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Flat-panel TV shipments to fall for the first time ever in 2012?
The past fourteen or so years have been a great run for flat-panel TV sales, but according to IHS (formerly iSuppli), that run is finally going to turn in the down direction in 2012. The expected drop off is predicted to be five percent, which still leaves the total TVs sold in 2012 at 37.1 million, more than a few dollars for sure. The fact that last year saw a modest one percent raise is as good of an indicator as any that the good times are over. Of course this is but a single prediction from a single analyst firm and we'll all have to wait until the year is over and earnings are announced to know anything for certain.
DuPont's AMOLED HDTV tech licensed by... someone, will likely be used to build HDTVs
DuPont has wanted to bring AMOLED HDTVs to market since at least 2006, and now it appears they've found a partner to help make that happen. There's no name given, but a "leading Asian manufacturer" (Samsung's shown off the tech before and we figure it has some R&D cash to reallocate after dumping ZScreen) has apparently licensed the tech and, we assume, plans to put it to use. DuPont claims AMOLED HDTVs will be better than current LCDs in pretty much every way (color, contrast, response speed, viewing angle, power efficiency), as long they actually ever go on sale. Given the timing, we're hoping there will be something to see come CES time so we can find out if 2012 will finally be OLED's year. The press release is after the break, along with a quick video showing where AMOLED's come from: First, a slot coat HIL and primer layers have to love each other very, very much...
Sony's AR tool lets you put big screens in small apartments (video)
It may not be a slick as Panasonic's dream-TV AR app, but at least Sony's keeping up with the competition. Live from the company's UK outfit is an online AR tool enabling you, dear reader, to visualize all sorts of boob tubes you can (and can't) afford. After printing, affixing and photographing a marker, prospective buyers can get a better sense of what sets fit in their humble abodes. Interested in giving it a go? Mosey on past the break for PR and a video, and then hop beyond the source link to begin your adventure. [Thanks, Matt]
Zvox returns with a few new sound base speaker setups
We were impressed by the stereo sound Zvox's 425 and 550 soundbars produced when we checked them out a few years ago, and now the company has announced two new models in the Z-Base 555 and Z-Base 580. As indicated by the name, these aren't just skinny bars that sit in front of your TV, they're an entire box meant to be placed underneath one's flat panel. That difference gives them the space to deliver quality sound, and these new models expand the line with a few new features including Dialogue Emphasis and output leveling. Both are shipping now, the 555 sports a $399 MSRP, while the 580 sports a more powerful amplifier and larger speakers to justify its $599 price.
Ciil Technologies weatherproof HDTVs work by the pool, in the pool
Never heard of Ciil Technologies? Nah, you aren't out of the loop -- these guys were just founded last year, and now they're hoping to make a literal splash in the desert with their first full range of weatherproof LCD TVs. Designed to be used primarily outdoors (or in homes with loads of Super Soaker fights), this new range of fully-sealed 1080p HDTVs is made up of sets from 32- to 55-inches. Each one has nary a vent nor filter, enabling it resist dust, debris and even water. In fact, each one sports the highest waterproof (IP) and dust proof (NEMA) rating available, enabling 'em to withstand a good pressure washing and the occasional dip in the pool. It seems as if you'll have to inquire about pricing, but we're going to guess those that have to ask... well, probably shouldn't.
Samsung's figured out how to keep HDTVs running cooler
Now that practically every flat panel ships with an array of smart and app store friendly features included, keeping the processors doing all the heavy lifting cool is an issue. Enter Samsung's ultra Low Temperature Chip On Film (u-LTCOF) that spreads out the heat from the system-on-chip over a larger area and is designed specifically for its new 3DTVs using LCD/LED and plasma display technology. The tech goes back to '07, but Samsung plans to produce the new version around Q4 and replace the old metal film with "viscoelastic silicone" that should be about 20 percent more efficient. All in all that's great, and we're going to let it finish, but hopefully the company can also address that "Samsung whine" so many owners have complained about over the last few years.
