5/07/2012

Tech4o Men's Accelerator Carbon Fitness - Watch (Carbon) Review

Tech4o Men's Accelerator Carbon Fitness - Watch (Carbon)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm a recreational runner. This 2010 Accelerator has some unique features. First, without using GPS, it will rather accurately measures your distance and speed -- and without the little thingie attached to your shoe! Doing a few 5K and 10K runs, it's accurate with 5-10/100ths of a mile. In fact, the watch has a walk setting and a run setting, and you can do both, and it will still record very close to the correct distance.
The screens are rather intuitive- just press the Esc/Light button to get to any screen, then cycle through the screens with the two buttons on the right. Finally, you select what you want with the Mode button. What you cannot figure out, just call the 800 number and an employee will quickly and cheerfully talk you through what you need.
If you just walk for fitness, or like to go out running in new terrain, and want to know your distance (and your speed + lots of other information), for the price, this watch cannot be beat.


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5/06/2012

Casio Men's PAW1100-1V Pathfinder Atomic Solar Watch Review

Casio Men's PAW1100-1V Pathfinder Atomic Solar Watch
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been happy with this watch, and it takes getting used to a pressure-based altimeter to realize how to use it best... if you're familiar with the concept of setting a reference altitude, you'll figure it out just fine.
It's reasonably robust, though one button has seemingly shifted inward slightly, requiring a much firmer press, after a fall to a rock ledge while hiking. So be it, I can't blame Casio for me juggling my watch and dropping it, can I?
The battery life is such that I generally (almost always) leave the "auto-backlight" turned off, as it will run the battery to low at times if I sleep with the watch on, turning its backlight on when I shift in my sleep.
Two points that I can't make sense of in the slightest, which are: first off, and this truly a pure software question, for some reason the countdown timer does not go longer than an hour, which I don't appreciate; secondly, it would be fantastic if there were a single button or button combination to return to the main time screen, from which you can access barometer, altimeter, and compass functions. It is a bit irritating to have to go through six screens while looking at the watch to find your way back.
One other small note, the backlight will not stay lit when you press any button, so you need to light the backlight, press whichever button you'd like, and then re-illuminate to confirm the step taken.
The longer timer and the backlight remaining on were two points that timex got right with my cheap nearly disposable ironman digital, it's odd that casio hasn't had the sense to fix these minor points.
Don't expect the watch to update to atomic time every night... some nights it fails to hook up, and that's not really a terribly big deal...
All in all, very happy, though some aspects of the interface are a little bit user unfriendly. Also, as everyone else has said here already, the thermometer doesn't work in any meaningful way while the watch is on your wrist. If you want to spend hundreds more, get a suunto with gps, but for my money, and with the functional solar power, I'm quite happy with the watch.
One other minor point, in respect to criticism in quite a few reviews here, I've not had any issue with the excess of the band not remaining in the retaining loop, there is a ramped spot on the end of the band that seems to do a great job keeping it in place. Not sure if this is a design refinement or not, but I've not had any issue in that area.

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Contemporary and sporty, the Casio Men's Pathfinder Atomic Solar Watch #PAW1100-1V was designed to compete with today's large display multifunction athletic watches. Packed with high-tech features, the Pathfinder comes with a built-in altimeter with a digital altitude tendency display graph (an ideal feature for mountaineering and alpine winter sports), a thermometer, and an atomic time keeping function (up to six times daily) that ensures your watch is always set to the right time. Don't forget that this watch isn't purely about functionality. Its bold digital dial, textured stainless steel bezel, and rugged resin band with traditional buckle clasp looks just as fitting at the cuff of your GORE-TEX winter parka or at the sleeve of your favorite button-down office shirt. The watch's reliable Japanese quartz movement is solar powered--which can accurately keep time up to five months without further exposure to light. Other technical features include five daily alarms, an LED light with Afterglow technology, a world clock with 29 time zones, a 1/100 second stopwatch that records split time, a calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099), 12- and 24-hour formats, and water resistance to 330 feet (100 M).

