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Netflix hitting internet-capable Sony BRAVIA sets today

Paul Miller — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:52:00 EST

Good news for folks who against all odds don't have a home theater Netflix streaming option yet, and yet inexplicably own an internet-connected Sony BRAVIA TV: Netflix just went live. It just takes applying the latest software update and you're in business. BRAVIA owners were promised the update back in July, and let us be the first to point and laugh insensitively at PS3 owners who have use a "DVD" to get Netflix working on their Cell-powered supermachines.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netflix hitting internet-capable Sony BRAVIA sets today originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's 2010/2011 OLED and flagship XBR series LCD roadmap leaked?

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:24:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Sony, LCD, OLED

Ready to dig deep, really deep, for a tiny but magnificent OLED television? You'd better be 'cause some purportedly leaked Sony documents are showing a new "KDL-ZX Series OLED" on the 2010 / 2011 roadmap. All the sets are listed as prototypes so they may or may not make it to market for retail. But with Sony's two year old, 11-inch XEL-1 OLED TV now dwarfed by LG's new 15-inch OLED TV and a 20-incher promised for 2010, well, we expect Sony will want to regain its leadership in the new year. The docs also show updates to Sony's flagship XBR series with the XBR11 LED W-backlit LCD and XBR12 Advanced LED RGB-backlit LCD sets coming in sizes from 32- to 60-inches featuring 240Hz Motionflow, a new Bravia Engine 3 PRO with HD Video processor, and UV2A panel technology. Unfortunately, some of the XBR information (the most important, presumably) is blacked-out and we're only looking at 2 of what appear to be 24 pages of leaked content. Boy would we love to peak behind that curtain. XBR11 spec sheet on display after the break.

[Via OLED-Display]

Continue reading Sony's 2010/2011 OLED and flagship XBR series LCD roadmap leaked?

Sony's 2010/2011 OLED and flagship XBR series LCD roadmap leaked? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung SyncMaster P2770HD has built-in TV tuner, sex appeal

Vladislav Savov — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Samsung

Remember the Samsung P2370HD monitor? Well, this is it at 27 inches. How's that for concision? Oh, you want more -- well, Samsung must've expected you to, because it's also added a TV tuner and a HDMI input to its latest Full HD display, to go along with a 5ms response time and a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. There's also a pair of 3 watt stereo speakers that can simulate 5.1 channel sound -- good for emergencies or if you just can't stand speakers cluttering up your desktop. Filling out the goodie bag are Picture In Picture and Picture By Picture modes, which should make good use of the extra real estate on the screen by combining, for example, your desktop with a TV source. The price is set at 549,000 Won (or about $473) for Korea, though global availability looks imminent so don't rush to import it just yet.

Read - Samsung Korea press release
Read - Product page

Samsung SyncMaster P2770HD has built-in TV tuner, sex appeal originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 7 LCD grows to 55-inches, makes room for Blu-ray not frugality

Tim Stevens — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:19:00 EST

Filed under: Displays

Willing to pay anything for your home entertainment system so long as it's Danish? There's a good chance that Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10 40-incher just wasn't enough for you. If you're dropping the kind of dough that thing costs ($8,700) you want something impressive, right? Enter the BeoVision 7, shipping in a few weeks. Despite having a lower model number it receives a 15-inch boost, up to 55-inches total, but drops the refresh rate to 120Hz from the 10's 240Hz. It's LED-backlit with local dimming to boost contrast, has not one but two different motorized stand options, and manages to make room inside for a Blu-ray player. The cost? $18,700 with (non-motorized) stand and the custom-tailored center channel speaker you see above -- roughly twice the BeoVision 10 and a good bit more than this was originally supposed to launch for. Consider this the recession-buster cousin of the $93,050 BeoVision 4.

Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 7 LCD grows to 55-inches, makes room for Blu-ray not frugality originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray mini-review

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, Displays

If you're like us and you don't think it's possible to own enough HDTV calibration discs, then you've probably already bought the Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray Disc. Otherwise you might be looking at all the different options and since you only want to buy one, you're trying to figure out which one. Well, we've played with most of them and although we're hard pressed to decide on which is our favorite, we really like this one. To find out why, click through.

