EdgeLit
Latest
Sharp's bigger and better HDTVs for 2012 start hitting store shelves
Right on schedule, Sharp let us know it's begun shipments of Aquos 7-series LED HDTVs in 60- and 70-inch sizes. With MSRPs of $2,300 and $3,300, respectively, the 745U models have edge LED lighting, 3D, WiFi and SmartCentral UI built in featuring apps including Netflix, Hulu and Facebook. The 8-series models will bring the company's latest Quad Pixel Plus 2 Quattron tech when they start shipping towards the end of this month as well as full-array LED backlighting and an ultra-slim bezel design. Check after the break for sizes, specs and prices, and let us know if these models have shown up in your neck of the woods yet.
Vizio reveals $3,499 price for its 58-inch ultrawidescreen HDTV
We were told at CES last month to expect Vizio's ultrawidescreen LCDs would hit the market sooner rather than later, now we know how it will fit into our budgets, even if we're not sure how the aspect ratio will fit in our living rooms. Similar to the way its first Theater 3D TVs popped up last year, the XVT 3D CinemaWide product page reveals a 58-inch model (50- and 71-inchers are also planned) sporting its trademark 21:9 aspect ratio (compared to a traditional HDTV's 16:9) and 2560x1080 resolution will start at $3,499. It also has an array of specs, measuring the 120Hz Edge LED lit screen at 56.7-inches wide by 29-inches high and 1.8-inches deep. Just as we saw when they were first announced at CES 2011, Vizio upscales Blu-ray and other wider-than-widescreen sources to fill the screen without those black bars we've become accustomed to. If you're watching standard HD programming, the extra space alongside can accommodate tiles for Yahoo! Widgets pulling information from the internet without blocking the picture at all. Check our gallery below for a better look and a demo video after the break, we'll keep an ear to the ground to find out when and where these displays might hit the market first. Update: Vizio tells USA Today to expect this set to launch ahead of March Madness -- the better to manage our completely-useless-by-the-Sweet-16-because-Gonzaga-won-again brackets on. [Thanks, chilipalm]
LG panel puts LEDs along a single edge, achieves more nits with fewer watts
Confining LEDs to the edges of an LCD TV cuts its energy consumption, particularly if you can get away with just lighting up one or two edges instead of all four. LG claims its latest Full HD 47-inch panel is the "world's most energy efficient," using a single vertical edge backlight to achieve 400 nits of brightness with just 28W of power -- less than any other HDTV bigger than 40-inches and even less than many 20-inch PC monitors. That's all good so long as there's no head-lighting or other tell-tale signs when the panel built into a final product. We hope for LG's sake that the washed out right side on the picture above is due to burning rubber. Full PR after the break.
3M Uniformity Tape improves lighting quality on LED edge-lit LCDs, lowers production costs
Ever seen a display like the one on the left? That's long been a pesky phenomenon -- known as "head-lighting" -- with many LED edge-lit LCD panels, and 3M's new Uniformity Tape wants to make sure it won't be around for much longer. Basically, the tape sticks onto an LCD's internal light guide, and its printed-on optical pattern disperses each LED's light path at wider angles. This allows for up to three times the distance between each LED, while still maintaining an even all-around brightness level across the panel. There are other benefits to this as well considering future LCD panels could use fewer LEDs -- cutting manufacturing costs, and raising eco-friendliness. Hopefully the tape actually ends up working as well as the photo illustrates, but for now, you can view the full press release by clicking past the break.
VIZIO's 65-inch Theater 3D TV with passive glasses is official, launches this month
If the current crop of active shutter 3D televisions isn't your style and you'd prefer some cheaper specs, say hello to VIZIO's new 65-inch Theater 3D Razor XVT3D650SV LED set, its biggest TV yet. Previously spotted lurking about on the manufacturer's website, this set uses cheap polarized glasses like the ones in most movie theaters unlike the more expensive (and, according to the press release, more prone to dimming and flickering) active shutter glasses used on most televisions today, including a few of VIZIO's own. Beyond that, it's a 120Hz edge lit LED LCD set that comes with four pairs of glasses and also includes VIZIO Internet Apps and SRS TruSurround integrated speakers. The downside for the cheap glasses however, is that most of the cost is in the display itself ratcheting the price up to $3,499 when it arrives on Sam's Club shelves this month -- until then, check the details in the press release after the break.
