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Upcoming Sony LCDs opt for cheaper motion, backlighting tech
Waiting on the next generation of Sony LED-backlit LCDs? FlatpanelsHD has some information on the next edition of Sony's BRAVIA sets, dubbed in the UK as the X5500. The key difference here is instead of the company's current Motionflow tech and Triluminos LED backlighting, these sets will opt for Black Frame Insertion technology to up the Hz rate, and while it's still a local dimming LED set, white LEDs will come inside instead of the previous three color setup, reducing cost, but also image quality. Of course, DLNA and AppliCast widget support will all be part of the package, so if you, like us, were looking for a cheaper alternative to Sony's high end sets you'll also be keeping an eye out for these to debut around IFA 2009 in September.
LG's THX-certified LH90 LCD HDTVs now shipping in US
We've been following LG's 240Hz LH90 series of LED-backlit HDTVs since they were launched alongside oodles of internet-connected rivals at CES, and now -- at long last -- the 1080p trio is shipping to US soil. The sets, which are the first-ever to boast THX certification, also feature an ambient light sensor, 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 240Hz dejudder technology and a super glossy bezel. If you're jonesing to get one in your abode, you can cruise over to your nearest electronics dealer and part ways with $3,199.95 (55-inch), $2,399.95 (47-inch), or $1,899.95 (42-inch).
You know you're a videophile if...
You actually know what OAR stands for and won't watch anything but. You believe edge enhancements are a crime against humanity. You understand that contrast is the most important video spec. You know that more P isn't always better -- as in 1080p vs 720p. You realize that properly de-interlaced video is perfectly acceptable and possible. You can't watch DVDs anymore. HBO HD is a big joke. You can explain what 3:3 pull-down is and why you'd want it. You knew the actual differences between HD DVD and Blu-ray. You have at least one video calibration disc on Blu-ray. You don't think LCDs look better than Plasmas. You've helped a random person at Best Buy pick out a TV, and you don't even work there. It makes you mad that Samsung calls its new 6000, 7000 and 8000 series LED TVs. You make fun of 240Hz HDTVs. Your HDTV has been professional calibrated. There are Blu-ray Discs in your collection because of their picture quality. You know the name of the mode on your TV that disables overscan. You think it simply isn't possible for downloads to ever compare to Blu-ray in quality. Engadget HD is the first site you read every day when you wake up.
LG's LH55 series of 1080p, 240Hz LCDs now shipping
Remember all those LCDs LG flooded us with at CES earlier this year? Another set of them is shipping, the LH55 models in sizes ranging from 37- to 55-inches. These don't have any of the fancy internet connectivity or wireless HDMI tricks offered by some of the company's more flash sets, but all offer 1080p resolutions at TruMotion 240Hz refresh rates, 80,000:1 contrast ratios, and other niceties like auto-calibration and Clear Voice II, which pledges to ensure dialogue doesn't get washed out by heavyhanded soundtracks. They're all Energy Star 3.0 certified, too, so you'll feel a little more green while watching that Discovery Earth Blu-ray on a television that's almost five feet on the diagonal. MSRPs range from $1,399 up to $3,899, so get bargain hunting.
LG's 240Hz LH90 LED TV series priced, global release dates still a mystery
LG's finally put a price on its TruMotion 240Hz LH90 series displays. Available in 42, 47, and 55-inch sizes, the LED TVs boast a whopping 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, THX support, and the ability to play DivX files via USB. If you need to start budgeting early, expect to pay somewhere around ₩3,300,000 (US $2,445) to ₩ 6,400,000 (US $4,742), depending on the model. We know it's destined for an international release, but other than that, unfortunately mum's the word when that date might be.
To Samsung, "vidification" means a theater experience everywhere
Samsung seems very optimistic for a CE company in these economic times, but the way we heard VP Scott Birnbaum tell it, it couldn't be in a better place to help customers "vidify" with loads of theater-experience when & where you want it hardware. Emphasizing a focus on LCDs, that means matching expected customer desires with a push to 16:9 on devices from TVs to laptops. We're not ones for slick buzzwords, but the results speak from themselves, from speedy Netflix streaming Blu-ray players, to the latest round of HDTVs with widgets (great), edge lit LED lighting (good) and 240Hz (we're not convinced yet) technology, and the outer edge of products like the Omnia HD HDMI packing celly. If Samsung's not giving the people what they want, it's certainly trying, peep the full PR after the break and see how close to the mark it is.
