LG is leading the way with a range of cutting-edge screens that build on nearly 100 years of TV history...
1928
The first mechanical TV, the Baird Televisor, goes on sale. E Cathode Ray Tube technology is introduced in 1934 and goes on to dominate for the next 60 years.
1954
The first colour TV—the Westinghouse H840CK15 —is released. Colour sets wouldn't become standard until the 1970s.
1969
More than 500 million people worldwide watch Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. Recently voted the most famous event in TV history.
1981
Portable TVs and Pocket TVs take off as technology improves and enables ever-smaller screens and designs.
1995
The first large flatscreen TV is released. It was a then record-breaking 42-inches and cost $15,000. Plasma flat panels lead the way before LCD displays begin to dominate in the 2000s.
2010
The era of Smart TV begins as sets become internet-ready, enabling viewers to download apps, stream on-demand TV and access catch-up channels.
Ahead Of The Curve
Discovers the shape of things to come for home entertainment
First it was LCD or Plasma. Then HD or Full HD. Most recently, 3D or not 3D was the big decision when it came to buying a new telly. But TV tech moves fast and the latest choice you're being presented with is perhaps the most radical yet: are you going flat or curved?
Samsung's gorgeous Full HD J6300 is a real eye-opener. Every set in a range that spans from 32-55-inch screen sizes has curves to die for, enhancing your viewing experience in wonderful ways.
The big idea is that the gently sweeping curve improves immersion —as the world you're watching `wraps' around you it fills more of your peripheral vision and draws you deeper into the action. The argument goes that curved TVs are a better match for the rounded shape of our eyes and deliver more comfortable viewing—in much the same way as the curved screens used in cinemas.
The field of view appears wider too because the curve shortens the distance between you and the screen's corners. Try it for yourself and you'll understand what a difference the curve makes—this is viewing that truly engages, not merely a passive distraction.
This sense of involvement is further boosted by Samsung's Auto Depth Enhancer. This technology applies varying levels of contrast to different parts of the image, increasing the sense of depth to give an almost 3D-like quality. These higher levels of contrast.
Your Technology Support
Question
What's the difference between Full HD and 4K Ultra HD?
Answer
A lot of tiny dots! 4K images are made up of over 8 million pixels, compared to the 2 million used on a standard 1080p Full HD TV. All those extra pixels add up to an incredibly smooth, clear picture —even when sitting up close you won't see any pixellation.
Question
How do I connect my Android tablet to my TV?
Answer
There are several ways to hook your tablet and HDTV up. If you want to see the tablet's home screen replicated on your HDTV (rather than just, say, stream videos) then one of the easiest and cheapest ways is to use a MHL-to-HDMI adapter. This little box has a Micro USB wire at one end (which plugs into your device) and a port for an HDM I cable at the other that connects to your telly. Do this and it should simply be a case of selecting the correct channel on your HDTV to mirror the tablet's home screen. Alternatively, you could buy a streaming media device that'll play the movies, music and pictures on your particular Android device. Some streaming services also offer apps that let you stream content directly from your smartphone or tablet to the TV.
Question
What is NFC?
Answer
NFC—or Near Field Communications—has been around for a few years now in smartphones and other devices. It's a short-range, low-power way of transmitting data between
two devices. Practically, it's employed in most new smartphones to assist with contactless payments or to swap files. For instance, you can send a picture to a friend in a pub simply by tapping two NFC-enabled phones together. And unlike Bluetooth, you don't need a pairing code to do so.
HOW DO... You use the Vine app to make a video? I can't figure it out...
1. Vine is easy to use when you know how, but it can be confusing at first. To get started, download and install the Vine app to your smartphone or tablet. Once installed, open it up and select some people to follow. You can always add (or delete) more later, as well as customise your profile. Now it's time to record your first Vine...
2. Vine's six-second limit might not sound a lot, but you'd be surprised how creative you can get in the time. Tap the video camera icon at the top to get started. This brings up a viewing panel. Touch within the panel to start recording. You'll notice the bar at the top filling out as you record. To stop recording, take your finger off the screen.
3. You can start and stop as much as you want within each six-second video. You can switch between your front and back cameras and use the 'ghost' icon to make stop-motion animations. There are loads of options to try. When you're happy with the results, approve the Vine and share it on your social networks.
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