HDTV FROM AN ACTOR'S PERSPECTIVE
While HDTV might soup-up the viewing experience, film stars are
worried it will be an unforgiving medium that will highlight
blemishes and (God forbid) wrinkles. According to a recent survey
by Telewest and the National Association of Screen Makeup Artists
and Hairdressers (Nasmah), one in three stars lie about their age -
and due to HDTV are now in danger of being exposed. Of those
petitioned, 75 per cent were most worried about the signs of ageing
showing up, including wrinkles, crow's feet and liver spots. The
second biggest concern (15 per cent) was skin blemishes such as
spots, boils and blotches. Additional HDTV worries were thinning
hair (7 per cent) and scars from surgery or accidents (3 per cent).
According to the association, the most likely to suffer would be
ageing stars such as Joan Collins and Michael Douglas. But it also
named Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt and rock singer Bryan Adams as having
less than perfect complexions, which could well prove a handicap on
HDTV.
Keira Knightley is also expected to come off badly owing to her
occasional outbreaks of pimples. Those who will come out looking
good, however, include Johnny Depp (a veritable Dorian Gray at 42),
Orlando Bloom, Kate Winslet and Scarlett Johansson - all of whom
have close to immaculate skin complexions.
Sandra Exelby, chair of Nasmah and head of a new make-up school
at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, which is developing techniques
to shield stars from the more merciless effects of the new
technology, says: "High-definition TV is so vivid it is like being
there in person. Every flaw visible to the eye could be seen
on the new [HDTV] services, unless make-up artists retrain in new
techniques."
Crystal clear: the best sets
Philips 26" widescreen LCD flat TV, £690
Good budget model. Has a built-in tuner that lets you watch or
record digital terrestrial TV (Freeview). Model: 26PF5520D; www.amazon.co.uk
LG 42" plasma TV, £1,350
This set features "image noise" removal that makes standard
broadcasts sharper, but no built-in tuner. 42PX5D; www.johnlewis.com
Sony 32" flat-panel TV, £1,250
This compact, black HD-ready television offers vivid colour and
sharp detail, and has a built-in digital tuner. KDLV32; http://froogle.google.co.uk
JVC 32" LCD widescreen TV, £919
This HD-ready TV offers sharp picture quality that will enhance
standard broadcasts. It also pumps out a deep, 20-watt cinematic
sound. LT-32DS6BJ; froogle.google.co.uk
TECHNEWS
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Samsung Slim Fit CRP TV
Mon Mar 27, 2006
This is another one of those huge gadgets that made its way
inside the Technews testing lab. And who says big things is out?
Not in our lab.
The Samsung Slim Fit TV is no ordinary widescreen TV. It is
categorized as a CRP (Cathode Ray Panel) TV. Simply put, it is
similar to an LCD TV... only much bigger.
Bigger in the sense that the screen size is 32 inches, with
accompanying speakers on each side. It has a sleek design with lots
of inputs at the back and left side. The Slim Fit TV has HD Inputs
for 1080i and 576p, Analog Tuner with two Tuner PIP
(picture-in-picture), DNIe, Virtual Dolby Surroung Sound and Turbo
Sound.
When the Slim Fit TV arrived, our cable was down so weren't able
to test it with cable. Although, as a television, using it was so
interesting. In fact, we got a little lost since there were so many
functions to choose from. It is a one TV with loads of features and
functions.
Programing the channel is easy, but to have a more clearer
reception, an antenna is a must. The channels are scanned thru
frequency, unlike regular televisions where you just input the
channel number, which gives a wide range of channels. We had
fun using the PIP function because it allowed us to see what's
showing on other channels.
What's more with the PIP function is that aside from viewing a
different, you can view from an external A/V device as well. When
you want to play your favorite video game and others want to watch
TV, this is now possible with the Slim Fit TV. The only problem is
that one side won't be having any audio (of course, it'll be hard
to understand two different audio broadcasts at the same time).
And speaking of video games, we were only able to attach a
Playstation 2 with the Slim Fit TV since there's no DVD players
available and we can't borrow any. But since most of us are gamers,
we're still blessed with something.
It's like playing inside a movie house. Graphics are bigger, and
we were able to play games with a 16:9 hi-definition aspect ratio.
Too bad we weren't able to test Gran Tourismo 4 on 1080i simply
because it doesn't work (for reasons we don't understand). But
either way, the graphics came out very smooth.
Most of the staff at the lab have one complain though - the
remote is kinda hard to understand. But using it after a while, we
were able to master the complexities of the remote. With so many
features that the Slim Fit TV has you will surely be intimidated,
perhaps in the first few weeks. But overall, the Slim Fit TV is the
bomb. pair it with a home theater system and you ready to explore
new worlds.
_________________________________________________________________________
Consumer Reports
How about a new HDTV for next season's shows?
By the Editors of Consumer Reports
Have you been wanting to buy an HDTV but are waiting for prices to
settle before you move? That's understandable. Price erosion has
defined the high-definition TV market for some time now and is
projected to continue, especially for the biggest, costliest sets.
