MODIA invites you to experience the world's thinnest 3DTV at a private event!

MODIA invites you to experience the world's thinnest 3DTV! We will unveil the Samsung C9000 series at private events on May 27th. Drinks, hors d' oeuvres and unbelievable special pricing on all our TVs. To attend, please click here to RSVP!

60Hz vs. 120Hz vs. 240Hz vs. 480Hz: LCD Refresh Rates

To understand Refresh Rate specifications, we first have to look at some of the basic elements of such.

Hertz (Hz) is a measurement of frequency. In this situation, it refers to the number of video frames displayed on a TV each second. First, it is important to understand that most video content is sent to the TV at 60Hz. To clarify, a DVD player or cable box is sending 60 video frames to the TV each second. Frame rates, such as 120Hz, 240Hz, and 480Hz, increase the number of frames displayed on the TV each second. The
reason why TV manufacturers try to increase the number of frames in LCD TVs specifically is due to a problem with response time in LCD panels. Response time is how fast the individual pixel goes from active to inactive. Large screen LCD TVs have slow response times compared to other technologies which sometimes manifests as blur and trailing artifacts when there is motion in the image.

So, we already established that video sources only send 60 frames to a TV each second. Then how does an LCD TV come up with 120, 240, or 480 frames per second. The answer depends on the technique used. With 120Hz, the answer is the same for most TVs. The TV simply repeats every frame twice. You see each of the 60 video frames twice in rapid succession. The benefit is esoteric and a bit arguable. One theory is that this creates a stronger impression of the image in your brain forcing your brain to better recognize the differences in the following frames. Keep in mind though, that when the first 120Hz TVs came out, the increased frame rates were coupled with better video processing which contributes greatly to the reduction in motion blur and artifacts.

With 240Hz, the rules changed. LED lighting had started to emerge with 240Hz in the market. The ability to rapidly turn LED lights on and off gave the LCD manufacturers another tool. A tool called 'black frame insertion.' It allowed the manufacturers to turn off the LED lights briefly between each of the video frames. Presumably this allowed the LCD cells more time to refresh. It also allowed them to claim that they were pushing 240 frames per second because there was a 'black' frame between each of the 120 full video frames. Some manufacturers did implement 240Hz by doubling the full video frames again over the 120. This meant that they were duplicating each of the 60 original video frames four times, summing to a total of 240 frames per second. These manufacturers frequently accused their counterparts of not using a true 240Hz.

480Hz is a similar story. Manufacturers are essentially using the 'black frame insertion' with full 240Hz processing. 240 full video frames with a black field between each full frame. Most companies are doing this in some of their 2010 models but with different stories. Sony calls it 240Hz Pro, as they defer to the purist opinion that "black fields don't count." LG and other manufacturers are calling it 480Hz, but the technique is the same regardless. "That which we call a rose by any other name..?"

In terms of performance, critics tend to agree that there is a visible improvement from 60Hz to 120Hz. Albeit, that may be, in large part, due to the new motion processing that most manufacturers implemented coincidentally. The differences from 120Hz to 240Hz are arguably less significant. But such is often the case, when simply improving an already implemented technology. It's never as big as the first iteration. The effects of 'black frame insertion' on 240Hz are still being debated and the jury is still out on the few TV models we have seen using this technique. Again the benefits are speculative and esoteric but we are dealing with human perception which has never been truly quantifiable. I guess we will just have to wait and 'see' how significant the perceived benefits will be.

Bowers & Wilkins has hit another great milestone in their long history, with the release of the new 800 Series Diamond speakers. The new line presents many improvements over the previous 800 series models, most notably, the inclusion of the Diamond tweeter in the entire 800 Series line. This includes the highly anticipated 805 Diamond speaker.

As a long time, proud partner of Bowers & Wilkins, MODIA has been selected as one of the few dealers in the world to help launch the 800 Series Diamond speakers. We are so excited that we wanted to thank all of our loyal clients as well as B&W enthusiasts by offering an unprecedented trade-up opportunity.

We are offering up to 50% of the original price you paid for the B&W 800 series speakers that you currently own as credit for new 800 Diamond Series speakers. You give us your old speakers and we will give you a credit towards an upgrade.

