Monday 29 July 2013

Samsung UE32F6400 3D Smart TV Review

Type: 32-inch 3D Full HD TV with web connected Smart TV features

Price as reviewed: Around £600


We've seen the flagship 55-inch F8000 3D TV whopper from Samsung, and now we venture into more affordable territory with the 32-inch F6400. With many of the same connected Smart TV features of its big brother, can it impress in the same way? Read our full review to find out!

Design:
While not quite as dazzling as the flagship F8000 models with their slimline bezels and low-clearance stands, the F6400 Samsung TVs still look very attractive.

At 49.5mm thick, it's a fairly plump set by today's super-slim standards, but not so much to make wall mounting unsightly or impractical. With the stand attached, that depth jumps to 264.8mm, but again that's not a depth that even a smaller TV cabinet couldn't handle. A black glossy bezel of a uniform size just over a centimetre sits around the screen, with the edges finished with a clear perspex for a reserved, stylish finish.

For the F6400, Samsung have reverted back to their four-pronged chrome stand, what we at Tech Digest affectionately call the alien foot. It still looks great, and it's more stable than the curved arc stand that ships with the flagship models even with it's ability to swivel a little, though admittedly is a bit more "in your face" than the mostly hidden arc stand.

Though 3 HDMI ports, 3USB ports and the antenna are mounted on the right hand side of the rear of the screen, composite, LAN and a fourth HDMI port, along with power supple, go directly into the back of the screen, which may cause a few cable tidying headaches if using all ports when wall mounting.

Connections:

It's good to see 4 HDMI inputs on a smaller set at an affordable price, alongside an array of USB ports. Freeview HD only here though, which may rile those hoping to get a Freesat HD tuner too.

Component In (Y / Pb / Pr) x 1
Composite In (AV) x 1 (Common Use for Component Y)
Digital Audio Out (Optical) x 1
Ethernet (LAN) x 1
HDMI x 4
RF In (Terrestrial / Cable Input) X 1
USB x 3
Headphone x 1
Scart x 1
CI Slot x 1
IR Out x 1
Built-in Wi-Fi
2D Picture Quality:

The UE32F6400 has a standard 1080x1920 Full HD 1080p resolution, and performs above and beyond the picture quality we'd expect from a TV this price.

Out of the box the UE32F6400's Movie picture mode doesn't look half bad, and while it's still not at an enthusiast's level of picture perfection, ample image tweaking options (including white balance and green and red tint controls), will let you calibrate it just how you like it.

As with the F8000, Samsung's improved the backlight consistency for the F6400, and it makes a marked difference to the overall picture quality. With deep blacks and rich, detailed and accurate (once tweaked) colours, there's no problem with light leakage or image clouding with the latest models, with the blacklight and edge-lit algorithms working in tandem to really enhance the overall contrast of the image, and pull the most detail possible out of dark, shadowy scenes.

The screen's sharpness sees images really pop in high-definition, and firing up a Blu-ray disc lets the screen really let rip, offering up great detail for what these days (in the age of giant LCD living room panels) could be considered a second room or bedroom set.

Motion clarity on the presets is a little too aggressive for our liking, and you'll want to dial it back a bit with a custom setting unless you want to suffer from slightly watery movement. Once adjusted, fast action scenes move with little perceptible judder, and it's a very pleasant set to view movies and sport on as a result

As you'd expect, HD content looks the best on the F6400, but with the screen size here not gigantic, SD content looks perfectly fine too. The upscaling capabilities aren't quite as impressive as on the F8000, with some jagged edges appearing where they wouldn't on equivalent HD content. But with a screen this size a decent distance away, it's less noticeable anyway. Keep in mind that SD content on the larger F6400 models may suffer as a result.

3D Picture Quality:
The F6400 uses active shutter 3D technology, and it performs well for a TV this size. Of course, with a 3D visuals, you're looking to bag as big a screen as possible to keep the 3D effect immersively encompassing your peripheral vision, but for a 3D gamer sat up close to the screen, the effect is still pretty good.

