Event Coverage

SITEX 2012 - TVs & AV Products Buying Guide

By Team HardwareZone - 24 Nov 2012

Audio Visual - Onkyo & Philips

Home Theater Gallery

The last tech show of 2012, Sitex, is now on at the Singapore Expo. Till the 25th of November, the expo will span three halls (4B, 5, and 6), and the doors will be opened from 11am to 9pm daily. In this segment, we highlight noteworthy items related to all things mobile, including the best deals from the telcos and internet service providers. And if you are looking to complement that latest smartphone or tablet purchase, there's also a wide range of mobile accessory deals at the Sitex 2012 show.

Buying Guide Index
 

 

Sitex 2012 Shopping Resources

Remember to check out the HardwareZone Tech Show Portal for the latest consolidated shopping resources and updates.

 

Buying Tips: Televisions & Home Entertainment Systems

Decide on your requirements before splurging on a HDTV set. Ask yourself if it's necessary to pay an extra premium for 3D-capable or Smart TV models. Basic considerations such as screen size and placement should be taken into account as well. For example, a huge 60-inch set isn't ideal if you're limited by a viewing distance of a meter or so. Also ensure the TV set is accessible to your home network if you're planning to purchase a Smart TV. If a wired or wireless connection isn't possible, you might have to install network bridges or utilize a pair of powerline adapters to connect the display to the router.

For a 3D set, do note that there are two dominant technologies in the market - active and passive - each with its own set of pros and cons. Active-shutter proponents like Samsung and Sony have improved tremendously since 3D TVs were first launched three years ago. There's visibly lesser crosstalk with newer models, and stereoscopic depth have improved as well. However, active-shutter glasses are still reliant on a battery (rechargeable or not), and flickering is also an issue with the room lights on. Passive ones like LG's Cinema 3D models are easier on the eyes, and they provide excellent horizontal viewing angles. Then again, 'scan lines' are visible when viewed up close, and passive sets also suffer from tighter vertical viewing angles.

On the home theater front, purchasing a HTiB (Home Theater In A Box) is probably the easiest and cheapest way to go. Most of them are also equipped with a Blu-ray player and HD audio decoders to cater to your home entertainment needs. If you dislike the hassle of a 5.1-channel system, try going with a simpler 2.1-channel setup.

To help you along, we have a HDTV Buying Guide and 3D TV Buying Guide to equip you with the necessary information before you set out to buy one. For Smart TVs, we also have a video which discusses the various Internet-connected platforms. They'll prove to be invaluable especially if you are new to the AV scene. Happy shopping!

 

Onkyo (Harvey Norman - Hall 5, Booth 5C10)

 

Onkyo CS-545 CD Mini Hi-Fi System

Onkyo's CS-545 is an ideal audio solution for the bedroom if you take your music seriously. The mini Hi-Fi system not only brandishes stylish good looks in its favor, but it also features a top-loading dock for the iPod/iPhone, as well as a USB slot on its front panel with MP3 and WMA support. The CD receiver is accompanied by a pair of D-045 2-Way Bass Reflex speakers, armed with a 12cm OMF diaphragm woofer and 2.5cm soft-dome tweeter.

  • Sitex Price: $499
  • Usual Price: $719

 

Philips (Hall 5, Courts - Booth 5B30, and Gain City - Booth 5B01)

 

Philips 42-inch PFL4007 Full-HD Smart LED TV

Philips' 4007 series is perfect if you're currently on the prowl for an affordable 42-inch Smart TV without all that 3D jazz. Equipped with a Full-HD panel illuminated by edge-lit LEDs, the PFL4007 is powered by Philips' Pixel Plus HD video engine for improved picture quality and also touts a maximum refresh rate of 200Hz. Comes with Philips' Net TV platform, three USB slots, and four HDMI inlets.

  • Sitex Price: $799
  • Usual Price: $1,199
  • Promotion: Free Wi-Fi adapter

 

Philips BDP2900 Blu-ray Player

Philips' BDP2900 Blu-ray player packs a number of cool features despite its budget price tag. Its portfolio includes 24p playback, DVD upscaling to 1080p, Dolby True HD decoding, as well as the nifty Subtle Shift feature which enables you to shift the subtitles' positioning to ensure they're in view. The BDP2900 also flaunts a USB 2.0 slot for video and music playback via an external USB drive.

  • Sitex Price: $89
  • Usual Price: $129

 

Brochures
Click here for Philips brochures.
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