Thursday, February 10, 2011

New Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT25



New Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT25


Review: Panasonic's Viera TC-P50GT25 3D HDTV offers excellent 3D and 2D picture quality at an affordable price.

Panasonic has practically tied its fate to 3D. We don’t know how safe that bet is, but the company has one of widest selection of 3D HDTVs available. Now let’s see how their most affordable 50-inch edition stacks up.
Features and Design

Taking the TC-P50GT25 out of the carton, Henry Ford’s saying about the Model T automobile came to mind—you can have any color you want, as long as it’s black. This HDTV/stand combo is somberly dressed in black. There is a bronze bezel accent and a silver edge on the stand but they hardly stand out. Panasonic always prides itself on its engineering expertise, design and frills not so much. This is one plain-looking television. This distinctly affordable 3D HDTV (legit online retailers have it for $1,399 or less) does not come with a single pair of active shutter glasses so prepare to spend around $150 for each set. The company is running a 3D Ultimate Pack promotion for $399 which includes two pair of glasses and the Avatar 3D BD disc. We imagine everyone buying this HDTV will pick up the bundle. While you’re at it, buy the wireless LAN adaptor for another $90 if you want to hit the ‘net for Netflix. You’ll also need a 3D BD player for $250 to enter the 3D world. Now you’re around $2K for a complete set-up, far cheaper than the introductory prices of less than a year ago. By way of comparison, a similarly-featured 2D Panasonic TC-P50G25 50-inch plasma sets you back around $1,100. The recently reviewed and much larger 60-inch Sharp LED LCD LC-60LE925UN comes with two sets of glasses and the LAN adaptor but costs buckets more ($2,899 and falling). As an aside: when we see these plasma prices, our collective heart sinks since we spent $2,800 for a 50-inch plasma three years ago.

The Viera panel weighs 57.3 pounds and the HDTV is 63.9 pounds with stand. The display measures 48 inches wide, 30.3 high, 3.5 inches deep. Some plasmas are much thicker than LED LCD televisions, but unless you’re hanging it on the wall for all to see or it’s the centerpiece of a SoHo loft, there shouldn’t be any complaints about depth.

There’s little marring the front with just a few subtle decals. It has a sensor on the lower bezel that reads ambient room light and adjusts brightness accordingly (Panasonic calls it C.A.T.S—Contrast Automatic Tracking System). There are also small 3D eyewear transmitters, a remote sensor and power indicators.

On the left side are basic button controls you’ll never use (channel up/down, volume up/down and so on). More important is an SD card slot that plays back JPEGs and AVCHD videos. On the down side, there are only 3 HDMI inputs but all the other bases are covered-USB, PC, component and others.
What’s in the carton

Indicative of the price, you just get the essentials—display, stand, relevant screws, AC cord, remote, 2 AA batteries and owner’s manual (68 pages in English). The remote is a shade better than usual as it has backlit keys but it only controls the set, no other components. Remember: you must buy glasses and a 3D BD player to really experience this television. You might consider Xpand X103 universal glasses ($129) if you don’t opt for the “Avatar” bundle to save some money. We tried them and they worked just fine. To stream videos, a wireless LAN adaptor also goes on the shopping list.

We connected our FiOS cable box and the Sharp BD-H90U 3D BD player, then settled in for a number of long viewing sessions.
Performance and Use

Setting up the TC-P50GT25 is a simple matter. Panasonic’s menu system is straightforward; it’s unlikely you’ll crack the manual. Like any advanced HDTV, the Viera gives you a palette of picture tweaks. Since this model has a THX setting, we used that for movies, even basic TV viewing but you might like the standard setting for ESPN and whatnot. It’s your call but avoid Vivid since it’s brighter than Taylor Swift’s smile. Unfortunately, this 3D HDTV does not have the THX 3D Cinema option that’s just hitting the scene. When you pop in a 3D disc, the set defaults to Cinema, which is quite good as we’ll detail in a moment.

