Sharp's new range of Aquos LED LCD TVs have launched in the UK. While most of the industry's attention is now on the big 3D push, Sharp are looking to update current HD standards by pioneering a new Quad Pixel technology, which adds a forth colour sub-pixel, yellow, to the traditional red, green, blue format.
What this means for the layman is that billions upon billions of colours can now be displayed, making in theory for a far more realistic colour palette.
Three models are available; the LC-LE811E, LC-LE821E and LC-LE921E sets ranging in size from 40 to 46 inches, while the LC-LE920 model is 60 inches in size.
While each set features robust energy saving technology and built-in Freeview HD, the flagship LC-LE921E will also have E-motion 200 Hz tech built in too, retaining clarity in fast moving images.
No prices or availability details knocking around yet, but it's good to see innovative new 2D TV tech hasn't been swept away by the 3D wave.
A new range of Sony Bravia HD TVs, the UK's first to feature an integrated Freeview HD tuner, will be hitting UK stores this week.
Rather than having to shell out for a HD compatible set-top box, these HX, NX and EX sets will let their owners watch Freeview HD channels straight out of the box.
They're pretty stylish too, with a minimalist design that should see them fit right in in almost any home.
Each set will include a range of IPTV features too. LoveFilm accounts can be accessed through the sets, along with Twitter feeds and the Demand Five VOD service.
To sweeten the deal even further, the HX models will be fully 3D compatible once Sony start rolling out firmware updates to their Blu-Ray players and PS3 consoles.
Click here for more details.
Samsung's first full HD 3D TV sets have finally gone on sale in the USA, meaning lucky US readers can start looking into the 3rd dimension right away.
Actually, that 3rd dimension may still be a little out of reach, as though Amazon are now selling Samsung's UN55C7000 3D TV sets, it's still going to be a while before anyone gets true 3D content delivered to their living rooms.
There is still plenty to be excited about with the TVs however: the C700 series features access to Samsung Apps & Internet@TV, Skype, AllShare DLNA media streaming as well as modes that intelligently adjust screen settings depending on what content and source you are viewing.
The 55 inch Samsung UN55C7000 set can be picked up here from Amazon for US readers, and costs $3,299.99.
Via: Engadget
Half the world still needs convincing of the merits of both 3D TV and superwidescreen. But that hasn't stopped Philips from slamming the two together in their latest Cinema 21:9 3D TV.
FlatPanelsHD have got a tentative release window of sometime late this Summer for the superwidescreen 3D set. An official announcement is expected later on in the week.
Philips have a few other 3D screens in the pipeline too. There will be new 32', 40' and 46' 9000 series models as well as 37', 40', 46' and 53' 8000 series LED 3D sets.
Philips aren't planning on bundling their 3D tech together with the sets however. While this is good news for those who haven't yet committed to making the jump to 3D, the price of separate glasses and wireless transmitters may push the cost up a little higher than expected for some.
While you're waiting for the third dimension to hit Philips' Cinema screens, why not check out Tech Digest's review of the Philips Cinema 21:9 LCD superwidescreen set?
Via: FlatPanelsHD
Panasonic's 3D TV range was initially unveiled at this year's CES, but the company's Munich convention has revealed more details on the VT20 3D plasma screens.
Top of the line is the TX-P65VT20E, a 3D-enabled 65 inch beast of a screen that features a 600Hz frequency range and a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
To view 3D content you'll need to be wearing Active Shutter glasses, which receive infra-red signals from the TV to time shutter speed depending on what's going on on-screen. Panasonic claim to have sorted out the cross-talk issue which causes one frame to outstay its welcome and overlap into the next by placing blank frames into problem areas, invisible to the naked eye.
If the 3D elements aren't selling it to you yet there's a whole host of other features thrown in. You have Panasonic's Vieralink web-content widgets, the "Infinite Black Pro" contrast tech seen in other Panasonic screens, Wi-Fi and DLNA support, USB ports and support for recording to an external hard-drive.
The set will also be available in a 50 inch model, the TX-P50VT20E. So far only the 50 inch model has been given a confirmed release date of sometime in April. We'll have to wait a little longer for news on the 65 inch model, as well as pricing information on both.
Production has halted on Sony's XEL-1 OLED TVs in Japan, with the company citing "sluggish demand" as the reason.
Despite wowing tech-fans with its 3mm display and excellent picture, a combination of ridiculously high prices and the advent of 3D TV have meant that OLED's star has fallen of late.
"As flat panel TVs are getting bigger and cheaper, hurdles for OLED models have become higher, at least in the short term," said Hisakazu Torii, vice president of DisplaySearch.
