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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?
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.
Toshiba intros C3000 / H3000 Regza LCD lineups
For Toshiba, kicking out a duo of new Regza lines a week or so ago just wasn't enough, as the firm has unleashed yet another pair of LCD displays in the rapidly-growing lineup with the C3000 and H3000. The C3000s (pictured after the break) will range from 26- to 42-inches in size, sport both digital and terrestrial analog tuners, dual HDMI inputs, VGA, S-Video, and built-in stereo speakers to boot. The H3000s, however, will range from 32- to 52-inches in size, sport a 300GB internal hard drive for recording your favorite shoes, HDMI / S-Video / composite inputs, an eSATA connector, integrated analog / digital tuners, and onboard Ethernet to top things off. The barrage of sets will be shipping from April to June depending on model, and while the cheapest of the bunch will run you just ¥140,000 ($1,177), the flagship 52H3000 will ring up right around ¥590,000 ($4,961).
ByD:sign / EyeFi cheapo 42 and 47-inch 1080p LCDs
The ByD:sign / EyeFi tag-team duo just announced a refresh of their 42 and 47-inch 1080p LCD sets. The new LF-4200DFK and LF-4700DFK pair of televisions still pack a 1920 x 1080 resolution and 500cd/m2 brightness only now with an integrated digital/analog tuner and improved 1200:1 contrast. They also tout a faster 6.5-ms response for the 42-inch panel on down to 6-ms for the 47-inch. The slabs pack a Faroudja DCDi scaler; HDMI, S-Video, D-Sub 15, and composite inputs (see ya component); and presumably a Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) panel like their previous low-cost sets. At ¥219,800 (about $1,903) for the 42-inch and ¥269,800 (about $2,336) for the 47-inch, they've got the minerals to call these the "industries cheapest Full HD LCDs." But as Costco and Sams patrons can already attest, that ain't even true. Still, let's wait for some solid US pricing after these launch in Japan on March 9th before bringing the hammer down too hard.[Via Impress] Read -- 42-inch Read -- 47-inch
Samsung launches three new 1080p plasmas in Korea
We may debate which format is better for high definition -- LCD or Plasma -- but Samsung for its part is going ahead with new plasma displays, including three new 1080p-capable sets for the Korean market. The sets come in 42-, 50- (SPD-42- and -50Q92HD), and 63-inch models, and all include Samsung's Ultra Daylight mode technology and 15,000:1 contrast ratios. The largest model (SPD-63P71FHD) also includes Bluetooth inside so you can pair it with headphones, or even a Bluetooth-enabled printer... for creating some hard copy of that special image off your next-gen DVD. Follow the Read link for more pics of models and sets.
South Korea hearts Full HD, Samsung and LG to square off at CES
While we Americans tend to seem satisfied with the 720p / 1080i content that flows through our set-top boxes and ATSC tuners every single day, South Koreans are apparently up in arms over which TV truly is "the best." Sure, Mossberg says that 1080p isn't a big deal when scoping out a set, and even though Seoul's only chance at even getting 1080p content comes from gaming consoles and their highly-overpriced HD DVD / Blu-ray players, it's that "Full HD" sticker that (seemingly) counts. While Sony has apparently launched a marketing campaign that "insists its Bravia TV is the only one that meets the Full HD standards," both LG and Samsung are out to disprove that at this year's CES. Sammy is planning to unveil a trio of new plasmas alongside two new LCD HDTVs "under a new brand name" in hopes of shaking the bad image, with all units boasting about its 1,920 x 1,080 resolution; LG, consequently, is purportedly planning a similar attack, as it introduces three new Full HD models up to 60-inches in size and partners with Sega to loop some fun-filled 1080p content and hopefully wow the skeptics. While we don't know just how serious this battle's going to get, we're packing our of forms of protection just in case that buzzword barrage gets too heated to handle.
Sharp's AQUOS LC-32GS is "world's first" 1080p 32-inch LCD: why?
