Apple HDTV TV: All Apple TV Rumors

Apple HDTV: Will Apple present his first television in March 2012? The rumor kitchen bubbles: a model not only should there come, presume the Apple disciples, but like a TV set in three size options.

With the resignation of Steve jobs as CEO of Apple the question came up in Apple forums and in the daily press, whether his successor Tim Cook brings innovation to invent a groundbreaking Apple product: after all had jobs with iPhone and iOS new segments and device classes revolutionized. But what's next big thing? All the rumors point to an entry into the television market. Are we soon can see TVs made in Cupertino?

Apple HDTV Operation via app: more convenient as it gets.

Apple HDTV to come - if we are to believe the rumors - , equal in different sizes, where the facilities of the devices should be probably identical. We could inject although no undercover investigators in the Apple Development Department, but for you, all current information compiled and made our own thoughts could look like as an Apple TV and should be equipped:

Apple HDTV Design and Display Technology
The most important point in an Apple HDTV is of course the design - the users expect in this case aluminum, glass, and that there are no visible buttons. Also a TV from Cupertino would have to meet these, quite high expectations. Models there are, in principle, but even in its own product portfolio: it is not too far-fetched that the appearance of a future-oriented Apple HDTVs on the current iMacs and Apple Cinema Displays. Is also possible that Apple invented a whole new look.

The question arises, would rely on what panel technology of television then. Most likely would be well-LCD technology with LED backlight, as it is already in the Cinema Displays are used. Although Apple is happy to set trends, an OLED display is conceivable, but unlikely - they are currently still very expensive, since prevailing in the production of large OLED panels are still very high rejection rates.

Apple HDTV Use and content
Many will now say "at moment, there are already Apple TV" - right! However it is this - product for Apple atypical, because not very successful - in principle a streaming client with iOS operating system that brings content from the network (iTunes) and the Internet to the TV. Therefore, it would be quite conceivable that exactly this small black box could form the core of an Apple TV. Is to say, the Apple HDTV gets its content from iTunes, the Internet and probably also of quite classical TV receivers. Special "TV apps" in Apple's app store would bring more content to the device, the operation could be done about iOS devices like iPad, iPod touch and iPhone by means of remote access - although including Apple airplay support, but not open to streaming formats such as DLNA and UPnP-AV. These unsupported Apple namely so far.

And the resolution? So far Apple uses content from the iTunes store, and also on the AppleTV only 720 p resolution. But that is not optimal for a television set with 40 or more inch screen size. So full-HD 1920 x 1080 pixels or more: after all, already the current Apple Cinema display offers 2.560 x 1440 pixel resolution, and even the four-time HD version - is is conceivable for a TV, as they show some TV manufacturers in the prototype stage.

Apple HDTV Interfaces, 3D, and more
With the network, the TV like almost all Apple devices will connect certainly via Wi-Fi n - in addition also a LAN port should exist but in our opinion. But what about the 3D hype topic? A modern TV should contain already 3D technology. Apple would have to decide as between Polarisations-and shutter technology or even a technique for 3D without glasses. Or the subject, but as yet completely ignore - which is certainly easily offer 3D content through the iTunes store had.

Apropos ignore: Apple ousted so far successfully also Blu-ray disc. This type of drive is not to be found in current MacBooks or iMacs - in this respect we surprised that rumors are circulating, the Apple TV could have a built-in Blu-ray disc player. And also the interfaces we are very curious: will there be HDMI jacks to connect for example, another streaming client or a Blu-ray disc player? So far followed all of its modules rather Apple isolationist policies - we hope that here the reason WINS and an Apple HDTV with all classic connectivity will be equipped.

Apple HDTV Bottom line
Three questions remain unanswered in fact: How likely is an Apple HDTV, what chances of success, Apple has it, and what such a device will cost?

We are starting to back: the TV market is hotly contested, the manufacturers supply a real price war. This is of course something that does not fit into the rigid Apple pricing policy without price reductions. An Apple HDTV would certainly priced located in premium - because where are frolicking, for example, Lion TV. Thus no "mass" can be however make - the Apple TV would be more of a collector's item for Apple fans.

Unlike as in Apple iPad before also a brutal competition in the TV market with strong players such as Samsung, Sony and Panasonic. The opportunity is there as a new competitor successfully classified, is so certainly much smaller. While many at the entry of Apple's in the mobile market thought and is demonstrably wrong. This proves the iPhone every day.

So, how likely is the appearance of a television with the Apple logo?