"We will continue to consider new products and applications including OLED TVs," said Sony's spokesman Shigenori Yoshida,
Sony have meanwhile confirmed that it would continue to work with OLED TVs in Europe and North America. Paired with the recent OLED offerings from LG and Samsung, there may still be time yet for OLED to have its day.
Looking for an all-in-one HD TV solution? Toshiba have just launched the Regza WL series of LED backlit HD TVs, boasting built-in Freeview HD.
That means that rather than having to dish out for a separate HD source to make the most of all that LED 1080p goodness, a built in DVB-T2 tuner will deliver crystal clear images straight out of the box, without the need for a satellite dish.
The 200Hz sets will be available in 40, 46, and 55 inch sizes. Toshiba's Resolution + tech will upscale standard definition sources, while DLNA wireless streaming is also supported.
Toshiba also launched the SL series, packing similar specs apart from 100Hz refresh rates and 32, 40 and 46 inch screen sizes.
The WL series will be available from May, but the impatient among you can snap up an SL model from April.
Name: UE40B8000 (Samsung)
Type: 40" LCD LED Backlit TV
Specs:
- Contrast Ratio: Mega Contrast 5,000,000:1
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080p)
- Connectivity: 4x HDMI, Digital Audio (Optical), PC, DVI, Component, Composite, Ethernet, RF, 2x USB, Scart
- Speakers: 2x 10 watts SRS TruSurround HD & Dolby Digital Plus
- Dimensions: 677mm H (including base) x 998mm W x 29.9mm D
- Features: 200Hz Motion Plus processing, LED backlighting, DLNA home networking, web widgets with Internet@ TV
Price: Circa £1,500
Samsung's UE40B8000 is so slim that you half expect it to have just strut off of a catwalk in Milan and into your living room. Despite being only 29.9 mm thick, it manages to house all of its electronics, including a TV tuner, 200Hz Motion Plus processor and all its 4 HDMI and breakout composite/component connections, inside the panel itself, without the need for a separate media box. It's a beautiful set with black bezel edging, finished off with a svelte strip of clear plastic that gently glows thanks to a blue LED indicator light. While the TV is perfect for wall mounting due to its size and relatively low weight, its see-through stand was a real chore to attach, and was never satisfyingly stable.
Picture quality is really superb on the UE40B8000. High definition sources were uniformly excellent. 1080p playback of the "Moon" Blu-ray over HDMI through a PS3 delivered black levels as deep as you'd hope to get from the far-flung reaches of outer space, while subtlety in colour ranges and superb skin tones shone through. The LED backlighting also meant that there was excellent clarity in the image, though you may want to disable auto-dimming if you're quickly flicking through many different sources.
The 200Hz Motion Plus technology is an obvious draw here, and we flicked over to a Sky Sports HD Premiership broadcast to put it through its paces. Is it really any better than 100Hz processing? Yes it is, but not massively so. Players darting around the field were noticeably sharper, as was the text from scrolling electronic billboards. However, there was still some shimmering and an element of unnatural movement in fast paced scenes, especially when the motion processing was cranked up to the max. Also, while there is a Game Mode available here, response times for consoles could have performed a little better.
Standard definition content proved excellently processed. A screen this size that lacks attention to standard definition signals can really show off the limitations of SD, but the UE40B8000 smoothed out everything well without producing any unsightly noise. Colours too were rich and vibrant, though the benefits of the motion processing tech was less apparent here. All in, the UE40B8000 offers some of the best picture quality money can currently buy, at least in the UK anyway.
The only real let down here are the incredibly weak speakers. Housing everything inside a set this thin had to have its downside somewhere, and speaker performance lacks both clarity and low-end resonance. They'll serve you well enough for a quiet night in with Eastenders, but if you can splash the cash on the screen in the first place, then you should probably invest in some decent audio gear to support it.
Menus and the EPG are clear and nicely presented, giving a quick low-down of what each function does, though some may have some trouble navigating the various options on offer. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, there is quite a lot of depth in terms of image options here, which isn't necessarily a bad thing at all, but can at times make it a little confusing when browsing for something specific. Secondly, the backlit remote control, which again overall is fine, features a quirky iPod-style scrolling wheel. It's overly sensitive, which can make precise menu browsing or image tweaking a little difficult. There's also a second, pebble-shaped controller thrown in. It's pretty, but by only packing a few core buttons in means it's a little pointless. The UE40B8000 also has some pretty comprehensive web widgets and DLNA network streaming features, which are simple to set up once the provided USB Wi-Fi dongle is plugged in. There's also an Ethernet port if a Wi-Fi connection isn't convenient.
