Month: March 2014

roku lt

Streaming on a Budget: The Roku LT

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Who would think such small purple boxes and their remotes could take the country by storm? The Roku box sure did. This small device is one of the most popular streaming media devices that there is. It offers more apps than Apple TV and costs just half the price, which makes the Roku LT very appealing.

Roku offers 1,000 channels, including the very popular Netflix, Vudu, HBO Go, Amazon, Hulu, and several sports options. Video output is limited to 720p, but it’s hard to notice. The Roku LT is a small streaming player and is very purple. However, given its size, no one is likely to notice it on the entertainment center.

The factory remote is small, but handy. It has few buttons, but what buttons are there really complement the device. It offers a home and back button at the top, a directional pad, playback buttons, and four dedicated channel buttons. The direct access to Netflix and Amazon Instant are very nice to have.

Pros:

  • 1,000 supported channels
  • Cross-platform search
  • Great little remote
  • Small footprint
  • Small price

Cons:

  • No YouTube channel
  • Some channels have outdated interfaces
  • 720p streaming content

Bottom Line:

If you want a streaming device for a low price, this one hits all the right marks. It offers more than the Chromecast, and nothing else at the price point can beat it. Even without YouTube, this Roku box is worth every penny. As with any streaming device, many channels/apps require subscriptions. However, this cost pales in comparison to the cost of cable.

For more information or to purchase ROKU remotes.

apple tv

All About Apple TV

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The Apple TV streaming box takes on the minimalistic with its small footprint and tiny TV remote control. This teeny box packs a whopping amount of features into little space. It also offers a little gem called AirPlay that truly adds to the allure of this streaming device.

This small streaming box is just $99, less than some of the just as nice Roku boxes. The streaming device offers much more now than when it was released, due in part to regular updates. Many popular apps are available, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Watch ESPN and so much more. Plus, Apple keeps fans happy with regular new apps.

The remote is very small. It only offers a menu, play and directional buttons. However, there is ample space left on the remote that is just empty — which is puzzling. As great as this streaming device is, it still only offers connectivity with other iOS devices, leading many to choose a different brand.

Pros:

  • Stream video content from iTunes
  • A handful of video apps and online media services
  • Streaming from iOS devices with AirPlay
  • Easy to navigate interface

Cons:

  • Only works with iOS devices
  • Less streaming apps than competitors
  • Lackluster remote

Bottom Line:

AirPlay streaming makes Apple TV great, but it offers no use to a person who does not already own several Apple devices. The streaming options are really good, but do not offer as many apps as other devices. Still, owners of Apple devices will love the connectivity this streaming device offers.

For more information on TVs, home theater systems and their remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Coby TFDVD

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The Coby TFDVD is a good budget TV for small places. The remotes offered with the TV/DVD combo are surprisingly large and are not at all awkward to hold. Getting back to the TV: it offers a small amount of features that are refreshing to see in an LCD TV that costs less than $300. However, the TV is only 22 inches, which makes it very small compared to a majority of TVs on the market.

For a cheaper LCD TV, the performance and versatility of the Coby TFDVD is excellent and unexpected. It offers a good picture quality and accepts several different DVD formats. It can also play CDs. The playback quality of DVDs is excellent, but it still cannot match that of a Blu-ray disc, which is to be expected. The remote is large, but sits well in the hand. It has a nice curved design, which looks better than most budget TV remotes. On it are the TV and DVD controls, with the playback buttons sitting right in the middle.

Pros:

  • Good picture quality
  • Good sound quality
  • Compatible with several DVD formats
  • SD memory card slot and USB port

Cons:

  • Limited file support with SD and USB
  • Non-swivel stand
  • Low sound when in DVD mode
  • Only 1 HDMI port

Bottom Line:

Overall, this LCD TV offers a good value for a small TV. It works best in small spaces, and its sound competes with larger TVs. It does not offer many features, but for a cheaper TV it does offer a lot. The picture quality is good, too. If you need a smaller TV, this represents a great value for both a TV and DVD player.

For more information on remote controls, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Mitsubishi WD-73640

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The Mitsubishi WD-73640 is a budget rear-projection TV with a budget TV remote control. For a low-priced TV, it does have a very large screen and a decent picture. It is also 3D ready, which is great for anyone who wants that feature, but cannot afford to spend the big bucks on a LCD. Though the pros are worth it, some of the cons of this TV might give you pause.

Mitsubishi is the last brand manufacturing this style of TV. Though the technology is old, it still creates a decent picture for little money. However, the lack of features is a sticking point for many potential buyers. The TV does not support smart TV, and it does not offer advanced picture controls. The factory remote is also lackluster. It is a black monolith with few buttons, which has been reviewed as clunky. Most buyers would benefit from a replacement universal remote that offers more features.

Pros:

  • Low cost for a large 73″ screen
  • Decent picture
  • 3D ready

Cons:

  • Lack of features
  • Rainbow effect
  • Lamp replacement is common and expensive

Bottom Line:

If you place importance on screen size over features, this TV is for you. However, most buyers generally do not feel this way. The picture is good for the price, but if you end up with the rainbow effect, the TV will end up unusable. There are significant issues with this particular line of TVs, but not as many issues as some LCD/LED models.

For more information on TVs and remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Sharp Elite PRO Series HDTVs

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The Sharp Elite PRO series HDTV is a great higher budget TV that offers picture, features, and an excellent TV remote control. This HDTV has LCD display technology with active 3D technology. The 120Hz refresh rates with dejudder processing offers a smooth picture, even during intense action scenes.

