HighDefJunkies Forum http://www.highdefjunkies.com/ HIGHDESFJUNKIES IS THE PREMIER ONLINE REHAB FORUM FOR HIGH DEFINITION JUNKIES en Mon, 20 May 2013 03:49:36 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.highdefjunkies.com/images/styles/socialize/misc/rss.png HighDefJunkies Forum http://www.highdefjunkies.com/ V10 vs S60 http://www.highdefjunkies.com/plasma-displays/15689-v10-vs-s60.html Sat, 18 May 2013 16:13:07 GMT (I posted similar questions over at AVS, but would love to hear additional feedback here as well... Please bare with me! :)) The last few months... (I posted similar questions over at AVS, but would love to hear additional feedback here as well... Please bare with me! :))

The last few months have been giving me quite the headache when it comes to picking a new 65" plasma TV for my home theater. After being burned with a 65V10 that suffered from the dreaded "black level rise" syndrome (and now looks like an LCD during dark scenes, although still great with everything else), I want to make sure I am making the right decision here.

I was dead set on the 65ST60 (I believe that at this point nobody denies it's ridiculous bang-for-the-buck performance), but after seeing the unit in person I'm afraid I was let down by its overall construction quality. My wife, in fact, simply hated the silver trim. I will say that the silver trim in itself is not a deal breaker to me, but nothing about the unit feels "solid", construction-wise, specially coming from my behemoth, 170 lbs. 65V10.

Then it was the VT60. Both the ST60 and VT60, in all honesty, look cheap, flimsy and plasticky to me, and I am not a big fan of the "V" shaped base nor the side HDMI inputs, either. But, again, it's not like one has any alternative at this point... However, what really broke the deal here were the numerous complaints about the fan noise in the VT60. I am VERY picky with that sort of thing, and, long story short, it is indeed a deal breaker for me. I don't care how great the blacks are. If I get a headache while using the TV, no excellent black level number is worth it.

It's now basically between the 65ST60 and the 65S60. I admit I had not even considered the S60 before, mostly because of Panasonic marketing jargon, which makes you believe that the S60 is miles below the rest of the 2013 line-up with things like those fancy "sub-drive" numbers, whatever they mean. Recent reviews of the S60, however, picked my interest and, in fact, this looks like the PERFECT TV for me! Tailor made, almost. Things that most people complain about in the case of the S60 are actually PERFECT in my case, and most welcome. I could afford the price difference between the S and the higher up models, but do not care one bit about 3D, gaming, apps, internet gizmos, Skype, wi-fi nor anything other than picture quality. That is all I want.

What I love about the S60 compared to the rest of the 2013 line-up:

- No frills. Emphasis on image quality.
- No 3D.
- Back HDMI inputs! (LOVE this) I hate the side inputs.
- 2 HDMI inputs are NOT a concern at all. One is all I really need, in fact, for my Oppo player. If I ever need more, I can always use the Oppo's dual HDMI inputs or my receiver's 4 other inputs. I doubt I'll ever bother, though. I don't play games. I have no cable box. I just watch movies on my TV.
- The ugly silver trim is less intrusive compared to the ST60s. My wife will appreciate that!
- NO NOISY FANS!
- No nonsense approach.
- I ONLY watch movies in a totally dark room. No windows. It's a dedicated room and my only source is the Oppo player. Again, no daytime TV, no games, no cable.
- INCREDIBLE PRICE! I can sell my 65V10 and get this new one for pocket change compared to what I'd have to spend on a VT60, for example.


Now, here are questions to all of you. From what I have read, the black level on the S60 is pretty much incredible, and not that different compared to last year's VT/ST50 and now the ST60. Is this really the case?

- How's the audio/internal speakers quality? Decent enough not to force one to fire up the surround rig when watching films in mono?

- Regarding the "gradation steps" difference between the S and the ST, etc, is this really visible to the human eye from a distance of about 9 feet?

- Anybody have accurate black level readings on the 65S60 and the 65V10 (when working properly)? I could not find that many worthwhile S60 reviews. Regarding the V10, Cnet's review did not offer any numbers, even though it gave the V10 very high marks in the black level department (back then, of course). Should the out-the-box S60 be darker than the V10?

- Let's leave black levels aside for a second. My ISF-calibrated 65V10 looks great to me, EXCEPT, of course, during dark scenes, when everything falls apart. I do not know if back then (2009/10) Panasonic used the same marketing jargon and I do not know how many "steps of gradation" the V10 has. But for those that have experience with both models (the V10's and now the S60's), would this be an incredible, significant or barely noticeable improvement? Or would it be a step backwards, in fact?

