Newest Smart TV: The Sony KDL

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Sony’s newest Smart TVs come from the KDL series, which, along with their wedge shapes and two remotes, are a curiosity. An expensive one, at that. This new series of TVs are large and in charge with pricing upwards of $2,200 for a 55+ inch TV. However, even with the high price and strange design, Sony’s got something right.

This TV series offers an amazing picture for the price point, and almost no issues with picture quality. It performs well in a bright room, an issue that many plasma and LCD TVs have. The sound quality also hits high marks. The TV is strange, as it is wedge shaped, with the top being much thinner than the bottom. When looking at it from the front, you can’t tell. From the sides, the shape is blatantly different.

The TV remote is similar to other Sonys from last year. It offers a pleasing color array of buttons. All buttons were easy to press one-handed, and they were clearly marked. A new key was added allowing you to pull up thumbnails of videos and TV shows. The second remote is a touchpad clicker, which is optional.

Pros:

  • Great picture quality
  • Deep black levels and great bright-room image
  • Excellent video processing
  • Excellent sound
  • Great features within the Smart TV apps

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Poor 3D quality

Bottom Line:

If you just aren’t that into a 3D picture and have the money, this TV is worth it. The picture is better than most LCDs that are the same size.

To find out more, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Streaming Stick: Streaming TV with a Small Footprint

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For such a small streaming stick, it sure has a large TV remote. All joking aside, the Roku Streaming Stick offers something new and different to the world of streaming TV. This compact device is very small, similar in size to a USB flash drive. It connects to an HDMI port on the back of the TV, making the Roku stick invisible. However, some users report that they have to use an HDMI adapter with the Roku Stick.

The stick retails for $50, $15 more than the Chromecast, manufactured by Google. One of the main differences includes the remote, a better interface, and over 1,200 apps to choose from. The remote is the same one offered with the other Roku devices – simple, yet effective. However, users do question the included Blockbuster shortcut button.

Pros:

  • 1,200 apps to keep you busy
  • Compact, takes up no space
  • Has a great interface
  • Has a real remote, and a remote app for the smartphone
  • Great performance in apps
  • Smartphone control

Cons:

  • Some apps load very slowly
  • Remote lacks popular features from previous Roku boxes, such as the headphone jack
  • The Roku Stick requires power, through a USB port or power adapter, leading to cord clutter
  • Does not work with universal remotes

Bottom Line:

Considering the price of the Roku Stick and what you get with it, the price is worth it. The streaming device does far more good things versus the drawbacks. Even many of the drawbacks are nit-picky, other than the speed issue.

For more information about devices and remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

Sony STR-DN840: The Best Low-Budget AV Receiver

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With a remote that challenges most remotes for AV receivers and TVs, the Sony STR-DN840 offers a lot for less than $450. If you can look over how clunky this receiver is, you will see a great value with a great brand name. This device hits all marks when it comes to price, performance and features.

This AV receiver offers wireless features that some of the competitors just cannot match. It comes with standard built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay. No other receivers offer all three of these abilities at this price. Use your smart phone in place of the remote to turn the device on and select inputs. More advanced features and settings still require the button-packed remote. It does sit nicely in the hand, but many of the additional buttons just are not needed. Remember, less is sometimes more.

Pros:

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Many streaming options
  • Six HDMI inputs
  • Great value for the price
  • Three digital audio inputs
  • DLNA compliant, supporting streaming services
  • 7.2 channel receiver

Cons:

  • Remote is too busy with all the buttons and functions
  • No MHL inputs
  • Sound quality is not as good as others
  • Device is bulky

Bottom Line:

If you can get past the large, bulky box, this AV receiver is the best value you will find for the price. It offers every feature you could ask for and great wireless connectivity. Many features included are only available at price points over $600. This makes it a great buy from a great electronics manufacturer.

For more information about remotes and their devices, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

Try Out the Marantz NR1403 for Simple Surround Sound

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When you think of surround sound systems, you might not consider their remote controls. However, this one component is as important as the features of the audio receiver itself. For a basic audio receiver, the Marantz hits high marks for its ease of use, great remote and low price.

This device is purely no frills, as it does not have advanced features, such as Wi-Fi or smartphone control. With the lack of features, it does make up for it with six HDMI ports and excellent sound quality. The thin profile of the device makes it valuable for saving space in your entertainment center.

Pros:

  • Low-profile
  • Many HDMI ports
  • Excellent sound quality comparable to big budget systems
  • Remote offers all critical buttons without too many extras that are not needed
  • 5.1 channel receiver
  • Three year warranty

Cons:

  • Few features
  • No Wi-Fi or Ethernet
  • No Bluetooth
  • No video inputs
  • No analog video up-conversion

Bottom Line:

Most of the downsides of this device are features that most people would not use or find useful. For the low price point of under $400, there is not much more you can get in an audio receiver. The six HDMI ports alone make this device worth it, as most competitors only offer four. Many audiophiles will rejoice over the fact that this device is not as clunky as others are, and it has a pleasant, minimalistic design. If you are looking for a device with streaming, try something else with internet connectivity and a good interface, such as Apple TV.

For more information on universal remotes for your audio devices, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

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.