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1080p, Great Deals
1080p, Great Deals Great 1080p TVs for Less
Friday, February 27, 2015 at 12:27PM 
The cost of 4K ultra-high definintion (UHD) TVs continues to decline, but the best UHD bargains sacrifice picture quality to achieve a low price. Spending the same amount on a similar sized 1080p screen often translates into superior picture contrast - considered the most important, and eye-catching, display characteristic! Like 4K UHD televisions, 1080p TVs also feature the necessary picture controls to reduce video overscan for increased visual detail. After carefully considering the latest reviews, owner comments, and hands-on testing experience, here are some great 1080p televisions that you can buy right now without breaking the budget.
If you are looking for a very bright 1080p 120Hz LCD television with impressive out-of-the-box color and grayscale accuracy, the Samsung H6350 Series Smart TV is a great choice. Compared to the similar H6400 Series (read my review), the H6350 reduces costs by ditching 3D and the otherwise impressive Smart Remote Control. Samsung's superior video processing gives the H6350 effective film-mode detection for maximum detail and deinterlacing that's free of distracting jagged edges, and its well-contrasted picture looks great in bright or dark room environments. The H6350 also features a quad-core processor that delivers a pleasingly fast app experience and impressively quick start up times. The Samsung H6350 Series is a budget-friendly pick for terrific picture quality. Consider adding a good soundbar/soundstand for an even more impressive and capable home theater experience!
Perfect as a second TV for the bedroom or kitchen, the LG LB5600 series is a terrific value for a quality 1080p LED-backlit LCD. The 42 inch 42LB5600 features a modern slim bezel design that not only looks great but reduces its overall width to less than 38 inches! Weighing in a 21 pounds also makes it easy to setup and move. The LB5600 keeps things simple with no Internet apps and only basic file support (photos and music) via USB input. With only two HDMI ports, LB5600 owners may want to consider adding a decent HDMI switch for connecting multiple HD video sources with ease. The LB5600 series also includes screen sizes of 32-inches and 39-inches.
The Sharp LE551U AQUOS HD series is an affordable and stylish 1080p LCD television with good picture performance. The LE551U's direct-lit LED backlit screen is framed with a slim bezel that maximizes viewing enjoyment while reducing its overall footprint - its lightweight design also makes it easy to move. The LE551U has no apps or other 'smart' features, and its USB port has a relatively short list of supported multimedia file types (JPG, MP3, MPEG-2). Gamers will appreciate this TV's low lag, and it has two HDMI ports (one MHL-enabled). The LE551U is a quality mid-sized HDTV at a great price, and cordcutters (read our guide) can pair the TV's built-in over-the-air (OTA) tuner with an inexpensive indoor antenna for free local HD channel reception. The Sharp LE551U is available in screen sizes of 32 inches, 39 inches, and 48 inches.
Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear
Vizio made headlines this year by abandoning unpopular 3D technology in its top TV models while adding a full-array local-dimming LED backlight system for inky-dark black levels and improved picture contrast. The Vizio M-Series doubles the number of zones of local-dimming of the company's E Series TVs for more detailed backlight control with fewer related artifacts. The M-Series features a 1080p 120Hz screen that reveals the details of fast action video like sports programming while providing the necessary picture controls to enable the proper reproduction of video with a 24p film cadence. The M-Series has four HDMI ports, built-in 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, and a good selection of popular apps for streaming local and online AV content. Controlling it all is a two-sided remote with a backlit QWERTY keyboard.
The LG LB6300 Series is a terrific value for a 1080p 120Hz LCD television that features IPS panel technology (except for the 50" model) that helps minimize the loss of picture contrast and color saturation that occur when the screen is not viewed straight-on from the 'sweet spot'. The LB6300 skips 3D support in favor of an improved app experience through its beautiful looking webOS tabbed interface. Menu and app navigation are further enhanced with the included Magic Remote that controls an on-screen cursor with mouse-like precision, and its built-in microphone is optimized for the TV's speech recognition and voice control features. The LG LB6300 Series has three HDMI ports (one MHL-enabled), three USB ports for photo/audio playback, and universal remote control functionality for simplified home theater operation. The LG LB6300 series is available in screen sizes of 42-inches, 47-inches, 50-inches, 55-inches, 60-inches, and 65-inches.
The Samsung LED H5203 Series Smart TV features the most comprehensive suite of popular apps and good picture quality at an equally attractive price. The H5203's screen has 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and an edge-lit LED backlit system for ample brightness and efficiency. The TV's WiFi networking supports screen mirroring from many mobile devices making it easy to share content on its much larger display. The Samsung H5203 has two HDMI ports, one component video input, and two USB ports. Multimedia file support is especially good and includes compatibility with lossless formats like PNG, FLAC, and ALAC. Video codec support includes many container file types (MKV, MP4, MOV) and resolutions up to 1080p30.