Samsung UE46D8090

Samsung UE46D8090 Nice picture, Powerful sound, Super facilities

Little brother of TV test winner: the Samsung UE46D8090 offers the same facilities as the current number one, but a nine inch smaller picture. This does not detract from the quality, as demonstrated by the UE46D8090 in the test. In the 3D-rendering, Samsung UE46D8090, equipped with shutter technology shows pleasant a few double contours: the measured value of crosstalk was very low 1.5 per cent.
Colors have on a minimal yellow stitch in 3D, which is hardly noticeable and easily regulate itself on the image settings can be. The brightness contrast decreases in the 3D, also - typical for the use of shutter glasses. Both values remain within an acceptable range.

Overall very good picture
The Samsung UE46D8090 offers four TV tuners:Analog and Digital Cable (DVB-C), antennas for digital TV and digital satellite receiver DVB-S (2). The picture of SD channels looks pretty sharp and colorful, though. However, continue to show slight motion blur, the total impact has not yet particularly disturbing. Better to propose to the TV with HD channels in 720p and 1080i: Everything appears nice and sharp and without interference.

Samsung UE46D8090: Prima LED TV with many features.

The picture of DVDs and Blu-ray Disc also convinced with carved representation and natural colors. The coloration of dark scenes the Samsung succeeds very well with many details. However, the Edge-illuminated LED backlighting of the display into dark images (Clouding).

Great Sound, Rich Features
Despite the shallowness of TV, he produced a decent tone, both low and high frequencies well above room volume only start to roar on.

Samsung UE46D8090: Very uneven illumination.

For equipment and operation of the Samsung UE46D8090 corresponds one to one the 55-inch model UE55D8090 - our latest winner. All information can be found in the review of the Samsung UE55D8090 The power consumption of UE46D8090 is appropriate in settings with around 89 watts for the screen size. The built in light sensor helps in saving much without the picture it is too dark: 165 candelas per square meter in just 58.2 watts consumption are great.

Conclusion
The Samsung UE46D8090 provides a good test in 3D image quality image from a few mistakes - the total crosstalk remains comfortably low. Also, the 2D image we liked well overall. HD channels of TV shows beautifully sharp and accurate, as content for DVD and Blu-ray Disc. With the equipment, the Samsung has to offer: In addition to four tuners (analog cable DVB-T/-C (2)) and four HDMI 1.4 ports, he brings a multimedia player, the content of external USB storage media, can play from the network and the Internet. Alternative The Panasonic TX-P50VT30E for around 1,700 euros is a good plasma TV with great picture in 2D and 3D. When equipped Panasonic also makes no half measures - many interfaces, a great media player, a good remote control and four tuners mean second place in the ranking in this category. Only the power consumption in normal operation with 174 watts is significantly higher than the Samsung LED TV.

3D TV technology in the duel: Polarization versus Shutter

Open both eyes when buying 3D

3D TV is not equal to 3D TV, is not the same - namely, the TV manufacturers are putting on two different techniques for spatial imaging: polarization and shutters. We show you the advantages and disadvantages of the two competing technologies and recommend the best 3D-TV.
Home theater in the third dimension - that is really great. However, you should consider before purchasing, to which of the two currently competing 3D techniques set want: polarization or Shutter?

More TV models with polarization
At IFA 2011 brings even more TV manufacturers 3D models using polarization technique on the market - for LG Electronics have now also Philips, Toshiba and Metz television with the passive glasses on sale. The TV market leader Samsung is however still only at shutter technique and also uses in its competitor Panasonic plasma TVs only 3D, this 3D version.

We help you understand, what are the advantages and disadvantages of Shutter and polarization technique and give you to each specific purchase recommendations: Top TV with shutter glasses and great TVs with 3D polarization.

The 3D image loses much brightness in polarization technology and annoying error in the form of double contours (crosstalk, ghosting) can be observed in TVs of this type do not or only very weakly. Only in the horizontal, the 3D image is not stable to vision - when you get up, you see the picture blurry or double. For this, the pole-glasses are relatively light and therefore comfortable to wear. In addition, they are cheap - a copy costs about 10 euros and TV manufacturers put in usually four of them.

Shutter technique

Shutter technique
The 3D shutter television shows, in contrast to the polarization TV always turns the image to the right and left eye and right eye shutter opens to the respective corresponding analog "glass". The biggest advantage of this technique: the dissolution of the film remains intact - he is in full HD with 1920 x represented 1080th

Pol-glasses: passive, easily and cheaply.

