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Hitachi rolls out 47-inch Wooo UT models in Japan
Expect to see these new 47-inch Wooo LCD varietals outside of Japan sometime, but for now these are Japan-only. Up for grabs are the UT47-XP770 and UT47-XV700 models, with nary a difference in the panels themselves. Sure, the XP770 model comes in black or white trim, but what really sets the models apart is the 250GB HD DVR included in the XP770 tuner module. For now, at least, Hitachi is sticking with the iVDR media format for both the XP770 and XV700 models. All around, a pretty boring spec bump in the series whose name is supposed to illicit excitement. The specs that you loved in the Wooo lineup before haven't changed: 35-mm svelte profile, 1920 x 1080 pixel count and Wooonet connectivity. The UT47-XP770 will go for ¥480,000 ($4,400), but we couldn't find pricing on the UT47-XV700 model.
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]
Samsung unveils 46- / 52-inch Series 8 LCD HDTVs
Might want to slow down there, Samsung -- don't want to pull anything by cranking out too many new HDTVs at a time. Yep, Sammy's letting loose a few more sets today alongside the Series 7 plasmas and Series 9 LCDs: the September-bound Series 8 LCD HDTV line. The Series 8 850 (rose accents) and Series 8 860 (deep blue accents) only differ in color, while they both pack a 1080p Ultra Clear panel, Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology, a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, InfoLink RSS reader, DLNA certification, 4-millisecond response time and twin down-firing speakers with an integrated subwoofer. You'll also find a built-in NTSC / ATSC / ClearQAM TV tuner, a DNIe Pro video processor, swivel stand and four HDMI-CEC ports (among others). The pain? $2,699.99 for the LN46A850, $3,399.99 for the LN52A850, $2,799.99 for the LN46A860 and $3,499.99 for the LN52A860. Got all that?
Samsung gets official with LED-backlit 9 Series LCD HDTVs
Can't say we're surprised to see 'em, but Sammy has done its due diligence by pumping out the official verbiage for the 9 Series LCD HDTVs that were leaked late last week. These second-generation LED-backlit sets feature 1080p Ultra Clear panels, Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology, 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratios, the familiar Touch of Color design and a smattering of networking technologies like InfoLink (RSS access) and WiseLink Pro. Additionally, both the 46-inch LN46A950 (pictured) and 55-inch LN55A950 feature 4-millisecond response times, down-firing speakers with a built-in subbie, an integrated NTSC / ATSC / ClearQAM tuner, four HDMI-CEC ports, a PC input, Ethernet socket and a pair of component jacks. Look for each to land next month for $3,199.99 and $4,199.99, respectively.
Research finds that salespeople recommend LCD TVs more than plasmas
For some strange reason, we can't say we're surprised by the latest J.D. Power and Associates report. Maybe it's how LCD HDTVs seem to be highlighted in most retail locations, or maybe it's just because the negative burn-in stigma attached to earlier PDPs has yet to wear off. Whatever the case, said research firm has just produced an article claiming that "retail electronics salespersons are recommending LCD TVs instead of plasma TVs at a rate of more than three to one." The research focused on shoppers looking for sets 40-inches and up over the past six months, though it didn't specifically mention where it went undercover to source such data. Really though, it's not shocking to hear that B&M salespeople aren't totally adept at explaining pros and cons -- after all, we'd recommend doing your own independent research and ordering online -- but hopefully this will beat the message home to those who've been blindly believing anything they hear when shopping for a new set.[Image courtesy of Exceptional Innovation]
65-inch "digital posters" catch eyes in Tokyo train station
Utilizing big honkin' displays for advertising purposes is nothing new, but East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and East Japan Marketing & Communications have decided to try "digital posters" out for reference. In short, ten 65-inch Sharp PN655R LCDs have been installed within "the internal concourse on the first floor of Tokyo Station's Yaesu South Entrance," and folks who stroll by can get a glimpse of whatever (the image changes each minute) in stunning 1080p. The goal here, as you might imagine, is to "evaluate the advertising effects of still image ad posters using large LCD panels displayed in a relatively busy gateway." If you're anxious to lay your eyes on the installation, you'd better hurry, as there's no guarantee that they'll remain after September. At least the video posted after the jump is forever.
