Tech Gifts 2014

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For an under $100 Blu-ray, there’s LG BP540 . In addition to Blu-ray playback it that does streaming, 3D capability and rated 4 out of 5 hearts in our review.

If a new Blu-ray player isn’t your thing, how about a media streamer? Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, and Amazon or iTunes content, it’s a near infinite amount of content in one tiny box. The Roku 3 has a slick and speedy interface. If you’re got Amazon Prime, get this one, as it lets you stream shows and movies as part of your membership. Apple fans might want to get the Apple TV, which lets you stream music easily from your iTunes library.

Speaking of Amazon, their Fire HDX 8.9 . It’s inexpensive, has a great screen, and tons of content. If you’re looking for a laptop replacement, the iPad is still better, but for watching shows and movies, surfing the web, and more, the HDX is great. Check out our full review.

If you want to go for a bigger screen, The Samsung UN55HU8550 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV received an excellent review (4 out of 5 Hearts). It’s currently only $1597 for the 55-inch model from Amazon direct. With screen sizes up to 85-inch.

Also consider the Panasonic’s 4K UHD AX800 series has excellent color and signal processing. The 58-inch is on-sale for $1999.

TiVo has updated their DVRs with a whole new interface and hardware. The $100 TiVo Roamio OTA gets you an over-the-air HD tuner for recording. For cable users the $149 TiVo Roamio HD Video Recorder and Streaming Media Player (TCD846500) gets you 500GB of recording space, plus Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and more. You can even stream your content to mobile devices. The $320 Roamio Plus lets you record two additional shows at once (for a total of 6) onto 1 terabyte of space. The $480 TiVo Roamio Pro HD adds two more terabytes of space.

Lastly, give the gift of silence. OK, near silence. In my Bose QuietComfort 20 review I said, “Their noise cancelling performance is so much better than what else is out there, their price is largely justified.” They’re really well designed, and a must-have for any traveler or person who suffers with a noise office. At $300 they’re not cheap, but they’re the best out there.

Geoff Morrison (@TechWriterGeoff)
Geoff’s book is now in paperback

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This above article is an update from a previously published version.

The brightness and contrast setup patterns from Disney’s WOW Blu-ray

If you haven’t adjusted the settings on your new HDTV or 4K Ultra High Definition TV, you’re not getting the best picture quality.

By eye or with a Blu-ray setup disc, having an understanding of what each picture control does is crucial to getting the best picture.

With a Goldilocks-esque “just right” amount of technical bits and practical advice, our guide should have you on the road to a better picture in minutes.

Unpacking and First Set-up

Most HDTVs have an screen that allows the user to choose Home Use Mode or Store Demonstration Mode. This is extremely important. The “Store Demonstration Mode” is designed to produce the brightest image, at the expense of black level, contrast ratio and energy efficiency. To obtain the best picture select the “Home Mode”. You will still be able to make user control adjustments to further maximize image quality.

The screen will also ask you to choose language and ask if you are using an over-the-air antenna or cable/satellite. If you don’t use an antenna you don’t want the TV to go into the tuner mode as you will not see an image.

Special Instructions for Smart TVs

If your new HDTV has Internet connectivity for streaming movies and other content, the next step should be connecting to the Internet. All Smart TVs have an Ethernet connection if you want to wire the TV directly. Many also have Wi-Fi for wireless set-up. Follow the on-screen or owner’s manual for set-up instructions. Once completed you should make sure you have the latest version of the TVs software, by performing a firmware update as per your TVs instructions. The update may add new features or Internet services or apps, and will assure you have the latest and best version of your new HDTV. We find nearly every TV we test has a newer firmware version available upon unpacking and set-up.

Picture Modes

Nearly all TVs have picture modes that adjust multiple settings to create a certain “look” to the image. The best idea is to start with the “most accurate” setting, then adjust as you see fit. With nearly all TVs, this mode is called “Movie,” “Cinema,” or something similar. If these aren’t options, “Standard” is likely close.

If you’ve been watching your TV for a more than a few minutes, switching to one of these modes is going to be a shock. It will seem red (warm) and soft. It isn’t, which I’ll explain as we go.

Contrast

This control adjusts the bright parts of the image: Clouds, white shirts, snow, etc. The idea is to set this control high enough that the image “pops,” but not so high as to mask detail. All TVs have a maximum contrast setting, above which you’re not making the image any brighter, you’re just making near-white objects totally white.

If you’re using a setup disc, the contrast pattern will have a ramp of progressively whiter bars. The idea is to be able see most of these (but not those labeled “above white”).

If you’re not using a setup disc, find a TV show (ideally a live sporting event) that takes place outside. Skiing works great for this, though baseball does as well (fly balls, any shot of the sky). The idea is to be able to set the control so that you can still see detail in bright white objects. There should almost never be bright white blobs on the screen. If there are, turn the contrast control down some.

There is no average number to use as a guideline for this setting, but it’s almost never 100 or anything close. Try somewhere around 80% and go from there.

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Brightness

This is the opposite of the contrast control. It adjusts the dark parts of the image: Shadows, black hair, black leather jackets. The idea here is to set this control low enough that the picture has lots of contrast (as in, the difference in the light and dark parts of the image), but not so far that there’s just huge swaths of blackness on screen during any night scene.

If you’re using a setup disc, the brightness pattern will have a ramp of progressively darker black bars. The idea is to be able see most of these (but not those labeled “below black” or similar).

If you’re setting this by eye, any night or darkly lit scene will do. Set the control fairly low, past the point where you lose detail. Now gradually increase it until you see detail. If the picture looks gray or washed out, you’ve gone too far.

Color/Tint

Generally speaking, you shouldn’t have to adjust these at all. These are holdovers from the old tube TV (CRT) days. With component and HDMI connections, the TV shouldn’t need adjustment to color or tint.

But so you know, color is color saturation. Set too high, people will look sunburned, and everything will seem cartoony. Tint adjusts the green/red in the image (Martian/lobster). Without specific color filters (that usually come with setup discs, however they may not produce proper saturation with an number of LED LCDs), you can’t adjust either of these settings these correctly. Skip.

Sharpness

This is a highly misleading control. Generally speaking, the Sharpness control adds enhancement to the image to make it appear sharp. Ironically, by doing so, it’s actually masking true fine detail in the image. This setting should be set as low as possible. Some TVs actually soften the image if you set it too low (bizarre, to be sure), so watch out for that. Look for dark lines on a bright background. Edges of buildings work great. Lower this setting so there isn’t any ghost line next to the dark edge. This ghost line is called “edge enhancement,” and goes a long way in making the image look artificial.

Once you get used to the naturalness of the image without edge enhancement, you’ll never go back.

Color Temperature

This one is going to be tough. Not because it requires any labor on your part, it’s just going to do something to the image that at first is going to seem bad.

Color temperature is how bluish or reddish the image looks. Picture a typical scene of people walking down a street. Set the color temp too cool, and it will look like they’re walking down the street in winter, with that season’s normal bluish tones. Set the color temp too warm, and it will be a reddish warm day instead.

With most TVs, the idea setting is “Warm” or “Low.” In some cases, this is too warm, and “Normal” is closer. If you’re changing the settings for the first time, and the TV was set in the “cool” color temp mode, it is definitely not accurate and even “Normal” will appear to your eye as too warm. Give your eyes time to adjust. Watch on “Normal” for a few hours, and “Cool” will seem incredibly blue.

Backlight

If you’ve read our buyers beware article on TV backlights, you’ll know the importance. Interestingly, no setup disc offers instructions on how to set this control. This is an LCD/LED or LCD specific control. Plasmas don’t have backlights.

The backlight setting is like a volume control for the image. Turn it up, and the entire picture (bright whites and dark blacks alike) get brighter. Turn it down, and everything gets darker.

If you leave this turned all the way up, not only are you wasting energy, but at night your TV can be hard to watch. Modern LCDs are extremely bright, and watching such a small bright object in a dark room can create severe eye fatigue.

During the day, set this as high as you want.

For critical viewing, or watching at night, the idea is to get the best black levels, while still creating a watchable image. Once you set contrast and brightness correctly, turn the backlight control all the way down. This will likely be too dark for most viewing. Turn it up to the point where it looks the best. Often, at night, this could be as low as 20%, depending on the TV.

Conclusion

It’s not possible for a TV to be set at the factory with the best settings possible for your home. Twenty minutes or so on your end can drastically improve the picture quality of your TV. We strongly suggest a setup Blu-ray. They’re cheap, and the Disney WOW disc is especially helpful and easy to follow.

Beyond that, a local ISF Calibrator will dial in your TV perfectly, including calibrating the color temperature and often the actual color points of the TV.

For more on what your HDTV’s controls do, read our Guide to HDTV Settings

Guide to Setting Up Your New HDTV is a update and revised edition of “Setting Up Your New HDTV”

Geoff Morrison @TechWriterGeoff
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With the Christmas buying season behind us, the TV makers are making a push before the NFL playoffs and the Superbowl. For those of you that waited, you will find prices lower this week on a number of 4K Ultra High Definition TVs and HDTVs.

In the 4K UHD TV category we found new deals on a number of brand name makes and models. The hottest deals are in the 49-60-inch screen sizes, up to $200 lower than the best pre-Christmas deals.

A standout is the 60-inch Sharp LC-60UD27U . This model is a late 2014 entry, one of the last name brand 4K TVs to ship. It has the goodies needed for future 4K sources (such as next gen Blu-ray) with all 4 HDMI inputs being HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 compatibility. It is also THX 4K certified and includes an internal H.265 compression decoding for Netflix 4K and other future 4K streaming sources.

It retails for $3200 and was $1998 last week. It is now priced at $1798.

Other hot 4K deals include the 55-inch LG 55UB8500 now $1299 and the 49-inch Sony XBR49X850B for $1298.

Sony has also extended it’s free 4K media player bundle with $100 worth of free movies ($799 value, must be purchased via Amazon direct) on its highly reviewed X900B series models and the top of the line 65-inch 65XBR950B model.

The list begin after the break.