Having spent many hours reviewing LED LCD HDTVs, testing a plasma was like putting on a pair of comfortable shoes. We knew there was a reason we preferred the technology and it was staring us in the face when we fired it up. Colors were more natural with good black levels that made everything pop off the screen. LED LCD HDTVs may have come a long way, but plasma is still king for more realistic images—and this wasn’t Panasonic’s best edition. Those feature Infinite Black Panel Pro displays rather than “just” the Infinite Black Panel found here. Video enthusiasts know Panasonic bought Pioneer’s plasma assets a few years ago and they’re incorporating the fabled Kuro technology in their best models, just calling it a different name. Kuros had fantastic black levels and you can see it in action with top-of-the-line Vieras (VT20/VT25 series). Of course, you pay more for this ($1,750 for a 50-inch). No one will complain about this picture however.

The TC-P50GT25 has an adequate sound system—nothing more—rated 10 watts x 2 channels. Panasonic offers an ersatz surround setting but it’s not as expansive as SRS TruSurround. The HDTV really begs for a soundbar or dedicated 5.1-surround audio system.

Since we’ve been on an Ironman BD riff, we popped that disc into the machine and immediately went to scene 5. Here Iron Man moves through a dark tunnel and into the light, battling Al-Qaeda bad guys. You could see plenty of detail on the tunnel walls and during the flying action as Stark smashes into the sand. Scene 11 of Iron Man chased by F-22s is a good test for blur; there was none except as intended.

Football games are also good barometers for motion and we had no troubles watching Aaron Rodgers’ passes against the NY Giants. Not quite as filled with motion was Kid Rock on Palladia-he was fine and so was the rest of 2D cable. The TC-P50GT25 has a 5 million-to-one dynamic contrast ratio and although we couldn’t keep count, the overall results were impressive—natural but with some pop.

We spent many hours watching 3D movies on the Sharp Quattron and as much with the Panasonic. Although the Sharp was good, the TC-P50GT25 is better. At the beginning of Avatar when Jake comes out of hibernation he sees spots in front of his eyes which float in front of the screen. They were far more detailed than the Quattron. This held true for all of the 3D effects in this movie that’s loaded with them from start to finish. Alice in Wonderland 3D also has many excellent effects. One of the more startling differences with the Sharp occurred at the end of Alice when the Blue Caterpillar morphs into the blue butterfly, coming toward you off the screen. This had far more impact. Simply put plasma 3D is demonstrably better.

Given the limited amount of 3D content, this set offers 2D-3D conversion for your run-of-the-mill shows. Like the Quattron, you get a sense of depth but nothing worth keeping your glasses on for hours on end.

Room reflections are one area where LCD sets have always topped plasmas. Our three-year-old plasma is almost unusable in a bright family room. We’re happy to say this model handles them far better. We used it in different situations—including fluorescents—and did not have any major issues.

The TC-P50GT25 has an SD Card slot and while it accepts newer SDXC media it only handles JPEG/MPO and AVCHD files—not 3D AVI videos which we took with the FujiFilm Real 3D W3. Hopefully, manufacturers will settle on a standard for 3D home videos in 2011. Right now, you’re on your own.

Using the Wi-Fi adaptor is easy and it has a simple menu system. The set uses the Viera Cast system so your online options are somewhat limited but you can access NetFlix, Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube and others. It’s also Skype videophone ready but we didn’t use that feature (the add-on camera costs around $150).
Conclusion

We have no problems whatsoever recommending this 3D HDTV. The price is right—only Samsung has a 50-inch 3D plasma that’s cheaper (PN50C680G5F) as of this writing but it’s not Internet-enabled. The 3D experience—why you’ll buy this particular Viera—is quite good, better than the recently reviewed Sharp LED Quattron. The fact you can get the whole 3D shooting match for less than $2,000 is great news (HDTV, glasses, 3D BD player). Hopefully more quality 3D programming will arrive in 2011 beyond Avatar and Alice; Tron will get here for sure. While you’re waiting for the 3D revolution to really hit, BD discs and high-def programming will keep you very pleasantly occupied and satisfied.
Highs:

* Great price
* Excellent 3D, 2D
* THX option for 2D
* Decent backlit remote

Lows:

* No glasses supplied
* No wireless LAN adaptor
* Blah styling



Video Swim Mask Latest Technology


Video Swim Mask Takes Incredible Still And Moving Photos




If you wonder how movies shot undersea were taken, then this is the answer. With the Video Swim Mask, you can take videos and still photos down to 15 feet under the sea. You can choose between two modes—still or video. Downloading the files from the mask to your laptop or PC is simple enough. All you have to do is plug the device to your USB port with the included cable. There’s a built-in 16MB memory that can store up to 27 hi-res still pictures or up to 52 seconds of video. You can expand this memory with a micro SD card.

