3 Unnecessary TV Technology Features

With so many TVs on the market, and new technology being uncovered every year, it can be tough to decide which technologies you need -- and which ones you can live without. You have to choose between different display qualities, different remotes, and a bunch of other features that you may not understand or ever even use. Here are three of the latest advancements in TV technology today that haven’t quite lived up to their expectations, so you can leave them behind without a second thought.

• 3D technology -- There was a lot of hype about 3D televisions, but each one has failed to be everything it was cracked up to be. Sure, it sounds fun at first, but the reality is that it is a wasted feature because it is rarely used. So, unless you absolutely have to have it, mark it off the list of requirements.


• Screen curvature -- Curved screens have promised to be the greatest in display quality, but, thus far, they have under-delivered. The display isn’t much different than a flat panel and, in some instances, the picture gets a bit distorted. It’s much safer to stick with the tried-and-true flat panel TVs.


• Voice control -- This is one more feature that promised the world -- and has yet to truly deliver. Pushing remote buttons is always going to be the first choice of most viewers, instead of trying to remember the right command or gesture to get the TV to respond.

Contact us today at Replacement Remotes to learn more about the latest in TV technology, and let us help you find a quality replacement for your remote.

Things to Consider Before Buying a New Television

Before you invest thousands of dollars in TVs and remotes, you need to understand what you are paying for. You will pay for the name brand, of course, and you will also pay for the technology. Technology is great, but if you really don’t need certain features, there is no reason to pay for them.

There are lots of reasons why you should buy a TV that costs less than others. If you are only looking for something to watch your shows on, then there is no need to pay for fancy features. For instance, 3D televisions sound good, but since there isn’t a lot of 3D content available, is it really a feature you cannot live without?

If you are a gamer and need lots of HDMI ports, you may think you need a TV that offers four or five ports. However, you can instead buy a cheaper TV and purchase an HDMI switch to ensure that you have plenty of ports for your devices.

Yes, there is some amazing technology out there right now -- 4K, 3D, etc. But when you really think about it, do you have to have it all? Take streaming -- you can spend a lot of money on a TV with a Smart suite that includes streaming apps. Or, you can spend less on a TV, and buy a plug-in device, such as a Roku. Then you will have all the streaming capabilities you need, and you will have saved hundreds of dollars.

To learn more about the latest in TV technology, and for all of your remote needs, contact us today at Replacement Remotes.

The Best Remote of 2014 from Samsung

When you are shopping for a new TV, one of the key features that is often overlooked is the remote. The fact is that remotes are where it is at in TVs. You can have the best TV on the market, but if the remote makes it hard to use, you may not enjoy the television at all. Looking back on 2014, it is easy to see which style remote was the best -- the Samsung Smart Remote.

• Featuring motion technology, this remote operates much like the popular Wii gaming system controller. Instead of using buttons to navigate through menus and windows, all you have to do is move the remote. This moves the pointer to exactly the location you need.


• This remote also has a streamlined design. It is small, rounded, and fits well in the palm of your hand. Samsung did remove some buttons to ensure that the remote kept its small and handy appearance. However, you can still access the functions of the missing buttons -- you just have to access them through the on-screen menus.


• The Samsung remote is ideal for someone looking to watch some movies or shows without operating a bunch of devices at the same time. While this isn’t the ideal remote for universally controlling all of your electronic devices, if your needs are easy to meet, this can work. In other words, if simplicity is your middle name, then this remote is for you.

To learn more about remotes and to order your next replacement, contact us today at Replacement Remotes.

Samsung and LG Offering the Latest in TV Technology

If you thought 2015 was just going to have the same type of TVs and remotes as 2014, think again. In fact, think bendable televisions. 2014 might have been “all about the curve,” but 2015 is going to bring something more. LG and Samsung will soon be offering bendable TVs -- that’s right; TVs that bend. This will give you the option of either watching your favorite movie on a flat screen or watching it on a curved screen.