Hello Kitty 1seg portable TV lacks effort, cuteness
Word on the street is that Sanrio was looking for new Hello Kitty designers on the West Coast earlier last week, and if this sad little 1seg portable TV is any indication, we can see why the company's in search of fresh talent. Seriously, this is the least cute Hello Kitty gadget we've seen in a while, and we're basically suckers for the lil' imp. Japan-only, and your ¥21,000 ($197) doesn't get you anything special on the inside, either, just a 2.4-inch QVGA screen and built-in stereo speakers with a 4.5-hour battery life. Come on, Kitty -- make us love you again.
Westinghouse's 40-inch VK-40F580D LCD HDTV / DVD combo gets reviewed
While we tend to view a built-in, non-upscaling DVD player as a bit of a waste, CNET reviewers felt otherwise. Westy's latest 40-incher, the VK-40F580D, recently hit the test bench at the aforementioned site, and while nothing seemed to drop jaws, the entire package appeared decent enough for the casual buyer. The relatively inexpensive sticker, deep blacks, accurate colors and satisfactory picture controls will likely be everything the HDTV novice is looking for, but those with loftier demands may be put off by the limited port selection (two HDMI, one component) and lackluster remote. All in all, it sounds like this one's not too bad for the price, but unless you're actually intending to pay a bit more for integrated DVD support, you could probably do better elsewhere.
Hands-on with AOC's latest LCD displays
AOC threw down a new trio of displays here yesterday, and we had the pleasure of stopping by to check 'em out in NYC. You've already had a chance to wade through all the specs and official verbiage surrounding the 42-inch L42H861 LCD HDTV, 22-inch 2218Ph LCD monitor and 22-inch 2230Fm do-it-all display, so how's about some good old fashioned pictures? We must say we were quite pleased with the image quality and overall design, though the anti-gloss crowd should probably look out. Also of note, the built-in media player on the 2230Fm was incapable of playing back HD clips, so yeah, kind of a bummer there. Anywho, dip on into the gallery below and have a look around. %Gallery-27402%
Toshiba plans new LCD HDTVs for IFA, will include Resolution+ technology
Okay, so we really have no clue what's going on inside of Toshiba's labs, but one thing is for certain: it has upscaling on the brain. After hearing of an elusive super-resolution DVD player and seeing an all-too-curious new DVD logo, in flies word from Germany that the outfit is prepping an updated line of Picture Frame LCD HDTVs for release at IFA 2008. On the surface, there's not too much different about these REGZAs compared to any others, but internally, the newcomers are expected to tout Cell-based Resolution+ technology, which will upscale SD images in an attempt to make something (read: HD) out of nothing. Granted, Tosh has been talking up this stuff since CES, so it's not an entirely new concept, but we'll be interested to see if this has anything to do with those rumored DVD deck plans.[Via Big-Screen, danke Joel]
LG unveils four new HDTVs with built-in DVRs
'Tis a shame we don't know more about LG's latest bundle of HDTVs, but here are the facts so far. Apparently the outfit has dished out a pair of LCDs and a duo of plasmas to commemorate the upcoming Beijing Olympics, and the whole gang comes packing a 160GB internal hard drive. This "Time Machine" functionality will (predictably) enable viewers to capture content right inside of their set, though details beyond that (you know, port assortment, contrast ratio, etc.) are few and far between. That being said, we do know how much each of these buggers will set you back: anywhere between ???1,650,000 ($1,607) for the 42-inch 42PG31RD plasma and ???3,000,000 ($2,916) for the 47-inch 47LG50ED LCD HDTV.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Sharp kicks out a trio of AQUOS LCD TVs in the UK
Nothing too exceptional here, but Sharp is livening up its AQUOS LCD TV family with the introduction of three new (currently unpriced) kids. First up is the 19-inch LC-19D1E (available in black or white), which features a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 7,500:1 contrast ratio, built-in Freeview tuner, PC / HDMI inputs and 176-degree viewing angles. Next, we've got the 32-inch LC-32XL8E and 37-inch LC-37XL8E (piano black only), both of which boast 1080p panels, 100Hz technology, a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 6-millisecond response time, three HDMI sockets, SRS TruSound and a Freeview digital tuner to boot. Folks in the UK can find the smallest of the three right now, while the newest duo in the XL8E series can be procured later this month.[Via TechDigest]
Pantel's 20-, 52- and 65-inch weatherproof LCD HDTVs now shipping
Unlike Sanyo, Pantel has a pretty good idea of when outdoor displays will sell: summertime. That being the case, Pantel has jubilantly announced that its 20-, 52-, and 65-inch models are all shipping. Each display boasts a "weatherproof" enclosure that keeps the panel within safe from unpredictable weather. These units were designed to withstand water, extreme heat / cold, wind and dust, and judging by a few unofficial tests, they'll hold their own against sugary beverages as well. Grab yours now for $2,999, $9,999 or $25,999 (respectively) and make your way over to the deep end.
