Full HD
Latest
Samsung and Armani HDTV hits the stage in Milan
That Samsung / Armani tie-up continues to grow closer, following the cellphones is a new premium HDTV unveiled on the opening day of the Milan International Furniture Fair. The 46- and 52-inch 1080p LCDs include Samsung's 100Hz display technology, wrapped in a design inspired by Giorgio Armani's '08/'09 Armani/Casa home furnishings collection -- inspired by Eileen Gray and reminiscent of Hollywood's Golden Age -- built to incorporate the TV as a design element of the room rather than hide it. Expect the 42-inch model, with stylish backlit remote control (a smaller, pebble shaped remote is also included for your less stylish friends) and specially designed front-mounted power switch to launch in Europe, Korea and Russia mid-summer, followed by the 52-inch in late summer.Read - Samsung & Armani unveil new premium LCD TV at Milan furniture fairRead - Armani turns back to 1930s for home collection
ASUS intros the MK241H display with built-in webcam
You know that the cats at ASUS can't go too long without dropping some shiny new piece of gadgetry on us, and that's exactly what they're doing this morning. If you've been in the market for a decently-sized display as of late, you might want to turn your attention to the MK241H, a 24-inch LCD monitor which features 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) resolution, a 3000:1 contrast ratio, HDMI, D-SUB, and DVD-D (HDSC) inputs, and tops it all off with a built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam. The company is also making a 22-inch version of the screen, the MK221H/S, which packs in a 1680 x 1050 resolution, and a contrast ratio of 5000:1. No word on when these will be available, though we suspect the wait won't be too long.[Via Impress]
Dell showing off 16-inch XPS concept laptop
Once in awhile you get surprised at CES -- this is one of those times. Apparently, Dell is toying with the idea of a 16-inch XPS laptop, and it's brought a concept version of the device to the floor of this year's show. What you're looking at above is a full HD laptop based on the M1530 design. The screen sports a stunning 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is powered by an NVIDIA 8600M graphics chipset. The folks at Notebook Review managed to get some pretty handsome photos of the new design (which is as-yet unannounced) before being "ushered away" from the display. Hopefully we can glean some more information as the CES wheels turn -- so stay tuned.
Hands-on with Panasonic's new HDC-SD9 1080p camcorder
We managed to squeeze in and get our grubby mitts all over Panasonic's newest entry to the HD camcorder market, the HDC-SD9... and it was sweet. We're not sure if the pictures can do it justice, but this thing is super tiny. The company is claiming that it's the "smallest and lightest" full HD camera available, and we're inclined to agree. The 1080p cam uses SD cards for storage, and seems to have the electronics-maker's new 32GB SDHC card in mind for trapping your precious memories. Check the gallery and see the little badboy for yourself.%Gallery-12768%
Sharp reveals gamer-centric 1080p LC-32GP3U AQUOS LCD TV
Sharp's new GP3U family may be marketed towards the sophisticated gamer, but we're pretty certain just about anyone could get down with a set like this. Announced today, the 32-inch LC-32GP3U comes in a trio of hues (black, wine red and white), boasts a "unique swivel stand for ultimate viewing and gaming flexibility," and offers up bottom-mounted speakers to boot. Furthermore, this 1080p AQUOS touts a slim-line design, a Game Mode button on the remote for activating Vyper Drive and providing quick access to side terminals, a subwoofer audio output, two component / three HDMI 1.3 inputs, a VGA port, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, six-millisecond response time, integrated ATSC / NTSC tuner with Clear QAM support, 450 cd/m2 brightness and 176-degree viewing angles. If you're champing at the bit to fix your eyes on this one, all three versions will be available just in time for you-know-what for $1,599.99.
SIM2 reveals $32K C3X 1080 DLP projector, wallets cringe
It's been a tick since we've seen a swank new projector from SIM2, but on paper, it looks like the wait was worth it. The firm's new-generation version of the Grand Cinema C3X (dubbed C3X 1080) features a gorgeous Giorgio Revoldini-designed chassis, TI's brand new DarkChip 4 DLP device, a 10-bit video processor, HD scaling and deinterlacing capabilities, 1080p24 support, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and color-management software that enables installers to "precisely match each projector to its home theater environment." Additionally, you'll find a pair of selectable HDCP-compliant HDMI jacks, component / S-Video / composite / VGA ports, RS-232 / USB control sockets, IR-sensor inputs, 12-volt trigger outputs and an optical digital audio socket. This 22-pounder, which ships in high-gloss gunmetal, black, red and gold, is likely to keep your eyes affixed for days on end, but only if you've got $31,995 to spare. Check out a few more colors in the gallery below, and watch the drool, will ya?%Gallery-11154%
LG's 52-inch 52LG71 LCD TV boasts WiFi for HD streaming
Life's just too good to only unveil one new television in a sitting, right LG? Apparently the firm is in total agreement, as it has decided to also shed a little (and we stress little) light on its (similarly designed) forthcoming 52-incher. The 52LG71 LCD TV claims to be the "world's first 1080p LCD with an integrated 802.11 Wireless System," and while we've certainly seen a few sets doin' the WiFi thing before (yes, even an LCD TV), you won't find us kvetching about newfound competition. Interestingly, we're not told what flavor(s) of 802.11 this thing supports, but considering that it can supposedly handle HD streams without a single hiccup, our bets are on 802.11n. Nevertheless, we'll hopefully be finding out the specifics soon enough, but for now, let this serve as motivation to start packing away any extra pennies as you wait for this to grace store shelves.