Unannounced 65-inch edge-lit LED TV with passive 3D glasses shows up on VIZIO.com
Making plans to invite the whole neighborhood to watch the BCS National Championship in 3D? For large groups, the best option may be this 65-inch Theater 3D LCD HDTV that posters on AVSForum spotted today on VIZIO's website, since its screen is polarized for use with passive 3D glasses like the ones used at most movie theaters. Since all the cost is in the $3,699 screen, the individual pairs of glasses are far cheaper than the battery powered active shutter glasses used by other 3DTVs currently available. The specs show this one is a 120Hz edge lit LED unit, unlike the 480Hz local dimming 3D sets the company announced earlier this week, but we'll wait for an official announcement and a release date before deciding if that makes a difference.
VIZIO launches latest XVT series HDTVs, new Blu-ray players with 3D today
Say hello to the new VIZIO XVT 3D series, while the XVT Pro line announced earlier this year (and that 72-inch model we were drooling over) were not to be, these 42-, 47- and 55-inch HDTVs are real and on sale today through Amazon, Sam's Club and Target's online shops and should be on shelves later this month. Features like the number of LED backlighting zones (for the 47- and 55-, the 42-inch features edge LED lighting), claimed contrast ratio, WiFi N and VIZIO Internet Apps are consistent with existing models, so the big addition this time around is 480Hz refresh rate and obviously, 3D readiness (active shutter glasses not included). VIZIO's also announced two new 3D compatible Blu-ray players to match for $189, plus a new router and some high priced HDMI cables to fill out the lineup. Full specs and prices are in the press release after the break, but with a premium of $300-$400 on Amazon over the award winning 2D-only XVT3SV lineup (we have one in for review, hint: it's excellent), most will probably want to wait for some kind of package deal unless there's a copy of NBA 2K11 3D or Black Ops burning a hole in their console right now. Update: It appears VIZIO's made one other change since its initial 3D announcement, including RealD technology and using their glasses. We asked if these glasses will be compatible with those from other manufacturers but haven't gotten an answer to that question yet.
Sony Internet TV with Google TV review
If you're interested in being an early adopter of Google TV, for now you can choose a separate passthrough box like the Logitech Revue or Sony's Blu-ray player, or plop the whole experience into the display with Sony's new Internet TV line. We spent some time with the Sony Internet TV NSX-32GT1, and we're a bit surprised to find that it could feature the best implementation of the Google TV experience of them all. But is that enough? After you've digested our impressions of the platform as a whole, check out our review of the Internet TV to find out.%Gallery-106268%%Gallery-104910% This review is primarily of the Sony Internet TV hardware -- make sure you read our full Google TV review to get a feel for the platform itself!
VIZIO XVT HDTVs with LEDs, WiFi, apps & Bluetooth ready to ship
This year's iteration of VIZIO's top of the line XVT LCDs (at least until the XVT3D -- née XVT Pro -- series hits in Q4) are finally ready to ship and, as we've come to expect, pack a long list of features to go along with their price tags. The 240Hz 42-, 47-, and 55-inch versions all feature LED backlighting, which may be ready to beat criticisms of light black levels with a claimed 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Whether or not you believe any TV manufacturer's contrast measurements, an increased 120 zones of backlighting (up from 80 last year, up to 160 from 120 on the 47-inch) and a profile that's 2 inches slimmer (down to just 3 inches deep) this time around should be easily noticeable. The 37- and 32-inch XVT models rely on the company's edge lit Razor LED lighting tech and are less than 2 inches this, with stated 1,000,000:1 contrast ratios. Other than arbitrary and easily fudged specs, VIZIO's fighting the competition with its VIA suite of features -- widget based app platform with Netflix, Pandora & others, built-in WiFi and QWERTY Bluetooth remote -- and they're all here, along with plenty of HDMI inputs and SRS audio technology. The 32-inch isn't the cheapest model that size you'll find at $699 and neither is the top of the line XVT553SV with its $2,199 MSRP, but after perusing the list of specs in the press release after the break, it's hard to imagine finding many with a similar resumé at those prices.
