Along with its Blu-ray player Philips other big CES story is the introduction of a new range of Ambilight TVs. Ambilight, in case you haven’t seen the sets, is a technology that works by emitting ambient light along the sides of the FlatTV display. Philips reckons that this enhances colour, improves detail and contrast and reduces eyestrain.
It also does draw the viewer in, a feat which has been reflected by some cracking reviews for the maker's flat TV sets. AT CES Philips is parading sets with Ambilight Full Surround and Ambilight Surround which delivers dynamic lighting displays on four and three sides of the screen respectively.
The full version debuts on the 42PF9831D, a 42inch LCD set that will rive in July. The Ambilight surround is available on a 42inch LCD set – the 42PF9731D and 50inch plasma the 50PF9731 which are also slated for a July launch. There’s no news on UK availability of the sets though.
Any word of ClearLCD / Aptura backlighting in these sets? Their PDF on the technology claimed they would be released in Q1 2006. (and any word on 1080p? I know they recently said that current sets can't support it, but Sony have now shown off 1080p displays)