However, the forced motion processing which impressed so much on the F8000's 3D visuals doesn't work quite as well here, introducing significant motion interpolation that can hinder the depth effect. It's possibly a processing side-effect of the low-powered F6400, using a dual-core system rather than the F8000 quad-core array. Even with the Motion Plus setting set to off, it was still present, and was only defeated by switching on the Game Mode, itself introducing a lot of judder. Which looks better is up for debate, and neither is perfect.

Two pairs of 3D glasses come with the set (the same design that's a standard across all this year's 3D models from Samsung), and they're very light and comfortable, with the watch-battery that powers them sitting in a snap-down panel over the bridge of your nose. Ideally we'd prefer bigger lenses to help us from peeking out of the immersive 3D visuals, but the ones on offer here are large enough to sit relatively comfortably over a pair of prescription glasses.

Sound:

The UE32F6400 suffers from the usual shoddy audio that the majority of flatscreen TVs seem afflicted with.

Though 3D sound options are available, the down-firing 10W stereo speakers sound hollow and tinny, lacking any real punch, though doing a good job of keeping voices to the fore.

As ever, our advice is to pair the screen up with a soundbar or home cinema surround unit, the sad price we have to pay since leaving the bulk of CRT screens behind us.

Web Connected Smart TV and EPG features:
Packing in both Wi-Fi connectivity and an Ethernet connection, the F6400 has access to many of the Smart TV bells and whistles of its pricer counterparts. Though there's no built-in webcam or mic, putting Skype video calling out of the question as well as the so-so motion controls, you can still use the microphone built into the second of the two supplied remotes to interact with the TV screen.

The F6400 shares the same radically overhauled Smart TV interface that we reviewed in the F8000, so aside from a few pertinent omissions, this next section is basically the same as when we reviewed the pricer set.

As well as connecting up with your household's other smart devices (which we'll talk about in the " Remote Controls and Smartphone Apps" section of this review), Samsung have given the interface a drastic makeover, increasing the homescreen count from one to five.

These homescreens each focus on different aspects of the TV's capabilities. The first is dedicated to live TV, offering a picture-in-picture view of the channel you're currently watching, as well as recommendations based on your viewing habits showing similar shows as thumbnails surrounding it. Access to the Guide, Timeline and Recorded TV (shows are stored on a connected USB device) sit on the bottom.

The second screen focuses on On Demand TV and movie streaming services, and again offers recommendations based on your viewing habits, improving over time. As it stands, it can be confusing figuring out which service the recommendation comes from (it's a pain to have the premium Acetrax service pop-up when we're only looking for Netflix content), and though a cool feature, it'd benefit from being able to limit the sources the Samsung guide trawls through.

A third screen offers social feeds, aggregating Twitter and Facebook accounts into one place, and giving priority to video content shared on each site that can be played back on the TV. Also present here (once you've accepted the option to install it) is a Skype app, though it's severely limited without a built-in webcam.

A fourth screen allows access to music, video and photos shared on your network or a locally connected device, displayed in all their glory on the big screen. Recorded TV shows can again be accessed from here too.

A final fifth screen offers a grid-like interface for accessing dedicated apps, covering everything from health and fitness videos to Spotify, a web browser (which is among the best we've tried on a TV), and a great selection of video services on offer including Netflix, LoveFilm, BBC iPlayer and iTV Player, as well as Samsung's own 3D channels. A surprisingly robust app store lets you add more apps to this hub, including TV-optimised versions of popular mobile apps like Angry Birds

It's an intuitive layout that can be controlled in a variety of ways, but the whole experience suffers from the use of a slower dual-core processor. While the F8000 has a quad-core processor, the F6400's dual-core means navigating the Smart TV menus (well, all menus on the screen in fact) seem a little sluggish by comparison. Without having tested the two TVs in such close proximity we perhaps wouldn't have noticed it at all, making it a minor grumble, but it's a point where the pricer set's premium value becomes clear.

As seems Samsung's standard this year, the UE32F6400 comes with not one, but two remote controls.