We've seen more than our share of 32-inch panels pushing a 1366x768 pixel resolution. Fine, that works. However, just as pixel-count sells digital cameras, it unfortunately also sells HDTVs to the uninitiated. So, along comes Sharp with their grand hopes of re-directing your fat wad into their coffers with this, the "Full HD" LC-32GS from the AQUOS G series. According to Sharp, this is the industry's first (to ship) 32-inch 1920x1080 LCD TV. That's right, 1080p which most will find a waste of pixel density (and almighty dollars) at that screen size and typical viewing distance. No doubt, this set does bring the specs: that "world's highest" 2000:1 contrast ratio we've seen on other ASV panels, 450cd/m2 brightness, 176-degree visibility, 6-ms response, integrated digital/analog terrestrial tuners, and a sweet bevy of jacks including 2x HDMI with Familink support, 2x Japanese D4, 2x S-Video, 4x composite, and a much appreciated DVI-I input for digitally tethering your computer and making use of those extra pixels. Ships December 22nd in Japan with either a pair of side mounted, or single under-bezel speaker for -- get this -- a 32-inch premium price of ¥280,000 (about $2,395). Expect to hear rest-of-world dates and prices any day now.[Via Impress]
Sanyo-Epson announce 7.1-inch 1080p LCD: by far the world's smallest
You'll hear people argue endlessly about the merits of paying that 1080p cost premium on say, television panels of 37-inches or below. Hell, you'll be lucky to find a 37-incher throwing that Full HD resolution in the first place. So hang on to your azzhats kids, 'cause Sanyo-Epson just announced this 7.1-inch TFT LCD panel capable of that "Full HD" 1080p sweetness. Even with all those pixels, Sanyo-Epson is claiming that power consumption is "low" on this "thin" panel yet come up short on the details. Too bad 'cause we'd love to see how it stacks up against Samsung's single-chip 7-incher capable of a mere 854x480 pixels. What we do know is that these panels are destined for mobile digital TV devices and hopefully UMPCs to bump that all-too-common 7-inch, 800x480 display to a whopping 1920x1080 pixels -- assuming same or greater battery life, naturally. What, who ya callin' greedy!? Now if that's still not small enough for you then try on their 2.6-inch TFT LCD panel also announced, touting a 1024x768 XGA resolution and destined for PMPs and cellphones. The panels will be on display at FPD International in Japan starting tomorrow where we hopes to gets additional details and wafer-thin snaps held by waffer-thin models -- you know, as these things tend to go.[Via Impress]Read -- 7.1 inch (translated Japanese) Read -- 2.6 inch (translated Japanese)
Microsoft's 1080p lets you read the fine print
Much like looking both ways before crossing the road, remembering to read the fine print is a valuable life skill that will inevitably save your existence at one point or another. Some even consider HD resolution to be a matter of life and death, especially when the money spent on a 1080p television could have been used to purchase New Zealand instead. When Microsoft announced earlier this week that an update would automagically enable 1080p resolution ("true" or "full" HD if you believe in such things) for the Xbox 360, they neglected to mention any specifics regarding component output and that pesky issue of copyright. A Microsoft insider (with handle "amirm") provides some clarity on the AVS forums, explaining what types of content are allowed over a component connection. If you insist on watching your HD-DVDs at full resolution, it appears you'll have to invest in a VGA cable (and not an HDMI cable).If your 360 is hooked up via component cables: Xbox 360 games can be upscaled to 1080p. Titles that run in 1080p natively (none of which currently exist) will also display without a problem. HD-DVDs will display at 1080i maximum -- you can thank AACS for that. Normal DVDs will play at 480p. CSS prevents anything higher (though some upscaling DVD players conveniently ignore it). If your 360 is hooked up via VGA cable: HD-DVDs, Upscaled DVDs and games can all display at 1080p with no copyright hassles. If your 360 is hooked up via RF Adapter: You have bigger problems. [Via Engadget HD]
Sony, Samsung and Sharp push up 8G LCD production schedules
Whether or not you're actually considering buying one of Sharp, Samsung or Sony's 52-inch 1080p LCDs next year, they're pretty sure you will and as a result are pushing manufacturing schedules up. According to Digitimes, Sony & Samsung's joint manufacturing venture S-LCD is expected to have their eighth generation manufacturing plant ready several months ahead of its original October 2007 launch date. Sharp already has an 8G plant but that's just not good enough, they'll be doubling capacity in March. With heavy price competition among the various "Full HD" LCDs and manufacturing increases, hopefully the 52-inch of 2007 will be the 32-, 37- and 42-inch of this year and last in terms of price drops.