Toshiba matches prices, ship dates to LED backlit REGZA LCDs in Japan
Toshiba is back and ready to make good on some of the higher end HDTVs promised at CES, after showing off the energy efficient C8000 REGZA LCDs, it's time for the 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio local dimming LED backlit ZX8000 (labeled SV670 in the U.S.) series. These also pack the latest edition of Super Resolution+ upconverting, ClearScan 240Hz motion and fifth generation Pixel Pure image processing. We've heard those picture quality claims and seen the (sometimes controversial) results before, but a few features anyone can appreciate are InstaPort HDMI for lagless switching between inputs and AutoView calibration for room lighting conditions. Add-on hard disk drives are also available, and the ZX8000 models are expected in late June / early July for 46- and 55-inch models topping out around 600,000 ($5,944.) Willing to live without LED backlighting, 240Hz or other bullet points? The ZH8000, Z8000 and H8000 models are ready and waiting for appropriately lower prices. %Gallery-40868%
Sony takes the wraps off 240Hz, RFID enabled BRAVIA LCDs in Japan
If the trouble of typing in a credit card number was the thing keeping you from renting acTVila video on-demand movies in Japan, Sony's fixed that right up by including FeliCa reading capability in the remote for its latest BRAVIA LCDs. No longer tied to an ugly outboard box, now you need only to press your credit card, cellphone or other RFID enabled device against the remote to authorize payment. The Japanese edition W5 and F5 line of LCDs mostly feature 240Hz MotionFlow and the latest BRAVIA Engine 3 display processing, and top out around ¥450,000 ($4,614) for a 52-inch. Check out video of the RFID remote on Akihabara News or embedded after the break and imagine living in a Blade Runner-type world of the future where overpriced rentals downloaded via fiber directly onto an HDTV screen are billed to whatever card desired with a mere flick of the wrist, as opposed to overpriced, overcompressed rentals that shamefully expand ones cable bill each month.[Via Akihabara News & AV Watch]
Samsung properly introduces Series 6 / 7 LCD TVs
You knew Samsung wouldn't pull up in Vegas without a few new sets to clutter up your living room, and sure enough, we're being treated to a fresh pair of CCFL-backlit displays. The Series 6 ranges from 19- to 55-inches, while the Series 7 is comprised of just a 40-, 46- and 52-inch model, and the latter three (along with '09 Series 6 650 40-inch and above) sets feature the Yahoo!-driven Internet@TV functionality. Furthermore, the Series 7 is Sammy's first ever 240Hz CCFL-backlit display, while all Series 6 sets 32-inches and up tout the 120Hz Auto Motion Plus technology. All the nitty-gritty details (save for pricing and availability) are tucked away in the read link. %Gallery-40656%
Samsung stuns with 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series LED LCD HDTVs
Here we are, folks, finally at the end of Samsung's CES 2009 gauntlet. We've seen Blu-ray decks, a BD-infused soundbar, LCD-equipped refrigerators and even a few HDTVs, but Sammy's clearly hoping you pay the most attention to its new line of LED-backlit LCDs. The 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series sets all ditch traditional CCFLs in favor of the newer, brighter and more energy-efficient LED backlighting. Of note, the 8000 Series is the only one a 240Hz refresh rate; the other lines get stuck with the perfectly acceptable 120Hz Auto Motion Plus. Furthermore, the 7000 / 8000 crew will come ready for the Yahoo!-driven Internet@TV online content service, while the 6000 family will allow access to Sammy's own InfoLink RSS service. More meaningful specs (screen size, brightness, contrast ratio, price, favorite color / date spot, etc.) are sorely missing, but you can peak the linked PDF if you don't believe us.%Gallery-40661%
LG's super slim LED backlit LCD packing wireless HD, DivX HD
Finally ready to give up further details on its 24.8-mm thick LED backlit LH95 (apparently dubbed the LH9500 in the UK), revealing to Stuff.tv we can expect a 55-inch HDTV with wireless HD box included. DivX HD support on the panel itself (sorry, no word about any Netflix streaming abilities just yet) via USB or Bluetooth makes sure there will be plenty to watch on the 2,000,000:1 contrast screen with 240Hz technology. At least on paper, one of the slimmest, best looking LCDs we've heard about so far, we'll see if it impresses in person shortly.
LG to debut world's slimmest LED-backlit LCD TV (LH95) at CES
Not content with just making soap opera hair look like watery strands of gold, LG is also planning to trump last year's round of ultrathin LCD TVs by bringing the planet's slimmest LED-backlit LCD TV to Las Vegas. Expected to garner fingerprints from every nationality at CES 2009, the LH95 will check in at just 24.8-millimeters thick (0.976-inches) and boast a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the outfit's 240Hz TrueMotion Drive dejudder technology. No word on a price or release date (or panel size, oddly enough), but hopefully we'll find out more in just under a fortnight.[Via Boy Genius Report]
LG Display plans to melt eyes with Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV
Seriously, there's only so much picture improving you can do before the law of diminishing returns demands some recognition. While Sony just spent boatloads creating an over-the-top advertisement for its largely unimpressive 240Hz Motionflow technology, LG Display is laughing all the way to Vegas with its Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV. Set to debut at CES 2009, said panel will boast a four-millisecond response time and an unprecedented 480 refresh rate per second. Curiously, we're not informed of the screen size nor the resolution, so we could theoretically run into a 9-inch 320 x 240 display and be totally underwhelmed. On the real, the outfit is expected to launch the world's first Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV panel in the second half of next year, but we're just about to lay down good money that Sony or Samsung accelerates development in order to beat it to the punch. Full release is after the break.