See the website or contact one of our stores for more details. www.MODIA.com

Adding Y to RBG

As much hype at CES was all about 3D technology, I found that another important feature was completely overlooked, QuadPixel Technology.  Sharp has obviously done their homework on adding Yellow to the color range when they introduced this.  Quoting from their website "This four-primary-color video technology employs a four color filter, for the first time in the industry, that adds the color Y (yellow) to the three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue)".  In a nut shell, they will be able to produce a staggering 1 Trillion colors on their new Edge Lit LED line of TV's utilizing the new Yellow sub-pixel along with reproducing colors that have been difficult to portray using the conventional RGB format.  This will also allow for a more vivid picture with more detail.  The LE920UN series will be a QuadPixel Edge Lit 1080P LED with 240Hz and the LE820UN will also have QuadPixel Technology but running at 120Hz.  Look for a complete update from us as soon as these hit our showrooms along with a few remaining questions we still have regarding their color choice.

Diamond 800 series Speakers @ CES-2010

Bowers & Wilkins 800 series has offered legendary audio performance for decades. Now the Diamond 800 series builds on that legacy with vastly improved performance across the board and for the first time the inclusion of a diamond tweeter in every speaker in the seven model range.
Bowers & Wilkins is proud to announce the launch of the 800 Series Diamond. The first new incarnation of the legendary 800 Series in six years brings Bowers & Wilkins closer to the ultimate ambition of its founder, John Bowers; to create a transducer that truly neither adds to nor subtracts from the original signal.
Specially designed for the home, the 800 series offers levels of quality such that the most demanding recording and mastering studios in the world choose to use them. All 800 series get boosted by implementation of the famous diamond tweeter technology throughout the whole range, including the new 805 Diamond, a speaker that brings diamond tweeters into the range of more discerning listeners than ever before.
The new diamond 800 series increases efficiency and improves the dynamic range of the top-end performance. And with the implementation of a new dual magnet motor system, bass performance has also improved. Coupled with improvements in the crossover, B&W, once again takes the 800 series to a new level of performance.

'Avatar' Influence - 3-D Gets Ready at CES 2010

The recently released movie "Avatar" has gotten the most attention for its use of 3-D, and other films in 2009 started to drum up interest in the format: "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," "A Christmas Carol" and "Monsters vs Aliens" among them.

TV programming is another matter.

"Even though content selection (for TV) will be limited at first, the industry must be encouraged by the success of 'Avatar' for proof that 3-D has appeal beyond computer-generated animated films," said Rubin of The NPD Group.

"This really is a chicken and egg issue, where there hasn’t been enough content to justify getting product on the market," said John Taylor of LG Electronics. "This year is when you’re really going to see the content ramp up."

Another boost for 3-D is the Blu-ray Disc Association's recent approval of a technical standard for 3-D Blu-ray, which itself is just starting to gain more consumer acceptance nearly two years after being declared the winner in the high-definition DVD format wars.

Blu-ray, previously hobbled by high pricing, has become more affordable, with players going for under $100 during the holiday season. Many consumers continued to stick with standard DVD players because those discs were cheaper and also could be played in portable players for travel. Studios have recently started packaging Blu-ray discs with regular versions on DVDs.

Source : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34666354/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

3D Television Is Coming To An Electronics Outlet Near To You - CES 2010 Update

After many announcements, lastly the 3D television is coming to an electronics outlet near to you. The flat 2-dimensional television is getting an better option with 3D image television. Being held in Las Vegas, it is one of the most major event of the year.

"2010 will be the year in which 3D is brought to the home," DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg says. He has decided to make all his future movies, shows his
commitment to 3D technology.

All major electronics brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Toshiba who tried to out with their own 3D products. Panasonic also planning to start on 3D Viera-TV, Blu-ray apart from the 3D camcorders.

Discovery, Sony & Imax together have decided to create first full time 3D channel, which could be available till end of the year. Initially it will be loaded with nature & science and gradually the content will change when partners generate the entertain movies & shows of 3D version. In the meantime, Sony established downloadable software update for Sony PlayStation 3 which will enable the gaming console to play 3D Blu-ray movies. Ultimately, you will need a brand new television set to enjoy this 3D functionality. With Tvs, Computers also are in the race. People are crazy for computer 3D games .

Both LG & Panasonic, have focus on High definition Skype videos for internet enabled television sets, which provides Skype free calling tool on internet enabled televisions through video calls.

"Two years ago, people were still saying that 3D (TV) probably won't work," says Sony CEO Howard Stringer. "The momentum of 3D in the last six months alone has been quite striking. And even though there are not hundreds of movies (in 3D), there's a kind of rolling rhythm to this. The more success we have, the easier it is for us to upgrade movies to 3D, and there are events that can be exciting, like 3D concerts and video games."

