Philips talked up their Ambilight HDTVs at their press conference at IFA 2006 today.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Philips were first 10 years ago to introduce plasma TVs, now at forefront of HDTV revolution
- Philips have sold 1m Ambilight TVs worldwide
- Ambilight: everyone loves it (apparently) and it's healthier for the eyes too according to North American opthalmologist.
- 85% consumers rate Ambilight highly - good or excellent
- 87% viewers use TV to relax
- Ambilight is relaxing and immersive
- Philips will transform games with AmbiEx - introducing lighting and physical effects
- By 2008 80% of flat TVs will be HD ready
- 8million+ HD ready TVs in Europe by 2008.
- Philips want to keep innovating - keep being leaders in the HD realm
- Blu-ray is very important - Philips confident consumers will choose it on emotional and rational levels because veryone is behind it - games, content providers, IT firms.
- Philips Blu-ray drive will debut starting in the US, followed by Europe in early 2007.
Philips managed to get hold of Ridley Scott who did a brief piece to camera about Kingdom of Heaven on Blu-ray.
He said he was 'astounded' by the quality. Like 'looking through a window of clarity'. He said it was the 'most impressive I've ever seen' and he 'wants one immediately'.
Philips also talked about new Blu-ray based media centre - more details on this soon.
Plus. mentioned "Connected World" (they've had Connected Home, now they're talking about mobile devices as well).
More general Philips tech news from IFA 2006 over at Tech Digest.
Philips website
Ambient technology for any LCD/Plasma TV connected to media center PC is available. There are product details at www.a-r-e.nl