OLED TV, it’s the future. Well that is what we’ve been told for the last 5 years, at least. However, it seems to have taken longer than anticipated for the technology to mature and develop and yet, even now, large screen sizes are still technically difficult to manufacture, with an acceptable lifespan and failure rate. Smaller screen sizes are now a commercial reality with Sony having released a model two years ago and now LG is coming to the fore and launching this 15 inch version at an eye watering £1,900 (approx).

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It feels like it was a few years ago now when I was last excited to this degree with a TV display. The market and the large numbers of TVs we get for review here tend to leave you a little jaded when there is not a lot to separate products these days. The last big thing that got me so enthusiastic was the Pioneer panels and they haven’t been available for quite some time now. This little OLED TV offers a real step forward in terms of picture quality and comes as standard with a slim design. It is frustrating that we have been waiting for OLED for about the last 5 years, or so, with baited breath. This panel shows us what is possible but will we ever get to see it in large screen sizes and will it still offer this kind of performance when added to such large screen sizes? We certainly hope that is the case.

In terms of usability, this panel will be relegated to a kitchen or bedroom monitor for the more affluent of readers. For everyone else, it is a technology preview that proves the concept of OLED technology and just makes us wish that manufacturers would get the finger out and get the large screen sizes into production now!

Philips has had a habit of doing things their own way and releasing TVs with features not seen from any other manufacturer. Just look at their 21:9 LCD TV, for example. But doing things your own way can sometimes fly in the face of how things should be done. So with that in mind we take a look at a new 7000 series TV from the company, the PFL7605.

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It’s clear that Philips want to do things their own way when it comes to HDTVs and that shows with the features included here and the results from them. There seems to be technology for technologies’ sake with this TV yet none of that goes towards producing an accurate image for content reproduction. The Philips really will appeal to those who want to go their own way and have a picture that is personal preference ahead of accuracy.

Most of the technology also seems to exist to help the marketing department. This is frustrating to see as HD finally gives users the chance to see their content as it should be seen. Added to this is the lacklustre image quality in the best out of the box settings and a lack of absolute contrast. This affects the black levels and shadow detailing that should be present, plus, the uneven screen uniformity that is easily seen even in bright viewing conditions. With our retail model there were also issues with light pooling from the edge LED backlight.

The PFL7605 offers a slim design and average image quality. It is a rather uninspiring display that doesn’t offer the AV enthusiast or mass market anything they can’t get elsewhere done better for about the same money. Disappointing.

Having looked at the very impressive budget CCFL based EX403 a few weeks ago we turn our attention to the EDGE LED KDL-40EX703 model.

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As with any consumer TV there are major plus points mixed with some negatives. The out of the box image quality is good with accurate enough colours and greyscale performance. There is a slight blue cast to the image but nothing that will stand out for most viewers and consumers. The design is also slick and the added internet features are actual worth spending some time with.

However we balance this with the issues of uneven screen uniformity that does show up even with very bright images. There is a striping effect to the backlight which shows up as slight banding. Plus the off-axis viewing angles are not the widest and image quality does fall off quite quickly as you move to the sides. As always we would recommend you demo this set to see if the issues are important to you and your viewing habits and environment.

Overall the Sony EX703 offers good image accuracy with strong black levels and good dynamic range when set up correctly and viewed direct. The design is also appealing with a slim body and good looks that won’t feel out of place in most living rooms. Plus the addition of a Freeview HD tuner and some genuinely interesting internet video applications make the Sony an appealing proposition and is good enough to bag our recommended badge. However, make sure to note the slight issues mentioned and demo the TV before purchase if it interests you.

Everybody wants everything these days. Each year the consumer electronics industry feeds us with new reasons to render our latest pride and joy obsolete, which gives us ever-lengthening lists of features that (we think) we need. The problem is that expectations are so high we get upset when we don’t get it. Receivers seem to be bearing the brunt of this, as they, not the TV, are at the centre of our AV systems these days, and this is where the burden of expectation tends to lie.

