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Sharp shows off 52-inch solar-powered LCD TV at CEATEC
We've seen some fairly fascinating things at CEATEC this year, but this one could be the biggest game-changer of 'em all, if you'll allow us just one buzzword. The LED-backlit 52-incher you see above comes attached to a not-at-all convenient solar floor panel which presumably provides at least some of the energy required to power this thing. We've no clue how close the design is to being viable for the commercial realm, but we'd say Sharp's definitely headed in the right direction here.
TEAC launches 32-inch LCDV3253HD LCD TV / DVD combo in Australia
The word "TEAC" doesn't generally bring about images of dancing HDTVs under a moonlit sky, but that very company is rolling out its own set over in Australia. The 32-inch LCDV3253HD arrives toting a built-in digital TV tuner (or analog tuner, depending on sales region), a modular DVD player, three HDMI ports and bottom-mounted speakers. It's available now for $1,299 in any color you like, so long as it's black.
JVC's iPod-friendly LT-42P789 LCD HDTV gets reviewed
JVC's iPod dock-infused LT-42P789 was announced way back when at CES 2008, but we're just now starting to see the flat-panel leak out onto the market. The cats over at E-Gear were able to house one for a review, and all in all, they were quite pleased. Image quality while watching Blu-ray Discs was exceptional, the iPod playback / UI navigation was satisfactory and the inbuilt speakers were actually not half bad. To be frank, we don't see many potential LCD HDTV buyers looking heavily at this one unless they're simply dead-set on having integrated iPod support -- but hey, if that's you, this one may be the next set you want consuming your den.
Sharp's AQUOS LC-65XS1U-S and LC-52XS1U-S HDTVs get priced
Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for. Pricing for Sharp's sexiest, freshest and altogether loveliest HDTVs has arrived. As stated at CEATEC in Japan, the 65-inch LC-65XS1U-S will sell for a whopping ¥1.28 million ($12,225), while the 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S goes for ¥980,000 ($9,243). We'd expect those figures to be a touch lower whenever they come stateside, but rest assured, you'll be breaking into the piggy bank if either of these is to be your next set.
Hitachi demonstrates 15mm 37-inch LCD TV at CEATEC
Hitachi drug its oh-so-sexy 1.5-inch plasma to Japan after showing it off in Denver earlier this month, but what we didn't see at CEDIA was this: a 15-millimeter thin 37-inch LCD TV. The "reference" set packed a 1,920 x 1,080 panel and a fittingly designed stand, though it won't see mass production until "2009 or later." Ugh, even 1-inch just seems so bloated now.
Philips introduces Flavors LCD TVs with interchangeable frames
Look out, tweens -- Philips has a new line of LCD TVs aimed squarely at your wall / bedroom pedestal. Introduced over in Italy, the Flavors family will initially consist of a 22-, 32- and 42-inch set, the latter of which packs a 1080p panel, 30,000:1 contrast ratio, 5-millisecond response time, 500 cd/m2 brightness and a pair of HDMI ports. The concept here is pretty easy to grasp -- each set comes bundled with two interchangeable frames which are reportedly held up by good ole magnetism, and if two just aren't enough, more can certainly be ordered. Currently, Philips simply has a placeholder page up for the new crew, so we'll just let you simmer on the prices for now: they'll be €549 ($803), €799 ($1,168) and €1,199 ($1,754) in order of mention.
Sharp's 46-inch AQUOS LC-46X8E gets reviewed
Sharp's 46-inch AQUOS LC-46X8E was recently acquired by the fine folks at TrustedReviews, and overall, it was just decent for the coin. If you're a bit perplexed by the model number, you should be -- this is a fairly exclusive set, currently sold only in the UK at retailer John Lewis. All that aside, performance was simply dubbed "okay." It didn't do anything particularly well, though it didn't do anything spectacularly bad, either. The sharpness, fittingly enough, was highly praised, though the lackluster handling of SD material and the appearance of a few off-kilter tones were downers. The moral of the story? The set actually proved to be a mixed-bag, albeit one that would probably be recommended for a few hundred pounds less. Do yourself a favor and dip into the full review before marching into Mr. Lewis' store and picking one up.
