Choose a Design. Get Inspired.

It's not often that consumers can get their hands on working tools intended for the trades they hire. Those of who are familiar with Seura, the manufacturer of now-you-see-it-now-you-don't TVs mounted behind transparent mirrors, might appreciate access to their Idea Studio. The Idea Studio offers a gallery of custom idea starters, which designers use to create their own design solutions. TVs can hide behind mounted mirrors in Family Rooms, Bathrooms and other areas...appearing only when they are turned on! Their web site design page shows a plethora of templates - shapes, patterns, sizes and designs to create a truly custom mirror/hidden TV.

The designer typically makes the selection and contact Seura for a price to build the unit. But there's nothing that stops you from adding your voice to this process and helping create your own unique product. Sleek shapes, frosted edging, pinstripe corners, classic frames and dozens of other design elements can be included. This is the true meaning of custom. Go ahead...

Pantel TV models range from 20" , 32", 42" , 52" and 65". All models provide 1080p high resolution images and more than double the brightness of a standard indoor TV. And they can operate from - 40 degrees Farenheit up to 140 degrees Farenheit.

How are Pantel TVs built to withstand such punishment? Count on a rust-resistant, powder coated aluminum chassis and anti-reflective tempered glass. The internal design includes sophisticated filters to allow for the TV's heat dissipation while keeping the insides dirt and bug free.

MRSP ranges from $2,999 to $25,999

The 55LW9500 is powered by a thin film printed with a special light distribution pattern which spreads the LED backlighting more evenly to provide a screen with none of the hotspots or uneven lighting that is often found on edge lit LED/LCD televisions. LG touts greater control over 288 zones with true LED backlit (not edge lit) local dimming - allowing for higher resolution per eye during 3Dⁱ viewing. Features include 3D compatibility, TruMotion 480Hz refresh rate, less than 1 inch overall depth, .8" panel depth and bezel framing width at around .5".

LG's Smart TV currently has a full web browser and around 120 available Internet Apps with 20 of those being premium services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon VOD. Another new feature in the LW9500 series from LG is the 2D to 3D conversion.

After numerous calls to LG, we were unable to find out the MSRP and the anticipated ship date, due to LG's policy of not revealing such information until the product is officially released.

Following the success of last years popular Cash for Clunker TV program, home theater retailer Diamond Case Designs, Inc. of Anaheim, CA., has organized another e-waste recycling event just in time for the holidays. This environmentally friendly program provides cash discounts toward the purchase of new eligible model Energystar TVs.

As flat panel TVs come down in price, Diamond Case has seen an increase in the number of customers replacing in their old analog TVs for new digital TVs. Rather than discarding the old TVs, which contain hazardous materials such as lead and phosphorus, into local landfills, Diamond Case has partnered with All Green Electronics Recycling to recycle and re-purpose the old TVs.  All Green guarantees that all items to be recycled will be done in accordance with their ZERO landfill policy. According to Arman Sadeghi, CEO of All Green, "All types of e-waste (electronic waste), including cell phones, laptops, computer monitors, and televisions can be recycled responsibly so their hazardous products do not end up in landfills. 

More information after the jump…

When less is more

Established just five years ago, NuVision has steadily expanded their line of premium flat panel HDTVs and are now offering this, their first LED-powered model, the 55-inch NVU55FX5LS (40- and 46-inch models are also available).

With claims of decreased motion blur, better detail, world peace, and smoother motion, LCD manufacturers are drastically increasing refresh rates. But why?

First it was 120 Hz. Now it’s 240 Hz. Already manufacturers are talking about 480 Hz. I mean, 60 Hz is so 20th century. Are there really any advantages to these faster refresh rates? If so, how do they work?

240 IS GO! Samsung lights up the sides and slides into 240 Hz with the svelte UN46B8000.

This thing is gorgeous, and I haven’t even turned it on yet. Über-thin—I think it’s two dimensional.

Amazingly, the attractiveness of this set is only one of its claims to fame.

Plasma Poseur

Within minutes of setting up Samsung’s top-line 46” LCD HDTV (they also offer a 55” version), I knew that this was no ordinary LCD flat-panel, as the picture quality, with just a few picture control adjustments, looked startlingly un-LCD-like and much more reminiscent of what I’m used to seeing with better plasma sets.