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I came away with the impression that Onkyo had a big tool-box to draw on when developing AV receivers. They decide what the want for each point in the market, then work within a budget to get the best mix of performance and functionality. With too many features to even list in a review, this must be a difficult juggling act. Receivers are the ultimate jack-of-all-trades these days, but it seems the SR608 isn’t actually trying to be all things to all men. It focuses on being an HD AV receiver, rather than being a stereo amp or a media player or video processor or whatever. It doesn’t try to be good at everything, but gets its act together with what it needs to do – playing movie soundtracks well. It’s also relatively easy to set-up and convenient to use day to day. If you have £450 to spend on a movie-centric AVR that won’t become obsolete in a year’s time, you’re unlikely to regret spending it on the TX-SR608

With all the ‘Quattron’ advertising in the press and online, and with Sulu on the TV, you could be forgiven for thinking that Sharp were repositioning themselves as a high-end, high price, brand. But as you can see from the model we have here for review, the Aquos range of TVs for 2010 also includes the more usual budget fair from Sharp. Gone are the high quality finish, yellow subpixel and enormous price tag and instead we have a TV that will be sold exclusively through Dixons and Currys branches.

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It truly is the first time in a long while that I have been utterly exasperated at the resulting image quality of an HDTV. Every model we have looked at so far in 2010 has had at least very basic calibration controls and one preset where an attempt at an accurate colour gamut has been made. After all, if you want to watch content as it should be seen that is the main aim of any TV. Just not this Sharp; which has a poorly performing panel in terms of colour gamut and no adjustment control available at all. And it is the skewed gamma that kills the image dynamics. Very poor. It may be cheap but it is also one to avoid if you value image quality that is accurate and natural.

Phil Hinton tests the flagship 3D LED LCD from LG and is pleasantly surprised at the results…

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The LX9900 is an impressive display for a number of reasons. It is a beautiful object to look at with its slim design and super thin bezel, plus it has neat features like the magic motion remote and full calibration controls. It uses the latest LED technology that doesn’t impact on image quality in any great way, and it can produce some pretty solid, accurate looking images. It is also the first 3DTV to be released by LG for consumers and offers a very good 3D experience with a range of content that only occasionally suffers from artefacts like crosstalk.

However, as with every TV on the market, there are issues to be aware of. The glass screen can be extremely reflective in a bright room, there are issues with backlight banding on some uniform images, and off-axis viewing can produce halo effects that are visible from about 30 degrees or more to the screen. These issues may not be a big deal for the vast majority of users but if you consider yourself a videophile, who has to have a screen for absolute accurate viewing, you may be better looking elsewhere for absolute image quality.

The other issue to think about is the value of the 3D playback of this TV. If you are just not interested in 3D, but want the same slim design and image quality, you are probably better looking at the LE8900. This is basically the same TV but without the 3D technology, although the LE8900 does also have the more accurate THX picture preset out of the box, which the LX9900 doesn’t offer. As they say the choice is yours.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of 2D image on offer from the LX9900 and its good 3D playback skills. It’s not perfect, and it does cost a lot, but if you want good accurate images, a nice slim design and 3D to boot, we recommend you go and demo the LX9900.

Over the last few years I have been impressed by LG’s attempts to both produce more accurate displays and include comprehensive calibration controls. Obviously LG has had no choice but to jump on the same band wagons as the other manufacturers and this has seen them introduce 200Hz processing, LED backlighting, ultra slim designs, localised dimming and internet functionality. However LG has also tried to keep the image as accurate as possible and this has led to them introducing ISFccc controls, 10 point greyscale calibration and colour management systems. The 47LE8900 represents the best of LG’s 2D design and as well as all the previously mentioned features, it also includes an IPS panel, a Freeview HD tuner and THX certification, so let’s see how this impressively specified display handles our rigorous review process.

