HDTV's Today

240Hz LCD TVs: What you need to know?

2009-05-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Every year it seems there's a new catchy spec in the HDTV realm everybody likes to talk about. A few years back it was 1080p resolution. Then we heard about 120Hz, which is supposed to reduce motion blur in fast-moving images on LCD TVs. Well, this year, the latest and greatest spec is 240Hz, which is supposed to do what 120Hz does, but better.

Not too long ago, our video guru David Katzmaier gave his initial impressions on 240Hz in a post titled "Is 240Hz worth waiting for?" When he wrote that piece, he'd just seen his first 240Hz TV in action and wasn't sold on the new technology. Now that he's reviewed four 240Hz HDTVs and has a fifth review (the Samsung UN55B8000) in the works, he's still not sold, but he admits the verdict isn't totally clear-cut.

Part of the problem is that there's a difference between what your eye sees in everyday material you watch and objective testing done with test patterns. As Katzmaier notes in his post, "Standard LCD and plasma TVs refresh the screen 60 times per second, or 60Hz, which is plenty fast enough to eliminate flicker and create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. In fact, most sources sent to your display arrive at the nominal rate of 30 frames per second, and each frame is repeated once by the television to achieve 60 total fps."

For most people, including me and Mr. Katzmaier, it's very difficult to see the impact that "faster" LCD sets have on picture quality. We spent some time in our AV lab watching various source material from 120Hz TVs and 240Hz models and it's really hard to detect any difference (it's hard to detect any difference between 120Hz and 60Hz models, too). To be clear, I'm referring here to motion-blur reduction because of faster refresh rates, not to dejudder processing, which smooths out motion and makes film-based material shot at 24fps look more video-like. When dejudder is engaged, you can easily spot its impact on the picture. (It's also worth mentioning that the dejudder processing on the 240Hz TVs we tested so far wasn't any better--or worse--than than the dejudder on 120Hz TVs).

source: CNet.com

Samsung Super Slim HDTV Here!

2009-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Samsung introduced what it says is the slimmest LED HDTV on the market at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year, and it is now available locally.

The new line-up of LED HDTVs in Samsung's arsenal includes the 6000, 7000 and 8000 series TVs with ultra-high contrast ratios and a thickness of 29.2mm. The 6000 and 7000 series TVs feature a 40-inch (UN40B6000 and UN40B7000) and 46-inch (UN46B6000 and UN46B7000) screen respectively, while the 8000 series has a UN55B8000 55-inch screen.

Jean Victor, senior product manager for Samsung TVs in SA, says: “By incorporating LED technology in our TVs we have managed to make the thinnest TVs around and have increased the quality of picture and viewing with our motion blur, image judder and Auto Motion Plus frame interpolation technology. We can also now present images with contrast ratios, not in the thousands, but millions.”

The LED HDTVs are 100% recyclable, says Victor. “Our new TVs contain no lead or mercury heavy metals that are harmful to the environment and we do not use spray paint, which releases VOCs [volatile organic compounds] when heated, on the TVs either. The TVs can therefore be fully recycled for a greener environment,” he says.

Other features of the ultra-slim LED HDTVs include networking capabilities, such as WiFi connection. “You can now wirelessly connect your TV to your PC or media centre to share your movies or other multimedia content between the devices. The new TVs also incorporate basic Internet functionality, not to surf the Net, but to support widgets, and allow you to track up-to-the-minute newsfeeds like Twitter,” Victor adds.

The TVs include USB 2.0 support, a built-in library of flash memory, either 1GB in the 6000 and 7000 series, or 2GB in the 8000 series. The prices for the new TVs range from R15000 for the entry-level series to R54000 for the high-end 8000 series.

Samsung Series 8 ultra-slim LED HDTV

2009-05-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Samsung Electronics has introduced a new series of LED TV, the Series 8, with sizes of 46 inches and 55 inches.

The Series 8 LED TVs feature 5,000,000:1 Mega Contrast and 240Hz technology.