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5/05/2012

Tech4o Traileader Jet All-In-One Outdoor - Watch Review

Tech4o  Traileader Jet All-In-One Outdoor - Watch
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS WATCH IF YOU MAY EXPOSE IT TO RAIN OR WATER. I am generally a passive purchaser, but I am compelled to write this review based on the terrible performance of this watch. The watch is rated for water resistance up to 10 meters. To quote the Amazon description, "The Tech 4O Traileader Jet may look like a watch, but it works like the ultimate survival tool, packing everything you need to navigate the wildest of wild places into a compact, rugged stainless-steel case." Implicit in this description as well as the water resistance rating, is the ability to wear it in wet places. My watch flooded when it got wet (my arm dipped into the water less than one foot) on a recent trip to a lake. It is no longer operational (after a total life of 2 months). When I discussed this with the company, they indicated that it should never be placed in the shower or submerged at all in water. Because it was submerged (albeit less than one foot), the warranty is void. This was new to me, as I interpret "Water Resistant to 10M" to mean that the item should not flood at 6 inches, and if it does, it would be covered by the warranty. Otherwise, it should state "Water Resistant to 6 inches." Additionally, I interpret "navigate the wildest of places" to include wet environments given that water covers over 70% of the planet. I have had a number of outdoor watches (Timex, Polar, Rolex, etc...). None of these has broken when exposed to shower water or slightly submerged in standing water. I would never recommend this watch to an outdoor enthusiast, as it is next to impossible to avoid incidental submersion if this watch is used for its intended purpose. Moreover, do not expect any reasonable customer support in this event. You are much better off paying a little more for a Suunto or a lot less for a Timex Iron Man that will operate in a wet environment. These guys just got it wrong in making this watch.

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5/04/2012

Suunto X10 Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS Review

Suunto X10 Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I owned a Vector for at least 10 years and am having to go back to it as Suunto has had my X 10 more than I have over the last 8 months. I have sent it in twice the last time in Nov for the case coming apart. First time button cover came off. Cannot believe I paid $400 for this. Makes me question Suunto.

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Small and lightweight, the Suunto X10 wrist-top computer watch combines an altimeter, barometer, compass, and GPS navigator, making it a terrific companion for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The X10--which builds on Suunto's decade of experience in creating cutting-edge outdoor devices--stands above most other wrist-top computers thanks to its improved, faster GPS fixes. Even under heavy foliage, you can use the X10 to plot your treks, navigate to a certain spot, or get back to your car, all while keeping your hands free to hold a hiking stick or water bottle. Once back at home, you can share your treks on Google Earth, or use the Suunto Trek Manager PC software to create new routes and plan new journeys.
The Suunto X10 also includes a built-in altimeter, which displays your current altitude and your vertical ascent and descent rate. Accurate to within 30,000 feet, the altimeter is an extremely valuable tool for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and wilderness travel. The altimeter contributes to your excursion in several ways. If you're standing on or near an obvious geographic feature, such as a ridge, trail, or creek, the altimeter can alert you to your current elevation and help you find your position on a topographic map. Similarly, if you plan on climbing a slope to a certain elevation and then traversing, the X10 can help you stay on course. And, of course, the X10 captures all your altitude information in its integrated logbook, making it easy to analyze your performance when creating a training routine.
The X10's barometer, meanwhile, measures and records air pressure to help you predict changing conditions--from sunny skies to hair-bending electrical storms. The barometer helps you decide whether to bring a soft shell or rain shell jacket when the skies look ominous, or even when to high-tail it back to the car. In general, low pressure brings inclement weather, while high pressure brings stability and clear skies. If you've arrived at camp and notice the pressure starting to plunge, it's probably a good idea to secure the tent and crawl in. Likewise, if you're on a climb, it would be prudent to find shelter and retreat. Even at home, the X10's barometer can look beyond office walls, skyscrapers, and nearby hills to help you plan for upcoming activities.
And no outdoor watch is worth its salt without a digital compass, a great tool for keeping track of your direction while skiing, hiking, or exploring a new city. Simply point the top of the watch toward your intended destination and lock it in. Other features include an Activity Mode that records your speed, distance, and altitude information, along with any memory points you define along the way; a Track Back mode that guides you back the same way you came; a long-lasting battery; up to 50 routes, 25 tracks, and 500 waypoints; water-resistance up to 330 feet; and all the standard watch functions, including a 12/24-hour display, a stopwatch, a calendar clock, and three daily alarms. As with all Suunto wrist-top computers, the X10 carries a two-year warranty.
Specifications:
Altitude alarm: Yes
Vertical speed: Yes
Temperature compensation: Yes
User-removable logbook files: Yes
Resolution: 1 meter
Altitude range: 1,600 to 29,500 feet
Logbook function: Yes
Stopwatch: Yes
Max number of split times in memory: 29
Automatic magnetic declination adjustment: Yes
Guided calibration: Yes
Heading in degrees: Yes
Declination setting: Yes
Cardinal directions: Yes
Bearing tracking: Yes
North-South indicator: North indicator
Distance measurement: Yes, via GPS
GPS resolution: 3 feet
Routes: 50
Speed: Yes
Tracks: 25
Waypoints: 500
Water resistance: 330 feet
Menu-based user interface: Yes
Display: Dot matrix
Backlight type: LED
Software: Suunto Trek Manager
Time: 12/24 hours
GPS time synchronization: Yes
Calendar clock: Yes
Dual time: Yes
Daily alarms: 3
Absolute barometric pressure: Yes
Weather memory: 7 days
Weather alarm: Yes
Trend graph: Yes
Temperature range: -5 to 140 degrees F
Sea level pressure: Yes
Battery power indicator: Yes
Rechargeable battery: Yes
Warranty: 2 years

