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Samsung 2013 LCDs and plasmas revealed: quad core CPU, new menus and more
As a leading manufacturer of HDTVs, Samsung has predictably returned to CES with a heaping armful of new displays of both the plasma and LCD variety. There are many common factors across the higher end models, including new A15 quad-core 1.35GHz CPUs that claim a 3.6x speed boost over last year's dual cores. That extra horsepower isn't being wasted either, as this year's sets are the first to decode HEVC video, and also feature improved voice control with natural voice commands, better recognition of gestures with support for two-handed gestures, pinch to zoom and more. All are due during the first half of 2013 and include Samsung's AllShare DLNA client, as well as the S-Recommendation lists to help you find things to watch. The F8500 series plasma features brighter whites and blacker blacks as well as other picture quality enhancements compared to years past and is available in three sizes; 51, 60 and 64 inches. The flagship F7500 LED 3D TV is available in 46, 55 and 60-inches, while its bigger brother, the F8000 series, does what it can do and adds a built-in camera and mic; and is available in five sizes ranging up to 75-inches. Like the higher end 2012 Samsung HDTVs, the new models also feature a Smart Evolution slot for future expansion. Owners of last year's sets will be able to pick up a Smart Evolution Kit and add the new features of this years models without replacing their TV.
Intel confirms partnership with Comcast, brings Xfinity TV viewing to Intel-based devices
Well, there's no new set-top box box per se, but most of those rumored Intel / virtual cable TV details have come true here at CES. Intel just announced a new partnership with Comcast, which will enable Xfinity TV viewers to watch television on Intel-based devices in the home. According to Intel, the collaboration will enable users to tap into Xfinity TV on "IP set-top boxes, Ultrabooks, Intel-based all-in-one PCs, tablets and smartphones, as well as smart TVs in the home." It's like Tru2way, but slightly less restrictive. Evidently, the back-end magic is being handled by Intel's Puma 6MG-bsaed XG5 multi-screen video gateway. In other words, this is Comcast opening up live TV streaming to more than just the HDTV connected to your set-top box, but unfortunately, there's no mention at all about this working remotely. We're also getting the impression that Intel's pitching this kind of scenario to other pay-TV providers, and if we hear of any others hopping onboard, we'll be sure to let you know. Update: It appears the box itself is actually being produced by (recent purchaser of Motorola's set-top box business) Arris. There's a few more details in Arris' press release after the break, we'll be checking it out for ourselves later this week. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Vizio's XVT Ultra HDTVs to bring 4K and glasses-free 3D to the masses, we go eyes-on
Vizio officially announced its 2013 HDTV lineup this morning and now we've gotten to see the new sets in person. At the top of the list are the company's XVT Ultra models at 55-, 65- and 70-inches, which will bring 4K video to living rooms on an unknown date later this year. The company had the 70-inch set on hand showing some native 4K footage, and as you'd expect, it looked good. Viewing angles approach 180 degrees, and the new design's 10mm bezel is barely noticeable. Speaking of which, the industrial design on the XVT line is understated and premium, with an anodized silver metal band surrounding the edge of the set and minimal branding. In addition to the 70-inch set, Vizio also had a prototype 55-inch 3D XVT model that was most impressive. Its viewing angles were just as good as the 70-inch set, but the highlight is its glasses-free 3D. Vizio's implementation of the technology takes full advantage of the 4K resolution to provide a high quality 3D picture, and its software maintains a focused picture from all angles. Of course, there are sweet spots for viewing the full 3D depth affect, but outside of those zones, 2D picture quality was maintained. Unfortunately, Vizio hasn't committed to a 2013 release date for glasses-free 3D, but the rest of the lineup, set to debut later this year, will still have the firm's glasses-dependent passive 3D technology. Interested? There's plenty of pics of the new sets in our gallery below. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Eyes-on with Panasonic's new HDTV lineup ahead of CES press conference
Our liveblog of Panasonic's press conference is mere minutes away, but we've already glimpsed some new HDTV models displayed on stage. There looks to be an update to the top-of-the-line WT series of LED sets -- we'd estimate the size as 55 inches. Next to it is a yet-to-be-announced plasma model, almost certainly from the high-end VT series. We're eyeballing it at 65 inches, but we'll know soon whether our estimates are correct -- and hopefully, get the lowdown on specs and availability. Stay tuned! Update: We had a chance to get up close and personal with the new TVs after the press conference -- you'll find three models in the gallery just below. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Zach Honig contributed to this report.