Continue reading Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray mini-review

Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray mini-review originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ITC rules Samsung infringed on four Sharp patents, bans import of some LCDs

Donald Melanson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Misc, Regulatory, Displays, Samsung, Sharp

The US International Trade Commission already ruled in June of this year that Samsung had infringed on one patent held by Sharp, but it's now back with another ruling that finds Samsung violated no less than four LCD-related patents held by its rival. Once again, the ITC has also barred Samsung from selling the infringing LCDs in the US (still not clear on exactly what's affected), but Samsung seems more than ready to comply with the ruling, saying that there will be "no impact on our business and our ability to meet market demand." For its part, Sharp simply says that the ruling has "made it clear that ITC has consistently supported Sharp's claim that LCD products of Samsung violated Sharp's patents" -- Samsung, meanwhile, says it has no plans to negotiate with Sharp on the issue, so let's just hope its workaround is more than a quick fix.

ITC rules Samsung infringed on four Sharp patents, bans import of some LCDs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG's 15-inch OLED TV now blowing minds in South Korea

Darren Murph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, LG, OLED

Call Daegu home? Just over in South Korea to visit and / or infiltrate the DMZ? Regardless of why you're there, you're probably interested in picking up LG's latest, which has been tempting our retinas since IFA. Just as we'd heard back in late August, the aforesaid firm's 15-inch OLED TV is reportedly now on sale in South Korea, and it's packing a price tag of around ₩3 million ($2,598). By our count, this is just the second major, mass-produced OLED TV to hit store shelves anywhere in the world, but we're hoping to see a lot more action in this space come CES. You TV makers are listening to our ~~requests~~ demands, right?

[Via OLED-Display]

LG's 15-inch OLED TV now blowing minds in South Korea originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epson concocts world's first 4K HTPS panel, 4K 3LCD projectors closer to reality

Darren Murph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Epson

Oh, the beauty of progress. Just a few months back, Epson seemed fairly content showing off an HTPS panel with a WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution, though today that very product just seems lackluster. Up until now, 4K x 2K projectors were reserved strictly for cinemas, businesses and consumers with a) more money than sense and b) room for a 200-pound beamer in their basement. The planet's first 4K-compatible high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) TFT liquid crystal panel for 3LCD projectors measures just 1.64-inches and supports displays with resolutions as high as 4,096 x 2,160. Your guess is as good as ours as to when this stuff will actually hit the market in a functioning product, but yesterday is as good a day as any to start saving up.

[Via Akihabara News]

Epson concocts world's first 4K HTPS panel, 4K 3LCD projectors closer to reality originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony streaming Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs free to new customers, expensively to existing ones

Tim Stevens — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:16:00 EST

Filed under: Blu-ray, Displays, Media streamers, Sony

It wasn't long ago that Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was packing theaters, but given how quickly things hit DVD and Blu-ray these days we're surprised to learn this one won't be flinging vermicelli to disc until just after the holidays. Fear not carb-lovers: similar to the Hancock deal last year, new purchasers of internet-capable Sony TVs and Blu-ray players will be receiving one free stream of the film starting on December 8; that's nearly a full month ahead of the retail release. The stream will be in 720p and will allow full control during 24 hours. What if you've already purchased your Sony setup? The company is happy to extend the streaming offer to you as well -- so long as you don't mind paying a mere $24.95. Yes, a one-time 720p rental that costs as much as a Blu-ray. That's value.

Sony streaming Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs free to new customers, expensively to existing ones originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon

Darren Murph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Media streamers, Set-top boxes, LG, Mitsubishi

And you thought HDTVs were made for watching TV. VUDU has today slung its (admittedly paltry) library of applications over to its television partners, making both Picasa and Flickr access possible through LG and Mitsubishi sets with integrated VUDU software. Of course, all of this was already available to those relying on one of VUDU's dedicated set-top boxes, but it's always nice to have everything wrapped up neatly within the display itself. In related news, Pandora streaming is also available on VUDU-infused Mitsubishi panels, though for whatever reason, LG has "requested that only free TV and games be available on their devices." All bummers aside, the company has asserted that even more internet apps will be released to VUDU customers in the coming months, so make sure hold 'em to their word.

VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10 orders up the 'hands-on special'

Darren Murph — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCD

Bang & Olufsen may be irrelevant to those with annual salaries having fewer than six digits to the left of the decimal (or comma, if that's how you roll), but even the laypeople can't help but drool at a spectacle such as this. The BeoVision 10 has just landed down across the pond at Electric Pig, and they were kind enough to snap a few shots and show 'em to the world. The £6,000 price tag is definitely a stunner, but those lucky enough to lay eyes on it have said that it just might be worth it -- if money ain't a thang, you know.

Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10 orders up the 'hands-on special' originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year

Darren Murph — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCoS

When we first caught wind of HDI's "world's first laser-based 3D HDTV," we were cautiously hopeful that it'd be ready to go (at least as a prototype) at CES 2010. Looks like we may actually get our wish, as the company has today announced that its magical set has reached the manufacturing stage. What's it all mean? It means that the set is being fast-tracked for release in 2010, meaning that you're just months away from having stereoscopic 1,920 x 1,080 content in your living room... provided there's actually any programming to view, that is. Of course, it'll handle the 2D stuff too, and the twin RGP LCoS micro-display imagers in there ought to provide plenty of crisp imagery regardless of the source. We're still not sure if the Woz-approved 100-inch version that's being shown to curious onlookers is the size that'll be pumped out to the mainstream, but we're hoping for at least a few smaller siblings for those of us with last names other than Kennedy, Gates, Buffet and Ellison.

Continue reading HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year

HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG roadmap predicts 'OLED panels will cost less than LCD panels in 2016'

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:31:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, LG, OLED

Speaking at the FPD show in Japan, Won Kim, VP of LG Display's OLED sales and marketing group laid bare its OLED plans for the future. Pretty significant as LG is one of only two players currently manufacturing production OLED TVs; though unlike Sony, LG has yet to ship anything -- that bit of consumer magic begins in November. So here's the deal: LG will release 20-inch and larger OLED panels in 2010, 30-inch and larger in 2011, and 40-inch and larger OLED panels in 2012. While 40-inch OLEDs will still be "fairly expensive" in 2012, Kim predicts that "OLED panels will cost less than LCD panels in 2016." We'd love to believe that but it sounds overly aggressive to us considering the enormous investment panel manufacturers have made in LCDs (they'll be milking profits just as long as they can) and new push towards 3D televisions. Besides, LG's been all over the map with its OLED dates so let's not go carving anything in low-temperature polycrystal silicon just yet.

[Via OLED-Display.net]

LG roadmap predicts 'OLED panels will cost less than LCD panels in 2016' originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Darren Murph — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCD

VIZIO sure ends up in a whole lot of legal battles, but one way or another, it always seems to find its way out in the long run. Such is the case once again today, as the current LCD TV king has apparently said all the right things to Sony. If you'll recall, Sony (along with a slew of others) filed suit against Vizio awhile back over patent licensing concerns, but now it seems the two have reached a mutual agreement to use each other's technologies without bickering over who owns what. The release on the matter states that Sony "has become a licensee under VIZIO's patent portfolio," and that "VIZIO now is a licensee under Sony's color television patent portfolio." Who knows how much under-the-table cash and shaky promises had to be passed along in order to make everyone happy, but hey, a problem solved is a problem solved.

[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage]

Update: Sony's response to all of this is after the break, courtesy of a company spokesperson who pinged us directly.

Continue reading Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIZIO brings the LED party to 19- and 23-inch models

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:50:00 EST

Filed under: Displays

Unless you've been under a rock for a hot minute, then you know that LED backlit LCD HDTVs have been all the rage, though so far no one has brought those benefits to the smaller TVs. Well today VIZIO added a 19-inch and a 23-inch model to its LED lineup. Only the 23-inch is 1080p, but both have very thin profiles and the improved contrast and color you'd expect. The interesting twist is that both models will work as a picture frame, which someone (as in, literally one person in some random corner of the globe) might appreciate. The 19-inch model retails for $349, and the 23-inch will set you back another $50, but there's no word on when you can expect these to show up on a store shelf near you. More pictures and the full release after the jump.

Continue reading VIZIO brings the LED party to 19- and 23-inch models

VIZIO brings the LED party to 19- and 23-inch models originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 30-inch 3D AMOLED TV won't make you dizzy, will leave you poor and silly

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:34:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Samsung, OLED

Feeling that 3D craze yet? No? Well what if we told you that Samsung was bringing stereoscopic 3D to its magnificent AMOLED panels touting a million-to-1 contrast? Today in Japan it's showing off its 30-inch AMOLED 3D television with Full HD panel measuring just 2.5-mm thick. Although much is lost in the Korean language press release, Sammy is claiming that itd panel plus shutter-glasses technology helps to reduce the dizziness felt by some 3D viewers. The set's just a prototype at the moment but its price will certainly invoke financial vertigo whenever it might hit the manufacturing lines. One more very serious picture after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's 30-inch 3D AMOLED TV won't make you dizzy, will leave you poor and silly

Samsung's 30-inch 3D AMOLED TV won't make you dizzy, will leave you poor and silly originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AUO previews lots of fancy displays, clownfish-approved 1080p 14-inch OLED monitor