About Suunto Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoors man and a keen orienteering enthusiast, Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses and their lack of steady needle operation. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings, and a new level of accuracy.
By 1950 the company was exporting compasses to over 50 countries around the world, including Canada and the United States. In 1952, Helsinki was hosting the Olympic Games, and the torches carried to light the Olympic flame were Suunto products. The next step was improving the stability and accuracy of marine compasses. The first marine compass, the Suunto K-12, was launched onto the market in 1953. In 1957, Suunto started manufacturing hypsometers, which measure the height of trees.
In the 1960s, the compass range grew further and Suunto introduced its first diving compass--initiated by the divers themselves. A British sports diver attached a Suunto compass to his wrist and found that the device also worked underwater. Thanks to his feedback and initiatives, the new business category was found. Suunto's exports and business grew steadily and Suunto then focused on combining its strength in precision mechanics with new skills in electronics. Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto's key values from the very beginning of the company history.
Today, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf. True to its roots, Suunto is today the world's biggest compass manufacturer. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation with the sister brands Wilson, Salomon, Atomic, Precor, and Mavic.


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5/03/2012

Suunto X10M Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS Review

Suunto X10M Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This watch was a great purchase for the first few weeks that I had it; as far as functionality it has performed superbly. A few weeks after I purchased this watch (the X10 Military) I deployed to Iraq and planned on using this watch with my work in the Army here.
The watch has continued to serve fairly well, until I had about 2 months in country. The bezel/upper-case (a flexible rubber ring) is only attached by two rubber flanges that fit into the hard plastic body of the watch. First (at about 60 days) one of the flanges failed, then in another 30 days, the second flange failed. I have been able to superglue the bezel back onto the case (and probably voided the warranty, but I can't wait months to get this back and forth) but I am very dissapointed that a watch that cost me $500.00 USD and is listed as a "military" model, cannot handle exposure to the elements on my wrist for less than 3 months.
I think the concept and design of this watch is great, but I hope that Suunto is able to better incorporate some "painful" product testing before you market something to the military who will depend on it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Suunto X10M Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS

Small and lightweight, the Suunto X10M wrist-top computer watch combines an altimeter, barometer, compass, and GPS navigator, making it a terrific companion for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The X10M--which builds on Suunto's decade of experience in creating cutting-edge outdoor devices--stands above most other wrist-top computers thanks to its improved, faster GPS fixes. Even under heavy foliage, you can use the X10M to plot your treks, navigate to a certain spot, or get back to your car, all while keeping your hands free to hold a hiking stick or water bottle. Once back at home, you can share your treks on Google Earth, or use the Suunto Trek Manager PC software to create new routes and plan new journeys.
The Suunto X10M also includes a built-in altimeter, which displays your current altitude and your vertical ascent and descent rate. Accurate to within 30,000 feet, the altimeter is an extremely valuable tool for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and wilderness travel. The altimeter contributes to your excursion in several ways. If you're standing on or near an obvious geographic feature, such as a ridge, trail, or creek, the altimeter can alert you to your current elevation and help you find your position on a topographic map. Similarly, if you plan on climbing a slope to a certain elevation and then traversing, the X10M can help you stay on course. And, of course, the X10M captures all your altitude information in its integrated logbook, making it easy to analyze your performance when creating a training routine.
The X10M's barometer, meanwhile, measures and records air pressure to help you predict changing conditions--from sunny skies to hair-bending electrical storms. The barometer helps you decide whether to bring a soft shell or rain shell jacket when the skies look ominous, or even when to high-tail it back to the car. In general, low pressure brings inclement weather, while high pressure brings stability and clear skies. If you've arrived at camp and notice the pressure starting to plunge, it's probably a good idea to secure the tent and crawl in. Likewise, if you're on a climb, it would be prudent to find shelter and retreat. Even at home, the X10M's barometer can look beyond office walls, skyscrapers, and nearby hills to help you plan for upcoming activities.
And no outdoor watch is worth its salt without a digital compass, a great tool for keeping track of your direction while skiing, hiking, or exploring a new city. Simply point the top of the watch toward your intended destination and lock it in. Other features include an Activity Mode that records your speed, distance, and altitude information, along with any memory points you define along the way; a Track Back mode that guides you back the same way you came; a long-lasting battery; up to 50 routes, 25 tracks, and 500 waypoints; water-resistance up to 330 feet; and all the standard watch functions, including a 12/24-hour display, a stopwatch, a calendar clock, and three daily alarms. As with all Suunto wrist-top computers, the X10M carries a two-year warranty.
Specifications:
Altitude alarm: Yes
Vertical speed: Yes
Temperature compensation: Yes
User-removable logbook files: Yes
Resolution: 1 meter
Altitude range: 1,600 to 29,500 feet
Logbook function: Yes
Stopwatch: Yes
Max number of split times in memory: 29
Automatic magnetic declination adjustment: Yes
Guided calibration: Yes
Heading in degrees: Yes
Declination setting: Yes
Cardinal directions: Yes
Bearing tracking: Yes
North-South indicator: North indicator
Distance measurement: Yes, via GPS
GPS resolution: 3 feet
Routes: 50
Speed: Yes
Tracks: 25
Waypoints: 500
Water resistance: 330 feet
Menu-based user interface: Yes
Display: Dot matrix
Backlight type: LED
Software: Suunto Trek Manager
Time: 12/24 hours
GPS time synchronization: Yes
Calendar clock: Yes
Dual time: Yes
Daily alarms: 3
Absolute barometric pressure: Yes
Weather memory: 7 days
Weather alarm: Yes
Trend graph: Yes
Temperature range: -5 to 140 degrees F
Sea level pressure: Yes
Battery power indicator: Yes
Rechargeable battery: Yes
Warranty: 2 years

About Suunto Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoors man and a keen orienteering enthusiast, Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses and their lack of steady needle operation. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings, and a new level of accuracy.
By 1950 the company was exporting compasses to over 50 countries around the world, including Canada and the United States. In 1952, Helsinki was hosting the Olympic Games, and the torches carried to light the Olympic flame were Suunto products. The next step was improving the stability and accuracy of marine compasses. The first marine compass, the Suunto K-12, was launched onto the market in 1953. In 1957, Suunto started manufacturing hypsometers, which measure the height of trees.
In the 1960s, the compass range grew further and Suunto introduced its first diving compass--initiated by the divers themselves. A British sports diver attached a Suunto compass to his wrist and found that the device also worked underwater. Thanks to his feedback and initiatives, the new business category was found. Suunto's exports and business grew steadily and Suunto then focused on combining its strength in precision mechanics with new skills in electronics. Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto's key values from the very beginning of the company history.
Today, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf. True to its roots, Suunto is today the world's biggest compass manufacturer. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation with the sister brands Wilson, Salomon, Atomic, Precor, and Mavic.