Sharp AQUOS Ultra HD, 1080p HDTVs eyes-on
Sharp just announced a slew of new HDTVs at its CES 2013 press conference (relive the liveblog now), We've got all the details on the standard models, including pricing right here, but we'll have to wait until the second half of the year to learn more about its AQUOS Ultra HD model. That doesn't mean you have to wait to see it however, we've got a few up close pics of the new high-res champ (until Sharp's 85-inch 8K monster hits the streets anyway), check them out in the gallery. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Billy Steele contributed to this report.
LG's 65-inch 4K display, eyes-on
With Mobile World Congress about a month away, there wasn't a peep about new smartphones at today's LG press conference. The company was all about TV -- well, TV and smart appliances, we guess. But we couldn't help but be enamored with the giant TV sets, the company showed off once the curtains were drawn back at the end of the press conference. The most eye-catching of all, clearly was the 84-inch 4K display which downright dwarfed the LG rep standing to its side. Sitting just off to the right was the newly announced 65-inch model, which, like the 55-inch OLED that spent the show on-stage, looked like a relatively modest proposal sitting next to such a behemoth. Of course, these are 4K TV sets that we're talking about here, so we use the word "modest" as loosely as humanly possible. The set maintains the impressive life-like quality of its elder sibling (showing off massively detailed cityscapes) of course, but compared to incredibly sleek and shiny OLED sets that we saw early, the 4K seem a bit on the thicker side. Though, as with the OLED, LG's clearly focused on making the bezel as imperceptible as possible here. The 4K models are propped up by a shiny metal stand emerging from their center. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Myriam Joire contributed to this report
LG's 55-inch OLED display, eyes-on
Talk about distracting. While LG was discussing washing machines and other smart appliances, we couldn't take our eyes off the 55-inch OLED display sitting on the side of the stage. It's one of two new sizes being added to the family, alongside the enormous 84-inch model. The first thing you'll notice, if you've seen its bigger brother is that, all things considered, this is a fairly modest set. Well, relatively, of course. The next thing you'll pick up on is just how sharp the thing is. While playing some slow-motion video of liquid flying through the air throughout the event, it was impossible to take our eyes off the thing. We managed to get a little closer after the end of the event, and caught a glimpse of some really great viewing angles on the set -- though those were hampered a bit by the glossy finish. If you're not watching the screen on stage at a CES press event, however, that shouldn't be much of a problem. Also apparent once you approach is just how thin the set is -- the bezel, too. The TV will run $12,000 when it starts shipping in March, so start saving those pennies now. Myriam Joire contributed to this post.
LG announces that all of its LCD TVs will be LED-based from now on (update)
We're here at LG's CES 2013 press conference, where the company has just announced that it's only going to be using LEDs for its LCD HDTVs from now on. The company will still be producing Plasma TVs, so don't worry if you're still wedded to the standard. At the same time, it's also showing off its second-generation Cinema 3DTV design, that's packing an even thinner bezel (if such a thing is possible). Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Haier HDTVs to get Roku compatibility, HXT series debuts with Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 silicon
Usually, at this time of year Haier rolls out a bundle of new HDTVs, but at CES 2013 it's upgrading some of its existing product lineups instead of hawking all-new gear. Turns out models from Haier's 2013 Core, Encore and Encore+model lineups will be Roku ready, meaning there's an MHL port round the back just for Roku streaming sticks. Of course, you've gotta bring your own dongle to enjoy this new benefit on most of Haier's TVs, unless you spring for Encore+ set bundled with one. Additionally, Haier's HXT 3D Smart TVs will debut packing Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad core silicon and running Android 4.2. The MPQ8064 chipset packs an Adreno 320 GPU to provide top-notch graphics, and the TV comes with a WiFi Direct QWERTY remote. Naturally, Haier's not saying how much any of these HD goodies will cost nor when they'll be available, so the info about them after the break will have to do... for now. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
LG 55-inch OLED TV available for pre-order in Korea this week, ready to ship next month
If you spent the entirety of 2012 with 11 million won ($10,000 US) in your savings account and begging LG to take it, we'd wager that you were hoping that the Korean manufacturer's 55-inch WRGB OLED HDTV -- announced at last year's CES -- would make its way to your doorstep in a reasonable amount of time. Whether or not you feel that one revolution of the Earth around the Sun can be called reasonable, LG will begin taking pre-orders for the breathtaking screen in Korea on Thursday (January 3rd) and will ship the first batch to early adopters next month. There's still no word on when we can expect to see one in other parts of the world, but this -- as well as its stamp of approval by the FCC -- is a good sign that the wait may soon be over. Check out the full press release after the break.