2014 UHD 4K TVs

Sharp LC-60UD27U 60-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD 2160p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $3200 Was $2500 Was $1997.99 Now $1798.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70UD27U 70-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD 2160p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $4300 Was $3499.99 Now $2497.00 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU8550 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $4000 Was $2197.99 Now $1597.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65HU8550 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $5000 Was $3297.99 Now $2497.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU8700 55-Inch Curved 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3500 Was $3197.99 Last Week $2297.99 Now $1997.99- 43% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN65HU8700 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $4500 Now $2997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU9000 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $5000 Was $3497.99 Now $2997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65HU9000 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $6000 Last Week $4497.99 Now 3997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN78HU9000 78-Inch Curved 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $9000 Now $7997.99

Samsung UN85HU8550 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $12000 Now $9997.99 Amazon direct -Note: This is a LED backlit model with local dimming, not edge-lit as stated by Amazon

Samsung UN40HU6950 40-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Was $997.99 Now Was $897.99 Now $699.99Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU6950 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2400 Was $1997.99 Now $1297.99 Amazon direct

Panasonic TC-58AX800 58-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120 HZ 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3300 Now $1999.99 Panasonic direct

LG Electronics 65UB9200 65″ Class UHD 4K Smart LED TV with Built-in Wi-Fi, TruMotion, 3x HDMI/USB, Media Share, Netflix, Skype Ready Retail $3800 Was $2499.99 Now $2199.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55UB8200 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz LED TV Retail $2200 Was $1499.00 Last week $1399.00 Now $1199.00 Amazon direct -45% off

LG Electronics 49UB8500 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1500 Was $1499.00 Now $1199.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55UB8500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2300 Was $1799.00 Was $1399.00 Now $1299.00-44% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55UB9500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3300 Was $1999.00 Now $1799.00 Amazon direct -45% off

LG Electronics 65UB9500 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4300 Was $3299.00 Now $2498.00 Amazon direct -42% off

LG Electronics 65UB9800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $6000 Was $4499.00 Now $3499.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 79UB9800 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $10000 Now $6999.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 84UB9800 84-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $17000 Was $9999.00 Now $8999.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR49X850B 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $2099.00 Was $1498.00 Now $1298.00Amazon direct

Sony XBR55X850B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3000 Was $1798.00 Now $1598.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X850B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4000 Was $3298.00 Now $2598.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR70X850B 70-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $5499.99 Was $5498.00 Now $3498.00 Amazon direct+ $100 Amazon Instant movie bundle

Sony XBR55X900B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4000 Was $3998.00 Now $2798.00 Amazon direct +Get a Sony 4K Media Player and $100 Worth of 4K Movies Free ($799) value Bundle

Sony XBR65X900B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $5000 Now $3798.00 Amazon + Get a Sony 4K Media Player and $100 Worth of 4K Movies Free ($799) value Bundle

Sony XBR79X900B 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $9000 Was $8998.00 Now $7498.00 Amazon direct +Get a Sony 4K Media Player and $100 Worth of 4K Movies Free ($799) value Bundle

Sony XBR65X950B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $7998.00 Now $6998.00 Amazon direct +Get a Sony 4K Media Player and $100 Worth of 4K Movies Free ($799) value Bundle

Sony XBR85X950B 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $25000 Now $24,998.00 Amazon direct

VIZIO P552ui-B2 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED HDTV Was $1399.99 Now $1348.00 Amazon direct

VIZIO P602ui-B3 60-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED HDTV Was $1699.99 Now $1648.00 Amazon direct

Toshiba 65L9400U 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $4000 Was $2799.99 Now $2154.56 Amazon direct

Toshiba 58L8400U 58-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $2500 Now $1145.00 JRHA Assoc. via Amazon

Panasonic TC-60AS530 Smart HDTV $799.99

Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems

2014 HDTVs

Sony KDL55W700B 55-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV Was $999.99 Now $899 Best Buy

LG Electronics 55EC9300 55-Inch 1080p 3D OLED HDTV Retail $7000 Now $3499.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB5900 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $900 Now $679.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 60LB5900 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $1400 Was $899.00 Now $799.00 Adorama via Amazon

LG Electronics 42LB5800 42-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED TV Retail $700 Now $483.72 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 50LB6300 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1100 Was $899.00 Was $724.18 Now $685.66 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB6300 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was 1099.99 Now $899.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB7200 55-Inch 1080p 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was $1399.00 Now $1049.00 Video &m Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 60LB7100 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1900 Was $1499.00 Now $1399.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65LB7100 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2700 Was $1999.00 Now $1799.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 70LB7100 70-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3100 Now $22256.98 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H8000 Curved 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED HDTV Retail $2900 Was $1997.99 Was $1597.99 $1527.91 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H8000 Curved 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED HDTV Retail $4000 Was $2697.99 Now $2297.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6203 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was $749.99 Now $679.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN40H6350 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $800 Now $572.48 Amazon direct

Samsung UN48H6350 48-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1000 Was $678.99 Now $647.99Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6350 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1800 Was $1041.19 Now $948.00 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H6350 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2800 Now $1347.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN75H6350 75-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $4300 Now $2299.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN48H6400 48-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1450 Now $797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6400 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1197.99 Now $1097.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN46H7150 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1750 Was $1099 Now $997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN60H7150 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2700 Was $1897.99 Now $1497.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H7150 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3300 Was $2097.99 Now $1797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN75H7150 75-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $5000 Was $3799 Now $2997.99-40% off Amazon direct

Samsung PN64H5000 64-Inch 1080p Plasma Retail $2100 Now 1297.99 Amazon direct

Sony KDL40W600B 40-Inch 1080p 60Hz Smart LED TV Reg. $500 Now $445.99 Amazon direct

Sony KDL48W600B 48-Inch 1080p 60Hz Smart LED TV Retail $650 Now $555.80 Amazon direct

Sony KDL50W800B 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1200 Now $898.00 Amazon direct

Sony KDL55W800B 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1500 Now $955.70 Amazon direct

Sony KDL60W850B 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2300 Now $1398.00 Amazon direct

Sony KDL70W850B 70-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2900 Now $1998.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-60LE660 60-Inch Aquos 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1200 Was $897.00 Now $797.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70LE660 70-Inch Aquos 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1447.00 Now $1298.00

Sharp LC-70EQ10U 70-inch Aquos Q 1080p 240Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2200 Now $1498.00

Sharp LC-60SQ15U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Now $1198.00

Sharp LC-60UQ17U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2500 Now $1489.98

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Listed HDTVs and UHDTVS sold by Amazon direct (unless otherwise noted) offer a 14 day Low Price Guarantee and 2% Back in Rewards (on TVs $1499 or higher) and 30 Day returns on TVs. They stand behind their sales. Note: prices are correct as of posting and may change at any time, please verify with our links; Currently, most states do not collect sales tax on Amazon orders with the exceptions of AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MN, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, PA, TN, TX, VA ,WV, WA & WI. You always must pay sales tax (in states that collect it) when buying at a brick and mortar store. Should you buy an HDTV from on-line or from a retail store? For the answers read our article here.

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LG has released preliminary information on 5 series of its extensive 2015 4K UHDTV (3840×2160 resolution) LED LCD models to be officially shown at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show next week in Las Vegas. The new models will be available multiple screen sizes (to be announced) to fit a wide range of consumer needs.

The details after the break.

Five of the announced series (UC9, UB9800, UF9500, UF9400 and UF8500) will incorporate Smart TV functionality with built-in HEVC (H.265) decoding for 4K UHD streaming to support native streaming of source material up to 60 frames per second. These new series will also include LG’s built-in multi-channel “Ultra” Surround System developed by Harmon/Kardon. The speakers are forward firing, instead of downward as found in many competing 2014 models for cleaner sound and better high frequency reproduction.

Other features (depending on the series) will offer a variety of picture improvements including newly developed LEDs for a 25 percent greater color gamut. LG’s Quantum Dot technology will also be demonstrated at CES which, through the use of blue LEDs increases the color gamut 30 per cent.

LGs True Black Control dimming technology improves contrast to create deeper black levels. LG also offers a color and contrast optimizer to reduce color reproduction errors while maximizing color contrast and brightness (according to the press release).

The UC9 was first shown at the 2014 CES. It is a 105 inch 21:9 4K UHD TV with a $100,000 price tag.

Additional series to be shown at CES include the UF7700, UF6800 and UF6700.

The HD Guru staff will be on-site at CES and will bring you information as it happens as well as hands-on reports of the latest new tech.

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With 2014 now over and done, it’s time to look forward. We’ve collected information from our TV industry contacts, and are ready to make predictions for 2015.

But let’s first look back at how we did with our 2014 predictions.

Our forecast of more curved screens came true with additional offerings by Samsung and LG, in both 4K UHD and HDTV (the LGs are all OLEDs), along with a new Sony curved 4K model in Europe.

4K UHDTV (3840 x 2160 resolution) took over, as predicted, on the more expensive models, pushing out the high end HDTVs (except for the biggest screen sizes). The prices fell rapidly in the fourth quarter, taking over price points held by HDTVs just a few months earlier.

We blew it predicting another OLED TV maker, with Samsung dropping out. LG has carried on with large screen OLED technology, introducing flat HDTV and curved 4K UHD models near year end.

Our prediction about 4K UHDTV cable and satellite broadcasts turned out to be premature. DirecTV successfully launched its 4K satellites, however it has yet to announce when it will begin beaming 4K programs to subscribers. There are Pay Per View 4K UHD movies available from DirecTV but they are delivered by the Internet not the satellite. No word yet at all from the cable companies. Netflix and Amazon added content, as well as Sony with its own media player. M-Go in 4K also went active, but only for Samsung 4K TVs.

Plasma made it to the end of the year with some great deals. But alas, by the end of 2014 both Samsung and LG wound up production, marking the end of the plasma TV era. Heck, they still make a great HDTV picture!

Samsung added additional models and sizes of 4K LED LCD UHDTVs throughout the year, and there were more UHD models from the other TV makers including LG, Sony, Toshiba and Sharp. Vizio shipped its models too, and we were underwhelmed by its performance.

More Smart Soundbars arrived, along with additional sound pedestals called soundplates from a variety of makers.

We squeaked through on our 4K UHD media player prediction, with only Samsung offering a model that came preloaded with 10 movies, and a number of shorts, in 4K, but the rest of the market seems to be taking a wait and see.

3D continued to be offered by the biggest TV manufacturers with models offered in 1080p and 2160p UHD. Only Vizio and Toshiba pulled out of the 3D market in 2014.

We again missed the mark on the elusive Apple iTV television. We are throwing in the towel as we have not heard a peep about it in recent months.

Final score 7out of 10 for 70% accurate prediction.

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Predictions for 2015

1) More OLED TVs We predict there will be more large-screen OLED models offered by LG and at least one other brand in 2015. The panels may be sourced by LG, with the circuitry being made by the other brand. We have hopes the first inkjet-printed OLED may make it to market by the end of the year, but it likely won’t arrive until 2016.

2) 4K UHD Offerings Expand There will be far more 2160p televisions offered by the major brands, as even lower prices shrink the 1080p TV selection. This will especially be the case in larger screens (over 65-inches) and models with a full array of features.

