PS3 Blu-ray settings: Ask the Editors

I had a question regarding hooking up my PS3 to my Panasonic TH-50PZ800U HDTV. I want to use my PS3 as a Blu-ray player for my TV. Would you be able to tell me the best settings/configuration for watching Blu-ray movies? Thanks. --Khurshid, via email

Well, Khurshid, it's no secret that the PlayStation 3 is the best Blu-ray player-- it's the reference Blu-ray player we use here at CNET, and we're not the only ones. To get the most out of your PS3 as a Blu-ray player, however, you'll need to get the settings right. What follows are the settings we use for our reference PS3 units here at CNET for testing HDTVs, including your Panasonic. The two menus referenced below can be found under the main Settings menu.


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Self-calibrating B&O plasma TVs

Here at CNET Asia, we always recommend video calibration to bring out the best of your flat-panel TVs. Bang & Olufsen has, however, brought the art of calibration to a whole new level by integrating it into the company's latest plasma TVs. Its proprietary Automatic Color Management (ACM) technology features a camera that extends upon activation to measure and analyze the test patterns shown on the screen.

ACM is preconfigured in the factory to automatically activate after every 100-hour screen usage. The procedure has minimal impact to your viewing experience, too, requiring mere seconds and performed only before the TV enters standby mode via the remote control. Alternatively, ACM can also be operated through the software menu and is currently available in the US$16,860 BVi4-50 and US$30,620 BVi4-65 plasma TVs.

Besides delivering more accurate color reproduction, B&Q also claims that the ACM system will extend panel life as well as correct the effects of plasma aging for sustained picture vibrancy.

Photo credit: Bang & Olufsen

JVC's Super Slim TVs debut in Singapore

The localized JVC Super Slim LCD TVs have finally arrived in Singapore! These will be replacing the S90 European Super Slim, offering better value and streamlined connectivity. The new DynaPix HD SZ58 costs S$300 (US$215.50) less and will be shipping without the redundant SCART inputs, while retaining the series' 39mm-thin side profile (74mm at thickest point) and slim 23mm-wide panel frame.

We've previously touched on its humble dynamic contrast, though JVC has apparently introduced an alternate DynaPix engine-enhanced rating. The LT-42SZ58, for example, offers 1,500:1 native, 7,500:1 dynamic and a whopping 50,000:1 DynaPix contrast. The latter does sound a bit too good to be true, but we'll get to sample its "true" colors once we get the 46-inch model in our Lab.

Additionally, the SZ58-series TVs have full-HD panels and accept film-centric 1080p24 video signals. More importantly, they're also priced attractively at S$3,499 (US$2,513.47) and S$4,999 (US$3,590.98) for the LT-42SZ58 and LT-46SZ58, respectively. The only major caveats here are the built-in multimedia playback and 100Hz motion-enhancement omissions.

Photo credit: JVC

StarHub adds HD edutainment channel yet again!

That’s right, folks! After debuting National Geography HD and Discovery HD, StarHub is back with yet another edutainment high-definition channel. Going live from September 1 on its cable TV network is the upcoming History HD channel. This promises a variety of programs on topics including natural history, military, pop culture, science and archaeology.

To further entice its subscribers, the Singapore network provider is also revising its present HD Plus bundle. Under the new Education HD group, you get all the above-mentioned three channels at S$8.56 (US$6.15) a month, which is half the original HD Plus subscription price. For those sitting on the fence, StarHub is waiving its new S$6.42 (US$4.61) HD settop box (STB) rental. This complimentary rental is valid till September 30. Users are no longer required to purchase the STB.

Click here to find out more about the History HD channel.

Photo credit: StarHub

Report: Rear-projection's 60-inch niche

press release describing a new report (PDF) says that rear-projection HDTVs, including DLP-based microdisplays, now serve only a niche market of people who want 60-inch or larger televisions.

The report by Quixel research shows that in the second quarter of this year, the 60-inch and larger screen sizes accounted for 86 percent of sales of all rear-projection HDTVs; up from 32 percent in 2007. The firm's spokesman says the reason has to do value. "The market has changed and there is no value for 42-inch, 46-inch, and 50-inch MD RPTVs, but there is great value in the screen sizes above 60 inch," said Tamaryn Pratt, Quixel Research principal.

At CNET reviews we've noted a similar trend. This year, out of 40 HDTVs reviewed to date, we've reviewed only two rear-projection HDTVs, the Samsung HL61A750 and the Mitsubishi WD-65735, both larger than 60 inches and both cited for value in their reviews. We expect to review only one more, Mitsubishi's ballyhooed laser TV, before year's end. Reader interest seems to be waning considerably for non-flat-panel televisions; I receive very few e-mails from people who want an RPTV reviewed compared with those clamoring for another plasma or LCD. I wouldn't call RPTV "dead" just yet, but it's more of an endangered species than ever. I'll put it this way: I don't expect to review more than a couple of these bulky behemoths in 2009.

What do you think? Do love your RPTV? If you're a big-screen shopper, is the price of a 58-inch plasma worth it, or is it projection all the way?

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