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Haier rings up two new LCD TVs at CES
Being the official HDTV of the NBA, would you expect Haier to do any less than ring up a pair of new TVs at CES? Both the 47-inch HL47XT1 and the 42-inch HL42XT1 have good specs (especially given the company's durable goods background), each touting 1080p resolution, four HDMI inputs, LED backlighting and 120Hz refresh rates. These sets also pack hidden Sound Chamber speakers (tweeter and midrange drivers mated up to a port for enhanced bass response) and SRS TruSurround XT circuitry to float a soundfield into the room. Sounds good, and the specs are entirely competitive, but some pricing and availability info more specific than "2009" would sure help gauge where these TVs will fit in the market -- hopefully these two aren't bricks like some of the company's other efforts.
JVC spins out LCD TV-DVD combos
Looking across JVC's CES 2009 product line, it's apparent that Blu-ray isn't for everybody just yet. For folks with plenty of DVDs left to watch, the 19-inch LT-19D200 or 32-inch LT-32D200 LCD TV-DVD combos might be great for a second set in the home. Don't be turned off by the lack of 1080p resolution on these models -- at these sizes, you won't notice the difference at reasonable viewing distances. Still, we've got to wonder about the choice of marketing a product with the "inferior" 720p spec number to a casual audience; but there's also no pricing info on these new models. Hopefully the planned March release gives JVC some time to firm the marketing details up.
CES showfloor HDTV spyshot roundup
We've been busy shutterbugs while wandering around the CES showfloor, and here's a rundown of some new TVs that drifted in front of our lens. Take a stroll with us past the break and see what we picked up.
Samsung LCD 750, Plasma PDP 850, new LED series hands-on
Sure, Panasonic's 0.33-inch thin Neo PDP might have just redefined our definition of thin, but the new Samsung HDTV are quite the lookers. The form factor, like the company's touted UI initiative, is fairly unified in appearance across all models. Frankly, we had a pretty hard time telling them apart, and all we could really think about is how awesome they'd look in our living rooms. Hard to tell from the gallery below, but trust us, the picture quality is very crisp and clean. Now if we could only get a glimpse of Internet@TV in action.%Gallery-40920%
Sony brings Yahoo! widgets to 1080p ZBR9 / Z-Series HDTVs
No surprise here, but Sony's making darn sure it's not left behind in the connected HDTV arena by introducing seven new sets that all look to the Yahoo! Widget Engine to pull down Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker and other web-based content right on one's HDTV. Proudly dubbed Bravia Internet Widgets, the functionality will come bundled in with the firm's ZBR9 lineup (comprised of the 52-inch KDL-52XBR9, 46-inch KDL-46XBR, 40-inch KDL-40XBR90 and 32-inch KDL-32XBR9) as well as the 52-inch KDL-52Z5100, 46-inch KDL-46Z5100, and 40-inch KDL-40Z5100. All seven sets tout 1080p panels, BRAVIA Sync, four HDMI inputs, an Ethernet jack and a cute Energy Star 3.0 sticker to boot. Gear up for TV 2.0 (or are we up to 3.0?) to land this Spring.
Sony brings 120Hz Motionflow, BRAVIA Engine 2 to lower-end V-, S-, and L-series HDTVs
While Sony's already revealed its secrets with the action packed VE-Series and ZBR9 family, it's the V-, S- and L-series that'll hit the sweet spot in terms of price for the vast majority. Not much has been improved upon within the 52-inch KDL-52V5100, 46-inch KDL-46V5100 and 40-inch KDL-40V5100, but all three now feature the BRAVIA Engine 2 and Motionflow 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. Furthermore, they include four HDMI inputs, BRAVIA Sync and a USB port for loading up external media. The V-Series also features Sony's own LightSensor technology and dynamic backlight control to ease up on energy usage. The 52-inch KDL-52S5100, 46-inch KDL-46S5100, 40-inch KDL-40S5100 models, and the 31.5-inch KDL-32S5100 all boast 1080p panels and three HDMI ports, while the 31.5-inch KDL-32L5000 and 26-inch KDL-26L5000 ratchet things down to 1,366 x 768 in the resolution department and take aim for your nearest guest room / kitchen. Head on past the break for the full release, and keep an eye out for all of these to start shipping sometime this Spring.
Sony's BRAVIA VE5 series brings zero-watt standy, HCFL backlighting
During the run-up to CES, we heard through the grapevine that eco-friendly and well-connected HDTVs were going to be all the rage in early January, and so far, those premonitions are spot on. Sony's new BRAVIA VE5 line sucks down around 40% less power than many of the company's other LCD HDTV models, and there are two main developments to thank. First, the 52-inch KDL-52VE5, the 46-inch KDL-46VE5 and the 40-inch KDL-40VE5 all tout a zero-watt standby switch, which -- when flipped on -- cuts power usage to "nearly zero watts." Additionally, this Energy Star 3.0-compliant trifecta is the first from Sony to sport the micro-tubular Hot Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (HFCL), and as if that wasn't enough, there's even a motion sensor that can turn the set off if no action is sensed and a ambient light sensor for good measure. All greenness aside, each of the three also boasts Motionflow 120Hz technology, a USB port for loading up digital media files, the BRAVIA Engine 2, BRAVIA Sync, four HDMI inputs and 24- True Cinema. Check 'em this summer for currently undisclosed prices; full release is after the break.