Struggling Toshiba looks for help from LCDs, not Blu-ray
As with scads of other mega-corps attempting to keep their chins up while the global economy decides what it wants to do, Toshiba has announced that it is now forecasting a $468 million net loss in the first half of 2008. Interestingly, it's being reported that the firm is looking to its LCD HDTVs for growth as its chip business struggles, with plans to grab over 10% of the worldwide LCD TV market by 2011. For whatever reason, the outfit is still refusing to play ball with the lone remaining high-definition movie format, with Corporate Senior Vice President Yoshihide Fujii proclaiming that it has "no intention of adopting Blu-ray for [its] DVD players and recorders." Quite honestly, Tosh's refusal to go Blu is beyond the point of comic relief -- now, it's just downright perplexing.Read - Toshiba dips into the redRead - Toshiba counts on LCD TV growthRead - Toshiba again refuses to go Blu
Akai L8 LCD TVs include DVD player, 3-in-1 card reader
Good hearin' from ya Akai -- for a minute few months there, we assumed you were just passed out cold or something. Straight from Australia, the outfit has revealed the L8 family of LCD TVs: the 19-inch L819DDVD, 22-inch L822DDVD and 42-inch L842DDFD. The latter unit gets a full-blown 1080p panel, while the other two provide a 1,440 x 900 and 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, respectively. Each set comes stocked with a built-in HD digital tuner along with HDMI / S-Video / composite / VGA inputs; the smaller two even include an integrated DVD player and a 3-in-1 card reader, though apparently the big boy is too sophisticated for those toys. Grab 'em now if you're Down Under for $599.95, $699.96 and $1,699.95 in order of mention.
Sharp's AQUOS D65 / D85 series LCD HDTVs head to Canada
Good news, Canada! Sharp's AQUOS D65 and D85 LCD HDTVs (those ones uncovered at CEDIA) are headed your way. Starting this month, the 42-, 46- and 52-inch sets will begin landing on Canadian floors, bringing with 'em 120Hz technology, a 4-millisecond response time, AQUOS LINK, five HDMI 1.3 inputs, a 1080p panel and an RS-232C input for custom installs. The whole lot ranges from $1,399.99 (LC-42D65U) to $2,499.99 (LC-52D85U), so start saving those bucks.
Pioneer to launch LCD HDTVs in North America next year
On the whole, we'd say KURO plasma owners are pretty stoked about their sets. Those who'd prefer a KURO-branded LCD, however, have been waiting anxiously to hear something more from ole Pioneer for months. Thankfully, the firm has finally spoken, and while it doesn't mention any brand / model names specifically, we can assume that those LCD HDTVs we saw emerge in Europe will be gracing US shores in mere months. During the first half of 2009, Pioneer LCD HDTVs will be loosed in North America and Asia, and unless plans change, the panels within will actually be supplied by Sharp. Might we be on the lookout for a sneak peek at CES '09?
