Month: May 2014

The Curious Curved TV: Sony KDL-S990A

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This LED-based LCD HDTV is one of the first HDTVs with a curved screen. Its release price was $4,000, which is a lot to pay for a TV. Its TV remote control is very long, with few buttons. The curve of the TV is very slight, but Sony states it is noticeable for the viewers near the center of the viewing angle. Due to this gentle, subtle curve, the HDTV must be placed on a wide stand. In addition, the TV itself is quite wide.

Instead of using OLED technology, Sony uses what it knows: LED technology. The resolution is 1080p, not 4K like other curved TVs. For such an HDTV, it offers a unique sound system, with eight speakers facing multiple directions. The surround sound is impressive, compared to many flat panel devices. The remote itself is nothing special. It offers the usual numbered buttons and a central directional pad with buttons above you can program.

Pros:

  • Great sound system
  • Powerful video processing
  • Whole suite of Smart TV apps
  • Built in Wi-Fi
  • Great picture and color
  • Energy Star certified
  • Active 3D technology

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Very large footprint
  • Very heavy at over 100 lbs.

Bottom Line:

This is a great curved HDTV, but very expensive. Within a year, curved HDTVs might drop in price and offer better or different options. If you can afford the TV and must have this technology now, go for it. Just expect better technology to follow. In the meantime, you will have a great functioning HDTV. If you do order this TV and ever need a replacement remote, contact us for quick delivery.

A Step Up from the 8000 Series: Samsung UNF9000 Series

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The Samsung UNF9000 is a 4K TV at a smaller price than their UNS series. Its TV remote is one of the touch-pad clicker models distributed with the Samsung high-end TVs. The TV itself is nice looking, but it does have some drawbacks. The curved base must be situated on a table or stand as wide as it is, or else the TV risks collapse. The thin bezel is silver and very minimalistic, matching the base.

These 4K TVs are future-proof. This means that it can be upgraded, normally for a small price. The One Connect upgrade box attaches to the back of the TV, and a new one could be added in the future, adding more features to the TV. The remote is small, and it features a touch pad. It fits well in the hand, and the Bluetooth technology works wonders. It’s incredibly accurate and nimble, allowing easy navigation of the menus.

Pros:

  • Excellent picture quality and great black levels
  • Accurate color
  • Great video processing
  • Upgradable One Connect box
  • Active 3D technology and four 3D glasses
  • Excellent remote
  • Smart TV, voice and gesture control

Cons:

  • Expensive at $4,000
  • Does not have better features or picture than a high-end LCD/LED HDTV
  • Wide stand
  • Far too little 4K content

Bottom Line:

If you must have a 4K HDTV, this one costs far less than others do. However, it is still expensive compared to LED/LCD models. It does offer a great set of features, but very similar ones to the 8000 series.

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