Whilst the LCD television format continues to be the most dominate, plasma TVs are not giving up. Spurred on Pioneer and Panasonic, plasma TVs have made a comeback of sorts, and many of the format’s drawbacks have been addressed and corrected. Of course, other companies can also make quality plasma TVs, and LG has proven this with the launch of the LG 50PG6900. It won’t take you long to find out the strategy adopted by the makers as they have kept the price of the model pretty low, and if you take into account the presence of the Freeview+ PVR it is clear that LG is determined to cash in on the market resurrected by Panasonic and Pioneer.

Design wise the deck is adorable enough, with the only distractions being the power button and LG logo. Most other connections and flaps are well hidden from the public gaze. You also don’t get to see any speakers as well. The remote of the deck has an innovative design and is also easy to operate.

The deck depressingly doesn’t have a 1080p panel resolution which will prevent you from enjoying movies and programmes at the HD levels. The 720p resolution is however good enough to deliver a competent picture. The device makes up for the not so impressive resolution by incorporating the built-in Freeview+ recorder, which has 160GB of storage, making it the LG 50PG6900’s main attraction. The amazing storage capability ensures that you can record an unlimited number of your favourite TV programmes. The feature is not without its disadvantage though, as you are most likely to find yourself in a difficult position if the feature happens to break. On the brighter side, the feature helps you to save ower, reduces clutter, and renders recording of programmes ridiculously easy.

The UK in recent times is going through some interesting phases, what with brands like TVonics going all out to ensure that the country makes a quick and swift crossover to digital TV with a Freeview box that fits to your TV, irrespective of its design or age. The MDR-250 is notable in the sense that it is specially designed to cater to the Government’s policy to help the elderly and disabled, and consequently has passed through stringent requirements. The unit is a real delight when it comes to user convenience, energy efficiency, and connectivity. Even more importantly, it happens to be the only Freeview receiver to have earned full marks from Digital UK’s ‘scoreboard’ certification scheme. Now you can easily perceive that it is a product that cannot be overlooked.

The connectivity of the unit is above average and has two SCART outputs, and aerial input/output. The dual SCART option means that you can simultaneously connect the receiver to a TV and video recorder. No matter how old your television is, including even outdated CRT models like the Daewoo DUA3291, the TVonics MDR-250 will bring you digital TV and Freeview. An aspect that separates the unit from its contemporaries is that it also includes an RF modulator which sends digital TV pictures from the aerial output and to your TV’s aerial input over a coaxial cable, and comes as a real blessing for owners of archaic TVs that don’t have SCART options.

The unit on the downside offers RGB output from one of its SCART sockets, with the other supplying just composite pictures. The problem with this arrangement is that once the this second SCART is connected to a DVD or DVD/HDD recorder with RGB input, you will be handicapped as far as recording is concerned, of course unless you are ready bear to with the inconvenience of swapping over the SCART cables.

Most people tend to get cold feet when the time arrives to make the digital crossover, as there is a misconception that this transition is very expensive. The truth however is not that bitter as it is made out to be, and it is not at all mandatory to dump your old analogue TV for a brand new flat-panel set to access the Freeview experience in its full glory. Moreover, Freeview PVRs and HDD/DVD recorders are also no perquisites to enjoy this spectacular experience. All you need to do is pick up a cheap, easy to use Freeview receiver, and connect it to your existing system, and the programmes burst into life.

It is however important that you follow discretion while buying a receiver set so that it consists of the features and functions you are looking for. Considering the situation one model that should fit the bill is the DTR220/05 from Philips, which is replete with a number of user friendly features apart from being delightfully compact.

The back panel of the unit has been inscribed with customary features like RF input/output and twin SCART outputs, in addition to coaxial digital output for piping stereo sound to your amp digitally. More importantly, the unit is endowed with the capacity to send raw bitstream to your receiver in case Dolby Digital broadcasts is included in the Freeview fold. The Philips DTR220 is bereft of an RF modulator, connoting that you can’t watch digital TV pictures through your TV’s RF input. This is however, not a problem with present generation TVs which are capable of doing without this archaic feature.

There are two SCARTs as well that can be simultaneously connected to TV and video recorder, thereby opening the floodgates of various possibilities. Now, you can have a choice between RGB, S-video (Y/C) and composite (CVBS) from the ‘TV’ SCART, and S-video or composite from the ‘VCR’ SCART, each of which is selectable via the setup menu.

There is good news for you in case you are looking for an LCD TV that is integrated with a digital Freeview tuner and HDMI connection. That good news is called the Ferguson F2200LD. The advantage of the digital tuner is that you can now tune into different Freeview channels with a minimum amount of fuss, and enjoy programmes in their full glory on the widescreen.