3) Many New TVs With Wider Color Gamut Expanded color will be a big push feature on numerous models from the major TV brands. There will be 3 methods to accomplish this: new LED backlights with expanded color; models with quantum dots (Sony has and soon LG will offer them, at least according to an earlier press release; and at least one vendor is planning on a combination of Laser and LEDs.

The other big news: for the first time we expect programs (streamed and disc) to include meta data that will tell many (but not necessarily all) of these expanded color models how to accurately display the wider color. To date, all the quantum dot models had to “guess,” resulting in false color (compared to the disc authoring).

4) 3D Fading Fast What a difference a year makes. 3D will no longer appear on lower-to-mid-level models, and instead be relegated to either the highest-end models. Some brands won’t offer 3D at all, forcing 3D fans to pony up for 4K UHD resolution. Don’t expect glasses free 3D anytime soon.

5) More Curved HDTVs and UHDTVs We expect additional curved screens from LG and Samsung, with other brands getting into the act. At least one Chinese LCD panel maker has developed curved screen technology, and it should show up within at least one vendor’s model line.

6) 4K UHD Blu-ray Will Arrive The movie and TV industry have gotten together and the new discs and players will come in the 4th quarter of 2015. The players will have new features, including expanded color (we expect it will be the digital cinema DCI color gamut), as well as other picture enhancements besides resolution.

7) High Dynamic Range Televisions LED LCD performance will be enhanced with a combination of higher dynamic range, with brighter, more accurate colors and whites, along with 10-bit panels for 1024 grayscale steps (up from the current 256). This feature will be active with metadata embedded in the new 4K UHD discs (and probably streaming as well). First shown at the 2014 CES, we expect a number of makers to incorporate the technology in their highest end models. Dolby and other companies are developing the technology.

8) Major TV Brands Drop or Trim HDTV Screens Smaller Than 40-inches In a quest to achieve some or more profit, small TVs will be limited to just a single model per screen size, or completely gone from 2015 model lines. Sharp has already sold its name on small screens as a Best Buy brand, so the small models are being built by contract vendors, just like Vizio does. However, unlike Vizio, Sharp builds its own larger screen TVs.

9) Bendable TVs Will Arrive What we like to call GumbyVision, these new 4K UHD models can be set, whenever you want, to flat or curved mode. First shown by LG and Samsung as prototypes at the 2014 CES, we expect production models this year.

10) Toshiba to Exit The US TV Business Ending on sad note it appears Toshiba will not be showing any televisions at the 2015 CES. Its market share has drastically declined in North America, with just 1.7 percent of the TV market revenue in 2014. We predict Toshiba will pull out of the US TV business in 2015.

That wraps up our 2015 predictions. We wish all our readers a Happy and Healthy New Year.

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First there was CCFL. Then there was LED. Now, LASERS.

The new PFL8900 series from Philips uses lasers as part of its backlighting.

More info after the jump.

Let’s cut right to the interesting part. The PFL8900 uses red lasers and cyan LEDs, along with red, green, and blue color filters, to reproduce what Philips claims is 80% of the Rec. 2020 standard (that’s impressive, btw).

Most LCDs use “white” LEDs, which are blue LEDs with a yellow phosphor. A few TVs have used red, green, and blue LEDs, or quantum dots, to create better color than what’s possible with “white”.

While lasers have been used a few times in the past (notably Mitsubishi’s ill-fated laser RPTV), this is the first time we’ve seen it in an LCD.

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In addition to the lasers, the PFL8900 will feature a “high contrast glossy panel” for better contrast, and a 240 Hz “Perfect Motion Rate.” We expect the latter to mean it’s a 120 Hz panel with backlight scanning (like all current 4K TVs).

Ah, right, the PFL8900s are Ultra HD, of course.

Inside there’s Miracast, the usual suite of streaming services, and decoding for HEVC. Three HDMI 2.0 connections (all with HDCP 2.2) allow for current and future connectivity.

There are two models in the line. The 58-inch 58PFL8900 will be $2,999. The 65-inch 65PFL8900 will be $3,499. Both ship in May.

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Sharp has announced their 2015 line of Ultra HD “4K” and ultra-huge 1080p LED LCDs. And there are a lot of them.

Lots and lots of info, after the jump.

Many of the new Sharp models feature Sharp’s Quattron and pixel splitting tech. Sharp claims this increases the number of subpixels available to address delivering “167% greater resolution than traditional 4K UHD.” We’ll judge the benefits of this when we put some eyes on the new TVs.

Let’s start with the Ultra HD models.

UH30

At the top of the line is the UH30 series, which comes in 70- (LC70UH30, $3,199.99) and 80-inch (LC80UH30, $5,999.99) sizes. Both feature “Spectros” which claims to increase the color gamut, AquoMotion 960 (likely a 120 or possibly 240 Hz refresh with backlight scanning), local dimming, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2, and THX certification.

Like a few other TVs this year, it’s using Google’s Android TV OS.

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UE30

The next step down UE30 series drops the THX and Spectros, and only has “AquoMotion 480”. Three sizes, though, a 60 (LC60UE30, $1,999.99), 70 (LC70UE30, $2,799.99), and 80 (LC80UE30, $5,399.99) .

UB30

One down from that is the UB30. Four sizes: 43 (LC43UB30U, $749.99), 50 (LC50UB30U, $999.99), 55 (LC55UB30U, $1,199.99), and 65 (LC65UB30, $2,299.99). Only the 65 has local dimming, and there’s no mention of any increased refresh on any of the UB30 series.

Expect all models this spring.

1080p

No pricing or availability were announced with the 1080p models.

At the top of the line is the 70-inch UQ “series” (just the one model). It’s got AquoMotion 480, the Android TV OS, the Q+ pixel splitting.

Next down from that is the EQ series, with 60- and 70-inch models. Edge-lit, no Android, but the refresh is the same as the UQ. No Q+, just “Q” (presumably short for “Quattron.” These also lose the HDMI 2.0/HDCP2.2 the UQ has.

The 660 series has two sizes: 70- and 80-inches. AquoMotion 240, but no Quattron.

One step cheaper is the 653 series, with 32-, 40-, 43-, 48-, 55-, and 65-inch sizes. The two smallest have no increased refresh. The 65 is AquoMotion 240. The rest are AquoMotion 120.

Despite discussing a 90-inch model, none was specified in the details of the release.

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Panasonic has announced their 2015 lineup of Ultra HD “4K” TVs. Sizes range from 50- to 65-inches across three different lines.

The nine total models have some surprising new features.

All the info after the jump.

CX850

At the top of the line (and the top of this post) is the CX850 series. There are two sizes, 55 and 65 (TC-55CX850U and TC-65CX850U).

They’ve got a number of the features we saw in last year’s Panasonic UHD TVs, like Local Dimming Pro, Studio Master Drive, and Super Bright Panel, all for contrast ratio benefit.

Here’s what Panasonic says about another feature: “Panasonic’s original Dynamic Range Remaster technology achieves dramatically enhanced image reproduction and rendering capabilities in the high luminance range. By restoring the information of high-brightness image areas that drops out during recording, it faithfully reproduces not only the brightness but also the original colors. As a result, the CX850 Series delivers beautiful, dynamic pictures without blown highlights in bright image areas.”

There’s “Image Motion 240 Hz” though it’s unclear if this is a native 240 Hz refresh, or a 120 Hz with flashing backlight.

Panasonic is claiming all new panels for better color reproduction and better brightness.

Interestingly, the CX850 series (and several of the other models) feature the Firefox OS. Sony, by comparison, is using the Chrome OS. Panasonic claims this makes their GUI more advanced and easier to use. The TV will respond to voice commands using the Voice Command Pro feature.

Both THX and Control4 certifications are pending.

CX800

The next step down is the CX800 series. Three sizes this time, 55, 60, and 65 (TC-55CX800U, TC-60CX800U, and TC-65CX800U). The CX800 shares the Firefox OS and refresh rate, but only has “Local Dimming” (no “Pro) and “Black Gradation Drive” instead of the Studio Master and Super Bright Panel of the CX850.

They’re 3D (which is not mentioned with the CX850), and aren’t THX or Control4 certified.

CX650

Stepping down one more time is the CX650 series, which still have many of the same features as the upper models: Firefox OS, same refresh, voice control, and so on. These models have “Super Bright Panel” but no local dimming. Three sizes again, same as the CX800 (TC-55CX650U, TC-60CX650U, TC-65CX650U).

At the bottom of the range is the 50-inch TC-50CX600U (image directly above). No Firefox OS, but the other features are similar to the CX600.

All the models will be available… well, we presume in 2015, though no date (or price) has been specified.

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Sony has announced their 2015 lineup of 4K TVs, and a new 4K projector.

The new lines expand on last year’s offerings, which were well reviewed (by us and others).

All the info after the jump.

At the top of the line is the XBR X930, which will come in a 65-inch model. A similar 75-inch model will be called the X940C. Like last year’s X900B, the 930 and 940 will have “powerful front-facing speakers”.

The 75-inch has Sony’s X-tended Dynamic Range Pro HDR local dimming backlight tech. The 65 has the slightly less elaborate X-tended Dynamic Range (no Pro).

There’s a new processor inside, which Sony is calling the X1, which they say “improves color accuracy, contrast, and clarity of HD and 4K video”.

Perhaps most interesting is support for Google’s Android TV OS. This will allow some gaming and voice searches through the remote.

The X930C is a TRILUMINOS display, though what this means is unclear. Two years ago this meant quantum dots. Last year they dropped the dots.

No pricing (of course), but availability should be sometime this spring.

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X900C and X910C

Next, also available in the spring, is the XBR X900C series, which will come in 55- and 65-inch flavors. A similar 75-inch model is called the X910X. Sony hasn’t given the model numbers specifically, but it’s a fair guess they’ll be something like XBR-55X900C.

The X900C is Sony’s “thinnest” LED LCD so far (a trend you’ll see with other manufacturers. It’s 4.9mm (0.192 inches). It’s “virtually frameless.”

The other features are the same as the X930C models, including Triluminos, but lacking either version of the X-tended Dynamic Range. Though not mentioned with the X930C (but probably included), the X900C has GoogleCast built in.

X850C and X830C

At the bottom of Sony’s 4K offerings is the XBR-X850C and X830X lines. The X850C will come in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch versions. They’ll feature the X1 processor and Triluminos. The X830C will come in 43- and 49-inch models. They’ll still have the X1, no Triluminos, but add Google Android TV.

They’ll be available in the spring too.

Projector!

The VPL-VW350ES is a new 4K projector, likely very similar to the VW300 Europe got a few months ago. It features 4K resolution (yes, pedants, “real” 4K at 4,096×2160) and 1,500 lumens. Powered zoom and lens shift for both vertical (+85%, -80) and horizontal (+-31%).