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5/02/2012

Archos 5 120 GB Internet Media Tablet Review

Archos 5 120 GB Internet Media Tablet
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this as an upgrade to my beloved Archos 605 160GB. I actually purchased this directly from archos because I had trouble getting it through Amazon.
First impressions: beautiful sleek design, love the rubbery backside and the enlarged screen! I find that the touch screen user interface is quite improved over the 605, the buttons all flash when you press them so that is a nice confirmation that you hit it. Also, play buttons and such seem to be bigger than before, easier to hit. Although the glossy, shiny look is pretty to look at, it also shows fingerprints (much like the Touch). Not a big deal to me, I'm used to wiping off my glossy surfaces regularly.
So lets get into the nitty gritty, starting with the things I love about the new Archos 5. Just one caveat, I am using this primarily as a replacement media player for the Archos 605 so I won't speak much to internet browsing issues. I will use as a basis of comparison my collection of MP3 players (ok I'm an addict so sue me!) which includes iPod Touch 2nd Gen 32GB, Creative Zen WiFi 16GB, iPod Classic 160GB, Archos 605 160GB, Archos 604 30GB, iRiver Clix2 8GB.
*) 250GB: gotta love all that storage space, especially since the new Apple Classic tops out at 120GB now it seems Archos is in a class all to itself.
*) Big beautiful glossy color screen, definitely an improvement over 605.
*) Easily connected to my Wifi, browser is now free instead of costing extra like before. Upgrade to firmware was accomplished easily.
*) Easy synchronization of my entire music library and playlists using Media Monkey in Windows Media Mode (605 had problems here, so glad Archos fixed this!)
*) Beautiful full featured DVR dock available (apple doesn't even make one as far as I can tell!)
*) Esthetically the most appealing player I've seen yet from Archos.
*) Nice context menus on most pages (tap upper right corner) that make it easy to get around.
*) Love the ability to switch between hard drive mode and Windows Media Mode (something I do quite frequently). Also nice to be able to put a password on folders with sensitive or Adult content.
*) Ability to play all kinds of audio/video files, although you do have to pay up to $40 for additional plugin firmware in order to play apple and cinema formats.
*) On screen touch qwerty keyboard is really nice, easy to use -- I found it much easier to type accurately than the Touch/iPhone onscreen keyboard.
*) Browser supports flash controls, woohoo, welcome to the 21st century fercrissakes!
*) That 250GB of data is readily available to the PC as a hard drive so I can use it for backups or whatever else I want to do with it. (unlike the Creative Zen for example).
*) Convenient built-in speaker can be used in a pinch: everybody seems to have one of these now but as far as I can tell Archos did it first on the 605!
*) Now Playing music screen is easier to use, volume, and play buttons are easier to use now and it displays the name of the next and previous songs: a feature that I don't see on any of my other MP3 players.
*) Nice dedicated volume and power buttons, the volume buttons are definitely easier to find and use than the 605.
And now, my suggestions to Archos for how they could improve on what I think is a cutting edge beautiful product. Please understand, I'm a nitpicking software engineer so I give 5 stars even though I can find room for improvement!

*) I miss the dedicated hold/tv-out button which has been removed. Not a big deal since can still be done through the context menu.
*) Some of the text menus just look a little strange and seem to take a too much space on the screen. For example, I have to scroll down to get to the "Playlists"... at the very least "Playlists" should be on the first page as its the one I use the most. Really it seems like too many button presses are required to dig down and play a playlist, I wish "playlists" was available from a top level menu because I use it more than anything else...When all is said and done, I honestly believe that there is no comparable product with a big beautiful high resolution screen like this and a huge hard drive. This is it!
Now if you are happy with a smaller screen and less storage, the iPod Touch is arguably a better product: my solution? Buy one of each!
Update 12-31-2008: As of New Years Eve I am still quite happily using my Archos 5 as an entertainment center. It seems Archos heard me and they have made the album art a little bigger in firmware release 1.2.05!
Update 1-24-2009: Firmware update 1.3.05 works great! Had to use my Touch for a few days and very happy to have my Archos back on the speakers, I do believe the sound is better through the same speakers.
Update 3-14-2009: Updated to firmware 1.5.08. Due to previous upgrade, the upgrade process is MUCH easier now because it doesn't try to rebuild its library from scratch (this takes hours when you have a lot of files like I do). I'm also enjoying the "parental control" password which allows me to protect my data from unauthorized access. Still a happy customer :)
Update 5-22-2009: Still very happy with my 5. Firmware version 1.6.53 now offers support for their GPS package and High Def. I tried the GPS package before and it was ok, my favorite thing about it was the windshield mount which really comes in handy on a long drive. The GPS itself is decent considering it doesn't cost much, but can't compare to Garmin. Still, how many MP3 players even offer a GPS option?

