LCD TVs: Lower prices, new features help fuel sales despite a slow economy

While the on-going recession has taken its toll on sales of any number of consumer products, LCD TVs have so far bucked the trend by continuing to sell well. In fact, according to Austin-based market research firm DisplaySearch, for the first three months of the year LCD TV shipments in North America were 26 percent higher percent higher than they were a year ago. (Note: DisplaySearch upped its shipment numbers from 23 million to 26 million units since the release, above, was released.)

Why are LCD TVs continuing to sell so well? Certainly the transition to all-digital TV broadcasts has helped, as many consumers have opted to replace older analog sets with newer models with built-in digital tuners. Others may have decided to forgo an expensive vacation in favor of a new big-screen TV and more time with the family at home. But lower prices, better performance, and compelling new features are all certainly playing a role in LCD TV sales continuing to rise despite the economic downturn.

As we report in the August issue of Consumer Reports, LCD TVs aren’t just cheaper—they’re also getting incrementally better, so much so that 21 of the 25 sets in our Select Ratings in the issue are recommended. They’re also adding new features, such as access to Internet content, that go beyond the traditional TV viewing experience. Sets are also sporting slimmer and more stylish designs.

Vizio XVT LCDs have high-end features

Vizio VF551XVT 1080p LCD TV
Click to enlarge.
[ Photo courtesy of Vizio. ]

Vizio, a company whose low prices have helped make it a top-selling brand of LCD TVs, is coming out with a new series of 1080p HDTVs offering step-up features, such as 240Hz technology and LED backlights, at prices well below those of more established brands.

In July, we’ll see the first Vizio sets (“240Hz SPS”) that combine 120Hz refresh rates with a scanning (flashing) backlight to produce a 240Hz effect—the same process used by models from LG and Toshiba.This fall, Vizio will offer its first TVs with LED backlights: 47- and 55-inch XVT-series "TruLED" models.

The company is also introducing its first VIA (Vizio Internet Apps) Internet-enabled models, which use Yahoo's widget platform to access online content from various providers, including movie services from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and Vudu. Also in the pipeline are two new slim-line models—in 32- and 37-inch screen sizes—that are just 2.5 inches deep.

Vizio's new TVs use full-array LED backlights with local dimming, bucking the recent trend toward edge-lit LEDs from companies such as Samsung. Vizio executives told us that for larger-sized screens, full-array LEDs offer better brightness uniformity and viewing angle. The company also said its LED backlights can be completely turned off, which could improve black-level performance. In our tests, we’ve found that models with full-array backlights offered better black-level performance than edge-lit sets, although a halo effect may be visible at times. The company said it will likely use edge-lit LEDs in smaller screens later this year.

Windows 7 upgrade on sale for as low as $50

Online retailers have begun selling the retail upgrade version of Windows 7 at prices far lower than Microsoft’s announced prices. At Amazon, BestBuy, and CompUSA, you can pre-order the Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49.99, while the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade runs $99.99.

Those prices are far below Microsoft’s published estimated prices for these upgrades: $119.99 and $199.99 respectively.

BestBuy says these lowball prices are available from now through July 11, while supplies last, and limits quantities to three per customer. Amazon also limits quantities to three per customer. CompUSA’s site says “Hurry, quantities are limited.”

Garmin introduces new Dakota handheld hiking GPS

Garmin expands its handheld hiking device range with the Dakota 10 and Dakota 20.

A month after Garmin introduced its range-topping Oregon 550 with a built-in digital camera, it expands its handheld hiking device range at the entry-level with the all-new Dakota 10 ($300) and Dakota 20 ($350).

The Dakota is a shrunk-down version of the touchscreen Oregon units, with a 2.6-inch screen, compared to 3 inch. It weighs about the same, promises longer battery life, and has more internal memory. The overall size is smaller than the older, pocket-friendly eTrex models.