There will be a low input-lag game mode (though Sony displays are usually pretty good on that front).

Interestingly, Sony’s claiming the 350ES features Triluminos tech. Whether this means the projector is using LEDs, laser, or just a marketing term, we’ll have to find out later.

There are two HDMI inputs, though only one is compatible with HDCP 2.2. That one can do 2160p/60 (in 4:2:0/8-bit garb).

It’s even 3D for the dozen or so of you who care.

Unlike the TVs, we’ve got availability AND pricing: This month, for around $10k.

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One of the main TV trends at CES this year was High Dynamic Range, or HDR.

Essentially, TVs labeled as such offer significantly greater contrast ratio, an expanded range of brightness from light to dark.

More than just a marketing term, HDR could be the next big jump in picture quality.

…maybe.

At this point, I assume you’ve heard of local dimming. In case I shouldn’t assume that, local dimming is when a TV selectively dims part of its backlight, making the darker parts of the image, darker. It effectively increases contrast ratio, though not all local dimming 1) works, 2) works well. Some don’t work at all.

HDR is the same idea, but to a more extreme amount. The idea is to make the bright parts of the image even brighter. A lot brighter, while still keeping the dark parts actually dark.

Extremely high contrast ratio is why we love OLED, but a well done HDR LCD could look as good. Some, maybe, might even look a little better. And that’s coming from someone who’s been ragging on LCD since they first hit the big-screen market.

There’s two aspects to HDR: the TV, and the content.

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The TV is, as is always the case, the easy part. Already we’ve seen some TVs that boast being HDR. This year we’ll see more, some of which feature Dolby Vision, that companies big push to bring HDR into your home. How each of these companies is implementing it (and how well) varies, as usually, we’ll reserve final judgment for when we actually get these in our labs.

The other aspect is content, and Dolby is working on that, with three movies due out later this year. While a (well done) HDR TV will look better than a non-HDR TV even with regular content, having a wider range available means the content itself can offer a wider range. More detail in bright areas of an image, for example.

How will these HDR versions look compared to their non-HDR Blu-rays on an HDR TV? That is an excellent question.

We look forward to testing that out.

In the meantime, don’t discount the HDR label just yet. It’s possible those TVs will offer something a cut above their standard contemporaries. But, like anything, if the moniker takes off, expect abuse (i.e. what happened with contrast ratio and refresh rate).

We’ll keep an eye out for such abuses too, and almost certainly whine about them… Isn’t that why you love HDGuru?

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Color, until now, hasn’t been talked about much when it comes to TVs. Sure, some company might claim some ridiculous percentage of some vaguely recognizable abbreviation, but in all, color was color and as long as it wasn’t wrong, it wasn’t discussed much.

Since nearly every LCD from the last few years has used “white” LEDs (actually a blue LED with a yellow phosphor), there wasn’t that much difference between them, color-wise, either.

That changed in a big way at CES 2015.

It seemed like, all of a sudden, manufacturers were talking about all sorts of picture quality attributes that had been largely ignored thus far. High Dynamic Range promises to drastically increase contrast ratio, a big boon for picture quality.

The big push on the color front is largely due to microscopic nano-crystals called “quantum dots.” We talked about these (and how awesome they are) when we reviewed the first TV with them, the Sony W900A.

Color is key. Not as important as contrast ratio, but up there. Accurate color is vital, reproducing what the content creators (directors, etc) want you to see with their creations. All aspects of an image are adjustable, and there are often stories-within-stories that use colors and shades lost if a TV is inaccurately creating certain colors.

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But it’s not just a question of more accurate colors, as modern TVs can be pretty accurate already. Some TVs are often spot-on the Rec 709 color space out of the box (with the right setting). Images created with separate red, green, and blue light sources just look more realistic. I noticed this during my review of the W900A, and with projectors that used separate red, green, and blue LEDs.

Basically no TVs use separate RGB LEDs (instead using the “white” LEDs mentioned earlier). Quantum dots, however, allow for the more realistic color of RGB LEDs without the cost. Nearly every TV company announced models for 2015 with quantum dots.

But it goes even further than that. Content creators and providers are looking to expand the available colors of the content. Think redder reds, bluer blues, and so on. Maybe we’ll finally get to see a realistic looking eggplant on TV. Or firetrucks.

Samsung, as an example, had a special room set up that showed off a movie (not sure if I’m allowed to say which). It’s a gorgeous movie with a lot of time spent in the ocean. One feed on one TV was Rec 709. The other was a wider-gamut feed. The difference was not subtle, and far closer to what the filmmaker had in the theater, and couldn’t have for the home Blu-ray release (due to the much narrower color gamut).

Could this be the future? Let’s hope so. Ultra HD, from a strictly resolution standpoint, offers only mild improvements depending on where you’re sitting, and how big your TV is. Expanded, more realistic color (and the content that takes advantage of that), will be noticeable on any size TV.

We’ll certainly talk more about this as the year goes on.

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With the new 2015 models expected to begin arriving at consumer electronics dealers next month, the TV makers must begin to discount and close-out its remaining inventories of 2014 4K UHD TVs and HD TVs.

This week in addition to our usual price list of the biggest selling large screen models by the top manufacturers, we begin with the most heavily discounted televisions.

The best deals are models that are over-inventoried, based on sales projections. These TVs tend to be at or near the top end of a respective manufacturer’s line, with savings up to 56% off of retail.

LG has the most close-out savings. Toshiba recently announced its 2015 models will be made by Taiwan-based TV maker Compal. The move follows JVC which dropped out of TV manufacturing and licensed its name to Taiwanese ODM (original design manufacturer) AmTran. Philips did the licensing deal a few years ago, with its US models being made by a Japanese company called Funai.

The 2014 Toshiba 58-inch 4K UHD TV is highly featured excellent 4K UHDTV with an msrp of $2500. It is now available from Amazon direct for just $1099.00! This TV is backed by Toshiba, a consumer electronics giant which continues to make other products and maintain a US sales and service network.

The list appears after the break.

LG Electronics 55UB9500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3300 Was $1999.00 Now $1557.75 Amazon direct -53% off

LG Electronics 65UB9800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $6000 Was $4499.00 Now $2899.00-52% off Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 79UB9800 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $10000 Was $6999.00 Now $5727.75-43% off Amazon direct

Toshiba 58L8400U 58-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $2500 Now $1099.00-56% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 60LB5900 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $1400 Was $899.00 Now $757.98-46% off Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 50LB6300 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1100 Was $724.18 Now $599.00-46% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB6300 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1300 Was $1099.99 Now $779.00

Samsung UN55H6400 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1197.99 Now $1069.99-47% off Amazon direct

2014 UHD 4K TVs

Sharp LC-60UD27U 60-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD 2160p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $3200 Was $2500 Now $1997.99 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70UD27U 70-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD 2160p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $4300 Was $3499.99 Now $2997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU8550 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $4000 Was $2197.99 Now $1697.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65HU8550 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $5000 Was $3297.99 Now $2797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU8700 55-Inch Curved 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3500 Was $3197.99 Now $23974.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN55HU9000 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $5000 Was $3497.99 Now $3197.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN65HU9000 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $6000 Last Week $4497.99 Now $3997.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN78HU9000 78-Inch Curved 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $9000 Was $7997.99 Now $6997.99 + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN85HU8550 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $12000 Now $9997.99 Amazon direct -Note: This is a LED backlit model with local dimming, not edge-lit as stated by Amazon

Samsung UN40HU6950 40-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Was $997.99 Now Was $897.99 Now $797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU6950 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2400 Was $1997.99 Now $1297.99 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65UB9200 65″ Class UHD 4K Smart LED TV with Built-in Wi-Fi, TruMotion, 3x HDMI/USB, Media Share, Netflix, Skype Ready Retail $3800 Now $2499.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55UB8200 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz LED TV Retail $2200 Was $1499.00 Last week $1399.00 Now $1199.00 Amazon direct -45% off

LG Electronics 49UB8500 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1500 Was $1499.00 Now $1179.41 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55UB8500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2300 Now $1599.00

LG Electronics 55UB9500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3300 Was $1999.00 Now $1557.75 Amazon direct -53% off

LG Electronics 65UB9500 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4300 Now $2699.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65UB9800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $6000 Was $4499.00 Now $2899.00-52% off Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 79UB9800 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $10000 Was $6999.00 Now $5727.75-43% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 84UB9800 84-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $17000 Was $9999.00 Was $8999.00 Now $8408.98 Amazon direct

Sony XBR49X850B 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $2099.00 Was $1498.00 Now $1398.00Amazon direct

Sony XBR55X850B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3000 Now $1798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X850B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4000 Was $3298.00 Now $2798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR70X850B 70-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $5499.99 Was $5498.00 Now $3998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR55X900B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4000 Was $3998.00 Now $2798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X900B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $5000 Now $3798.00 Amazon

Sony XBR79X900B 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $9000 Was $8998.00 Now $7998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X950B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $7998.00 Now $6998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR85X950B 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $25000 Now $24,998.00 Amazon direct

VIZIO P552ui-B2 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED HDTV Was $1399.99 Now $1249.99 Amazon direct

VIZIO P602ui-B3 60-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED HDTV Was $1699.99 Now $1498.00 Amazon direct

Toshiba 65L9400U 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $4000 Was $2799.99 Now $1748.00 Abt via Amazon

Toshiba 58L8400U 58-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $2500 Now $1099.00 via Amazon direct

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2014 HDTVs

Sony KDL55W700B 55-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV Was $999.99 Now $899.99 Best Buy

LG Electronics 55EC9300 55-Inch 1080p 3D OLED HDTV Retail $7000 Now $3499.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB5900 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $900 Was $679.00 Now $589.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 60LB5900 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $1400 Was $899.00 Now $757.98-46% off Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 42LB5800 42-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED TV Retail $700 Now $399.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 50LB6300 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1100 Was $899.00 Was $724.18 Now $599.00-46% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB6300 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was 1099.99 Now $779.00-51% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB7200 55-Inch 1080p 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was $1399.00 Now $998.72 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 60LB7100 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1900 Was $1499.00 Now $1299.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65LB7100 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2700 Was $1999.00 Now $1549.00 Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 70LB7100 70-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3100 Now $1899.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H8000 Curved 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED HDTV Retail $2900 Was $1997.99 Now $1597.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H8000 Curved 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED HDTV Retail $4000 Was $2697.99 Now $2297.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6203 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was $749.99 Now $697.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN40H6350 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $800 Now $577.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN48H6350 48-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1000 Now $674.93 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6350 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1800 Was $1041.19 Now $941.43 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H6350 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2800 Now $1448.00 Amazon direct

Samsung UN75H6350 75-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $4300 Now $2298.00 Amazon direct

Samsung UN48H6400 48-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1450 Now $828.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6400 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1197.99 Now $1069.99-47% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN46H7150 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1750 Was $1099 Now $997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN60H7150 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2700 Was $1897.99 Now $1497.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H7150 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3300 Was $2097.99 Now $1797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN75H7150 75-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $5000 Was $3799 Now $3497.99 Amazon direct

Samsung PN64H5000 64-Inch 1080p Plasma Retail $2100 Now 1297.99 Amazon direct

Sony KDL40W600B 40-Inch 1080p 60Hz Smart LED TV Reg. $500 Now $440.90 Amazon direct

Sony KDL48W600B 48-Inch 1080p 60Hz Smart LED TV Retail $650 Now $566.68 Amazon direct

Sony KDL50W800B 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1200 Now $891.96 Amazon direct

Sony KDL55W800B 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1500 Now $998.00 Amazon direct

Sony KDL60W850B 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2300 Now $1397.99 Amazon direct

Sony KDL70W850B 70-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2900 Now $1998.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-60LE660 60-Inch Aquos 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1200 Now $897.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70LE660 70-Inch Aquos 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1567.77

Sharp LC-70EQ10U 70-inch Aquos Q 1080p 240Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2200 Now $1998.00

Sharp LC-60SQ15U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Now $1397.00

Sharp LC-60UQ17U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2500 Now $1464.12

You can help support HD Guru and our staff by buying products through our links or ads. We are rewarded by a small commission from the Best Buy, Panasonic and Amazon.

