Dad's Review - LG 42LA6130 Cinema 3D TV

Our entertainment room is under construction and hopefully it will be completed in less than 2 weeks. Being a Dad, this room falls under my responsibility hence from paint color to lighting, my decision outweighs those of the wife, if I may say so, lol.

While scanning for an appropriate flat screen for our entertainment room in our favorite SM Appliance Center, our attention was caught by Samsung smart TV with motion sensor. By waving your hands you can perform several functions like the O plus smartphone. However, according to the sales staff, this function is only available in larger screen which is way beyond my budget. What the smaller Smart TV mainly offers is the WIFI function; it also acts like an ordinary PC monitor minus the mouse and keyboard. I just can't imagine how difficult it would be to use the remote control as mouse and keyboard. I remember the Emirates Airlines video controller which has a built-in mouse function, it was an arduous task just to move the pointer or cursor to your desired location. Due to these reasons, we opted for an affordable 3D TV.

A Samsung sales staff offers their model with active 3D glass. It was definitely a no-no for us mainly due to bulky and heavier 3D glass which requires battery to operate. Not to mention that we need to purchase expensive active 3D glass for each member of the family.

Unboxing the LG Cinema 3D TV

Next on our list is the LG 42LA6130 (passive 3D) on display and on-sale. The LG sales staff knowing that he was facing a technical and inquisitive Dad made a different approach to make a sale. Presently, a 42 inch full HD LCD TV with LED back light and 3D function that requires a simple but comfy passive 3D glass costing 39,990 pesos is obviously not only eye-catching but attention grabber as well. Due to attractive price, the sales staff was able to convince me, my wife and youngest kid to test the demo 3D TV. As usual, he played the demo video and naturally any Dad would be impressed by the realistic 3D demo video that made the image seemed coming out from the screen; I tried to control myself from deflecting the image that looked so real and near.

I asked him to play a normal movie and apply the 3D function. He complied and inserted a USB drive with Avatar movie in MP4 format. The movie was quite crisp and clear when viewed on 2D. Upon enabling the 3D function I was amazed to note the depth introduced to the film while maintaining its digital clarity. I was caught unprepared for this kind of TV technology leaving me breathless while watching the movie for few minutes. I can't believe that I can enjoy this technology inside the comfort of my home.

4 + 4 3D glasses

The sales guy added that the discounted price would last until end of June only. The original price of this TV was around 44,000 pesos, if I remember it correctly. Definitely this guy knew his trade but as a Dad I still have some aces on my sleeve, I can bring home the TV for 12 months installment with zero percent interest. Yes, by using my BPI credit card, I just need to pay 3,332 pesos per month for one year. Aside from that, I can also avail BPI's buy now pay later promo which means that I would start paying for this TV after 60 days. Whoa! What more can a Dad asks for especially when he is running low on funds due to construction of his entertainment room. By the way, aside from the usual 4 pieces 3D glasses, the sales staff added another 4 pieces 3D glasses and wall mount frame for free. The unit comes with a 2 year warranty for labor, parts and panel. This unit is also built with a thick panel protection unlike the conventional flat screen.

Our new LG 3D TV, at the back is a 32 inch borderless TCL LED TV

Since I would be leaving for work after one week, I brought the entire family the following day to close the deal at SM North Appliance Center through the same sales staff. My kids were super excited after watching the 3D demo video at the showroom. They were disappointed with the same size smart TV due to lack of motion detector. To add, they were not that eager to surf the web using a 42' flat screen unless they would want me and their mom to see or monitor their activities while in a chatroom.

After the deal has been closed, we received a bundle of BPI raffle coupons that would entitle us to join the raffle for Nissan Navarra pick-up. I am crossing my fingers.

After 2 days of testing, I realized that this unit fared poorly when connected to analog inputs such as our Digi-box. Our cable antenna is connected to this Digi-box which has a composite audio/video outputs connected to the 3D TV. My wife complained that our local TV channels on our new LG 42 inch 3D TV were not as clear as on our 32 inch TCL borderless LED TV.

I agreed with her and I noticed that when in motion or during panning the image tends to pixelate before stabilizing. Aside from that, the resolution was not as clear with our 32 inch TCL flat screen as well. Upon checking the specs I learned that this TV has less resolution when viewing analog inputs such as composite audio/video (AV1/AV2). However, when viewing digital inputs such as MP4, DivX or HDMI input like what they have in showroom, you will definitely appreciate its huge screen due to its clear image and higher resolution.

I tried connecting the cable TV antenna direct to my LG 3D TV, the image pixelation disappeared and there was an improvement in video clarity. I can conclude that there was signal loss when Digi-box is connected between the flat screen and cable antenna. Nevertheless, for other digital format cable channels such as Nickelodeon and Cartoon Channel the image is fairly acceptable.