Tim Stevens — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCD, OLED

FPD International 2009 is nearly upon us, and as we've seen in years past it's a time of wondrous innovation and gratuitous side-shots of impossibly thin displays. Leading off the pack this year is AUO, teasing a number of new panels and technologies that may or may not rock your living rooms sometime in the next two to four years. Chief among them is a 14-inch, 1080p OLED display with a 100,000:1 contrast ratio and 16 million colors. There will also be a range of switchable and glasses-free 2D/3D displays ranging from 8- to 65-inches, a ridiculously wide 58-inch 2.35:1 TV with a 2560 x 1080 resolution, and, naturally, a skinny LCD -- in this case the 65-inch beauty pictured below that's just 7.9mm on the Z plane despite pumping out a claimed 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Good stuff? Yes. The craziest displays we'll see this week? Not a chance.

[Via OLED-Display.net]

Continue reading AUO previews lots of fancy displays, clownfish-approved 1080p 14-inch OLED monitor

AUO previews lots of fancy displays, clownfish-approved 1080p 14-inch OLED monitor originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 40-inch LCD is world's thinnest at 3.9-mm, attracts magic pencils

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:22:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Samsung, LCD

What measures 3.9-mm thin by 40 inches? If you answered the standard Korean product waif you'd be close. This time, however, we're talking about Samsung's LED backlit LCD featuring a 120Hz refresh and 5,000:1 reported contrast. Yup, that makes it the world's thinnest -- easily besting cross-town rival LG's 5.9-mm thick LCDs -- even if you can't buy it as a complete television package... yet.

[Via Akihabara News]

Samsung's 40-inch LCD is world's thinnest at 3.9-mm, attracts magic pencils originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10: something awesome in the state of Denmark (update: video!)

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Others

If you're an HDTV buff with style, taste, and money to burn (and if you're reading Engadget we have our doubts about at least two of the three) then you've probably been waiting impatiently for Bang & Olufsen to make this one official. The BeoVision 10 is a wall-mounted LCD flat screen that boasts 40-inches of real estate, a brushed aluminum frame, and bottom mounted speakers that are available in a variety of colors. As the company boasts, "every aspect of the design is thought through." It also said something about "vægplacering," the definition of which we will leave to your imagination. On sale now at the B & O store on Kongens Nytorv in central Copenhagen for 43,495 Kroner (roughly $$8,700) -- not shockingly expensive, as far as this company is concerned, but still far too dear for you. No word on stateside pricing or release date.

Update: As several astute readers pointed out, the translated source for this one listed the price in British Pounds when it should have been listed in Danish Kroner (DKK). The thing is far less expensive now -- so feel free to send us one for an early Christmas present! You have the address. Oh, and a vid's after the break!

Read - Here is the new B & O television
Read - B & O's new flat panel

Continue reading Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10: something awesome in the state of Denmark (update: video!)

Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10: something awesome in the state of Denmark (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitachi exhibits 10-inch glasses-free 3D display

Darren Murph — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:19:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Hitachi

Hitachi's face-recognizing, power-saving plasma may have been the outfit's show-stopper at CEATEC, but this little bugger here showed some pretty fantastic potential as well. The 10-inch 3D display, more formally known as the Full Parallax 3D TV, one-upped most every other 3D display at the show thanks to its ability to showcase dimensions sans any glasses. Unfortunately, the native resolution is just 640 x 480, and yes, it really is just 10-inches in size. In due time, the outfit hopes to scale up to screen sizes that may actually be appealing to end users by utilizing multiple projectors (each of which with a 800 x 600 resolution), though a 4K x 2K 3D display (of the glasses-free variety) is still probably a couple of trade shows out. At least.

[Via 3D-Display-Info]

Hitachi exhibits 10-inch glasses-free 3D display originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung rolls out Amazon, Blockbuster video store access across HDTVs, HTIBs and Blu-ray players everywhere

Richard Lawler — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:42:00 EST

Filed under: Blu-ray, Displays, Samsung

Just as promised, the (still SD only) Blockbuster OnDemand service is now available on a slew of Samsung hardware via firmware update, while the Internet@TV lineup (LCD and Plasma HDTVs Series 650 and above and LED HDTVs Series 7000) has a brand new toy with the Amazon VOD Yahoo! widget (which does support HD.) Both services offer a slew of rental and/or purchase options for the digital delivery fanatic, though we still hunger for the audio and quality of VUDU plus the all you can eat goodness of Netflix Watch Instantly, of the millions of TVs out there, there's surely someone willing to sift through those menus for the ease of viewing Ghosts of Girlfriends Past without resorting to cable VOD -- or getting up from the couch. The "convenience" goes both ways, since they'll also be able to pick up compatible Samsung blu-ray players at Blockbuster stores, right next to the TiVo section -- check for exact model #s supported in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung rolls out Amazon, Blockbuster video store access across HDTVs, HTIBs and Blu-ray players everywhere