Crosstalk: If also through the double contours.
For this image in the form of double contours dive at the shutter technology more often - called also crosstalk, ghosting, or multiple images. These resulting from the fact that the display displays the correct image not fully synchronized with the shutter glasses,, or the previous image does not a moment too long or to glow. This means that, for example, the right eye for a very brief moment will see the picture for the left and vice versa - so appears double contours.

All manufacturers are trying to resolve this problem by always faster panels, LCD TVs on the market, that display 800 pictures per second - so we have also seen a reduction of cross talks for all TV producers over the last two years in our tests today.

Expensive shutter glasses
Relatively high image brightness is lost through the shutter glasses. Range and carrying position of the glasses are also somewhat problematic. So it happens that the glasses off, if you keep your head tilted or when you step out of the transmission range of the 3D channel. In addition, maximum of two shutter glasses are supplied with a 3D-TVs, many manufacturers set at none. Since then about 50 to 100 euros per copy will be extra charged.

Toshiba 42VL863G (42-inch LCD-TV)

Stylish 3D TV for the whole family

Toshiba sets off in 3D with polarizing filter technology. And equal to the first model, the 42VL863G, shows in our test lab, he easily can keep up with the competition.

Four 3D glasses create the polarization of the TV - you can thus start immediately after purchase with the whole family. - so you can get started directly after the purchase with the whole family. In the 3D image, the Toshiba TV showed a slightly yellowish color cast, which make up but in the Farbeinstellungs menu simply for themselves.

The brightness of the 3D image is - typical of polarization - lower than in 2D mode, but remains insufficient. Annoying double outlines (called crosstalk) are very low, but are not completely invisible. Overall, the TV is a good 3D picture - if only the half HD resolution available with reduced resolution, since the filter technology.

Toshiba 42VL863G: Polarization-TV with very good picture.

Also the measured contrast in the sure proves to be very good: the checkerboard contrast ratio is well above the average of around 100:1 132-1. The enclosed filter spectacles are light, comfortable to wear and cause no problems for head tilt or horizontal movements. However, the vertical field of view is very limited - if you get up off the couch, see everything twice.

Great tuner image
Thanks to the Toshiba enhancement Imaging resolution + offers the 42VL863G an excellent SD image: scrolling marquees blur only minimally, halos and motion blur when football can be recognized in approaches only occasionally. The image is overall pretty sharp, edges smooth and convincing the colors. The same applies to the representation of the HD channels: the image is crisp sharp and free of motion blur, material in 720 p as well as in 1.080i.

With DVD movies, the TV shows a very good detail with lots of details also due to its very uniform edge LED backlit. Not so good, we like the very wide overscan, which cuts off much of the image - in the presets "Super Live" and "Widescreen" the image is displayed while in different formats, the truncated area remains but about the same size. This problem does not have the TV on Blu-ray discs, because it can represent the image in original size. The detail is also excellent, the picture sharp and error-free.


Weak sound, cool features
The sound of the Toshiba TV sounds a total clean. If you make it really loud, the housing starts to but soon echo. The screen menu offers many setting possibilities, in particular in relation to the image adjustments - however is to use the menu structure in this area quite nested and only about several subitems.

A built-in camera performs movement and user detection – this means up to four user profiles can be related to channel list, assign each a person, and her face, picture and sound settings.

Network and USB player
The integrated media player can play content from external USB storage media, and from the home network (DLNA certified, LAN Jack). USB of the 42VL863G in the test played from all popular formats, over the network only videos in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. If it is connected to the TV to the Internet, he renders content from the Web: various widgets for news, sports, weather and similar no 'real' free Web browsers are available, but.

No power saver
The television is "only" the EU energy label became also noticeable "B", and that outdated for a current 42-inch TV consumption of over 100 Watts (with factory default settings). December light sensor reduces the current hunger but clearly - when still acceptable brightness of the display.


Conclusion
Toshiba's 42VL863G offers a very good picture quality both in 2D and 3D. Since be accompanied by a four pole-glasses, nothing in the way is a 3D-Heimkinoabend with friends or family. However, the really big sound to the great image comes not from the chic housing. Since you could rework via an external sound solution about a Soundbar. Which costs some extra charge, at a fair price of around 1,000 euros for a 3D TV of this size and quality of many buyers are likely to can survive the potential additional costs but.

Alternative
AThe Philips 42PFL7606K for about 920€ sets in the 3D rendering of polarization technique. It showed in the test a better picture than the Toshiba 3D-TV. But if only 2 pol-glasses are included with. This can see the remaining facilities: many tuner, sufficient connections and great network and Internet functions are among the highlights.