Regarding the 3D function, I have watched "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Rorouni Kenshin (Samurai X)" from my 500 GB USB HDD connected to USB input of this flat screen and I can say that the 3D function performed well though I am not sure whether files from 1 TB external USB HDD can be accessed by this TV; my 32" TCL can accessed files up to 500 GB HDD only. Anyhow, I was impressed by the depth of the image while maintaining its digital clarity. Using a passive and comfortable 3D glass was an added treat since I felt I was simply watching a 3D movie in cinema.

I tried the 3D function on cable (analog) channels too. Though the result was not that impressive, I must admit that there was a degree of depth introduced to the screen image albeit having maximum 3D depth setting. However, for cable (digital) channels, the 3D function works well though not as stunning with digital inputs.

To add, I like its classy (flat screen) stand and the "knock screen protection" since I know how fragile an LCD panel is. Dead pixels can occur if the panel has been exposed to accidental pressure or force. So for this model, I can confidently hold the panel and even tap it without fear of damaging it. Hence, it is pretty convenient to mount this borderless flat screen on the wall since I have larger grip area. More so, I won't be hysterical even if my wife cleans this flat screen the same way she cleans the washing machine, lol.

Currently, our new 3D TV is undergoing "burn-in test" in our bedroom. Once our entertainment room at the third floor has been completed, hopefully in coming days, I would transfer this and mount it on the wall. Once transferred, my kids are ready for their own test using their Playstation and other video gadgets. I have noticed also that both antenna and audio/video connections are installed horizontally at the back portion making it pretty difficult to connect the AV cables when this TV is wall-mounted unlike our 32 inch TCL flat screen where all connections were installed vertically downward. Furthermore, if the wall bracket is thin then there is a possibility that the antenna cable will be pressed against the wall.

By the way, I have no qualms regarding the audio or sound reproduction. I can honestly say that this model outperforms my TCL 32 inch LED TV in audio aspect.

More feedback will be added later as we continue using this 3D TV. One thing I noticed when using a brand new LCD TV with LED back light. The image tends to be a bit darker and blotted initially. After some time, the image improves. Just my two cents.

Finally, I would be claiming later a family pan pizza from Pizza Hut after using my BPI credit card to purchase this TV. Another credit card promo that any Dad would surely love. It would be better if the pizza comes with free beers.

02 July 2013

After cable installation for our new entertainment room, the cable TV technicians realized that the signal inside our house was degraded due to poor connectors. After the technicians have replaced the different connectors inside our house there was an improvement on the cable TV signal reception especially after I have mounted this 3D TV inside our entertainment room. Furthermore, the pixelation that occurred when the Digi-box was connected to TV was due to technical problem from the cable company and presently being corrected on their side according to them. Hence, they installed a loop-antenna on our Digi-Box so that when pixelation occurs we would simply revert the TV source from AV1 to antenna mode. In short, that was the reason for the pixelation on our new LG 3D when Digi-box is connected otherwise the image is quite clear and acceptable.

The LG 3D TV is now connected to cable antenna and the image has improved since the first time we used it. Likewise, the wall mount frame is a bit wider thus I could connect the antenna and AV cables conveniently even if the connectors are mounted horizontally.

When my youngest kid played his MP3 collections from his USB thumb drive a screen saver would automatically run after several minutes. More so, he loved to play Kingdom Hearts PlayStation game on 3D.

From my point of view, if you are using a digital source formats such as HDMI and DivX then you will definitely enjoy this flat screen. Whereas if you intend to play analog or composite source then you have to bear with the limitation of this flat screen though I could say that it is actually subjective.

Nevertheless, what more can a Dad asks for if he has a great source of digital format films from the net that can be watched on 3D while the audio is connected to a Yamaha decoder with Mordaunt Short speakers at the comfort of his home with chilled beer at hand.

25 August 2013

During our weekend family day, we spent our day at SM North EDSA. We paid a visit to SM Appliance Center near the food court to check the latest gadgets and appliances on display. We were surprised to observe that this LG model wasn't on display anymore.

05 April 2014

In preparation for the coming Holy Week I purchased a "Mad Drive" since life in the Metro stops during the Lenten Season. Not to mention that regular TV shows are suspended starting Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday. With more than 800 HD films on a single 1 TB HDD the family won't be bored during the entire Holy Week. See my post about this awesome drive: The Mad Drive

Mad Drive connected with my LG 3D flat screen.

My LG Cinema 3D works perfectly with my "Mad Drive." 3D effect is quite superb since all the pre-loaded films are in HD format. Even without 3D effect the HD films look great and play without any lag or delay.