Sony UK's 3DTV launch includes a few free games to get early adopters started
As the GMT turns, Sony's divisions are revealing their 3D plans for the rest of the year and the latest is its UK branch. The HX803 3D-ready model is first out the door in June, with LX903 and HX903 models arriving shortly afterward packing specs identical to their US cousins, with the addition of Freeview HD tuners and PAL-friendly refresh rates. Since the HX803 doesn't come with any of those 100-hour battery rated glasses , viewers getting ready for the 2010 World Cup will likely opt for one of the 3D accessory packs with two pairs included plus the necessary IR emitter. No word on prices for any of these yet, but PS3 owners who buy a new TV within the launch "limited period" can expect to vouchers with download codes for 3D-upgraded versions of four PSN games: PAIN (3 episodes), WipEout HD (full game), Motorstorm Pacific Rift (single level demo) and Super Stardust HD (full game). Movie heads get Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Deep Sea Blu-ray 3D discs bundled with unspecified "selected products," with the former going on sale by itself June 14. Check out all the details in the press release below or just refresh the Sony UK store until that preorder button shows up and we find out just how many pounds are needed to bring one home.
Pricing for Sony's 2010 3DTVs revealed at JR.com
We've been eagerly waiting for some US pricing info on Sony's upcoming 3DTVs, and while SonyStyle still shows only a grim "notify me," JR.com is listing pricing information for the LX900, HX900 and HX800 series LCDs. As usual, preorder pricing on sites like this can shift, but at the moment $1,799 nabs a 40-inch LED edge lit XBR-40LX900 with integrated 3D emitter, WiFi and face-tracking, all the way up to the 60-inch version at $3,779. The HX900 (LED backlit) and HX800 (LED edge lit) are both "3D capable," requiring a separate emitter plus the requisite glasses to get down with the extra dimension and falling in somewhere in between in terms of price. The ship date is only mentioned as "coming soon," but at least now you know how many pennies to roll up before heading out to the store some time this summer. [Thanks, Ali]
Toshiba brings new LCDs this month with WiFi and LED, but no Cell
They may not be quite as thrilling as the Cell TV ZX900 series Toshiba was focused on during its CES press conference, but if you can put off all that LED-backlit, Wireless HD 3D conversion madness there's a slew of other new HDTVs due this month. The 120Hz UX600 takes top billing with its edge-lit LEDs and sub 2-inch depth, plus the added bonus of an included WiFi adapter for access to all the NET TV features with VUDU and DLNA support, allowing access to Twitter, Pandora and more. The 40-, 46- and 55-inch editions retail at $1,399, $1,699 and $2,499, respectively. The 120Hz G300 series is available in the same sizes but without the LEDs, WiFi, Net TV and slim "Air Lagoon" styling the price maxes out at $1,599 for the largest screen. Moving down the line the E200 models focus on energy efficiency while the C100 and CV100 bring small 720p screens with or without built-in DVD player. A quick check of Amazon and other retailers shows the smaller ones already leaking into availability with their larger brethren due, oh, any day now. Check for full MSRP lists and press releases after the break,, plus a peek at the 55300U, if you must.
Sony unveils 3DTV release dates and pricing for Japan
Kicking off an expected repeat flood of 3DTV info over the next few days (Samsung and Panasonic both have events scheduled over the next couple of days) Sony has revealed pricing and shipping information for its new televisions and related accessories in Japan. The new sets share that sweet/ominous monolithic style of the already available NX800 series (also announced today in Japan, along with fellow 2D-only HX700 LCD and DVR-packing BX30H televisions,) with the edge-lit LED LX900 bringing the entire 3D package. With IR emitter built in and two pairs of RealD active shutter glasses, all you'll need to add is a source to the 60-, 51-, 46- and 40-inch models, ranging in price from ¥580,000 ($6,444) to ¥290,000 ($3,222.) Even if the TDG-BR100 / TDG-BR50 3D glasses (also available as an accessory for ¥12,000 ($133) or so) aren't on your face this WiFi-connected abyss of entertainment will look back into you, using face tracking to detect if someone is sitting too close and warn them to move back, as well as dimming and eventually turning off the screen if you leave the room or simply looked away from the TV for an extended period. Want to get the full 3D effect with the LED backlit HX900 and edge-lit HX800? Expect to purchase the glasses and TMR-BR100 IR emitter (¥5,000 or $55) separately, or just live a 2D lifestyle and know the 3D is there if you ever want to upgrade. Feel free to wander through Sony Japan's machine-translated website for more specs and prices of these June & July scheduled displays or alternatively, wait a little while, enjoy the trailer embedded after the break, and we should get some find out U.S.-specific details soon that will likely be considerably easier on the wallet.