Test: Sharp LC-46LE925E (46-inch LCD-TV)

With four colors in 3D

The Quattron TVs from Sharp use yet a fourth in yellow for better color reproduction in addition to the usual sub pixels in red, green and blue. It's now also available with 3D - so well that the Sharp LC-46LE925E in dimension three sets a new record.

3D content from a 3D-Blu-ray-Disc-Player represents the Sharp in the test almost error-free. Thus he depends loosely the LCD competition of Samsung and Sony. The 3D performance of the four-color TV with good three-dimensional picture of the plasma 3D TVs from Panasonic is similar with the only occasionally occurring, light double contours (ghosting). However, the 3D image in the Sharp lights significantly brighter than when the 3D plasma - here the Quattron equipped with edge LED backlighting has clear front the nose. Also the processing and the wearability of shutter glasses convince on all along the line. A pair of glasses bundles Sharp with the TV, more are optional at an additional cost (about 110 euros). Liked us has also the compelling 2D/3D-Konvertierung, where even manually to change how much the 3D effect should be pronounced.

Great image from all sources

Sharp LC-46LE925E: Best 3D-Wiedergabe and four sub pixels

Not only the three-dimensional image of the Sharp TV is in the test very well. As also what he brings in 2D with a refresh rate of 200 Hz on the screen, and is class. No matter if SD or HD: up to a very light pixel noise in moving scenes of the television shows an excellent TV image of its tuners (analog and digital cable (DVB-C) as well as DVB-T) with great colours and a nice Sharp contours. Also deserves the excellent image of the DVD. Here that makes positive yellow sub-pixels in the overtones are noticeable (see below). Up on the average only detail in dark scenes, the Quattron also of Blu-ray Disc offers a top image with deep black and brilliant colors.

In image quality the technical peculiarity pays off in general the Sharp Quattron series: instead of the usual RGB pixel (red, green, blue) Additionally, the color is yellow. To realize the fourth subpixel, shared the Sharp Ingeneuere the Green subpixel in two parts and colored yellow one half. In practice, the advantages are: the measurable extended color space can be appear clear brilliant colors, without they exaggerated or over-subscribed work. You notice this not only in yellow lots, but also in red and green tones. The TV shows more realistic even skin tones as competitors with three subpixels.

Powerful sound, network player
The Sharp TV provides also the appropriate tone to the top screen. Thanks to a built-in 15-watt subwoofer, the bass is fed up and the TV will be really loud. However begins to echo If you fully turn on the sound the TV cabinet - but this is no different for the competitors.

The side arrangement of interfaces like us, because the jacks are easy to reach when wall mounting. In addition to four HDMI ports and a USB interface find a combined VGA / component signal input, and a network interface. The latter or the also included WLAN stick bring the TV in the network and play there the media files. While he is confined to standard formats such as DivX, MP3 and JPEG, he takes place optionally from USB media.

Fine TV design, Confusing nested Menu

Sharp menus: Nested operation on reflective display.

The design of Sharp TVs reminds us of a too big stricken Apple iOS. The rounded corners and transparent elements looks very chic. The highly reflective front window is less beautiful: candles on the coffee table are thus taboo. At the remote high-quality-looking design not continues. Rather, it is mass products with many buttons and a quite colorful label. The confusing and nested menu of Sharp TVs not convinced us. Especially as cryptic work the names of the functions. In addition it is blinded over the current image - because the setting is no joy.

Conclusion
The Sharp LC-46LE925E Quattron is the new 3D-King-disruptive double contours are similar to low like in the good plasma 3D TVs and in the brightness of the image, the Sharp beats them to lengths. But not only in the three-dimensional image convinced the Sharp, with him, also TV in 2D is consistently fun. This great design, a powerful sound, network functionality and well-placed interfaces occur. Only the remote control and the menu elicit us no cries of jubilation - the latter is due simply to unaufgeräumt and cumbersome. And at a price of 2,400 euros, Sharp would have may include materials quietly also second shutter glasses.

Alternative
If you not reach 46 inch, then Sony's KDL-52LX905 offers for around 3,500 euros with powerful 52 inch diagonal 3D in XXL. Its completed the 3D-playback although compared to many other TVs fairly decent, against the Sharp 3D Quattron lose out but here. But in normal (2d) TV, DVD and Blu-ray Disc content the Sony device in the test like with very good image. And the sound quality and equipped with interfaces and tuners leaves nothing to be desired.