Samsung rolls out Amazon, Blockbuster video store access across HDTVs, HTIBs and Blu-ray players everywhere originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung showing off 55 inches of 240Hz 3D LCD glory

Vladislav Savov — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:49:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Samsung, LCD

Look, we know this 3D thing is as likely to sink as it is to swim right now, but we have to hand it to Samsung -- it's pursuing the idea with some pretty hefty ambition. A 55-inch 1080p panel with a true 240Hz refresh rate is a decent base on which to build your paradigm-shifting new offering. Using a set of "shutter" glasses, which rapidly alternate between blocking out the left and right eye, the set is capable of delivering the full 240Hz quality, debatable as its benefits may be. Of course, the value or otherwise of a TV like this is going to be found only by experiencing its output in person, so if you're somewhere near Seoul this week, head on down to the IMID 2009 conference to get an eyeful of an early model.

Samsung showing off 55 inches of 240Hz 3D LCD glory originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp AQUOS LC-52LE700UN impressions

Darren Murph — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews, Displays, Sharp, LCD

Sharp's LC-52LE700UN is the 52-inch member of the company's first-ever LED-backlit AQUOS range, and we were fortunate enough to give it a spin here recently. The LE700 series began shipping out to consumers this summer, packed with web connectivity (AQUOS Net), a trio of HDMI ports, a 1080p X-Gen panel and a dejudder feature for smoothing out jaggies. The set packed a starting tag of $2,799.99, though in the few short months that it has been on the market, the street rate has fallen to just south of $1,600. Without a doubt, the fall in price helps the screen's cause in terms of value, but is there enough to warrant a purchase? Head on past the break for a few of our thoughts.

Gallery: Sharp AQUOS LC-52LE700UN

Continue reading Sharp AQUOS LC-52LE700UN impressions

Sharp AQUOS LC-52LE700UN impressions originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Timeframe for the 3D infiltration? 3 - 4 years, says Panasonic president

Richard Lawler — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Panasonic

Apparently even one of the main proponents of the 3D at home movement is still able to see its shortcomings, as detailed in this Wall Street Journal article. Prez Fumio Ohtsubo sees a 3-4 year time period before 3D gains wider acceptance, while the company continues to work on implementing it in smaller televisions, portable devices and glasses-free 3D. Combine that with the still miniscule amount of 3D content and the extra expense for compatible hardware, and we can see why Panasonic is unwilling to put all its eggs into one glasses-filled basket. All that aside, this time next year, expect to see 3D highest among the list of features on high end, large HDTVs where contrast ratio, Hz, widgets and other bullet pointed items currently reside.

Timeframe for the 3D infiltration? 3 - 4 years, says Panasonic president originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's 50-inch 1080p 3D plasma spotted, watched at CEATEC

Darren Murph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:26:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Panasonic, Plasma

At this point, Panasonic's 50-inch 3D plasma is just another one joining the fray, but considering how highly hyped the technology behind this was, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to throw our eyes on it for a bit at CEATEC. The 1080p panel was strikingly thin (or well mounted to give that impression), and the viewing angles were fantastic. The glasses that Panny provided, however, were relatively annoying (no surprise there). It should be noted that the actual spectacles sit pretty far off of your face, which simultaneously enables those with actual glasses to partake in the 3D experience while frustrating those without by giving them a cute blue rim that refuses to leave the periphery. As for image quality, the G-Force demo looked downright stunning, with depth being easily perceived and fast moving action whisking about seamlessly. Still, we're having a hard time believing a family of four would sit down and use these glasses for a two-hour presentation, but hey, we're not going to give up on the marketing squads just yet.