The LED TVs use 40% less power than conventional LCDs, and they are free of lead, mercury and other VOCs compared to 2008 similar size class Samsung LCD TVs in standard mode, the vendor said.

Other features include Internet@TV that allows users to receive content via Yahoo!, Flickr, and other online TV Widgets. USB 2.0 Movie: Multi-Media Center makes it easy to watch movies, browse photos and listen to music on your TV, the company added.

Samsung UN55B8000 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz LED HDTV

Samsung LN52B750 doesn't need LEDs

2009-05-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite HDTVs of 2008 was the Samsung LN52A650, which has remained in our lab for more than a year as a comparison model representing LCD TVs that use a conventional backlight as opposed to LEDs. Now that 240Hz processing has arrived in force on the LCD landscape, we expect the Samsung LNB750 series to take up that mantle.

This set outperforms the company's edge-lit LED-based LCDs in most areas, including black-level performance and picture uniformity, and it produced a better picture than any other LCD we've tested, aside from last year's LED-backlit models that use local dimming. It's definitely not perfect, however, and the best plasma displays still equal or surpass this LCD in overall image quality. But for people seeking an LCD and willing to pay a premium for 240Hz and interactive extras, the Samsung LN52B750 should make the short list.

Samsung LN52B750 52-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV with Charcoal Grey Touch of Color

Samsung Begins Producing Ultra-slim, Energy-efficient LCD Panels with Edge-lit LED Backlighting

2009-03-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

n response to rapidly expanding demand for slimmer televisions, Samsung Electronics LCD Business announced today that it has begun mass producing the industry’s first ultra-slim LCD panels suited for large size TVs.

Samsung’s edge-lit LED (light emitting diode) backlighting offers lighter weight and thinner designs, which is preferable for wall mounting over bulkier direct-lit LED LCDs. The LED-backlit panels also are mercury-free and consume less energy.

A 55-inch Samsung HDTV with edge-lit LED backlighting uses up to 40 percent less power than conventional LCD TVs.

Just 10.8 millimeters (mm) thick, the new Samsung panels are only a fourth the thickness of conventional LCD panels currently in mass production and come in 40-inch, 46-inch and 55-inch diagonal sizes.

"There is a rising demand for light weight large TVs that can be mounted on the wall like a painting, with LED backlighting as a higher quality alternative to the more common CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) technology," said W. K. Chang, president of Samsung Electronics LCD Division. “Samsung is leading the push for ultra-slim LED LCD TVs in a continued demonstration of its leadership in LCD technology,” he added.

While a direct-lit LED backlight will project light forward across the full expanse of the display from the front, edge-lit LEDs emit light from a row of LEDs on the top and bottom of every panel, using less power. The edge-lit technology gathers the light towards the center of the display and bends it, reflecting it forward through a light-guide plate that precisely focuses the light for outstanding picture quality.

Samsung said it has now resolved technical issues affecting development of a marketable edge-lit LED LCD display, including inadequate brightness across the entire screen, and overheating of the outside frames and light-guide plate.

Source: Earthtimes.org

Sharp's New LCD Line Halves Power Consumption

2009-03-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Just like the Aquos LC-52D65U LCD HDTV that earned PC Mag's GreenTech award, Sharp has recently announced a new series of LCD HDTVs with reduced energy consumption.

Sharp calls the new line AQUOS A, comprising of large LCD HDTVs beyond the 40-inch measurement. The first three models in the series are the LC-40AE6 40-inch TV, LC-46AE6 46-inch TV, and LC-52AE6 52-inch TV.

According to Sharp, the models consume 120kWh, 145 kWh and 175kWh per year respectively. In comparison, an ordinary non-energy efficient 32-inch LCD TV can consume up to 310 kWh per year.

Sharp is bold enough to claim that the consumption figures associated with the AQUOS A models propel the series to the top when it comes to energy efficiency in LCD TVs. The high-definition TVs will have a contrast ratio of 15,000:1 and a 120Hz refresh rate.

