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IKEA Uppleva HDTV to retail for $960 in Europe beginning next month, US launch in 2013
Details continue to emerge as we approach the IKEA Uppleva's June launch. GigaOM has discovered that the set will be available in sizes ranging from 24 to 46 inches and will be priced "around $960" -- with a scale relative to the display size, we presume. The TV will feature a built-in Blu-ray player and a wireless subwoofer, and is being assembled by TCL Multimedia a manufacturer in China. Uppleva is expected to roll out to France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden beginning next month, then to other European countries later in the year, followed by the US in 2013. There will also be a handful of applications that will vary based on region, including Dailymotion, Vimeo and YouTube, along with games, music playback and video-on-demand apps, and the Opera for TV web browser. There's a familiar sneak-peek vid awaiting you just past the break. Update: Due to an error at the source article, we originally identified the manufacturer as TLC, rather than TCL Multimedia. The text above has been updated to reflect the correction.
More images and details emerge about Ikea's Uppleva
Did you not get enough Swedish furniture pr0n yesterday with the announcement of Ikea's Uppleva? Well, we've got a slew of new images and some new details for you. As far as specs, it seems that the sets will be available in 24, 36, 40 and 46 inches and all are LED backlit. They'll also all sport WiFi and "smart TV" features including the Opera browser -- except for the 24-incher, which must accept its role as the runt of the litter. The TVs will also come attached to three different TV bench designs in six different finishes. While we weren't able to score our own units yet, M3 did and you can check out their hands-on out at the source link.
IKEA puts away your TV cables, tech credentials
If your abode has ever been touched by the space-saving hand of IKEA, you'll be familiar with its clever, wallet-friendly wares. Now, the Swedish furniture giant is bringing its quirky ideas into the technology market. Frustrated with cable spaghetti ruining the otherwise sharp lines of its TV storage units, the Scandinavian firm has taken it one step further, and built the TV right in to the furniture. Yup, "Uppleva" is an all-in-one TV and stand with storage built in co-operation with China's TCL Multimedia. Not only that, it also incorporates a Blu-ray / DVD player and surround sound (with wireless sub woofer.) Details on the TV itself are sparse, but there's a brace of USB inputs and four HDMI ports (so you can re-add in some wires), plus FM radio and internet connectivity, but beyond that we're left guessing. More importantly -- for the casual IKEA customer we assume -- will be the array of colors and designs it will ship in. The delivery man will be kicking up Autumn leaves by the time you can get your hands on one, with prices starting at 6,500 Swedish crowns (around $960). In the meantime you can unpack a video after the break, which just like those shelves you bought, doesn't seem to contain everything.
Sony hides audio system within stylish RHT-G HDTV stands
If Onei Solutions' speaker-infused TV stand was a bit too extravagant for your den, why not consider Sony's completely classy alternatives? The new RHT-G series follows up on last year's model by including three new HDTV stands that include multi-channel audio systems. The RHT-G950 is designed to hold sets from 40- to 46-inches, while the RHT-G1550 handles big screens in the 46- to 55-inch range and the RHT-G550 holds those 32- to 40-inch models. The G950 and G1550 each host a 5.1-channel array of speakers with 470- and 550-watts of power, respectively; the smaller G550 does 3.1 with 330-watts. There's also a dozen selectable sound modes, a trio of HDMI inputs, BRAVIA Sync support and a Digital Media Port for connecting one's Walkman, PC, phone or iPod. There's no mention of pricing just yet, but these should hit shelves in the May to July time frame.[Via Engadget Spanish]
Onei Solutions TV stand cuts down on clutter, power
TV stands with built-in speakers aren't exactly as uncommon as you may think, but this new rig from Onei Solutions (apparently built by S&C Group) is certainly a bit more stylish than most, even it may not completely be a substitute for a standalone system. While it's not clear exactly what sort of system is packed inside, you will apparently get 15W of power from each speaker, along with a reasonable number of inputs and outputs (including two HDMI and two Toslink), a built-in VFD screen, removable speaker covers and, of course, a full-function remote control (the stand itself will accommodate TVs up to 50 inches). Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this one's available 'round these parts just yet, but folks in the UK can apparently pick one up now for £385.98, or about $530.[Via Chip Chick]
Vicente Wolf easel HDTV stand provides artsy alternative to wall mounting
Too frightened to hang it on a wall, huh? How's about one of those rickety stands from Best Buy? If neither of those options sound very good, have a look at this unique stand from designer Vicente Wolf. The easel HDTV stand really exemplifies the whole "HDTV as a piece of art" mantra, and coupled with GalleryPlayer, you'd really have an easy time hosting the local arts and crafts club. To be frank, we're not so sure the unit you see above is exactly for sale, but even the greenest of DIYers should be able to concoct one of their own.[Via DVICE]
Did you cheap out on a TV stand? It probably just got recalled.