Review: Sony KDL-46EX725 (46-inch LCD-TV)

Much image quality, little current

Despite full screen size of 117 cm, the Sony KDL-46EX725 TV needs only economical 80 watts - the image quality of 3D-Edge-LED-TVs in no way suffering from the current stinginess.
In the TV mode you can also choose here: in the Sony TV receiver for analog cable, as well as DVB-T, - C, and integrated s2. Which shows the TV so we liked both in SD and HD quality very well: there is motion blur in the test not to fault, the image is sharp, detail and colorful.

Movies from DVD, the KDL 46EX725 also shows a good to very good detail, are still very many details in dark scenes. And when material from Blu-ray disc he convinces also with a top picture, the detail is here even more times better than from DVD.

Little image in 3D
The 3D-Bildqualität of the Sony TV is great and is evident absolutely: the measured crosstalk is constant at just over one percent - a pleasant low- and very good value. However a visible flicker was in the test, which occurs particularly in homogeneous areas. The color fidelity of 3D-Bildes is good, the brightness is reduced shutter typical, stands out but adequate.

Something hard, but a total comfortably.

The pretty clunky and hard-looking 3D glasses sit unexpectedly comfortably and safely on the nose. The perspective is somewhat restricted, especially for lateral head tilt, there are hardly any tolerances - in the "to die shoulder des or the sweetheart sit" not it in the 3D-Gucken. As in Sony's TV middle-class are common, also contain no 3D glasses included - you must buy it for around 50 euros each (TDG-BR250).

Powerful sound, picky Media Player
The Sony TV offers extensive setting options - for the sound but also without that you create hand on the sound, the TV reflects a good sound with proper bass. However, the housing for frequencies begins rather quick to echo on. In high frequency areas, the phenomenon occurs much later.

The remote control is the Sony standard with two concentric rings of key and very small pushbuttons, is however quite clearly.

Sony KDL-46EX725: LED TV with great image in 2D and 3D.

The USB interface allows you to record, that the TV must format previously however broadcasts by the DVB channels on external storage media. In addition, the integrated media player plays from also multimedia files from a USB storage. The selection of the media formats supported is however straightforward: it did work in the test, for example, only video-files of the varieties of DivX, XviD, MPEG-2, but no high resolution MKVs.

The same applies to media from your home network (DLNA) connects with the TV set via the LAN port. In addition, the Sony TV offers an open Internet browser that pretty quickly responded, but does not support Flash or Java-videos. Also libraries, YouTube and other video offers in Foprm of apps and widgets can be called in. For all social media fans, even Facebook and Twitter are preinstalled.

Green TV
Back to the already mentioned economical power consumption: emblazoned on the TV a label of the energy efficiency class A, and it creates a very low fuel consumption with 80 watts during normal operation in the test actually. If you switch the light sensor, required the device even just over 50 watt - and that at an always still absolutely sufficient brightness of the display (107 candela per square meter).


Conclusion
The Sony KDL-46EX725 offered a very good image quality in the test. No matter whether in SD or HD via his four tuner, DVD, or Blu-ray disc: the picture is colourful and beautifully sharp. And also the so is good – we found disturbing double contours (ghosting) very little. And nice sparingly with the power of LED TV is about even.

Alternative
The Sharp Quattron LC-46LE925E for approximately 1,450 euros is also a great 3D TV - double contours fall out similarly low as with Sony and flickering there not to criticism here. But not only in the three-dimensional image convinced the sharp, with him, also TV in 2D is consistently fun. This great design, a powerful sound, network functionality and well-placed interfaces occur.

Samsung UE40D7090, Sharp LED TV with full equipment

Number one in the Hall of Fame for the Samsung UE40D7090

Samsung UE40D7090, Sharp LED TV with full equipment

The Samsung UE40D7090 LED TV secures the leading position in the 40-inch TVs - test deserves not only because its top facilities, but especially thanks to its excellent image quality in 2D and 3D.

Samsung uses the new D-series TV Bluetooth for the connection of 3D-TV and shutter glasses. This technical innovation pays off: when the UE40D7090 ghosting/crosstalk occurs when 3D content in the test is very rarely. And if, then, only very slight double contours show. In our measurements the variation was only 3 percent of cold and a percent according to a running time of over an hour - great values that reach almost plasma 3D level. Supplied with the TV shutter glasses is one in which quite comfortable sitting on the nose.

Great 2D image
The overwhelmingly positive view 3D impression continues seamlessly with the 2D content. The image of the four installed tuners (analog cable, DVB-T/-C (2)) makes a very good impression. Motion blur, it is hardly complain now and again is very slight halos show particularly brisk in pans. The image presents itself also nice and sharp and colorful. The three dominate DVB tuner and HD channels - here, we like the picture quality, without limitation, very good.