Important specifications of the unit include an impressive contrast ratio of 1000:1, whereas the pixel resolution stands at 1680×1050 pixels. The high contrast ratio has a positive impact on the picture quality which now looks much sharper and clearer, and with a great deal of detail. The image quality is further fine tuned by a brightness level of 300cd/m2. Moreover, the unit is HDTV compatible, just like most modern LCD TVs including the LG M2294D, signifying that it will accept H signals. Another important feature that has a say in the image quality is the progressive scan feature that augments the job done by the other image refiners and consequently elevates the image quality to new levels.

Then, you will also feel elated to know that the deck can even be used as a PC monitor. The unit delivers Nicam stereo sound effect with an impressive output capacity of 6W. The connectivity of the unit is also a reason to rejoice, especially considering that it has all the customary connections including two SCART sockets, S-Video connection, AV inputs, and one HDMI connection, in addition to a headphone socket. There is a sleep timer as well that should free you of a lot of apprehensions, and also save a good deal of electricity.

One of the most irritating aspects about home cinema systems that many of us have to regularly endure is the mess they make of themselves. It seems like the more you try to manage the mess the more prominent it becomes. It is all thanks to the lack of imagination on the part of the manufacturers who, in a rush to include as many features as possible, hardly give more than a cursory glance to this sensitive aspect. Under the circumstances it is heartening to note that Humax has taken pains to address the situation and has finally come up with the Humax LP40-TDR1 40in Freview Playback TV.

As the name clearly suggests, the deck is endowed with Freeview Playback capability which precisely means that it has a comprehensive hard disk recording system built into its body. This consequently makes the necessity of a separate recorder box, or the attendant cabling redundant. The removal of the superfluous features adds to a great deal of convenience to the Humax LP40-TDR1, as the clutter gets reduced significantly. Another adorable aspect of the unit is despite having a number of high-end features you can lay your hands on it at a very reasonable price.

One peculiar aspect of the unit is that its speaker system is too large to fit into a single entity and is an entity in itself. A thing that should not impress you much is the fact that it provides only a solitary HDMI input feature, an as such will be restricted from indulging in various HDMI sources like an upscaling DVD player, an Xbox 360 Elite console, a PS3 console, or an HDMI-sporting PC. You have to digest another bitter tablet in the form that, the HDMI provided is of V1.2 specification a format that is ore or less obsolete. It means that you cannot expect to experience enhanced picture quality via the high-bandwidth Deep Color and xvYCC image formats.

The unit on the higher side though has a very dedicated connectivity network including port, component video jack and digital audio output being the important ones.

Those who have had the good fortune of using products manufactured by Humax, especially Personal Video Recorders, will vouch for their superior quality, both technically and performance wise. The Humax PVR9300T is another one of the company’s typical high quality products and borrows a great deal from its predecessors, however with improved functionality and an even larger hard disc drive. It has an imposing 320GB hard drive making it one of the most capacious recorders in its class, and consequently holds an impressive 200 hours of recordings. The great thing about the unit is that it is not merely a storing powerhouse, but much more than that.

Incorporated with the most sophisticated and modern Twin Freeview tuners it gives you the leverage of multiple recording and viewing options. The best thing about this much in demand feature is that even while watching one channel you can record another or even two channels simultaneously while playing back a previous recording! You will be pleased to find that using the intuitive combination of twin tuners and hard drive you can pause, rewind, and even edit live TV with the utmost ease.

Another significant addition is the CI card interface meant for pay TV services such as Setanta, whereas a built-in demodulator signifies that the Humax PVR-9300T 320GB will work even on TV’s that don’t have the SCART feature. The unique Over The Air (OTA) feature endows you with the capability of software upgrades.

The Humax PVR9300T goes a step ahead with a USB socket that allows you to play music and view images from your PC or camera.

The Panasonic EX77 is a hard-disk Freeview PVR that comes with a built-in DVD burner. This special feature means you no longer have to bear the heartbreak of deleting your old archive of favourite programmes and classic shows. Actually an upgrade of the EX75, the EX77 differs from the latter in that it upscales video to 1080p. The unit also comes at reasonable price, making it a good bargain considering its multitude of impressive features.

The design of the unit is rather compact and bears a simple but elegant look. It is also portable enough to fit under any TV without being overly conspicuous.

The focal point of the unit is unambiguously its built-in Freeview receiver and 160GB PVR. It is all the more helpful that the feature is surprisingly simple to use. Using the Panasonic DMR-EX77EB 160GB’s seven-day electronic programme, you can decide upon the programme that you would like to record, and also the location that you would like it to be recorded to.