Panasonic's 50-inch 1080p 3D plasma spotted, watched at CEATEC originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony TRIMASTER quad-HD LCD multiplies the resolution, and the price, of any home HDTV

Richard Lawler — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Sony, LCD

Can't wait until December for Toshiba's CELL REGZA LCD? Sony is bringing its own 56-inch 3,840x2160 quad-HD display to market November 1 in Japan. Priced at 6,825,000 ($76,583) including taxes this is clearly for pros only, hence the TRIMASTER name referring to the three elements combined within -- exact color, accurate picture and reliability -- thanks to a RGB LED backlit panel built with incredible picture reproduction and exact calibration (with included software via a connected PC) in mind. While it's cheaper than JVC's $175k 4K projector, unless you're mastering the next Pixar flick, viewing high res satellite imagery or can't live without four HD feeds on one screen even the most well heeled amongst may be better served scouring bargain bins for a used Westinghouse D56QX1 for now.

[Via AV Watch]

Sony TRIMASTER quad-HD LCD multiplies the resolution, and the price, of any home HDTV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Survey says consumer won't pay that much extra for 3D

Ben Drawbaugh — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, Displays

You know what the least accurate type of survey is? One where you ask someone what they'd pay for something, because we don't know about anyone else, but the answer is almost always, "as little as possible." So it isn't much of a shocker that when asked, only 43 percent of those interested in 3D at home, said they're willing to spend an extra $200 for a 3D capable HDTV. Of that same group who actually wants 3D, only 33 percent would be willing to spend an extra $50 on a 3D capable Blu-ray player -- no clue why these two numbers aren't the same, guess the respondents didn't think about where the 3D content would come from. Although these numbers aren't encouraging, we wonder if a similar survey was ever conducted for 1080p HDTVs. We say that because at this point most consumers wouldn't think about buying a 720p HDTV and 3D is a much bigger upgrade.

Survey says consumer won't pay that much extra for 3D originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp combines its latest LCD improvements in LX series HDTVs

Richard Lawler — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:12:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Sharp, LCD

Coming straight out of a brand new 10G production facility in Sakai, Sharp's line of LX HDTVs (in 60-, 52-, 46- and 40-inch sizes) are all sporting the latest in LCD technology with UV²A panels and LED backlighting. Unfortunately, like Sony, these new screens abandon the higher quality RGB LED technology of the pricey XS1 series for cheaper white LEDs. Still, with a price of around $5,000 for a 52-inch compared to the $12,000 sticker shock of the XS1, it's easy to see why the switch was made. Other improvements include a light sensor for auto-calibration, a six speaker (5 speakers on the 40-inch) integrated 2.1 channel sound system with "Duo Bass" subwoofer and the usual assortment of VOD and AQUOS network support in store for Japanese buyers this November. While already available on a few U.S. models expect the new tech to spread across Sharp's U.S. lineup shortly, not to mention Sony and anyone other parties interested in a piece of the company's suddenly expanded manufacturing muscle.

[Via AV Watch & Akihabara News]

Sharp combines its latest LCD improvements in LX series HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba and Sony align on Mobile High-Definition Link

Darren Murph — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: Misc, Displays, Other formats, Other hardware

Say it with us now: "Yippee!" Why such joviality? We'll tell you why. Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony and Silicon Image have all teamed up to create yet another new connector, with this one hoping to forever harmonize the strained relationship between mobile phones / PMPs and high-def displays. The so-called Mobile High-Definition Interface Working Group is seeking to create a new "industry standard" for connecting handsets and other portable consumer electronics to HDTVs and displays, though we're still wondering why exactly we need a replacement for HDMI, DisplayLink and the forthcoming Light Peak so soon. As with most of these things, details about the actual product(s) are slim, but trust us, they're working on it. And they're working hard.

Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba and Sony align on Mobile High-Definition Link originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dallas Cowboys HD scoreboard makes the Guinness Book of World Records

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi, mostly seen in this space with displays for your living room, has finally got some recognition for its display that could be your living room (a subtle yet important distinction). Yes, that's right: the Guinness folks are presenting the scoreboard at Cowboys Stadium with the coveted World's Largest High-Definition Video Display award. Consisting of four Diamond Vision LED video screens (the two main displays measure 72 feet high by 160 feet wide while the end-zone displays are 29 feet high by 51 feet wide), this bad boy is suspended 90 feet above the center of the playing surface and might prove something of a "punt magnet." To celebrate, the Engadget editors are going to take another stab at the Publication With The Most Editors Sporting Beards Made Of Bees award. Huffington Post, it's on! Full PR below.

