Jan 12

Announced at CES Panasonic has unveiled a range of new 3D displays and a Blu-ray player.

First up is a new line up of Viera Plasma TV’s with 3D support.

The VT25 series includes four screen sizes ranging from 50-inches to 65-inches – the TC-P65VT25 class (64.8″ measured diagonally), the TC-P58VT25 class (58″ measured diagonally), the TC-P54VT25 class (54″ measured diagonally) and the TC-P50VT25 class (49.9″ measured diagonally). One pair of 3D Eyewear is included. In addition to providing 3D viewing, the VT25 series of VIERA HDTVs features the enhanced VIERA CAST service with Wireless LAN Adaptor ready on its USB port, video call capability(2), VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG digital still images and HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; VIERA Link, a PC input, two USB Ports, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, 24p cinematic playback, 600Hz Sub-field Drive (produces 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution) and Infinite Black Pro display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast.

I have to say only including one pair of 3D glasses is a little singly, do they really think that only one person will be watching. It would have been better to include two or three pairs with discounts for more so the whole family can enjoy the experience.

Panasonic also introduced a range of new displays in the G25 Series lacking the 3D support but including Wi-Fi for that low-fi streaming experience. Screens range from 54 to 42 inches.
Also announced was a new line up of Viera LCD TV’s with LED backlighting. The D2 Series support 1080p with high contrast, fast response IPS panels.

For potential Blu-ray 3D fans the DMP-BDT350 is Panasonics first 3D capable player or which more information should be announced soon.  The new BD65, BD85, and BDT350 players all feature a USB port for an optional Wi-Fi adapter with Viera Cast technology to enable internet streaming.

Jan 11

There were a number of announcements from LG at this year’s CES, below is a summary
LG reaffirmed its commitment to Plasma technology with the announcement of new ranges which are lighter and thinner than previous TV’s. Perhaps under pleasure from thinner and thinner LCD sets and future OLED displays weight has been reduced by up to 40% on some models and depth to two inches (5cm for those in this century). Surprisingly LG is still producing 720p models, with the industry pushing 1080p even at smaller sizes this could be simply be to keep up with lower pricing from other manufacturers. Also included is most of the internet streaming partner technologies including YouTube, VUDU, Napster and Netflix. In addition the sets have the capability to make Skype calls if you want to make video calls you will need to purchase a separate video cameras.
On the LDC front new screens where announced with sizes from 19 to 60 inches.
A summary is below:
LD650 Series (47- and 55-inch class sizes*) – A Full HD 1080p HDTV, this LCD HDTV series boasts TruMotion 240Hz performance for reduced motion blur. Other features include: NetCast Entertainment Access, USB Video DLNA, and Wireless-ready technology.
LD550Series (32-, 42-, 46-, 52-, and 60-inch class sizes*) – Also a Full HD 1080p series, these HDTVs are equipped with TruMotion 120Hz. Other features include: NetCast Entertainment Access, USB Video, DLNA, and Wireless-ready technology.
LD520 Series (32-, 42-, 47- and 55-inch class sizes*) – Combines Full HD 1080p with TruMotion 120Hz performance with a variety of screen sizes.
LD450 Series (32-, 37-, 42-, 47-inch class sizes*) – A Full HD 1080p HDTV in a variety of sizes to fit almost any room in the home.
LD350 Series (19-, 22-, 26-, and 32-inch class sizes*) – Provides smaller screen sizes for consumers in a 720p HD model.
INFINIA LE9500 Series (47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Full HD 1080p HDTV features uni-layer design with ultra-slim (8.5MM) bezel, Full LED Slim technology with Local Dimming, TruMotion 480Hz and THX Display Certification. Also includes NetCast Entertainment Access, DLNA, wireless broadband ready capabilities, wireless HD ready and 2 USB ports.
INFINIA LE8500 Series (47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Includes all the same features of the LE9500 with the exception of the 3D capability, 8.5mm bezel and the Magic Wand remote control. It also features TruMotion 240Hz technology.
INFINIA LE7500 Series (42-, 47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Provides consumers with a Full HD 1080p experience, TruMotion 120Hz, and LED Plus technology for local dimming capability. With NetCast Entertainment Access, Wireless HD Technology content is easier to access than ever before without the fuss of too many cords.
LE5500 Series (22-, 26-, 42-, 47-, 55-inch class sizes*) – Includes TruMotion 120Hz, LED Plus Technology, and NetCast Entertainment Access. (Except 22- and 26-inch class sizes).
LE5400 Series (32-, 42-, 47, 55, 60-inch class sizes*) – Full HD 1080p HDTV series includes LED lighting, TruMotion 120Hz, NetCast Entertainment Access, Wi-Fi ready and two USB ports.
LE5300 Series (19-, 22-, 26-, 32-, 37-inch class sizes*) – Brings the slim profile of LED technology to smaller screen sizes. Thirty-two and 37-inch class sizes are Full HD 1080p and feature TruMotion 120Hz technology, while the 19-, 22- and 26-inch class sizes provide a 720p HD picture
LG’s LE9500 incorporates a unique “Magic Wand” remote system that provides an immersive interaction with the set. This “Magic” user interface brings together menus, component controls and even embedded games, which can be accessed using a simple remote that combines minimal buttons and gestures to control the on-screen activity, mirroring a “Wii-like” experience.

