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Samsung's LN65B650 LCD takes a 65-inch bite out of CEDIA, no LEDs harmed
Plasma TV's have been retreating from LCDs to the safety of sizes larger than 50-inches, but emboldened LCDs are striking into that territory as well. Embarking on recon from CEDIA is Samsung's LN65B650, a 65-inch behemoth sporting a 4ms response time, 120-Hz Auto Motion Plus frame interpolation, Medi@2.0 connectivity, and Samsung's Touch of Color treatment in grey. All the latest wizardry, you say? Not quite -- it's CCFL backlit; but even without LEDs -- the LN65B650 is probably too big for edge-lighting to cover, and would take roughly a gazillion LEDs to backlight directly -- the real plasma killer here might be the little check mark in the "Energy Star qualified" box. The $6,000 price (and we'd guess ultimate picture quality, too) means that biggie-sized plasmas are safe for now, but we know how prices and performance go with time. Full details on this beast after the break.
Hannspree adds ST251, ST281 LCD TVs to its UK lineup
Quick, HD eagle-eyed reader, what's wrong with the pics above? You're looking at Hannspree's two new LCD TVs for the UK, the 25-inch ST251 (left, £269/$449) and the 28-inch ST-281 (right, £329/$549). You probably noticed that the ST251 is a 16:9 set, but the ST281 packs 1920x1200 pixels into its 16:10 aspect ratio -- while strangely limiting PC mode to 1280x1024 pixels. Depending on your aspect ratio allergies, 16:10 may only be a slight difference, but filling the screen with 16:9 content will involve some stretching, cropping, and/or dreaded black bars, so look at those features before getting too comfy with the 10,000:1 X-Contrast dynamic contrast ratio or the other marketing fluff (3D comb-filtering is not about 3D rendering, and we don't know what 3.2:2.2 pulldown is). Still not a big enough TV for you? The company is promising bigger sets later in the year, but we'll have to see which aspect ratio wins out.
Samsung 8500 series LCD TVs feature local-dimming LED backlights, Yahoo! widgets
Sure, we might all just be getting used to LED-backlit LCD HDTVs, but this train ain't stopping, Chico -- Samsung just got official with the 8500 series, which features the next-generation of local-dimming LED backlights. The 54.6-inch and 45.9-inch 240Hz sets are just 1.6 inches deep and offer a 7,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a 2ms response time, and an Energy Star 3.0 savings mode that continually adjusts the picture and backlight to optimize both picture quality and power savings. You're also getting Samsung's usual suite of connected TV features, like the Yahoo! Widget Engine, DivX playback, and DLNA support, but you'll be paying handsomely for all this newness -- the 45.9-inch UN46B8500's MSRP is $3,599, while the 54.6-inch UN55B8500 will run you $4,499.
ASUS dabbles in HDTV arena with 1080p TV Monitor T1 series
It's not that ASUS hasn't dipped its toes in HDTV waters before (by the way, whatever happened to that altogether enticing Eee TV?), but we dare say that the TV Monitor T1 is a fresh, if not unsurprising new direction for the company. Arriving in 22- (22T1E), 24- (24T1E) and 27-inch (27T1E) sizes, this trio of sets features a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) panel, a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, 300 nits of brightness, five millisecond response time, built-in TV tuners (for the UK market) and a pair of seven-watt speakers. As for sockets, you'll find VGA, HDMI (x2), component, composite, S-Video and even a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. Per usual, ASUS is refusing to dole out pricing and release date information, but hopefully it won't be long before Britons can indulge (and North Americans are notified of an NTSC-capable version).
JVC shows off LED-backlit, 7mm-thin 1080p LT-32WX50 LCD HDTV
CEDIA's UK show is going on right now across the pond, and while things are rather quiet overall, JVC has definitely garnered a fair bit of attention with its 32-inch LT-32WX50. The 1080p set features 100Hz dejudder technology, a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, 90 percent of Adobe's RGB color space and -- here's the real kicker -- a thickness of just seven millimeters. The whole panel weighs just 11 pounds, meaning that even the weaklings should be able to transport, move and install this one sans any overpriced help from Geek Squad. Around back, there's a pair of HDMI inputs, a PC port, an SD card slot and a USB connector. If all goes well, it should start hitting retailers this fall, but there's no mention of when it'll ship stateside.
