HDTV

Laser TV becomes new HDTV Entrant

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You thought plasma, LCD, OLED, DLP and CRT were all the choices you had in HDTV? Think again, man. Mitsubishi is adding a new color to the palette, in the form of a high-def TV that uses laser technology. Expect to pay a large premium, though, as always, for the increase in picture quality and environmental friendliness.

Mitsubishi's LaserVue HDTV is slated for release fairly soon, well in time for the holiday season. The difference over other high-def sets is that it uses an engine powered by laser lights, instead of standard TV lighting technology. It sounds cool, as many new fangled ideas do, but expect to pay around $7,000 to get in on the new fad. Read more

Posted on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:00:00 CDT |

Sony BRAVIA XBR8 HDTV is I4U Top 100 Holiday Gift Guide Tip #12

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Sony is offering with the 2008 XBR 8-Series a new top of the line LCD HDTV featuring the new TRILUMINOS three-color LED backlight.
The XBR 8-series include the 46 inch KDL-46XBR8 and 55 inch KDL-55XBR8. If you want to treat your eyes to a visual feast this Holidays than the XBR 8 is a great choice.
Features of the Sony Bravia XBR8 include MotionFlow 120Hz, Bravia Engine 2 PRO, ACE Pro, x.v.Color, 10-bit processor, 24p True Cinema, DMe, XMB UI, four HDMI ports and Ethernet. Read more

Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Sony KDL-40ZX1 9.9mm thin HDTV revealed

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Sony unveiled the world's thinnest LCD TV with the 40 inch KDL-40ZX1 today.
The Sony KDL-40ZX1 only measures 9.9mm in depth. Because the 40ZX1 is so skinny it is also the world's lightest 40 inch LCD TV with 12.2kg.
In addition the Sony ZX1 series LCD TV features wireless video reception dubbed Bravia 1080 Wireless.

Other features of the Sony ZX1 include 3000:1 contrast ratio, full HD 1080p resolution, Motion flow of 120 Hz, 3 HDMI ports, digital and analog tuner, LAN, and USB. Read more

Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:08:03 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

More Samsung Touch of Color HDTV Monitors Announced

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Samsung has announced new HD monitors in its "Touch of Color" line. The new monitors include the T220HD, T240HD, and T260HD. The T220HD is a 22-inch monitor with a resolution of 1680 x 1050 and a brightness of 300 cd/m2. The contrast ratio for the display is 1000:1. The monitor has a built-in USB hub and dual HDMI connections. The T220HD will sell for $429

The T240HD has a 24-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. Brightness for the monitor is 300 cd/m2 and the contrast ratio is dynamic 10000:1. The monitor has a built-in ATSC tuner and Dolby Digital Surround sound. The T240HD will sell for $549. Read more

Posted on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:24:31 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Samsung MediaLive HDTV Accessory Unveiled

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Samsung announced its MediaLive retail launch this week. The gadget is designed to deliver digital content in real-time from Windows Media Center on a PC to big screen Samsung TVs. Note that last bit, the device only works for Samsung TVs.

The device can stream photos, music, movies, home movies and live or recorded TV from the PC in HD resolution to the big screen. Samsung says that the MediaLive device will work with most Samsung TVs purchased in 2008. Read more

Posted on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:20:16 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Samsung Announces Series 8 LCD HDTVs

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This week Samsung announced a new Series 8 LCD HDTV line. Series 8 TVs feature Samsung’s take on functional art with an attractive design. The TVs in the series are only 1.9-inch wide at the thickest point. All of the models can support up to full 1080p resolution and use 120Hz refresh rates.

The series includes the 850 and 860 models and both models will come in either 46-inch or 52-inch screen sizes. Contrast ratio for all models is 50000:1 dynamic and both feature integrated downward firing speakers with a sub and SRS TruSurround XT. Read more

Posted on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:56:53 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

New Toshiba Regza ZF LCD HDTV features PS3 Cell Chip

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At the IFA 2008 Toshiba will introduce the first LCD HDTV containing the power of the CELL CPU known from the Sony PS3.

The Cell chip in the Toshiba Regza ZF-series is used for Resolution+. Toshiba's Resolution+ creates upscaled images from SD sources that are supposedly very close to HD quality. Read more

Posted on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Sony KDL-32XBR6 32-inch LCD HDTV Review

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The test lab over at our review partner Digital Trends published a review of the Sony KDL-32XBR6 32-inch LCD HDTV.