The secret lies in the ever-evolving technology. The glass of television screens can now be made so thin that, if you bend them, they don’t break. Add a specialized motor, and you have a TV that bends at your will. So, is this a must-have option? Well, it depends on your tastes. If you have been a fan of curved televisions, you may want this kind of TV. It helps keep your options open. If you don’t care for the curve, then, of course, you will want to stick with your faithful flat screen.

Is the curve worth it? Manufacturers claim that it allows you to see the display at an equal distance at all points. It is also a great selling point because it makes for a beautiful design sitting up on your TV stand. So, the bottom line is that the choice will be yours. Of course, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for new technology, so if bendable TVs are successful, you may want to wait a while before investing. Hopefully by then, the prices will have gotten lower. To learn more about your latest options in televisions, contact us today at Replacement Remotes.

The Sony XBR-65X950B

Sony is known for fine things, and this HDTV is one of the brand's finest. Because this 4K TV is recently released, it retails for $7,000. That is a lot of dough to just hand over, but if you want a top of the line TV and the latest technology, this is what you have to be willing to pay. This TV features full array LED backlighting and multi-zone local dimming, which gives it the deepest possible black levels for a non-plasma HDTV. Along with the deep black levels, the TV features excellent contrast and screen uniformity.

This XBR-line TV is massive; so much so, that you need a very large stand for it. Instead of a stand, like smaller HDTVs, it comes with triangular legs that go on the very ends of the bezel. Even with the funky legs, it looks great perched on the stand. The bezel is thicker than other models, but this set is all screen, regardless of the bezel. The included high quality remote gives the user full access to all the features this TV has to offer.

Pros:

• Excellent contrast


• Deep black levels


• 4K upscaling


• Fully featured Smart TV suite

Cons:

• Webcam does not function well


• Extremely large and cumbersome


• Color requires initial adjustment

Bottom line:

If you have the money, this is an excellent TV set. You get a full set of features and 4K resolution for about the average price for this size of TV.

For more information about the best and worst TVs and remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The High-End Samsung UNHU8550 Series

As with only high-end Samsung TVs, the UNHU8550 series comes with two remotes for better viewing pleasure. This 4K TV model is of the high-end price range, from $6,000 to $9,000. For the price, this HDTV has an excellent picture. Surprisingly, the price for this TV is much less than some other brands' offerings on the 4K market. It has a flat screen, versus the strange, curved screens that several other brands have introduced. This Samsung TV also features the OneConnect upgrade path, which means that it is somewhat future-proof.

The HU8550 is very minimalistic in nature. It has a low-profile stand that makes it look like it is hovering over the entertainment console. The base is brushed metal, and the TV features a barely-there thin black bezel. With the bezel being so thin, the TV appears to be all screen, which is a very good feature. It comes with Samsung's standard wand-style remote, but it also includes the updated motion control pod remote. This little clicker fits in the palm of the hand and allows fluid use of the motion control.

Pros:

• Excellent picture quality


• Deep black levels


• Accurate color


• Offers the best connectivity yet for 2014 TVs


• Excellent remote


• Many extras, including Smart TV

Cons:

• Very expensive TV


• Advantages of 4K resolution is unknown

Bottom Line:

If you have to have a 4K TV and cannot wait until next year, this is a solid model, and it offers a lower price than some. It has a great picture quality, but, with little 4K content on the market, whether or not it is worth the money is questionable.

For more information about newer TVs and their remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Panasonic TC-L65WT600: Ultra HDTV

This ultra HDTV comes with 4K resolution, two remotes (a standard remote and a magic remote with touch control and voice control), and a large price tag of $5,000. This is a lot of money to spend on just one TV. It is one of the few 4K TVs that is compliant with the new HDMI 2.0. The input it accepts is 60 frames a second, which is super-fast. Its picture quality is pretty decent, as well as other attributes of the picture and color. The TV does come with many extras, too.

The TV's design is a mishmash of glass on metal. The sides of the TV are brushed silver and plastic, which is supposed to mimic glass. The stand is a barely-there silver band that looks like it can barely hold the weight of the TV. However, it does so gracefully, but still leaves more to be desired -- such as the ability to swivel. The remotes that come with this TV are similar to others that come in only high-end designs. One is a touchpad that has Bluetooth and a microphone for voice searches. The second remote is a standard remote with backlighting and all the buttons you could ever ask for.