By the summer, prices of plasma TVs with 50-inch screens and LCD
flat panels larger than 40 inches could fall by $500, according to
estimates. (Sets of that size that Consumer Reports has tested were
recently priced at $3,000 to $6,500.)
Similar cuts are expected for rear-projection microdisplays
using LCD and DLP technology.
Prices for LCoSTV microdisplays could fall by as much as $1,000
as manufacturing ramps up.
Meanwhile, little change is likely for picture-tube TVs and
CRT-based rear-projection sets.
CR's advice: Although you could save money on the largest-screen
TVs by waiting a few months, there's little reason not to buy a
smaller LCD or plasma set, or a tube-based TV, now.
Here are some things to consider as you shop — or
wait.
• Decide where to shop. In a 2005 survey of Consumer Reports
subscribers who purchased electronics, local independent stores and
the nationwide Tweeter chain won top scores from high-end TV buyers
for overall satisfaction.
Sears, Circuit City and Best Buy rated highly for overall
satisfaction and product quality, but only average for service,
price and selection.
Costco rated highly for overall satisfaction and product
quality, and was best for low TV prices, yet the warehouse club has
limited selection and service.
• Consider buying online. Merchants such as Crutchfield.com,
Amazon.com, Costco.com and JR.com all scored highly with
electronics buyers.
But unless you get a free-shipping deal, the charges can wipe
out any savings. Also, some sites, including Amazon.com, don't
accept big-TV returns.
• Weigh delivery and setup options. With big-screen TVs bought
from a brick-and-mortar retailer, delivery is worth the cost. For a
few hundred dollars more, you can have a pro hook up multiple video
devices and a sound system.
Wall-mounting an LCD or plasma set and hiding wires takes skill
and costs even bigger bucks. At Best Buy, it runs $400 to $900,
plus the cost of mounting hardware, which starts at $50.
• Hold off on a sound system. Stores may say a new audio system
is a must for your HDTV, but it's not. Many TV sets have decent
speakers that are fine for TV programming. You'll get the most
improvement by connecting a receiver and two front speakers to your
TV.
Before you start shopping, see whether your credit cards offer
free warranty extensions. American Express adds up to a year of
protection to standard warranties. MasterCard and Visa may also,
depending on the issuing bank and type of card. However, you might
want to consider buying an extended warranty for LCD and plasma
TVs, especially for off-brand and expensive models. (Pay no more
than 15 percent to 20 percent of the TV's cost.) Picture-tube TVs
and CRT-based rear-projection sets are another matter: Extended
protection for these two types of HDTV is probably unnecessary.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Posted on Tue, Mar. 28, 2006
HDTV puts flaws in focusClarity of high-definition picture presents
challenges for TV celebrities, and producersSTEVEN
LEVINGSTONWashington PostAs high-definition television programming
expands to meet demand, networks, stars and production companies
are encountering an array of challenges from the new technology.
The transition to the disarmingly clear picture of HDTV --
considered by some as momentous as the move from black and white to
color -- is requiring new attention to sets, lighting, makeup,
camera angles and the syncing of sound and pictures.
Broadcasters have worried that the sharpness of the picture would
magnify acne, wrinkles and subtle production defects. Sets could no
longer be made of cheap materials slathered with paint. Celebrities
would have to take extra care over their appearance.
Phillip Swann, an expert in HDTV, was watching this year's Academy
Awards in high definition when nominee Keira Knightley, 20, the
star of "Pride & Prejudice," appeared and the camera moved in
tight. Swann could see her exposed shoulder in a Vera Wang gown and
her Bulgari necklace. He could see something else, too.
"She was covered in pimples on her forehead," said Swann, president
and publisher of TVPredictions.com, which tracks TV technology.
When he studied the scene on a standard-definition television,
Knightley's pimples were gone. "Only in high definition can you see
it," Swann said. "HDTV is the ultimate reality television."
The menu of HD programming now includes sports events such as the
Super Bowl, prime-time shows including ABC's "Desperate
Housewives," soap operas and late-night shows where viewers can
catch glimpses of the freckles on the back of Conan O'Brien's
hands.
Though the audience for HD is still small, it's growing rapidly.
Last year, 30 percent of all TVs sold in United States were high
definition, up from 8 percent in 2002, according to Jupiter
Research. In 2002, just 4 percent of U.S. households with a TV had
a high-definition model. By last year, that figure had climbed to
20 percent, and Jupiter Research predicts it will grow to 48
percent by 2008.
"I would definitely say 2005 was a turning point," said Joni
Blecher, home theater analyst at Jupiter Research.
At WRAL-TV in Raleigh, the first (in 2001) to broadcast local news
in HD, the new technology sometimes left viewers a little confused.
Since high-definition video must be hugely compressed, it takes
longer to transmit than audio, so the pictures would lag behind the
sound.
"We had what we call `lip flap' like in the old kung fu movies --
the anchor would be talking to a reporter in field, and the audio
didn't match their mouths moving," said John Harris, WRAL's
director of programming.
