backlighting
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Mitsubishi shows off prototype LCD HDTVs backlit by LEDs and lasers
Mitsubishi's showing off a new approach to traditional flat screen LCD TVs with this prototype (on the left) that uses a combination of lasers and LEDs for backlighting. Rather than using plain white LEDs like most displays, it's similar to Sony's old Triluminos tech with red provided by lasers, and then cyan LEDs for blue and green that Mitsubishi claims provide a wider color gamut. There's "tens" of red lasers, along with hundreds of edge-mounted LEDs being mixed together to even out the intensity between the two, but we'll have to wait until later in the fiscal year of 2011 to see if Mitsubishi's second go-round with LaserTV is a hit.
Sharp combines its latest LCD improvements in LX series HDTVs
Coming straight out of a brand new 10G production facility in Sakai, Sharp's line of LX HDTVs (in 60-, 52-, 46- and 40-inch sizes) are all sporting the latest in LCD technology with UV²A panels and LED backlighting. Unfortunately, like Sony, these new screens abandon the higher quality RGB LED technology of the pricey XS1 series for cheaper white LEDs. Still, with a price of around $5,000 for a 52-inch compared to the $12,000 sticker shock of the XS1, it's easy to see why the switch was made. Other improvements include a light sensor for auto-calibration, a six speaker (5 speakers on the 40-inch) integrated 2.1 channel sound system with "Duo Bass" subwoofer and the usual assortment of VOD and AQUOS network support in store for Japanese buyers this November. While already available on a few U.S. models expect the new tech to spread across Sharp's U.S. lineup shortly, not to mention Sony and anyone other parties interested in a piece of the company's suddenly expanded manufacturing muscle. [Via AV Watch & Akihabara News]
Poll: Which HDTV feature are you least concerned about?
It's that time of year, from now 'til CES a constant stream of new displays will finally be launched, touting specs, features and bullet points. Of course, once it's time to buy a new one we'll all have our own list of priorities, but which one is the least likely to make you consider a certain model? Whether it's a Hz race that doesn't concern you plasma fans, a complete disregard for useless contrast ratio measurements, or if you've already decided widgets aren't for you, let us know.%Poll-33625%
Poll: Best LCD backlighting choice?
Last week we took a peek into plans for future HDTVs, but it's 2009 and for buying an HDTV in the here and now there's only a few flat panel choices - while plasma definitely has its fans, facts are gentlemen (and most buyers) seem to prefer LCDs. As seen at CES, every manufacturer has kicked the competition for backlighting and image quality up a notch, with higher quality CCFL backlighting and even LED trickling to lower end brands, most notably Vizio's planned $2,000 55-inch HDTV due later this year. Further confusing things, though Samsung will also have an updated local dimming LED backlit line on shelves later this year, it's currently touting slim, energy efficient edge lit LED models, despite their slightly lower picture quality, while some top of the line LCDs with older CCFL lighting keep pumping out high quality pictures. So we bring the question to you, of the technologies currently on the market, which one has you convinced it's a good buy?%Poll-30182%
Samsung rolls out 8 new HDTVs, new 40-inch LED backlit LCD
Samsung's Series 7 / 8 / 9 plasmas and LCDs have broken cover already in Europe or North America, including the slim PAVV Bordeaux 850 (pictured), but Asia gets first crack at the latest iteration of the company's local dimming LED backlighting tech trickling down into the 40-inch LCD size range. Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology, 1080p, 2,000,000:1 contrast ratios are a must, while also substituting direct YouTube access for the U.S. version's USA Today-powered InfoLink RSS service. No word on the prices the newly expanded Bordeaux line, but we're more interested in how soon the latest in backlighting technology is moving downmarket.Update: Not first, just new, although that shouldn't sate our appetite for a future LN40A950 one bit. [Thanks to all for pointing that out]
Westinghouse LVM-47w1 47-inch 1080p LCD for less than $3k
After being up on their website for a while, Westinghouse has finally officially announced the 47-inch addition to their line of 1080p LCD panels, the LVM-47w1. They have long been one of the few 1080p sets to include support for true 1920x1080 input. The set has 6 HD inputs (1 HDMI, 2 DVI w/HDCP, 1 VGA and 2 Component) a nice 6.5ms refresh rate and 1200:1 contrast ratio. One of the few knocks on the Westy line remains, with only 75% of the NTSC color gamut available, as opposed to 90% from other backlighting technologies. All the same if that isn't a problem, the estimated price comes in at an entirely reasonable $2,999, no release date yet.
Sony's 82-inch Bravia makes a showing in Taiwan
The year of LCDs just got a whole lot brighter thanks to this gigantic Sony LCD and its LED backlighting. Now before you get all hippity-hoppity this is just a prototype. We do have more info though for you like it is a 1080p TV (it better be) and that it will in fact be produced. What we do not have for you though is the offical price or availablity, but we are going to take a guess that the price is going to be somewhere between "a whole lot" and "a WHOLE lot." As for the availablity, a long time.
