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Mitsubishi affirms that LaserVue HDTV production is back on
After Mitsubishi suddenly and unexpectedly suspended production of its flagship LaserVue HDTV in early February, many took the liberty of believing that the end was nigh for this extremely high-end set (given the not-exactly-booming economy). We contacted Mitsubishi in order to follow up, and today we've received direct confirmation that the LaserVue is indeed "back in production." In other words, the supply channels are all moving smoothly again, and whatever caused the issue to begin with truly was simply a snag and not a foreshadowing of the set's death. Too bad this thing is still up near seven grand in many places -- after seeing one in action, it's hard to look at any other technology the same way.
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]
Samsung's B7100 LCD HDTV spotted at Best Buy
We're not quite sure the reason, but an awful lot of Samsung gear shows up in Best Buy before anywhere else. Shortly after Sammy's latest LED-backlit LCD TVs emerged on the retailer's website, we're now being graced with a few shots of the B7100 series in the wild. Not like we can tell too much by these cameraphone shots, but boy, it sure looks thin.Read - B7100 in the wild shot IRead - B7100 in the wild shot II
Samsung gets fancy with Bordeaux PAVV Fabrizio 650 LCD HDTVs
Considering that we can't even pronounce the HDTV lineup we're referring too here, we'll assume these are simply made to be enjoyed by a finer class of individuals. All jesting aside (sort of...), the Bordeaux PAVV Fabrizio 650 lineup that just landed in Korea contains two newcomers: a 40- and 46-incher, both of which sport full 1080p panels and 120Hz dejudder technology. They also include DLNA support and an integrated USB port alongside four HDMI 1.3 sockets and your favorite glass of wine. There's no mention of a price or US release date, but those with friends in high places probably needn't worry.
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.
ViewSonic intros 24-inch VTMS2431 multimedia HDTV
We're not quite sure what makes this a "multimedia-capable LCD HDTV" more so than any other TV tuner-equipped LCD HDTV, but we'll go with it for the sake of simplicity. ViewSonic has introduced a 24-inch LCD HDTV (native 1080p resolution) with a built-in ATSC / NTSC / QAM tuner, an internal "media player," a USB port for loading up clips and an RS-232 control port for home automation gurus. Alongside that $449 panel, which is set to ship in Q2 of this year, the company also introducing its 42-inch ultrathin bezel CD4230 LCD at the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, which features 500 nits of brightness, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, RS-232 port, VGA / DVI sockets, support for VESA mounting and carry handles for easy transport. It'll also land in Q2, but for $1,999.
EQD promises low prices on AURIA HDTV line, won't give specifics
As the HDTV mainstays teeter on failure, drop lines and consider consolidation, newcomer EQD is hoping to exploit the situation by hitting the big guys where they simply can't compete: price. As we've already learned from VIZIO, price is king in the TV world right now, so when a new firm comes out swinging with 720p / 1080p HDTVs at "up to 20 percent less than other TV brands," we pay attention. Furthermore, EQD is slapping a two-year warranty on its entire AURIA line and pledging a portion of each sale towards charity. We're told to expect sets ranging from 16- to 47-inches in size, and each of the models should include an integrated ATSC / NTSC / QAM TV tuner along with HDMI 1.3 inputs. EQD is expected to make its HDTV debut when its first models ship in March or April, though only time will tell exactly how "low" these MSRPs will be.[Via ElectronicHouse]
Mitsubishi unveils LDTV146 and LDTV152 1080p LCD monitors
Mitsubishi may be having some trouble with its LaserVue set, but those in the commercial realm probably aren't too concerned. What they may be interested in, however, are these two. Mitsu has introduced the 46-inch LDTV146 and 52-inch LDTV152 at the Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas, both of which boast 1080p 10-bit LCD panels. These were designed to last and last (and last), with a backlight estimated to survive 30,000 hours -- or around seven years when turned on for 12 hours per day. Other specifications include a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 500 nits of brightness and $2,995 / $3,995 price tags, and if you're into either, you'll be glad to know they're available now.
