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HP greets us with 13.3-inch Pavilion dv3 entertainment laptop
While you and HP can argue the rest of the night away about the most accurate moniker for its Pavilion dv2, the dv3 is definitely an ultraportable. The AMD-powered machine comes in a plethora of configurations with CPUs ranging from 2GHz (Athlon X2 QL-62) to 2.4GHz (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86), ATI's Radeon HD 3200 graphics, up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM, 160/250/320/400GB hard drive choices, WiFi / Bluetooth, a dual-layer DVD burner, gigabit Ethernet, an ExpressCard slot and a satisfactory array of ports including three USB 2.0 sockets, VGA, HDMI, eSATA combo (with a third USB port) and audio in / out. Users can select from a six or nine-cell battery, and there's even an optional fingerprint reader if you're unashamedly paranoid. Interested? It's available today, junior, for $799 and up.%Gallery-40674%
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]
Samsung's CES 2009 HDTV lineup leaked?
CES 2009 is literally days away, but it seems that those looking for details on any possible new HDTVs from Samsung may not have to wait to get their fill. A few postings over at AVForums has led us to believe that the outfit will be debuting a number of new sets for a litany of markets. The 2009 lineup will reportedly consist of a few new Series 3, 4, 5 and 6 panels, with the main focus being on their LED-backlit-ness. Everything should be available for purchase during the first half of next year, with sizes ranging from around 40-inches and up. Obviously, there are far too many details linked below to cover in this space, but one mention we found particularly interesting was the promised Internet@TV feature, which should effectively replace InfoLive and instead rely on those Yahoo Widgets we've been hearing about for so long. It's about to get really interesting, folks.[Via Audioholics, thanks Celle]
AOC takes wraps off of 22-inch LED-backlit V22 Verfino display
AOC has been slowly but surely delivering solid, cost-efficient HDTVs / displays in the run-up to CES 2009, and while the 2230Fm HD3 and 2230Fh that it'll be showcasing aren't entirely new, the V22 Verfino (pictured) definitely is. All three of the aforementioned units are part of the outfit's new Gamer Certified displays series, with the newest of the bunch packing a LED-backlit 22-inch panel (1,680 x 1,050), 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a 2-millisecond response time and an HDMI input to boot. There's no price set just yet on the early 2009-bound screen, but judging by AOC's history, we'd wager that it'll be priced attractively. Full release and specifications are after the break.%Gallery-39760%
Acer readies 10-inch Aspire One for Q1 launch
Acer's top-selling Aspire One is set to break into 10-inch territory as early as February or March. This according to Scott Lin, Acer Taiwan president. Also on the books are 12.1-, 13.3-, and 15.6-inch LED-backlit laptops for 2009 -- a 14.1-incher should hit this year with a price of NT$40,000 or about $1,200 of the green, presidential stuff.
Philips LED-backlit 42PFL9803H gets hands-on treatment
You knew it was coming, didn't you? Given that the LED-backlit 42PFL9803H just went on sale across the pond a few weeks back, it was only a matter of time before someone got their grubby paws around it and snapped a few photos. ElectricPig managed to do just that, and aside from giving us a look at the new set, they also stated that it was practically as good -- if not better -- that Pioneer's KURO in terms of contrast. 'Course, that's exactly what Philips was aiming for all along, but it's good to hear we've finally got some competition in the darkness space, regardless. Have a look in the read link below.
Samsung updates A950 LCD HDTVs, early adopters left frowning
So you went out and purchased a brand new LED-backlit A950-series HDTV after hearing such good things, did you? Guess what? It's already old hat. Okay, so maybe that's a bit extreme, but it doesn't change the fact that Samsung has already rolled out an updated version of the unit without providing an easy / free way for existing owners to get the upgrade. Reportedly, all A950s manufactured after September 20, 2008 have the upgrade; ones crafted before that, don't. The tweak raises the black levels in very dark scenes, improves shadow detail and eliminates some of the worst blooming effects. However, the "older" model still exhibits darker overall black levels, and according to CNET, the changes weren't drastic enough to warrant a revision to their original rating. Those looking to make a mountain out of a mole hill can probably kvetch enough to land some new hardware required for the update, but in all honesty, we'd probably just try and forget about it.