The coloration of dark sequences in material from the external player succeeds UE40D7090 also excellent: It can be seen a lot of detail, color stains, however, looking in vain. Even otherwise the LED TV features with content from DVD or Blu-ray Disc no attack: The picture looks very sharp and stands out with great colors and clean presentation of movement.

Good contrast, some quiet

Relatively uniform display illumination: when bright images.

The measurements of the static image measurements are equally impressive. The chessboard with 221:1 contrast is made ​​extremely well. The illumination of the display is for an Edge LED device in order, especially bright images look very smooth. Good: For dark images enters the Edge LED usual "Clouding" only in small sizes. For this you can safely use the TV as a makeup mirror: The front display is reflected very strongly, so you should avoid light sources on the coffee table or behind the sofa.

The Samsung UE40D7090 features five sound presets. In addition, you can make in the menu individually various audio settings. However, the TV is a total of not particularly loud, and at almost maximum volume the sound starts to roar too.

Everything inside, everything
When the LED TVs in the D7090 series, the manufacturer is not stingy, but stock response: Four-time HDMI, LAN, WLAN, CI + USB 2.0 and three times are available. The Scart sockets (two pieces), Component and Composite connectors are connected via an adapter - that supports the flat construction.

The "OK" button on the remote control serves as a mini-touchpad, which allows you to control the mouse pointer in the browser. Actually a clever idea, but implementation convinced us not: In the test, the operation was often wrong.

The built-in network media players and USB support besides the usual formats, high definition video in MKV container with DTS sound (only via USB). You can use USB media with NTFS file system and look at all the movies in this format memory-eating on television. Next, the Samsung UE40D7090 waiting on a full-featured Internet browser with Flash support. Rounding out the comprehensive Ausstatttung through various internet apps such as YouTube, news, etc., can be reloaded from an App Store.

Conclusion
Samsung's UE40D7090 is a decent number of one of our TV Hall of Fame: he shows a great image in 2D and 3D and features a comprehensive equipment with many tuners and sufficient interfaces. The equipment dance is crowned by a very good built-in Media Player Network and USB. About 1,400 euros for the leader are however pretty happig.

Alternative
The LG Electronics 42LW650S for approximately 1,250 euro creates the 3D image using polarization - and that is evident quite. The pole used glasses have several advantages over the shutter counterparts: your weight increases wearing comfort, they are relatively inexpensive to purchase and they swallow not as much light as the shutter glasses. For the vertical resolution in the 3D image to half that reduce when the polarization. That was annoying on in the test but only with some 3D-Blu-ray-Disc. The 2D image of the LG TV was in the test very well.

Review: Panasonic TX-P50VT30E (50-inch plasma TV)

Power Plasma TV with great image

The TX-P50VT30E 50-inch TV, Panasonic offers huge 127 cm screen size. The XXL TV test convinced not only with the sheer size: class is also the image quality in 2D and 3D.

The plasma TV has an integrated 3D transmitter, two active and very comfortable shutter glasses are included. The 3D image of the TV proved to be correct in the test well: In 3D mode decreases while plasma typically clear the brightness of the panel, but it remains light enough for a good looking picture. Also the measured contrast values ​​convince through the glasses. The typical double contours in 3D rendering (crosstalk) are two to three percent, while overall very low for a plasma TV but still relatively high. Some of us already tested LCD TVs, such as the Samsung UE55D7090, which can become even better.

Panasonic TX-P50VT30E: Strong plasma TV for 2D and 3D.

TV good, even better HD
The TV picture of the four tuners (analog cable, DVB-C/-T/-S (2)) convinced alll in all. Tickers for SD channels are pretty sharp, jagged edges but every now and again easily. There is no motion blur, especially the picture preset "cinema" is particularly good. For HD channels (DVB-C and DVB-S (2)), the picture presents a total clean very well, super sharp and in motion. The only shortcoming a slight noise in monochrome, homogeneous surfaces now and then. The coloration darker image sequences from DVD and Blu-ray disc is above average, the TV shows a lot of detail here. However, strongly affects the reflective panel this good result a little. Color transitions seemed pretty clean in all test sequences, the total colors very natural.

Good values, rich sound
Also the static measurements confirm the good image quality. Plasma typically, the display shows very evenly lit, it offers a large color space and no restrictions on the point of view. The checkerboard contrast of 186: 1 is the average response time of the Panel with 2 millisecond good tip. The TV delivers a nice strong sound with deep bass and begins to echo to only close to the maximum volume.

Elegant Line: The VT30 is a nice plasma flat.