JVC debuts 42-inch LT-42WX70 LCD HDTV: covers 96% of AdobeRGB color space
While everyone else seems to be cutting back on energy consumption and adding some form of connectivity, JVC is doing something quite different with its 42-inch LT-42WX70. The 1080p LCD HDTV supposedly targets DSLR users by encompassing 100 percent of HDTV broadcasting's (sRGB.904) color space and a coverage rate of 96 percent for Adobe RGB -- much like those "pro LCD monitors" we see so often. You'll also find 52 picture quality adjustments properties, the company's own GENESSA Picture Engine, 120Hz Clear Motion Drive III, 4,000:1 contrast ratio, HDMI CEC support and a low-profile tuner (TU-CX100) that can be "separated from the monitor and placed horizontally or stood vertically on a tabletop, or hung on the wall." Mum's the word on pricing, but you can certainly say we're overly anxious to see how this puppy looks.%Gallery-40849%
JVC launches UK Freeview+ LCDs
Our lucky friends in the UK market just got a couple of new toys from JVC in the form of Freeview+ recording LCD TVs. The LT-26DE9 and LT-32DE9 pack dual tuners and a 160GB drive on the DVR side. The Freeview+ DVR section packs some nice features, most notably Accurate recording that adjusts the recording start and stop times based on data buried in the broadcast (something we'd like to see on our TiVos). Sadly, though, neither model is a 1080p panel -- not that you need all those pixels on a 32-inch display, but if spec bragging is a pastime of yours, consider yourself warned.
LG to release first HDTVs that instantly stream movies from Netflix
It was really only a matter of time, but instant streaming from Netflix is finally getting piped straight to the tele. Until now, users needed an HTPC or a set-top-box / movie player that supported Watch Instantly, but we've received word that LG will debut the world's first Netflix-enabled HDTVs this Spring. Details are pretty light, but we're told that both plasma and LCD models will be unleashed; unfortunately, it's not entirely clear if HD Netflix will be included and if the sets will / won't be WiFi-enabled. Keep it locked here for anything more, we get the feeling we haven't heard the last about these beauties.Update: The AP is suggesting that the inclusion of the Netflix streaming feature (or, "broadband capabilities," as it were) could add around $200 to $300 per set. That's a pretty hefty premium for ditching the box.
Displays to match pocketbooks with thinning profiles, says DisplaySearch
Wallets all over the world are getting thin, and DisplaySearch says that displays will match that vanishing act in an effort to hang on to product differentiation. Calling for negative sales growth in 2009, the prognosticators still see sales of ultrathin (less than 40mm thick) displays reaching 14 million units in 2012, with the profile being even more important than LED backlights in product differentiation. We'll admit that styling is a big feature, and we rank thin profiles above the "Hertz race" we see spiraling out of control, but honestly we'd rather see emphasis on image quality -- LED backlighting included. Tell us your take, and try not to spill the beans on this "thin is in" trend to LaserVue.[Via TGDaily]
LG to debut world's slimmest LED-backlit LCD TV (LH95) at CES
Not content with just making soap opera hair look like watery strands of gold, LG is also planning to trump last year's round of ultrathin LCD TVs by bringing the planet's slimmest LED-backlit LCD TV to Las Vegas. Expected to garner fingerprints from every nationality at CES 2009, the LH95 will check in at just 24.8-millimeters thick (0.976-inches) and boast a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the outfit's 240Hz TrueMotion Drive dejudder technology. No word on a price or release date (or panel size, oddly enough), but hopefully we'll find out more in just under a fortnight.[Via Boy Genius Report]
LG Display plans to melt eyes with Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV
Seriously, there's only so much picture improving you can do before the law of diminishing returns demands some recognition. While Sony just spent boatloads creating an over-the-top advertisement for its largely unimpressive 240Hz Motionflow technology, LG Display is laughing all the way to Vegas with its Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV. Set to debut at CES 2009, said panel will boast a four-millisecond response time and an unprecedented 480 refresh rate per second. Curiously, we're not informed of the screen size nor the resolution, so we could theoretically run into a 9-inch 320 x 240 display and be totally underwhelmed. On the real, the outfit is expected to launch the world's first Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV panel in the second half of next year, but we're just about to lay down good money that Sony or Samsung accelerates development in order to beat it to the punch. Full release is after the break.