LG uncovers 47-inch 47LG75 LCD TV: LED-backlit and oh-so-thin
We knew LG was cookin' up a LED-backlit LCD TV behind closed doors, and it's quite the treat to hear that all that work has paid off in the 47LG75. This 47-inch set touts an uber-slim design, oh-so-sexy frame, 1080p support and hidden speakers to boot. Unfortunately, we're not privy to actual specifications just yet, but we are told to expect a "high contrast ratio" to go along with the automatic brightness and color optimizing technologies. We've also got a sneaking suspicion that this beauty won't be one of the sets ringing up for next to nothing on Black Friday, but we certainly hope LG fleshes out a few more details by then, anyway.
JVC's trio of Clear Motion Drive II 1080p LCD TVs coming to America
Yeah, there's a decent chance you'd forgotten all about JVC's three Clear Motion Drive II-equipped TVs, but just in case you've been waiting in tense anticipation, we've got stellar news. The 37-inch LT-37X898, 42-inch LT-42X898 and 47-inch LT-47X898 are all set to take the US by storm, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit IPS LCD panels, and Full HD support. Additionally, these sets boast the firm's "fifth generation D.I.S.T. (Digital Image Scaling Technology) engine on the JVC-exclusive 32-bit Genessa chip," a 178-degree viewing angle, 2,000:1 contrast ratio, a 4.5-millisecond response rate, 500 cd/m2 brightness, a trio of HDMI 1.3 inputs, and 20-watts of amplification for the built-in speakers. The trifecta is set to land this month as a part of JVC's new Procision series, and will run interested consumers $2,100, $2,600 and $3,300 from smallest to largest.
Toshiba's new 1080p REGZA LCD lineup gets official in US
You know those oh-so-sexy RF350U LCDs that Toshiba has slated for Japan? Yeah, they're heading stateside, too. According to Tosh, the latest duo of REGZA LCDs boast 1080p resolutions, the "world's thinnest LCD TV bezel" at less than one-inch wide, and PixelPure's 14-bit internal processing. The duo will be available in 40- and 46-inch flavors, and will tout a "high-gloss black with chrome trim," xvYCC signal support, DynaLight backlighting, an uber-slim SoundStrip2 speaker system, and a trio of HDMI inputs with CE-Link control. Both of the REGZA Super Narrow Bezel (SNB) models will be landing this month, and while the 40RF350U will cost $1,899.99, the 46RF350U tacks on another $600.
Sharp cranks out new XL2E and X20E AQUOS HDTVs
Not wanting to be outdone by all those other guys loosing LCDs at IFA, Sharp has stepped up and unveiled two new lineups of AQUOS sets in Berlin. The XL2E series, which includes models 42-, 46-, and 52-inches in size, will all offer up 100Hz technology, be Full HD ready, and will even support 24p. Moreover, the trio will tout a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, a built-in DVB-T tuner (and an analog one, too), VGA input, integrated speakers, and three HDMI connectors to boot. As for the X20E series, you'll find 32-, 37-, 42-, 46-, and 52-inch flavors, all of which support 1080p24, feature three HDCP-compliant HDMI ports, and "a slot for CI cards to receive pay TV." The new AQUOS members are slated to land in Europe sometime before the year's end, but pricing details look to still be up in the air.[Via Pocket-Lint]
Samsung expands Bordeaux PAVV LCD lineup: now with 25,000:1 contrast
Just months after upping its line of Bordeaux PAVV LCDs to 17,000:1 in the contrast ratio department, Samsung is outdoing itself once more with the supposedly-titled LN40 (40-inch) and 46F81BD (46-inch). Aside from all that contrast, the sets also boast a sexy black frame, 120Hz Auto Motion Plus technology, 1080p24 support, integrated speakers, HDMI inputs, and System Link, which reportedly enables the display to connect to the internet. No details surrounding price or availability at the moment, but click on through for a few more showcase shots.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Samsung announces F8 LCD lineup at IFA
Among many other things, Samsung has unveiled its F8 series of oh-so-sexy LCDs at IFA in Berlin. Focusing on the LE46F86BD in particular, this display touts 100MHz Motion Plus technology to sharpen up those images, 1080p support, a baffling 25,000:1 contrast ratio, and a superCLEAR panel coating to boot. Furthermore, you'll find a USB 2.0 port, a trio of HDMI 1.3 sockets, an eight-millisecond response time, and CCFL backlighting. Notably, this set looks awfully similar to the 71 / 81-series that Sammy loosed last month, so the possibility of a name change to suit different markets could be the case here -- nevertheless, we'll keep an eye out for pricing and availability details.[Via PRAD, thanks Tony C.]