Pros:

• HDMI 2.0 compliant


• Good picture quality


• Accurate color and deep black levels


• Great bright room image


• Interesting design and stand


• Excellent remotes


• 3D and 3D glasses (2 pairs)


• Voice interaction and camera


• Smart TV suite

Cons:

• Poor value for price


• Local dimming causes washout

Bottom Line:

This is a great TV, but, for the price, it is not worth it. For $5,000, you can find a much better TV at 1080p resolution that works much better and which has a great picture.

For more great information about this TV and other similar models, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

A Review of the Panasonic TC-LE60 Series LCD HDTV

Over the past couple of years, Panasonic has been making strides with their HDTVs and included remotes. The TC-LE60 series is an example of a good value mid-range LED LCD HDTV with a cost of about $2,500 for a 60-inch model. It is one of the better LCD models to come from the company so well-known for plasma TVs. It offers a pretty decent picture at an aggressive price with a good set of features.

The design of this HDTV is very similar to that of other Panasonic TVs. It comes with a very thin black bezel with a glossy finish. Its stand is pretty generic, and it does not include the ability to swivel. However, the HDTV is still attractive. It will also easily fit in with most types of decor. It has a very thin profile for an HDTV. The remote is standard for Panasonic. The layout is very logical, but some of the buttons are either too big or too small, making it easy to hit the wrong buttons. Another downside is the lack of any backlighting in the remote.

Pros:

• Affordable price


• Very deep black levels for a LED LCD HDTV


• Excellent bright room performance


• Good video processing


• True 120Hz processing


• Minimalist styling


• Excellent Smart TV content

Cons:

• Very poor sound quality


• Bad angle viewing


• Poor picture uniformity

Bottom Line:

For a mid-range LED LCD HDTV, Panasonic offers a good price for this model when compared to the features and decent picture quality. This HDTV offers one of the best values available at this price point for LED LCD model.

For more information about Panasonic TVs and remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Samsung UNHU9000 Series

As one of the cheaper 4K TVs, the UNHU9000 series offers a good picture quality, curved screen, and two different remotes. Its price ranges from $3,500 to $4,500, which is low compared to other brands of 4K TVs that go for as much as $40,000. It offers great picture quality for the price, even though most forms of 4K content are not available yet.

The screen is curved, but, in this TV, it is more of a gimmick than anything. While watching TV, you’re not likely to notice the curve, much, but otherwise it is very obvious. Its overall design includes a low-profile base, and it is a thin TV, but not as thin as LG’s newest TV for 2014. It comes with a standard remote, which is the same as most other Samsung remotes. However, the smaller, pod-shaped clicker remote bests even some of the top luxury TV remotes.

Pros:

• Excellent picture quality


• Deep black levels


• Good bright-room picture


• Excellent feature selection


• Attractive overall design


• Excellent remotes, especially the small clicker


• Active 3D technology


• Local dimming


• Pop up camera


• Multi-screen


• 4 HDMI and 3 USB ports

Cons:

• Expensive


• Curve does not add to picture quality


• Curve distorts some of the picture


• Little-to-no 4K content


• 3D glasses seem cheap

The bottom line is that this is a good TV, if you have to have the 4K resolution. However, the curved screen adds a lot to the price, and right now it does not seem worth it. It does nothing for the overall picture quality.

For more information on the best TVs, and their remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Sony XBR-X900B: A Review

The Sony XBR-X900B is Sony’s newest 4K TV that offers up multiple speakers and two remotes. The TV itself offers the best 4K picture of 2014 to date. It offers good competition to the most recent plasma TVs released. However, the TV is expensive, and not everyone will want to pay over $3,000 for a television set. It has a unique design and is packed full of features, as a $3,000 TV should be.