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pThe ARCHOS 5 brings the customer a new daily way to enjoy Internet, Media and TV...in a handheld device. In 120GB, fitting in the pocket, its 5 screen will let you navigate effortlessly through the internet, and enjoy videos like never before./p

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5/01/2012

Westinghouse TX-42F430S 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Westinghouse TX-42F430S 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Summary:
I am extremely pleased with this LCD. The picture is bright and clear and the colors are excellent. I am completely satisfied with the purchase and recommend this device to anyone.
Expanded Review:
First, I defined my goals: From about 8 feet away I want to watch High Definition DVD's at 1080p, watch High Definition television including local channels, connect some gaming consoles, connect a PC, and connect my surround sound receiver.
I looked at different products for a year. I would compare the appearance between the different sets in the store, read online reviews, talked to friends, and read product specifications.
I decided on the following and intended to act before the end of summer: I would obtain a decent 42" LCD with all of the necessary connectors for under $1600, I would purchase a PS3 for Blu-ray as well as HD gaming with the bonus that it will upconvert my current DVD's, and upgrade my current cable service to HD for HD television viewing. I figured to spend about $2000-$2200.
When the PS3 price dropped to $500 it figured it was time to move. The contenders after my research included the Samsung, Sony, LG, and the Westinghouse LVM-42W2. Most were over the limit to what I was comfortable spending so it came down to the LVM-42w2. When I went to find it I discovered the TX-42F430S that had been recently introduced. Additionally it was available at a local yellow tagged electronics superstore for the best price advertised. I was able to view this unit side by side with the other available LCD's and it looked just as good, to me, as much more expensive models. I realized however that the signal being pumped into those devices on the wall was not a 1080p signal and that the picture at home might look different. At that point I figured it was bright, the colors were coming through, the menu system was functional, and it was the lowest priced 42" 1080p LCD available ($1299). I bought it with a matching of the online deal that threw in a Sony HT-DDW790 home theater system and a 60 day in house price match. The following Sunday 7/29 it went on sale for $1099. I got the price match ($200 back) and sold the HT system for $120. So, total for this system with PS3 was right about $1500 plus cables, controllers, Blu-ray Planet Earth, and a couple of games for the PS3. I feel good.
Results:
1. I have the PS3 connected to one of the four(!) HDMI connectors and it looks awesome. Motorstorm at 720p is excellent and Planet Earth at 1080p is unbelievable. I had to get the blue tooth remote for playing movies, you can do it with the controller but it's a pain. Most of the upconverted DVD's look incredible, much better than on standard def TV, this was much better than I expected and for someone not hypersensitive it would be hard to differentiate it from some native HD or Blu-ray DVD's.
2. HD Digital Cable content through the component connection looks very good. Standard Definition looks like garbage, but this is expected of all HD LCD's, the pixels on the LCD display the picture in all it's ugly glory. In all my research, I have not come across a way to watch standard def TV and it not look bad. It's functional, and viewable if you don't expand the screen and let it display in 4:3, but a step down when viewing most of the normal TV content. One can only hope that more and more channels come to HD format.
3. I have my PC, Wii, and PS2 (only for guitar hero) hooked up though the home theater receiver via S-video at the moment and it serves. I want to move the PC to the VGA connector (I need a new dual head video card), the Wii to the component connection, and the PS2 directly to the S-video in the future.
4. I have a digital optical cable running from the output on the LCD to the HT receiver and it sounds good. The interal LCD speakers can be turned off so that only the HT system is used.
So, I am very happy. I hope this helps some of you still looking. I relied heavily on comments about the products here and I wanted to return the favor.

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Turn your home theater into the embodiment of cinema expression with the new TX series from Westinghouse Digital. Meet the TX-42F430S, a 42?1080p LCD HDTV - truly the perfect TV for all your entertainment needs. This LCD HDTV offers 1080Pure - 1080p resolution out of all HD inputs (including component), an astounding four (4) HDMI inputs, and an integrated ATSC/NTSC/ClearQAM tuner. This display is not only an engineering marvel but designed with class and sophistication; featuring subtle curves and a thin 5.5?housing this display has a deep onyx bezel with brushed titanium accents. Enjoy the latest Blu-ray or HD DVD?movie, gaming on a PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii, or watching your favorite HD TV show.

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