It has all the customary connections including a pair of Scart sockets, composite video and S-Video outputs, apart from HDMI and component video outputs that play an important role in drawing maximum performance from the unit. An optical digital output that produces a stunning audio output from the DVDs via an external amplifier is present as well.

Another important facet of the EX77 is that it writes to all blank DVD discs. Moreover, since it supports DVD-RAM, it will ensure more write cycles than DVD-RW and consequently the discs will last much longer. The downside though, is that the discs are a bit expensive as compared to regular rewritable DVDs.

One piece of news that really has me pumped up with excitement and filled me with anticipation is the now seemingly probable option of watching the 2010 football World Cup in high definition! I am sure that when you hear this great news your pulse and heart beat will also begin to race with the same anticipation I am going through. For those who are skeptical of my excitement, they most likely do not fully understand what I’m talking about.

I would like to draw the attention of my esteemed readers that the game will never be the same again. Yes, it is true! For high-definition images will virtually kick away the limitations imposed by conventional images, by bringing the game live in front of our eyes. You can now get involved with the game like never before as the images delivered will be crystal clear and with an astonishing level of detail. And with recently released devices like the Humax FOXSAT HD recorder, you can even record all this HD content as well. This is all thanks to Ofcom, who has outlined a pilot scheme that could speed up the rollout of HD services in two years. This should ultimately culminate into Londoners being able to watch the 2010 football World Cup in high definition on Freeview.

The initiative was taken by BBC who requested Ofcom, to redirect some of its spectrum, albeit for a short term, so as to facilitate the access of Freeview services like HD, to highly populated areas more quickly than had been previously planned. It is also worth noting that London, along with Tyne Tees and Ulster, had been lined up to receive Freeview HD services. These will come at the end of the phased rollout of the enhanced broadcast technology in 2012 ahead of the London Olympics.

With the launch of the Viera TX-26LMD70 HD Ready LCD TV with Freeview, Panasonic has really raised the stakes, and with judgment day round the corner, it will be a test of character and quality. The unit carries a good deal of significance, considering the fact that it is Panasonic’s first real foray into the 26 inch LCD TV zone. Panasonic, which has achieved quite a good deal of success in its bigger sized models, will have to wait with bated breath for the final outcome of their new experiment. Though going by the specifications, the unit looks pretty interesting and in all likelihood should get the positive attention of the viewing public.

The unit bears all the typical traits of the company, like the presence of the V-Real 2 image processing technology, IPS Alpha LCD panel design, apart from an impressive design that reflects a robust and radiant outlook. The V-Real technology, the company’s own indigenous production, plays a crucial role in fine tuning the images by bestowing them with vibrant and rich, yet natural, hues. No less impressive is the 1080p HD format the TV supports, a format that is not so common among models of this size.

When it comes to connectivity, the unit has few competitors and provides you with a wide array of options including 2 HDMI inputs, 2 Scart inputs, both being RGB capable, a component video input, a composite video input, and many others. The HDMI CEC Viera Link functionality included in the Panasonic TX-26LMD70F, on the other hand, makes operation of AV devices connected to the TV a real cake walk, with a single remote control.

The unit, in addition, has the following specifications and dimensions:

Panel size – 26”
Native Resolution – 1366 x 768
Dynamic Contrast ratio – 7000:1
Dimensions - 658(w) x 525(h) x 216(d) mm
Weight – 12kg

Samsung’s latest entry-level LCD screen is remarkable, to say the least, with a host of future-proof specifications and a design that is bound to turn heads. It is unique in the sense that although it’s end in terms of quality, the product is actually quite affordable and relatively cheap. You will often find that most budget screens lack genuine quality and omission of prominent features is a norm. The unit in question, however, has no such issues and instead boasts a stunning design with high-definition compatibility, integrated Freeview and advanced picture processing. The performance that it delivers is there for everybody to see, as it reasonably recreates the levels usually in the domain of the expensive class leaders.

The unit’s screen resolution stands at 1,366 x 768-pixels and supports HD signals using both 720p and 1080i formats. Using these features you can subscribe to Sky’s HDTV services or watch upscaled DVD images on the Samsung LE-32R74BD with detail and depth unlike anything you’ve seen before. Regarding the audio part, you can enhance the average sound of the speakers on board by using either analogue stereo outputs or an optical digital output that can be connected to an external home cinema amplifier. However, on the downside the unit has only a single RGB Scart and one HDMI input which means that you are restricted as far as connectivity is concerned. The image quality is also an issue as it doesn’t produce the same sharpness as some the leading models, like say a Viera model from Panasonic. These factors notwithstanding, you should not hesitate concerning this model, as the good qualities, in addition to its low price, far outweigh the product’s negative aspects.