Based on my personal needs and tastes described above, do you think the 65S60 will be a considerable upgrade from a 65V10 that suffered from the rise in black levels? Again, I could afford the extra $1K and go with the ST60 or even the VT60, but is it really worth it? Do I really want to give Panasonic a ton of my money when they already disappointed me BIG TIME with the 65V10's black level issue (costumer service was really bad with this)? Not to mention, there are so many new things around the corner... I know that VT quality will probably be half the price next year! Plus, I would never, ever use the 3D, etc. And I do not need the anti-reflective glass at all. Are the black/contrast levels between the S and ST really that similar under normal conditions?

Thanks in advance for your input. ]]> Plasma Displays Sartana http://www.highdefjunkies.com/plasma-displays/15689-v10-vs-s60.html Home Theater Room Shape http://www.highdefjunkies.com/home-theater-construction-design/15688-home-theater-room-shape.html Fri, 17 May 2013 19:22:31 GMT Hey guys,

I'm putting together the customizations on a new home build with a media/theater room. It's a rectangular room with attached powder room and media closet. The default design of this layout is an outer door to the media room with inner doors to the media closet and powder room in a small entry.



It seems convenient for sure, but in terms of acoustics, would it typically be better to move that outside door to the inside of the media room to keep the surface flat, or is it not likely to make much difference?

Thanks a lot for your input.

Ken ]]> Captain Trips http://www.highdefjunkies.com/home-theater-construction-design/15688-home-theater-room-shape.html VIZIO M-Series Razor LED Smart TVs w/Theater 3D - 50 inch to 80 inch http://www.highdefjunkies.com/led-lcd-displays/15687-vizio-m-series-razor-led-smart-tvs-w-theater-3d-50-inch-80-inch.html Thu, 16 May 2013 00:13:46 GMT I just read the Vizio press release (http://store.vizio.com/en-ca/news/vizio-reveals-expanded-2013-hdtv-collection) on their new M series. ... I just read the Vizio press release on their new M series.

Quote:
"VIZIO M-Series Razor LED Smart TVs w/Theater 3D
50” Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M501d) – $849.99 Retail Price
55” Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M551d) – $1,199.99 Retail Price
60” Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M601d) – $1,599.99 Retail Price
65” Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M651d) – $1,999.99 Retail Price
70” Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M701d) – $2,499.99 Retail Price
80” Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M801d) – $4,499.99 Retail Price "
I am interested in reading up on the 70 and 80 inch.. Should be interesting to see how it compares to the Sharp 70 and 80.. ]]> tripplej http://www.highdefjunkies.com/led-lcd-displays/15687-vizio-m-series-razor-led-smart-tvs-w-theater-3d-50-inch-80-inch.html Jack Reacher Blu-ray Review http://www.highdefjunkies.com/official-hdj-blu-ray-reviews/15685-jack-reacher-blu-ray-review.html Wed, 15 May 2013 02:24:07 GMT Image: http://images3.static-bluray.com/movies/covers/62832_large.jpg Jack Reacher Official Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7FiWkyevqY)...
Jack Reacher Official Trailer
Title: Jack Reacher (2012)
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc / Two Disc Set
Video: 1080p / AVC
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish & Portuguese
Run time: 130 minutes
Studio: Paramount
Rating: PG-13
Region Coding: Region Free

Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher
Rosamund Pike as Helen
Richard Jenkins as Rodin
David Oyelowo as Emerson
Werner Herzog as The Zec
Jai Courtney as Charlie
Joseph Sikora as Barr
Michael Raymond-James as Linsky
Alexia Fast as Sandy
Josh Helman as Jeb
Robert Duvall as Martin Cash
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie

Jack Reacher is Christopher McQaurrie's second film to direct, but the man is no stranger to film. He has written several films including Valkyrie, The Usual Suspects, and of course Jack Reacher. So it was no surprise to me that I would be entertained by this film when I saw it in the theater a few months ago.

When five seemingly random people are shot by a sniper in downtown Pittsburgh the police descend upon a goldmine of a crime scene. They find more than enough evidence to convict a man name James Barr, whose fingerprint's, vehicle, and preferred caliber casings are found at the scene. We know the man who killed these people was not James Barr so he refuses to speak to the police or the district attorney until they bring him a man by the name of Jack Reacher.