Samsung's 3D HDTVs arrive February 26, starting at just under $2,000
Following the company's 2010 Blu-ray player lineup, the first of this year's 3D HDTVs from Samsung are available for preorder at a few internet retailers. The edge-lit LED and 1.1-inch thin C7000 series hits in 40- 46- and 55-inch sizes, with plenty of other features to go along with their 3D and 2D-to-3D conversion abilities. There's access to Samsung Apps & Internet@TV, Skype, AllShare DLNA media streaming, and tweaks that promise to automatically adjust picture and sound for any content source, from a thumb drive to a Blu-ray player. Best pleasant surprise? Price. The UN46B7000 model we reviewed last year started with a $2,999 MSRP (currently down to $1,929 on Amazon), while this year's UN46C7000 (shipping April 16) has a preorder price of $2,599. The 40- and 55-inch versions are similarly priced, at $1,999 and $3,299, respectively, though those necessary 3D glasses are left out of the package as an optional and as yet unpriced accessory that will likely eagerly claim any remaining room in your budget. %Gallery-85380% [Thanks, Jason]
VIZIO's 2010 LCD lineup is LED from top to bottom
VIZIO's finally seen fit to bless the world with further details of its 2010 LCD lineup for the benefit of those without the scratch to ring up an XVT Pro 3D model this August. The XVT Series continues on its LED backlit way, with VIZIO Internet Apps, 802.11n and Bluetooth QWERTY remote in 42- to 55-inch sizes, waiting until May or later to buy should net an extra HDMI jack and updated StudioSound HD. Everything below that, from the 37- to 16-inch HDTVs get the Razor LED edge lit treatment, with a few snagging other bonuses along the way like VIA and 120Hz motion processing. Check the press release for the details, whether dorm room or living room we're sure there's something that fits the bill.
Sony goes in a cheaper direction with wireless XBR10 BRAVIA LCDs
Proudly rocking the XBR10 nameplate, this is the latest Sony BRAVIA (peep the video from its Japanese launch), though the potential to be greatest is up for debate. These 52- and 42-inch models skip over the company's well received (but expensive) Triluminos LED technology for cheaper edge lit LEDs like Samsung. Sony is taking advantage of the tech's slim frames to include wireless HD streaming -- you'll be plugging set-top boxes, game consoles and other video sources into a separate media box, plugging in anything other than AC would ruin the style. Still, it's hard to see many people deciding that wireless HD, Internet powered TV Guide, BRAVIA Engine 3 processing, Motionflow 240Hz, video streaming from Amazon, YouTube and Netflix and Sony's version of Yahoo! Widgets is enough to overcome a serious case of sticker shock. The KDL-52XBR10 and KDL-46XBR10 arrive in October with $5,000 and $4,500 MSRPs, respectively; over a thousand bucks north of comparable, wireless-less Samsung models featuring the same backlighting tech. That Sony brand and experience worth the difference to you?
Video: Slim, wireless, LED-backlit Sony ZX5 LCDs prepped for November release
Sony's packed in a plethora of buzz-worthy tech into its ZX5 series of Bravia LCDs -- thin panels, edge-mounted LED backlighting, 240-Hz Motion Flow, and wireless connection between the media receiver section and the glass. The new 46- and 52-inch versions have got the styling portion of the competition aced, but we're still smarting over the move away from local-dimming Triluminos LEDs. As for the Motion Flow, we'll have to wait and see for ourselves if 240-Hertz is going to be the magic number to win us over. But then again, we're greedy like that; but there's something drool-inspiring about a 52-inch LCD that gets 1080p video wirelessly sent to its 16.6-mm thin frame. Somehow, we don't think our response will be different when these beauties are released to Japan in November. Video after the break.
LG world's thinnest LCD is only 0.23 inches thick
Looks like we've got a new record holder for world's thinnest LCD, as LG pegs its new 42- and 47-inch models at only 5.9mm thick. Apparently lacking an iPhone for the accepted measurement of thinness, this model was reduced to holding up a coin for an example of LG's edge LED lit prowess. Though you may prefer local dimming LEDs, DisplayBlog is hopeful we'll see a combo of the two lighting schemes bringing thinness and high picture quality next year. Meanwhile, compare these to JVC's magnetically mounted former champ, measuring a now-widebody 7mm thick, but at only 5kg, still holding a weight edge over these two at 6.1 and 7.3kg, respectively. LG promises 120Hz refresh technology and 80% of the NTSC color gamut, up from 72% on standard models, on these, but we'll wait for them to go from the demo stand to the store shelf before revisiting the question of whether thinner and more energy efficient is actually better.[Via DisplayBlog]
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%
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.