One is a standard remote with rubber buttons, including shortcut keys for accessing Smart TV features, as well as playback controls for videos and ARC-connected HDMI devices. It's comfortable and sensibly laid out, and Samsung have sensibly removed the rarely-used "Family Story" shortcut button. It's a shame that there's no dedicated button for accessing aspect ratio, leading to a lengthy trawl through menus to get to it, and the same goes for the Game Mode. Also missing is the backlight, which featured in last year's flagship set's remote, though arguably it's battery draining excess anyway.

The second remote control is smaller and more squat, and is identical to that which comes with the F8000 except that it has a black finish compared to brushed silver finish of the more expensive TV's remote. It features far less physical buttons in favour of a touch panel. It works surprisingly well, particularly when using it like a laptop trackpad for browsing the TV's web connected features. It also features a built-in microphone, meaning you can use the TV's voice-activated controls without shouting across the room, or over the volume of the set itself. However, it's not as instantly familiar an experience to use as the standard remote, and, just like last year, we still found ourselves using the regular remote more often than the touch-enabled one.

While Samsung's motion control system isn't present here, Android and iOS apps can hook up the screen for some second screen functionality. With them you can stream video from the TV tuner to a tablet or smartphone, control the TV from an app or share content from the phone to the TV. Unfortunately, there's no single all-encompassing app yet that covers all features, meaning you've got to use a handful in order to get to all the features. iOS apps are still missing a few features, but Samsung promise to add more features as time goes on. All in, the tablet/smartphone controls are more useful than the gesture and voice counterparts at this stage.

Verdict:

Samsung's 3D TV range scales nicely this year, with this inexpensive 3D Smart TV retaining many of the very cool features of its more expensive stablemates. 2D performance is excellent, and 3D performance fair. But the real star of the show here is the Smart TV platform, of an incredibly high quality and one that would have come with a massive premium just a few short years ago. If you're looking for a web-connected set that won't break the bank and let you dip into 3D thrills from time to time, this is a great value set to invest in.
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Saturday 4 May 2013

Panasonic TX-L42DT65B Review


Panasonic’s assault on the LED TV market continues with the TX-L42DT65B – the 42in model within the Viera DT65 series – that we’re reviewing today. In case you’re wondering, the UK-exclusive DT65 shares nearly identical specifications with the DT60 which the rest of Europe gets: the change in numerical suffix apparently reflects not only the set’s premium status, but also restricted availability through authorised dealers.
Panasonic TX-L42DT65B
Within the Japanese TV manufacturer’s ever-expanding lineup of LED-lit LCD televisions, the Panasonic DT65 sits merely one rung below the flagship WT65/WT60 series. Besides this 42-inch version, three other screen sizes are available, namely the 47-inch Panasonic TX-L47DT65B, the 55-inch TX-L55DT65B, and the 60-inch TX-L60DT65B. This review will deal with the baby of the bunch (and probably the most popular, given the smallish average British home size), then.
Of course, there’s a significant change in display technology (and by extrapolation, the underlying LCD panel) between this year’s and last year’s Viera DT series. Because of a decision by Panasonic to adopt passive 3D across its entire 2013 LED LCD range, the TX-L42DT65 is equipped with FPR (film-type patterned retarder) polarized 3D LCD technology provided by LG Display, instead of the active-shutter glasses (ASG) system found on last year’s DT50. With this in mind, let’s see what the TV is capable of!

Design

Upon unboxing the TXL42DT65 and inspecting the accessories, we can’t help but feel that silver is the order of the day – the designers at Panasonic HQ must have received a memo declaring this to be the new black. First, the slim bezel is beautifully chiselled and finished in gleaming silver, which may appear a touch reflective in a brightly-lit viewing environment. This is matched by the highly polished V-shaped, swivel-capable stem that supports the television on a brushed metallic – yes, you’ve guessed it – silver rectangular base.
Table-top stand
Even the two supplied remote controls are silver affairs. The first is a traditional one that sports large legible keys and can be backlit; while a secondary touchpad controller – featuring an inbuilt microphone and an innovative “trigger finger” button – aims to complement the impressive array of Smart TV functionalities including voice control on the Viera DT65.
Remote controls and 3D glasses
The TXL42DT65B ships with 4 pairs of polarized 3D glasses, which is double the number of active-shutter eyewear included with this year’s Samsung 3DTVs, and Panasonic’s own active 3D plasmas.