By the way, you might be tempted to consider TCL flat screen due to its attractive price. You may check my post about our TCL dilemma: Planning to buy a TCL flat screen? Think twice!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and Dad's review maybe different from trendy kids' expectations. 

Justice League visits The Block at SM North EDSA

This morning after processing my OEC at POEA Trinoma Mall, my wife and I decided to buy additional white polo uniform for our youngest kid at SM Department Store.

From Trinoma Mall, you can easily go to SM North through the connecting foot bridge. Upon entering the second floor of The Block I was surprised to see several life-size super heroes inside some glass chambers. By instinct I grabbed the arm of my wife who was rushing on her way to the department store and asked her to walk around the Atrium since a small crowd was gathering in front of these glass chambers.

I saw some of my favorite Comics Superheroes.

I am not aware of any Justice League movie or future movie hence I am baffled by the visit of JL to The Block.

Anyhow, this would be a great attraction for all JL fans out there; including myself. Fortunately, the family is planning to watch World War Z on Sunday thus instead of watching it at Trinoma Mall I will bring the family here for some photo-ops before watching the movie at SM Cinema.

Dad's Review - New & stupid procedure for OEC at POEA, Trinoma Mall

Update as of: 13 July 2015

I went back to POEA Trinoma to inquire about the requirements of "Balik Mangagawa" for non-compliant countries. I noticed that they only process or evaluate the documents of those with online appointment done through "Balik Manggagawa" website. Payment is also coursed through a nearby Western Union with additional minimal transaction charge. Your payment will be posted on your transaction account on their website. 

They don't entertain walk-in OEC applicants anymore. You will be asked to return the following day if you have no online appointment for that day.

By the way, the guy who used to bully the applicants is not there anymore. Hence, no worries in applying for your OEC anymore as long as you have valid working visa; no need to bring unnecessary documents.

All online OEC application procedures are posted inside their Trinoma office and on BM website. You can register on their site: BM Online

POEA Trinoma along North Avenue

Update as of 17 July 2014:

 I transferred to another company in Yemen last year and after a probationary period of 6 months I got my work visa from my new employer. Hence, after changing my employer on POEA main office database last April I returned back to POEA Trinoma Mall a few days back to process my OEC. I have good news, the guy that used to harass those OFW applying for OEC is now gone. The new evaluator upon seeing my previous records on their computer immediately approved my OEC application without further ado. Moreover, I got my Pag-ibig number from here as well.


After POEA opened its satellite office at Service Avenue, Trinoma Mall, I opted to process my Balik Manggagawa Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) here due to its proximity to our residence and faster service. More so, you can come here either by appointment system through their website or by walk-in. However, priority will be given to those with appointment form.

I used to process my OEC at POEA main office even though it was very inconvenient to travel from San Mateo area to Ortigas Avenue. Not to mention the usual queue of hundreds and sometimes thousands of OFW processing their OEC's as well.

Thus, after POEA Trinoma has opened I never went back to POEA main office for my OEC. By the way, you'll find this POEA's satellite office along North Avenue side near the covered parking entrance at lower ground level.

The procedure is simple as long as you have a valid residence/working visa and exit/re-entry to the country where you are working. Just present your passport and fill-up the data sheet within 15 minutes you will have your OEC; just make sure that you will be at POEA Trinoma before 10 am. 

In my case, due to my job rotation of 4 weeks/4 weeks, the lady staff even offered me a multiple pass whenever I went there to process my OEC. I refused the multiple pass/OEC since I wanted to have a valid reason to go out whenever I am on vacation, LOL.

However, this morning, a new guy was at the evaluation desk of POEA Trinoma. He meticulously checked my passport page by page; he even asked me to show him my valid visa since my old visas were confusing him. He then checked their record on the computer after I told him that I have been processing my OEC here since last year.

After a while he demanded that I make photocopies of my passport, residence visa, exit/re-entry and arrival stamp of the immigration. I complained and even told him that I have never submitted any photocopy of my valid visa even when I was processing my OEC at POEA main office due to obvious reason that I have proper and valid documents. I even emphasized that I was using the same residence visa and exit/re-entry during my previous visits at POEA Trinoma. He never accepted any of my reason leaving me no option but to search for photocopying services inside Trinoma Mall. He even had the guts to show me several OFW info sheets pending on his table waiting for photocopied supporting documents as well

While searching for a photocopying service, I was directed by the security guard to National Bookstore. Unfortunately, NB's photocopying services would open at 11 am; I couldn't waste an hour just waiting for their photocopying service to open. By luck, I remembered Netopia Internet Cafe at the second floor thus I was able to have my documents photocopied and I hurriedly went back to POEA Trinoma.