InFocus rolls out three new large, thin displays for business, education
Don't count on these being available at your local mega-electronics retailer, but InFocus' new series of large, thin displays aimed at business and education users may just have you wishing they were. Available in 42, 55, and 65-inch varieties, the slim, professional-grade displays all pack a full 1080p resolution, a generous supply of inputs (including HDMI, VGA and RS232 for Crestron and AMX integration), a split screen feature to accommodate two separate video sources, and some anti-burn-in technology that will let you leave a pie chart up on the screen all day without any worries (if that's your thing). Of course, professional-grade also come with professional-grade prices, and these are no exception, with them running $1,399, $2,599, and $7,499 -- although InFocus insists they are aimed at the "budget-conscious professional."
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: Televisions
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! The team here is well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties of the seasonal shopping experience, and we want to help you sort through the trash and come up with the treasures this year. Below is today's bevy of hand curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. Want a gift the whole family can enjoy? A brand new television is sure to do the trick and with more HDTV content available than ever from antenna, cable, satellite, Blu-ray discs or even the internet, there will always be something to watch. Whether it's their first flat-panel or an upgrade, these picks come through in several price ranges selected to maximize your, we mean their, viewing pleasure. The only question left we can't help you with? Who gets the first turn on the remote.%Gallery-79792%
LCD sales expectations raised for the rest of '09
Same old same old, despite the screams of plasma fans, LCD sales are expected to reach higher than ever this year, as DisplaySearch has raised its estimate to 127 million units worldwide in 2009. Total TV sales are expected to drop, as well as those of plasmas, but even in the liquid crystal world all isn't pretty. As a result of the ongoing price war, even with higher sales manufacturers are raking in less cash, with revenue projected to be down as much as 6 percent. We doubt that will result in the long predicted LCD price spike, but we do have to wonder how much lower we'llssee sales go later this year around usual bargain hunting times like Black Friday, there may not be much room left.
Media Dcor 's Ecco line hides your HDTV artfully & (relatively) cheaply
Media Décor focuses on but one of many ways to cover up your unsightly HDTV habit, and the new Ecco line has moved downmarket from the 110-inch crowd to a more reasonable 42- and 50-inch size. One of the cheaper means available (other than just admitting you watch television, $free.99) at $1,495 and up, buyers can pick from one of 38 limited pieces of artwork to install in this battery operated frame and promises an install time of less than half an hour. Check it out in action and see if this is just what you've been waiting for.
Dell's 22-inch UltraSharp 2209WA LCD monitor surfaces
Dell Canada is good for being the first to show off new LCDs, and yet again we're getting an early look at a forthcoming monitor courtesy of the Great White North. The 22-inch UltraSharp 2209WA will evidently arrive with a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, 300 nits of brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 178-degree viewing angles and a 5-millisecond response time. It also features VGA and DVI connectors, four USB 2.0 ports and an undisclosed price tag. It'll supposed ship in one to two weeks, but given that there's not even an image available yet, we're not so sure we'd bet the farm on that estimate being accurate.[Via whirlpool, thanks Ed]
Liquavista launches ColorBright display technology sans coolness
When Liquavista announced its electrowetting segment-driven display technology way back when, we thought it sounded like just about the best thing ever. We definitely wanted PMP, cellphone, and watch displays with rapid response time, exceptional contrast, and a high volume of color. Fast forward two years: word is this stuff is finally ready to hit the market and designers can now order custom-made equipment for their devices. There's an animation on Liquavista's website that promises some radically hip stuff, and we're looking forward to that, but so far we feel a bit let down by these images of mostly-static watches whose main claim to fame is colors. Get crackin', designers: we want to see those sunlight-viewable video displays and hip-hoppin' PMP visualizers in the non-cartoon world ASAP.[Via core77]Read - Press releaseRead - Official website with demo animation
The Window Channel HD wants to improve your hotel room's view
So you didn't follow Gadling's travel tips, and end up stuck at some trade show for a week in well-appointed room with a stunning view of the...parking lot. Not that that's ever happened to us, but hopefully in the future we you will be in a hotel with a flat panel tuned to The Window Channel. Designed specifically for hotel operators, the idea is to give visitors a window to anywhere in the world, with five minute, single camera "locked down" clips from Maui, the Champs-Elysées and other locations slightly more glamorous than wherever you really are. Not sure if 1080i and 5.1 surround is worth calling ahead for? Check out TheWindowChannel.com for some lower-res preview clips and see if it doesn't bring you around.