Reacher is a career military policeman and investigator and when he learns that Barr has asked for him by name he assumes that it's for a good reason. What seems like a cut and dry murder case to everyone else begins to look like something else to Reacher and he soon realizes that there's a much larger game at play. Will Reacher be able to not only prove Barr's innocence, but also find out why anyone would want to frame him in the first place?

I can't recommend this film enough as Cruise fills the shoes of the Reacher character perfectly. You don't have to be an action or Cruise fan to enjoy this. Jack Reacher is one of those crime/thriller/action films that is sure to entertain just about every type of audience. Due to violence and profanity this one is not for younger children.

Framed in 2.35:1 Jack Reacher arrives on Blu-ray with a impeccable transfer. As a matter of fact it is about the best transfer from film I have seen this year so far. Colors are well balanced and saturated, fine detail is sublime, and grain is light and consistent. There's never any issues with softer or out of focus shots and black levels are solid. This is definitely demo worthy from start to finish. My own screen captures from Jack Reacher can be found below.




















Jack Reacher explodes onto Blu-ray with a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track emulating the Dolby Surround 7.1 mix heard in theaters. Dialogue is clear and concise in the center channel without any problems. Fronts, surrounds, and rears are used constantly for various effects and the film's musical score. The directionality between all of these channels is extremely enveloping as whoever did this mix was certainly paying attention to detail. The LFE gets quite a bit of attention as well as gunshots, engine revs, and landing blows have serious impact through the sub. There's no doubt that this mix is right up there with the best.

Jack Reacher comes to Blu-ray with a generous amount of supplements. First up is a feature length commentary with McQuarrie and Cruise, which is extremely interesting from start to finish as the two cover virtually every facet of the film's production as well as its adaption from Lee Child's novel entitled One Shot. Next up is the film's isolated score with occasional comments from Composer Joe Kramer. Next is a 26 minute feature that focuses on how Lee Child's book was adapted to the screen and why Cruise was chosen for his role. Next is a 10 minute look at the choreography for the realistic action sequences in the film. Lastly, Child weighs in on the character of Reacher, the series for the character, and his writing. There is also a DVD copy on a second disc as well as an Ultraviolet digital copy insert.

Movie: 8/10
PQ: 10/10
AQ: 10/10
Supplements: 7/10
Final Word: A Must Own ]]> Official HDJ Blu Ray Reviews HD Goofnut http://www.highdefjunkies.com/official-hdj-blu-ray-reviews/15685-jack-reacher-blu-ray-review.html Panasonic SC-HTB770 3.1 system http://www.highdefjunkies.com/htib-all-one-systems/15684-panasonic-sc-htb770-3-1-system.html Tue, 14 May 2013 22:10:14 GMT Does anyone own this soundbar? Does anyone own this soundbar? ]]> HTiB - All In One Systems Gladiator1972 http://www.highdefjunkies.com/htib-all-one-systems/15684-panasonic-sc-htb770-3-1-system.html Please vote! Do you have the faint horizontal band in Samsung F8500 plasma series? http://www.highdefjunkies.com/plasma-displays/15683-please-vote-do-you-have-faint-horizontal-band-samsung-f8500-plasma-series.html Tue, 14 May 2013 14:27:08 GMT Lets start this poll to see whats going on and who has the faint horizontal band on their new Samsung Plasma 8500 series... I have it... Lets start this poll to see whats going on and who has the faint horizontal band on their new Samsung Plasma 8500 series...

I have it... ]]> Plasma Displays polakis http://www.highdefjunkies.com/plasma-displays/15683-please-vote-do-you-have-faint-horizontal-band-samsung-f8500-plasma-series.html The Future of Digital Content Costs $100 or Less http://www.highdefjunkies.com/general-hd-programming-technology/15682-future-digital-content-costs-%24100-less.html Tue, 14 May 2013 14:17:14 GMT Originally published on _Andrew-Robinson-Online.com_ (http://www.andrew-robinson-online.com) ----- Fellow writer John Sciacca has been raving about... Originally published on Andrew-Robinson-Online.com
-----
Fellow writer John Sciacca has been raving about how he’s peered through the looking glass and seen the future. First it was with Kaleidescape (K-Scape) and later it was via Prima Cinema. The problem with both of these so-called “solutions” is that neither is really concerned with providing everyday folks with the content they crave and/or desire. In other words, they cater to “one-percenters,” and having recently spoken to one of the before-mentioned companies, that philosophy isn’t about to change any time soon. This is why I contend that while K-Scape and Prima Cinema may be solutions, they’re not the future. In fact, they’re not even innovations—they’re me-too products.