Continue reading Dallas Cowboys HD scoreboard makes the Guinness Book of World Records

Dallas Cowboys HD scoreboard makes the Guinness Book of World Records originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's 50-inch 3D plasma announced, seeks fine family home

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:11:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Panasonic, Plasma

True, Panasonic's 103-inch 3D television is more desirable, but Panny's new 50-incher will be more affordable when it comes time to buy your first 3D set. The 1080p TV requires viewers to wear special specs, naturally, in this case, Panasonic's active "shutter" glasses. As the name implies, the lenses switch in sync with the TV so that the right image is seen by the right eye and the left image is seen by the left eye. All that quick image swapping requires new PDP materials and chips to maintain screen brightness. The new prototype will be on display at Ceatec show in Tokyo next week with plans for commercialization in 2010. You know, assuming anyone wants it.

Panasonic's 50-inch 3D plasma announced, seeks fine family home originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIZIO VF551XVT LED-backlit HDTV spotted in the wild

Richard Lawler — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:35:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCD

We'd been promised at CEDIA that VIZIO's first LED backlit LCD would be hitting stores within days and were thankfully not misled. EHD reader Evan spotted this VF551XVT chilling on a Costco rack (not the best place for PQ evaluation, we know) nearby rocking a $1,999 price tag, we're sure they can be found in your neck of the woods by now. The only decision remaining, if VIZIO is a brand on one's watchlist, is whether to snap up this reasonably-priced competitor, or wait a little while for its widget & WiFi packing Connected TV VF552XVT due out later this year.

VIZIO VF551XVT LED-backlit HDTV spotted in the wild originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Price check -- Runco's LS-3 projector within reach of mere mortals

Steven Kim — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, DLP, Projector, Runco

We'll admit that sour grapes coming from the direction of our wallets usually make us look right past Runco's offerings. It's great stuff from a good company, but let's just say if you slip the Runco logo into a Rorschach test, we won't come up with "affordable." So in case you missed it in our CEDIA blitz, Runco's LS-3 LightStyle beamer carries a MSRP of $4,995 -- not cheap, but not new car kind of money that we associate with the brand, either. It's a 1080p DLP projector that packs a list of Runco tech like ConstantContrast, Vivix enhancement, Runco image processing, that all together are good for 10,000:1 contrast. If you're fortunate enough to be in the market for something like a JVC projector, consider adding the LS-3 to your audition list and call us over for some popcorn.

Price check -- Runco's LS-3 projector within reach of mere mortals originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's Cell TV still on for 2009 debut, now with Blu-ray

Richard Lawler — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:52:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Other hardware, Toshiba, LCD

Just in case there was any doubt, Toshiba has confirmed plans to launch its halo product, the Cell (for Cell Broadband engine, similar to the one in the PS3) TV, with all the LED backlit 3D GUI, 3840x2160 resolution, and DLNA streaming capabilities one could want, in Japan by the end of the year. Thanks to the company's new religion, it will also feature a Blu-ray recorder to go along with the 1TB hard drive, though we can bet that will be axed before making its way stateside in 2010. Of course we're still looking forward to the Media Center Extender packing display expected here some time soon, but when an executive promises the "ultimate entertainment machine" we can't help but wonder what's in store. More detailed specifications and any pricing info other than "it will be fairly expensive" are still unavailable.

Toshiba's Cell TV still on for 2009 debut, now with Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy bringing value priced all-in-one 32-inch LCD & Blu-ray HDTV to stores "soon"

Richard Lawler — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:09:00 EST

Filed under: Blu-ray, Displays, Others, LCD

It's not that surprising to learn Best Buy will be among those delivering a 1080p LCD with Blu-ray disc player packed in under its Insignia store brand, as we've been expecting rebadged units from overseas to hit the value market for some time. Marked "coming soon" at $599, it's easily a few hundred less than a comparable model from Sharp, but buyers will have to live without some of the newer line items like 120Hz motion processing and a contrast ratio higher than 20,000:1. Though we don't expect a lot in terms of load times, audio support or other features (no specs on the Blu-ray player noted) we're sure a bedroom or dorm room somewhere will find a spot for the NS-LBD32X. Your move, Wal-mart.

[Thanks, Zach]

Best Buy bringing value priced all-in-one 32-inch LCD & Blu-ray HDTV to stores "soon" originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cake havers and eaters unite as Sharp promises better LCD contrast and efficiency

Steven Kim — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Sharp, LCD

Ah, the wonders of technology. Sharp's lab rats have come up with "UV²A" technology that should allow for tighter control of the liquid crystal shutters in LCDs; that's geek speak for "higher contrast and lower energy consumption." We know that simply calibrating your set can net you benefits in the same two areas, but this is the kind of incremental gain that will help push LCDs past plasmas in the long run -- a 60-percent increase in contrast with 20-percent less juice from the wall. We'll be ready to apply some salt to the 5,000:1 contrast ratio figure and leave it to the marketing department to handle the use of "UV radiation" to twist the crystals (a healthy suntan from your Sharp TV?). We're just excited to see some tech that's production ready, as in UV²A could be rolled out next month.