GigaOM: Intel Media TV service won't launch at CES, but it is coming soon
We've seen several reports over the last week about Intel's set-top box efforts, and an impending CES launch. According to GigaOM, some of those rumors simply aren't true. The site has confirmed with several sources at Intel that a set-top box (and a whole lot more) is in the works, but a CES announcement has not been planned. Instead, Media, the mysterious Intel division, which is run like a startup with staffers hired from other Silicon Valley companies rather than shifted from different departments, could be unveiled in March, or perhaps even at the AllThingsD Dive Into Media conference in February. A detailed GigaOM report outlines the company's plans, which do include a STB manufactured by Intel that would compete with Apple TV, but also solutions for other platforms, including computers, tablets and smartphones. According to GigaOM sources, the company has spent more than $100 million on Intel Media, so it's clearly taking the effort seriously. Still, until Intel Media has been exposed to the market, it's too soon to judge its success. Hit up our source link for the full scoop. Update: Now the Wall Street Journal has chimed in, with its own reports from usual unnamed sources indicating that a launch could be pushed as far as Q4. The reason for the wide launch window? Trouble negotiating content agreements for those unbundled packages (at much higher rates than the channels currently receive) it reportedly wants to offer, although the rumors say Intel has reached at least one content deal -- we're guessing it wasn't with ESPN. Whether this will ever appear or simply remain vapor like so many other rumored Intel software products remains to be seen, but just like the often hinted at Apple television, the licensing issues will probably be much harder to work out than any software or hardware.
LG details LCD, plasma HDTV lineup for 2013: 4K, Miracast, NFC, WiDi and more
As LG continues its slew of CES pre-announcements, it's revealed details about the new HDTVs it will be showing off in Las Vegas next week. Predictably, they include three lines of plasma models (fewer than previous years, but still kicking) in 42- to 60-inch sizes, and new LCD HDTVs in various levels of trim and sizes from 22-inches up to 60-inches. Most notably, this year all of its new LCDs are LED, as it's kicked the old CCFL tech to the curb. LG has already detailed upcoming changes for its voice/gesture Magic Remote control and a couple of Google TV models, however other new features for 2013 include an "On Now" recommendation system that learns what you watch and offers relevant selections from live TV and video on-demand services. Expect new tie-ins to be announced with both streaming and local TV providers to help fill out the selection around the world. Hardware-wise, new feature boxes checked this year include NFC, thanks to a new "Tag On" sticker smartphones and other devices can easily pair with. Getting content from mobile devices to the display will also be easier thanks to Miracast and WiDi support, and MHL ports will be readily available as well. LG's FPR 3D tech isn't going anywhere, and Smart TV features should be speedier than ever thanks to CPUs with a promised 120 percent speed boost, and 300 percent faster GPUs. As seen in the pics, the design has also been altered slightly with a new stand that both swivels and rolls, plus a reduced bezel size. If you're looking for the latest and greatest however, LG will be showing off the 84-inch Ultra HD 4K set it just started shipping and the 55-inch OLED display we're waiting for. No word yet on shipping dates or price for any of the new models, but as we surmised from LG Display's plans, we should see a couple of 55- and 65-inch Ultra HD TVs appear before the year is out. There's a couple more pictures of the new HDTVs in the gallery plus a press release with all the details after the break. Beyond that, HD Guru has a model-by-model breakdown of the available information -- we'll check back with our in-person impressions in a few days. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Westinghouse 110-inch 4K TV to ship alongside 65, 55 and 50-inch models in Q1