The TV itself has a thick bezel and a wedge shape. This is not the first TV of 2014 to offer this odd shape for a TV set. The bezel is thin at the top, but gets thicker to accommodate the front-facing speakers. For a TV, the speakers are huge and very prominent, something not everyone will appreciate. The TV is also very large, requiring an equally large stand. The regular remote is flimsy and looks cheap compared to the TV. It offers no backlighting or special features. The secondary remote has a touchpad, which makes navigating the Smart TV menus easier.

Pros:

• Great picture quality


• Excellent sound


• Offers the most 4K content


• Camera


• The thin bezel makes the TV look all-screen

Cons:

• The speakers are not pretty


• Expensive compared to most models


• 3D image is not the greatest

Overall, this TV is a good purchase if you have the money to splurge. However, it’s almost better to wait to see what the holiday season brings, as far as TVs go. The sound and picture quality combined do make this TV stand out above the rest of the 4K lineup.

For more information about TVs and their remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The Samsung UE65HU8500 -- High Quality for a High Price -- But Worth Every Penny

If you are in the market for a larger TV – and, by large, we're talking at least 60-inches -- then the Samsung UE65HU8500 just may be the TV of your dreams! Samsung has always delivered quality televisions and remotes, and the Samsung UE65HU8500 is no exception. It stands out from the rest of the larger model TVs in many ways.

The first thing you will notice about this 4K television is its unique screen -- it's curved, rather than flat! Not only does this add to the visual beauty of the image displayed on the screen, it adds to the aesthetic appeal of the TV's design. The Samsung UE65HU8500 also has a great selection of ports that are fully capable of handling UHD video codecs.

The UHD resolution creates a gorgeous picture that is sure to pop with details and colors. The Samsung UE65HU8500 is also a Smart TV, and Samsung has made some definite improvements in their Smart TV capabilities. This TV also features faster processing, which makes a world of difference as you navigate your way around its menus and hubs. The audio quality is impressive, with full, rich sounds that will give you a true theater experience.

There are a few flaws with the Samsung UE65HU8500, including that beautiful curved screen. While it adds to your viewing pleasure and the visual appeal, it also allows for more reflections, which can detract from your experience. The viewing angle for such a curved TV is limited, possibly more than you are used to with other flat-screen TVs. With a price tag of around $7,000, this is not a cheap TV -- it is an investment. Think wisely before you drop your cash, to ensure that this TV fits your needs and your budget.

As always, if you ever need a new Samsung remote, contact us here at Replacement Remotes.

The Samsung F8500 -- Get the Best Plasma while You Can

If you are in the market for a new TV, this may be the perfect time to grab yourself a plasma. Yes, plasma technology is on the way out, but there are still great plasmas and remotes ready to be bought. Manufacturers will offer support for the televisions, and with prices on the downswing, now could be the time to invest. The Samsung F8500 series is one of the best plasmas on the market right now, for several good reasons.

The Samsung F8500 series does, of course, feature that beautiful plasma technology. It has a large 51-inch screen for your viewing pleasure. It also has various Smart TV features that make its operation much easier. The voice recognition technology lets you literally ask your TV for program recommendations -- this means if you want to watch sports, just ask, and your TV will deliver! The contrast panel uses the best technology to create the perfect balance of lights and darks, which ensures a magnificent picture that's rich in color and detail.

The quad core processor means this TV is not going to lag behind. Whether you are on the web, or zipping through different content menus, the Samsung F8500 is going to easily keep up with your choices. While it may seem a bit pricey at $1800, consider this TV an investment. As long as Samsung continues to offer support, there is no reason why you shouldn't buy one of these great TVs.

Contact us at Replacement Remotes if your Samsung remote ever fails or breaks -- we will set you up with a replacement to ensure that you never miss a moment on your beautiful plasma TV!

The Sony KDL-40W605B -- Fantastic Picture and Options

So many TVs and so many remotes -- is it even possible to find just one television that meets all of your needs and falls within your budget? It seems as if manufacturers are churning out new models every day -- and they are! All of the choices make it even harder for you to choose only one television. If your budget isn't too modest -- say, within the $900 range -- then, the Sony KDL-40W605B may just be the TV you need.