Xbox 360 fall update adds 1080p output, HD DVD add-on hits Japan for $170 US
Even though we expected the Tokyo Game Show to be the coming out party for the Playstation 3, Microsoft just couldn't let them get all the limelight and Engadget has all the details. First, the Xbox 360 HD DVD external drive finally has a pricetag and launch date -- in Japan. ¥19,800 (about $170 US) and November 17 are the magic numbers, now the question is will the US be rounding up to $199 (or £199)? We'll have to wait to find out for sure but with X06 kicking off on the 27th, there's no way we'll be waiting too long. The other big news of the night is that the fall dashboard update will add 1080p output via analog to games and movies. If you have a TV (or projector) that takes 1,920x1,080 input via component or VGA you'll be able to select it in the dashboard and move on. Does this mean HD DVDs will play in full 1080p via component? AACS would seem to answer a big no to that question, but until more details are released we can't say for sure. Future games will have the option to render natively at 1080p (DigDug HD?) while current games will be upscaled. Looks like Sony isn't the only one supporting "the true definition of HD".Update:Word from Microsoft's press conference in Japan pegs the price at ¥20,790 ($180~ US) and a launch on November 22. This conflicts with previous info straight from Microsoft so we'll keep waiting to get all this straightened out and some local info.
Sharp unveils new 52-, 46- and 42-inch Aquos 1080p LCDs
Sony and Samsung have taken control of the LCD market , but Sharp's Aquos is ready to take the lead back, as shown by their lineup unveiled yesterday. Their 1080p LCD HDTVs all share a choice of side or under speaker design,450 cd/m2 brightness level, "worlds highest" 2000:1 contrast ratio, 4ms refresh rate and Familink HDMI control technology. These sets are also the first to come from Sharp's 8th generation plant, enabling them to cut three 46-inch screens from one panel instead of just two, increasing production capacity and lowering costs. Sharp lost their crown as LCD market leader due to an inability to keep up with Sony and Samsung's production, but they don't expect to start 8G production until next year. As a result, while Sony's KDL-52X2500 is priced at 800,000 yen ($6,856 US), Sharp's LC-52GX1W is only 600,000 yen ($5,135 US) which appear to also put it below the $5,999 MSRP of the Samsung LN-S5296D. The 52-inch and the 46-inch LC-46GX1W (500,000 yen - $4,279 US) are slated to ship in Japan October 1st, while the 42-inch LC-42GX1W (450,000 yen - $3,851 US) will follow on November 10th.[Via Impress]
Sharp goes big and boastful with 52-, 46-, 42-inch Aquos LCDs
Sony schmony, Sharp's here to remind us that they too, make some compelling gear by dropping 3 new LCD panels onto the stack of smaller sets rolled out earlier this month. Each of the 52-, 46-, and 42-inch LCDs bring that 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD (1,080p) resolution you'll want at these sizes, a 450cd/m2 brightness, a "world's highest" 2000:1 contrast ratio, and "world's fastest" full-motion video response rate of 4 milliseconds -- just take those numbers with a grain of salt, as methods of measurement vary, mkay? The three sets feature two Familink compatible HDMI inputs and remote control (which is presumably like Panny's Viera Link HDMI control interface), a single DVI-I jack and dual digital/analog tuners. You can then configure each panel with either two side-mounted speakers or a single speaker under the panel which Sharp claims will produce clear, natural sound. Fine, but you'll more than likely pitch 'em in favor of your home audio system anyway. The 52- and 46-inch panels (LC-52GX1W / 2W and LC-46GX1W / 2W) should be available August 1st in Japan for ¥600,000 (about $5,125) and ¥500,000 (about $4,271), respectively, with the 42-incher (LC-42GX1W / 2W) coming a bit later in November for ¥450,000 or about $3,844 whenever these show-up Stateside.Update: Speaking of showing up Stateside, Sharp has just revealed pricing, model numbers, and release dates for the US versions of two of these displays: both will drop sometime in October, with the 52-inch LC-52D62U going for $4,799 and the 46-inch LC-46D62U sporting a $3,499 pricetag. Not a bad deal compared to similarly-equipped units from Sony, Samsung, and the like, meaning that there's a good chance you'll spot one of 'em at a Super Bowl party next year.[Via Impress]