Sony sets Guinness World Record with BRAVIA-drome
Sony was smelling a world record when it constructed this beast, and sure enough, that's exactly what it set. The BRAVIA-drome was originally constructed to showcase its 240Hz Motionflow technology, and it has ended up being a continual source of interest even after the commercial shoot. This week, a Guinness World Records adjudicator affirmed that the structure was indeed the "World's Largest Zoetrope." We're not exactly sure that this proves / disproves the awesomeness / lameness of its 240Hz tech, but congrats anyway, Sony.
Sony's 240Hz BRAVIA KDL-52XBR7 HDTV reviewed: extra Hz not worth the $
Here it is, the review you've been waiting for. Are all those Hz worth all those dollars? If you believe CNET, the answer is "sadly, no." The 52-inch KDL-52XBR7 was all the rage upon its arrival, promising slick visuals and a dejudder processor that would wow, stun and awe. Unfortunately, it seems the set hasn't exactly lived up to expectations, as the deep black levels, accurate color temperature and color decoding, comprehensive complement of inputs and beautiful body weren't enough to overcome the breathtaking $4,200 price tag. Furthermore, the 240Hz refresh rate was found to offer "only minor improvements to picture quality," proving our fears of it being more about marketing than performance absolutely correct. Bottom line? Take your dollars elsewhere -- chances are, you won't miss the Hz.
Sony builds massive BRAVIA-drome in Italy to showcase 240Hz Motionflow tech
As the race to infinityHz continues, Sony is busting out the advertising checkbook to showcase its utterly mesmerizing 240Hz Motionflow technology. The BRAVIA-drome installation, which is modeled after a 19th century zoetrope, measures 10-meters across, spins at over 40kph and is the centerpiece in a new commercial designed to display soccer action in the sleekest, smoothest, silkiest way imaginable (or so it says). Have a quick glimpse at the filming of the spot just after the break.[Via Geek]%Gallery-38661%
Samsung & LG HDTV prototypes battle for supremacy
Samsung and LG are locked in a tight race for "best HDTV you won't be buying this year or next" this week at the International Meeting on Information Display 2008, trading shots with OLEDs, LCDs and more. Samsung brought along an upgraded version of its true 240Hz 15-inch Blue Phase LCD panel with improved image quality, some fresh carbon nanotube-based color electronic paper, plus slimmed-down versions of its 40- and 50-inch LCDs. Then it got busy with the OLEDs, dropping in a 14-inch HD display, 31-inch 1080p display and 5-inch VGA panel, to which LG could only respond with the above 19-inch OLED powered by amorphous silicon TFT. More stills of the carnage exist beyond the read link, but in the battle of display tech streeting in 2011 at the earliest, we just hope LG is holding back a few surprises for CES.[Via OLED-Display, thanks Erik]
Sony's 240Hz KDL-52XBR7 / 9.9mm KLV-40ZX1M HDTVs hands-on
Sony already fessed up to the European versions of these sets last week at IFA, but we were able to wrap our eyes around the US versions here at CEDIA. Both sets were expectedly gorgeous, but the ultrathin KLV-40ZX1M (which is curiously slated to ship sans a TV tuner in the US, per a rep) really won over our hearts. Hit the gallery below and see if you're equally touched. %Gallery-31200%
Sony debuts 240Hz KDL-52XBR7 / 9.9mm KLV-40ZX1M LCD HDTVs for USers
Sony's thunder on these sets was already felt over in Berlin, but there's nothing quite like official verbiage saying that a 9.9-millimeter thick HDTV (and one with 240Hz technology) will be coming to the good 'ole US of A. Alongside Blu-ray HTIBs and a pricey new BD deck, Sony's also formally introducing the 52-inch BRAVIA KDL-52XBR7 and 40-inch BRAVIA KLV-40ZX1M here at CEDIA. The former features the eye-testing Motionflow 240Hz frame rate tech, which promises to deliver "exceptional motion detail in movies, sports and video games." It also boasts the outfit's BRAVIA Engine 2, an 80,000:1 contrast ratio and compatibility with BRAVIA Link expansion modules. As for Mr. Thin, it features a 1080p panel, an edge-lit wide color gamut LED backlight, a single HDMI input and support for Sony's BRAVIA Wireless Link. Both sets should ship in December for undisclosed prices, but you can read up on the full array of specifications just after the break.
Sony delivers the first 240Hz LCDs November 10
Sure Samsung had 240Hz (and wavier hair) first, but with its TVs stuck in development until 2011, Sony's back with another first / best of the night in the W1 series display, packing four times the speed of previous LCD HDTVs, and double that of the new 120Hz your best friend just picked up. Allegedly smoother than Billy Dee Williams cracking open a Colt 45 in Cloud City, the KDL-46W1 and KDL-40W1 bring 1080p with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, BRAVIA Engine 2 image processing, 24p support and an assortment of hookups from modem to HDMI. Stop by your nearest Japanese electronics shop November 10 to get a peep at these and their slim, sexy sister, but bring ¥400,000 ($3,652 U.S.) for the 46-inch or ¥290,0000 ($2,648 U.S.) for the 40-inch -- you could try showing up without it, but why take chances?
