Category: HDTV Reviews

Reviews for newest HDTVs.

Turn Your Living Room into a Command Center

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Love the idea of building a home theater, but just don’t have the space? There are many ways to convert your living room into the entertainment center of your dreams without tearing down walls or going over budget. From adding a new set of speakers, to building a storage caddy for TV remotes, here are a few ideas to transform your living room:

  • Build Your Ideal Command Center: Consolidate all home entertainment devices in one common area of the room to save space. Organize your stuff by purchasing a TV stand or build wall shelves that can fit a DVD player, Blu-ray, and other accessories. If you don’t have one already, be sure to invest in a great stereo system to experience cinema-quality sound from the comfort of your home.
  • Sound Proofing: With your sound system finally in use, you’ll need to take measures to limit the way loud sounds carry through the home. Place area rugs on hardwood floors to create insulation, and block sound from traveling through bare walls and windows with tapestries or thick curtains.
  • Update Lighting: Use several light sources to take your living room from daytime to late-night screenings with ease. For example, use track lighting with a dimmer to set the mood during movies. You can also use floor lamps and sconces for added light during those times when the living room is used for other purposes, like curling up with a good book.

With your living room now set up for viewing your favorite movies and TV shows, you’ll be able to enjoy cinema-quality entertainment without leaving the house. For accessories needed to complete your home entertainment needs, shop the products offered by ReplacementRemotes.com. We carry universal remotes for household appliances, operating manuals, and more. View our selection online, or call 1-855-5-REMOTE to place an order.

How to Find Your Favorite Songs from TV

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If you’ve struggled in the past to find the name of a song on your favorite episode of Scandal, or asked everyone you know to identify the artist singing in Verizon’s latest spot, you can now rest easy. These days, there are many resources available to find out the details of your favorite songs from TV:

  • Shazam: Shazam offers revolutionary song-identification technology for a range of smart devices. The company’s apps can “listen” to a song to identify its “audio fingerprint,” and then match the fingerprint to a database of several million songs. The user is provided with full track information, including artist name, song title, album, link to download the song or watch the video, and more.
  • TuneFind: Whereas Shazam can analyze music on the radio, in commercials, at stores, and beyond, TuneFind only allows users to locate the titles of songs used in TV shows and movies. To find songs, users must search the database on TuneFind.com. The benefit of using TuneFind is that your hunt for a song doesn’t have to be in real-time, which is how Shazam’s “listening” feature works.
  • AdTunes: Love a song in the new iPhone commercial but can’t figure out who the artist is? AdTunes is a forum-based site listing commonly heard songs from commercials, movie trailers, and more. Users can locate their favorite songs by posting questions to a robust community of music lovers. Forums are organized by source to make it easy to tell if another user already asked about the song that’s been stuck in your head for days.

Check back here each week for more helpful hints to make the most of your TV viewing experience. On our blog, we share fun facts about your favorite television shows, maintenance tips, and articles about the products carried at ReplacementRemotes.com. Our store offers TV remotes for purchase, parts, operating manuals, and more to complete all your home entertainment needs. Shop our selection online, or call 1-855-5-REMOTE to place an order.

Rechargeable vs. Disposable Batteries

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From powering TV remote controls to energizing garage door openers, disposable batteries still have many uses in our increasingly modern world. Still, it can be a hassle when batteries run out of power. If you’re tired of buying new sets of batteries to keep important appliances in working order, you may want to consider switching to rechargeables. Not only will rechargeable batteries keep you from going to the store, they’re also less expensive in the long run.

Compare the pros and cons of both batteries below and determine which works better for your family.

Disposable Batteries

Disposables are widely available and often inexpensive, making them the most popular choice for consumers. Though they can be made from many different types of metal, from carbon to alkaline, these days lithium batteries are preferred for their long-lasting power. The benefit of using disposables is that they last twice as long as rechargeable batteries before they need to be charged, which makes them ideal for low-drain devices such as smoke detectors. A major con, however, is their effect on the environment. Since disposable batteries need to be thrown out fairly often, there’s a higher chance they’ll wind up in landfills where their toxic and corrosive chemicals can leach into the earth.

Rechargeable Batteries

Most consumers buy two sets of rechargeables in order to cycle the batteries. When you add in the device needed to charge them, rechargeables can seem a lot more expensive up front. However, they more than pay for themselves over time as they can be reused over and over for years.

Better yet, according to a study done in Europe, rechargeables have 28 times less impact on global warming when compared to disposable batteries.1 When consumers buy fewer batteries, fewer have to be produced. This can significantly cut down on emissions related to manufacturing and product transportation. Plus, fewer disposable batteries being purchased will also reduce the number that wind up in landfills.