If we we're judging this TV on image quality alone the Samsung UE40B8000 would get top marks without question. It's a shame then that the thin frame has caused a real compromise in sound quality, which at around £1,500 really should have been addressed. Still, if you're looking for some of the smoothest, sharpest, most stunningly vivid colours your hard-earned cash can afford, then the UE40B8000 should be top of your shopping list.
4/5
Name: iViewer (Cello)
Type: 32" LCD TV
Specs:
- Contrast ratio: 3,000:1
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080p)
- Connectivity: 2x HDMI, Composite, VGA, PC Audio, S-Video, 2x Scart, RF, 2x USB, Ethernet
- Speakers: Nicam Stereo 2x 10 W
- Dimensions:
- Features: BBC iPlayer, Web TV, DLNA home networking, news widgets
- Price: £499
Brit based TV manufacturers Cello have made a bold move with their iViewer range. By being one of the earliest web-connected TVs and the first to have BBC's iPlayer as a built-in widget, they are going where none of the big name brands have gone before. But has capitalising upon this brief window of opportunity left them flailing elsewhere with the set? Certainly, but the TV does still hold it's own.
Sensibly, Cello have kept the aesthetics here rather simple. A glossy black frame about two thirds of an inch thick surrounds the screen, while a speaker bar about an inch in height lies just underneath. The screen can be wall mounted, but at 22"H (including base) x 31"W x 4" D it's rather chunky. I'd recommend using the supplied base stand, which is again glossy, black and discrete. Also, while the main manual supplied is perfectly acceptable, the visual guide thrown in is an absolute joke. It verges on Engrish and looks as though it was put together on MS Paint.
Keeping in mind this is at the budget end of the market for a full HD set (£499), the iViewer's picture quality is reasonably good. 1080p playback of the "Che: Part One" Blu-ray over HDMI through a PS3 showed an acceptably sharp image with a good range of strong colours in brighter scenes, as you would expect with an LCD as opposed to a Plasma. Night scenes were less impressive: there was a fair amount of noise, black levels were respectable but hardly deep and response times suffered in fast moving shots. As a result of the noise and sluggish response times, it doesn't score highly as a set for gaming, as proven by a quick session with "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2". For the money you're paying the image here holds up well, but don't expect it to go troubling the big guns.
Likewise, the speakers aren't the greatest. Hollow and echoey, it's a muddled sound that has little in the way of bass, and poor definition between the mids and treble. Higher volumes sometimes caused a slight rattling too.
But, if you've been following this set, you're likely already aware that this isn't exactly a technophiles television. No, the iViewer's trump card lies in its internet-connected capabilities, or more specifically its BBC iPlayer widget, where it does honestly shine.
Getting connected to the web is relatively simple, via either an optional USB Wi-Fi dongle or Ethernet cable. The input connections area on the back of the TV is far too cramped (especially as the USB Wi-Fi dongle is a bit of a sizey beast), but once you're plugged in it's just a matter of finding your network and entering your WEP key, text message style, with the remote control.
The iPlayer interface (and the TV's web UI in general) was designed by Oregon Networks. They've done a great job. It's a good looking UI across all of the web menus, with big icons simple and well defined for the casual user. There's even a dedicated button on the remote for the iPlayer for easy-access to the service. Searching through the iPlayer catalogue will be easy for anyone remotely familiar with the web service. While playback controls can be a little clunky, visually the iPlayer footage scrubs up quite well on the larger screen, providing you don't expect HD levels of clarity.
Web TV channels didn't fair so well. There are 12 in all at present, including a fully-searchable YouTube, Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food and the Sesame Street podcast. Quality of content varies across each, both visually and in terms of entertainment value, and thanks to some unexplainable file error, I couldn't access the Sesame Street one at all. Which was obviously heartbreaking. Also, the news widgets could do with a little more interactivity, and more options in terms of feed providers.
However, the DLNA home network access is strong and very accessible. Providing your PC is on and sharing allowed, you can access pictures, MP3s and a wide range of the most popular video files including AVI and WMV stored on your computer, though I couldn't get high-def formats to work. In a nice touch, MP3s continue to play in the background whilst you browse other folders for content. It's also worth noting that playback is possible from USB memory sticks, providing you can squeeze it in next to the dongle.
As is now standard, there is also an integrated TV tuner in the iViewer. Visually, broadcasts are good. There was a little noise and a few artefacts, but on the whole very watchable. The 7 day EPG however looks horrendous; from a technical standpoint it's perfectly functional and easy to navigate, but fonts are jagged and the most lurid mix of sharp blues and yellows are used.