Westinghouse has yet to become the premium HDTV manufacturer it one day hopes to be, and if the past is any indication, flooding the market with low-cost sets won't drive you to the top. But the promise of high resolution might at least yield a modest bump. The company's 2013 lineup is set to be dominated by 4K models, each packing 3840 x 2160-pixel panels for an "amazing" and "affordable" experience. The company's flagship rings in at a massive 110 diagonal inches and will be available for custom order beginning sometime in Q1. 50, 55 and 65-inch versions will also ship within the same timeframe, offering the same resolution and a modest 120Hz native refresh rate. We're still waiting to hear back on pricing and a hint of where you might be able to pick one of these UHDTVs up beginning early next year, but if the press release after the break is any indication, we're about to be inundated with high-res, low-cost televisions at next month's CES. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Samsung teases 'whole new Smart Hub' on Flickr feed, CES launch confirmed
Samsung's HDTV-based Smart Hub is set to land a major refresh at CES, according to a trio of images and a product description that appeared on Flickr this evening. Like previous iterations, the software interface will provide access to real-time TV broadcasts, on-demand flicks, apps and photos, according to the site's image captions. The new version will feature a new background design, along with a "simplified" UI. While the on-screen interface appears to be new, the screen shot is presented atop last year's Series 8 model, including an identical stand and a built-in camera up top -- there's no hint at what hardware advances we may see in Vegas early next year. Samsung's CES press conference is on the books for the afternoon of Monday, January 7th, so we have less than two weeks to go before this new UI -- and a whole lot of HDTVs -- becomes official. Update: The Global Samsung Tomorrow blog has revealed a few more details, describing how everything will be split into five categories: On TV (live), Movies & TV Shows (VOD), Apps, Social, and finally Photos, Videos & Music. A "Flipping" function will page through the categories one after the other, hit the source link for all the details currently available.
Favi's Android-packing SmartStick finally shipping to give any HDMI-equipped TV a brain
If you've been hearing "SmartTV" this and "SmartTV" that while your old HD panel just sits there like a big dummy, Favi's SmartStick is ready (at last) to bring it into the 12's. Like Roku's Streaming Stick, it's a media player that's been squeezed into a dongle-sized form-factor, running Android 4.1 and packing apps like Netflix along with the Plex media server, a full web browser and DLNA. It'll stream all that media through the HDMI port on your TV and connect to your other devices wirelessly, all for the sum of $50. You can even add a $40 wireless keyboard to avoid the usual finger calisthenics -- check the PR after the break to grab it.
WSJ reports Apple has tested TV designs -- don't get too excited
In a saga that makes its lawsuit against Samsung seem like only a brief moment in time, the rumors of an Apple-built HDTV are going around again. After CEO Tim Cook dropped a nugget about TV being an intense area of interest in interviews a few days ago (the exact same thing he said in May), now the Wall Street Journal is reporting rumors from suppliers that it has, for several years, tested designs in concert with companies like Sharp and Foxconn. Of course, reading beyond the headline reveals deep caveats like "Apple ... works with suppliers to test new designs all the time" and "Apple could opt not to proceed with the device" as well as referencing older rumors about team ups with cable or satellite companies, which should let you know that really, nothing has changed. Since this rumor will never die, and the hype will continue to flow when Apple and HDTV are mentioned in the same breath, we'll spell it out for you one more time: no matter what they say or don't say, Apple is -- like nearly every other technology company -- extremely interested in developing products for your living room. They were under Steve Jobs, they are with Tim Cook at the helm. Unfortunately, for reasons ranging from studio licensing agreements to DRM to a lack of access to pay-TV provider data/content, it's very difficult to do with the level of polish and control of experience Apple would like. Microsoft and Sony are spending billions of dollars on their Xbox 360 and PS3 just to grab a foothold in this market, with varying levels of success, while Google's TV project has experienced even tougher growing pains. CBS executive Leslie Moonves explained on a conference call around this time last year why his company had declined to partner with Apple. Read those comments, and you'll probably feel as we do -- until the various regulatory and/or commercial gatekeepers to premium content in the living room change their minds about how the TV business works, it remains just as unlikely that we'll ever experience the products of Apple's tests for ourselves.
