HDTV

Are letterboxed movies really 1080p?

CNET Reader Doug Hagemeister asks:

Hello! I was watching a movie on Blu-ray the other day filmed in the 21:9 aspect ratio and I realized that it technically wasn't "1080p" since about 1/4 of the screen was taken up by the horizontal black bars (called "letter boxing," correct?). Anyway, I was just wondering how many pixels were being used on the TV. Thank you!

Ah, letterboxing, how I love you.

To understand letterboxing, we have to talk about aspect ratio. HDTVs are 16x9, or 1.78:1. Slightly wider than they are tall, they're pleasantly rectangular. Old-fashioned tube TVs were 4x3, or 1.33:1, so closer to square. … Read more

Why 4K TVs are stupid (still)

Editors' Note: An updated article entitled Why Ultra HD 4K TVs are still stupid was published on January 28, 2013.

A few months ago, hot on the multitude of 4K TV announcements at CES, I wrote an article called "Why 4K TVs are stupid."

I was shocked, shocked to find so many angry, contrary opinions on the subject. I mean, this is the Internet. Surely everyone is cordial and like-minded.

The comment section was the usual bog of ad hominem, straw man, and plain nonsense arguments. But buried deep within the chaff were a few good questions worthy of rebuttal. So if you'll indulge...… Read more

Do I need to break in a new plasma TV? (Morrison's Mailbag)

CNET Reader Mike Smith asks:

Is there some kind of burn-in procedure to run on new plasma TVs? I've read some crazy stuff online that says all sorts of things and I just don't know what is real from what is nonsense. Please let me know. Thanks.You aren't kidding, there is some crazy stuff out there.

Five-deal Friday: A 46-inch HDTV for $299.99, and more!

TGIF, am I right? Actually, I had a couple days off this week, so I'm taking my restored vitality and pouring it into today's post. One deal? Phbbllttt! How about five, baby!

Actually, I just had a hard time narrowing down all the killer deals I found today, so I figured why not share them all? Without further ado...

1. While supplies last, TigerDirect has the refurbished Elements ELDFW464 46-inch HDTV for $299.99. That's after applying coupon code NTP66913 at checkout, and not including shipping (which is $49.99). I tend to be a little leery … Read more

What is the white line along the top of my screen? (Morrison's Mailbag)

CNET Reader R. Savoy asks:

I recently purchased a 60-inch plasma and used your recommended picture settings. Question: I have my picture settings set to Screen Fit instead of 16:9 and on some stations when they go from hi-def to 4:3 I get a white flickering line right above the top of the picture. This problem doesn't present itself on the 16:9 settings, please advise, thank you.

Good question. Annoying answer, sadly.… Read more

Rear projection vs. LCD vs. plasma

Rear-projection TVs used to be the only way to get the "big-screen" experience at home. With the advent, and diminishing price of, large flat-screen LCDs and plasmas, the RPTV has become something of an endangered species. In fact, only one company, Mitsubishi, still makes RPTVs.

Many people still enjoy their RPTV, and I've received several letters recently asking if it was time for them to upgrade.

Are RPTVs a viable alternative to flat panels? When should you upgrade your old RPTV? Let's break it down.… Read more

Why do my eyes hurt while watching TV?

CNET reader Jerry asks:

I recently bought a 40-inch LED LCD. I like it a lot, but over the past few months I've noticed my eyes hurt after watching the TV. Mostly it seems to happen at night. This can't be normal, right? Before I spend money on an eye doctor (I've never been), I figured I'd ask if there was something about the TV that was causing it. I never had this problem with my old TV.An interesting, and surprisingly common question.

Next home for Retina: Apple's TV display?

So, why would Apple make an HDTV? If you're looking for another reason, here's one.

I queried Raymond Soneira, the founder, president, and CEO of DisplayMate Technologies, earlier this week about the timing of the upcoming 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro. Though he wasn't able to address that question, he did give a pretty good answer about why he thinks Apple is going Retina.

Soneira believes Apple will continue to adopt Retina across all "premium" products, including the Apple TV. But it's less about the intrinsic Retina technology than it is about consistency, he believes. … Read more

How big a TV should I buy?

37? 42? 50? 65? 90? There's an HDTV size for every room and every budget.

But if you're not limited by a cabinet or entertainment center, how big of a TV can or should you get? … Read more

Information on new Philips 9 series HDTVs leaks

Philips is currently working on its flagship 9 series HDTVs, and they just might be awfully impressive, according to a new report.

Philips will be launching two 9 series models that will come with 46- and 60-inch screens, Flat Panels HD, a site that focuses on televisions, is reporting today, citing a "credible source." The site claims to have obtained a document from Russia that provides information and images of the televisions and their elongated remote.

According to the publication, the televisions, dubbed the 9707 and 9607, will come with an extremely small bezel made of "some … Read more