The Sony KDL-40W605B is just over $900, making it a bit on the high side as far as price. However, the price is still affordable for anyone ready to make a serious investment in a television. One of the best benefits of this Sony TV is the picture quality -- you will be hard-pressed to find a better, more vibrant picture for this amount of money. For a 40-inch LCD TV that features direct LED lighting, you truly cannot beat the stunning picture results.

The Sony KDL-40W605B also features several modes of multimedia playback, including USB and Wi-Fi. It has 4 HDMI ports, and its sleek design and surprisingly lightweight construction make it ideal for any room in your home. This is a Smart TV, and the features are pretty decent for the price. The remote also provides direct access to some of your favorite options, such as Netflix.

The biggest drawback for the Sony KDL-40W605B is the audio. While the sound quality isn't horrible, it isn't as good as it could be. Of course, you can always hook up a surround-sound system and have the perfect TV. But for over $900, you would expect better sound quality, and Sony just didn't meet expectations this time around. Overall, the Sony KDL-40W605B is a great TV for a somewhat higher price. What it lacks in audio, it more than makes up for in options and picture quality.

Contact us today at Replacement Remotes for a new Sony remote or to meet any of your other remote control needs.

All About the Vizio M2i-B TV Series

When choosing between TVs, the remote controls are an important part of the choice. You want one that gives you access to the functions you need without being too complicated or ugly. The Vizio M2i-B series of TVs has a great remote that features a QWERTY keyboard, and it is also in a sleek, silver color. There are other good features of this TV series.

For the price of about $1500, you get a TV that offers a great picture. It has a local dimming LED backlight that allows it to offer deep blacks and little blooming. There are plenty of picture adjustments available, too, which ensure that you are able to create the ideal picture. As a Smart TV, it has lots of available content and a user-friendly design. As mentioned, the remote is also quite stylish and handy, offering you plenty of feature-access, as well as a QWERTY keyboard.

Unfortunately, the sound quality of this TV series is not what you might expect from a $1500 television. The high price means a great picture -- but the quality is really not that much better than what you will find in a cheaper model. The color is accurate, but not as accurate as it could be, and that goes for the video processing, too.

All in all, this is a sound TV series that delivers a great picture for a somewhat affordable price. The features make it seem like an even more expensive TV. Use your common sense when making the choice to buy this TV -- it may be better to shop around for something comparable that delivers even more features.

Contact us today at Replacement Remotes if you need a quality Vizio remote control replacement.

Is the Samsung UNF8000 the Right TV for You?

With so many TVs and their corresponding remotes on the market, it can be tough to choose the best one. The last thing you want to do is make a hasty decision. Knowing the ins and outs of each TV will help you make the right choice.

The Samsung UNF8000 is an LED LCD TV that has its good and bad points. First, let's talk about the good stuff. The UNF8000 has superior picture quality. Some of the benefits of its picture quality include:

• Deep blacks and accurate colors


• Smooth video processing


• A uniform screen

Each of these factors creates an absolutely brilliant picture. It also features a streamlined design with a tiny bezel and unobtrusive stand. The touchpad remote has a vast array of buttons and features, providing you access to all of the goodies within this TVs capabilities. It also comes equipped with 4 pairs of 3-D glasses.

Now, on to the not-so-good stuff. The price for the UNF8000 is steep, ranging from $1400 to $2300 dollars. The stand is low-profile, but it is wide, so you will need a larger surface to hold the TV. The cable box control features are still less than adequate, especially if you are primarily a DVR kind of person.

Overall, this is a great TV with lots of features to give you an awesome viewing experience -- if you are prepared to shell out a large amount of money. Before you dive into purchasing this TV, weigh your options carefully and make sure your budget can afford the hit.

Contact us today at Replacement Remotes if you ever need to replace your Samsung remote.

