Video Asylum

Posted by Alex F. (A) on August 29, 2014 at 15:29:25

In Reply to: RE: I went to the store today posted by Victor Khomenko on August 29, 2014 at 13:25:55

Taking a time-exposure photograph to check screen uniformity--that is very funny. I am laughing while I type.

Assuming you're making a purchase at a store that allows returns and refunds, you do not have to worry, of course, if the TV is not to your liking when viewed at home. In late 2012 I returned an 82" Mitsubishi DLP that seemed fine in our local Best Buy store. But at home we noticed a huge amount of grain in the picture. We now use a final-generation Panasonic 65" plasma in our theater room. My wife says watching Blu-ray films on the TV is like looking through a clean window. She may be exaggerating a bit, but it does have a superb picture.

One of my favorite movies, "2001: A Space Odyssey," provides a good test for light bleed and black levels. Kubrick's shots of outer space can be quite revealing of deficiencies. Also, the scenes inside the caves at the beginning of the film are good for checking details in the dim lighting. The best part, though, is enjoying a terrific movie.