When "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" went to high definition in
1999, becoming the first network series in HD, producers agonized
over how guests -- particularly women -- would look on a screen
significantly sharper than standard television. NBC redid the
control room, refurbished the studio and adjusted the lights,
ensuring that guests would be happy in the chair next to Leno.
Some stars have gravitated toward a lighter layer of makeup applied
by airbrush, worrying that the heavier cosmetic used on traditional
broadcasts would look cakey in high definition.
An airbrush delivers a thin, skin-like covering that minimizes
blemishes and looks invisible in high definition, according to Doug
McAward, president of Kett Cosmetics, a company that sells an
airbrush makeup system for high-definition production.
_______________________________________________________________________________
04/02/2006
WASHINGTON -- Meteorologist Howard Bernstein was pointing out the
range in temperatures around D.C. recently during the midday
weather report on WUSA, the only area station that broadcasts local
news in high definition.
"Look at these readings," he said, standing in front of a map
during a recent show. "It's 43 in town, 54 in Fredericksburg, and
over toward the Shenandoah area 73 degrees right now."
High-definition viewers watching on their wide-screen TVs had no
trouble seeing Shenandoah off to the west. But those watching on an
old-format television, still the majority, saw only part of the
locale on the map. For them, the temperature was 73 degrees in
"doah."
Since making the HD switch last year, the WUSA news team has
mostly worked out the kinks. The broadcast is shot for the
rectangular screen, but producers take care to frame the picture
for the narrower dimensions of the standard television. Still,
surprises sometimes creep in.
"We're living in both worlds right now," said Randal Stanley,
news director of WUSA 9 News.
With its disarmingly clear picture, high-definition television
increasingly is showing up in U.S. homes. Falling prices and wider
consumer awareness made 2005 a banner year for HDTV sales. Now, as
programming expands to meet demand, networks, stars and production
companies are encountering an array of challenges from the new
technology. The transition to HDTV -- considered by some as
momentous as the move from black and white to color -- is requiring
new attention to sets, lighting, makeup, camera angles and the
syncing of sound and pictures.
Broadcasters have worried that the sharpness of the picture
would magnify acne, wrinkles and subtle production defects. Sets
could no longer be made of cheap materials slathered with paint.
Celebrities would have to take extra care over their appearance.
Phillip Swann, an expert in HDTV, was watching this year's
Academy Awards in high definition when nominee Keira Knightley, 20,
the star of "Pride & Prejudice," appeared and the camera moved
in tight. Swann could see her exposed shoulder in a Vera Wang gown
and her Bulgari necklace. He could see something else, too.
"She was covered in pimples on her forehead," said Swann,
president and publisher of TVPredictions.com, which tracks TV
technology.
When he studied the scene on a standard-definition television,
Knightley's pimples were gone. "Only in high definition can you see
it," Swann said. "HDTV is the ultimate reality television."
High definition has lifted the veil on the glamour industry, he
said, noting that Brad Pitt is among handsome leading men who
suffer in HD.
"He's a really good example of somebody the Hollywood glamour
machine decided would be a sex symbol," Swann said. "But when you
see him in high definition, you see all these pockmarks in his
cheeks and he looks like an entirely different person -- and you
go, 'Wow, is that Brad Pitt?' "
Though the audience for HD is still small, it's growing rapidly.
Last year, 30 percent of all TVs sold in United States were high
definition, up from 8 percent in 2002, according to Jupiter
Research. In 2002, just 4 percent of U.S. households with a TV had
a high-definition model. By last year, that figure had climbed to
20 percent, and Jupiter Research predicts it will grow to 48
percent by 2008.
"I would definitely say 2005 was a turning point," said Joni
Blecher, home theater analyst at Jupiter Research.
When "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" went to high definition in
1999, becoming the first network series in HD, producers agonized
over how guests -- particularly women -- would look on a screen
significantly sharper than standard television. NBC redid the
control room, refurbished the studio and adjusted the lights,
ensuring that guests would be happy in the chair next to Leno.
"It was a critical thing -- and we probably spent too much time
on it -- but we wanted to make sure women would be comfortable
being on the show," said Rick Ludwin, NBC executive vice president
of late-night and prime-time series.
Key to that comfort was getting the makeup right. Some stars
have gravitated toward a lighter layer applied by airbrush,
worrying that the heavier cosmetic used on traditional broadcasts
would look cakey in high definition. WRAL's Harris rejects those
concerns. "I disagree that you have to have special makeup up for
anchors -- that's absolute malarkey," he said. "It's consultants
trying to drive the business."
Nonetheless, airbrushing is gaining in popularity. An airbrush
delivers a thin, skinlike covering that minimizes blemishes and
looks invisible in high definition, according to Doug McAward,
president of Kett Cosmetics, a company that sells an airbrush
makeup system for high-definition production.
"The HD camera sees more than the naked eye," McAward said. "If
you can pass an HD lens, you can pass any test.
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