Cake havers and eaters unite as Sharp promises better LCD contrast and efficiency originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDI concocts 100-inch laser-based 3D HDTV, calls rivaling technology child's play

Darren Murph — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:48:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Mitsubishi, Others

Look, we've seen an awful lot of HDTVs in our day -- one lap around the average CEDIA show floor makes your local Best Buy look awfully small -- and to this day we've yet to put our peepers on a more stunning set than Mitsubishi's LaserVue HDTV. Sure, it's fat, ugly and expensive, but the image is otherworldly. Before Mitsu can even take the logical next step, a California startup has arisen to introduce what it calls the world's first laser-based 3D HDTV. We're talking 1080p 3D like you've never seen before, with CTO Edmund Sandberg noting that this production is smoother than RealD, Dolby, film and pretty much every other 3D solution. The secret here is in the speed; this set is so fast that the image "no longer needs to flash from one eye to the other," and no flashing should equate to no headaches. Too bad there's no planned release date, but we're still cautiously optimistic for a sneak peek (in addition to the video past the break) at CES 2010.

[Via OLED-Display]

Continue reading HDI concocts 100-inch laser-based 3D HDTV, calls rivaling technology child's play

HDI concocts 100-inch laser-based 3D HDTV, calls rivaling technology child's play originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet App platform demoed at CEDIA

Richard Lawler — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:09:00 EST

Filed under: Features, Displays, Others, LCD

With VIZIO's first LED local dimming backlit HDTV just days away from debut and its first Connected TV nearing production, we were able to lay eyes and hands on the television and its funky QWERTY Bluetooth / IR combo remote. Check the pics and videos (including looks at VIZIO's smaller LED sets ready to hit shelves this fall) for a look at our walkthrough; in the demos at least, the VIZIO Internet Apps platform was speedy and easy to use, however our experience with widgets so far has given us more than enough reason to wait for a full retail rollout before making any final decisions. One tidbit for those not ready to invest a whole new TV? The next iteration of VIZIO's Blu-ray player should pack not only integrated Wi-Fi, but also the full VIA / widget experience.

Gallery: VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet Apps demo

Continue reading VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet App platform demoed at CEDIA

VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet App platform demoed at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung 65-inch LCD observed in its unnatural habitat at CEDIA

Richard Lawler — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Samsung, LCD

Just when you thought it was safe above 60-inches, Samsung's showing off a new LCD at CEDIA with the best old-school CCFL tech has to offer. It may not have the sexy side profile of its edge lit-LED brethren or the cachet of certain plasmas but with the sheer size of the LN65B650, even shrouded by foliage in Samsung's booth setup, we're more than ready to catch a game on this baby.

Gallery: Samsung 65-inch LN65B650 LCD

Samsung 65-inch LCD observed in its unnatural habitat at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runco shows up at CEDIA with loads of projectors and flat screen in tow

Richard Lawler — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Others, DLP, LCD, Plasma

Following CEDIA tradition, Runco (oh yes, they were actually here) had plenty to show off, with new projectors and LCDs, apparently enough that we needed two separate rooms for the press conference. We switched rooms to experience the company's new QuantumColor LED-lit Q-750i, combining Luminus Platlight technology with its own engineering to create what it says is unsurpassed performance and unrivaled customization. Its showcased a few new color management wrinkles, customers can have a shot at making green grass pop without skewing other elements starting in November for around $15k. The company also had in store new Crystal Portfolio LCDs, some featuring its OPAL technology for outdoor situations, and a new round of LightStyle series projectors, for the kind of folks who only want to spend five or seven grand on a PJ, while the VideoXtreme line falls somewhere between that and the $100k+ crowd. Also mentioned? The company plans to keep selling its plasmas, even though a certain someone (cough, Pio) has exited the market. Peep the read links for all the details and jaw dropping prices.

Read - Runco Unveils the Future of Home Theater Projection (QuantumColor)
Read - Runco Introduces Five New Performance LCD Displays
Read - Runco Reveals Its Most Affordable VideoXtreme Projectors
Read - Runco Sets a Projector Benchmark with its LightStyle Series

Runco shows up at CEDIA with loads of projectors and flat screen in tow originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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