Philips Cinema 21:9 HDTV, 9000 Series and Net TV get detailed
While it doesn't much matter to Yanks, Philips has some pretty stellar things going on across the pond. MyTechnology was able to attend an overseas showcase where the company finally divulged some of the Cinema 21:9's deepest, darkest secrets alongside tidbits on the soon-to-launch Net TV service and 9000 HDTV series. As for the 56-inch Cinema 21:9, it will reportedly ship with a 2,560 x 1,080 native resolution panel, Spectra Ambilight technology, a one-millisecond response time, 200Hz Clear LCD, 80,000:1 contrast ratio, Net TV integration, five HDMI 1.3 ports, DLNA support and inbuilt WiFi. The 9000 Series, which will also come equipped with Net TV, is rather expansive, so we'll hand you off to the links below to digest the rest.Read - Cinema 21:9 detailsRead - 9000 Series / Net TV details
LG unveils 42- and 47-inch Bluetooth LH70 HDTVs in Korea
Watch out, world -- LG's got two new Scarlet sets comin' atcha, and both of them sport integrated Bluetooth. The LH70 line will (at least initially) consist of two models, a 42- (39.7mm thin) and a 47-incher (40.9mm thin). Each set will feature a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, 120Hz technology, 2 millisecond response time, a USB port for connecting external media, a touch sensitive power button, DivX compatibility and an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust screen brightness in order to best fit the room and conserve energy. Per usual, there's nary a mention of price, availability or percentage chance that these make it out of South Korea, but we'll be keeping an eye out.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Philips gives Cinema 21:9 HDTV a price and release date
We'd already heard during a UK preview show that Philips' Euro-only Cinema 21:9 HDTV would be priced around £3,000 when it launched sometime this Spring, but now we've got some more official details to share (and only half of it is good). So, the good news -- we're told that this behemoth will start shipping "as soon as June." The bad? The 56-inch ultra-widescreen panel will run you €4,000 ($5,045). Don't bother turning your head, that's just your wallet over in the corner wailing.[Via Register Hardware]%Gallery-45472%
Panasonic intros 25.5-inch BT-LH2550 production monitor
If you don't consider yourself a visual professional, you should probably skip right over this one. For those totally down with unloading $5,995 on a monitor (and a 25.5-inch monitor, at that), let us present to you Panasonic's BT-LH2550 LCD production monitor. Sporting an IPS panel and a 1,920 x 1,200 native resolution, the display sports an exceptionally wide color gamut, as it "surpasses the ITU-R BT.709 standard (130%), enabling it to display a greater range of colors than conventional LCD and CRT displays." As if those specs didn't tip you off to this one's "pro" nature, the inputs sure would. Around back, you'll find two auto-switching SDI (HD/SD) inputs (with switched output), component, RGB and DVI-D. Sure, it may be overkill for most, but if you can only stand to use the best, six large is but a drop in the bucket.[Via WidescreenReview]
Sharp's 32- / 37-inch Blu-ray AQUOS LCD HDTVs up for pre-order
Right on cue, Sharp has offered two of its new Blu-ray-equipped AQUOS HDTVs up for pre-order. The 32-inch LC-32BD60U and 37-inch LC-37BD60U both feature 1080p panels, a trio of HDMI inputs, six millisecond response times and a slot-loading Blu-ray player on the side. Best of all, the 32-incher is coming up a dollar under a grand, while the 37-inch sibling will only run you $1,199. Sure, they're a bit pricey compared to optical drive-less alternatives, but if you've been holding off on simultaneously scratching the BD + new TV itch, here's your sign.[Via GadgetReview]
Mitsubishi temporarily suspends production of LaserVue HDTVs
We had heard that certain Mitsubishi representatives had been telling Diamond dealers that production had been suspended on the outfit's flagship LaserVue HDTV, and sure enough, the story is true. We have confirmed with Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America that the outfit has "temporarily suspended production of LaserVue televisions due to a problem with manufacturing equipment used to produce LaserVue TVs." We're also informed that "Mitsubishi Electric engineers are taking the necessary action to ensure that the company resumes production as quickly as possible, while maintaining the highest standards for product quality and reliability." So far as we know, this isn't a sign of sudden discontinuation, as Mitsu has affirmed that it's "expecting production to resume in early 2009." We'll update with more as we get it in.Update: We asked a few followup questions, and we did find that Mitsu isn't anticipating any supply issues, which indicates the problem may be short lived (or at least it hopes so). As for an official comment on what went wrong? "LaserVue production was suspended due to a manufacturing equipment issue." That's all we've got.[Thanks, Chuck]