I’m not here to pick on either K-Scape or Prima, for they’re both fine products with an arguably vast and loyal customer base—a customer base that is grateful for the service each company provides. These same customers are also not the type that are going to be too incredibly concerned with things like price, for much of their lifestyle likely revolves around the phrase “cost no object.” Great. However, for the rest of us, K-Scape and Prima are little more than show cars—we see ‘em at tradeshows or read about them in print, but likely will never get an opportunity behind the wheel. But we don’t need to. Not because either product is stupid or a waste of money, but because the service they provide has either been with us for a while now, or is coming very soon.

K-Scape is little more than a gussied up Media Center PC. Granted it has certain legalities on its side, but its move into the streaming/download arena basically puts it on a level footing with services such as Ultraviolet and Vudu, to name a few. As for Prima, well, it’s limited by two key points: first, price and, second, partners. At present, the only real titles you can enjoy via Prima are films distributed by Universal—and occasionally Lionsgate (which gives you Summit). Not all Universal or Lionsgate films are available, mind you, but rather just the ones the two studios grant Prima access to. While Prima does have a leg up in the day & date department over the competition, they’re not the only ones doing it. Nor were they the first.

So while John claims to have seen the future, my question is, what took him so long? (Love you, John)

The truth is, if you want to know where the future of entertainment is going, you need only spend $100…

READ THE REST ]]> AndrewRobinsonOnline http://www.highdefjunkies.com/general-hd-programming-technology/15682-future-digital-content-costs-%24100-less.html Another new Fox TV Series... Almost Human http://www.highdefjunkies.com/movies-currently-theaters-tv-shows-books/15669-another-new-fox-tv-series-almost-human.html Mon, 13 May 2013 23:15:56 GMT J.J. Abrams... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCdHiZsSPjg J.J. Abrams...

]]> vläd http://www.highdefjunkies.com/movies-currently-theaters-tv-shows-books/15669-another-new-fox-tv-series-almost-human.html New Fox TV Series... Sleepy Hollow http://www.highdefjunkies.com/movies-currently-theaters-tv-shows-books/15668-new-fox-tv-series-sleepy-hollow.html Mon, 13 May 2013 22:57:28 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFOEzR9zgUo ]]> vläd http://www.highdefjunkies.com/movies-currently-theaters-tv-shows-books/15668-new-fox-tv-series-sleepy-hollow.html <![CDATA[EXCLUSIVE REVIEW - Tekton Designs' Pendragon Theater]]> http://www.highdefjunkies.com/speakers/15667-exclusive-review-tekton-designs-pendragon-theater.html Mon, 13 May 2013 13:56:42 GMT Originally published on *_Andrew-Robinson-Online.com_* (http://www.andrew-robinson-online.com) ----- *A Brief History* In August of last year... Originally published on Andrew-Robinson-Online.com
-----

A Brief History

In August of last year my proverbial world was rocked when I took delivery of a pair of Tekton Design Pendragon loudspeakers. It’s not that the Pendragon is the greatest loudspeaker ever built, nor the second. What the Pendragon represented for me, at the time and to this day, was the near perfect marriage of true high-end performance at a reasonable price. Note, I didn’t describe the Pendragon as good for the money. I look at them no differently than I would or do any high-end loudspeaker, the difference being that the Pendragon doesn’t cost what other high-end loudspeakers cost. And yes there is a difference.

Almost as soon as the Pendragons arrived at my home did I immediately begin to wonder what a full surround sound system comprised of Pendragons must sound like. I even went so far as to phone Eric Alexander, Tekton Designs’ owner and head loudspeaker designer, in order to ask him if it were possible to get a matching center speaker and a pair of surrounds. At the time the thought of a Pendragon center and surrounds hadn’t really taken hold in Eric’s mind, however after he and I got to talking he began to see the possibilities. The months quickly passed and in truth I had almost forgotten about our conversation and my dreams of possessing an all Pendragon theater system. Then, just before Christmas, my phone rang -it was Eric. He told me that he had finally settled on a design for the Pendragon center speaker and surrounds and asked if I’d be interested in auditioning them. Uh-um, does a bear s#!t in the woods? Of course I wanted to audition them. A few weeks went by, then a month, and soon I began to wonder if Eric had forgotten -again. Then one day, out of the blue, Eric phoned me, this time asking for my new mailing address for the remaining speakers needed to flesh out my Pendragon theater were now ready.

A week later five very large boxes landed on my doorstep.