High-quality remote control
The supplied remote control has got great processed, this but also quite nice hard. Handy for use in the dark home theater: the main buttons of a total open-designed command generator let light be.
At the port, Panasonic relies completely on Earth: four HDMI jacks and various, usable by cable whips AV inputs (SCART, component, etc.) can be found in addition to an Ethernet interface on the back of the extremely flat TV stuck standing on its base. A Wi-Fi dongle is included it is too thick external dock included, for the "normal" three USB Sockets. About this, you can upload but, for example, the shutter glasses or connect external storage media.

Great media player
Speaking of external storage media: from the digital tuners delivered shipments of TV on external storage picks up and supports the programming via electronic program guide. The integrated media player plays from all popular formats including MKVs with DTS sound from external storage devices - also of NTFS-formatted disks. Multimedia files over the network can also play by DLNA, here the TV supports but not so many formats such as USB and SD(HC)-cardreader.

Come with Viera connect also the usual widgets from the Internet to the TV: various libraries, Facebook, Twitter, Skype and more. There is not a free browser for surfing on the Internet.

No power saver
The Gretchen question: Need the plasma TVs still so much power? Yes - the producers substantially reduced the consumption of their plasma devices in the past two years. But with an average 174 Watts, the Panasonic is still no power saver. A light sensor and various ECO modes exist although, hard to find but on the menu the latter.

Conclusion
The Panasonic TX-P50VT30E is a good plasma TV with great picture in 2D and 3D. When equipped Panasonic also makes no half measures - many interfaces, a great media player, a good remote control and four tuners mean second place in the ranking in this category. Only some of the high power consumption and the price of almost 2000 € dim the joy of this excellent little devices.

Alternative
The LG 55LX9500 at a price of around € 1600 offers five inches or 12.7 inches more screen size. Also, this TV dominates the 3D rendering, but with significantly more crosstalk. In 2D content but there's nothing to complain about - the picture is overall very good and the sound quality of full-LED-TV can be heard with deep bass well.

Display technology	Plasma
Diagonal	50 Inch
Resolution	Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
TV quality	well
DVD-quality	Very good
Blu-ray quality	Very good
Maximum brightness	n/a.
Contrast	Measurement with plasma screen TV not possible
Checkerboard contrast	186:1
Average response time grey-grey	2 ms
Horizontal viewing angle (50: 1)	> 179°
Vertical viewing angle (50: 1)	> 179°
Performance recording normal operation	174 Watts
Performance recording standby	< 0,1 Watt
Power saving mode	Yes
Real power switch	Yes
Remote control layout	well
Remote source selection	indicates list
Remote control DVD / video player	Yes
Ports easily accessible	Yes
Swivel stand	Yes
Tilt foot	-
Height adjustable	-
Tuner analog TV	Yes
Digital Cable Tuner	Yes
Tuner digital satellite	Yes
Tuner, digital antenna	Yes
Picture in the picture	TV and connected external sources
Input HDMI	4 Sockets
DVI-D input	-
DVI-I input	-
HDCP capable DVI input	-
Input SCART (total)	1 Socket
Input SCART composite	1 Socket
Input SCART, S-video	1 Socket
SCART RGB input	1 Socket
Composite (CVBS) input	1 Socket
Input S-video	-
Input components signal	1 Socket
VGA input	1 Socket
Input audio analogue	1 Socket
Input digital audio	-
LAN	1 Port
USB	3 Jacks
SCART output	1 Socket
Output headphone	1 Socket
Output analog audio	1 Socket
Output audio digital	1 Socket
Speakers	2 x 11 Watt (sinus), no subwoofer
Mass	120 x 77 x 34
Weight	35.0 kg
Memory card reader	-
Common interface	CI + interface

TVs up to 55 inches: XXL-viewing experience from 600€

Only TVs with screen diagonals of 47 inches beyond the living room to make final end home theater

And that's a lot cheaper than you might think: is it Really good big-screen TVs from 600€.