But the 2D to 3D process "is not perfect, and (it's) labor intensive," says Ahmad Ouri, chief marketing officer of Technicolor.

Like HDTV, 3D Tvs will take some time to come in the market. But 3D TV has one huge thing going for it. As Maria Costeira, CEO of 3D glasses maker XpanD, puts it, "Life is in 3D."

Christmas Offer : Samsung 55 inch LED HDTV

What are LED Televisions ?
A new type of LCD TV is now available in which the fluorescent bulbs have been replaced by a series of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). LED Technology allows for TVs to be produced in a very slim profile (as small as 1” deep) and will display a greater color spectrum and substantially improved black levels.

Christmas Offer @ hometheaterstore : Buy any SAMSUNG 55 INCH LED HDTV & get either $500 OFF or FREE Panasonic Plasma HDTV. Hurry UP !!!

LG 60PS11 60" 1080p Plasma HDTV

Add style to any home entertainment system with the LG60PS11. Its superior technology ensures that no action sequence is too fast to catch, bringing you higher refresh rates and ultra smooth image transition with zero motion blur.
Perfect for watching action-packed programming.

HDMI

What is HDMI?

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a single cable capable of carrying fully uncompressed digital video (up to and surpassing 1080P resolution) and uncompressed digital audio, including the latest audio standards such a Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio.
HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players, personal computers (PCs), video game consoles (such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360), and AV receivers to compatible digital audio devices, computer monitors, and digital televisions. HDMI is the only connection available today that carries both 100% uncompressed digital audio and video.

Contrast Ratio

What is Contrast Ratio?
The contrast ratio is a measure of a display system, defined as the ratio of the luminance of the brightest color (white) to that of the darkest color (black) that the system is capable of producing. A high contrast ratio is a desired aspect of any display, although there is no industry standard for measurement of contrast ratio, so comparing the contrast ratio of one brand with another may not yield valid results.

"Dynamic Contrast Ratio" is one of the recent upcoming development in LCD Technology.
This display underpower the backlight lamp in case the darker image needs to show on screen.

Dynamic contrast ratio is usually measured at factory with two panels (one vs another) of the same model as each panel will have an inherent Dark and Light (Hot) spot. Static is usually measured with the same screen showing half screen full bright vs half screen full dark

Aspect Ratio

What is Aspect Ratio?
The aspect ratio of an image is its displayed width divided by its height (usually expressed as "x:y" or "x×y). The older format for analog TV was 4:3, while the standard format for HDTV (both HD signals and HDTVs) is 16:9 or 1.78:1 (approximately 1.78" wide for every 1" high), while film directors can choose from any of the available film ratios. The most common formats for movies are 2.35:1, 2.40:1, and 1.85:1, which is very close to the 1.78:1 of HDTV.

Aspect Ration Video


Home Theater Store

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Sony Bravia KDL65W5100 (KDL-65W5100) LCD HDTV

Sony has launched BRAVIA W-Series KDL65W5100 LCD TV. This 65-Inch 120Hz LCD TV is all equipped with Sony’s flagship feature consisting of Motion flow 120Hz technology.
Built-in BRAVIA Internet Video compatibility lets you enjoy online movie & TV streaming.
Meanwhile it facilitates you to personalize your entertainment including latest news, weather and stock information.

o Motionflow 120Hz technology eliminates judder and augments the action movements for more detailed and crisp image quality Integrated BRAVIA Internet Video feature lets you access on line contents
o You can select and personalize Bravia widgets that brings you all the latest news and weather forecast
o USB input facilitated you to watch your Multimedia on big screen, enjoy your mp3 or to video clips

LED Television Types

There are 3 main types of LED TVs:

Edge-lit: LEDs are arranged around the perimeter of the screen and lit is distributed via a diffusive reflection panel behind the LCD screen. It has only slight advantage in picture quality over CCFLs but it produces the thinnest of all the LCD TVs. (All Samsung LEDs 8000 series and below.)

Back-lit: An array of LEDs are arranged directly behind the LCD screen. The LEDs can be dimmed but not independently. Brighter pictures and more energy efficient than CCFL but not as thin as Edge-lit. (Sharp LE700 series.)