Listed HDTVs and UHDTVS sold by Amazon direct (unless otherwise noted) offer a 14 day Low Price Guarantee and 2% Back in Rewards (on TVs $1499 or higher) and 30 Day returns on TVs. They stand behind their sales. Note: prices are correct as of posting and may change at any time, please verify with our links; Currently, most states do not collect sales tax on Amazon orders with the exceptions of AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MN, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, PA, TN, TX, VA ,WV, WA & WI. You always must pay sales tax (in states that collect it) when buying at a brick and mortar store. Should you buy an HDTV from on-line or from a retail store? For the answers read our article here.

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The TV makers continue to close-out the remaining inventories of 2014 4K UHD TVs and HD TVs. Slower than anticipated sales means more saving for you and this week are some very hot deals from Samsung, LG, Toshiba and others.

This week in addition to our usual price list of the biggest selling large screen models by the top manufacturers, we begin with the most heavily discounted televisions, with savings up to 58% off of retail.

LG has the most close-out savings. The hottest deals include an LG 65-inch Smart 4K UHD TV for $2099 down $400 from last week; LG 65-inch 4K UHD with 3D and Smart for $2899; Toshiba 65-inch 4K Smart TV closeout for $1698.00

The hottest deal list appears after the break followed by all the other 4K UHD and HDTVs deals.

Samsung UN55HU6840 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 60Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Now $1099.99- 45% off Amazon Direct

LG Electronics 65UB9200 65″ Class UHD 4K Smart LED TV with Built-in Wi-Fi, TruMotion, 3x HDMI/USB, Media Share, Netflix, Skype Ready Retail $3800 Last Week $2499.00 Now $2099.00-45% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65UB9800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $6000 Was $4499.00 Now $2899.00-52% off Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 79UB9800 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $10000 Was $6999.00 Now $5499. Paul’s TV via Amazon

Toshiba 58L8400U 58-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $2500 Now $1095.00 Audio Video Sales Guy via Amazon

Toshiba 65L9400U 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $4000 Was $2799.99 Now $1698.00-58% off Abt via Amazon

LG Electronics 60LB5900 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $1400 Was $899.00 Now $798.00 Amazon Direct

LG Electronics 50LB6300 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1100 Was $724.18 Now $580.00-47% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB6300 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1300 Was $1099.99 Last Week $779.00 Now $699.00 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6400 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1197.99 Now $1062.99-47% off Amazon direct

2014 UHD 4K TVs

Sharp LC-60UD27U 60-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD 2160p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $3200 Was $2500 Last Week $1997.99 Now $1797.99Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70UD27U 70-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD 2160p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $4300 Was $3499.99 Now $2997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU8550 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $4000 Was $2197.99 Now $1697.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65HU8550 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $5000 Was $3297.99 Now $2797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU8700 55-Inch Curved 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3500 Was $3197.99 Now $2397.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN55HU9000 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $5000 Was $3497.99 Now $3197.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN65HU9000 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $6000 Now $4497.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN78HU9000 78-Inch Curved 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $9000 Was $7997.99 Now $6997.99 + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN85HU8550 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $12000 Now $9997.99 Amazon direct -Note: This is a LED backlit model with local dimming, not edge-lit as stated by Amazon

Samsung UN40HU6950 40-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Was $997.99 Now Was $897.99 Now $797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU6950 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2400 Was $1997.99 Now $1297.99 Amazon direct

Electronics 65UB9200 65″ Class UHD 4K Smart LED TV with Built-in Wi-Fi, TruMotion, 3x HDMI/USB, Media Share, Netflix, Skype Ready Retail $3800 Last Week $2499.00 Now $2099.00-45% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55UB8200 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz LED TV Retail $2200 Was $1499.00 Last week $1399.00 Now $1126.90 Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 49UB8500 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1500 Was $1499.00 Now $1149.00 Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 55UB8500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2300 Now $1499.00 One Call via Amazon

LG Electronics 55UB9500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3300 Was $1999.00 Now $1648.98 Amazon direct -53% off

LG Electronics 65UB9800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $6000 Was $4499.00 Now $2899.00-52% off Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 79UB9800 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $10000 Was $6999.00 Now $5499.00-45% off Paul’s TV via Amazon

LG Electronics 84UB9800 84-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $17000 Was $9999.00 Was $8999.00 Now $8408.98 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65EC9700 65-Inch 4k Ultra HD 3D Curved OLED TV Retail $12000 Now $9999.99 Amazon direct

Sony XBR49X850B 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $2099.00 Was $1498.00 Now $1398.00Amazon direct

Sony XBR55X850B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3000 Now $1798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X850B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4000 Was $3298.00 Now $2798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR70X850B 70-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $5499.99 Was $5498.00 Now $3998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR55X900B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4000 Was $3998.00 Now $2798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X900B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $5000 Now $3798.00 Amazon

Sony XBR79X900B 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $9000 Was $8998.00 Now $7998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X950B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $7998.00 Now $6998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR85X950B 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $25000 Now $24,998.00 Amazon direct

VIZIO P552ui-B2 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED HDTV Was $1399.99 Now $1248.00 Amazon direct

VIZIO P602ui-B3 60-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED HDTV Was $1699.99 Now $1498.00 Amazon direct

Toshiba 65L9400U 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $4000 Was $2799.99 Now $1698.00-58% off Abt via Amazon

Toshiba 58L8400U 58-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $2500 Now $1099.00 via Amazon direct

Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems

2014 HDTVs

Sony KDL55W700B 55-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV Was $999.99 Now $899.99 Best Buy

LG Electronics 55EC9300 55-Inch 1080p 3D OLED HDTV Retail $7000 Was $3499.00 Now $2999.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB5900 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $900 Was $679.00 Now $640.37 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 60LB5900 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $1400 Was $899.00 Now $798.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 42LB5800 42-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED TV Retail $700 Now $438.69 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 50LB6300 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1100 Was $899.00 Was $724.18 Now $580.00-47% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB6300 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was 1099.99 Now $699.00-56% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB7200 55-Inch 1080p 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was $1399.00 Now $999.99 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 60LB7100 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1900 Was $1499.00 Now $1179.41 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65LB7100 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2700 Was $1999.00 Now $1439.00 Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 70LB7100 70-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3100 Now $2058.98 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H8000 Curved 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED HDTV Retail $2900 Was $1997.99 Now $1597.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H8000 Curved 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED HDTV Retail $4000 Was $2697.99 Now $2297.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6203 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was $749.99 Now $638.97 Amazon direct

Samsung UN40H6350 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $800 Now $521.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN48H6350 48-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1000 Now $639.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6350 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1800 Was $1041.19 Now $897.99-50% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H6350 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2800 Now $1448.00 Amazon direct

Samsung UN75H6350 75-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $4300 Now $2297.99 Paul’s TV via Amazon

Samsung UN55H6400 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1197.99 Now $1062.99-47% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN46H7150 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1750 Was $1099 Now $997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN60H7150 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2700 Was $1897.99 Now $1497.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H7150 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3300 Was $2097.99 Now $1797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN75H7150 75-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $5000 Was $3799 Now $3497.99 Amazon direct

Samsung PN64H5000 64-Inch 1080p Plasma Retail $2100 Now 1297.99 Amazon direct

Sony KDL40W600B 40-Inch 1080p 60Hz Smart LED TV Reg. $500 Now $440.90 Amazon direct

Sony KDL48W600B 48-Inch 1080p 60Hz Smart LED TV Retail $650 Now $544.04 Amazon direct

Sony KDL50W800B 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1200 Was $891.96 Now $798.97 Amazon direct

Sony KDL55W800B 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1500 Now $992.76 Amazon direct

Sony KDL60W850B 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2300 Now $1398.00 Amazon direct

Sony KDL70W850B 70-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2900 Now $1998.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-60LE660 60-Inch Aquos 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1200 Now $897.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70LE660 70-Inch Aquos 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1567.77 Now $1499.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70EQ10U 70-inch Aquos Q 1080p 240Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2200 Last Week $1998.00 Now $1797.99 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-60SQ15U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1397.00 Now $1297.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-60UQ17U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2500 Now $1445.84

You can help support HD Guru and our staff by buying products through our links or ads. We are rewarded by a small commission from the Best Buy, Panasonic and Amazon.

Listed HDTVs and UHDTVS sold by Amazon direct (unless otherwise noted) offer a 14 day Low Price Guarantee and 2% Back in Rewards (on TVs $1499 or higher) and 30 Day returns on TVs. They stand behind their sales. Note: prices are correct as of posting and may change at any time, please verify with our links; Currently, most states do not collect sales tax on Amazon orders with the exceptions of AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MN, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, PA, TN, TX, VA ,WV, WA & WI. You always must pay sales tax (in states that collect it) when buying at a brick and mortar store. Should you buy an HDTV from on-line or from a retail store? For the answers read our article here.

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The 65-inch JVC DM65USR Diamond Series 4K Ultra HDTV is a competitively-priced option with desirable features like contrast-enhancing full-array local dimming and a modern design. However, its numerous visual quirks will give videophiles second thoughts.

Many people are familiar with JVC’s superb home theater projectors, but the company exited the TV business a few years ago and now licenses the JVC name for TVs to AmTran, a Taiwan based electronics manufacturer.