Quote from the review: "Depending on the source you read, Sony is among the top television sellers in the United States. Ever since the fabled Trinitron (introduced way back in 1968 if you can believe it), the company is practically synonymous with TV. After a few missteps several years ago as it let the flat-panel parade go by, Sony got its Mojo back and now has dozens of flat panel sets ranging from 11-inch OLEDs to a 70-inch LCD for a cool $30K. In between are more models than you can shake a remote at or possibly try to remember. However, if you're looking for Sony's best, think XBR Series-which is what we did when we wanted to test a compact HDTV that could neatly fit in a small apartment's living room or bedroom. Read more

Posted on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Mitsubishi introduces Premium LCD HDTVs with integrated Sound Projector

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Mitsubishi introduced a pair of new Ultra Thin Frame premium flat panel HDTVs today that feature integrated Sound Projectors. The two sets are the 46-inch screen LT-46149 and the 52-inch screen LT-52149 models.

The integrated sound projector uses an array of 16 speakers to reproduce a true 5.1 surround sound listening experience without needing speakers or wiring to accomplish it. Both models also feature a 120Hz refresh rate and the ability to display HD programming. The 46-inch set will retail for $3299 and the 52-ich set will sell for $3699. Read more

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:36:31 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pinnacle HD Stick USB HDTV Tuner

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Pinnacle has announced a new USB HDTV tuner stick for the PC. The device is about the size of a flash drive and is called the Pinnacle PCTV HD Stick and a HD Pro Stick is available as well. Both devices can support HD resolutions up to 1080i and only require connection to a USB port.

The tuners utilize ClearQAM tuners to OTA HD programs. Both sticks are compatible with Windows Vista and XP MCE. The small tuners are ideal for users looking for mobile TV viewing. The HD Pro stick adds the ability to view current analog programs, has a FM tuner and can receive signals from a cable or satellite box and camcorders. The HD Stick sells for $69.99 and the HD Stick Pro sells for $99.99. Read more

Posted on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

JVC LT-42X899, LT-47X899 and LT-52X899 LCD HDTVs ship

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JVC today announced the availability of a new line of LCD televisions powered by a JVC-developed next-generation high definition engine, Clear Motion Drive III.
The new full HD TVs are part of JVC's recently launched Procision series, a product line that features the company's most advanced technologies.
The new JVC Procision 1080p HDTVs include the 42 inch LT-42X899, the 47 inch LT-47X899 and the 52 inch LT-52X899. Read more

Posted on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Vizio Announces New HDTVs

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Vizio announced today three new HDTV sets. Two of the new sets are LCD full 1080p TVs with 120Hz refresh rates and one is a new 50-inch plasma set. The pair of LCD sets includes the SV470XVT (47-inch) and the SV420XVT (42-inch). These sets both have 120Hz refresh rates and Smooth motion video. Both sets have two HDMI 1.3 ports on the side as well as two of them in the rear and TruSurround XT virtual surround sound.

An optional upgrade kit can add full wireless 5.1 surround sound with a wireless sub woofer and wireless rear speakers. The 50-inch plasma model is the VP505XVT. The set has full 1080p resolution and a pair of HDMI 1.3 ports on the rear of the set. Vizio also includes a HDMI cable with the set. The contrast ratio for the plasma is 30,000:1 and it features a Silicon Optix REON HQV video processor and 1200 nits of brightness. Read more

Posted on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:39:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

ABI Research Says Wireless HDTV Technologies to Battle for a Million Installs in

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ABI Research says that by 2012 competing wireless HDTV technologies will be fighting it out for a million installs. Fewer than 100,000 wireless HDTV devices are expected to ship this year. According to ABI three technologies will be fighting for dominance.

The three technologies include 5GHz, 60GHz, and ultra wideband (UWB). All three of these technologies will broadcast HD programming from sources like cable boxes and Blu-ray players wirelessly to TVs in the home making for fewer cables for installations. Read more

Posted on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:10:07 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Vizio VO32L LCD HDTV Review

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Our review partner Digital Trends tested the very affordable Vizio VO32L LCD HDTV and published a review.

Quote from the review: "When it comes to HDTVs, bigger and more expensive means a higher profile in the press and a much greater techno-lust factor. Read more

Posted on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

New Sony BRAVIA XBR6, XBR7 and XBR8 Series LCD HDTVs

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Sony unveiled seven new BRAVIA XBR flat-panel LCD HDTVs including models with Triluminos LED backlight and local dimming for outstanding black-level reproduction and unmatched contrast.

