lcd

How much should I spend on a TV?

TVs are a big purchase, and price is a significant factor for most of us. Naturally your budget and needs will determine how much you can/want to spend.

But if you're a little flexible on your budget, or if you're totally confused as to what to buy, this guide will help you narrow down the options. … Read more

Get a Westinghouse 50-inch HDTV for $349

First things first. For those who celebrate it, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. Space doesn't permit me to list all the things I'm thankful for, but you can bet you're looking at one of them right now.

Likewise, for those who shop it, I wish you a fun and money-saving Black Friday. Speaking of which, make sure to check in here Friday morning for the Cheapskate Fifth Anniversary Giveaway Spectacular finale. I've got five killer prizes lined up, so this is one contest you won't want to miss.

Speaking of Black Friday again, … Read more

Are TV extended warranties worth it?

An extended warranty on a TV appears, at first, like a decent idea. After all, TVs are expensive, very high-tech, and pretty complex, right?

However, dig a little deeper and you'll find that extended warranties are almost always a waste of money.… Read more

What is 600Hz?

If you read my "What is refresh rate?" post, you'll know that plasma TV manufacturers (Panasonic, Samsung, and LG) make a point in claiming a "600Hz" refresh rate on their TVs. As we discussed in that article, it's not exactly comparable to LCD's 120 and 240Hz refresh.

So what is 600Hz, and how does it work?… Read more

Qualcomm, Intel consider $375M investment in Sharp

Qualcomm and Intel are in discussions with Sharp to invest more than $375 million, according to two reports.

Japan's Kyodo News reported today that Intel is in talks to invest between 30 billion and 40 billion yen (approximately $378 million to $500 million) in Sharp.

But a more recent report today from Reuters said the two companies may make a joint investment of about $378 million.

However, the Reuters report goes to describe the Intel investment as less certain than Qualcomm's commitment. The latter may reach an agreement with Sharp as early as the end of this month. … Read more

The 404 1,162: Where we protect our necks (podcast)

Questions answered on today's episode of The 404 Show:

- What's the point of having an LCD screen and buttons on my credit card?

- What comes in the Nintendo Wii U box, why do people love unboxing videos so much, and why does my brain feel like it's being massaged? Side note: ASMR Subreddit

- What's the history of Goatse.cx and how can I use it to ruin everyone's day?

- How can I sucker someone into giving me free money for the holidays?… Read more

Foxconn looks to U.S. to open manufacturing plants, report says

Far-fetched? Um, yeah. But Foxconn reportedly is thinking of expanding its operation to the U.S.

Famous as the company that makes iPhones for Apple, China's Foxconn is now evaluating a few U.S. cities, including Detroit and Los Angeles, to determine whether they would be good places to set up shop, Digitimes is reporting today, citing so-called "market watchers."

It should be noted that it's not clear who these market watchers are or why they would have knowledge of Foxconn's plans. Beyond that, the company has been able to establish itself as a leading … Read more

Get a 50-inch Insignia HDTV for $499.99

Best Buy is having a fairly decent sale on Insignia TVs today, with just about every model in the lineup discounted by $30-100.

The top pick, IMHO: the Insignia NS-50L240A13 50-inch LCD HDTV for $499.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states). That's one of the best prices I've ever seen on a TV of this size.

It is, to be fair, an entry-level model, with a non-LED LCD and 60Hz refresh rate. Of course, until a couple years ago, most HDTVs had the same specs.

The NS-50L240A13 features three HDMI inputs, along with the usual assortment … Read more

Samsung says it's still supplying LCD panels to Apple

Samsung refuted claims that its display business plans to end its LCD panel supply agreement with Apple, saying the report from a Korean publication was incorrect.

The Korea Times, citing an unnamed senior Samsung source, said Samsung was taking the step by the end of this year because it "believes its American partner is no longer a cash-generator due to the iPhone maker's stiffer supply-chain management structure."

However, a Samsung spokesman told CNET that the Korea Times post was 100 percent false regarding the comments about dropping Apple as a panel customer.

"Samsung Display has never … Read more