LG Blu-ray – LG announced a range of Blu-ray player featuring their NetCast technology allowing streaming of YouTube, VUDU, Napster and Netflix. The top of the BD590 features 802.11n high speed wireless and a 250GB hard disk for storing streamed content. Completing the range is the LHB975 Blu-ray Home Theatre system featuring wireless speakers (yeah if you forget about the power) and built in drawer for iPod/iPhone docking. The LHB535 and LHB335 systems forego the wireless speakers with the LHB535 including a Wi-Fi connection.

Aug 31

thx_logo

THX have revealed that having your TV correctly calibrated can actually reduce its energy consumption by between 15%-50%. Most TV’s are shipped configured for display in a store with bright fluorescent lights which is usually a totally different environment then home viewing.  While THX recommend professional calibration I think even using a test disk such as video essentials or the THX optimiser that is included on a number of DVD’s and also available separately can help mot just improve your picture quality but also reduces the energy used and can help prolong the life of your TV as you will not be driving the electronics and back lights as hard as if you use the manufacturers settings.

The THX study says you could save between $40-$50 per year, that’s a couple of extra movies.

May 28

Seiko Epson Corp has announced it has developed a new process for ‘printing’ the organic material onto screens using its proprietary Micro Piezo inkjet technology. The new process allows extremely uniform drops and could enable cheaper panels and larger 37” plus display sizes. So far OLED technology has been very expensive to produce and only small screens have been able to be produced.  OLED also allows for much thinner screens as they need no back light. and have much better contrast ratios.

May 06

BANG & OLUFSEN BEOVISION

Bang & Olufsen today announced the BeoVision 4 103-inch plasma TV.
This monster Plasma TV is available either wall mountable for $93,050 or on a motorized stand for $111,805 (gulp). The screen also features built-in surround sound decoding and you can connect up to 14 BeoLab speakers. “BeoVision 4 is not only an outstanding top of the range TV; it is also a truly unique product concept. As such, it provides a strong brand statement, and confirms Bang & Olufsen’s position as the world’s leading AV-provider,” said CEO Karl Kristian Hvidt Nielsen.
The stand sounds really impressive. When you hit the remote to power up the screen raises and the integrated centre emerges from underneath and comes forward flush with the screen. The screen then turns and tilts itself for optimal viewing.  However your floor may need a little reinforcement (as well as your bank balance) as it weighs a hefty 285Kg or 628lbs. In order to fit in with your décor (after you’ve taken the wall down to get it in) its available in silver, dark grey, black, red, blue and golden.  Also consult your local power company as running it draws 1167watts.
Having seen the Panasonic 103” Plasma and been blown away I can only imagine how this screen looks and performs.  More info here

Mar 30

sony-hdmi

Sony has announced two new HDMI cables with one end set at a right angles. Aimed at the flat panel market these new cables ideal for installation where the panel is wall mounted with minimal depth behind the TV. Whereas typical connectors need 7cm clearance (so claim sony with ferrite suppressors – which are typically lower on the cable anyway) these new cables only require 28mm clearance.
Specifications;
• HDMI™ version 1.3a Category 2 rated for an all-digital, uncompressed A/V signal supporting 1080p or higher
• Support for up to 10.2Gbps signal bandwidth, 240Hz refresh rate and 48-bit Deep Colour
• 24 carat gold plated connectors for optimal conductivity and long life
• High quality OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) core wire for excellent signal transmission quality
• Triple shielding for a high level of protection from electro-magnetic interference
• PLAYSTATION® 3 and Blu-ray™ Certified, compatible with BRAVIA Theatre Sync and X.V. Colour™
Both 1m and 2m (which seem a little short for wall mounting) will be available in April

Feb 12

kpr600a_stand_sad

Well it’s a sad day when one of the top brands for quality exits the TV business. Pioneer a long standing supporter of Plasma technology recently announced it would be ceasing manufacturing its own plasma panels and would also outsource it’s LDC TV products to other companies, a move that did not go down well with many fans of its Kuro plasmas. Its Kuro plasmas have long been recognised as having some of the best black levels in the market.

Pioneer has today announced its pulling out of the TV business altogether to concentrate on its Pro-DJ and audio business and we hope that includes their well received amps and BluRay players.

Best of luck to one of the industries true pioneers (no pun intended)

More info here