While it's far from perfect, it's nevertheless hard to dislike the iViewer. The picture and sound quality aren't the best we've ever seen by a long shot, but it's not epically bad. Just especially average. And while some aspects of the web service don't work too well, the home networking and iPlayer are great, especially as this represents the first roll of the dice for the BBC service on TVs. As you'd expect from a product that's currently a Marks and Spencer's exclusive, it keeps it head down and gets the job done. And if you aren't happy, that M&S guarantee will have you covered.
3/5
Via: Tech Digest
If you're of the belief that expensive cabling gets the job done better for your HD kit than cheaper alternatives, have a look at IXOS's XEN XHT6688 HDMI cable.
The XEN XHT668 HDMI cable is designed to work with all HDMI v1.4 components including those with Ethernet capabilities. This allows an internet enabled HDMI device to share its connection across the IXOS cable.
Blinging 24k gold plated conductors are used to prevent oxidisation in the cable and a nitrogen gas-injected polyethylene dielectric is used to ensure precise impedance transfer of HDMI 1.4 Category 2 with Ethernet signals.
The cabling will also be able to carry 3D content, and will support 4kx2k resolutions once they go commercial.
The XEN XHT668 HDMI cable doesn't come cheap though. You're looking at £129.99 for a 1.5m cable. Do IXOS accept cheques?
For more info, visit www.ixos.co.uk.
Sony don't like to feel the odd ones out of the tech-playground games, so, in an attempt to keep up with the pack here come's their first go at video streaming. You've had iTunes, you've had Netflix; the next contestant in the great "Battle of the Online Movie Services" is Sony's Qriocity.
Heading to anything with a Xross Media Bar on it (be it your PS3 or soon-to-be-released web-connected Sony sets) in February, you'll be able to stream video in standard-definition or 720p straight to your screen.
Theres already a load of film publishers backing the service, and Sony promise "hundreds" of films ready to go at launch.
Inspired use of the letter "Q" aside, it's a pretty dumb name for a rather important service. Here's hoping more thought went into the service than the moniker it wears heavily around its neck.
If you have ever thought (seriously) about getting a TV set for your bathroom, then you'll know all about Aquavision. The company has been working quietly for some while perfecting its range of TV sets that sit in your bathroom yet are immune to water, condensation and random squirts from awkward to use conditioner bottles.
Well the company has just unveiled its range for 2010 and once again are promising that no matter how heated it gets in your bathroom the screen will never go misty. The sets are designed to be installed by a member of the Aquavision team to ensure that they can be easily mounted into walls with trailing wires etc well out of the way.
On to the TVs. The new line-up comprises four models: 17", 24", 32 and 40" sets that are full HD and HD ready and feature digital tuners, a component video, S-Video and analogue PC input, HDMI inputs, full scart connection and built in games.
All four models are available in MirrorVision, a clever technology which means that when the television is switched off, the glass takes the form of a mirror that is suitable for shaving, make-up etc. When it is turned on, the mirror gives way to the television screen. The two smaller sets have a standard glass finish and are available in Polar White, black or MirrorVision while the 32" and 40" are only available in MirrorVision. The sets also come with two remote controls (one master and one waterproof) and in-ceiling loudspeakers.
For prices and details of installation, contact the maker.
![lg-26mm-thin-panel[1].jpg](http://www.hdtvuk.tv/lg-26mm-thin-panel%5B1%5D.jpg)
LG have revealed a few snippets of information on what they claim to be the world's thinnest 42 inch LCD panel. With CES just around the corner, they're looking to cause quite a stir with a panel this thin.
The waif-like panel measures in at 2.6mm thick,is LED-backlit, runs at a refresh rate of 120Hz and weighs less than 4 kilograms.
With full HD 1080p 1920x 1080 resolution, LG have halved the size of their next thinnest offering (measuring in at 5.9 mm) in less than a year.
Dr. In Jae Chung, LG Display's CTO and Executive Vice President noted, "With the development of the world's thinnest LED LCD TV panel that is only 2.6mm thick, LG Display has once again demonstrated its technical prowess to satisfy customer demand for high resolution and slim design products. We will continue to spur R&D activities in order to provide our customers and the market with the differentiated products that they desire."
We certainly do desire a TV that thin, Dr In Jae Chung! More news on this one following Tech Digest's CES coverage in the new year.
Via: Engadget
UK based TV manufacturers Cello launched their new iViewer TV range today.
Available in 32" and 26" sizes, the TV's are the first in the country to have BBC's iPlayer built in. Through a wireless or Ethernet connection, users can stream content straight from BBC's online platform onto their televisions, as well as offering widgets for news feeds, various web TV channels and YouTube content.
