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Hands-on with Toshiba's SRT REGZA HDTVs (and other old crap)
Man, what a toll the loss of HD DVD has taken on Toshiba. Judging by the vast expanse of floor space at Tosh's booth not covered with people (seriously, look for anyone in the gallery below) and the inclusion of CES-announced DVD / VHS recorders (yes, really) as premiere products, we'd say the outfit is still hurting from the outcome of the format war. In all honesty, we felt kind of sad sashaying through its installation while reading slogans like "See everything in HD (even the non-HD stuff)." We even viewed the Super Resolution Technology demonstration with an open mind, and while there's certainly a mild difference with SRT, these sets hardly make SD signals into high-def. Grab a tissue and wander through the gallery below. %Gallery-31197%
Sony debuts 240Hz KDL-52XBR7 / 9.9mm KLV-40ZX1M LCD HDTVs for USers
Sony's thunder on these sets was already felt over in Berlin, but there's nothing quite like official verbiage saying that a 9.9-millimeter thick HDTV (and one with 240Hz technology) will be coming to the good 'ole US of A. Alongside Blu-ray HTIBs and a pricey new BD deck, Sony's also formally introducing the 52-inch BRAVIA KDL-52XBR7 and 40-inch BRAVIA KLV-40ZX1M here at CEDIA. The former features the eye-testing Motionflow 240Hz frame rate tech, which promises to deliver "exceptional motion detail in movies, sports and video games." It also boasts the outfit's BRAVIA Engine 2, an 80,000:1 contrast ratio and compatibility with BRAVIA Link expansion modules. As for Mr. Thin, it features a 1080p panel, an edge-lit wide color gamut LED backlight, a single HDMI input and support for Sony's BRAVIA Wireless Link. Both sets should ship in December for undisclosed prices, but you can read up on the full array of specifications just after the break.
AQUOS D65U / D85U LCD HDTVs get uncovered at CEDIA
Haven't had your fill of Sharp LCD HDTVs yet? Fret not, as said outfit is taking the wraps off of two more families at the Colorado Convention Center. The D65U / D85U LCD HDTVs all pack 1080p panels and range between 42- and 52-inches in size. The D65U line comes with five HDMI inputs, a six-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles and a dedicated PC input to boot. The D85U steps it up by offering 120Hz Frame Rate Conversion and a four-millisecond response time. The sets will be in stores this fall (think October / November) for $1,599.99 and up. Per usual, the full releases are waiting after the break.
Limited Edition LC-52XS1U-S / LC-65XS1U-S AQUOS LCD HDTVs loosed by Sharp
Though making a limited run of LCD HDTVs seems like a curious choice, Sharp is unleashing two of 'em (again) today in Denver. The 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S and 65-inch LC-65XS1U-S both sport newly-developed 10-bit Advanced Super View (ASV) LCD panels and feature native 1080p resolutions, AQUOS Net capabilities, an RGB-LED backlight system and a dynamic contrast ratio of over 1,000,000:1. You'll also find a super thin integrated sound system powered by a 1-bit digital amplifier, and the entire set is just one-inch thick at its thinnest part. Of note, these units come bundled with a separate AVC system set-top-box for handling inputs, though WHDI was unfortunately left out. Catch the pair this October for currently undisclosed prices, and peep the full release just after the cut.
Vizio's 47-inch SV470XVT LCD HDTV reviewed
You may remember Vizio's 47-inch SV470XVT from CES, but given the barrage of releases since then, we're betting not. In order to refresh your memory, we're pointing you to a CNET review that finds the set decent for the price, though not nearly good enough for true videophiles. Granted, that's exactly what we'd expect to hear about a "bargain" set, but we digress. On the plus side, the color was deemed "highly accurate," and the gracious amount of picture adjustments / ports were swooned over. The only digs were its less-than-stellar black level performance, poor off-angle viewing and "somewhat pedestrian design," though we'd argue that last tidbit is mighty subjective. All in all, the HDTV managed a 7.3 out of 10, suggesting that it's probably just right for those not looking for the Grand Poobah.
Samsung Series 8 / Series 9 LCD HDTVs head north to Canada
Don't fear, Canadians -- Samsung's freshly announced Series 8 and Series 9 HDTVs are coming your way, too. Specs wise, everything is looking the same, though the pricing is expectedly higher. In the US, the 46-inch LN46A850 is going for $2,699.99, while Canucks will be asked to hand over $3,199.99; the 52-inch LN52A850 sells for $3,399.99 in America, yet it'll go for $3,799.99 in the Great North. As for the 9 Series? Try an $800 premium on the 46-inch LN46A950 ($3,999.99) and the 55-inch LN55A950 ($4,999.99). Feel the pain this September.Read - Series 8 bypasses security, enters CanadaRead - Series 9 gains passport, cleared for Canadian entry
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best "bedroom" HDTV?
