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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.
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]
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?
Samsung begins production on edge-lit LED-backlit HDTV panels
Samsung's being a bit ambiguous with this one, but we won't deny that we're drooling pretty heavily over these new panels. Said outfit has just revealed that mass production has begun on the industry's first "ultra-slim LCD panels suited for large size TVs," and while we're wondering what exactly it means by that, we can't help but appreciate the attributes. We're told that the unique edge-lit LED backlighting offers lighter weight and thinner designs compared to standard direct-lit LED LCDs, and moreover, a 55-inch Samsung HDTV with edge-lit LED backlighting "uses up to 40 percent less power than conventional LCD TVs." The panels measure just 0.42-inches thick and are being produced in 40-, 46- and 55-inch sizes. We're still waiting to hear back from Sammy on whether these are the same ones used in the energy-efficient LCD HDTVs announced at CES or new models altogether, but 'til then, you can feel free to start digging in the couches for spare pennies.
Sharp bringing dual Freeview tuning HDTVs to Australia
Details are frustratingly sparse at the moment, but Smarthouse has it that Sharp is gearing up to offer HDTVs in Australia with a unique Freeview tuning system. Specifically, these sets will boast MPEG4 and MPEG2 tuners which will allow consumers to continue receiving their digital TV signals "without the threat of their TV recording being restricted." You see, the MPEG4 tuners would be used to restrict recording and limit ad skipping, but apparently no such strings can be attached to MPEG2 processors. It's said that the sets should be available "soon," but details like size, features and price have yet to be revealed. Patience, mates.
Toshiba shows off Cell TV interface, shoots for production in 2010
Toshiba's been talking up / showing off its Cell TV for quite awhile now, but a recent demonstration seen by the UK branch of CNET shed some light on Tosh's future plans for the technology. The Japanese language user interface (shown above) was said to be downright gorgeous and stupendously fluid, and they were even clued in on a concept that could use one main Cell TV as a "central brain," while other sets around the home could act as "dumb screens" that simply borrow computing power from the big guy. We're also told that Cell TV may actually arrive as a two-piece set; a standard monitor plus a dedicated set-top-box with the TV tuner, processor, etc. We know lots could change between now and then, but given that "then" is slated to be 2010, we're definitely expecting to see more near-final prototypes crop up over the next few months.
Sharp debuts AQUOS A series LCD HDTVs in Japan
Sharp already introduced us to its BD and E series at CES this year, but this here A team is something different. Debuting first in Japan, this threesome is comprised of the 52-inch LC-52AE6, 46-inch LC-46AE6 and 40-inch LC-40AE6, all of which sport 1,920 x 1,080 resolutions and a digital TV tuner. The whole crew also includes 120Hz de-judder technology, a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 450 nits of brightness and 176-degree viewing angles. Moreover, each one features an integrated ambient light sensor to adjust the backlight automatically depending on surrounding light, and they also pack a pair of stereo speakers in case your surround rig is currently out of order. The larger two are expected to ship on May 15th, while the small fellow heads out on April 10th; as for pricing, we're hearing ¥390,000 ($4,048), ¥260,000 ($2,698) and ¥200,000 ($2,076) from largest to most diminutive.[Via Impress]
LG sells one million 32-inch LCD TVs in Europe, celebrates wildly
We can't say for sure what exactly the model number is (strange, we know), but LG Electronics is apparently pretty awestruck and excited about moving a million 32-inch LCD TVs over in Europe. Reportedly, the set -- which was introduced last April -- is sold in 26 European countries, and with it reaching the one million mark, it sets the LG record for the most of a single set sold since it entered the sector in 1999. A company official was quoted as saying that since its debut, it has sold 100,000 per month, and that the "key was to design a luxurious model specially to meet the refined tastes of European consumers." Hear that, Europeans? Y'all are refined!
Ask Engadget HD: Best 30- to 35-inch HDTV?
Typically, we avoid these small size range requests, but given our own frustration in finding a legitimately awesome 30- to 35-inch HDTV, we felt this one needed to be blasted out to all of you fine readers."I'm having the hardest time finding a decent 30- to 35-inch HDTV. Due to the size, I'm looking LCD, but there just seems to be so few options. Has anyone picked up a set of this size for their apartment or bedroom that proved to be good? Any opinions would be great, I'm running out of patience here!"Stay calm, Paul. It's all going to be alright. We're just certain these readers will hook you up with a fine response -- right, folks?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.
Bang & Olufsen debuts 40-inch BeoVision 8 LCD HDTV
Slowly but surely, the BeoVision 8 is creeping up into big screen territory. Bang & Olufsen's latest iteration, more casually known as the BV8-40, pulls those LCD TV edges out to 40-inches diagonally and features a lush 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution. Other specs include 500 nits of brightness, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, six-millisecond response time, a digital TV tuner (for those in DVB regions) and a pretty swank set of internal speakers to boot. All we're told regarding pricing is that the MSRP is "attractive," but we get the feeling it's only sexy to those who aren't concerned with zeros and decimal places.[Via GadgetReview]
Disney's latest LCD TV gets mauled by Stitch
Somehow or another, Lilo was completely left out of this arrangement, but as you can tell, there's no room beside Stitch anyway. Disney's latest 20-inch LCD TV has been decidedly commandeered by one of its (er, only?) most popular blue alien characters, and if you can look past that gaping mouth up top, you'll notice a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, HDMI and VGA inputs, a built-in TV tuner, dual five watt speakers and a bundled remote. Oddly, we're told that this royalty-laced set will be priced at an amazing ¥100,000 ($1,015), so you best be sure 1) your kid is a true, hardcore fan and 2) money ain't a thang.[Via CNET]
Toshiba intros power-sipping REGZA C8000 HDTVs in Japan
While the latest Toshiba HDTVs from Japan don't seem to sport any questionably useful upscaling technologies, the REGZA C8000 line does look to save you a few bucks on your monthly energy bill. The 32-inch 32C8000, 37-inch 37C8000 and 42-inch 42C8000 reportedly suck down anywhere between 31- and 51-percent less energy than prior models, with all three also sporting 120Hz Speed Clear Motion tech to nix those judders when watching intensely fast-moving scenes. The whole lot also includes digital TV tuners, while only the larger two get outfitted with 1080p panels (the 32-incher does 1,366 x 768). Pricing remains up in the air at this point, but all three should be in retail shops across Tokyo by the end of March.[Via Akihabara News]
Sony expands connected BRAVIA HDTV line with new W-Series
While these three weren't quite ready for CES, they're still being debuted in Las Vegas alongside Sony's new Blu-ray devices. The W-Series, as with the recently announced BRAVIA Z5100 and XBR9 models, is fully equipped with an Ethernet jack and a Yahoo!-powered widgets engine. Consumers who bite on the 52-inch KDL-52W5100, 46-inch KDL-46W5100 or 40-inch KDL-40W5100 can expect easy access to Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Sony Pictures content, etc. The new family also includes Sony's Motionflow 120Hz technology, DLNA compatibility, a USB port for loading up external media, BRAVIA Sync (HDMI-CEC), four HDMI inputs and the Xross Media Bar (XMB) interface. As expected, each one sports a 1080p panel, and while pricing details are still sorely missing, the trifecta should hit retailers later this Spring. Full release is after the break.