Calibration

To get an idea of how accurate the Panasonic 42DT65 can be out of the box, we switched [Viewing Mode] from the default of “Normal” to “True Cinema“, and measured away.

Greyscale

Pre-calibration RGB Tracking
Pre-calibration Delta errors
Pre-calibration RGB tracking and delta errors (dEs)
The TV didn’t fare too badly here, although blue channel was underfilled, causing on-screen images to appear a touch too warm. A quick trip to the [White Balance] submenu (which houses the 2-point WB controls) sorted this out – we didn’t even need to do much tweaking to the 10-point controls (accessible via the [More Detailed Adjustment] option) to obtain what we would say is an excellent result:
Post-calibration RGB Tracking
Post-calibration Delta errors
Post-calibration RGB tracking and dEs in [Professional1] mode
Delta errors (dEs) were suppressed to below 3 (widely considered to be the human perceptible limit), ensuring that greys remained tint-free which, believe it or not, is a key element for accurate colour reproduction. Near-black areas – transmissive display technologies like LED LCDs cannot render true blacks on a per-pixel basis – took on a purplish shade, which is a common trait of IPS (in-plane switching) panels.

Gamma

Perhaps to draw attention away from the not-so-deep black level (a known weakness of IPS LCD panels), Panasonic’s engineers seemed to have tweaked the default gamma on the Viera TX-L42DT65B such that brighter portions of the video appeared darker than they should be. This creates a punchier image, but can look slightly unnatural due to uneven tonal transition.
Pre-calibrated Gamma tracking in [True Cinema] mode Post-calibrated Gamma tracking in [Professional1] mode
Pre-calibration gamma tracking (avg 2.45)Post-calibration gamma tracking (avg 2.25)
Greyscale calibration improved (but did not completely eradicate) the issue. Since the DT65′s black level measured above 0.1 cd/m2, we lowered our target gamma from the 2.4 we usually aim for (this is the reference stipulated by ITU for flat-screen HD studio monitors used in a dark room, but then their blacks are quite a bit better than 0.1cd/m2!) to 2.2, so that shadow detail was not crushed. In case you’re wondering why we didn’t take advantage of the 10p gamma controls on offer to flatten the tracking, that’s because we noticed sporadic posterization in real-world viewing with their use.

Colour

We found red to be undersaturated on our Panasonic TX-L42DT65 review sample, not only at 100% saturation point, but also at 25%, 50% and 75% points which CalMAN 5 now lets us track. Blue also suffered from a similar problem at sub-100% saturation points.
Pre-calibration CIE
Pre-calibration CIE chart including saturation tracking
[Colour Management] to the rescue. Panasonic’s HSL-based (hue, saturation, luminance) CMS (colour management system) is effective, but there’s a fair bit of interaction between the parameters (for example, adjusting luminance will affect saturation to a degree, and vice versa) so care must be exercised. As per our current workflow, we prioritised getting colour luminance/brightness/intensity spot-on to wipe out any decoding error (not that there was much in the first place):
Post-calibration colour luminance in [Professional 1] mode
Post-calibration colour luminance (coloured bars=targets; black bars=measured values)
… and then gently used the [R-Saturation] and [B-Saturation] sliders to minimise red and blue inaccuracies respectively across the 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% saturation tracking points, while also using other controls to touch up the secondary colours. Trying to correct the slightly deviated RGB hues at 100% saturation would unfortunately also skew the sub-100% colour points, so we decided to leave them be since these hue errors were undetectable in real-life content.
Colour saturation tracking
Post-calibration colour saturation tracking