Let's say you're adequately satisfied with your living room HDTV. Can you say the same about the set in your bedroom / office / guest room / etc.? Gregory can't, just check this out:"The HDTV in my den is great, but I just can't decide on a 20- to 26-inch HDTV for my bedroom. 720p is probably good enough in a set of this size, but I'm having a hard time finding which set looks the best and offers the best value. Can I get some advice from those who have made this decision already?" Let us speak for the readers when we say "Yes, yes you can get some advice." (Don't make us out to be liars... please?)Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
LED-backlit Philips 42PFL9803 LCD HDTV breaks cover
We can't say for certain that this is the Essence TV we heard rumored last week, but we wouldn't be shocked one iota if it were. The Philips 42PFL9803, which has actually be around in at least name since earlier this summer, has just been granted an EISA award. The LED-backlit 42-inch HDTV reportedly features a 2,000,000:1 (dynamic) contrast ratio, the company's own LUX LED technology and a jaw-dropping €2,999.99 ($4,407) price tag. We're hearing it's on track for a September release, but hopefully IFA will confirm / deny.
Mitsubishi unveils MZW / MX / MXW series of LCD HDTVs
Barely a month after Mitsubishi launched its iSP 149 series of LCD HDTVs, the company is trotting out three new lineups over in Japan. The higher-end MZW series includes the 46-inch LCD-46MZW200 (¥400,000; $3,643) and 40-inch LCD-40MZW200 (¥300,000; $2,732), both of which pack a 1080p 10-bit Diamond panel, 120Hz technology and an October 21st release date. For those with tighter spaces (and smaller budgets), the MX / MXW series spans from 19- (¥100,000; $910) to 42-inches (¥280,000; $2,550), with the most expensive sets offering a Full HD display and the lesser ones topping out at 1,366 x 768. Oh, and it looks as if Funai won't be the only one delivering a Blu-ray / LCD combo, as Mitsu's already working up a concept. Peruse the links below for all the machine translated nitty-gritty.[Via Impress]Read - MZW seriesRead - MX / MXW seriesRead - Blu-ray / LCD combo concept
Philips readying ultrathin 42-inch Essence TV for IFA debut?
Let's be honest -- it's been quite awhile since Philips has been seen as a big-shot in the world of HDTVs. Evidently the company is aiming to change all that in just a few weeks, as a fresh rumor puts a stunning new set on display at IFA. Reportedly, the lightweight 42-inch Essence TV will boast a 38-millimeter depth and will be made for wall hanging. Regrettably, that's all the details that have seeped out thus far, but we'll be finding out just how much truth there is to all of this in a fortnight.
Funai aims to bring LCD HDTV / Blu-ray combo units to North America
When Westinghouse launched its 40-inch LCD HDTV / DVD combo unit earlier this year, we really began to think of just how nice it'd be to broaden Blu-ray's appeal by shoving a drive into a new set for those looking for simplicity. Enter Funai -- the company currently responsible for the lowest priced standalone BD deck on the market -- which is reportedly aiming to loose an LCD HDTV with built-in Blu-ray player on the North American market next summer. The company typically brands its wares with names like Sylvania, Symphonic and Emerson, so we wouldn't expect the highest-end stuff here. That said, we're glad to see someone taking this very necessary step, even though you won't catch us recommending 'em to anyone but the technologically challenged. [Warning: read link requires subscription][Via CrunchGear]
Mitsubishi's 1080p LT-52148 LCD HDTV gets reviewed
If Mitsubishi's WD-65735 proved a bit too, shall we say, bulky for your needs, those loyal to the brand may be wondering how the remarkably thinner LT-52148 performed. PC Magazine was able to get a set over on the test bench, and while the 52-inch 1080p panel was stunning (as was the ultrathin bezel), the excessive sharpening artifacts, elevated greens and above average (read: more than desired) power consumption left reviewers underwhelmed. Furthermore, the speakers consistently distorted when pushed over halfway on the volume scale, and the menu navigation was deemed "sluggish" at best. Overall, the set was a perfectly mixed bag, with just enough negatives to persuade prospective customers to check other options first. Think we're bluffing? Check out the read link below and see for yourself.
Sony's stylish 46-inch BRAVIA KDL-46Z4100 LCD HDTV gets reviewed
Sony's BRAVIA KDL-46Z4100 was high on the list of LCD HDTV shoppers when announced earlier this year, and if you've been loosely pinching those pennies awaiting a review before pulling the trigger, here goes. CNET was able to grapple the 46-incher and spend a few days testing its performance, and overall, it seems like a solid buy. As expected in a set of this caliber, the color decoding and primary colors were deemed accurate enough, black levels were satisfactorily deep and dejudder processing was impressive as well. The occasional backlight fluctuation in dark areas and exclusion of video files in the network streaming function were the only real digs, netting the HDTV a respectable 7.6 out of 10 rating. So, is worth the $2,200+ price tag? Possibly, but it's probably worth seeing in person before buying on impulse alone.