Mitsubishi's 3D-ready and Unisen HDTV lines in the flesh
Toshiba already showed us what its freshest line of HDTVs looks like, and now its Mitsubishi's turn. The outfit was on hand in NYC to showcase a few of its now-shipping sets, including the 3D-ready Home Theater line and its speaker-infused Unisen crew. We won't bore you with the specs (which can be found here and here, respectively), but we will confess that the 82-inch WD-82737 has us squirming uncontrollably. Have a peek yourself in the gallery below.
LG's Netflix-friendly 47LH50 and 50PS80 NetCast HDTVs now shipping in America
Without a doubt, the next big thing in the world of HDTVs is internet capabilities. With Toshiba just shipping its own web-enabled sets this week, LG Electronics is making sure it doesn't fall too far behind by floating a few of its own NetCast models out to the open market. Originally unveiled at CES, these HDTVs are the first from the company with built-in Netflix streaming support, and if you're curious about model numbers, it's the 47-inch 47LH50 LCD HDTV and the 50-inch 50PS80 plasma that are available today. LG tells us that the 42-inch 42LH50 LCD and 60-inch 60PS80 plasma should hit later this summer, but if you're looking to buy now, you'll have to pony up $1,999 for the 47LH50 or 50PS80.
Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 7 goes Blu
As a brand that pairs high fashion with prices to match, the addition of Blu-ray to Bang & Olufsen's lineup seems like it should have happened a long time ago, but only now is B&O making play dates between its BeoVision 7 LCD and the format. Getting the B&O marketing fluff and buff on the latest iteration of the BeoVision 7-40 are the built-in Profile 2.0 Blu-ray deck, DVB-HD tuner, 40-inch LCD with 120Hz refresh rate, and your choice either the BeoLab 7-2 stereo soundbar (for those who haven't heard good surround sound) or the minimalistic BeoLab 7-4 soundbar with the Acoustic Lens (for those who don't care). If you're flat broke after laying out the $13,500 for this HTIB, no problem -- with its motorized stand, the BeoVision 7-40 is all set for placement right on your floor, so be sure to factor that savings in.
Sharp's 20-inch AQUOS DX LCD HDTV has a built-in Blu-ray player, no 1080p panel
Cute Sharp, real cute. Brag about releasing the world's first 20-inch LCD HDTV with a built-in Blu-ray player, but don't even mention to consumers that they won't have the luxury of seeing their flicks in full resolution. For reasons unknown, the latest set in the AQUOS DX range does indeed pack a remarkably convenient integrated BD player, but the 1,366 x 768 resolution makes the whole thing sort of pointless. As Liz Lemon would say: "That's a deal-breaker, ladies." At any rate, folks who snap one up in Japan will also find a digital TV tuner, DVD support, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio and 450 nits of brightness. It'll be available in black (LC-20DX1-B) and white (LC-20DX1-W) for ¥150,000 ($1,593) at the tail end of next month in the Land of the Rising Sun.[Via Engadget German]
Flat-panel TV sales jump 23% over last year, Vizio leads the way
We'd already heard that Vizio has vaulted back into first place among LCD TV manufacturers, but a new series of numbers compiled by the folks at DisplaySearch is now shedding a bit more light onto how much the flat-panel TV market as a whole has surged over the past year. Apparently, about 7.2 million flat-panel sets were moved during the first quarter of 2009 alone, which represents a sizable 23% increase over the numbers from the first quarter of 2008. DisplaySearch also expectedly reconfirms Vizio's number one status, although its figures are a tad more conservative and peg Vizio's market share at a still impressive 18.9% (as opposed to the 21.6% found by iSupply), which is well above the 8.5% earned by the likes of rival Funai (producer of TVs for Sylvania, Emerson and other low-cost brands). As you might expect, higher-end brands like Sony and Samsung weren't as able to buck the economic downturn quite so easily, and they actually saw their sales decrease compared to the same period last year.