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The LG 47LE8900 is an attractive and well designed display that not only has one of the best out of the box performances I have ever measured but is also capable of a reference quality image after calibration. LG are to be congratulated for concentrating on image accuracy instead of unnecessary marketing gimmicks, it’s a shame that more manufacturers don’t take this approach. LG should also be applauded for including both a THX preset and full ISFccc controls for those that want a professional calibration. The 47LE8900 is also remarkable for managing to include a full array of 240 locally dimming LED backlights into a chassis less than 4cm deep, resulting in excellent blacks and a very uniform backlight. In addition the off axis performance is excellent thanks to the use of an IPS panel and the menu system is also very well designed.

In fact there really isn’t much wrong with the 47LE8900 and my only real complaints relate to issues such as slight banding on some material, the failure to detect 2:2 cadence correctly, the slightly inferior video deinterlacing, limited internet capabilities, slightly high input lag for gaming and the positioning of the rear inputs.

In conclusion the 47LE8900 is an excellent display that combines attractive looks with one of the best images I have seen from a LCD TV and it is definitely worth a demo if it’s in your price range.

London, United Kingdom. June, 2010 - LG Electronics (LG) announces its HB45E Home Cinema System. Versatile and uniquely stylish, the 400 watt complete 2.1-channel Blu-ray home cinema brings additional content into the living room via DLNA and LG Netcast.

The HB45E provides access to content such as YouTube, weather forecasts and picasa for online photos using LG Netcast. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) allows the HB45E to connect to a home music library stored on other compatible storage devices or computer. The home cinema system even includes an Idock to connect an iPod or iPhone for convenient access to your portable music collection and the ability to charge your device at the same time.

The main unit is adaptable, so that it can lie horizontally or stand upright allowing it to fit in perfectly with any setup in your home. The two stylish main speakers have glossy black stands with a silver band running horizontally across the middle of both front speakers and the subwoofer.

“The HB45E is all about versatility in sound, configuration and content.” said Stephen Gater, Head of Marketing, Home Entertainment, LG UK. “People want easy access to an ever growing range of content – bringing films, photographs, online videos and so much more directly into the living room. Stylish design and easy connection between devices in the home, is at the heart of this product, with DLNA, LG Netcast and an iPod dock.”

In addition to its Blu-ray capabilities, the LG HB45E also includes the latest audio processing technology. Part of this is the different sound settings that are available, so that you can enhance the sound being played   For example, night mode reduces the bass when playing movies, so that you do not disturb the neighbours or sleeping children and game mode produces dramatic sound to boost your gaming experience

The versatile LG HB45E is a 400 watt home cinema system with endless possibilities. It is available now.

Specifications:

• 400W Power Output
• Compact Design

o   Dual positioning main unit (vertical/horizontal) with automatic display change

o   Two twistable speakers

• Different sound settings
• BD-Live
• Blu-ray disc playback in 1080p Full HD
• DLNA
• NetCast – YouTube, Accuweather and Picasa
• TV Sound ez Setup (Optical In)
• iPod / iPhone dock for playing and charging
• DivX HD / MKV Playback
• External HDD Playback (FAT32, NTFS)

Yamaha has announced details of two new home cinema receivers with 3D video and a new Yamaha 3D Cinema mode.

Perfection in 3D-entertainment – Yamaha presents the new AV Receivers RX-V667 and RX-V767 with Yamaha Cinema DSP 3D mode & 3D enabled Video.

With the new AV Receivers RX-V667 and RX-V767 Yamaha ensures the perfect home theatre experience – in 3D! The duo comes in a completely new, living room-friendly design and includes a proprietary video processor with exceptional deinterlacing. The completely revamped Cinema DSP section with genuine 3D-sound and virtual presence channels delivers unprecedented home cinema performance.

The new graphical user interface (GUI) – combined with automatic room acoustics optimisation via Yamaha’s YPAO – revolutionises receiver installation: never before have initial setup and operation been so easy. Thanks to the optional wireless Bluetooth and iPod modules, both Receivers integrate seamlessly into today’s digital entertainment world. Music is transmitted wirelessly from a PC/Mac or iPod, whilst the further improved Compressed Music Enhancer with DSP connection ensures the perfect sound setting.