LG's first 55-inch OLED HDTV pops up in the FCC's database
Although LG and Samsung exhibited dueling OLED HDTVs at CES earlier this year neither has been able to put a model on US shelves yet. that may change soon since we just spotted this 55EM9700-UA from LG in the FCC's database. Flashing WiFi and Bluetooth modules as well as a December 2012 build date, our only picture of the unit is from behind, powered off, although the photographer makes a cameo via reflection. Look lower, and you can see how its connections are buried down in the TV's stand -- thanks to that ultra-slim OLED frame, there's no room for inputs anywhere else. An appearance in what remains of 2012 seems unlikely, but the odds that next thing in television display technology will actually arrive soon are getting better -- assuming lawsuits don't put the brakes on everything. While you look for an extra $10,000 or so in that holiday budget, check out better pics in the gallery, and a promo video plus a pic of the label after the break.
Mitsubishi is ending rear-projection TVs, ceases production of DLP and laser models
It's time for someone over at IDC to pop the champagne, as its 2007 projection about the end of rear-projection TVs turned out to be only a year off, now that the last company still making them has announced it's getting out of the game. As first reported by CE Pro, Mitsubishi is finally ceding to competition from flat-panels which have grown to equally ridiculous size, and cut prices so sharply that it "can no longer sustain our business in its current form." The company's official statement is after the break, confirming that its DLP and LaserVue models are no more however "existing customer relations and parts and services departments will remain in place along with existing authorized service centers" which should be good news for current owners. There's an in-depth retrospective of the technology at the source link, looking back to Samsung's exit that left Mitsubishi alone in the segment three years ago, long after others like Sony and Hitachi fled for thinner-framed climates. Mitsubishi also made a go of it in flat-panels, but ditched those efforts last year and will now focus on the professional market and home-theater projectors here in the US. In recent years the tech has improved with thinner models, integrated soundbars and even larger screens available. The slowing economy may have extended RPTV's lease on life with a size bang for buck that's tough to beat, but ultimately customers opted for bright flashy flat-panel HDTVs that offer easier wall-mounting options while seeming to get bigger, lighter and cheaper every year. We're sure there are more than a few super-sized rear-projection TVs that will continue to bring the big game to basements and dens everywhere, feel free to celebrate an old friend in the comments below.
Time Warner CEO hopes Apple builds a television
If Apple ever decides to actually sell a branded HDTV, there's at least one person who will be waiting in line to buy one the first day -- Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes. At the Business Insider IGNITION conference yesterday, Bewkes commented that he thinks "Apple is a great device company." Bewkes believes that Apple can do with televisions what they've done with other device categories -- create differentiation. He believes that Apple can solve one of the biggest issues with television right now, that of trying to navigate through hundreds of cable channels. Cable companies, and the current suppliers of set top boxes, still haven't found a consistently simple way for subscribers to make sense of the boggling choice of channels, shows and time-shifting through DVRs. Bewkes is a realist, though -- he believes that other companies will enter the space along with Apple and that we'll see "as many interfaces as you can get."
If you're a home theater fan, you will want this iPad app
Home Theater Magazine has released Home Theater Top Picks for iPad, which has capsule coverage and pricing of audio and video equipment that's been reviewed favorably in the magazine. The app is divided into categories such as flat-panel displays, processors & amps, furniture and more. If you spot something you'd like to learn more about, there is a link to take you to the magazine's full review. Home Theater Magazine is one of the top publications in the A/V field, and the reviews it produces are detailed and really helpful if you're in the market to upgrade your equipment. Even though the app is free, which is great, I have a few nits to pick. The app only works in portrait mode. I really get tired of apps that do this, because so many people have iPad stands or cases that are designed for landscape use. How you view the app should be up to you, not the content producer. Also, while the app has a nice search function, the keyboard appears on screen upside down! I have a screen grab of this in the gallery. If you turn your iPad over to get the keyboard right, the displayed page is upside down. How this part of the app ever made it through even rudimentary quality control is a mystery. Another issue is that when you click on a link to read a full review, you are taken to Safari and you are tossed out of the app. There should be a basic browser built in. The content in the app is great, and if you are seriously into home theater, this app is for you. I hope the bugs and annoyances will get cleaned up quickly to make this worthwhile app less frustrating and easier to use. %Gallery-171203%