Depending on your preference, both disposable and rechargeable batteries work in a number of household devices, including universal TV remotes from ReplacementRemotes.com. We offer a range of products to satisfy your home audio and video needs, including remote controls, operating manuals, code booklets, TV stands, wall mounts, cables, and more. To place an order, call 1-855-5-REMOTE.

Source: 1. http://www.remanufacturing.org.uk/pdf/story/1p85.pdf

Tips for Cable TV Cord Cutters

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When it comes to cable TV, how many of the channels are you actually watching? This has been a problem since cable TV first came out and people realized after the first month that they were always hitting the same numbers in their remote control, but paying for all the rest. Thankfully, the Internet has made it possible for you to get the shows you want, without the heavy price tag.

Document What You Watch

Start off by writing down the channels and shows you and your family regularly watch. You might even monitor the time you spend watching them. Divide your monthly cost by the hours watched to see what it costs you per hour to see those shows. Is it worth it?

Start Streaming

The Internet offers a variety of ways to stream the shows you want, without the high price tag. You can still use your remote control, though you may need to add devices. Start looking up your shows to see what apps you need to stream them, and, in many cases, you can stream them all through one app.

Get More Use Out of Systems

There are different boxes you can buy to stream television, but you may not need them. If you have a gaming system, you may be able to stream directly from it. You can also use your phone, tablet, computer, or Smart TV to stream movies and television shows. Be sure to look up what apps are compatible with what you already have so you don’t have to make an extra purchase.

You can still get the entertainment you want without the hassle of dealing with cable companies. In fact, you may be able to watch even more than you could with the cable programs that limit your access.

Should I Buy an Ultra HD TV?

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There are many TVs on the market, and each one promises something special – the best TV remote, the brightest picture, the greatest sound, the lowest price, and so on. Ultra HD TVs are some of the latest TVs to hit the market. So, is this new technology worth the higher price? Or will you be satisfied with the TV you own now? Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Ultra HD TVs are high-definition TVs with a higher resolution. They have more than 8 million pixels, which provides a very detailed display. These TVs are often called 4K TVs because they have a resolution of 3840, which is quite close to 4000.
  • More pixels isn’t always better. Display quality depends on more than just pixels. A display still needs the highest quality of colors, blacks, and brightness. So, just because a TV is 4K or Ultra HD doesn’t mean it is necessarily the best.
  • Consumer Reports discovered that these TVs do deliver fine details – but when viewers stepped back to a normal viewing distance, the differences weren’t really noticeable. So, you could pay more for a TV that no one really notices.
  • Keep in mind that 4K technology still has a ways to go, as far as what is available to watch. So, if you buy one right now, you may not have access to 4K broadcasts for quite a while. The quantity is increasing, but your viewing could still be limited.

So, should you buy an Ultra HD TV? That depends on what you want out of a TV, how much you want to spend, and if you are willing to wait for more available broadcasts. You might be better off saving your money for a while – at least until the next best thing comes out.

To learn more about getting a replacement remote for your HD or Ultra HD TV, contact us today at Replacement Remotes.

The Vizio E480i-B2 — Smaller Price Tag with Great Quality

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If your new TV budget isn’t quite as large as you hoped, 2014 still offered some great TVs for less than $500, including the Vizio E480i-B2. This 48-inch TV and its corresponding TV remote control offer plenty of bang for the buck, even with its lower price tag. No, you won’t find all of the features of the pricier televisions, but you will find a great picture display and plenty of the most essential features to make this TV fit your needs.

  • This is an LED television that features local dimming. The improved LED technology allows this TV to give you a vibrant picture with distinct blacks, whites, and colors, and clear definition. Yet, you don’t have to pay an outrageous price to enjoy picture quality that rivals many higher-priced models.
  • While this television doesn’t boast the prettiest design, its remote features a useful layout and smaller design, making it easier to grip.
  • This TV also has some of the most essential features, including HDMI and USB ports, as well as a good assortment of applications, such as Hulu Plus, YouTube, EBay, and Twitter.
  • Advanced picture settings allow you the freedom to adjust the already-great display even further, creating a magnificent picture that will give you viewing pleasure for years.

With the great picture and the lower price tag, this Vizio television is a must-have for anyone looking for an affordable TV without having to sacrifice quality.

Contact us at Replacement Remotes to learn more about different TV models and their included remotes.