They seem interesting enough, but you'd have to be in Japan to get your paws on one for now. The 40-inch model will sell for $2,100 while the 46-inch one will go for $2,600 and the 52-inch model will carry a $4,000 price tag.

Product: Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U

Source: PcMag.com

Cheap HDTV and Home Theater Tricks

2009-03-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Why spend $60 a pop taking the family to the cineplex when you can turn your home into a kick-ass theater? Granted, the couch may not seem like such a cheap alternative when you add up amenities like HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and cable service. But believe it or not, there is such a thing as a thrifty home theater. Here's how to build it.

Use a projector to get a big picture without a big HDTV: Where sports, movies, console games, and Lost are concerned, bigger is always better. Alas, LCD and Plasma TVs currently top out at around 65 inches (you call that big?) and sell for at least US$4000. So what would you say to a screen that's nearly five times larger but only half the price?

I'm talking about an HD projector like the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 Projector, which can create a 1080p image up to 300 inches diagonally (assuming you have a 25-foot wall available). It works with all the usual sources--cable, Xbox, Blu-ray player, and so on--and costs around $2000. Sure, you need a reasonably dark room to enjoy it, but you'll definitely score bragging rights with the neighbors--and save money in the process. Estimated savings: $2000.

Get a big HDTV for a small(er) price: Overall, HDTV prices haven't dropped much in the past six months. All the more reason to shop online for the best possible deal on the model you want. I priced a 46-inch Sony Bravia KDL-46W4100 at a brick-and-mortar Best Buy and came away with sticker shock: Literally one penny short of $2000, not including sales tax. But Amazon had the same set for just $1594, shipping included. And at PC Connection, the price was $100 less than Amazon's: $1494, again with free shipping.

I also priced the Samsung LN46A650, another 46-inch LCD, and although the price difference in this case wasn't nearly as steep ($1545 at Best Buy, $1487 at Amazon), the latter's freedom from sales tax again made this a no-brainer. It's worth paying extra only if you insist on having a storefront at your disposal in case something goes wrong. (Of course, with big-box storefronts like Circuit City closing up shop, even that isn't a sure thing.) Estimated savings: As much as $500 on a 46-inch LCD.

Cut your costs on overpriced cables: Welcome to the scam of the century. Browse the aisles of your local electronics store and you'll likely find a Nyko HDMI Cable for PlayStation 3 selling for $60, a NexxTech Ultimate HDMI to HDMI Cable for $70, and/or a Monster Cable 700hd High Speed HDMI Cable for a whopping $95. And they're not even jewel-encrusted!

Product: Samsung LN46A650 | Sony Bravia KDL-46W4100

Source: PCWorld.idg.com.au

Samsung LN46A850 Review

2009-03-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

The cabinet depth of some large-screen LCD televisions is less than half of what was possible only two years ago. And if the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show floor was any indication, manufacturers are looking to halve the depths of upcoming premium panels yet again. At a mere 1.9 inches, the 46-inch Samsung LN46A850 is the company's thinnest HDTV yet (the next thinnest is our Editors' Choice Samsung LN52A750, which has a cabinet depth of 4.2 inches). What's more, the LN46A850's colors are brilliantly accurate, its video black inky-dark, and its reproduction of standard- and high-definition sources admirably detailed. And the LN46A850 is loaded with useful extras, including support for network streaming of multimedia content. All in all, it's a tempting—and competitively priced—slim-cabinet television.

The glossy black frame surrounding the LN46A850's screen is enhanced with a subtle reddish-amber "Touch of Color" along the outer edges. (The similar A860 series features a bluish accent.) Compared with those found Samsung's A750 series, the screen's frame has been narrowed by about a third; it measures not quite 2 inches wide along the sides and top and 3 inches wide along the bottom. The LN46A850's swivel-action table stand is constructed from a rectangular-shaped sheet of tempered glass that nicely complements the TV's frame.
Buzz up!on Yahoo!

