Plasmas
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LG intros two new 600Hz 3D PDP TVs, as well as streamer boxes
Nipping at the heels of announcements by Panasonic and Samsung, LG has just revealed that its first batch of 600Hz active-shutter 3D Plasmas, the 50" 50PX950 and 60" 60PX950, will soon be available in Korea for the price of $2500 and $4200, respectively. Measuring a svelte 1.2 inches wide, these sets will feature DLNA support, an USB port, and access web content from sources like YouTube and Picasa. Of course for those who can't stomach the agony of needing a physical ethernet or USB cable to access media, the Art Cinema DP1 WiFi multimedia player also announced in tandem by LG should spare you. Likened to a set-top DivX box minus the wires -- though it looks more like a blade in our opinion, the device will stream online content from the usual suspects as well as a laundry list of video files formats stored on your network, even in 1080p. Pricing and release details on this accessory, however, are still anyone's guess, and by the stern look on that model's face, mum's the word. Check out more images of the gear below. %Gallery-98328% %Gallery-98327%
Panasonic announces 46-, 42-inch plasma 3DTVs for Japan
So far, Panasonic's well-reviewed (and naturally, 3D capable) 2010 V-series plasmas have been exclusively a 50-inch and above affair, but it's just announced 46- and 42-inch versions for Japan priced at ¥350,000 ($3,833) and ¥300,000 ($3,285), respectively. Due July 30, it's a fair bet they'll make their way over here in a similar time frame (and with predictably lower MSRPs) just like their larger brethren. Panasonic has reported brisk sales of its initial 3D televisions, but as production ramps up and supply expands, TVs like these are a better fit for many rooms -- and budgets -- so with 3D channels and gaming ready to appear, we'll be eyeing their reception by consumers especially closely.
Bacteria-killing prototype relies on plasma, could obsolete hand washing
Time to get your science fiction hats on, but leave the fiction visor off this time. The BBC has gotten all hot and bothered today about a newly published research report indicating a significant advancement in the field of plasma-based disinfection of both healthy and wounded human skin. Yes, the same stuff that drives your big-ass television is also capable -- in a gaseous form -- of interacting with the oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor in the air to create a concoction lethal to bacteria and fungi, but innocuous to humanoids. The big breakthrough here is that mass production of such devices is finally possible at rates affordable enough to makes them commonplace in hospitals, tattoo shops and the like. Additionally, an argon-based "plasma torch" has been shown to accelerate wound healing, though it's not certain whether this happens through the particular effects of the plasma, or through the reduction of bacteria infesting the wound. The fact the researchers themselves don't know is both unnerving and strangely fun at the same time. We've got a shot of the prototype after the break and the entire paper is available at the read link, if you feel like a geek binge.
Three upcoming plasmas from Fujitsu Hitachi
Even though some folks have been predicting the death of plasma displays at the hands of LCD technology, the Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Corporation is still cranking out the ole PDPs (given their name, they kinda have to), as the joint venture has just announced that it will begin production of three new models over the next several months. First to hit stores will be a 50-inch panel with an odd 1,280 x 1,080 resolution that utilizes the company's proprietary ALIS (Alternate Lighting of Surfaces) technology to deliver an excellent 10,000:1 contrast ratio and maximum brightness of 1,300cd/m2. Next off the production lines will be a 60-incher with full 1,080p resolution, 5,000:1 contrast ratio, and 1,000cd/m2 brightness; this model uses ALIS-derivative e-ALIS, which helps smooth fast video movement on such a large screen. The last display to see the light of day will be another 50-incher, also utilizing ALIS tech -- as well as single-scan technology which only needs one chip for image processing -- that will feature full 1,080p resolution, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and 1,100cd/m2 brightness. These three models will start being manufactured in October, November, and March 2007, respectively, but as of now, there's absolutely no word on a US release schedule or pricing scheme.[Via HDBeat]
