Hasta La Gadget!

CES 2013 is the platform where LG will state their intention in the TV arena, where that is when they unveil their new range of Cinema 3D Smart TVs. It is said that the 2013 range will deliver easier content access alongside sharing capability, and when coupled with an updated Magic Remote, one ought to be able to experience a simplified, intuitive user experience. It does not matter on the kind of budget that you have (or don’t), LG should have a little bit of something for everyone. Some of the models that we do know which will break the bank and will be paraded there include LG’s 84-inch Ultra HD and 55-inch OLED TVs, where the latter is said to cost approximately $10,000 a pop after conversion from the listed price in South Korea.

There is a new and improved SmartShare feature that allows users to mirror or transfer content from smart devices to LG Smart TVs using a host of connectivity options, where among them include WiDi and Miracast. I guess there is no excuse now not to hook up something to your TV, no? The 2013 range will also enhance inter-device sharing further by implementing Tag On, where this feature is said to be able to connect a couple of devices immediately for speedy media sharing. In order to make use of Tag On, all you need to do is hold a smartphone or other NFC-enabled device against the NFC sticker on a Cinema 3D Smart TV, and voila! Magic happens, or so that is what people from two centuries ago would think.

Not only that, the 2013 range will also support LG Cloud, where LG Cloud enables folks to remotely stream high-quality content from just about anywhere they are at that point in time. Are you in the market for one of LG’s new Cinema 3D Smart TVs when they arrive? If you are, then it’d be best to work out your budget ASAP as CES 2013 is happening just next week.

Press Release
[ LG unveils new Cinema 3D Smart TV range copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

LG has offered up a few specifications on an interesting home television display that will be on display at CES 2013 in a couple weeks. This isn’t a traditional TV, it boasts a 100-inch screen with thin bezels and an ultra-short-throw projector. The projector needs only 22-inches of distance to throw a 100-inch image.

Most projectors need 10 feet or more to throw a 100-inch image. LG promises a theater-like experience at home without the difficult installation required for typical projector systems. The 5.7-inch-tall box supports full 1080p HD resolution and a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. The lamps used in the projector are supposed to last as long as 25,000 hours, significantly longer than traditional projectors.

The system also supports LG’s Smart TV platform including integrated Wi-Fi and access to premium streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. The projector has three HDMI inputs, an optical audio output, and an RS-232 interface. There’s no word on pricing or availability for the new laser TV at this point.

CES 2013 looks set to be a blast, as with all other editions of CES in the past. What kind of newfangled technology can we look forward to in a fortnight’s time as CES goes into full swing at Las Vegas? For starters, we do know that LG Electronics will be introducing an extended Google TV range, where the new models will be known as the GA7900 and GA6400, and these bad boys will deliver an outstandingly intuitive user experience at a size that ought to suit everyone, while meeting more consumers’ expectations than ever before.

Sporting Google’s latest platform as well as LG’s redesigned Magic Remote Qwerty, they will both work together in order to enhance the effectiveness of Voice Search and the PrimeTime quick guide. With the inclusion of an updated Smart Home, it is said to also add to the user experience by offering convenient, streamlined access to VoD (Video on Demand), YouTube and additional apps. You will be able to discover exciting new content from the rich pool of choices that are available on LG Google TV in a way that is easier than ever before. Not only that, the premium model will throw in LG’s advanced Cinema Screen design for an undeniably sleek and modern finish.

If you are an avid gamer, you will be stoked to hear that LG Google TV will offer the OnLive app pre-installed, where it will turn your TV into an incredible gaming platform without the need to purchase a separate console. I still think that this kind of setup will not work as well as a regular dedicated console, but hey, at least the app will let you enjoy hundreds of high quality video games available instantly from the cloud. With CINEMA 3D TV functionality, the LG Google TV uses FPR technology that will keep movie buffs and gamers happy by delivering a great 3D effect without the distracting flicker. Any takers?

Press Release

[ LG has two new Google TV models at CES 2013 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

This post sponsored by Best Buy

I’ve been a home theater buff since the earliest surround-sound systems came out back in the 1980s. Since then, I’ve seen my home theater transform from a 25″ Trinitron CRT with a Betamax Hi-Fi deck, giant speakers and a standalone Dolby processor to a razor-thin 64″ plasma TV with a Blu-ray player, a couple of game consoles and a 7.1 surround system.

Not only are today’s home theater options so much more refined, the image and sound quality is often more pristine in your home than in today’s crummy multiplex theaters. With that in mind, I though I’d throw out some ideas for home theater holiday gift-giving.

The centerpiece of any home theater these days is the screen. I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to picture quality, and must have the best possible image quality. If a screen 64″ or under is big enough for you, then I personally recommend going with a plasma set. My personal fave has to be the Samsung 8000 series plasma TV ($2899.98 USD). I’ve got the 64″ model in my media room and I couldn’t be happier with the display.It’s got an amazing Full HD 1080p panel, with stellar black levels and an beautifully sharp and cinema-like picture. I’ve actually got the 2011 model, but the latest version adds even more features, especially in terms of the Internet “Smart TV” capabilities, with full support for Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, Blockbuster and more. While it’s not the least expensive TV you can buy, you can’t beat the cinematic image quality for the price. It’s also got full support for 3D. That said, for some of you guys, bigger is always better, and you can’t go wrong with Epson’s latest PowerLite 3020e Home Cinema projector ($1799.99.)

This beast can output a full 1080p image at sizes up to 180 inches! It packs in a bright 2300 lumen light source, so you can even watch in a room without great light control. I also love how it offers wireless HDMI for up to 5 devices, so you don’t have to worry about running wires from your video sources to the projector. The image is brought to life using three 1920×1080 LCD panels, offering a substantial 40:000 to 1 contrast ratio. Like the Samsung flat-panel, it also supports active 3D.

While some home theaters can really take over a dedicated space, with today’s big flat-screen TVs making their way into our living rooms, sometimes that’s all you need. However, many of us can’t really stand wires running all over the place and surround sound speakers taking up room in our main living space. That’s where soundbar technology comes into play. And while there are dozens of soundbars on the market these days, I’m still a fan of Yamaha’s models.

Their innovations with simulated surround sound have impressed me for years, and now they’ve got some very reasonably priced options if you don’t want to drop nearly $2000 on their top-of-the-line model. The Yamaha YSP-2200 does an awesome job simulating 7.1 surround sound from a single small bar that sits at the bottom of your HDTV.

The slim 3-1/8″ tall bar offers 3 HDMI inputs so you can connect multiple devices, as well as an ample, but compact subwoofer for deep bass. It’s also got an auto-calibration feature which can optimize sound for your room nearly instantaneously. The virtual surround is very impressive, and you’ll really think there are speakers behind you – especially if you have a square or rectangular room.

If your gift recipient is already set with their TV and sound system, not to worry. I’ll be following up in a couple of weeks with some more gift ideas for taking home theater to the next level with gifts under $300.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” Technabob received compensation for writing it, however, we only recommend products or services we find interesting or have used personally, and believe will be good for our readers.

Do you need to spend a ton of money to enjoy the hell out of movies at home? Nope—that’s a myth. If you want to give your special person’s TV a boost, you can do it on a budget. More »