Zenith Z42LC6DF / Z47LC6DF LCD HDTVs hit the FCC
Here's an interesting one. Zenith's 42-inch Z42LC6DF / 47-inch Z47LC6DF LCD HDTVs are already on sale at outlets like Target, yet they're just now getting around to surfacing at the FCC. We're not sure if this is just some weird way of keeping a veil on two similar sets slated to hit shortly with built-in WHDI (pretty please?), but if we're being honest with ourselves, we'd say there's probably nothing here to get excited over.
Pioneer's 37-inch KRL-37V KURO LCD HDTV on sale in German shop
Not that we weren't expecting Pioneer's much-anticipated KURO LCD to emerge in Europe sometime this month, but early August sure beats 11:59PM on August 31st. Due to obvious language barriers, it's a bit hard to tell where exactly this 37-inch KRL-37V is in Germany, but it's obvious that it's for sale. Initial reports suggest that image quality rivals that of a KURO plasma, but with more reflections. Yeah, we can buy that. More images where this one came from are down there -- do tell when one pops up on US soil, alright?[Via HDTV-Space]
Sharp introduces 16- / 20-inch AQUOS LCD HDTVs
Aw, aren't these things just as cute as a button? Rather than dishing out a new family of big screen flat-panels (or in addition to, actually), Sharp has decided to introduce a trio of smaller sets more suited for a bedroom or well-equipped kitchen. Available in 16- and 20-inch sizes, the new AQUOS E-series features a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, 450 cd/m2 brightness and built-in analog / digital TV tuners; you'll also find a pair of HDMI ports alongside a PC input, S-Video jack and two composite sockets. The sets are expected to land in the middle of next month in Japan for ¥85,000 ($778) / ¥95,000 ($870).[Via Impress]
Sharp intros entry-level SB series of 1080p LCD HDTVs
Oh sure, Sharp's doing the whole OLED thing because of societal pressures, but it's no secret where its passion lies. The outfit best known for its AQUOS brand has just introduced a trio of newcomers aimed at those looking for an "entry-level" HDTV: the 42-inch LC-42SB45U, 46-inch LC-46SB54U and the 52-inch LC-52SB55U. Each of the LCD HDTVs boast a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution panel, glossy piano-black finish, a pair of component jacks, a dedicated PC input and built-in NTSC / ATSC / ClearQAM tuners to boot. As for HDMI sockets, you'll find four on the big fellow, two on the 46-incher and three on the "little guy." The pain? Try $2,299.99 for the LC-52SB55U (available now), $1,699.99 for the LC-46SB54U (also ready to snatch right away) and $1,399.99 for the September-bound LC-42SB45U.
Samsung unveils latest Series 6 Touch of Color LCD HDTVs
Samsung treated us to a few new HDTV lineups just last week, but apparently one of the fresh families managed to slip through the cracks. The all new Series 6 -- not to be confused with the widely available 650 Series -- consists of the 40-inch LN40A630, 46-inch LN46A630, and the 52-inch LN52A630. Each set provides a 1080p panel, 120Hz technology, the outfit's Touch of Color bezel design, three HDMI 1.3 ports and a USB socket for accessing digital photos and the like. Expect the trifecta to ship sometime next month for $1,699.99, $2,099.99, and $2,699.99, respectively.
Vizio readies 26-inch VMM monitor: its first LCD aimed at dedicated PC users
Vizio made some waves recently with the introduction of two bargain-priced plasmas, but it could garner attention from a whole new sect of individuals next month. Reportedly, the outfit is gearing up to launch "its first monitor tailored for dedicated PC users" in late August, the 26-inch widescreen VMM monitor. We are told that it'll boast HDMI inputs, reduced brightness and higher resolution "than typical IT displays," but aside from that (and the $449 price tag), the rest remains a mystery. Also of note, the company is expected to debut an "eco-friendly" line of TVs this October, which are said to "operate with 35- to 45-percent less power than traditional LCD TVs of comparable size." Way to keep us on the edge of our seats, Vizio.[Via Electronista]
Sony intros unsightly BRAVIA T Series HDTVs in Asia-Pacific
Whoa there, Sony. Usually your designs are fairly impressive -- sleek, if nothing else -- but this all new BRAVIA T Series is most certainly not pretty. Boasting "powerful side speakers with a choice of Dual Tweeters or a 3D Woofer [saywha?] with side duct for a complete entertainment experience," these sets sacrifice style in order to flank a set of speakers on the side of the panel. For those that can look beyond it, you'll find a BRAVIA Engine 2, Intelligent Picture and MPEG Noise Reduction, with models ranging from 19- to 32-inches. The new range is scheduled to hit the Asia-Pacific market next month for undisclosed prices -- not like you'll be inquiring anyway, right?[Via SonyInsider]