Apple finally refreshes Cinema Display: 24-inch, LED backlit, $899
Another rumor to tick off the list, Apple just announced the 24-inch Cinema Display. LED-backlit, check; Mini DisplayPort, check; $899 list price, check; MagSafe adapter, check. In fact, it has a tri-pronged cable that also includes USB . Other specs include a native 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, built-in iSight camera / microphone, integrated stereo speakers and a 3-port USB hub. Can you wait 'til November?%Gallery-34486%%Gallery-34476%
Toshiba gets official with Portege R600 ultraportable
We'd say it's a pretty terrible day for Toshiba to launch new laptops and expect anyone to pay attention, but we suspect that's glaringly obvious. Continuing on in its launch of new and / or revamped machines today, the Portégé R600 has been hammered down as official. The unit tips the scales at 2.4-pounds and measures in at just 0.77-inches thin while including a built-in DVD burner. You'll also find a currently undisclosed CPU (the mystery! the suspense!), a LED-backlit display, a 128GB SSD and a USB Sleep-and-Charge / eSATA combo port. Toshiba should be updated its site here shortly with full customization options, but for now, just know that this beauty will get going at $2,099.
Dell to transition all laptops to LED displays by 2010
We've already heard about a certain other computer manufacturer's supposed plans to go all LED with its laptops in the not too distant future, and it looks like Dell is now set to take the energy-saving leap as well. According to PC Magazine, Dell says that two-thirds of its Latitude E-series laptops will ship with mercury-free LED backlighting as standard by December 15th of this year, and that by the end of 2009, fully 80 percent of all its laptops will be equipped with LED-backlit displays, which also have the added benefit of looking better and being thinner. The remaining laptops will then apparently make the switch sometime in 2010. In case you're wondering, Dell also says that it is "absolutely committed" to transitioning its desktop displays to LED, although it doesn't seem to be quite ready to make any firm commitments.
Bandai's Luminodot: 1,600 glass pegs for your child to swallow
Bandai's Luminodot is a godsend for the light peg artiste looking to take his work to the next level. What we have here is essentially an updated Lite-Brite with over twice the resolution (read: pegs) of the original. Just like Hasbro's classic toy, several design templates are included with the kit -- and if you're feeling creative, there is an online template generator that will render your own designs to PDF. Also included with the kit are 1,600 pegs in twelve colors (or about half of what you will need to fill up the Luminodot's 70 x 50, 3,500 peg display -- you can order additional pegs on their website). But the most impressive feature is probably the LED backlighting: in addition to lighting the pegs, the Luminodot has twenty-five preprogrammed animated sequences. As with most toys this cool, Luminodot is only available in Japan -- though we have seen at least one for sale on eBay. Video after the break.[Via technabob]
Samsung rolls out 8 new HDTVs, new 40-inch LED backlit LCD
Samsung's Series 7 / 8 / 9 plasmas and LCDs have broken cover already in Europe or North America, including the slim PAVV Bordeaux 850 (pictured), but Asia gets first crack at the latest iteration of the company's local dimming LED backlighting tech trickling down into the 40-inch LCD size range. Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology, 1080p, 2,000,000:1 contrast ratios are a must, while also substituting direct YouTube access for the U.S. version's USA Today-powered InfoLink RSS service. No word on the prices the newly expanded Bordeaux line, but we're more interested in how soon the latest in backlighting technology is moving downmarket. Update: Not first, just new, although that shouldn't sate our appetite for a future LN40A950 one bit. [Thanks to all for pointing that out]
LED-backlit Philips 42PFL9803 LCD HDTV breaks cover
We can't say for certain that this is the Essence TV we heard rumored last week, but we wouldn't be shocked one iota if it were. The Philips 42PFL9803, which has actually be around in at least name since earlier this summer, has just been granted an EISA award. The LED-backlit 42-inch HDTV reportedly features a 2,000,000:1 (dynamic) contrast ratio, the company's own LUX LED technology and a jaw-dropping €2,999.99 ($4,407) price tag. We're hearing it's on track for a September release, but hopefully IFA will confirm / deny.
Sony introduces X4500- and W4500-Bravia series LCD HDTVs in Europe
Not content to leave its recently-announced V4500 LCDs to fend for itself in the European market, Sony has brought backup in the form of the X4500 and W4500 Bravia models. The X4500 series is available in 40-, 46- and 55-inch sizes and features a "floating" design that should compliment the optional colored speaker covers quite nicely, thank you. Meh -- we're personally more enthusiastic about the locally-dimming LED backlight, DLNA support and the sheer number of speakers packed into the cabinet (eight on the 55-inch model, six on the smaller ones). We're also curious to see Sony's "IB Reduction" in effect, combined with interlaced backlight dimming that promises to reduce motion blur without introducing flicker. The W4500 series seems like a modest step down the Bravia ladder and is available in 40-, 46- and 52-inch sizes. The W4500 series also has DLNA and LED backlighting with IB Reduction, but no mention of local-dimming. Full press release and more pics after the break.[Via Broadcast Newsroom]%Gallery-29503%EDIT: The W4500 models do not have an LED backlight.