The BenQ HT1075 Home Entertainment Projector is a good reminder that truly BIG screen 1080p video enjoyment doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars. The new HT1075 produces a bright clear picture using single-chip DLP technology, and it features dual HDMI inputs (one MHL-enabled) and a built-in 10W speaker for quick and easy setup. An affordable screen can help any projector look its best, but the HT1075 can transform any relatively flat surface into an immersive viewing experience - perfect for movie night or console gaming sessions! Compared to the BenQ W1070 it replaces, the HT1075 is slightly brighter and it features a simplified menu system. However the BenQ W1070 delivers equally excellent HD imagery at a nicely discounted price. Always consult the Projection Calculator Pro for estimating room and screen size requirements before buying any front projector!
Amazon Associate Program
Monday, February 23, 2015 at 8:14PM The About page has been updated with a long-overdue explanation of the use of Amazon links on the Heron Fidelity website:
Amazon Associate Program
Heron Fidelity is a member of the Amazon Associate program. When you click on one of our Amazon product links and make a purchase, we receive a small fee that directly assists Robert Heron and makes possible the operation of this website. Every bit helps, and we appreciate your support through the use of these links and the updated pricing information they can provide. Thank you!
I probably should have said "every click helps" and it really does. Your support of my work through the use of these links helps keep the lights on and this website up and running.
My sincere thanks to everyone who has visited this website and taken a look around.
PlayStation Blu-ray Setup Guide
Monday, February 23, 2015 at 10:20AM 
Updated on February 23, 2015: clarified video output format option
The Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) was one of the earliest Blu-ray disc players available, and it is still one of the best. However, the console requires a few adjustments to fully optimize its audio and video capabilities. Also, the PlayStation 3 hardware has changed over the years and earlier units often require a different configuration compared to more recent models. The flexibility of the PlayStation console makes it easy to customize it to the capabilities of the home theater gear it is connected to, and this guide will help PS3 owners improve its audio and video output when playing Blu-ray and DVD content.
I overlooked an option under Settings > Video Settings: BD/DVD Video Output Format (HDMI). In the video, this setting was left configured for Automatic. During Blu-ray playback the PlayStation 3, the Automatic mode did result in the output of a component video (YCbCr) encoded signal that is recommended for most HDMI connected displays. However, I recommend manually configuring this setting to "Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr".
I routed my first generation PS3 through the DVDO AVLab TPG to verify its output during Blu-ray playback. The Video Output Format setting was configured to Automatic, and the PS3 did output YCbCr encoded video with Blu-ray playback as noted in Input Color Space result in the image below. The PS3 switched back to 8-bit RGB output after exiting Blu-ray playback.
Review: JVC DM65USR UHD TV
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 4:27PM 
JVC exited the TV business a few years ago to focus on crafting world-class video projectors, but its TV branding lives on through a company called Amtran that continues to develop new products. The 65-inch JVC DM65USR Diamond Series 4K Ultra HD TV is an attractively priced balance of features and design, but its picture potential was diminished by a few annoying quirks.
Setup and calibration
The DM65USR's thin matte-finished bezel frames a screen that can pump out the light (up to 400 nits). Its 32-zone full-array local dimming LED backlight system also made for impressively dark black bars of letterboxed movies when viewed in a dimly lit room, however, a similarly sized Vizio P-Series UHD (ultra-high definition) television features twice the number of zones for increased dimming granularity.
White balance controls included 2-point and 10-point adjustments. The 2-point controls proved highly interactive and prone to increasing gamma errors, and I found it best to skip its use altogether in favor of the 10-point setup that produced an admirable HD grayscale response.
Fine-tuning the TV's grayscale also improved its color performance with all significant errors limited to fully saturated levels. Unfortunately, these carefully calibrated grayscale and color results had to be manually copied to each input, and the calibrated preset (Movie) was unavailable with 2160p input like that from the Sony FMP-X10 4K Media Player (read review). Also, minor brightness control adjustments drastically shifted the hue of dark gray levels making it a 'set and forget' affair.
Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear
Calibration details
By popular request, I've added the white balance setup results I obtained for the JVC DM65USR in the chart below. Keep in mind that calibration settings are often TV specific - two TVs of the exact same model and screen size will often produce different calibration setup values. However, it's easy enough to try the setup below and if the results are unsatisfactory, reset the TV back to factory defaults.