Dakota can store up to 1,000 waypoints and 50 routes. It comes preloaded with a worldwide basemap and is compatible with Garmin City Navigator NT for turn-by-turn directions on city streets. Other maps can be added, as well, including Blue Chart g2 for marine charting, and TOPO U.S. 24K and 100K map software.

Designed to be geocache friendly (GPS-based “treasure” hunting), the Dakota synchs easily with Geocaching.com and can store all information needed to find caches, with a premium membership.

The Dakota 20 adds a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, a microSD card slot for increased mapping and memory storage, and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity for sharing your waypoints with compatible Garmin devices.

The Dakota should appeal most to those adventurous types interested in a modern handheld, though put off the price premium for a Colorado or Oregon.

See our expanded Dakota preview, handheld hiking GPS buying advice, and Ratings. —Jeff Bartlett

Also, see our portable automotive GPS navigation systems Ratings and buying advice, watch our video guide, and browse our GPS First Looks. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Your digital camera: Avoid these common goofs

When it comes to caring for your camera, are you a fastidious photographer or a slipshod shutterbug? Our survey of 8,250 ConsumerReports.org subscribers by the Consumer Reports National Research Center revealed that many failed to make the best use of their newest point-and-shoot:

66% didn’t regularly clean the camera’s lens. Clean the lens before each use, which minimizes the risk of focusing problems and blurry areas on pictures.

28% cleaned the lens with a shirtsleeve, household tissue, or canned air. Clean your lens gently with a microfiber lens cloth and lens-cleaning fluid so that you don’t scratch or otherwise damage the surface. (You should clean your flat-panel TV the same way.)

45% left photos in the camera for at least a month. Photo files should be copied to a backup device, such as a hard drive, soon after they are captured. That reduces the risk of theft or deletion. (It may be possible to retrieve accidentally deleted images, but don’t count on it.)

39% didn’t know whether the camera had scene modes, image stabilization, face detection, or burst mode. Check the manual for features you might be unaware of that make shooting easier and can improve your photos. If you find some new features, play around with them.

13% disposed of a camera in the trash (of those who got rid of a camera). If possible, sell your camera or give it away. For recycling options, contact the manufacturer or check for a program near you at www.eiae.org. Also visit Consumer Reports GreenerChoices.org for a host of information on recycling electronics. —Nick Mandle

Microsoft announces Windows 7 upgrade program and pricing

Microsoft has unveiled some details on the upgrade and retail pricing of Windows 7, the new version of Windows that’s due for release this October.

If you’re planning to buy a computer with Vista soon, there’s a good chance the upgrade program will cover you: it’s in effect from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. But pricing and options depend on when you order a new PC (or a retail copy of Windows 7) and, in the case of a new computer, the brand and model.

Bottom line: If you’re buying a new computer with Vista, check directly with the manufacturer to find out if they support the upgrade program and what the upgrade to Windows 7 will cost you.

Microsoft has posted Windows 7 retail pricing on their Windows Blog.

The site estimates these retail prices:

Tips for better DTV reception

[ Photo courtesy of Mykl Roventine ]

Evidently the DTV transition on June 12 didn’t disrupt life as we know it, judging by most reports we’ve seen. But two weeks into it, we’re still hearing from consumers who are having problems getting some of the digital channels available in their market. Here’s some advice from the FCC, which has been tracking problems presented to their experts at support centers or via the toll-free help line (1-888-CALL-FCC), which is still in operation.

Many stations changed their frequency on June 12, but the old frequency might still be stored in the memory of your digital converter box or digital TV—even if you rescanned after the transition. To clear the memory, you need to run a “double rescan,” in effect, rebooting the system to wipe the slate clean.