Benchmark Test Results

Dead pixelsNone
Screen uniformityMild “dirty screen” effect
Overscanning on HDMI0% with [16:9 Overscan] set to “Off
Blacker than blackPassed
Calibrated black level (black screen)0 cd/m2 (LEDs shut off)
Calibrated black level (ANSI checkerboard)0.156 cd/m2
Black level retentionAuto-dimming with full black screen
Primary chromaticityVery good
ScalingExcellent
Video mode deinterlacingEffective jaggies reduction
Film mode deinterlacingPassed 2:2/576i & 3:2/480i with [Film Cadence Mode] on
Viewing angleVery good for an LCD; washout occurs after 60° off-axis
Motion resolution900-1080 with [Intelligent Frame Creation] on; 300 off
Digital noise reductionDefeatable
SharpnessDefeatable edge enhancement
Luma/Chroma bandwidth (2D Blu-ray)Full luma; full chroma with [1080p Pixel Direct] engaged
1080p/24 capabilityNo judder in 2D or 3D
Input lag (high-speed camera)33ms compared to CRT TV
Leo Bodnar input lag tester36ms with [Game Mode] engaged
Full 4:4:4 reproduction (PC)Yes, with [1080p Pixel Direct] engaged

Power Consumption

Default [Normal] mode49 watts
Calibrated [Professional1] mode38 watts
Standby<1 watt

Picture Quality

If you’re familiar with the different characteristics of various types of LCD panel technology, then you’ll know what to expect with the Panasonic TXL42DT65B which uses an IPS panel. Bearing that in mind, first let’s talk about this television’s Achilles’ heel: at 0.156 cd/m2, its native black level was relatively bright compared to VA-based LCD displays (such as Samsung’s Series 7 and Series 8 LED TVs, or Panasonic’s own 42E6 model), let alone plasma TVs from these two companies that are capable of supremely deep blacks.
To be fair, the mist of greyness that pervades where it should be black was only apparent when watching predominantly dark scenes in a dimly-lit viewing environment. The presence of moderate-strong ambient light (i.e. during daytime) or some bright elements on screen went a long way towards deflecting from the less-than-impressive black-level response – we actually found the TX-L42DT65 very watchable under such conditions.
With that out of the way, it’s mostly good news when it comes to the Panasonic DT65′s picture performance. The Japanese TV manufacturer has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality video processing, while knowing when to hold back on any tinkering urge, so that already pristine HD detail can shine through unblemished. That’s exactly what we got on the Viera TX-L42DT65B, with first-rate standard-definition handling (the set even passed our Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason PAL DVD torture test with flying colours) and judder-free 1080p/24 Blu-ray playback among the virtues that brought a smile to our face. Of course, a lot of credit needs to go to Panasonic’s generous provision of useful calibration controls, which helped us achieve highly accurate greyscale and colours on the TXL42DT65.
Resident Evil
As with most edge LED televisions, a mild “dirty screen” effect (most noticeable during panning shots) was unavoidable due to the way LEDs mounted along the borders are required to illuminate the whole screen with the aid of light guidance plates. Motion quality was clean (another strength of IPS technology) without any sign of low-tone motion smearing that can afflict VA panels. Engaging [Intelligent Frame Creation] would bump motion resolution from the baseline LCD level of 300 to in excess of 900 lines – we certainly advise setting it to “Min” for video-based content to boost the clarity of moving objects. In the past we’ve found Panasonic’s motion-compensated frame interpolation (MCFI) technology to exhibit less glitches than similar systems implemented by rival TV brands, and our 42-inch DT65 sample remained true to this trend.
IPS panels are revered too for their wide viewing angles (at least within the LCD circle), a trait that was immediately apparent on the Panasonic TXL42DT65B. Colours held on to their saturation as far as 60° off-axis before any significant washout occurred, although blacks – which were not great to begin with – became brighter earlier than that. Either way, this is a notch better than LED TVs that use VA-type LCD panel.
Since the L42DT65B uses an FPR polarized 3D LCD panel sourced from LG Display, we already knew what we’re getting in the third dimension based on our experience withprevious 3DTVs featuring the same technology: bright extra-dimensional images that are free of flicker, low on crosstalk, and deliver bags of depth. All three frame rates (50hz, 60hz, 24Hz) were handled impeccably without judder in 3-D mode – another testament to Panasonic’s video processing prowess.
Our sensitive eyes could pick up dark horizontal scan lines through the passive 3D glasses – an inevitable side effect of the polarized filter/lens – from as far as 6 feet away. Obviously sitting farther away from the screen can make the scanlines/ lessened vertical resolution dissolve away, but then so would the tri-dimensional detail and immersiveness.
Another thing to note with passive 3D televisions including the Panasonic DT65 is that the vertical viewing angle is fairly limited – watching the screen from anything more than 15° above eye level would result in an intolerable amount of ghosting/ double images. This is of particular importance for owners who wish to enjoy three-dimensional content on their wall-mounted TX-L42DT65 – make sure the TV is installed at eye level.