Winner: Samsung UE55D8090

No bargain, but a real hammer technique: with the new Samsung UE55D8090 shows what is currently possible. Here you can find great technology coupled with sleek design. Thanks to 800Hz and connected via Bluetooth, the shutter glasses 3D display is the best we have ever seen in an LCD TV in the laboratory. Of crosstalk, which causes the so-called "ghost images", virtually no trace. And the 2-D image of the four tuners and all playback devices installed in the test proved to be of high quality: It's very colorful, sharp and contrasty. The only slight weakness is that, licking around the display as part mounted LED-backlit display designed to work with something black in the corners and seems so into it .. A very good sound and great features really complete this overall successful high-end TVs.
Price: 2,900 €

3D Bargain: LG Electronics 47LD950

The LG Electronics 47LD950 is currently the only 3D TV in this country, rather than provide the active shutter with passive polarized glasses filter for the spatial 3D display - like in the movies. With a price of around 840€ you get LG's 47-inch TV while actually quite cheap. In 3D mode showed only a very low crosstalk (crosstalk). It also looks in direct comparison to shutter Techniko more pleasant perspective, however, this good impression if the display must show rapid movements. Then briefly presented objects appear twice - the strained their eyes to the long term. The 2D image, there is hardly anything to complain about: the image of the tuner in the test proved to be very good. The same goes for the picture quality of DVD and Blu-ray Disc movies: The TV delivers beautifully crisp images with rich colors and a great coloration.
Price: about 840 €

On sale: LG Electronics 50PK350

It is not cheap - 600€ for 50-inch diagonal screen. The image quality of Full HD equipment we liked in the test overall very good, just the normal SD picture of the tuners (analog and digital cable and DVB-T) got the note two televisions. The equipment comes from the favorable giant telly rather spartan - that donated the LG device, for example, just two HDMI sockets. And even with the audio quality you should not expect too much. Especially if you want the big picture and huge sound, you'd better put on an external sound solution such as a sound bar. In addition, the giant plasma presented not just as a power-saving miracle: an extra 186 watts, he treated himself to the test in normal operation.
Price: 600 €

TVs up to 42 inches Perfect size and 3D from 450€

A 40-inch TV for 450 € is no good? Total nonsense!

The Toshiba 40XV733 proves exactly the opposite of that price. And who puts on it 300 € more, gets even the current winner and 3D to the home theater.

Winner: Samsung LE40C750

Even for 750€ you get a great 3-D TV 40-inch diagonal screen - the winner of 40/42-inch-TVs. The Samsung LE40C750 points in 3D mode on some slight ghosting, the bottom line is we can, given the low price but do not complain about the 3D performance. In addition, our 2D-3D conversion of the Samsung won the test with good pictures - and some even offer include 3D ​​shutter glasses included. The 2D image of the integrated tuner or DVD and Blu-ray disc is also excellent. This ensures, among other things, the TV 200Hz technology for nice smooth movement without jerks or artefacts. Even the powerful sound and rich bass of the classic LCD TVs with CCFL backlight convince.
Price: about 740 €

On sale: Toshiba 40XV733

The TV picture with a price of around € 450 extremely affordable 40-inch device in the test proved to be excellent - regardless of which of the three built-in tuner (DVB-T, analog and digital cable DVB-C). Toshiba's image enhancement technology, "Resolution +" makes the 40XV733 especially in normal SD program for a visible improvement: the edges appear smooth, the image is sharp and colorful. The integrated digital cable tuner (DVB-C) also dominated TV shows in HD resolution. DVDs of movies tend to medium dark areas but every now and then a slight pixel noise, but this is the coloration darker scenes very well. For movies on Blu-ray discs, the picture quality is impeccable. Only the sound of the Toshiba LCDs is overall a bit thin - because the money saved, you should probably buy a proper sound bar.
Price: 450€

3D-Plasma Deals: Panasonic TX-P42GT20E

The TX-P42GT20E for around 790 € in the test convinced us with an almost flawless and very beautiful three-dimensional reproduction. As with other more expensive Panasonic plasma TVs with 3D shutter technique, there is nothing to see of crosstalk and double lines. Well we also like the 2D-3D conversion of the TX-P42GT20E, she is pleasantly restrained, and produced a total of considerable 3D effects. Also shows what the television in 2D, there is no cause for complaint: The image quality of the four tuners and external sources is excellent. Small deficiency of the whole great offer: Included with the Panasonic TV's are not 3D shutter glasses - that you need to buy for around 100€ per piece.
Price: around 790 €

Toshiba Announces its 3D TV without glasses!

Toshiba announced the launch of the first screens of 3D without glasses

Last December, Toshiba announced the launch of the first screens of 3D TV without glasses in 12ʼʼ (30. 5 cm) and 20ʼʼ (51 cm) at the Japan. Today, the manufacturer has to announce the release in Europe before March 2012 3D TV without glasses in addition to 40″ in size!

Two prototypes of 3D TV are presented to the these and have size 56ʼʼ decran (142 cm) and 65ʼʼ (165 cm), with a slab to LEDs backlight and resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels (screen 4k2k).

Of course, no price announced.