Cheap Yet High-Tech HDTV
It is now common knowledge in the HDTV world that LCDs with fast 120-Hz refresh rates produce a better picture than those with the standard 60. Problem is, you usually end up paying a lot more for that better picture. But Vizio is bringing 120 Hz to the masses with the 42-inch SV420XVT. one of the most affordable LCDs of its kind on the market. You also get stylish modern design and a bundled HDMI cable. Aside from one notable flaw in the 120-Hz technology this HDTV is otherwise a winner.
A glossy black bezel surrounds the set's impressively thin ant ireflective screen (1.3 inches). With the stand attached, the set measures 27.2 by 39.4 by 9.5 inches (FIWD) and weighs 46.3 pounds. The bundled remote, which has a narrow baton-style design, can control a wide variety of VCRs, DVRs, cable and satellite set-top boxes, audio amplifiers, and additional televisions. This LCD's selection of HD video connections is similar to those of other premium HDTVs. but the location of some of its ports is a bit inconvenient for some home-theater configurations.
The 42-inch screen provides full 1080p resolution (1,920-by-1,080),and I was pleased that the VGA, HDMI, and component video ports were compatible with 1080p60 video signals. The set's HDMI ports also support 1080p24 input from compatible Blu-ray players. Al its highest resolution settings. 1080 i/p for increased detail and clarity, the set had no problems with overscan. However, I found the TV's out-of-the-box picture quality to be slightly off. Manually calibrating the TV's color temperature and other video menu settings resolved these problems.
The120-Hz LCD technology enhanced the detail and clarity of the rest it i ng picture, but jagged edges and related interlaced video artifacts remained visible. Also, in the Blu-ray version of Iron Man, several scenes caused the TV's interpolation function to fail, resulting in some obvious. distracting image corruption. Finally, if you fast-forward on a DVR. you'll find that the set will occasionally hiccup as the DVR returns to normal playback speed.
The SV420 XVT represents a solid improvement in HD picture quality for Vizio, even though the TV's full potential is realized only after professional video calibration. Overall, this HDTV offers a definite bargain for cutting-edge LCD technology—Robert Heron
PC Media January 2009
This article is published here, here and here.
VIZIO SV42OXVT
PIONEER XMP3
To-Go Satellite Radio
Pioneer's XMp3 is the sequel to the Inno, XM Radio's laudable stab at integrating its satellite radio service into an MP3-player-size device. It was a terrific concept. and now Pioneer and XM have upped the ante with the XMp3, which is smaller, lighter, and features a microSD slot and new recording features. As its name suggests, the player also handles MP3s (and unprotected WM A files), but the screen has no video or photo capabilities—other than displaying station graphics. The XMp3 isn't without its flaws—spotty reception (especially indoors) and a jumpy control wheel, for example—but it's worth considering if you're into satellite radio.
Looking like a cell phone with a stubby, oldschool antenna, the 3.1-ounce XMp3 measures 3.6 by 2 by 0.6 inches (HWD). Its 2.2-inch screen displays still graphics only. The player conies with mediocre earbuds. a dock with an attaching antenna and a line-out-to-RCA cable, a remote control that's larger than the player itself, and a USB cable for PC file transfers. You get only 2GB of integrated storage. but there's a microSD slot on the top panel.
The controls and user interface are simple and intuitive, and the recording features are top-notch. The player can record up to five channels simultaneously and has a built -in DVR-like function to pause a live radio program and replay up to 30 minutes of it. One drawback is that you can't move recorded content from the player to your PC. Another shortcoming is that indoor reception is very poor unless you use the dock and external antenna. But for outdoor use it's an ideal choice for XM subscribers—albeitan expensive one. -Tim Gideon
PC Magazine January 2009
This article is published here, here and here.
How to Repair Optical Disc
CDs and DVDs are surprisingly tolerant of abuse, but there comes a time when your game, audio or movie discs simply won't play at all due to dirt or scratches. Here's how to repair minor glitches
In many cases discs can't be read simply due to an accumulation of dirt, grease and scuff marks caused by careless handling, as in the image above This stops the laser in the CD/DVD player being able to read the data through the transparent plastic layer that's on the data side of the disc. Luckily. light scratches and abrasions on the data side of a disc can usually be repaired. However, scratches on the label side of a disc (see picture above right) are irreparable.
The first thing to try when you're having disc problems - even if you think they're caused by a scratch or scuff mark - is a simple clean. Cleaning and lightly polishing the play side of a disc is often all that's
needed Inexpensive kits, such as Maplin's CD & DVD Cleaner & Restorer Polish (L4.99 from www.maplin.co.uk), work well, but there are plenty of others. Don't be tempted to wash the disc with detergent or tap water as you could make the problem worse, or even damage the label side.
The Maplin kit contains a cleaning spray of ispropyl alcohol that you spray onto the play side of the disc You should never use household cleaners or abrasives After 30 seconds or so the alcohol dissolves grease and grime, and you then simply wipe it off with the circular chamois pad. Alternatively, you can use a clean, dry lint-free cloth. It's very important to wipe the disc from the centre to the outside - don't wipe it in a circular motion as this can make matters worse. 
If cleaning doesn't fix the problems, polishing is the next stage. The Maplin kit contains polish plus an application cloth and chamois Apply a few drops of the special polish and rub it in radially with the cloth, let it dry and then buff the disc with the chamois. This will restore most light scuffs and abrasions. For deeper scratches you might need to resort to a cleaner such as the Skip Dr (around £14). This is a contraption that uses distilled water and a special resurfacing wheel that rubs the disc radially.
After spraying the disc with the cleaning fluid, pop it into the Skip Dr and turn the handle clockwise until the disc has turned through a complete revolution. Take it out, spray it again and repeat the process. Afterwards take the disc out and dry it with the microfibre cloth provided. You need to use the small buffing pad supplied to polish the disc. When buffing, make sure the disc is resting on a clean, soft surface. If the disc is badly scuffed you might need to repeat this process.
If none of these tips works, it's time for desperate measures. Brasso metal polish has been used for polishing plastic for many years, and it does work although it's a bit smelly. Using either the wadding version or liquid with a soft cloth, rub the offending scratches with Brasso in a radial direction from the centre of the disc until they smooth out. Let the Brasso dry before polishing it off with a microfibre cloth. If you can feel a scratch with your nail, then you probably won't be able to fix it.
Personal Computer World Febuary 2009
This article is published here, here and here.