Bargain hunters make Vizio LCDs most popular in US -- for now
In these difficult times people are looking to buy what's cheap, a state of mind that Vizio's iSuppli's latest press release isn't ashamed to apply, lauding the company's status as the current most popular brand of LCD television in these United States. It owned a 21.6 percent chunk of the US LCD TV market in the first quarter, up from 13.8 in the quarter before and beat out Samsung to be king of the liquid crystal hill -- largely thanks to prices that were, on average, between $150 and $400 lower than the competition. Kudos to the brand and we hope that it enjoys this moment, because with imports of new sets banned out on bond it must be tough paying an extra $2.50 on each one coming through Customs. Full press release after the break.Update: To be clear: this is actually a press release issued by iSupply talking about Vizio, not by Vizio.
Philips announces US availability for 2009 home entertainment line (with hands-on!)
Philips may be dodging the North American sector with its flashiest of products, but it's still showing the Yanks in attendance a little love on the home entertainment front. Today in a meeting in NYC, the outfit revealed US pricing and availability for its entire 2009 family, most of which was quietly introduced in January. Starting things off are the 6000 and 7000 Series of HDTVs, which just so happen to pick right up where the previous models left off in 2008. The 6000 Series will arrive in 32-, 42- and 47-inch flavors for $799, $1,399 and $1,699, respectively, while the 7000 Series goes 42-, 47- and 52-inch for $1,499, $1,799 and $2,299, also respectively. While checking these very sets out, we noticed that the factory settings left the colors a bit blown out and overly sharp -- though, this practice is far too common in HDTV companies anyway. Nothing like wowing those Best Buy shoppers at first, only to sear their retinas at home, right? All kidding aside, the panels looked superb, and the A-B comparison mode made tweaking the settings a breeze. Hop on past the break for the rest of the details, and give our gallery a glance for a closer look at the whole lot.
Samsung's B-7000 LCD treating owners to trippy visuals? UPDATE: Samsung responds
Samsung's UN-B7000 LCD HDTV hits all the right style checkmarks, with edge-mounted LEDs handling the backlighting and the Touch of Color fascia. The review unit at FlatpanelsHD even managed to score pretty high marks in color accuracy, even illumination and black levels. Unfortunately, a nasty "trailing" effect showed up on the 46-inch model when viewing fast-moving objects and totally ruined the party. Credit the reviewer for trying different settings and upgrading the firmware to get rid of the problem, but to no avail. Chime in below and let us know if you've seen this same behavior, or if the reviewer just got a bad unit; unless your TV-viewing habits include a square of blotter paper, of course.UPDATE: Samsung has told us that any of the "trailer" visuals are not an artifact of the set. A run through our own comments and various internet message boards does not turn up any consistent complaints about these motion blur-type problems, either. [Plastikman art courtesy hyperreall][Thanks, Patrick!]
Sony debuts connected BRAVIA Z5500 LCD HDTV line
And the hits just keep on comin'. Shortly after Sony introduced its connected BRAVIA W-Series to the world, in flies yet another trio: the Z5500 line. Arriving in 40-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch models, the set boasts Motionflow 200Hz technology, DLNA certification, the outfit's BRAVIA Engine 3, its own 'draw the LINE' design concept, a 1080p panel and a CI Plus interface, which only those parked overseas will truly understand. Furthermore, there's an integrated MPEG-4/AVC HD tuner, BRAVIA Sync (HDMI-CEC), an auto shut-off function, a dedicated 'Energy Saving Switch' and -- for the first time -- AppliCast. If you're curious, the latter feature enables users to access a range of online services (RSS feeds and all sorts of other widgets) via the built-in Ethernet jack. Sony didn't bother to share a price, release date or any hope of a US debut, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled.[Via TrustedReviews]
LG announces 1080p DivX support, release windows for new TVs
LG's always done a good job supporting DivX in its players and TVs, so this morning's press release announcing that the company will offer 1080p DivX support in its latest gear isn't all that surprising -- we're mostly excited because it suggests that the latest round of LED-backlit LCDs will arrive in "late May and late April." That's, uh, real soon now, so those of you waiting on a little Scarlet action in your lives should look sharp.