Mitsubishi's new iSP 149 series LCDs have it all in one place
If you're a lazy ass consumer (the very best kind), bent on pulling a device out of the box, plugging it into a wall, and never messing with another bit of "setup" again, you're certainly not alone. In fact, most folks never lift a finger to calibrate their displays, plug better speakers in, or place those speakers in actually advantageous spots. To that end, Mitsubishi is debuting its new LT-46149 and LT-52149 LCDs with integrated 16-speaker sound projectors. Similar to the sound bars offered up by many home audio manufacturers, the "Integrated Sound Projector" (iSP) is designed to bounce sound off walls and around the room to give the illusion of surround sound. The perk of TV integration is an easy to use room configuration on-screen tool to specify your room's dimensions, couch placement and preferred sweet spot size. At the end of the day, your sound is all coming from one spot, so directionality isn't going to quite match a for-realsie surround sound setup, and the system we listened to was a little sharp in the high end, but it's certainly a unique and appealing offering from Mitsu to the everyman TV watcher. The TV itself is CableCard ready, can support sound over HDMI and PCM inputs, and offers Mitsu's 120Hz film dejuddering -- that rather awkwardly makes your favorite films look like they were shot by a TV news crew. The 46-inch and 52-inch LCDs will sell for $3,299 and $3,699, respectively.
Fully waterproof 70-inch 1080p LCD HDTV goes great in yachts
Not that 70-inch LCD HDTVs are anything new, but a "fully waterproof" one just might be. Have a look at MarineAV's LCD70: a 1080p behemoth that features a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 600 cd/m2 brightness, 8-millisecond response time, 178-degree viewing angles, a slew of inputs and VESA mount compatibility. We're told that the panel is actually a Samsung, which leads us to believe that MarineAV simply snapped up a few of these bad boys and added the water protection itself. Worth the £27,995.95 ($54,664) asking price? Depends on your perspective, we'd imagine.[Via CNET]
DX Antenna launches tuner-packed LVW-322 LCD TV
Can't say we've ever heard of DX Antenna, but nevertheless, it's breaking ground in the LCD TV arena by introducing its 32-inch LVW-322. Specs wise, you're looking at a 1,366 x 768 resolution panel, 400 cd/m2 brightness, 1,500:1 contrast ratio, an 8-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles, twin 10-watt speakers and analog / digital TV tuners. You'll also find a pair of HDMI inputs to complement the usual composite / S-Video / composite / VGA sockets, and there's even an optical audio jack and an Ethernet port to round things out. Expect this one to land in Japan next month for ¥100,000 ($928).[Via AkihabaraNews]
VIZIO intros XVT Series of 1080p LCDs / plasmas
Well, what have we here? A trio of newcomers from "North America's fastest growing brand of flat-panel HDTVs," that's what. Kicking things off in the all new XVT Series is the 42-inch SV420XVT and 47-inch SV47XVT LCD HDTVs, both of which feature 1080p panels, VIZIO's Smooth Motion technology (120Hz), a 6,500:1 contrast ratio and the usual complement of ports including four HDMI 1.3 sockets. Next up we've got the 50-inch VP505XVT, a 1080p plasma with Silicon Optix's famed REON HQV processing engine. Furthermore, this one packs an integrated digital TV tuner (with ClearQAM support), a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and SRS Labs' TruSurround XT audio processing technology. The new trio is all set to ship next month for $1,499.99, $1,899.99 and $1,699.99, and of course, you'll find 'em perched at Circuit City, Sears and your favorite Club retailer. [Warning: PDF read link] %Gallery-26080%
Uniden introduces 19-inch Hello Kitty LCD TV, parents weep
We'd generally assume this was just some kind of sick joke, but given Uniden's history of cranking out kid-lovin', themed LCD TVs, we're being forced to accept the fact that this here unit is indeed real. The TL19TX1 is all set to launch next month in black or white and feature a 19-inch 1,440 x 810 resolution display, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, integrated digital TV tuner, twin 3-watt speakers, HDMI / component / composite inputs and enough Hello Kitty branding to make the average guy gag. Over in Japan, the unit will be selling for ¥69,800 ($647), but who knows how much it'll cost for you to import it. And yes, you'll be importing one for your little angel.[Via CrunchGear]