Local-dimming: Local dimming is Back-lit but individual or small groups of LED's can be dimmed independently. This is the most expensive but it produces the richest colors and the deepest blacks. Again, not as thin as Edge-lit but close to plasma in terms of contrast ratio. Local dimming comes in two varieties; all-white LEDs or groups of red, green, & blue LEDs. (Samsung 8500 series and Sony XBR8 Tri-Luminous)

An important thing to note is that just because an LED is backlit does not mean there is an LED for each pixel. Actually, no such TV exists. In the case of the Sharp LE700, there is only a couple dozen LEDs behind the whole LCD screen. Usually, one LED is responsibly for lighting several thousands of pixels. Which means there is still room for improvement as LEDs get smaller and less expensive.

The biggest thing to remember about LED TVs is that they offer a better picture than CCFL, they are more energy efficient (by up to 40%) and the are usually thinner.

Plasma Vs LCD

Technology : How it works?
LCD : A matrix of thin-film transistors (TFTs) supplies voltage to liquid-crystal-filled cells sandwiched between two sheets of glass. When hit with an electrical charge, the crystals untwist to an exact degree to filter white light generated by a lamp behind the screen

Plasma : Plasma technology consists hundreds of thousands of individual pixel cells, which allow electric pulses (stemming from electrodes) to excite rare natural gases-usually xenon and neon-causing them to glow and produce light.

CONTRAST / BLACK LEVELS : Will it be able to depict best of shadows or darks?
LCD : Even though there have been continuous research and development in LCD TVs black levels, only the best LCD televisions can really manage to crossover 1000:1 contrast ratio hurdle.

Plasma : Better than its counterpart; Plasma technology has certainly attained quite high contrast ratios, that fetches blackest black compared to the whitest white

COLOR ACCURACY : More lifelike images
LCD : Although most LCD displays handle it quite well; but it is inherently difficult pattern to maintain color accuracy and vivacity in comparison with PLASMA TVs.

Plasma : PLASMA certainly has edge over LCD as in plasma display; every pixel inherits all basic color of red, green and blue elements, which in conjunction create 16.77 million colors. That results into more rich and color accuracy.

VIEWING ANGLE : Which one has Best viewing angle?
LCD : Here again PLASMA outperforms LCDs. The best viewing angle of LCD HDTV till date is around 120 and 130 degree.

Plasma : Plasma has made much of 160° viewing angles. The 160° viewing angle for A PLASMA makes it best. Every angle is great viewing angle

FAST-MOVING VIDEO PLAYBACK : Fast action scenes! Which one is better?
LCD : Again PLASMA takes the lead because of their exceptional capability for fast moving scenes and higher contrast levels

Plasma : Last couple of years has seen rapid improvement in “response time” of LCD TVs. but…. but …but still there is scope for improvement as they still carry slight trailer effect.

HIGH ALTITUDE : What if I move towards higher altitude?
LCD : As LCD are predisposed to handle change in atmospheric pressure; Reason why they are preferred in Airplanes. As LCD are not effected In air pressure fluctuation

Plasma :igh altitudes (6,500 feet and above),difference in air -pressure emerges, which causes plasma displays to give out buzzing sound due to the lower or unfavorable atmospheric pressure

LONGEVITY : Life of my television? Or how many hours of viewing before backlight burn out?
LCD : LCD on average last 50,000 to 65,000 hours; this is what manufactures have to say when asked about durability of their product. In fact an LCD will last long as its backlight does- and the best thing you have is that you can replace these bulbs.

Plasma : Plasma displays utilize current to induce combination of gases (i.e., argon, neon, xenon) due to which it glows red, blue or green. Being an active phenomenon; phosphoric element deplete over time.

SCREEN BURN IN : Why does it happens?
LCD : LCD Technology is not predisposed to “burn-in” of pixels as “Twisting crystals” technology rule-out premature aging of pixels

PLASMA : In case of plasma; PLASMAs are more prone to “burn in” or permanent etch of color in glass display- Although manufactures are doing their best to overcome this tendency and prolong the display life.

POWER CONSUMPTION : Please! I need to reduce carbon foot prints
LCD : Due to florescent backlighting to reproduce images; LCDs consume substantially lesser power to operate than plasmas do; almost half the power consumed by plasma displays.

PLASMA : Plasma TV consumes almost double of electricity of LCD in bid to illuminate Each pixels on screen - even for the darker ones do. Though there is improvement in voltage consumption; still a plasma TV will consume around third more power than LCDs.

RESOLUTION : How many pixels? More pixels means more lucidity in the picture ? Got it?
LCD : LCD HDTV possesses higher resolution per same size contrast to plasma. The least resolution of LCD measures 1366 X 768 - easily full HD resolution in 1080i or 720p.