Video processing
The DM65USR otherwise decent video processing of HD and UHD video sources was marred by a glitch that re-enabled motion interpolation after the setting had been disabled. Toggling the setting would re-disable it only to have it eventually re-enable...annoying for people who detest the smoothing effect applied to movies and TV shows recorded at 24 frames per second.
Samsung JS9500 4K UHD TV Review
Vizio 5.1 Sound Bar System Review
Gamers will find the TV a good option as video lag reduced from 113ms to 46.5ms (less than 3 video frames at 60Hz) when using the Game picture preset.
Apps
As an Internet-enabled 4K UHD TV, the DM65USR is a bit surprising in that it lacks any UHD streaming options like Amazon Instant Video or Netflix. The TV features DLNA-style multimedia streaming and picture/music playback apps for files on USB-connected storage devices. An included 1080p Roku Streaming Stick provides plenty of additional, albeit non-UHD, app options.
A capable built-in web browser was further enhanced by a slick combo keyboard/touchpad remote.
Bottom line
The DM65USR has picture potential to be a terrific 4K UHD TV option, but it needs a software update to cure it of a few nagging glitches.
Read my complete review of the JVC DM65USR Diamond Series 4K Ultra HD TV at HD Guru.
Review: Epson Home Cinema 3500
Friday, January 30, 2015 at 4:01PM 
Note: the Epson 3500 has since been replace by the equally capable Video projectors are perfect for creating a wall-filling picture that is easily resized to best fit the available space. Projection in a dark room is the best case scenario as there is little interference with the creation of an immersive and detailed viewing experience. Projection in spaces with ambient light reaching the screen surface require much more light output to look good, and the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3500 came through with impressively bright imagery and useful audio/video (AV) extras that added to an already strong value.
Size, style, and setup
The Home Cinema's curvy white-colored chassis measures 16.1" x 12.6" x 6.4" (WxDxH) and weighs in at 15 pounds. The projector's slightly offset lens configuration provides space for a front facing exhaust that's ideal for placement close to a wall at the back of the room or on a table in front of the viewer. A removable cover on the top of the projector provides easy access to the lamp module even if inverted for ceiling mounting, and a side intake vent simplifies air filter maintenance.
Display tech
The Epson 3500 features 3LCD technology that incorporates a 3-chip light engine for superior color brightness compared to single-chip DLP projectors. Three-chip projectors process and display primary colors (red, green, and blue) simultaneously whereas a single-chip design quickly flashes each primary color in sequence. The projector's 0.61 inch 1080p LCD panels refresh at 240Hz in 2D mode doubling to 480Hz during 3D playback. Two pairs of rechargeable RF 3D glasses are included in the box.
Light cannon
As a home theater projector, the Epson 3500's primary benefit is its brightness. It's the brightest projector I've tested to date with its maximum light output rated at 2500 lumens including an equivalent level of color brightness. The BenQ HT1075 is a favorite value of mine that features a single-chip DLP light engine that can produce 2200 lumens of white light output, however, its color brightness measures about 37% less at 1390 lumens. For light-controlled rooms, the 3500's ample brightness will easily fill the largest screen sizes or a wall (ceiling-to-floor) with well-defined imagery.
Fan noise
Projector brightness and cooling fan noise go hand-in-hand. The projector's 250W UHE lamp operating in Eco mode kept fan noise to barely audible levels yet still provided ample brightness for a smaller 80" screen in a room with some ambient light. The much brighter Medium lamp setting increased fan noise into the audible (but very tolerable) range and made for a much improved viewing experience during daylight hours. I found the slight difference in light output between the Epson 3500's Medium and High lamp settings wasn't enough to justify the latter's increased fan noise.
Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear
Picture setup
Lens controls on the 3500 are all manual and include a 60% vertical and 24% horizontal lens shift adjustment - pricier projectors like the excellent Panasonic PT-AE8000 extend vertical lens shift to 100% of the screen height. Compared to projectors that provide only digital keystone correction (that the 3500 also has), lens shift allows for precise image placement without altering geometry or degrading fine picture detail. The 3500's 1.6x zoom lens gives it good throw range too. For example: filling a 100" screen, the 3500 can be positioned 9.6' to 15.6' away from from the screen surface. A 120" screen would increase the throw range to 11.6' to 18.8'.
The 3500's picture presets include a Dynamic mode that maxed out the brightness with a slightly green-hued picture and audible fan speed to keep things cool. A Living Room preset defaults to a medium lamp setting, reduced fan speed, and a cool (bluish) color temperature that proved ideal for general daytime use. For a calibrated picture setup, the projector's Natural picture mode preset produced a good RGB balance that was well-matched to the D65 white point used in HD video production.