Style and setup

The JVC DM65USR frames its 65-inch screen with a half-inch wide matte-silver bezel that’s slightly thicker along the bottom edge. A non-illuminated JVC badge is centered on the lower bezel and a pleasingly-subtle power indicator light is located in the lower left corner.

A matching base stand measured just under 26 inches at its widest point. Stand stability was average, with a bit more flexing than I care to see, but the TV is compatible with standard wall mount hardware.

The JVC DM65USR retails for $1999.00

Display tech

The DM65USR uses a VA-type LCD panel with 3840×2160 pixel resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The TV’s matte screen surface effectively minimized room reflections, and the lack of 3D support will likely disappoint few people.

Videophiles will be pleased to note this TV has a direct-lit LED backlight system, with full-array local dimming featuring 32-zones. The 85-inch version of this TV doubles the number of local dimming zones to 64. For comparison, Vizio’s 65 inch 4K P-Series matches the number of local dimming zones of the larger JVC, providing more granular control of the local dimming.

Input options

The TV provides a generous number of HDMI inputs: 4 HDMI 2.0 ports that are HDCP 2.2-enabled, plus a fifth HDMI port that’s MHL-enabled. Two USB ports (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0) are available for connecting external storage devices containing multimedia files.

Remote control

A two-sided rectangular remote provides an uncluttered layout of standard TV and playback controls on one side. Flipping it over reveals a QWERTY keyboard and touchpad that made typing WiFi network details much easier during setup. One criticism of this otherwise solid remote design was the need to carefully aim it for consistent reception.

The DM65USR also features convenient hardware button controls that are within easy reach on the back of the lower right corner.

TV tuner

The built-in over-the-air (OTA) digital tuner proved very good at pulling in local stations using a modest indoor antenna. The lack of an electronic programming guide (EPG) may disappoint cordcutters, but an editable channel list made for convenient and speedy channel selection.

Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems

App experience

If you’re looking for a 4K UHD (ultra-high definition) television that provides the latest 4K streaming options from the likes of Netflix and Amazon, the DM65USR has none of that. Instead, a 1080p Roku Streaming Stick is included in the box. The Stick is a good match for the TV’s MHL-enabled HDMI port as it provided the necessary power without an additional cable.

The TV’s WiFi and Ethernet networking are reserved for retrieving local weather information, DLNA-style multimedia streaming, and a web browser that enables a good web surfing experience, largely thanks to the convenient text entry via the keyboard remote.

Most Internet-enabled TVs have an auto software update feature, but there was no sign of this capability.

The DM65USR’s built-in photo and music player also worked well – the latter supported lossless FLAC audio decoding and album art.

Audio quality

The TV’s 15W down-firing stereo speakers delivered distortion-free volume at levels that were adequate for a mid-sized room. 3D and normalization audio effect options are available, as is a 5-band equalizer for those that wish to further customize the TV’s sound quality. I found the 3D audio effect a quick way to enhance sound quality, but I eventually settled on using the custom equalizer setup for regular listening.

The DM65USR provides Audio Return Channel (ARC) on HDMI port 4, and its optical audio output passed multichannel PCM and Dolby Digital from all sources connected via the HDMI inputs.

Contrast and color

The DM65USR is a very bright LCD TV, with peak brightness measuring nearly 117 footlamberts (400 nits) with a full-field white pattern.

The TV’s Movie picture preset came closest to the grayscale and color standard used in HD video production, but the related controls to tame its overly warm white balance proved highly interactive. Use of the TV’s 2-point white balance controls made it easy to mess up the gamma response and cause significant color errors in the darker grays.

Sticking to the 10-point grayscale controls proved effective, but the DM65USR defaults to the truncated picture presets of the Standard and Game modes when fed 2160p video. This means that even if you calibrate the Movie mode, it’s not available when using a 4K source like the Sony FMP-X10 Media Player.

The DM65USR provides no means of applying its 10-point white balance or color calibration results to other HDMI inputs, other than tedious manual entry.

Also disappointing was the difference in color accuracy with HD and UHD video sources. HD color accuracy improved nicely post-calibration, but switching to 2160p input produced a skewed response especially with secondary colors.

Similar to the Vizio P-Series, the DM65USR clips below black and above white video information with the component (YCbCr) input, potentially sacrificing deep shadow and bright white detail.

The TV’s brightness picture control also had a dramatic impact on the hue of dark gray shades – adjusting it one or two notches produced significant color shifts.

The DM65USR also displayed a sharp roll-off of high resolution color information as indicated by the Spears & Munsil V2 chroma tests.

The excellent, but more expensive, Samsung HU8550 UHD TV exhibited none of the clipping or picture preset quirks of the DM65USR.

Viewing Exams

Compared to an IPS panel, the DM65USR’s VA panel technology sacrifices viewing angle performance for improved contrast. Noticeable loss of color saturation occurred at about 25 degrees off-axis, but this result was average for a VA panel and the picture remained quite watchable out to extreme angles.

Overall screen uniformity was good save for some slight dim vertical bands that seemed to lessen after a light massaging with a microfiber cloth.

The TV’s full array local dimming LED backlight system made for excellent dark room viewing as the black bars of letterboxed movies were nearly imperceptible.

Motion resolution

The motion resolution of the DM65USR is similar to every other LCD television that lacks motion interpolation, or has the feature turned off: about 300-350 lines on a 1080 line test pattern. With the TV’s CrystalMotion Pro feature enabled, motion resolution results approached an admirable 1000 lines with only slight smearing/ghosting noted on the trailing edges of scrolling text.

Unfortunately, the DM65USR had a nasty habit of re-enabling motion interpolation after the related picture control had been disabled. Restarting the TV, changing inputs, and sometimes changing input video resolution would re-enable motion interpolation and its overly-smoothed video rendering. Annoying to say the least.

Video processing

1080i benchmark tests revealed excellent processing of video and film-sourced material. Video filtering proved excellent at minimizing jagged edge artifacts, and progressive scaling of 720p content also looked good.

Bottom line/take away

If you care about picture quality and you are on a budget, it’s always better to go with a 1080p TV rather than a 4K UHD TV, given similar pricing.

The JVC DM65USR Diamond Series 4K Ultra HD TV is a well-priced direct-lit LCD with local dimming and plenty of HDMI 2.0 ports, but its numerous visual quirks and lack of 4K streaming content are likely to be sticking points for discriminating shoppers.

HD Guru awards the JVC DM65USR 2.5 out of 5 Hearts

By Robert Heron

Disclosure: Review sample was obtained as manufacturer’s loan.

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Time for our awards!

With the 2015 CES concluded, we saw a number of new devices and improvements. The UHD TV category bar has been raised with wider color, high dynamic range, and improved black levels.

The audio category had outstanding new entries in the surround sound, soundbar, and floor standing models.

The new Ultra HD Blu-ray provides a way to advance image quality to a level never before available in the home.

On to our Top Picks.

Best in Show: Samsung JS 9500 4K Ultra High Definition TV (pictured above)

The JS9500 is Samsung’s best 2015 4K UHD TV and our pick for Best in Show. The feature lists packs the latest combination of top performance improvements for this year: Full Array LED backlight with hundreds of dimmable zones; Blue LEDs and Samsung’s version of Quantum Dots called Nano Crystals, which brings the color gamut near the DCI standard; High Dynamic Range (HDR) with a peak brightness of just under 300 ft lamberts (1000 nits which is 2 to 3 times the brightness of typical LED LCDs), with the ability to read meta data that will be imbedded in select UHD Blu-ray discs and streaming services; 10-bit panel with acceptance and display of future 10-bit UHD Blu-ray movies and a curved screen with a recessed “chamfered bezel”.

We should note the Samsung (JS series) and the Panasonic (CX850) are the only vendors that claim to be able to accurately display HDR and wide color gamut via embedded meta data in UHD sources, the competition (LG, Sony) use their own signal processors to guesstimate the right colors and (in Sony’s case) extended dynamic range.

The 9500 features Samsung’s latest graphic user interface and new Tizen OS.

Like this year’s top-of-the-line HU9000 series, the JS9500 uses Samsung’s OneConnect box for future upgrades to the tuner, connectivity, and signal processing, as well as Smart Functions and streaming. It incorporates an eight-core CPU.

The feature list has about everything available today, including voice, gesture control and Skype video using the built-in HD camera. The JS9500 can also display 3D sources.

The JS 9500 will be available in the 65-inch and 88-inch screen sizes.

Top Pick Best 4K UHD TV: Panasonic CX850U

The Panasonic CX850 4K UHD TV is Panasonic’s top-of-the-line model for 2015. The big TV improvements for the year, all included in the CX850, are a full-array LED backlight with local dimming, extended color gamut that covers 98% (for 65-inch model) of DCI (Digital Cinema Intuitive) color using newly developed LEDs, plus high dynamic range (HDR) detection and playback.

The LED full-array backlight, combined with Panasonic’s Local Dimming and Studio Master Drive, permits deep black blacks and the ability to render the very dark tones in low-light areas of the image.

According to a Panasonic product specialist, the CX850 is able to read the meta-data for HDR that will be included in select Ultra High Definition Blu-ray discs scheduled to arrive by the end of 2015 (and select streaming services like Netflix). With HDR the CX850 will have very bright highlights, far exceeding current LCD panels. In addition, the Panasonic CX850 has a 10-bit panel and will display new 10-bit content also found on the new UHD discs.

The result, an outstanding image that sets new levels of performance going way beyond just the higher resolution that 4K offers. The CX 850 will be available in the 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes.

Top Pick TV Design: Samsung 82S9W

Samsung raises the styling bar again with its unique 82-inch 21:9 UHD TV. A collaboration between Samsung engineering and renowned designer Yves Béhar results in a stunning new form factor combining Samsung’s curved widescreen with a built-in cube style floor stand.

The 82S9W also incorporates all the latest technology found in its new 16:9 4K UHD TV, the JS 9500, including full-array LED backlight with hundreds of zones, local dimming, high dynamic range and wide near-DCI color gamut.

Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems

Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems

Top Pick Ultra High Definition Blu-ray: Panasonic UHD Player

Leave it to Panasonic, with its ability to work with the movie industry closely through its Broadcast and Professional division and its Hollywood Research Lab, to come up with the world’s first UHD Blu-ray disc player.

We were fortunate to view the unit being set-up by Panasonic engineers to confirm it did indeed play a Ultra High Definition Blu-ray demo disc feeding Panasonic’s Top Pick Award-winning CX850.