Sharp adds 65-inch AQUOS LC-65GX5 to internet-ready lineup
Earlier this year, we saw Sharp dish out more internet-ready LCD HDTVs than we could shake a stick at. Now, the outfit is catering to those clamoring for a GX5 model larger than 52-inches. The expansive 65-inch AQUOS LC-65GX5 steps in with a 1080p panel, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 450 cd/m2 brightness, ARSS speaker system, 176-degree viewing angles, built-in analog / digital terrestrial tuners and a whole mess of ports including HDMI (x3), optical audio, i.LINK, composite, S-Video and DVI. As expected, the set is DLNA-compliant, and there's a built-in IR port for anyone that still cares. Expect it next month (at least in Japan) for ¥680,000 ($6,450).[Via Impress]
Samsung's LED-backlit LN46A950 LCD HDTV gets reviewed
Samsung's duo of LED-backlit 9 Series LCDs looked mighty delicious on paper, and based on a recent review from CNET, it's just as succulent in real life. The 46-inch HDTV produced the deepest black levels of any LCD reviewers had ever seen, extremely accurate color and an overall feeling of excitement while watching. Further praise was bestowed upon the solid video processing, wide range of picture controls, nice port selection and the attractive design. The biggest knock on this fellow was the staggeringly high price tag ($3,199.99), but if money ain't a thang, you've probably just stumbled upon a winner.[Thanks, Nate]
Samsung LN52A650 firmware said to be hackable
We aren't self-proclaimed 1337 Linux hackers or anything, so we didn't exactly check on the hackability of Samsung's LN52A650 when we had it in for review. One fearwall has apparently figured out that there's more than meets the eye with this set, though, as he points out that the latest firmware is Linux-based and can "easily" be hacked for all sorts of fun. Interested in custom bitmaps, sounds and text strings? Hit up the read link and try to make sense of it, then.[Thanks, Caesar]
Sony's BRAVIA XBR6 and XBR8 HDTV lines now up for pre-order
It only takes one glance to see that Sony's new XBRs are mighty, might fine pieces of kit, and you've been holding off on a new HDTV purchase until it could be one of these, the green flag has finally been waved. Of note, the 52- and 70-inch XBR7 sets aren't quite ready to be ordered, but the XBR6 and XBR8 crews are ready for your love (and credit card number). Hop on over now if you're kosher with dropping $2,499.99 to $6,999.99.[Thanks, Danny]
Pantel intros waterproof indoor / outdoor TV consoles
We already knew that Pantel was fixin' to loose a new water-shunning "mirror" LCD HDTV this fall, but apparently that's just not enough for these guys. In addition to that, it has also introduced Q4-bound indoor / outdoor weatherproof consoles that house a 42-inch LCD HDTV, built-in lift mechanism, wireless capabilities and integrated speakers to boot. Each system is equipped with 802.11a technology to deliver audio and video sans wires up to 150-feet, though pricing details are being kept on the low. Hop on past the break for all the specifications you need (and a few you probably don't).
Philips' LED-backlit 42PFL9803 LCD HDTV gets spotted
We knew Philips' LED-backlit 42PFL9803 would be showcasing itself here soon, but for those of you unable to travel overseas in order to see it, TechRadar has provided some first hand details. Over at IFA, they were able to feast their eyes upon the stunning LCD HDTV, and results were mighty impressive. In short, they confirmed that the black levels were "phenomenally deep," and the 100Hz / 120Hz (depending on your region of the world) technology did a great job of nixing jaggies. It's tough to say whether this thing can hold a candle to the mighty KURO plasma, but based on these initial impressions, it's doing pretty darn good for an LCD. Don't take our word for it, though -- tap the read link and be your own judge.[Thanks, David]
Runco CEDIA 2008 booth tour
Runco's booth at CEDIA this year wasn't nearly as outlandish as SpeakerCraft's, but it definitely had an outdoor vibe to it. Curiously, all of the outfit's newly announced kit wasn't out for viewing, but the flagship 70-inch Crystal Series CX-70DHD (and its external DHD video controller / processor) was hard to miss. Now, if only affording one was as easy as browsing the gallery... %Gallery-31310%
Runco lets it all hang out, intros seven new 1080p LCDs / plasmas at CEDIA
For the most part, Runco stays pretty quiet in the consumer realm... until CEDIA rolls around. Once again, the high-end AV company is firing on all cylinders in Denver, announcing seven new 1080p LCD / plasma displays including its largest LCD to date, the 70-inch Crystal Series CX-70DHD (pictured). Along with the new panels, the outfit is unveiling its exclusive OPAL (Optical Path Alignment) technology on select models which "delivers extreme glare reduction and enhanced contrast for high ambient light environments." The aforesaid 70-incher (shipping mid-October for $34,995) actually comes bundled with an external DHD video controller / processor, which incorporates Runco's Vivix II tech to "enhance all digital and NTSC content to near high-definition quality." We'll admit, that sounds an awful lot like something Toshiba's got going on just a few booths over, but make of it what you will. For details on the other half dozen sets, hop on past the break.
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%
