HP intros SL4282N, SL4782N connected HDTVs, updates Media Center Extender software on older models

Finally we're seeing some real devices leverage Microsoft's Extenders for Windows Media Center platform, and HP's first on the scene of the "new" platform with embedded hardware in its two new HDTVs, the 42-inch SL4282N, and 47-inch SL4782N.

• Native 1080p panel (with HP's Visual Fidelity Engine)
• 500cd/m² brightness, 2000:1 contrast ratio, 176° viewing angle, 6ms response, 3:2 pulldown
  
• (3) HDMI, (2) component, (2) composite / S-Video, (1) VGA
• Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n, Ethernet
  
• Front speakers now NXT
• Functions as a MCE, playing back DivX, XviD, H.264, MPEG-2, and WMV (also has HP's media interface)
  
• Built-in ATSC and clear-QAM tuners

But wait, there's more: current MediaSmart HDTV owners will receive a software update that adds the latest Media Center Extender software, giving them access to these new updates and codecs. Of course, now you can forego the buying of the integrated, connected TV if you just want to snag a MediaSmart Receiver (or a 360). They should run $1,900 and $2,400, respectively, when released in the spring.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 1:04AM]

wow, nice to see engadget burning the midnight tequila. Lots of posts after 12am EST.

[QuiteTheChoi Posted Jan 3rd 2008 1:08AM]

2000:1 contrast is preety low now for flat panels.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 5:28AM]

Apart from that, the specs are quite good. I am amazed how 1080p is taking off. I saw a cheap 1080p TV in Tesco the other day, a 37" Technica for about £600. I mean it is crap, but seems 1080p will actually replace 720p, just a shame that TV will never broadcast in it.

[QuiteTheChoi Posted Jan 3rd 2008 11:15PM]

Yeah but whats a good tv without rich black colors?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 2:36AM]

Anyone know if these media extenders will work with MythTV?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 6:36AM]

>

Actually we finally saw the first one on the 21st of dec 2007, right here on Engadget. Helios from Zepto, 40" beauty.

Ryan should read Engadget ;)

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 9:14AM]

I have no doubt it's been asked many times before, but I think it is useful to bring it up again: Why does this look like Front Row? (Or vice versa). Can't they think different(ly)?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 2:29PM]

I assume you mean Engadget. Yup, this is definitely not an MCE display.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 11:59AM]

So when is the update for the old ones coming out?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 2:41PM]

Looks better than FrontRow