Introduction

The Pendragon Theater is exactly that; a complete home theater speaker system. While other manufacturers are content with selling you whatever a la carte, the Pendragon Theater is designed and sold as a complete 5.2 or 7.2 loudspeaker solution (a la carte pricing is now available). The Pendragon Theater is anchored by the mighty Pendragon loudspeakers, which serve as the system’s left and right mains. The Pendragon Center is essentially a single Pendragon tower laid on its side with its base lopped off and its tweeter array rotated 90-degrees. The matching Pendragon surrounds are but Pendragons, but in monitor form. The point being all of the various Pendragon loudspeakers that make up the system share similar construction and possess identical drivers. Having all five or seven Pendragon speakers comprised of (largely) the same construction as well as identical driver configurations helps to ensure your surround sound experience is one of absolute coherence.



The Pendragon Theater ships standard with a pair of Pendragon Subwoofers, which, like the rest of the Pendragon speakers, are large and in charge. Each Pendragon Subwoofer possesses two drivers, which sit atop one another in a forward firing configuration and are powered by an internal 300-Watt BASH amplifier.

The whole setup, all five speakers and both subwoofers sells for $6,500 direct via Tekton Design’s own website. You even get a 30-day, in-home trial period to decide for yourself if the Pendragon Theater is just right for you. Should the Pendragon Theater not work out, or simply be too much of a good thing, Tekton Designs will take it back -less a 15% restocking fee. A note about the 15% restocking fee; all Tekton Design loudspeakers are made by hand and to order. The 15% restocking fee is there to protect the workers at Tekton Design from “window shoppers” who just want to hear what everyone is talking about, but have no real intentions of becoming customers long term. A 15% restocking fee isn’t wholly uncommon among Internet direct companies in the specialty AV space, nor is it outrageously expensive should you need to return your loudspeakers for legitimate reasons.

READ THE REST ]]> Speakers AndrewRobinsonOnline http://www.highdefjunkies.com/speakers/15667-exclusive-review-tekton-designs-pendragon-theater.html <![CDATA[Happy Mother's Day!]]> http://www.highdefjunkies.com/current-events/15666-happy-mothers-day.html Sun, 12 May 2013 12:59:27 GMT Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there!

]]> Current Events tripplej http://www.highdefjunkies.com/current-events/15666-happy-mothers-day.html <![CDATA[Element 26" elchs261 sound but no picture]]> http://www.highdefjunkies.com/led-lcd-displays/15665-element-26-elchs261-sound-but-no-picture.html Sun, 12 May 2013 09:37:16 GMT I've tried replacing most of the capacitors but nothing. When powered on the brand name element could be seen the left side of the screen appears dimmer then the blue screen appears for less than two seconds then nothing. I could hear sound but no picture I then placed a bright flashlight to against the screen and I'm able to see the picture but only the diameter of the flashlight so as I move the light to different areas of the screen I'm able to see the picture. I was told that the power supply board needs to be replaced but I can't find any where every site shows out of stock. I've checked the ltage and it appears to be ok. Now on the main board there is a resistor that becomes extremely hot with the temperature probe the meter reads over 400 degrees in about a minute after powering on. Can any one help please I would greatly appreciate any solution available thank you sincerely M&M bar. Power supply board model# rsag7.820.1235/roh ver f. Main board model # rsag7.820.1528/roh ver c ]]> http://www.highdefjunkies.com/led-lcd-displays/15665-element-26-elchs261-sound-but-no-picture.html McIntosh Audio and the Dead http://www.highdefjunkies.com/separates-amps-pre-pro/15663-mcintosh-audio-dead.html Fri, 10 May 2013 17:56:16 GMT http://youtu.be/CzuZtW6kX00 ]]> Hi Resolution http://www.highdefjunkies.com/separates-amps-pre-pro/15663-mcintosh-audio-dead.html <![CDATA[Building the B&W 800 series]]> http://www.highdefjunkies.com/speakers/15662-building-b-w-800-series.html Fri, 10 May 2013 17:50:36 GMT http://youtu.be/0rBI_tNmG6c ]]> Speakers Hi Resolution http://www.highdefjunkies.com/speakers/15662-building-b-w-800-series.html Heart and Jason Bonham on Tour http://www.highdefjunkies.com/music/15661-heart-jason-bonham-tour.html Fri, 10 May 2013 15:57:24 GMT They are going to be in nearby Tampa soon...tour schedule here... They are going to be in nearby Tampa soon...tour schedule here ]]> Music speedking http://www.highdefjunkies.com/music/15661-heart-jason-bonham-tour.html