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.
HP gets color-critical with 24-inch DreamColor LP2480xz LCD
Color-critical displays have been around for ages -- you've just had to look really hard and break out some serious change in order to claim one. Now, however, HP's aiming to make a professional display that's actually somewhat affordable for the layman, and that monitor is the DreamColor LP2480xz. Checking in at 24-inches diagonal, this 30-bit, LED-backlit monster provides "a range of more than 1 billion colors" and "achieves more than 64 times the colors available on mainstream LCDs." It was designed in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation and comes bundled with the HP DreamColor engine software and calibration kit. Oh, and if you've been wondering just what the definition of "affordable" was, you can procure this one right now for a modest $3,499. Action shot after the cut.Update: Looks like we conflated that 30-bit spec with inches, post has been updated. We're also hearing this thing runs at a standard-for-its-size 1920 x 1200 pixels. Thanks to everyone who pointed this out.
Sony gets official with XBR6 / XBR7 / XBR8 HDTV lineup
Aw yeah, those svelte Sony XBRs that were leaked back in mid-April have just been confirmed by Sony, and it's going to be a long, sweaty summer waiting for the whole load to land this fall. Kicking things off is the XBR8 series, headed by the 55-inch KDL-55XBR8 and 46-inch KDL-46XBR8 models, which incorporate the outfit's TRILUMINOS three-color LED backlight technology, 10-bit processing, BRAVIA Engine 2, Motionflow 120Hz and Advanced Contrast Enhancer PRO. The 70-inch KDL-70XBR7 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR7 headline the XBR7 lineup, while the XBR6 features sets range from 32- to 52-inches in size. All the gritty details are waiting below -- if you feel like waiting 'til tomorrow for Sony's glacially slow servers to load, that is. %Gallery-24497%
Luminus Devices' PhlatLight technology gets detailed
Today, Samsung is the only TV maker with sets containing Luminus Devices' PhlatLight, but according to a new report detailing the technology, that could be a-changin'. We heard that this stuff was taking home some fancy award earlier this year, but now we're getting a real in-depth look at what all it can do to make our lives better. Aside from having the potential to last the entire lifetime of the TV (over 60,000 hours) and "deliver a consistent picture without fading," PhlatLight essentially "combines the benefits of both LED and laser technologies." There's plenty more on the technicalities waiting in the read link below, but those focused on end products will be delighted to know that this system is slated to arrive in front projectors and pocket projectors in the not-too-distant future.
Luminus PhlatLight LED backlighting grabs a gold award
No doubt, emissive displays like plasma and OLED get lots of oohs and ahs, but for right now, LCD dominates the market. With plasma moving to the niches and OLED still on the horizon, we're happy to see that innovation in LCD performance keeps on coming. No doubt the biggest innovation we saw last year was the introduction of LED backlighting. Fashion being what it is, though, Luminus Devices' PhlatLight technology -- which puts LEDs along the display edges as opposed to directly behind the panel -- makes it possible bring LED backlighting to increasingly thin cabinets. Personally, we'd go for a slightly thicker display to get HDR capability from our LEDs; but we're on the fringe like that. For its contribution to making thin, evenly backlit, energy efficient LCDs, Luminus will be given the Society of Information Display's Gold Award next week alongside two other gadgets familiar around these parts: the Apple iPhone and Sony XEL-1.
Dell's XPS M1530 finally gets HD and LED backlit displays, just not at the same time
Got a hundred bucks to burn? Lucky you, 'cause that Benjamin will now take the stock 15.4-inch 1,440 x 900 display of Dell's XPS M1530 and squeeze in a full 1,920 x 1,200 pixel resolution. Toss in the optional $500 Blu-ray Disc drive and you've got yourself a sweet portable HD rig pumping Intel's Penryn at the core. Another $50 and you've added a presumably brighter, LED backlit display but you're now back to the original 1,440 x 900 resolution. Oh decisions, decisions.[Thanks, Jonaid]