The Philips Elevation

The Philips Elevation is an HDTV with an interesting set of features and a very different TV remote from others. The television offers a backlighting ability that can change colors of LEDs facing the wall to match the colors on the TV screen. The Elevation can control numerous LEDs within close range, too, such as lamps and such. It leaves an interesting effect in a room for those watching TV, but may not be desired by all HDTV enthusiasts.

The remote looks like a standard remote control, but it offers a hidden keypad on the back. This keypad can be used with the Smart TV and Internet browsing capabilities. However, it seems a little like overkill, and the buttons are crowded together. The mouse can also be used as a pointer. The TV is very slim, with an equally slim bezel. Devices using the same Wi-Fi connection can have their screens mirrored for easy video viewing.

Pros:

• Ultra slim model


• Clear stand


• Control the TV with an app


• Excellent picture quality


• Cast picture from devices to screen


• 900Hz motion rate for excellent motion sharpness


• Remote with many features

Cons:

• Price is still a little high at $5,000


• Features are little like overkill


• The lighting feature may annoy some customers

Bottom Line:

This is a great TV with excellent features for the money. Many of the features are only offered on this TV and not on others. The Elevation offers a full range of Smart TV apps easily accessible with the pointer remote. Skype is also a native program on the TV, with the remote's keyboard being handy for chatting.

Replacement Remotes offers a full range of remote controls for televisions and other uses; contact us today with any questions, needs, or comments.

Streaming on a Budget: The Roku LT

Who would think such small purple boxes and their remotes could take the country by storm? The Roku box sure did. This small device is one of the most popular streaming media devices that there is. It offers more apps than Apple TV and costs just half the price, which makes the Roku LT very appealing.

Roku offers 1,000 channels, including the very popular Netflix, Vudu, HBO Go, Amazon, Hulu, and several sports options. Video output is limited to 720p, but it's hard to notice. The Roku LT is a small streaming player and is very purple. However, given its size, no one is likely to notice it on the entertainment center.

The factory remote is small, but handy. It has few buttons, but what buttons are there really complement the device. It offers a home and back button at the top, a directional pad, playback buttons, and four dedicated channel buttons. The direct access to Netflix and Amazon Instant are very nice to have.

Pros:

• 1,000 supported channels


• Cross-platform search


• Great little remote


• Small footprint


• Small price

Cons:

• No YouTube channel


• Some channels have outdated interfaces


• 720p streaming content

Bottom Line:

If you want a streaming device for a low price, this one hits all the right marks. It offers more than the Chromecast, and nothing else at the price point can beat it. Even without YouTube, this Roku box is worth every penny. As with any streaming device, many channels/apps require subscriptions. However, this cost pales in comparison to the cost of cable.

For more information or to purchase ROKU remotes.

The Excellent Budget HDTV: Vizio E0i Series

The Vizio E0i series LCD HDTV offers excellent value, but delivers a subpar TV remote. For a budget TV brand, Vizio is making a name for themselves with their line of LCD HDTVs. Both the E and the M series offer excellent value and excellent apps. But budget shoppers will likely prefer the E series, for all that it offers, at an unbeatable price.

The overall design of the E series TV is attractive and minimalistic. The frame is black plastic with the logo on the bottom-right, as opposed to the center on most models. The display is thick, at 3.15 inches, due to the “Direct LED” backlighting. The stand is generic and does not swivel. The entry-level remote is small, with equally tiny buttons. It is not unattractive, but the buttons could have been better thought out.

The menu system looks and feels like an app. It is a smart TV, with an impressive amount of online content located in the menu. All of the major video services are available as apps for the TV. This gives the E series the distinction of having some of the best content available for a budget TV.

The picture quality outperforms other LCD TVs in its class and price point. There are a few more expensive models that cannot match the picture available on this model. The colors are relatively accurate, but tend to trend either too blue or too red. The video processing is another area that the TV lacks, but it still performs better than most.

When on a small budget for a LCD TV, this Vizio E series is the most affordable when it comes to overall features versus value. Since the picture quality is also substantially better than many of the name brands, this TV is worth a second look when shopping.

To order new remotes for your Vizio device, or for more information on universal remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.