A good, stylish TV deserves a quality remote control, and the LN46A850 includes two. The main remote is identical in design to the updated, fully backlit one included with the A950 series. Then there's a new, palm-size "Mini Remote," which has channel, volume, and power controls in a simplified arrangement that makes it great for guests or children.

The selection of A/V ports on the A850 includes four HDMI (one on the side), two component video inputs, VGA, and an RF input for antenna use. Unlike many HDTVs, the A850 has a digital audio output that functions with any connected source. But multichannel audio output is available only when you are using the TV's integrated DTV tuner—all other sources are limited to stereo output only.

Product: LN46A850, LN52A750

Source: PCMag.com

Samsung 40B7000: The Super Thin LED TV

2009-03-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

The idea of using LEDs to light an LCD TV isn't a new one, but in its new ultrathin HDTV, the 40B7000, Samsung has used the technology to make something truly special. The 40B7000 isn't technically backlit--it actually uses an LED edge light, which means the diodes are mounted in the side of the TV rather than behind the panel. There's some slightly complicated technology involved in getting the light distributed evenly around the screen, but you'd never notice.

Using an edge light means the TV can be whisker-thin. The Samsung 40B7000 really is incredible to look at. What's more, it's very light, and that means the wall mount can simply be a piece of thin cable and a couple of decent screws. Oddly, the mount alone is quite pricey, but there are bound to be special bundles that include it for free.

It's worth pointing out that in the US, this LED range is known as Luxia. That name won't be coming to the UK and Asia--instead it will just be known as Samsung's LED TV. We have to say that we prefer the simple LED brand to yet another ghastly pseudo-Latin sub-brand.

Such a thin TV must have some compromises, but the only things we can find are some slightly flimsy breakout connectors for the composite and component-video inputs. Not a major problem at all, although some may not like it this way.

One of the most exciting features of this TV is the Internet widget system. However, we have spoken to Samsung and understand that such services are hugely country-dependent. To date, there is no firm indication that the widgets will be available for the Asia models. But the good news is the Korean company will be launching the B6000- and B8000-series, together with the B7000, in selected Asian countries. The pricing and availability for these panels are currently pending finalization.

We have to say that the Samsung 40B7000 has really impressed us so far. Everything about it is slick. The TV itself feels rock-solid, looks epic and has pretty much every extra function you're likely to need for a long time.

Source: Cnet.com

Sony Intros New Bravia HDTVs and Wireless-ready Blu-ray Players

2009-03-24T11:17:00.001-07:00

Sony is bolstering its networkable Bravia HDTV line with two new models, plus introducing new Blu-ray players with Wi-Fi and S-AIR wireless audio support.

Sony is bolstering its home entertainment lineup with a number of new component releases, including new networkable Bravia HDTVs and new Blu-ray players that come with wireless technology for tapping into BD Live content.

"The demands of today's home theater go beyond pristine picture quality and our new Blu-ray Disc product line offers a breadth of technologies that deliver an amazing entertainment experience," said Sony Electronic home products marketing VP Chris Fawcett, in a statement. "Consumers don't want a living room cluttered with wires and the new Blu-ray Disc product lineup breaks down the wired barriers of the past."

The BDP-S560 features integrated 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity to attaching to a home network and accessing BD Live content without the hassle of running a wired Ethernet network—and, of course, firmware updates to keep the device up to date. The S560 supports Sony's Wi-Fi Protected Setup for easy connections to wireless routers, and the player can connect to other DNLA-compliant devices throughout a network to share photos. The S560 offers HDMI output, Ethernet (just in case), a front-panel USB port for connecting cameras and camcorders, high-definition upscaling for standard definition content, Sony's Precision Drive technology for stabilizing the disc during playback, and support for 7.1 surround sound—including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. The BDP-S360 is basically the same beast as the S560, minus the Wi-Fi. Expect to see both players in May for $350 and $300, respectively.