The definition of High Definition?
One of the reasons we love HD so much is because it's so complicated, sure that makes us uber-geeks, but we're comfortable with that. You'd think that if nothing else, the definition of High Definition would be pretty straight forward, but when PR departments get a-hold of a phrase, things have a tendency to be as clear as mud. But it isn't just PR spin, ask HD enthusiasts what the definition of HD is and you'll almost always get a different answer. Ask a few industry groups and we'd bet you still won't get a consistent response. There was a time when the CEA would allow any TV with more than 480 lines to use the HDTV logo, but these days 720p is the minimum. On top of all this, some manufacturers have adopted the term Full HD to describe 1080p. So why should we expect a big wig like Steve Jobs to get it right?
Vizio releasing 52-inch 1080p LCD for $2,200 next month?
We know that many consumers like their flat panels big and cheap even at the expense of quality. No doubt then, Vizio's new "full-HD" 52-inch LCD rumored to sell at Costco next month will be a hit. The $2,200 sets are even said to carry an LG.Philips panel according to DigiTimes' Taiwanese supply chain sources. Promising, but will they bring LED backlighting, 120Hz tech, and 1080p24 HDMI input? Doubtful, but the money you save should keep the fridge swollen with Bud into the foreseeable future.
BenQ intros uber-sleek 1080p SH4241 LCD TV
It's been a tick since we've seen any swank LCDs come out of BenQ's doors, but we're quite pleased that the SH4241 seems to be a finely tuned piece that could prove worth the wait. Unfortunately, there's not too much dirt on this one just yet, but we do know that the 42-inch LCD HDTV will sport a piano black finish, black / red accents, bottom-mounted speakers, a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, and a mysterious assortment of ports that AV freaks and gamers will apparently drool over. No word just yet on price nor availability, but we'll be sure to keep an eye on this (admittedly attractive) set.[Via AkihabaraNews, image courtesy of DigiTimes]
Toshiba announces availability of new Regza lineup
Shortly after dropping prices across the board on its HD DVD player lineup, Toshiba is now announcing the availability of a myriad of Regzas. The 46-, 47-, 52-, and 57-inch Cinema Series sets are all set to hop on the shipping truck and head to consumers momentarily, and they'll be packin' a ClearFrame 120Hz anti-blur system, 1080p capability, PixelPure3G 14-bit digital video processing, DynaLight dynamic backlight, and Tosh's SoundStrip speaker system. Similar to Hitachi's newfangled Reel60 system, Toshiba is incorporating its own Motion Vector Frame Interpolation (MVFI) technology in order to eliminate blur and make images silky smooth. The new sets have expanding Toshiba's Regza lineup to include sizes ranging from 26-inch to 57-inches in size, and if you're interested in picking one up, be sure to visit the read link for the full rundown of prices.
Hitachi's Reel60 processing technology eliminates 'judder'
Expanding a bit on the Reel60 technology first unveiled in a trio of 1080p sets from Hitachi, the company has reportedly developed a system that eliminates the "mismatch between the motion of films seen in a movie theater and the way that same motion appears on television." Dubbed "judders," these jagged edges will reportedly no longer be apparent on select Hitachi sets, as the Reel60 technology perfects the 3:2 pulldown process by "creating interpolated frames based on the original film images." Interestingly, it wasn't mentioned whether Hitachi would be holding on to its newfangled discovery or licensing it out to other manufacturers, but if anyone feels like coughing up the dough to pick up a P50V701, P50X901, or P60X901, be sure to test it out and sound off below.[Via DealerScope]
Samsung's Bordeaux PAVV LCDs: 17,000:1 contrast and ACAP
Hot on the heels of their PAVV plasmas come three new PAVV LCDs. The 40-, 46-, and 52-inch models all bring a 1080p resolution to the game with 3x HDMIs and a sweet 17,000:1 contrast -- barely nudging out the trio of Bordeaux LCDs unveiled back in March. These sets also feature ACAP, as in Advanced Common Application Platform for interactive television -- part of the ATSC spec we're familiar with Stateside. However, at the moment these sets are S.Korea-only tagged ???3,200,000 (about $3,424) for the LN40M92BD, ???4,200,000 (about $4,494) for the LN46M92BD, and ???5,400,000 (about $5,779) for the LN52M92BD. [Via Akihabara News]
Eizo's 24.1-inch FlexScan HD2441W LCD does Full HD
Eizo's HD2451W not good enough for you? Looks like the firm is cranking out yet another widescreen monitor, but the differences aren't all that substantial. Nevertheless, the FlexScan HD2441W sports a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 450 cd/m2 brightness, 178-degree viewing angles, HDCP-compliant DVI port, VGA, twin HDMI inputs, OutlineEnhancer filtering, audio out, several USB ports, picture-in-picture, and a touch sensitive slide bar to access the on-screen display adjusters. Thie device will be arriving in black, a white-silver combination, and titanium silver color schemes, and will include a five year warranty to help you rest easier. No word yet on price, but it should be filtering onto select shelves any minute.
