Archive for November 4th, 2009

Dec 09 Consumer Reports

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
Just received my Dec CR.
Concerning energy costs of LCDs and plasma TVs:
"Costs are similar for most new LCD and plasma TVs of comparable size, a change from the past."

i.e. Energy costs
Panasonic Viera TC-P54V10 54 inch plasma $49/year
Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U 55 inch LCD $58/year

So a plasma and a LCD will use about the same amount of energy, so why ban or tax the plasma more?

dave

the Oppo BDP-83 was the top rated Blu-Ray, tied with the Panny DMP-BD80

Pre-Black Friday Sale for 2009 at Walmart

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
Quote:
It looks as if Walmart are once again trying to stay one step ahead of their competitors, as we have a another of their Pre Black Friday ads to tell you about, giving you the chance to save big this weekend.
Story

Nielsen reports the effects of the digital transition

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
Nielsen reports the effects of the digital transition

Quote:
by Ben Drawbaugh posted Nov 3rd 2009 at 1:20PM

This is a really interesting report of the affects of the digital transition on ratings. Like the fact that "TV stations that transitioned to digital only experienced an 8 percent share decline immediately following the analog shut-off." But even more interesting is this that same number goes up to 13 percent if the broadcaster switched from UHF to VHF because of reception problems -- no wonder some broadcasters are going back to UHF. The other thing that piqued our interest was that cable companies seemed to be the real winners here as 18.2 percent of those facing the decision to buy a converter box, just ordered cable instead -- little do they know that they are just putting off getting a box.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/03...al-transition/

AT&T CruiseCast satellite service halts activations, will refund customers

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
AT&T CruiseCast satellite service halts activations, will refund customers

Quote:
by Donald Melanson posted Nov 3rd 2009 at 3:51PM

It wasn't too hard to see this one coming after reports of "financial difficulties" and a potential early demise starting cropping up last month, but it looks like AT&T's CruiseCast in-car satellite service is now officially done for. According to RaySat COO Mike Grannan (AT&T's partner in the service), all new activations have now ceased, and existing customers will soon apparently be able to get a refund for the cost of installation, de-installation, equipment and service. For those keeping track, the service just launched in June of this year and, while no installed base numbers seem to be available, it doesn't appear to have caused much more than a blip on the radar, with it hindered in part by a hefty $1,300 up-front cost.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/03...s-will-refund/