Video Swim Mask Takes Incredible Still And Moving Photos

Here are other features of the Video Swim Mask:

* For ages 13 and up
* Swim mask with integrated waterproof digital camera
* Eliminates the need to carry an underwater camera, keeping hands free to swim
* 5 MP camera can operate to a depth of 15ft / 5m
* Works in swimming pools or while snorkeling in the wild
* Goggle lenses are tempered glass with integrated crosshairs for lining up shots
* Can be set to still photo mode or video mode
* LED inside the mask tells you which mode you have selected
* Easily download images by plugging the mask into your computer via USB (cable included)
* If you have a PC, you can use the included software to edit your content
* Built-in 16 MB memory can store up to 27 high resolution photos or 52 seconds of video
* MicroSD card slot allows you to expand memory up to 2GB for additional pictures or videos
* Requires 2AAA batteries (included)

The Video Swim Mask will retail for about $99.99.



My Love Happy Valentines Day









Sweet Mickey Mini HQ Deskstop Walpapers






Modern Soft Breezy Dress Collection For Girls

Modern Soft Breezy Dress Collection For Girls


LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's spring 2011 lookbook was finally revealed. There are sweet, breezy dresses and soft details, floral prints, pastels, delicious pinks and ruffles that create a perfect balance with the modern items in the collection such as boyfriend blazers, skinny jeans and leather-look jackets. Take a look at this versatile and feminine collection that can brighten up our wardrobe for the upcoming season!


The new LC Lauren Conrad collection for Kohl's is full of adorable looks, rich in delicate fabrics, bohemian prints, fruity colors. Modeled by Lauren Conrad, the spring/summer 2011 lookbook is the perfect materialization of the collection having a romantic and fresh feel, yet feminine and flirty.


This is a playful fashion line that invites you to add pops of colors and flowers into your wardrobe bringing essential items for the upcoming season. The fairytale, romantic touch of the LC Lauren Conrad collection for Kohl's is expressed through unique, feminine details, but also through a cute campaign that has lots of flowers, candies, cupcakes, hanging chandeliers, and various colorful elements.


Coming with lots of girlie pieces and an effortless style, Lauren Conrad's latest collection for Kohl's is less-expensive, most items being priced under $60.



Pretty dusty pink, soft pastels and lightweight fabrics are the expression of a fresh, free and delicate spirit. Both versatile and practical, the collection flawlessly combines comfort and femininity through the colors and patterns used.


In fact, it seems that "femininity" is the key word when it comes to Lauren's creations. Despite the girlieness expressed by ruffles, floral prints and lace details, the collection also spices up and adds a touch of sophistication and a California-inspired chic vibe using modern elements like skinny jeans or boyfriend blazers.


The collection contains, once again, wearable items that are easy to match allowing you to play with different styles whether you want something for a daytime, casual look, or on the contrary, something more formal and elegant for a special occasion. You'll certainly love those amazing floral printed floaty dresses!


Many of the items in the collection will be available in sizes 2-16 in Kohl's stores and on kohls.com now through March.


Lauren Conrad started her collaboration with Kohl's in 2009. The 24-year-old fashion designer, reality star and New York Times best-selling author has been called by Kohl's senior executive vice president Don Brennan a "pop culture icon whose style resonates with our contemporary customer. We are confident the LC Lauren Conrad collection brings customers both the contemporary style and the world-class brands they want at a price that delivers incredible value."


Speaking about her first collection for Kohl's, Lauren Conrad said that "Partnering with a successful national retailer like Kohl’s supports my mission to make great clothing accessible to young women everywhere." She also added that "the collection is a reflection of my personal style and will offer fresh, California Casual designs at an affordable price."



Besides her fashion career, Lauren also has a passion for writing. In fact, she is a New York Times best-selling author for "L.A. Candy" and "Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel." Last fall, she published two more books, "Sugar and Spice: An L.A. Candy Novel" and "Lauren Conrad Style."