Calibration
Prior to calibration and use, I confirmed the convergence of Epson 3500's 3-chip system using a convenient built-in test pattern and related adjustment controls. A convergence check is a must for any 3-chip projector as it improves picture brightness and detail with all displayed content.
Use of the 3500's RGB gain/offset controls enabled me to better optimize the Natural picture preset for my setup (above): reduced red slightly in the darker grays, reduced blue in the brighter grays, and smooth out the gamma response. The 3500's color management controls were unable to improve upon the projector's somewhat truncated primary color response that limited the saturation of secondary colors like cyan and magenta (below).
The above response is likely due to relatively 'loose' RGB filters being applied to the white light source enabling more light energy (luminous flux) to exit the system. I've measured superior coverage of the HD color palette with more costly projectors including the Sony VPL-HW40ES and Epson's 5030UB, but they're less suited for use in rooms with elevated levels of ambient light compared to the Epson 3500.
Audio quality
In addition to being the brightest consumer 1080p projector I've seen, the Epson 3500's built-in stereo speakers (2x10W) proved impressively loud and clear. These rear-firing speakers won't replace a decent soundbar or surround sound system, nor will they delivery room shaking bass, but its ample volume proved useful for impromptu use where audio options are limited.
Input options
Inputs are located on the rear of the Epson 3500 and include two HDMI ports (one MHL-enabled), component video input, VGA, and composite video. There is also a 12V trigger output and serial port for integration with an electric screen or home theater control system. The 3500's USB port enables easy display of JPG slideshows, but I found it more useful for powering a DVDO Air3C-Pro wireless HDMI receiver (read review). Epson also offers the similarly-speced Home Cinema 3600e that integrates WirelessHD technology and includes a 5-port HDMI transmitter hub.
A picture-in-picture function includes options for placement and resizing of the sub-screen. Epson claims this function will work with almost any combination of inputs, but I was unable to successfully enable it when feeding both of the Epson 3500's HDMI ports with HD source devices.
Remote design
The 3500's substantial baton-style remote is fully backlit and features large mashable buttons that are clearly labeled. The remote's dedicated shortcuts proved useful and included buttons for quickly selecting picture presets, detail enhancement levels, and lamp power levels.
Viewing Exams
The Epson 3500's dynamic iris was adept at seamlessly reducing light output for dark scenes to enhance contrast perception, however, this projector is optimized for brightness and projectors like the Epson 5030UB and the Sony VPL-HW40ES produce darker black levels in a dimly-lit environment where light output isn't as critical. For dark room use, the Epson 3500's extra brightness would be useful for very large screen sizes or when trying to fill a wall floor-to-ceiling with imagery.
That extra brightness proved ideal for 3D viewing as the Epson 3500 delivered the best home 3D experience I've had to date. The slight tint of the excellent rechargeable RF glasses improved perceived contrast, and the projector’s 480Hz 3D mode exhibited very little crosstalk with the games, Blu-ray movies, and streaming sources that I examined.
The selection of Blu-ray movies experienced on the 3500 included Samsara, Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and The Dark Knight. I was picking out details on the big screen that I hadn't noticed before. However, scenes with lots of dark detail reinforced the projector's suitability for brighter room environments where some ambient light is best countered with increased light output.
Benchmark tests
Motion resolution performance of the Epson 3500's 3LCD technology is similar to that of any other LCD that lacks video smoothing technology (motion compensation/estimation) or has the feature turned off: 300-350 lines on a 1080 line test pattern. Static resolution tests produced 600 lines with the Fast video processing setting enabled and 800-850 lines with the Fine setting enabled. The Fast/Fine setting also affected video lag measurements with a drop from 111ms to 47ms when switched to Fast.
An adjustable detail enhancement setting labeled Super Resolution improved the appearance of lower resolution content like DVDs and standard definition TV shows when enabled at moderate levels, but it also reduced the projector's ability to filter jagged edge artifacts and I left it disabled with most HD sources.
Bottom line: it's bright!
Video projectors deliver truly big screen viewing on a budget, and the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3500 brings this experience to more places with bright, detailed imagery at an attractive price. I've put several hundred hours on the 3500 in a room environment that almost always has some ambient light present, and its ability to push additional light output on demand has left my reference flat panel television feeling a bit neglected. I've also become accustomed to using wireless HDMI with this projector and would give greater consideration to the Epson 'e' models that integrates this feature.
