Today we’re taking a look at Onkyo’s networked 7.2 channel receiver the TX-NR709. This little puppy has eight HMDI inputs, is THX-certified and will playback media from your PCs using it’s “Play To” feature. An optional USB adapter will enable wireless connectivity for the TX-NR609 too. Along with iPod/iPhone connectivity and 1080p upscaling, the Onkyo TX-NR709 is a great receiver for any home theatre system.

Onkyo TX-NR709 features

* 110 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC;
* HDMI Support for 3D, Audio Return Channel, Deep Color, x.v.Color, Lip Sync
* HDMI Video Upscaling to 4K with Qdeo Technology by Marvell
* Playback of Audio Files Through Local Network (MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, LPCM)
* THX Select2 Plus Certified
* 14.9 x 17.1 x 6.9 inches
* 26.9 pounds
* Network Capability Delivers Internet Radio and Network Streaming
* Direct Digital Connection of iPod/iPhone via Front-Panel USB Port
* Audyssey MultEQ XT Advanced Room-correction and Speaker Calibration
* Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz Add New Dimensions to Surround Sound

Onkyo TX-NR709 Reviews

Amazon - 4 out of 5
Trusted Reviews - 9 out of 10
What HiFi - 5 out of 5
NewEgg - 4 out of 5

Pros - Great sound, easy to use, multiple HDMI inputs, network functionality
Cons - No Apple Airplay

We’ve never seen a piece of gear ever get top marks before, and the Onkyo TX-NR709 gets a massive five out of five from What Hi-Fi. Every review was glowing in its apparaisal of the 7.2 channel receiver and the unit is certainly a step-up from the TX-NR609 which it replaces, yet not in price! Needless to say the Onkyo TX-NR709 receiver gets a big Our Picks thumbs up.

Featured Tags onkyo, receiver


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Here’s a great little LCD 720p HDTV for you from Panasonic, namely the Viera TC-L32C3, priced under $300. Whilst it doesn’t boast all the major features of the larger models, the TC-L32C3 does feature the Viera Image Viewer, an in-built viewer utilising the SD slot on the HDTV, a Game Mode and an Intelligent Scene Controller to improve contrast.

Panasonic Viera TC L32C3 Specifications

* Display 31.5 inches
* Native resolution 1366 x 768 pixels
* Displays 1080i, 720p, 480p
* 2 full range, 20W total power, Surround Sound Capable Speakers
* Image viewer - JPEG playback
* 2 x HDMI ports
* Component input
* Composite Video input
* PC input
* Digital audio output
* 20.9″ x 30.7″ x 8.2″
* 22.1 pounds

Panasonic Viera TC L32C3 Reviews

Amazon Customer Reviews - 4.5 out of 5
TelevisionInfo Review - 7 out of 10
PriceGrabber PowerScore - 9.2
B&H Reviews - 5 out of 5

Despite a lack of major features the Panasonic Viera TC-L32C3 gets some good reviews and is a great purchase for under $400. We like the 32 inch HDTV and it gets an Our Picks thumbs up.

Featured Tags hdtv, panasonic


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Today we’re going to take a quick look at LG’s 42 inch LED HDTV, the 42LV4400. It sports a 1080p display which features LG’s TruMotion 120Hz technology to reduce motion blur, Enhanced Noise Reduction and an Intelligent Sensor which automatically adjusts the TV’s colour and brightness settings depening on the ambient light in your viewing room. Whilst the reviews for the LG 42LV4400 are not exactly stellar, they still represent an average to good rating for the 42 inch LED HDTV. And with the unit sporting a $500 price tag at Amazon too, may be it’s time to check out the 42LV4400 1080p model.

LG 42LV4400 Specifications

* 42 inch 1920 x 1080p resolution LED display
* 100,000:1 contrast ratio
* 6 ms response time
* 120Hz frame rate
* 39.3″ x 27″ x 8.7″ (with stand)
* 25.4 lbs (with stand)
* 10W + 10W stereo speakers
* 1080p Source Input HDMI: 60p/50p/30p/24p, Component: 60p/50p
* 3 x HDMI inputs
* USB 2.0 port
* RF input (Antenna/Cable)
* AV input
* Component Video input (Y, Pb, Pr) + Audio
* Digital Audio output (Optical)
* RGB input (D-Sub 15pin) - PC
* PC Audio input
* Analog Audio output (L/R)

LG 42LV4400 Reviews

Amazon - 3.5 out of 5
NewEgg - 4 out of 5
Walmart - 3.4 out of 5

Pros - Value for money, easy setup
Cons - Sports blur

It’s a shame that TruMotion is touted as a main feature on the 42LV4400 as there are a number of customer reviews that claim motion blur especially when watching sports. The reviews average out at 3.6 but surely most sports fans would be disappointed by the LG 42LV4400. We give the 42LV4400 a thumbs down.

Featured Tags led-hdtv, lg


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