The new format’s capabilities go far beyond 3840 x 2160 resolution. The new players and discs will be able to play 4K UHD up to 60 fps (frames per second, currently almost all movies are shot at 24 fps). Plus, a number of 2015 top UHD TVs will be able to accept and play 10-bit video (1024 gradations between black and white) as opposed to the 8-bit (256 gradations) limitation of HDTV Blu-ray, cable and broadcast content. The player can also accept and send HDR and wide color gamut metadata to UHD TVs that can accept it.

Panasonic expects to ship the player before the end of 2015.

Top Pick OLED: LG 77EG9900

LG’s 77EG9900 is the first flexible OLED TV. Using a 4K Ultra High Definition screen, this 77-inch OLED can be either flat or curved, ending family disputes as to which form factor is preferred.

It’s a full featured model, with LG’s latest Smart TV functions and graphic user interface. In addition, this Gumby TV incorporates Harmon Kardon sound, a deca-core processor, and LG’s latest magic motion remote control.

LG plans to ship the 77-inch in the 2^nd half of 2015 with a price to be determined.

Top Pick 4K UHD Media Player: Dish 4K Joey

Designed to work with the Dish Hopper satellite receiver as the DVR, the 4K Joey is a small box called a “thin client” that can be wall-mounted behind a 4K UHD TV. The Dish service will download Ultra High Definition content onto the Hopper’s hard drive and permit viewing at your leisure from the Joey.

The Joey is future content ready, with support for H.265/HEVC 4K @ 60 frames per second and 10-bit color (excluding graphics).

The 4K Joey will begin shipping this summer at a price to be announced.

Top Pick Surround Sound: Phillips Fidelio B5

Phillips Fidelio B5 is a unique surround-sound powered-speaker design. The system consists of a soundbar to be placed above or below your flat screen, but here’s where it’s different. At each end of the bar there’s a detachable speaker, with a built-in battery for true wireless surround. The Fidelio B5 also comes with a subwoofer. To listen in Dolby Surround, simply detach the end speakers and place them behind you on the left and right sides and viola, instant surround without wires. This is great for apartment dwellers as well as a folks that want a simple surround sound solution.

The Fidelio B5 has built-in auto calibration for properly balanced channels. The B5 also has built-in Bluetooth which permits streaming of music to the front soundbar and rear speakers, even if they’re in different rooms, turning the “single bar” into a 3-room music system.

The Fidelio B5 will be shipping this spring with an msrp of $899.99

Top Pick Soundbar: LG LAS950M

LG’s new LAS950M soundbar offers 700 watts of total power and can simulate 7.1 channels (the “.1” being an included wireless subwoofer). It will also connect wirelessly to LG 2015 HDTVs and UHDTVs that incorporate LG’s WebOS graphic user interface.

In addition, the LAS950M incorporates LG’s Musicflow system which permits up to 100 speakers in the house playing the same music or different songs in each room. The LAS950M also supports 24-bit HD sound.

Top Pick Blu-ray Player: LG BP550

LG’s BP-550 is its top of the line Blu-ray player for 2015. Don’t let its small size fool you, it will play 3D and 2D Blu-ray discs as well as transmit to LG’s multi-room Music Flow audio system. Smart too? Of course, with a major program and music providers Netflix, Vudu, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, YouTube, MLBTV, Spotify, Rhapsody, vTuner, AP, Facebook, Twitter and Viewster.

Top Pick Speaker: GoldenEar Technology Triton 5

GoldenEar Technology’s latest speaker, the Triton 5, really blew us away with its smooth sonic virtues, great punch due to its high dynamic range, and deep bass. All for a price of $2,000 a pair.

The Triton 5 uses dual woofers, coupled to four 8-inch passive radiators per speaker. Bass response is rated down to a low 26 Hz. Covering the high frequencies is GoldenEar Technology’s folded ribbon tweeter (one per speaker).

Overall the Triton 5 breaks new ground for high performance speakers that outperform competitors costing thousands more. As the heart of a Dolby Atmos system, with voice-matched GoldenEar Technology center and surround speakers, the Triton 5 sets the bar for price/performance quality sound.

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Samsung’s introduced three top-of the line 4K UHD TV series which were designated by them as “SUHD” at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show. Industry sources today revealed to the HD Guru the pricing and features of the JS9500, JS9000 and JS8500 SUHD series. Learn all the details after the break.

JS9500 Series

New for 2015 this series has Full Array LED backlight with hundreds of local dimming zones, High Dynamic range (HDR) with a peak brightness of nearly 300 ft. lamberts (1000 nit peak) with meta data detection of HDR content (to be found in select UHD Blu-ray discs and 4K streaming services that will be arriving toward the end of the year). Samsung calls it Peak Illuminator Ultimate. Blue LEDs drive what Samsung refers to as Nano Crystals (other TV makers call them Quantum dots) for expanded color gamut that creates colors close to the Digital Cinema Imitative (DCI) color space. The JS9500 will display the wider range of colors accurately by using the metadata that will be imbedded in UHD Blu-ray discs and select 4K streaming services.

10-bit LCD panels are incorporated this year, the JS9500s will detect 10-bit content and send it intact to the display.

The JS9500s use a recessed silver “chamfered bezel”.

The central processor for the JS9500 is an 8 core model Samsung calls OctoCore. It drives a new graphic user interface and a new Tizen operating system.

Carry-over features from the 2014 HU9000 include a curved screen, Smart TV, OneConnect Box (for future signal processing and tuner upgrades), built-in HDTV camera for Skype and facial recognition and a voice control remote.

88-inch UN88JS9500- $22,999

65-inch UN65JS9500- $5999

Samsung’s Korean website alludes to a 78-inch version which is “coming soon” and priced at 1.576 times the price of the 65-inch, which would translate to around $9500 US, if the ratios are consistent.

We expect to hear more about the line, when the 2015 Samsung SUHD TV pricing is officially announced, probably sometime in March based on prior year releases.

JS9000 Series

The JS 9000 series is very similar to the JS 9500 however it loses a few features while retaining 10-bit panels, wide color gamut and high dynamic range. First and foremost is the JS9000 models are edge-lit (also using blue LEDs and Nano Crystals) with far fewer dimming zones (really strips, Samsung won’t say how few). Samsung calls the HDR Peak Illuminator Pro instead of Peak Illuminator Ultimate found on the JS9500s, we do not know what the peak brightness is, but we presume it is not as intense. Ditto for the depth of the blacks around the lit area of the image.

Samsung also makes the Skype camera an extra cost add-on accessory rather than having it built-into the top of the TV.

The curved screen is surrounded by a black thin black bezel.

UN65JS9000- $4999

UN55JS9000- $3999

UN48JS9000- $3499

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JS8500 Series

The JS8500 series is essentially a flat version of the curved JS9000. The one exception may be the processor, which according to one source is quad-core instead of the Octocore (8) found on the 9500 and 9000.

UN65JS8500- $3999

UN55JS8500- $2999

UN48JS8500- $2499

JS8500 and JS 9000 Main Feature List

Quantum Dot Color, 4K Ultra High Definition (3840 x 2160), Contrast Enhancer, UHD Dimming with Precision Black (Local Dimming), Peak Illuminator Pro, UHD Upscaling, Smart TV,
SmartHub, Apps & Games, Web Browser, Smart Interaction, Motion Ready with Camera Accessory, Voice Control, Smart Connectivity, TV to Mobile/Mobile to TV Mirroring, Smart View App (Content Sharing + 2nd TV+ App Casting)
Connections

4 HDMI Connections, 3 USB Connections, 802.11 AC Wi-Fi Built-in, 1 Component Video In, 1 Composite In (AV)

Audio

Dolby Digital Plus, DTS Premium Sound | 5.1 Decoding

Includes

Smart Touch Remote Control, 3D Active Glasses (SSG-5150GB), One Connect Box

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For years Vizio would invite the press to see their latest TV line at an off-site venue during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This year, Vizio dispensed with the showing. Rather than wait for a formal announcement, we’ve obtained from our industry sources the retail prices, release dates, specs, and a photo of the new 65-inch model (above).

All the details after the jump.

The line is called the “M” series, and offers 8 screen sizes from 43-inches ($599) to 80-inches ($3,999). While all have 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, there are no quantum dots for a wider color gamut, nor high dynamic range capabilities that will be available from other vendors in select 4K models. 3D is also omitted. Like Vizio’s 2014 4K UHD “P” series, the “M”s offer LCD panels using full array LED backlighting with local dimming. The 65-inch has 32 dimmable zones. Based on the specifications, it employs a 10-bit LCD panel.

Vizio does not provide a native refresh rate, however its spec sheet states it does not have Vizio’s “Smooth Motion,” which is their term for Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation, a circuit found in all native 120 Hz 4K UHDTVs. Vizio states 240 Hz SPS, (SPS is a Vizio marketing term, we have been unable to find a definition).

The series prices, availability, specs and features appear after below:

Vizio’s 2015 4K UHD M Series

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Model Information: Vizio 2015 M65-C1

Physical Properties

Dimensions w/ Stand: 57.39 x 35.37 x 11.6

Dimensions w/o Stand: 59.39″ x 32.87″ x 2.52″

Remote Model: XRT500

Weight w/ Stand: 61.73 Lbs.

Weight w/o Stand: 60.72 Lbs.

Remote Connectivity: IR

Stand Measurements

Distance Between Inner Stand Legs: 46.80″

Distance Between Outer Stand Legs: 49.95″

Stand Depth (Back Side): 5.55″

Stand Depth (Front Side): 4.85″

Total Stand Depth: 11.16″

Display Features

Screen Size (Diag): 65″

64.5″ actual screen size

Number of Colors: 1.07 Billion

Backlight Type: Full Array LED

Local/Smart Dimming: Yes (32 zones)

Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 20 Million to 1

Smart TV: Yes

Resolution: 2160p (4K)

Refresh Rate (SPS/Native): 240Hz (SPS)/????Hz Native

Smooth Motion: No

Clear Action Rate: 720

3D: No

CEC: Yes

ARC: Yes

Zero Bright Pixel Policy: Yes

Audio Features

Speaker Power Output: 10W x 2

DTS StudioSound: Yes

DTS TruVolume: Yes

DTS TruSurround: Yes

Wi-Fi: 802.11ac

Bluetooth/Wifi-Direct: No

Inputs/ Outputs

HDMI: 5

Analog Audio Out: 1

Component: 1

Digital Audio Out (SPDIF): 1

Composite: 1 (shared with Component)/ Coaxial: 1

Multimedia Features

Ethernet: 1

USB Music: Yes

USB: 1

USB Photo: Yes

PC/VGA: 0

USB Video: Yes

Media Sharing Capable: Yes

Mount Pattern: 400mm x 400mm

Screw Size: M6

Screw Length: 16mm

Power Consumption: 220W

Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W

Ambient Light Sensor: Yes

Voltage Range: 120v @60hz

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This week we list the hottest closeout deals on 2014 4K UHDTVs and HDTVs, with deep discounts from Samsung , LG. Toshiba. Sony and more with up to 58% off of the retail price and free shipping.

