Blu-Ray DVD Players:

Blu-Ray is the name of a new optical disc format that was developed to enable recording, re-writing, and playback of High Definition video as well as allowing storage of large amounts of data. The format offers more than 5 times the storage capacity of conventional DVD’s. This extra capacity offers an unprecedented HD experience. The format gets its name from the use of a blue-violet laser instead of the red laser common to the traditional DVD format. Additionally, Blu-Ray players are engineered to be backward compatible allowing playback of traditional DVD’s from your existing collection. Simply put, Blu-Ray adds dynamic 1080P High Definition video to your Home Entertainment Experience! (courtesy: Blu-Ray.com)

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Hard-Drive Camcorders:

Recording on cumbersome discs or tapes is quickly becoming a thing of the past due to the rise in popularity of the Hard-Drive format Camcorder. This is considered to be a more stream-lined, computer friendly technology than mini-DV or DVD based formats. Offering “built-in” memory, a Hard-Drive based camcorder allows for easier editing as well as freeing up space in your camera bag.

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PLASMA VS LCD:

Plasma TV Advantages -- Better contrast ratio, better ability to render deep blacks, more color depth, better motion tracking.

Plasma TV Disadvantages -- Plasma televisions do have several drawbacks when compared to LCD televisions. They are heavier which means that a larger wall mount should be used. They are also more susceptible to screen burn-in, produce more heat, and use more power when operating. They also do not perform as well at higher altitudes, have a glassy front screen so glare can be a problem in many rooms, and are more delicate which makes them harder to ship and handle.

LCD TV Advantages -- LCD TV’s run cooler, use less power to operate, have less screen glare, no burn-in susceptibility, longer display life, are lighter, have a more vibrant image, and have greater variety of available screen sizes.

LED televisions which are based on LCD technology eliminate many of the advantages that plasma televisions do have. LED televisions have better ability to render deep blacks, more color depth, and typically have a better contrast ratio.

LCD TV Disadvantages -- Lower contrast ratio, not as good rendering deep blacks, lower refresh rates.

Overall -- LCD televisions seem to be the best option for most customers. They are lighter so they are easier to transport and install. Many people also prefer the more vibrant image that they produce, and they are available in a greater variety of sizes. They create less heat, typically outlast plasma televisions, and use less power to operate. Also LCD televisions are available in different refresh rates which determine motion tracking. This allows one to have best motion tracking or have the option to pay less for one with a lower refresh rate if this feature is not important to your television viewing needs.

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HDMI Cables

Quality: HDMI transfers uncompressed digital audio and video for the highest, crispest image quality.

All-Digital: HDMI ensures an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-to-analog conversions.

Low-cost: HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a simple, cost-effective manner.

Audio: HDMI supports multiple audio formats, from standard stereo to multi-channel surround-sound.

Ease-of-use: HDMI combines video and multi-channel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently used in A/V systems.

Intelligence: HDMI supports two-way communication between the video source (such as a DVD player) and the DTV, enabling new functionality.

(courtesy: http://www.needledoctor.com/HDMI-Cable-FAQ)