Let's be honest -- after sinking a few large on a new HDTV, a few hundies on some overpriced cables and even more on HD programming, you weren't about to cough up another month's paycheck for a decent TV stand. For the 48,600 customers out there who purchased one of four different King Pao Enterprise TV Stands (likely sold and distributed by Studio RTA), you now have a product known for tipping over and ruining lives. The E Series, Fierro, Madison DLP and Madison 3000 -- all of which were sold at Best Buy and other big box retailers from May 2004 to August 2008 -- have been deemed unstable and unfit for use in your living room, and it's suggested that you cautiously remove your set and wait for a "repair kit" before it does the removing for you. Godspeed.
Panasonic brings two more choices to the theater rack market
Panasonic's new SC-HTR510-K (pictured) and SC-HTR10-K are a pieces of gear that, for lack of a better term, is called the theater rack -- that union of furniture, electronics and speakers that in an audio-only time would have been called a console system. We'd much prefer a HTIB (especially one of the Japan-only models) to these electrified pieces of furniture, but they are probably only meant for space-constrained Japanese market. The larger ¥200,000 ($1,800) SC-HTR510-K is a 3.1-channel system with 3x65-Watts of power and a 90-Watt subwoofer, while the ¥50,000 ($450) 2.1-channel SC-HTR10-K makes do with 2x25-Watts in the front and a 30-Watt sub. Simplicity is obviously the drive with these, so Viera Link shows up along with AAC, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding.
Sony BRAVIA RHT G500 Home Theater TV Stand
Need a home theater upgrade from your TV's audio but don't feel the need to have any of those messy things like speakers laying around? Sony's announced its own HTIB / TV stand, the RHT-G500, a 3.1 channel sound system with three HDMI 1.3 inputs, BRAVIA Sync connectivity and a Digital Media Port for additional access to iPods, WiFi etc. With S-Force PRO Front surround technology (apparently they're not bothering to fake 5.1 without rear channels anymore) Sony Europe didn't see the need to include any further specs or pricing info, though it should fit and BRAVIA LCD from 32 - 40-inches with no problem, unless you consider the lingering feeling you probably would have been better off with a midrange HTIB system a "problem".[Via Slash Gear]
Panasonic puts speakers in TV stand, calls it SC-HTR110
Having come to the land of HD from the audio world, it's ironic to see the return of essentially "console" systems that put speakers, amps and processing in a TV stand. But hey, fashion moves in cycles, right? Seriously, we'd recommend a HTIB system before one of these, but if you are really space- or fashion-constrained, or simply can't be bothered to think about both audio equipment and display furniture, then Panasonic's new SC-HTR110 might interest you. They've come up with a clever name, "rack theater," which will compliment your (naturally) Viera TV with basic surround decoding (including Dolby Virtual Speaker tech for surround-ish sound), amplification and four drivers spread across L/R channels. All of that, built into the TV stand! Up for grabs next month in Japan (where it makes more sense); let's hope this is one trend that doesn't catch on Stateside.
Sharp's 300 Watt TV stand
Sharp's new ANPR1000H is two, two products in one: TV stand and 2.1 "surround" sound system. There's also an FM tuner thrown in to complete the package. As you can see, you get L-R channels and two "sub"woofers. Oh yeah, and a place for your TV and assorted players. It's not the monster that Evesham has, but the receiver section of this console features 4x75W, Dolby's Audistry processing (for all manner of sound enhancement), and decoding for DTS, Dolby Digital, and Pro Logic II. We'd rather put the money into a receiver and speakers, but this is probably the sort of setup that was in mind for some other recommendations. No word on US availability, it's currently in Australia for AU$1099 (roughly US$980).