Sony and Samsung may expand LCD partnership
Despite Samsung's solo expansion plans and Sony's alliance with Sharp, the two are not only maintaining their current 8th-generation LCD line, but may build another one, and a new plant after that. A source within Samsung told Reuters of the almost-final plans for a second 8G line from S-LCD, and the possibility that Samsung will cut Sony in on its 10th-generation facility, much like the one its already partnering with Sharp on. Like Sharp, Samsung likely wants to be sure someone will buy all those flat panels once the line is running, and Sony can make sure its got a cheap source to stay competitive on prices when competition will be even higher in 2010. The only thing we can be sure of is it will be nearly impossible to tell who really made that flat panel hanging on your wall, no matter what brand name it says.
Samsung no longer selling flat panels, other wares in Japan
Yeah, we're still scratchin' our noggins too, but even after we rubbed our eyes and adjusted the bifocals, it still looks as if the AP is reporting that Samsung will stop selling flat panel televisions and "other consumer products" in Japan. Hot on the heels of Hitachi pulling the plug on RPTVs on this side of the pond, Samsung is citing "poor profitability" as the reasoning behind its dramatic move, and it noted that LCD TVs, DVD players, DAPs and "other items" would no longer be sold to individuals in the Land of the Rising Sun. It was, however, stated that the outfit would continue selling flat screen computer monitors directly to businesses along with memory chips, LCDs and mobile phones to Softbank, but considering that last year less than one-percent of the firm's total sales in the country were made up of consumer electronics sales, we guess it's a little easier to wrap our head around the decision. Nevertheless, there's no reason for us to think that Sammy will be pulling back the reins in any other regions of the world, but it'll be quite strange in Tokyo with no signs of Sammy in the CE realm.
Dell brings the 24-inch E248WFP Stateside
Dell's latest 24-incher, the E248WFP, got a little overshadowed when it was released in Japan next to the webcam-sporting SP2208WFP, but now that it's coming Stateside we're ready to love it just as much. The lowest-priced Dell 24-inch display, the E248WFP features a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 5ms refresh rate for just $469. You're not getting a lot of frills for that number, of course, with inputs limited to just DVI-D with HDCP and VGA, no speakers, and no USB ports, but as a pure screen it's a pretty slammin' deal.[Thanks, Victor]
Panasonic goes Ikea with concept furniture for flat panels
It looks like Panasonic is venturing a bit beyond its electronics-laden comfort zone, with the company recently showing off some concept furniture designed specifically for flat panel displays (or, more specifically, its flat panel displays). For that, Panasonic turned to Swedish designer Axel Bjurström, who appears to have produced at least three designs accommodating a variety of different size screens. The least conventional of the lot is the "Stege" model pictured above, which we can only assume is designed to go along with some magical cordless TVs and other gear Panasonic has yet to announce. The remaining concepts (seen after the break courtesy of Fosfor Gadgets) include the "Ridå," which conceals your 50-inch+ screen behind a curtain, and the Staffli, which opts for an less-than-practical easel-type design.
OmniMount unveils Ultra Low Profile Series flat panel mounts
Flat panel TVs are suppose to be mounted flat to the wall. Sans any type of custom install however, a plasma or LCD is more than likely not going to sit right on the wall; instead hanging out a few inches off thanks to a big mounting bracket. OmniMount just introduced their new Ultra Low Profile Series that hangs the flat panel a mere 1.5-inch off the wall – plus, the TV can tilt 15 degrees. The ULPT-X is going to drop at $329 and can hold up the few 75-inch flat-screens currently on the market. The ULPT-L and ULPT-M carry a $279 and $199 MSRP, plus are designed for up to a 63-inch and 42-inch respectively. Thin is in and OmniMount went on a diet with these new mounts.