Conclusion

Panasonic has worked its magic on the TX-L42DT65B to make the best of an IPS LCD panel whose strengths (wide viewing angles, no motion smearing) and weakness (less-than-impressive blacks) are common knowledge. Video processing for standard definition and 3D content is excellent, and the Viera DT65 – like most of the company’s non-entry-level HDTVs this year – can be calibrated to within an inch of its life, owing to their engineers’ deep understanding of what constitutes an accurate image, coupled with the inclusion of a comprehensive array of advanced calibration controls.
The TX-L42DT65 is really only let down – as all IPS panels do – by its black-level response, which makes it more suitable as a bright-room television than for critical viewing in a dimly-lit viewing environment. Had Panasonic paired its TV-making know-how with an LCD panel capable of producing deeper blacks (such as the VA one used on the TX-L42E6B), the result might have been spectacular, although the company would probably have to reverse its stance of “only passive 3D on LED TVs”. Perhaps next year?
As things stand, the TXL42DT65B’s stylish design, accurate images, easy-on-the-eye 3D and excellent Smart TV platform earn it a spot in the “Recommended” category, even though those who are seeking the best value for money are better served by the ET60 series which delivers essentially similar picture quality at a lower price.

Saturday 20 April 2013

No Ads On Google Glass


Developers working on apps for Google's smart glasses have been told they will not be allowed to place advertising within the device's display.
The newly-published terms and conditions for developers working on Glass also prohibit companies charging for apps.
The glasses, which have a five megapixel camera and voice-activated controls, have started to be shipped.
The first devices will go to developers and "Glass Explorers".
Google held a competition earlier this year inviting potential users to come up with ways to use the device, while developers have been eager to be among the first to try out the technology.
As part of the announcement, Google also gave the first official details of the device's specifications.
The bone conduction transducer allows the wearer to hear audio without the need for in-ear headphones - sound waves are instead delivered through the user's cheekbones and into the inner ear.
The company promises a battery lasting for "one full day of typical use".
Its display is the equivalent, the company says, of looking at a 25in (63cm) high-definition screen from eight feet away. The device is able to record video at a resolution of 720p.
It has 16GB on-board storage, and connects with other mobile devices via Bluetooth and wi-fi.

Saturday 13 April 2013

Looking for a Sony 4K TV for your living room?


Have a spare five grand laying around? Starting April 21, you can use that cash to invest in one of Sony's 4K Ultra HD televisions, which will be joined this summer by a media player capable of streaming content to them.
Sony announced pricing and availability for its upcoming 4K (3840 x 2160) Ultra HD products at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade show Sunday, which is now underway in Las Vegas.
The 4K Ultra High Definition TV sets will be available in two sizes: A 55-inch model XBR-55X900A for $4,999.99 and a 65-inch model XBR-65X900A for $6,999.99. There's no word on international pricing or the fate of the 56-inch prototype the company showed off at CES 2013.
As part of the same announcement, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment also introduced a new line of "Mastered in 4K" Blu-ray discs, optimized for 4K but also compatible with existing Blu-ray players and HDTVs.

Summer of 4K
A Sony press release confirmed availability for the FMP-X1, a $699 4K Media Player that will hit stores this summer bundled with 10 feature films and video shorts presented in "true 4K resolution."
As previously announced, Sony will introduce a paid video-on-demand service this fall dedicated to serving up 4K titles from the parent company's vast library, as well as other "notable production houses."
Sony's 4K television sets will be available to order online and at retail starting April 21, bundled with three "Mastered in 4K" Blu-ray discs (while supplies last). Those titles are Spider-Man (2002), Ghostbusters and Angels & Demons.
Curious what the fuss is about? Starting today, six Sony Store locations - three in California, as well as Houston, Las Vegas and New York - will begin in-store demoes of both true 4K as well as upscaled video from other sources.