Charley Fresh Summer Dressup

Charley Fresh Summer Dressup


The denim trend is undoubtedly a fashion trend with a never ending staying power. Although designers endorse it every year, adapting it on a daily basis and making it look interesting can be quite a challenge. Fortunately Charley 5.0 is a brand that focuses on helping its clients to stand out in denim outfits no matter what they choose.

The brand's goal to stand out from other denim brands is clearly noticeable thanks to the light approach with which the lookbook is taken. Highlighting one of the absolute favorite summer pastimes the brand features several intelligently constructed outfits for a casual style with a touch of glamor that looks virtually effortless. Youthful and girly the looks presented are easy to pull off and extremely wearable.


Bright colors and fun accessories and a daring yet extremely playful attitude are the main things that make this lookbook stand out from others of this kind. Focused on cleverly combining colors and featuring a few prints along the way the looks presented manage to demonstrate that mixing and matching different style does not have to be complicated at all to be interesting.

Although most of the looks are pretty casual and fun the lookbook also highlights different options for less casual events with the same simple tried and tested style rules. Making the denim on denim look work is not a difficult challenge for the brand either as it manages to create interest either by combining different denim washes, making it stand out with the help of color contrast or by playing it up with the help of funky, colorful accessories.














Versatile and fun the collection features various pieces that can be adapted to multiple outfits. Shorts, skirts, dresses and even jackets are used to feature some of the latest trends endorsed by the brand. Animal prints is a fashion trend that is also discreetly introduced by the brand in the form of accessories or cardigans. Sunglasses and high heeled pumps are the preferred choices in order to create a sexy and slightly mysterious look.

Make sure to glam up your outfits by choosing versatile and interesting pieces that highlight your personality and choose equally interesting accessories in order to complete the look. Invest in high quality denim pieces and gain inspiration from the Charley spring 2011 lookbook to be able to stand out.

Stylish Hat Latest Fashion Trends

Stylish Hat Latest Fashion Trends


Add something special to your style with these stylish hat trends in 2011. Make sure you're one step ahead of the up-and-coming trends and kiss goodbye to the icy season with these versatile and new season accessories. Bring out the inner feminine ideal or the Boho diva with the help of the stylish wide brim, top style as well as Fedora hats.


Preparing for the blooming season is the chief duty of all fashionistas. Those who wish to walk at least one step ahead the new season style tendencies, should check out the fab array of must have accessories that keep our look personalized and spotless all throughout the upcoming seasons.
The stylish hat trends for 2011 presented below will definitely meet the different and changing expectations and preferences of the fashion armada. See the parade for yourself and choose from the girly as well as more Boho and urbane chic designs depending on your clothing style. Build up your signature outfit that would help you break out of the box in the quickest and most stylish manner.


Wide-Brim Hats
Rocking an on trend outfit might require some style inquiries especially when it comes of the latest runway as well as street chic trends. All you have to do is skim through the brief selection of wide brim hats and select the one that could boost your confidence. Wide brim hats are perfect to spot a romantic and warm season breezy apparel. Add class to your look by selecting your favorite design from the extremely wide and voluminous designs as well as more moderate and classy looks. Attitude is the catchphrase when it comes of sporting hats therefore make sure you have it before trawling the stores for the latest hat trends.







Trilby Style Hats
Those who are eager to polish their accessorizing skills should drop a glimpse at the new wave of hat designs that come in various colors and tailoring. Use your creativity as well as styling skills to team up the most flattering hat with your formal or casual chic outfit. Trilby style hats look simply irresistible as these fuse the classy old time style tendencies with a masculine and urbane chic allure.







Wear a similar versatile and drop-dead-gorgeous hat with flirty as well as more boy-chic looks to enhance your look with a tint of grown-up elegance. If this is your favorite hat design for the upcoming seasons make sure you have them in a multitude of shades not only neutrals. The material as well as the extra-decorations as feathers or floral patterns all can contribute to the sight-pampering and heart-warming look of trilby style hats.


Other Stylish Hat Styles





 The other stylish hat styles include the school cap, the trim hat as well as the bowler hat and many other designs worth experimenting with before the warm season knock on your door. Be prepared for the series of makeovers through which you'll learn about the power of accessories and how to build up a statement wardrobe. Pair your short, midi or long locks with the cutest hat styles and make sure you have at least a few of them at hand to be able to come up with versatile outfit ideas.

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