Sony to finally unveil larger-screen OLED TVs at IFA?
We've been waiting for what seems like ages for the next iteration of the XEL-1 to dash in and swoop us off of our feet, but frankly, we're growing anxious. As the world waits for a commercial-ready OLED TV that's larger than a standard sheet of paper, industry insiders down at the IFA briefings in Malta this past week believe that Sony could be gearing up to make all sorts of hopes and dreams come true this September. Jens Heithecker, executive director of Messe Berlin, which organizes the IFA trade fair, noted that "IFA is a trade show which is focused more on market-ready technologies," hinting that anything we see in just a few short months will be prepared for release into the wild. We're also told that more "ultra-widescreen" 21:9 sets -- like Philips' masterpiece -- could be on display, not to mention scores of internet-ready HDTVs and a Samsung set with refresh rates of 400Hz. Needless to say, IFA's shaping up to be quite a show for the television sector, so you may want to think twice (or thrice, if necessary) about snagging a new panel on August 31st.[Via OLED-Info]
Ultmost Technology's 42-inch oval LCD on display
There's perilously scant detail to be had here, but this puppy -- a 42-inch LCD by Ultmost Technology --was on display at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. Called the Fuss LC-4212B, we don't know anything about its specs, pricing, or availability... but we do know that it's pretty crazy looking, and we'd like to see a little more of it. One more shot after the break.
JVC intros 1080p GD-463D10 3D LCD monitor in Japan
Not that JVC's been avoiding the 3D bandwagon or anything, but it has yet to formally introduce a 3D HDTV to really take advantage of the in-home 3D revolution that 3D backers just swear is right around the bend. The GD-463D10 is a 46-inch LCD HDTV with a native 1,920 x 1080 resolution, 2,000:1 contrast ratio, twin ten-watt speakers and support for three-dee material. We're also told that the set will come bundled with a pair of polarized glasses when it ships in Japan early next month. The only problem? That ¥700,000 ($6,978) price tag, which seems particularly painful with no real 3D programming to speak of. Yet, of course.[Via Impress]
Mitsubishi introduces 16-speaker Unisen LCD HDTV line
With Mitsubishi's LaserVue lines humming along once more, it's time for the company to bust out a few more big announcements in the HDTV space. First up is the new Unisen line, comprised of the 151 Series (40-, 46- and 52-inches), the 153 Series (40-, 46- and 52-inches) and the high-end Diamond 259 Series (46- and 52-inches). Each set in the line comes with a built-in "5.1-channel" 16-speaker audio bar, much like the iSP LT-52149 that we reviewed last fall. Each model also incorporates a new UltraThin Frame design, Smooth 120Hz Film Motion technology, four HDMI 1.3a inputs and a USB media port. The top end crew also includes an iSP calibration microphone, Plush1080p 5G 18-bit digital video processing, a wired IR input and a few swank blue accents to really woo the ladies. The whole family should ship to the United States next month and range from $1,799 to $3,299. Exact pricing is just after the break.
Samsung's 2009 HDTV lineup gets priced early
While Samsung should confirm / deny all of this on Tuesday, those who simply can't wait to crunch the numbers over the weekend while they're already hammering out the 2008 taxes need look no further. The HDGuru has discovered MSRPs from Samsung's absolutely gigantic 2009 line of LCD and plasma HDTVs, and he'll be adding more as they flow in. Hit the read link to get an idea of what you'll be forced to fork out when these ship out in the not-too-distant future, but don't blow that tax refund all in one place, okay Sonny Boy?