The problem could also lie with your antenna. You might need to relocate or adjust the one you have or get a different type. As the FCC points out, one of the most popular spots for indoor antennas–on top of the TV– may not be the best spot. A location higher up or near a window, and away from electronic equipment, may provide better reception. You’ll find many useful pointers in the FCC’s factsheets on antennas and reception. —Eileen McCooey

Pentax's Optio W80: An underwater camera with HD video and long zoom

Pentax claims its Optio W80 point-and-shoot digital camera is waterproof to depths of 16-feet and survives falls from a height of 3-feet. The camera will be available in July. Click to enlarge.
[ Photo courtesy of Pentax. ]

The burgeoning waterproof camera market has yet to cool off this summer. Pentax has just announced a new model, the 12 megapixel Optio W80, $300, which records HD video (720p at 30 frames per second). It's not the first with this feature—Panasonic has made that claim. But the W80 is $100 cheaper than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. (Digital camera model Ratings information is available to Consumer Reports subscribers only.)

The new Pentax will include a 5x zoom, more than most other waterproof models. Like the TS1 and a couple of other waterproof cameras, the W80 also has wide-angle capability, letting you fit more fish, or mermaids, in your shot.

Pentax claims the W80 will be shockproof, able to withstand a 3-foot fall, and operable at a depth of 16 feet. Both exceed the specs for a number of waterproof cameras, although the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 (available to subscribers) is supposed to be able to withstand a drop of 6 feet and operate at a depth of 33 feet. (For more information, see: Abuse this camera? We test the Olympus Stylus Tough 6000, available to subscribers, from the July 2009 issue.)

The Optio W80 will be available in July, in red, blue and gray. —Terry Sullivan

GPS: When it’s time to turn it off

[ Photo courtesy of Jimmy_Joe]

I have long resisted using my car’s built-in GPS navigation system since, as a proverbial proud male, I like to think I know where I’m going. However, last weekend, a trip to Boston, the labyrinthine-road capital of the U.S., convinced me to swallow my pride and give the GPS a try.

I waited until I reached Beantown before enabling the system’s route guidance, after which it quickly lulled me into a blissful state of mindless dependence on its calm female voice. Cambridge to Jamaica Plain? No sweat. Brookline to Faneuil Hall? A breeze.

Handy as the device was for much of the trip, I later found times I would have been better off disregarding or even disabling it. For example, consider two drives I made from my hotel’s Cambridge neighborhood to Jamaica Plain: The first time, the GPS led me there in no time flat. But the next day, departing from nearly the same spot, it sent me on a wicked long route. The difference? Before the second trip, I was parked on the opposite side of the street, facing the opposite direction. Apparently, the GPS’s routing ruled out having me make a minor U-turn, which would have made the shorter route possible. By the time I realized I was on a longer route, it was too late to turn back.

Later that day, heading for a deli in Brookline, I found the town’s main street closed for a local event. As I struggled to find an alternate route, the GPS kept trying to steer me back to the street that was closed. As our Ratings of GPS systems (available to subscribers) show, some models can alert you to changing traffic conditions or let you sidestep certain streets. I don’t know if my new car’s built-in navigation system has those features, but I wasn’t going to hunt for them when I was just minutes from my lunch spot.

iPhone 3G S vs. Palm Pre: A video shootout

They're the two hottest smartphones of the year. The iPhone 3G S and the Palm Pre emphasize multimedia capabilities and are centered on versatile touchscreens that are among the best we've ever tested. Both even cost the same: $199 with a two-year contract (though there's a more capacious iPhone that costs $299.)

Both are also fine performers that we expect to formally recommend next week, once we've fully completed our tests and added them to our smart phone Ratings. (Both Consumer Reports Ratings and Recommendations are available to subscribers.)

Meantime, here's a Western-themed video shootout, in which phone-slingers Mike Gikas (at the iPhone end of the saloon) and Paul Eng (representing the Palm Gang) settle their differences.

Mike fires with the iPhone's new Voice Control feature, which allows you to dial numbers and even search for music by speaking to the phone. He also singles out the camera on the 3G S, which offers features lacking from past iPhones, like auto-focus and the ability to shoot videos, and adds nice video-editing and tap-to-focus capabilities.