Sony has also launched two Blu-ray home theather systems—the BDV-E300 and BDV-E500W—that offer BD Live support and 7.1 surround support. The BDV-E500W includqes S-AIR support, meaning the system can support wireless speakers up to 164 feet away, or up to 10 S-AIR audio station devices (available separately) throughout a home. Both systems also include Sony's Digital Media Port for supporting iPods, Walkmans, and other devices—expect to see them in June for $600 and $800, respectively.

Sony has also added networkable Bravia HDTVs to its lineup, the 52-inch Bravia KDL-52W5100, the 46-inch Bravia KDL-46W5100, and 40-inch Bravia KDL-40W5100. The units each feature Ethernet connectivity for tapping into Sony Bravia Internet Video content via an existing in-home broadband connection, and the units also feature Bravia Internet Widget, based on the Yahoo Widget Engine, to enable users to tap into news and content, as wellas services like Flickr. Each set features Sony's Bravia Engine 3, 120 Hz refresh, plus 4 HDMI inputs and PC, component, and S-video inputs. Sony says the new networkable Bravias HDTVs will be available this spring, but hasn't announced a firm date or pricing information.

Source: Digitaltrends.com

Sony Bravia W5 and F5 240Hz Motion Flow HDTVs unveiled

2009-03-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

Sony unveiled the Bravia W5 and Bravia F5 LCD HDTV sets with 240Hz Motion Flow in Japan.
Motion Flow 240Hz gives you even smoother and sharper fast moving footage as mostly found in sports events. Of course 240Hz Motion Flow is also great for watching fast paced action movies.

The Sony Bravia W5 series consists of the KDL-52W5 (52 inch), KDL-46W5 (46 inch) and KDL-40W5 (40 inch).
The Sony Bravia F5 series features the KDL-46F5 (46 inch), KDL-40F5 (40 inch) and the KDL-32F5 (32 inch). Sony also managed to integrate a FeliCa payment system into the new TVs to let users buy content easily via the remote.
The new Bravia F5 and W5 HDTVs will start shipping in April. The top of the line KDL-52W5 has an estimated price of 450,000 yen (~$4,600).

Product: Sony Bravia 240Hz

Source: i4u.com

Samsung brings 6000, 7000 and 8000 TVs to UK

2009-03-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Samsung has announced that it is bringing the Luxia range of TVs launched in the US at CES earlier in the year to the UK in the next couple of weeks.

Although the new models will drop the Luxia branding, the TVs will sport the same features and functionality as the company attempts to build on its number one status.

"Every four TVs sold in Europe is a Samsung TV", said a spokesman for the company. "We sell more than number 2 and three put together".

Made up of three different models; the 8000, 7000 and 6000, the new TVs will use LEDs as their primary light source, rather than traditional Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL).

The top of the range model will be called the 8000. It will sport 240Hz capability like Sony and LG as it attempts to eradicate motion blur for good. The 7000 and 6000 series will come with an also-quick 120Hz refresh rate.

Each of the three new Samsung LED HDTV series boast high dynamic contrast ratios says Samsung.

Called Media@2.0 the TV will feature Internet@TV, WiseLink Pro, Content Library and DLNA connectivity that lets users access content onscreen from Yahoo, Flickr, YouTube and more with the push of a button as well as stream stuff to the device from its Omnia HD handset via DLNA.

The TV, which will be just an inch thick, will come with a special wall mount that means it stands just 0.6 inches from the wall, down from the 2 inches that the majority offer.

Both series 6 and series 7 will come in sizes from 19 to 55 inches and support Full HD 1080p outputs and come with four HDMI connectors and 2 USB ports. 8 series TVs, which come in 50 and 58-inch varieties will come with four HDMI connectors.

Product: Samsung Luxia

Source: Pocket-lint.com

Look for LED Backlighting for the best in LCD HDTV

2009-02-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, the hottest new feature in LCD HDTV's was 1920 x 1080p resolution, last year it was 120Hz technology to reduce motion tearing and this year its LED backlighting.