Yamaha RX-V667

The RX-V667 and RX-V767 introduces a cutting-edge class of receivers for a new era of home cinema entertainment in the third dimension. With 3D enabled video & CinemaDSP 3D Sound, this all-inspiring duo demonstrates the power of a next-generation of the cinema experience – including the sound. The underlying principle is extensive support of HDMI 1.4. Apart from impeccable cinema sound, Yamaha also puts greatest emphasis on excellent stereo sound reproduction. This is achieved through fully discreet amplifier construction with a specially designed hybrid AC adapter & highest-quality components.

Audio & video – in High Definition

Throughout the history of its AV Receivers, Yamaha has developed numerous award-winning technologies for the enhancement of audio and video material. With the RX-V667 and RX-V767, both aspects undergo significant improvements: by utilising a high-grade upscaler with integrated image sharpness control, which also allows digital upscaling (HDMI to HDMI); Yamaha engineers have significantly increased the image quality of upscaled video. Furthermore, the AV Receivers’ completely redesigned video processor brings internal video processing to a new level. Even at a price range of under £500, Yamaha is now offering deinterlacing that recalculates image data on a per-pixel basis whilst adaptively eliminating movement and edge artefacts. Analogue isn’t the only media source to tremendously benefit from these improvements: DVD material fed via HDMI also achieves new levels of visual quality.

Yamaha RX-V767

In order to connect too virtually all home cinema devices, both the RX-V667 and the RX-V767 include six HDMI inputs, one of which comes as a front panel terminal. Whereas the RX-V667 has one HDMI output, the RX-V767 offers two, which can be used in parallel.

Unique Yamaha sound technologies

Yamaha’s award-winning Hi-fi and Cinema DSP section delivers gripping 3D surround sound. Some 17 sound field programmes guarantee that concerts and 3D blockbusters alike become extraordinary experiences: even uncompressed (HD) sound formats such as Dolby Digital True HD and dts HD Master Audio are refined. For the first time ever, Cinema DSP provides the Virtual Presence Speaker function in the RX-V667 and RX-V767, which delivers a precise surround rendering of sound effects. It even works without the separate connection of two additional presence speakers, which were required until now. A thrilling surround sound movie experience is guaranteed – even in the late hours – with conventional stereo headphones. By utilising a sophisticated algorithm, Silent Cinema technology creates an individual multichannel world in unforeseen quality. With Adaptive Dynamic Range Control (Adaptive DRC), Yamaha has developed a revolutionary technology that delivers smooth dynamics without big gaps in volume. Adaptive DRC is especially effective for low-volume listening and for movies with particularly dynamic sound, as it ensures dialogue is easily comprehensible without cancelling out the effect of an explosion, for instance – all independent of any user intervention. Even loud, compressed TV commercials are cleverly restrained.

The Yamaha receivers’ Compressed Music Enhancer (CME) is the perfect technology for playing data-reduced audio formats from computers or MP3 players. As this is increasingly important in the digital audio world, Yamaha has revised the algorithm behind the Compressed Music Enhancer. The result is an even more brilliant surround sound very close to audio-CD quality, the possibility to combine the CME directly with DSP programmes and an automatic intensity control.

Easy installation – intuitive operation

Yamaha has devoted special attention to easy initial setup and intuitive operation. The sound setup is particularly simple thanks to the YPAO Sound Optimisation system with its highly responsive measurement microphone. It ensures perfect harmonisation of the receiver electronics and speakers for the room. After installing and wiring the components, setup is a breeze to start and is fully automatic. The RX-V767 even allows measurement at multiple locations. For operation, Yamaha relies on a top-quality graphical user interface (GUI), which uses distinctive icons and logical combinations to make navigation intuitive. The stylish menu interface is presented on the connected TV screen and offers users a choice of six languages. If an Apple iPod is connected via the optional YDS-12 dock, the TV can be used to navigate through the music stored on the device, including album art.