Sauder Woodworking recalls over 400k TV stands
The Consumer Product and Safety Commission has just issued a voluntary recall on two models of Sauder Woodworking television stands that have caused 43 reports of injury. Some 414,000 of the stands, sold at Wal-marts nationwide from January 2005 until May of this year, can collapse if the legs on the lower shelf aren't assembled properly. Consumers should stop using the stand if it begins to move "side-to-side," although we'd probably recommend grabbing a pair of pliers and throwing a little elbow grease into those bolts, just to make sure.
Stand out with Evesham's speakerful TV stand
Why settle for the measly two speakers built into that LED 120hz LCD when you can grab the new Evesham TV stand with nine? The Sound Stage X1 jump starts your surround sound with a subwoofer, two center-channel speakers, four front speakers, and finishes off with two more for the rear surrounds. The speaker orientation uses the acoustic properties of the room to bounce sound off of the rear and side walls, so it works best in a square-shaped room, but it should be a good alternative to stringing wires under the carpet or through the attic. The stand will match many of the new piano-black reflective finishes in today's flat-panel screens, and retails for £300. Now if we could just get them to do something about the TV stand with built-in drink holders...
Sharp unveils a slew of new AQUOS gear
When Sharp does a product release it doesn't fool around, today announcing no less than 15 new additions to the venerable AQUOS lineup: nine LCDs, four DVRs, and a pair of TV stands with built-in receivers and speakers. The displays can be broken down into two general categories -- those with side-mounted speakers and those with speakers underneath the screen -- and then further subdivided by resolution, with seven of the sets sporting 1,366 x 768 pixels and the other two (both 37-inchers) rocking a full 1080p. Models with speakers on the bottom come in 20-, 26-, 32-, and 37-inch varieties, while side-speaker units are available in 26-, 32-, or 37-inch flavors, with both types offering the 37-incher in your choice of resolutions. The higher-res sets also offer a better sound system, higher contrast ratios (1500:1 as opposed to 1200:1), and an extra HDMI port -- though every model sports at least one HDMI and one DVI input. Turning to the DVRs, the top of the line DV-ACW38 offers two digital tuners, one analog tuner, and an 800GB hard drive capacity, while the other three only have two tuners (one each of digital and analog) and rock either 400GB or 250GB HDDs (one of the two 250GB models also includes an antiquated VHS deck). With the two stands -- differentiated by the speaker placement on the LCDs they're meant to hold, and similar to one we saw from Sony not too long ago -- you're getting a digital receiver, two 1-inch tweeters, two 2.5-inch mids, and a 6-inch subwoofer, if not the most attractive design. As far as pricing goes, the LCDs range from 140,000 yen ($1,220) for the 20-incher up to 380,000 yen ($3,300) for either 1080p 37-inch model, the DVRs start at 100,000 yen ($870) and top off at 190,000 yen ($1,650), and either stand can be had for about 130,000 yen ($1,130). The entire lineup will be released steadily between September 1st and October 23rd, though for now, it looks like Japanese consumers will be the only ones picking these up. Keep on reading for exciting pics of both the DVRs and the multimedia stand...[Via HDBeat]
Sony's "hide-and-seek" Bravia TAV-L1 gets pricing and release details
It's coming out a little later than we expected, but Sony has finally announced a solid release window for the Bravia TAV-L1 complete home theater system that we first spotted all the way back in February. As you may recall, this model consists of a 32-inch LCD monitor covered by a motorized panel containing speakers and a slot-loading DVD/SACD player, along with a single HDMI input and two vibration-canceling subwoofers in the base. Knowing full well that consumers love to personalize their gear, Sony will be offering the L1 with optional green, gray, burgundy, orange, or silver speaker grills for $100 apiece starting in September, about a month after the product itself is released. Also on the horizon is a $1,300 system called the RHT-G1000, which features speakers and a receiver built right into a TV stand, allowing users to hook up their own flat panel sets and rear satellites for the full home theater experience. Expect the G1000 to be available sometime in October, while the $4,000 TAV-L1 is scheduled for release next month -- well past the May launch we'd first heard, but also a lot cheaper than the $7,000 we originally reported.
ALU Media Wall makes wires disappear easily
If what you really want is a neat cable-less living room, a flat-screen seeming to be suspended on its own and don't want to tear into your walls to connect everything, ALU may have the television stand for you. It's a fake wall plus shelves for your equipment, that will support up to a 47-inch 185-pound flat-panel TV on its aluminum frame. We haven't seen this show up in the HD Beat flickr group yet, anyone willing to lay down $1,398 for the privilege?[Via QJ.net]