Over the course of the last few months several major consumer electronics, including Samsung, Sharp and Sony have introduced LCD flat panel televisions with LED backlighting that Digital Home and other critics believe deliver the best picture to date on an LCD HDTV.

Benefits of LED Backlighting

The primary benefit of using LED illumination for backlighting an LCD panel (and it's a big one) is to improve black levels. When watching High definition video, a television with poor black levels results in a poor quality video image because the colours are washed out, shadow areas look gray, and overall the picture looks flat.

The superior black levels that LED lighting provides give the viewer a sense of greater depth in the video image along with more vibrant colours. Additional benefits from LED backlighting are longer bulb life and much thinner LCD panels. Some new LED driven panels are less than one inch thick!

In 2009, if you are looking for the finest picture quality that LCD HDTV has to offer and are willing to pay the premium that goes along with having the best, then Digital Home Canada suggests readers be sure to check out these new LCD panels with LED backlighting from Samsung, Sony and Sharp.

Samsung 9 Series

The Series 9 LCD HDTV is Samsung's second generation of LED LCD HDTV's.

The 2008 flagship Series 9 features 1080p resolution, LED SmartLighting, Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technologies and Touch of Colour design with a patterned bezel and charcoal grey accent.

The Series 9 LED LCD also features Samsung's InfoLink RSS service, WiseLink Pro and DLNA technology and come equipped with four (1 side, 3 rear) HDMI-CEC inputs to control the latest home theatre products using a single remote.

The Series 9 HDTVsare available now in 46-inch (Samsung LN46A950) and 55-inch (model LN55A950) size for $4,000 and $6,000 respectively.

Super Bowl to Drive 2.6 Million HDTV Sales

2009-01-31T05:48:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday is expected to influence the purchase of 2.6 million high-definition television sets, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.

The big football game has had a four-year streak as the top driver for HDTV purchases, said the Arlington-based association.

HDTV sales are expected to have another record-breaking year in 2009. About 29.8 million HD sets are expected to ship, out of a total of 34.5 million digital televisions sold in the U.S. in 2009.

That is up from 26.8 million HD sets sold last year. Another reason for rising sales is the falling average wholesale price of sets.

In the past five years, the average wholesale price for an HDTV has fallen nearly 50 percent to $849 in 2009.

“Even in this tough economy HDTV growth has remained strong and steady,” said Jason Oxman, senior vice president of industry affairs for the trade group, in a statement. “Since the early days of HD, sporting events have lead the way in high-def broadcasts. Sixty percent of consumers said the Super Bowl is one of their favorite sports to watch in HD.”

source : BizJournals.com

Big deals on HDTVs for Super Bowl 2009

2009-01-27T00:23:00.000-08:00

Are you gearing up for the Super Bowl? You'll see some good discounts on big-screen TVs this week, especially in the flat-panel LCD and plasma HDTV categories.

Here's a good deal that expires today:
Mitsubishi 60-inch 1080p DLP HDTV for $999 from BestBuy.com with free shipping and free Geek Squad setup.

Look in tomorrow's Daily Press Savvy Shopper section for more information on how to buy an LCD or plasma HDTV and where to find the best prices. (Sneak peek tip: You'll find the most deals on Samsung TVs this week. They're the "official" TV of the Super Bowl, and if you spend more than $1,000 on a Samsung at Amazon.com, you'll get a $200 nflshop.com gift certificate).

source : weblogs.dailypress.com

HDTVs Buying Guide for Super Bowl 2009

2009-01-23T21:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some ideas to keep in mind if you decide to go high-def.

What size screen should I get? A common rule of thumb is this: Take the distance you’ll be sitting from the TV set, in feet. Multiply it by four to get the number of inches of screen diagonal you should get.

If you sit 10 feet from the TV, that works out to a 40-inch set. That’s the minimum size — you will certainly appreciate an even larger one.

If you’re choosing between a smaller TV with premium features or a larger TV for the same price, go for the larger one. Advanced features like 1080p resolution (see below) aren’t of much value on small sets anyway, and nothing beats the enveloping feel of a large screen.