CNET takes a shine to Vizio's java-flavored VOJ370F LCD TV
Rack another one up for Vizio, the brand that keeps finding ways to resonate with consumers in its marketing move upstream. CNET put the java-toned VOJ370F model to the test and came away quite pleased, thank you very much. Sure, the 1080p pixel count is largely empty resolution, but a rich set of inputs both behind the panel and on the side, and image adjustments scored smileys from the editors. Best of all, the unit turned in good grayscale performance and the colors stayed accurate even when the backlight was turned down. To top it all off, the Vizio fared pretty well across the board in its cagematch with similar models from Panasonic, Hitachi and Sony. Hit the link for the details, or just go ahead and pick one of these up.[Via TVSnob]
DisplaySearch revises LCD TV forecasts for 2009, takes 'em lower
No surprises here, but the analysts at DisplaySearch have evidently been working overtime in order to revise the 2009 forecast for LCD TV shipments. We're not particularly sure where the originals sat, but if these new numbers prove true, we'll see LCD TV revenue fall year-over-year for the first time in the history of LCD TV shipments. The updated report notes that key factors in the downturn are "reductions in forecast TV prices and revised forecasts for year-over-year shipment growth for LCD and PDP TVs in 2009, down by 7 and 6 points from previous, respectively." As of now, LCD TV revenues are slated to drop 16% year-over-year, with total TV revenues falling 18%. Get a few big-screen OLED TVs out for under two large, and we bet all that changes -- don't mind that we're asking for the impossible or anything.
Sharp closing down two LCD panel production lines, hacking 380 jobs
It's not pulling a Sony or anything, but even Sharp has been unable to absorb the downturn in flat-panel demand. We already knew that the firm was looking to scale back production by as much as 10% from the middle of this month, and our deductive reasoning skills are leading us to believe that this is the cutback we've been expecting. The outfit will be closing down two LCD panel production lines in Japan in order to "move production to a newer and more cost-efficient plant as the global downturn hits demand for electronic goods." Along with the closings will come 380 job cuts -- all temporary workers -- which will presumably be sent home when the lines halt for the final time in January.
LCD shipments expected to skyrocket in Latin America
With DirecTV launching HD service in Latin America, we'd say it's about time its residents realized that flat-panels are the wave of the future present. According to a fresh iSuppli report, the Latin American television market is expected to make a hasty and noticeable transition between now and 2012. Reportedly, LCD TV shipments to the region are set to rise and account for over 83% of the market in under four years; meanwhile, shipments of bulky CRT sets will decline to make up around 8% of the total market. The numbers are pretty baffling when you consider that CRTs held 77.4% of the market just last year, and it's actually rather scary to think where all of those soon-to-be-unwanted sets will end up.
Toshiba's 46XV545U LCD HDTV reviewed: internal upscaling is a joke
Sympathizers were outraged that skeptics (read: us) didn't believe that Toshiba's Super Resolution Technology was anything worth writing home over, and hey, we hate to say we told you so. The outfit's 46XV545U was recently reviewed over at CNET, and critics found the internal upscaling technology to be more of a gimmick than anything. Sure, it artificially sharpened some SD content for the better, but all in all, the SRT system fell under the "bad," not the "good." Overall, the set offered up a decidedly decent experience from top to bottom, yielding a "Good" rating and three out of five stars. In other words, take your dollars elsewhere -- competition is fierce, and you're in no place to settle for less than the best in any given price range.
Ask Engadget HD: DTV converter, or a new TV?
Hard to believe, but in just over two months, analog signals will be a thing of the past in the USA. Okay, so we're sure a small grace period will be enacted, but the digital TV transition is coming at a furious pace. Devin has written in this week with a question that we reckon many are pondering, so here's your shot at discussing it: "I know I could redeem my $40 voucher for a digital TV converter, but I'm beginning to wonder if that's the best thing for my garage TV. I'm not really fond of cluttering the area up with another set-top-box, and really, I'm wondering if this is the perfect excuse to pick up a small HDTV. I'm wondering what other readers in this situation are doing, and if so, which small HDTV should I pick up to replace my existing analog set?" Sure, we should all feel absolutely terrible about junking that perfectly good analog set and using this as an opportunity to get yourself a new HDTV, but hey, why not donate the old set, take a tax write-off and get a warm, fuzzy feeling in exchange? That's our advice, what's yours?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.
Viewsonic introduces 24-inch, 1080p VT2430 LCD TV
It may be leaving things a little late, but Viewsonic is apparently hoping that its new 24-inch VT2430 LCD TV will attract the eyes of a few holiday shoppers and, judging from the specs, it seems to stand a pretty good chance of doing just that. Leading that list is full 1080p resolution, which is certainly a nice bonus on a set this size, as is the promised 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, assuming the results actually live up to that number. Otherwise, you can expect a built-in ATSC / NTSC / QAM TV tuner, HDMI 1.3 connectivity, 250 nits brightness, and the usual VGA, component, s-video, and composite inputs to accommodate your non-HDMI devices. Best of all, it packs an MSRP or just $399, which likely means you'll find it even cheaper if you do a bit of shopping around.