The new models expand the BRAVIA LCD line up to 30 models ranging in screen size from 19- to 70- inches measured diagonally. The BRAVIA XBR models represent Sony’s premium line, delivering the latest features and the pinnacle of picture quality. Read more

Posted on Fri, 6 Jun 2008 06:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Panasonic Viera PZ850 web-enabled Plasma 1080p HDTV

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Panasonic announces the web-enabled PZ850 series of VIERA Plasma HDTV to be available at retail beginning in mid-June.

The Panasonic PZ850 features VIERA CAST, which provides access to YouTube, Google’s Picasa Web Album, and Bloomberg directly on the HDTV.
The PZ850 is available in four screen sizes: the 46-inch class TH-46PZ850 (46.0” measured diagonally), the 50-inch class TH-50PZ850 (49.9” measured diagonally), the 58-inch class TH-58PZ850 (58.0” measured diagonally) and the 65-inch class TH-65PZ850 (64.8” measured diagonally). Read more

Posted on Wed, 21 May 2008 11:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

New Sharp Aquos D Series LCD HDTVs

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Sharp introduced 22 new Aquos LCD TVs in Japan. The Sharp Aquos D Series include 9 new LCD TV models.

The Sharp Aquos D series comes in 42, 37 and 32 inch screen sizes and three colors (Black, White and Red) designed by Toshiyuki Kita.
Features of the new Sharp Aquos D series LCD HDTVs include 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 120Hz, 12 bit gray-scale processing, and 3 HDMI ports. Read more

Posted on Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

New Sharp Aquos R LCD HDTVs

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Sharp announced overall 22 new LCD TVs in Japan today including six new Sharp Aquos R series HDTVs.

The six new Sharp Aquos R LCD full HD TVs come in 65, 52 and 46 inches and two bezel colors.
Sharp uses the industry highest contrast ratio LCD panel in the Aquos R series. The maximum contrast ratio is 20,000:1. The panel itself has 3,300:1, but Sharp uses special backlight control that achieves up to 20,000:1. In a well lit room the contrast ratio is still 1,500:1 with the Aquos R series. Read more

Posted on Mon, 19 May 2008 02:59:20 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Panasonic shows tru2way HDTV and DVRs

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Panasonic will show tru2way enabled PCH2180 HD-DVR Set-Top, VIERA Plasma HDTV sets, TZ-LC100 Portable Digital Video Recorder and more at the Cable Show 2008.

tru2way (formerly OpenCable) is the next-generation interactive digital cable television standard. Read more

Posted on Sat, 17 May 2008 07:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

HDTV Shopping Tips

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With the digital transition coming in early 2009 and some markets changing to digital broadcasts before that the market for LCD and Plasma TVs is booming. The economic stimulus checks soon to be showing up for most Americans will also see lots of new HDTVs coming to homes around the country. Today we are going to talk about a few of the things you need to consider when you are buying a LCD or plasma TV.

LCD or Plasma
There are certainly more things that most consumers will want to consider when shopping for a new flat screen TV. Two of the most basic decisions you will need to make is what size a TV you want and if you want to go with plasma or LCD technology. The decision on size will determine to some extent whether you can choose from LCD, Plasma or both technologies for the size you want.

Typically you won’t see plasma TVs under 42-inches in size. That means if you are shopping under 42-inches odds are all you will have to choose from is LCD TVs. That’s not a bad thing, it just means different technology.

Plasma panels have some pros and cons when compared to LCD TVs. The first is that plasma panels tend to not last as long as an LCD panel will. Though honestly, by time a plasma panel looses a noticeable amount of its brightness you will be ready to upgrade anyhow.

Plasma HDTVs tend to be brighter than LCDs and often have better contrast ratios. The contrast ratio is a particularly important specification of any LCD or Plasma TV. The higher the contrast ratio of a TV the better picture quality you will be able to get. It is important to note that there is no industry standard for manufacturers to use when measuring contrast ratio so the numbers are often considered arbitrary. Read more

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2008 13:07:07 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

New Pioneer PDP-5020FD and PDP-6020FD Plasma HDTVs

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Pioneer announced a new line of KURO Plasma TVs featuring black levels five times deeper than the previous award-winning KURO.

The philosophy behind Pioneer’s Project KURO and the driving force is to achieve absolute, pure black. True, deep black creates a picture unlike any other that possesses finer detail, greater contrast, and more importantly, the ability to produce deeper colors not achievable before. This year, Pioneer pushes ever closer to their goal of absolute black by further reducing the idle luminance and improving black levels five times over the previous 2007 KURO models. This has enabled Pioneer to accurately reproduce deeper colors within the high-definition color spectrum and outdistance other display manufacturers. Read more