The Future of HDTV from LG

2009-01-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

LG is launching 12 HDTV lines at this year’s CES – 30 new LCD models and seven fresh plasmas, with screens as small as 19 inches and as gloriously large as 60.

Many of the new HDTVs are a proving ground for LG’s latest technologies. For example, the flagship 55-inch LHX model is less than one-inch thick – 0.97-inches to be precise.

The LHX is also wireless. Along with the new LH85 series HDTVs, the LHX features Wireless HDMI technology. Video signals (up to full 1080p) are broadcast to the TV from a separate media box. While it doesn’t eliminate the power lead, you can wave goodbye to unsightly HDMI cabling.

source : www.hdtvnew.com

Panasonic's latest Blu-ray player is a tag-along

2009-01-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

Panasonic announced what it said was the first portable Blu-ray Disc player, which will be available in May for an undisclosed price.

The company said the DMP-B15 will have the same functionality as other Panasonic Blu-ray players such as the DMP-BD60, the DMPBD80, and the DMP-B70V, but would include a three-hour rechargeable battery (okay, no epics), and an optional headrest mounting bracket for use in a car (by the passengers, presumably).

source : www.betanews.com

Internet on TV Big in 2009

2009-01-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

The 240Hz TV isn’t the only thing coming to home cinema in 2009. Onboard Internet looks set to be the next big trend in flat screens with Toshiba and Samsung jumping onboard.
Remember Intel’s Internet TV demo we raved about? Turns out, it wasn’t a passing fad.

While we were gearing up to hear Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic up the ante with 200+ Hz TVs here at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (there’s already several 240Hz model being talked about), turns out the bigger story is the push to wack in Ethernet ports and chips that might have you reaching for the TV remote instead of the keyboard to go online.

And if you though the Blu-Ray vs HD DVD battle was a big deal, it seems the big players in HD TV think this new trend will be bigger, with Samsung’s Executive Vice President calling it the “future of TV”.

source : www.hdtvnew.com

Japan Leads in HDTV, China Lags

2009-01-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Of the 50 million total TV households in Japan, almost 17 million have HDTV, according to an analyst at IMS Research. In contrast, there are 400 million total TV households in China, but HDTV is only just beginning to be rolled out.

Of course, there are major political and historical factors causing such sharp contrast between the two countries. While Japan has been quick to adopt new technologies for decades, China's adoption of TV technologies is gaining momentum.

Japan's uptake of HDTV has been driven by Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK), the country's sole public broadcaster. NHK has introduced HD via free satellite, thus creating a demand for the programming, said Shane Walker, an analyst at IMS Research. But NHK also delivers digital terrestrial with additional HD programming as a pay service.

One big driver of HD in Japan is an abundance of HD programming.

source : www.cable360.net

HDTV's Today

240Hz LCD TVs: What you need to know?

Samsung Super Slim HDTV Here!

Samsung Series 8 ultra-slim LED HDTV

Samsung LN52B750 doesn't need LEDs

Samsung Begins Producing Ultra-slim, Energy-efficient LCD Panels with Edge-lit LED Backlighting

Sharp's New LCD Line Halves Power Consumption

Cheap HDTV and Home Theater Tricks

Samsung LN46A850 Review

Samsung 40B7000: The Super Thin LED TV

Sony Intros New Bravia HDTVs and Wireless-ready Blu-ray Players

Sony Bravia W5 and F5 240Hz Motion Flow HDTVs unveiled

Samsung brings 6000, 7000 and 8000 TVs to UK

Look for LED Backlighting for the best in LCD HDTV

Super Bowl to Drive 2.6 Million HDTV Sales

Big deals on HDTVs for Super Bowl 2009

Top 10 Questions & Answers about DTV

HDTVs Buying Guide for Super Bowl 2009

The Future of HDTV from LG

Panasonic's latest Blu-ray player is a tag-along

Internet on TV Big in 2009

Japan Leads in HDTV, China Lags