PLASMA : Most of the PLASMA displays carry 1024 X 768 resolutions. Though this is not truly an HD resolution, but not everyone can figure-out the difference.

Cost : How much dent this purchase gonna make in my pocket?
LCD : Expect to pay a third as much more for a similar size PLASMA.

PLASMA : Costs less than LCD

Sony KDL52XBR9 (KDL-52XBR9) 52" 240Hz LCD HDTV

Unlike recent surge of LED Backlighting; 52XBR9 Series uses fluorescent-backlit using WCG-CCLF technology instead of using LED backlighting more common these days. BRAVIA KDL-52XBR9 is 52-inch LCD TFT full HD TV. Two deviously hidden speakers beneath the screen produce exuberating 20 watt audio power. There are some pretty cool privilege to explore the audio capabilities such as auto volume adjustment and voice zoom.

Structured BRAVIA KDL-52XBR9 skirts glossy frame and layer of transparent plastic surrounds the glossy frame. In-fact subtly thin structured frame would endure the test of time.
Known for its performance, Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR9 is all equipped with wide array of color and picture presets. Besides that, internet connectivity feature lets you access online video streaming services, yahoo widgets and other online multimedia.

Considering LCD TVs of this Genre, the black levels of this model seem to be better than any of its counterpart. And yes; no definition is complete without mentioning the frame rate, courtesy to 240Hz refresh rate; fast-action scenes are ultra smooth. Color accuracy is up to mark and provides up-scaling to standard definition videos. Matte screen surface obliviates any reflection. Meanwhile your BRAVIA KDL-52XBR9 is energy efficient (it is EPA Energy Star compliant).

PANASONIC TCP65V10 (TC-P65V10) 65" PLASMA HDTV

Combining all Panasonic expertise and with 1080p resolution and an incredible contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1; Panasonic tcp65v10 determines the unmatched all picture sensation on 65 inch wide screen.

Going by the reputation of Panasonic HDTVs; you’ won’t be let down in any walk of trade. I am pretty sure that this TV will unearth all the qualities that one looks into a full HD television. Uncompromising color details, exposing vary minute details of the motion and crystal clear clarity. Blazing fast engine removes blur & on screen judder; a problem that arises while displaying fast action scenes.

What defines a better picture quality? Deeper blacks and whitest, whites; isn’t it? As It results into brilliant color reproduction for more realistic and natural looking images. In short; you will feel in the middle of the action; every character will be so real that you’ll feel them living into your media room.

Redefining the home entertainment, Panasonic tcp65v10 is just perfect one. Hope I am not exaggerating; once you experience this HDTV; I am pretty much sure that you have no chance to go back to your regular TV.

Turning imagination into reality, THX certification for image reproduction ascertains to turn creator’s imagination into reality, unadulterated. In the early 1980's, Lucasfilm, established the THX Standard to stipulate the audio and video quality criteria for cinema environments. Intention behind this whole exercise is to improve cinema experience altogether and provide high fidelity to audio and visual ambience. And your VIERA meets the high standards laid by the THX Certified Display Program.

Mitsubishi DLP Televisions

People might be chanting more about Mitsubishi’s laserVue TV since its introduction in the market… No doubt that laserVue TV over shadowed its due exposure- of 65-inch laserVue TV. So recently we decided to let the consumers know what we have found out by reviewing the L65A90. We took it under our stringent test scanner to drain out the best of the information for our viewers. It did pretty well although there were some issues with video processing and resolution clarity to maximum HD output. But it compensates all the minor weak spots by delivering excellent color, contrast and fine black details.

More Mitsubishi DLP TVs :
Mitsubishi L65A90
Mitsubishi WD60735
Mitsubishi WD60737
Mitsubishi WD65737
Mitsubishi WD65835
Mitsubishi WD65837
Mitsubishi WD73737
Mitsubishi WD73835
Mitsubishi WD73837
Mitsubishi WD82737

Panasonic TCP54V10

highs : Excellent black-level presentation and exceptional shadow depiction; comparatively high color accuracy after customized mode. Greater color representation; full Fidelity to 1080p/24 sources; exclusive VieraCast lets you access selected internet services; ample HDMI connection and one PC input.
lows : A bit costly; some picture accuracy issues in non- THX modes; inadequate picture control.
Conclusion: overall picture quality is much better than any other flat panel HDTV in recent past.

Panasonic TCP54V10