In short, I was able to get my OEC after almost an hour.

I don't know why POEA is accepting nincompoops in their midst, to say it bluntly. Pardon my words since it was pretty obvious that he was trying to make the lives of other OFW harder by asking stupid supporting documents or perhaps he was not qualified to check the documents submitted to him for evaluation. I can't see any logic why he needs to demand additional photocopied documents due to the following reasons:

    1. I have a valid passport

    2. I have a valid residence visa

    3. I have a valid exit/re-entry

    4. My expired (previous) residence visas and exit/re-entries were still attached to my passport.

    5. My previous OEC transactions at POEA Trinoma were appearing on their computer record.
    6. I am registered in the same company and I am going back to the same country basing on their  records and my existing documents.

Supporting papers should be submitted only in case you have a questionable travel documents. This is the reason why the POEA staffs at the main office and the previous lady at POEA Trinoma evaluation desk never asked me for any other supporting documents whenever I process my OEC.

This kind of government employee should immediately undergo proper training so as he would be able to distinguish a properly documented OFW thereby avoiding unnecessary inconveniences and expenses to the poor and hard working OFW.

29 August 2013

My wife and I went to POEA at Trinoma Mall this morning to process my OEC. The same guy was at the evaluation desk. When he called me I wanted to tell me him that I intend to give my documents to the other evaluator but I didn't have any choice, wife was pushing me to proceed.

In short, I handed him my passport; I have photocopied my visas and other passport's pages as preparation in case I would be asked to produce them again. The guy returned my passport and asked me to show him my visa. I showed him the page where my new residence and exit/re-entry visas were pasted; both of them were issued last month (July 2013). He checked both documents and asked me regarding the validity of my exit/re-entry. I told him that my exit/re-entry was valid for 6 months starting from its date of issue which was July 23 2013. Actually, the validity was written on Arabic and the lady manning the evaluator's desk before seemed to know how to read Arabic thus it wasn't a big deal before. Even the staff at the POEA main office can interpret Arabic numbers.

He conferred with the other older and bald (no offense meant to that guy) evaluator beside him. Fortunately, the other guy told him that he should only validate the residence visa and my OFW info sheet against their computer record; these are enough to prove that I am a documented worker according to the other evaluator. The poor guy looked stupid in front of us. Notwithstanding the rebuke he received from his colleague, he continued to check my worn-out passport page by page without telling me what he was trying to prove or see. I didn't know what was playing inside his mind or he simply wanted to intimidate or bully me. He looked like a traffic enforcer waiting for bribe. Fortunately, as a professional oil and gas worker, I have long experience in dealing with different nationalities having different company positions thus this guy, whom I am paying the salary, would find it impossible to make me cow in fear.

There is really no cure for stupidity. Anyhow, I got my OEC under 15 minutes perhaps because there was another evaluator beside him probably his senior preventing him to bully the OEC applicants.

Spotted - A giant Duck in Hong Kong

I spotted this 54-foot tall inflatable giant duck floating beside Harbour City at Victoria Harbor. It has been floating for several weeks at the same place.

The giant duck traveled from as far as Osaka to Sao Paulo to Sydney but it has generated the most buzz in Hong Kong.

This shot is taken on 07 June and according to net the giant duck is leaving Hong Kong today.

Happy Stripes joins Grand Bazaar at Centris

Happy Stripes will be at The Elements Tent at Centris on 15 to 16 June 2013. 

As preparation for its first commercial Bazaar experience, Happy Stripes will be in Hong Kong this weekend to purchase trendy Korean and Japanese ladies apparel that will be sold at the Bazaar.

Moreover, not to be outdone, Bangkok fashion apparel will be offered as well.

So for all the pretty ladies out there, it is now time to be the happiest again. You will find us at Booth 68.

At Happy Stripes, we guarantee that all our products are personally handpicked from Bangkok and Hong Kong. We offer limited quantity for each item. 

19 June 2013

It was an exhausting experience for HS at Grand Bazaar. On second and final day, we were there as early as 8:30 am until 9 pm. Although we were not able to reach our target sales due to continuous rain in the afternoon that prevented shoppers in visiting the bazaar it was a good experience for HS to learn the "tricks-of-the-trade."

Moreover, we learned from other shops some sales and marketing strategies that HS can implement in its future bazaars. Some of our clients even acknowledged the quality and appeal of our merchandises. In addition, HS got some new "Likes" on its FB page.

Finally, some celebrities visited the two-days bazaar. We spotted Melissa Ricks, Kiray, PBB's Joj and Jai and Meg Imperial.

See you on our future bazaars!