Samsung launches first ACAP HDTV, the SVP-56K3HDB

We know what you're thinking: another Samsung HDTV, another HDTV technology standard, another day. But you might actually want to check out Samsung's 56-inch SVP-56K3HDB, the first production model featuring ACAP. For those who haven't previously heard anything about it, the Advanced Common Application Platform (ACAP) standard was developed with the intention of being the future universal standard for interactive television (and is already a part of the ATSC spec in the US). Oh, sure, iTV's been around in various incarnations since forever, but there's never been an internationally standardized internet-connected TV system based around the concept of moving apps and data to and from your set -- hence ACAP, which might enable newsfeeds, weather and traffic, as well as commercials linked to online merchants, and, of course, in depth sports stats, backgroun info, or interactive information about the program you're watching. We don't know much else about the plasma dusokay the ACAP system's powering in the SVP-56K3HDB, but we're a little more interested in the two way data right now, if you don't mind.

[Rich @ May 25th 2006 9:54AM]

i smell Google all over this, if not already.

[bartsimpson @ May 25th 2006 10:00AM]

Is the iTV already being used? I thought I saw that icon come up on Lost last night...?

[Sam @ May 25th 2006 10:07AM]

I like very much it's thin frame -a strong reason to buy it...

[Mo @ May 25th 2006 10:14AM]

bartsimpson:

I think you're thinking of eTV (enhanced TV) where you can play games and such, related to the show you're watching, in real time as you watch it.

[Ethan T @ May 25th 2006 10:44AM]

"We don't know much else about the plasma dusokay the ACAP system's powering in the SVP-56K3HDB"

Is that English?

I'm concerned about scarring when using this sort of system on a plasma. Are plasmas still prone to that?

[Cloud @ May 25th 2006 10:54AM]

Plasma's are still very much prone to residue but if it actually stays on the screen for a while you can just go into the menu and use this function which flashes different lights back and forth kinda like its trying to give you a seizure. You do this for I think 5 mins and any residue that is on your screen is gone.

I didn't like plasma screens until i got one, and the lifespan / degrasion thing barely exists. It would take 24/7 tv watching for about 2 years before it has any effect from what i've heard. Hope that helps!