Yamaha RX-V767 Rear Panel

Furthermore, music can be transmitted to the receivers from a PC or Mac using the optional Yamaha Bluetooth Wireless Audio Receiver YBA-10. Next to the cable-connected iPod dock, Yamaha also offers a wireless solution to stream music from the Apple player: the AirWired link transmits sound in the uncompressed PCM format, the same used on music CDs. The optional YID-W10 Wireless Dock is suited for all iPhone models. With all these options and more, the Yamaha AV Receivers RX-V667 and RX-V767 seamlessly integrate into your digital world.

Superior technology – highest-quality components

With regard to the sound set-up of the RX-V667 and RX-V767, Yamaha consciously chose a Hi-fi approach. High-resolution DACs in all channels and the advantages of the fully discreet construction guarantee unmatched audio enjoyment with an unprecedented richness of detail, regardless of playback with or without video, in stereo or surround. The audiophile strength is also a result of the components, which have been carefully and exclusively selected for their acoustic qualities. Even the micro-fuse was chosen according to strict guidelines. Both receivers are real powerhouses when it comes to performance: the RX-V667 offers 7x 90 watts RMS (7x 140 watts max.) the RX-V767 delivers 7x 95 watts RMS (7x 145 watts max.) both are fully capable of driving large sets of speakers.

Since its foundation, Yamaha has relied on sustainable production. High-quality chassis materials mean these devices are even a joy to touch. Yamaha engineers are especially proud of the clever construction of the power adaptor, which not only supports excellent sound but also enables extremely low power consumption in stand-by mode – despite HDMI/CEC stand by-through, it is just 2.7W.

At the inaugural National Hi-fi Show, in 2009, there were some impressive demonstrations, in what was a stereo hi-fi dominated show. It wasn’t without its AV highlights with several traditional hi-fi, plus some more naturally AV focused manufacturers, demoing full multi-channel systems to varying degrees of success. As I wrote on the AV Enthusiast Blog, the top performing room of that list, by more than a small margin, was the Anthem/Paradigm/Sim2 room.

Read the full review by clicking here!

Reference Status. There, I said it. You can’t mark it down for being hard to move because so is my wife and I still keep her about. Like the wife, in just about every other respect, it’s just so damn easy to live with. Whereas other subs may have you fiddling about with separate movie and music settings to bypass their deficiencies, you just plug the Sub 1 in, tune it once, put the microphones away and sit grinning like a nun who’s found the soap; for hours on end. I never thought that movies needed a bit more bass or that music sounds a little bloated – It just did accurate bass, as loud or low as you could want, and then stopped exactly when it wasn’t being asked to anymore. It never drew attention to itself in an unpleasant way; it turns itself on and off without missing the beginning of an effect; and looks gorgeous in any front room. If only it was a bit bigger and more powerful, so as to go a bit deeper, then it would achieve as close to bass perfection as I can imagine. Oh dear! Paradigm may have; with 10” drivers and 3400/7000w of power and called it Sub 2. I think I may actually be scared…

With so much fuss made about the launch of Apple’s latest gadget, Andrew Mogford sat back for a week with his own iPad to give us his in-depth thoughts; so what was the outcome?

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Despite these flaws the iPad is an absolutely gorgeous device that has attracted envious glances from everyone I have shown it to. The problem for Apple when positioning it in the market is that it is very much designed to be the second device in peoples’ homes. It will not replace the laptop or PC – it is quite simply incapable of doing so. What it will do very nicely though is bring web browsing, simple document creation and editing, and media consumption to the sofa and the bedroom. If you are the kind of person who will entertain the possibility of reading your daily paper on the device, will surf on the way to work, is prepared to transfer your reading habits into the digital world, and struggles to get time on the PC in your home then this is the device for you. But realistically, in a time of recession, I do not feel that the iPad is yet ready to reach out into the mass market. Unlike the iPhone which revolutionised a market and was always likely to attract a wide user base, the iPad is likely to remain a niche market for the next year at least. A gorgeous, exciting, sexy, well designed niche for sure. Whether it will ever break out of this market will depend on either adding extra functionality or dropping significantly in price.

Apple have astounded the early adopters – the question is where do they go from here? I look forward to finding out.