hdtv

Rumor Has It: Biggest rumors to watch out for in 2013

This year was a big year for rumors -- remember the iPhone 5? -- but the rumor mill never stops churning.

As we put a lid on 2012, we look forward to the rumors that will still hound us next year. Which rumors do you think will finally be put to rest? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks for watching, and happy holidays! See you in a couple weeks.

Heard a tech rumor you think we should cover? Leave a comment below; ; send us a tweet (@EmilyDreyfuss, @karynelevy, and @CNETRumorShow); or call and leave us a voice mail at … Read more

You have a new TV. Now what?

A new TV is a great thing. A new TV, right after it's taken out of the box, is not. To get the most out of your TV you need to adjust the settings, use the right cables, adjust your sources (like your cable box) and more.

Compiled here is a directory of everything you'll need to get your TV looking its best. Instead of one long article describing it all, it's broken down into sections so you can find just what you're looking for.… Read more

CES 2013 preview: The love and hate of the greatest (tech) show on earth

This will be my 13th CES. Fewer than many, more than some. It's a grueling marathon of press conferences, swarming crowds, and endless lines.

When it comes to TV tech, David's take on what we'll see in Vegas is spot-on. I'm going to go one better, though. I'm going predict with stunning, remarkable, mind-blowing accuracy, exactly what we'll see at the show of shows.… Read more

Get a Sceptre 42-inch HDTV for $299 shipped

It was almost two years ago to the day that I wrote about a 32-inch TV selling for $299 (a Sceptre, in fact), and what a big deal that was.

Now you can get a significantly larger screen for exactly the same price: For a limited time, and while supplies last, Walmart has the Sceptre X425BV-FHD 42-inch LCD HDTV for $299, plus sales tax where applicable. Shipping is free, or you can opt for free in-store pickup. Either way, you're assured of getting it on or before Dec. 24.

(Note: This deal started yesterday, and I don't know … Read more

Buy a TV now or wait?

Most new TV models are announced at the Consumer Electronics Show, held every January. It's usually a few months before they ship, arriving in stores sometime in the spring.

So with new models imminent, should you wait to buy a new TV? We break down what we expect to see, and figure out when is the best time to buy.… Read more

Don't mount a TV above a fireplace

Mounting a TV up and out of the way above a fireplace seems logical, convenient, and undeniably cool. However, there are serious issues with such placement.

If you're planning on watching the TV only occasionally, that's one thing. But if this is your main TV and you're going to be watching it more than a few minutes at a time, beware.

Read more

Apple HDTV rumor roundup

There hasn't quite been this much hype, intrigue, and mystery around an Apple product since the first iPad.

We're speaking, of course, about Apple's TV set. A device that began as a twinkle in an analyst's eye, and has since ballooned into what just about everyone expects Apple to roll out as its next major flagship product.

But where are these rumors coming from? How have they changed? And most importantly, how are you supposed to keep up with them? CNET's rounded down all the major ones below, a document we plan to keep lovingly … Read more

What is 'Game mode'?

If you've bought a TV in the last few years, it's likely that TV has a "Game mode." As you've discovered (or will discover, now that you're looking for it), this is not some supersecret hiding place for Angry Birds. That's a different section.

If you're a gamer, Game mode might improve your gaming experience, but it comes at a cost. … Read more

Get a wireless HDMI transmitter for $149.96

If there's one thing sci-fi movies and TV shows have taught us, it's that the future will be blessedly wireless. The present, however, has cords everywhere.

For the next seven days, and while supplies last, ShopTronics has the Nyrius Aries NAVS500 HDMI digital wireless transmitter for $149.96 shipped when you use coupon code NAVSC at checkout. That's a Cheapskate exclusive, cheeps!

The Aries can stream HD video from just about any source -- cable/satellite box, Blu-ray player, game console, computer, etc. -- to any HDMI-equipped HDTV or projector.

That could prove incredibly useful if you'… Read more

Five lies your TV salesperson will tell you

Using the time-honored tactics of obfuscation, misdirection, and a little bit of fear, the people who try to sell you TVs can hit you with some heavy-duty lies.

Now this isn't to say that all TV sales people are bad, nor that any necessarily do this out of malice (there's plenty of misinformation out there confused as truth). But when it's your dollar on the line, being prepared with some facts can only be a good thing.… Read more