The LG 55EA9800 — Amazing TV with Reduced Price

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It’s the end of the year, so it’s time to take a look at the best TVs that 2014 brought us. Reviewed.com had no trouble voting the LG 55EA9800 as the best TV for the year. Although it was released in 2013, it held its own throughout the year, and a significant decrease in price combined with stellar features, a useful TV remote, and beautiful display earned this LG television the top spot. Here is what you can expect from this fantastic TV:

  • The price ranges from $2700 to $3300, which may seem like a lot of money to drop on a 55-inch TV. However, when you consider that the price has come down about $8,000 from its release, then you realize you are getting a great value.
  • This is a curved-screen OLED TV, providing you with one of the best picture displays you can find. The OLED technology provides true blacks, the brightest whites, and the most vivid colors. This is a display picture that will truly have you feeling as if you can reach out and touch whatever is on the screen — the detail and coloring are that good!
  • This is an extremely thin television. It is only about as wide at the edge as four credit cards stacked on top of each other! The stand is clear, so that when you turn off the lights to watch a movie, all you see is the bright, vivid picture.
  • You can expect all of the smart TV features, including 3-D technology, streaming content, and different applications.

There really isn’t anything bad to say about this LG television. It outperformed all other comparable TVs. So, if you are willing to spend a nice chunk of change on a TV, this is the one you should lean toward.

To learn more about the latest TV technology, and for all of your remote control needs, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Sony XBR-65X950B

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Sony is known for fine things, and this HDTV is one of the brand’s finest. Because this 4K TV is recently released, it retails for $7,000. That is a lot of dough to just hand over, but if you want a top of the line TV and the latest technology, this is what you have to be willing to pay. This TV features full array LED backlighting and multi-zone local dimming, which gives it the deepest possible black levels for a non-plasma HDTV. Along with the deep black levels, the TV features excellent contrast and screen uniformity.

This XBR-line TV is massive; so much so, that you need a very large stand for it. Instead of a stand, like smaller HDTVs, it comes with triangular legs that go on the very ends of the bezel. Even with the funky legs, it looks great perched on the stand. The bezel is thicker than other models, but this set is all screen, regardless of the bezel. The included high quality remote gives the user full access to all the features this TV has to offer.

Pros:

  • Excellent contrast
  • Deep black levels
  • 4K upscaling
  • Fully featured Smart TV suite

Cons:

  • Webcam does not function well
  • Extremely large and cumbersome
  • Color requires initial adjustment

Bottom line:

If you have the money, this is an excellent TV set. You get a full set of features and 4K resolution for about the average price for this size of TV.

For more information about the best and worst TVs and remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

Introducing the JVC DM85UXR

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JVC’s new offering for 2015 is the DM85UXR. This HDTV is massive, at 85 inches, and it has an equally massive price tag at an estimated $7999.00. There’s no word of what its TV remote control is like, yet, but it’s likely pretty decent, considering the price tag alone of this TV. This TV offers 4K resolution and more dimming zones than its previous models. The dimming zones total 64, with the 65-inch option having a mere 32. In theory, this means this JVC model should offer much more contrast.

Aside from the 4K resolution, this TV offers a lot of extras. JVC claims that it offers a topped-out 240HZ refresh rate, all thanks to their CrystalMotion Pro motion compensation engine. In addition to the excellent refresh rate, JVC includes a 4K upscaling engine with this build. As far as other features go, the DM85UXR comes with 5 HDMI ports. Four of the ports are compatible with the next advance in HDMI technology, HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. This means this HDTV will work with the new 4K Blu-rays and players that should eventually enter the market in the coming years.

Packaged with the DM85UXR is the Roku Streaming Stick, which offers 1,500 plus channels. The other two extras are a QWERTY remote and Wi-Fi, both of which are generally common in higher-end TVs. The available images of this TV show it with a barely-there bezel and a two-piece chrome stand. Once the TV is released, we’ll be able to provide more details on whether or not you should take the plunge.

For more information on the latest and greatest HDTVs and remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

4K TV Spotlight: Panasonic AX802

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The Panasonic AX802 is a 4K TV that offers impressive features and a handy touchpad Bluetooth TV remote control. You’ve probably seen how little of a difference the 4K resolution makes on most TVs; however, this is not the case here. The 50 inch model offers up an impressive picture with deep blacks and a very wide color range. It even offers an info bar that stays on standby until someone enters the room and triggers its sensor. It should be noted that this TV is very heavy.

The TV sits atop a counterweight stand that is slightly behind the massive screen. It makes the screen appear to float above the stand, which is a nice touch. The metallic edge on the frame is also a nice element to the design of this attractive TV. The Smart TV suite is one of the best available and offers many streaming services. Unfortunately, the Netflix 4K service is not yet compatible with this TV. The remote is a small touchpad, which users will either love or hate.

Pros:

  • Excellent Smart TV suite
  • Great picture quality
  • Good looking design
  • Deep black levels
  • Excellent color range

Cons:

  • Netflix 4K is not compatible
  • Some users found remote awkward
  • Edge lighting is uneven

Bottom Line:

This TV is an excellent example of a 4K set that delivers. This is one of the better Panasonic TVs they have produced since they stopped making plasma TVs. It is an upgrade, and a much better 4K TV overall, compared to the previous year’s WT600 model.

For more TV and remote reviews and advice, contact us at Replacement Remotes.