The bezel of the Sharp Elite series is a slim 1.25 inches. It looks like a black monolith with a perfect rectangle shape and black stand. The series comes in 60 and 70-inch models, both of which are exactly alike. The remote offers up a decent amount of keys, but it is not cluttered with the addition of a flip up cover on the bottom end. It has a dedicated Netflix key and three other programmable keys.

Pros:

  • 3D technology with 2 sets of 3D glasses
  • Local dimming LED backlight that actually works
  • Built-in Wi-Fi with Aquos Advantage Live
  • Great black levels and excellent contrast
  • Superior picture viewing from all angles
  • Excellent video processing
  • Great shadow detail
  • Excellent feature selection
  • Energy efficient

Cons:

  • Overpriced
  • Less accurate color than expected
  • Screen creates too bright of reflections

Bottom Line:

This is a great TV to own, but the price makes it a less worthwhile purchase. For such a large amount of money, you could purchase a TV with more features, or a larger screen. However, it would be hard to match the picture quality. Even with the high price, a lot is offered with this HDTV. It is a good consideration for a television if there is nothing else comparable in the market, but with new TVs slated to come out in the summer, waiting might be the best option.

For more information on the latest TV and remote trends, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Sharp LC-LE757U Series HDTVs

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For a middle of the road HDTV, the Sharp LC-LE757U series LCD TVs offer a mixed bag of features along with a handy TV remote. For under $2,000 for a large HDTV, you really cannot expect a lot, especially with all of the new 4K TVs rolling out later this year and next. However, this TV does do a pretty good job and offers some great features, but there are also a few small drawbacks.

The series offers HDTVs in 60, 70 and 80 inches. The TV’s design is sleeker and nicer than most of Sharp’s other TVs. It is also a very thin TV, thinner than most others are. The TV remote is a thin wand that offers up many buttons. There are shortcut buttons for the Smart TV and Netflix, and three others that you can customize.

Pros:

  • Active 3D playback
  • Smart TV service
  • Extensive list of apps
  • Picture management settings
  • 4 HDMI ports

Cons:

  • Poor picture quality for the price
  • Inaccurate colors
  • Black levels too light
  • 3D picture quality is worse than most competitors

Bottom Line:

The TV offers a lot of great settings, but the picture quality is not reminiscent of the price you pay for it. Great settings are not everything, and this TV makes it abundantly clear. Watching TV on it is difficult due to all the ghosting, the blue tinge and less than perfect black levels. Many other competing HDTVs offer better performance at even lower price points than this model. Alternatively, since you are spending the money, go for a TV at a little higher price point to really enjoy the marriage of great picture quality and features.

For more information on HDTVs and remote controls, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

Budget TV Reviews: TCL LE42FHDE5300

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The TCL LE42FHDE5300 is one of the few 42 inch HDTVs that you will find for under $400. With this price point, you are making some sacrifices, including a sluggish TV remote, but you can easily replace it with a better one. However, don’t expect a lot of features packed into this TCL series TV.

This is one of the few inexpensive TVs that look the part of an expensive model. The panel is very thin, but widens at the bottom, where the down facing speakers are located. The glass base looks nice, but it does not swivel. The included remote is large, at 8 inches, and contains 37 buttons that are slow to respond. When changing settings and when navigating the menu, there is a very noticeable lag.

The picture quality is decent for a budget TV, but the contrast ratio is low. Color accuracy is also not that great, but expected. Otherwise, the TV offers sharp image detail and good viewing angles.

Pros:

  • Very budget friendly
  • Energy efficient
  • Good image detail for the price
  • Large TV for the price
  • Sharp 1080p picture

Cons:

  • Color accuracy not great
  • Remote is sluggish
  • Only two HDMI ports
  • Lack of features

Overall, you get a lot for little with this LCD TV. It is large for the price, at 42 inches, and offers a decent picture. It also looks nicer than many of the more expensive TVs. The lack of features and few HDMI ports is disappointing, but if you need an extra no-frills TV, this one makes a good choice.

To replace your remote for a better one, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

Budget TV Reviews: Westinghouse UW40T2BW

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For a 40-inch TV for under $500, you get a lot with the Westinghouse UW40T2BW. The LCD TV is simple and attractive, and the included TV remote control offers up a lot of buttons and settings. For such a low priced TV, the picture and audio are decent, and they are more than what many would expect.

The Westinghouse TV offers a full 1080p HD with LED backlighting. It also has 120Hz refresh rate, which handles fast moving images. The contrast ratio is low, at 1,514:1, but this is expected in lower-priced TVs. It also offers up a decent black level for an LCD TV. Though the picture is nice, the color accuracy is lacking.

This LCD TV offers an attractive design wrapped in a thin black cabinet. The rectangular stand is non-swiveling, but does not look bad when sitting on the entertainment center. Its remote is large; a whole seven inches long, with 38 buttons. The buttons are the normal fare included with most TVs, but it does contain a button that switches modes from Bright Room to Dark Room.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Decent picture and black levels
  • 1080p and 120Hz refresh rate

Cons:

  • Poor color accuracy
  • Only 2 HDMI ports in bad location
  • Remote is not backlit
  • Lack of picture mode button

Overall, this is a good TV for the money. It offers good picture compared to several different competitors. The lack of more HDMI ports and their positioning is a downside to this TV, but easily remedied with an HDMI switch.

If you lose your remote for your Westinghouse TV, or want a better one, contact Replacement Remotes.