Definition Multimedia Interface. How does it affect you?
Vizio 52" LCD HDTV, GV52LF
Vizio announced the release of four 1080P LCD HDTVs in August 2007. The cream of the new models is the GV52LF, a 52-inch giant that anchors Vizio’s Gallevia line.
Review: JVC High-Speed LCD TV
In August, JVC released the world’s first high speed LCD TV – the 37” LT-37X987, which was priced around $2700 on JVC’s Web site at the time of this review. The LT-32X987 has 120hz Clear Motion Drive panel with GENESSA Picture Processing. JVC will release a 32” version of this television, the LT-32X987, in October 2006.
Mitsubishi DLP Televisions
A brief review and an itemized look at each of Mitsubishi's four lines of DLP televisions. Page Five
Built-in Tuner
Definition for the TV'Video term - Built-in Tuner
Samsung DLP Televisions
A look at the current models of Samsung DLP televisions. Page 5
User Review:Mitsubishi 62" DLP
User Review of the 62" Mitsubishi WD62525 DLP Rear Projection Television. Submitted on September 17, 2007, by Jacqueline.
FAQ - DVD Players
Frequently asked questions regarding types of DVD players, digital and analog, what multi-region and multi-formats mean, and what types of outputs there are. This is a great learning document for all DVD consumers.
Dell W3201C 32" LCD TV
Dell is known for its high-selling PCs, which were made famous by Steve, the guy who said, "Dude, you got a Dell." While it would be easy to think that Dell televisions are a bi-product of their PC monitors, it would be wrong.
LPTV, Class A, Translator TV
A short article detailing what low-power, Class A and translator stations are.
Stretching Picture on HDTV
A stretched picture is when a 4:3 image is pulled on the sides to fill the entire screen. People and images end up looking fatter/wider and shorter. This is an issue with widescreen televisions...
Record Digital TV on a VCR
How to watch one channel while recording another on a VCR while connected to a digital converter box and HDTV.
Save Money When Buying A TV
Saving a buck is important to me. Call it my new found quest to find financially reasonable solutions to buying a new high definition television (HDTV).
Digital Sub-Channels
Glossary of TV Terms - Digital Sub-Channels
Vantage Point spokesmodels Chy Huang and Ann Poll (left to right)
Vantage Point spokesmodels Chy Huang and Ann Poll (left to right) standing in front of the EVO Home Theater System Kit.
TenBox HD DVR Storage Box
Product profile of TenLabs TenBox DVR storage box model TB1000. Marketed towards DirecTV HD-DVRs, it works with other HD DVRs as well.
TV Stations Going Digital
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the list of full power broadcast stations that will transition to digital on or before February 17, 2009.
Top ENERGY STAR TVs Plasma TVs
I'm pretty environmentally conscientious so I look for ways I can reduce energy. So, it makes sense to look at the ENERGY STAR ratings on televisions, especially plasma HDTVs since they tend to emit a lot of heat. This means the tend to use more energy than other types.
RCA spokesmodel JennyLee Berns
RCA spokesmodel JennyLee Berns sitting on a LA motorcycle in front of the RCA booth.
Pioneer PDP-6020FD 1080p HDTV
Profile of the PDP-6020FD 1080p plasma HDTV by Pioneer, a profile of the 60" plasma display panel.
Digital TV Checklist
Tips for the person that needs help with digital TV.
Plug and Play
A posting of the Federal Communications Commission's plug and play factsheet. Plug and Play is a new feature of digital television that eliminates the need for a set-top box to receive digital cable signals.
Wiring Solution Installed
Wiring Solution Flat Panel Television Mount by Superb Home Theater. Created by Anthony Lozano.
Benefits of Using an Antenna
What are the benefits of using an antenna compared to cable and satellite television?
Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Gift ideas for Mom that are TV-related.
User Review: Sony KDL32XBR4
User Review of Sony BRAVIA 32" LCD Flat Panel, Model KDL32XBR4. Submitted on October 20, 2007, by Clint Andison.
Direct View
Definition for the TV'Video term - Direct View
LG Electronics 71" plasma display at 2006 International CES
Image Gallery: LG Electronics 71" plasma display at 2006 International CES

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