Minox mints mini 24K gold-plated camera


Collectors of exotic gadgets might want to take a peep at the Minox miniature digital camera, freshly available in a swank 24K gold-plated tone.
The tiny camera literally fits in the palm of your hand with dimensions of 2.9 inches by 1.8 inches by 1.7 inches and a paltry weight of 4 ounces. While the German manufacturer calls it a "thoroughly modern digital camera," however, the specs reek of yesteryear.
This small shooter packs a 5.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with a 2-inch color LCD. It comes with a detachable optical viewfinder, and there's an option out there for a wide-angle lens. Speaking of optics, the lens is a 9.0mm (42mm in 35mm format), and the hardware offers a 4x digital zoom.
Video capture is weak, as there's only a sole option of capturing 320x240 AVI clips (up to 60 seconds). Thankfully, the mini-shooter has a generic mini-USB port and a replaceable lithium ion battery.


View the Original article with pictures!

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Best cheap digital TV deals with 3D channels

Customers who have 3D TVs at home are in for a treat – there is no need to break your piggybank to get the freshest three-dimensional content. Here are our picks of the best digital TV deals which give you access to 3D channels.
Sky+ Entertainment Pack & Broadband Lite & Talk Weekends
If you order this great digital TV bundle today you get Sky TV half price for 6 months. This exciting cheap deal also includes a free HD ready Sky+ box which will give you the ability to view content on demand and enjoy catch up TV for up to seven days, not to mention Sky’s very own 3D channel packed with beautiful feature films and documentaries all in stunning 3D!
Sky+ Entertainment Extra Pack (with 2TB Box) & Broadband Unlimited Fibre & Talk Weekends
This great digital TV deal includes Sky’s most powerful set top box ever: the 2TB box (Terabyte). A terabyte is roughly 2,000 hours of music recorded in high quality. This means that the digital TV possibilities are endless; enjoy on demand content, stunning HD and immersive 3D channels, catch up TV among other exciting features. This cheap digital TV deal lets you be in charge: you can record, rewind, forward or pause live broadcast. As with the previous deal, if you order it now, you can get Sky TV half price for 6 months!
Is digital TV with 3D channels a package for me?
If you are not sure whether 3D is something you should get, why not ask our independent experts? Simply call on 0808 256 6606 and our friendly team will help you compare, find, sign up to or even switch to a cheap digital TV deal that’s right for you.

Saturday 6 April 2013

Pay as you go Sky Sports comes to Now TV

Sports and tablets, together at lastRelated storiesTalkTalk adding 10,000 YouView customers a week with free box dealPaywalls, packaging and streaming - the two-tier internet is already hereNow TV: what is it and how do you get it?
Sky Sports has landed on Sky's internet-based Now TV, meaning you can watch premium sporting fixtures without having to pay a monthly fee or install a satellite dish on the side of your house.
It'll set you back £9.99 for 24 hours of access to all six Sky Sports channels, so you can pick and choose what sporting dates you're particularly interested in.
Because it's a web-TV service, you can watch your PAYG sport on Xbox 360, desktop computers, iOS devices and a selection of Android handsets.
Quids pro quo
There are surprisingly few caveats - you don't need to sign up to the £15 a month Now TV Sky Movies pass, you just pay the £9.99 for a day's access as and when you want to - although we'll admit that £9.99 is a bit steep unless you get some pals over and make a day of it. Especially when you consider that a month's worth of Sky Sports on Sky TV will cost you £21.
But if you're sporting mad (but not mad enough to already have a Sky Sports subscription), the news will be welcome - Sky has live Premier League and Champions League matches, all 19 Grands Prix, all 10 Ashes Test matches, three of golf's four major tournaments and exclusive coverage of ATP Tennis.
For the full low-down on Now TV head on over to our comprehensive guide to the on-demand service and see how it measures up to its sports-free rivals Lovefilm and Netflix.