The complete list begins after the jump

Samsung UN65HU7250 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $3300 Now $2197.99-33% off

LG Electronics 65UB9800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $6000 Was $4499.00 Was $3799.99 Now $3199.00-47% off Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 55UB8200 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz LED TV Retail $2200 Was $1499.00 Last week $1399.00 Now $1097.36- 50% off Electronic Express via Amazon

Samsung UN55HU6840 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 60Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Now $1099.99- 46% off Amazon Direct

Toshiba 65L9400U 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $4000 Was $2799.99 Now $1698.00-58% off Abt via Amazon

LG Electronics 60LB5900 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $1400 Was $899.00 Now $798.00 Amazon Direct

Samsung UN55H6400 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1197.99 Now $1063.99-47% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6350 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1800 Was $1041.19 Was $897.99-Now $797.99 56% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H6350 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2800 Now $1397.99- 50% off Amazon direct

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2014 UHD 4K TVs

Sharp LC-60UD27U 60-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD 2160p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $3200 Was $2500 Last Week $1997.99 Now $1797.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70UD27U 70-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD 2160p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $4300 Was $3499.99 Now $2997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU8550 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $4000 Was $2197.99 Now $2097.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65HU8550 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $5000 Was $3297.99 Now $2997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU8700 55-Inch Curved 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3500 Was $3197.99 Now $2397.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN55HU9000 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $5000 Was $3497.99 Now $3197.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN65HU9000 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED LCD Retail $6000 Now $3997.99 Amazon direct + Free UHD Video Pack Bundle

Samsung UN78HU9000 78-Inch Curved 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $9000 Was $7997.99 Was $6999.00 Now $5799.99 Beach Camera via Amazon

Samsung UN85HU8550 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $12000 Now $9997.99 Amazon direct -Note: This is a LED backlit model with local dimming, not edge-lit as stated by Amazon

Samsung UN40HU6950 40-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Was $997.99 Now Was $897.99 Now $797.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55HU6950 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2400 Was $1997.99 Now $1297.99 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55UB8200 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz LED TV Retail $2200 Was $1499.00 Last week $1399.00 Now $1097.36- 50% off Electronic Express via Amazon

LG Electronics 49UB8500 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1500 Was $1499.00 Now $1119.00 Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 55UB8500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2300 Now $1579.00 Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 55UB9500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3300 Was $1999.00 Now $1799.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65UB9800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $6000 Was $4499.00 Now $3799.99 Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 79UB9800 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz 3D LED TV Retail $10000 Was $6999.00 Now $5999.00 Paul’s TV via Amazon

LG Electronics 84UB9800 84-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $17000 Was $9999.00 Was $8999.00 Now $8308.98 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65EC9700 65-Inch 4k Ultra HD 3D Curved OLED TV Retail $12000 Now $9999.99 Amazon direct

Sony XBR49X850B 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $2099.00 Was $1498.00 Now $1398.00Amazon direct

Sony XBR55X850B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $3000 Now $1798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X850B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4000 Was $3298.00 Now $2798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR70X850B 70-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $5499.99 Was $5498.00 Now $3998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR55X900B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $4000 Was $3998.00 Now $2798.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X900B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $5000 Now $3798.00 Amazon

Sony XBR79X900B 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $9000 Was $8998.00 Now $7998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR65X950B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Was $7998.00 Now $6998.00 Amazon direct

Sony XBR85X950B 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz 3D LED TV Retail $25000 Now $24,998.00 Amazon direct

VIZIO P552ui-B2 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED HDTV Was $1399.99 Now $1248.00 Amazon direct

VIZIO P602ui-B3 60-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED HDTV Was $1699.99 Now $1498.00 Amazon direct

Toshiba 65L9400U 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 240Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $4000 Was $2799.99 Now $1698.00-58% off Abt via Amazon

Toshiba 58L8400U 58-Inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz Smart LED HDTV (Black/Gunmetal) Retail $2500 Now $1359.00 Paul’s TV via Amazon

2014 HDTVs

Sony KDL55W700B 55-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV Was $999.99 Now $899.99 Best Buy

LG Electronics 50LB6300 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1100 Was $724.18 Now $679.00- Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 55EC9300 55-Inch 1080p 3D OLED HDTV Retail $7000 Was $3499.00 Now $2999.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB5900 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $900 Was $679.00 Now $640.37 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 60LB5900 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED TV Retail $1400 Was $899.00 Now $798.00 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 42LB5800 42-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED TV Retail $700 Now $438.69 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 50LB6300 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1100 Was $899.00 Was $724.18 Now $580.00-47% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB6300 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was 1099.99 Now $699.00-56% off Amazon direct

LG Electronics 55LB7200 55-Inch 1080p 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was $1399.00 Now $999.99 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 60LB7100 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1900 Was $1499.00 Now $1179.41 Amazon direct

LG Electronics 65LB7100 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2700 Was $1999.00 Now $1439.00 Video & Audio Center via Amazon

LG Electronics 70LB7100 70-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3100 Now $2058.98 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H8000 Curved 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED HDTV Retail $2900 Was $1997.99 Now $1597.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H8000 Curved 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED HDTV Retail $4000 Was $2697.99 Now $2297.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6203 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1600 Was $749.99 Now $638.97 Amazon direct

Samsung UN40H6350 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $800 Now $577.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN48H6350 48-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1000 Now $649.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6350 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1800 Was $1041.19 Was $897.99-Now $797.99 56% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H6350 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2800 Now $1397.99- 50% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN75H6350 75-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $4300 Now $2296.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN55H6400 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1197.99 Now $1063.99-47% off Amazon direct

Samsung UN46H7150 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1750 Was $1099 Now $997.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN60H7150 60-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2700 Was $1897.99 Now $1497.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN65H7150 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $3300 Was $2097.99 Now $1697.99 Amazon direct

Samsung UN75H7150 75-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $5000 Was $3799 Now $3497.99 Amazon direct

Samsung PN64H5000 64-Inch 1080p Plasma Retail $2100 Now 1297.99 Amazon direct

Sony KDL40W600B 40-Inch 1080p 60Hz Smart LED TV Reg. $500 Now $440.90 Amazon direct

Sony KDL48W600B 48-Inch 1080p 60Hz Smart LED TV Retail $650 Now $520.00 Amazon direct

Sony KDL50W800B 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1200 Was $891.96 Now $798.97 Amazon direct

Sony KDL55W800B 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $1500 Now $996.06 Amazon direct

Sony KDL60W850B 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2300 Now $1398.00 Amazon direct

Sony KDL70W850B 70-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2900 Now $1998.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-60LE660 60-Inch Aquos 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $1200 Now $897.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70LE660 70-Inch Aquos 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1567.77 Now $1497.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70EQ10U 70-inch Aquos Q 1080p 240Hz Smart LED TV Retail $2200 Last Week ~~$1998.00~~ Now $1797.99 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-60SQ15U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2000 Was $1397.00 Now $1297.00 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-60UQ17U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV Retail $2500 Now $1433.20

You can help support HD Guru and our staff by buying products through our links or ads. We are rewarded by a small commission from the Best Buy, Panasonic and Amazon.

Listed HDTVs and UHDTVS sold by Amazon direct (unless otherwise noted) offer a 14 day Low Price Guarantee and 2% Back in Rewards (on TVs $1499 or higher) and 30 Day returns on TVs. They stand behind their sales. Note: prices are correct as of posting and may change at any time, please verify with our links; Currently, most states do not collect sales tax on Amazon orders with the exceptions of AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MN, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, PA, TN, TX, VA ,WV, WA & WI. You always must pay sales tax (in states that collect it) when buying at a brick and mortar store. Should you buy an HDTV from on-line or from a retail store? For the answers read our article here.

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The 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in January provided the first glimpse of Sony’s 4K UHD line for 2015. Now, thanks to our industry sources, we have all the prices and expected shipping dates of the new models.

All the info after the jump.

The Sony 2015 4K UHD line consists of 10 TVs across 6 series, with screen sizes from 43-inches to 75-inches and prices ranging from $,1299 to $7,999. All models have native 120 Hz refresh rate, along with Google’s Android TV and the ability to stream Sony PS3 games directly to the TV.

Except for the entry level 830C models, all have Sony’s wider color gamut they call Triluminous.

The two top series (930 and 940) have higher dynamic range. Alas, according to Sony product people and customer service, these series are not able to read the meta-data in upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and 4K streaming services. Instead the TVs use Sony’s new signal processor to guesstimate these criteria.

To date, only Samsung’s SUHD models (JS9500, JS9000, and JS8500) and Panasonic’s CX850 series have the capability to use the meta-data for accurate wider color and High Dynamic Range.

All the prices, release dates, features and Amazon pre-order notification links on the Sonys below:

XBRxxX830C Pictured above

43-inch $1,299 and 49-inch $1,599 – Both will be available in May
HD is upscaled to impressive 4K Ultra HD
Streaming 4K Ultra HD is enhanced for improved clarity
Android TV with Google Cast, voice search & Play Store apps
Stream PS3 games directly to your TV
Precise motion clarity with Motionflow XR 960
4 HDMI and 3 USB inputs
LED Edge Lit
2.4-inch depth (without table stand)

XBRxxX850C

55-inch $2,199, 65-inch $3,499 and 75-inch $4,999 – All will be available in May
HD is upscaled to impressive 4K Ultra HD
Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS display
Streaming 4K Ultra HD is enhanced for improved clarity
Android TV with Google Cast, voice search & Play Store apps
Stream PS3 games directly to your TV
Precise motion clarity with Motionflow™ XR 960
Quick ‘One-flick’ to home menu, online videos & services
4 HDMI and 3 USB inputs
LED Edge Lit
2.4-inch depth (55-in w/o tablestand) 3.4 in (65 and 75-inch w/o tablestand)

XBRxxX900C

55-inch $2,499 – Available May
65-inch $,3999 – Available July
HD is upscaled to impressive 4K Ultra HD
Streaming 4K Ultra HD is enhanced for improved clarity
Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS display
Ultra-thin floating style shows all picture with no bezel
Android TV with Google Cast, voice search & Play Store apps
Stream PS3 games directly to your TV
Skip the menu and access the top video services fast
Precise motion clarity with Motionflow XR 960
4 HDMI and 3 USB inputs
LED Edge Lit
Depth of top 3/4ths (or so) of screen approx. .2 of an inch (lower portion, no specification)

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