Web TV channels currently supported include Disney Movies Preview, Movie Rush, Autocar Magazine, Sky Sports Boots and All, the CNN daily video podcast, Jamie's Ministry of Food, Delicious TV Veg, Revision 3 Diggnation and the Larry King video podcast.
Users can also stream video and other media content directly from a networked PC to the Cello iViewer TV.
In terms of picture quality, the 32" 16:9 model will be capable of displaying full HD 1080p video, with a contrast ratio of 3000:1, and will include a pre-installed Freeview tuner. The 26 incher will also have a built in Freeview tuner, with a 1080i HD ready video output and a contrast ratio of 800:1.
I got to have a quick play around with the 32" model this morning and was impressed by the clear UI and simple navigation controls. The iViewer software has a dedicated remote button, and with plenty of connectivity options on the back, including two HDMI slots, two USB slots, composite/component inputs and a built in DVD player, £499 seems a very reasonable price. £399 will bag you the 26" model.
Though it's not a feature Cello are keen to officially promote (as they cannot guarantee its quality), the industrious among you can even hook up a keyboard and mouse and access a modest web-browser hidden within the iViewer software.
If Cello can keep updating the onboard Onyx software with content and fresh widgets, the iViewer TV could be the perfect bedroom telly.
Keep an eye out for these Marks and Spencer's exclusives within the next week.
High-end audio/visual manufacturers Bang & Olufsen have revealed details of the latest addition to their BeoVision 7 LCD range.
The BeoVision 7-55 model has a 55-inch display, where previous entries to the range have dared only go to 40 inches.
A sharp image that compensates for motion blurring will be possible thanks to the integration of the BeoSystem 3 video engine. The engine is capable of advanced signal processing thanks to the VisionClear picture improvement technologies it features, and alongside the 120hz refresh rate, should nicely cut back on any fuzzy movement blur.
The BeoVision 7-55 features LED backlighting, and will benefit from local dimming which should improve the contrast ratio for deeper, inky blacks.
The TV will be one of the few on the market to feature an integrated Blu-ray player and sound bar, which should hopefully circumvent the notoriously lacklustre sound quality of most LCD speakers.
A motorised floor stand will also ship with the BeoVision 7-55 to adjust the height of the TV, a pretty nifty addition that well cement your position as the jammy envy of your friends.
The set will cost a whooping $18,700 (circa £11,150) and will ship in late November stateside, with a worldwide rollout expected shortly afterwards.
Earlier this week Sharp announced its latest AQUOS high definition TVs using LED backlighting technology.
The LE600 and LE700 both feature Sharp's full-screen white LED backlight system, with the LE600 available in 32, 40 and 46-inch models and the LE700 also as a 52-inch.
The ultra brilliant LEDs design includes a unique "double-dome" light amplifier lens and multi-fluorescents, enabling high brightness and colour purity. Furthermore to maximize the LED performance Sharp has developed the AQUOS Colour Engine, a new colour management system that has been developed exclusively to accentuate rich colour tones.
![technika-42-inch-hdtv.jpg]()
Tesco has launched a new high definition TV under its Technika consumer electronic brand name.
The LCD42-910 is a 42-inch HDTV featuring full 1080p resolution, 100Hz technology and is just 6cm deep.
It features a contrast ratio of 1,300:1, 8ms response time and four HDMI inputs. With £200 shaved off the price, it comes in at just £499.97.
Full specifications listed below:
Sharp has announced the availability of its latest 32-inch LCD high definition TV.
The LC-32DH57E features a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 6ms response time, 24p film mode support and automatic volume control, but it also has built-in eco-features.
For example, there's Optical Picture Control that adjusts the display's brightness based on the room's ambient light levels, low 90W power usage and 0.6W in standby mode.
In February we revealed Philips 21:9 TV and said that it would be arriving in the UK in June.
Sure enough, June has rolled around and Philips has announced that its 56-inch Cinema 21:9 HDTV is now available... for £4,500.
Philips is not only making a big deal of the fact that films will be displayed almost exactly as they are in the cinema, thanks to the 2.39:1 aspect ratio used by many modern films, but also that it uses proprietary scaling technology to fit 16:9 content on to the entire screen without any noticeable image distortion.
LG has announced its new M7WD Series of high definition monitors, inspired by its own HDTVs.
The now familiar red back found on many of LGs high definition tellies comes is now emblazoned across the M7WDs curvy, slim body.
Offering a high contrast ratio of 20,000:1, 300 nits of brightness, 5ms response time, 170 degree viewing angle, and two screen sizes (19 and 22-inch), the various inputs (Scart, DVI, HDMI) make it ideal for use as a TV as well as computer monitor.
Availability and pricing to be confirmed.
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