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240hz posts

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

by Vladislav Savov posted Oct 14th 2009 at 5:49AM

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.

Sony goes in a cheaper direction with wireless XBR10 BRAVIA LCDs

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 9th 2009 at 5:00PM


Proudly rocking the XBR10 nameplate, this is the latest Sony BRAVIA (peep the video from its Japanese launch), though the potential to be greatest is up for debate. These 52- and 42-inch models skip over the company's well received (but expensive) Triluminos LED technology for cheaper edge lit LEDs like Samsung. Sony is taking advantage of the tech's slim frames to include wireless HD streaming -- you'll be plugging set-top boxes, game consoles and other video sources into a separate media box, plugging in anything other than AC would ruin the style. Still, it's hard to see many people deciding that wireless HD, Internet powered TV Guide, BRAVIA Engine 3 processing, Motionflow 240Hz, video streaming from Amazon, YouTube and Netflix and Sony's version of Yahoo! Widgets is enough to overcome a serious case of sticker shock. The KDL-52XBR10 and KDL-46XBR10 arrive in October with $5,000 and $4,500 MSRPs, respectively; over a thousand bucks north of comparable, wireless-less Samsung models featuring the same backlighting tech. That Sony brand and experience worth the difference to you?

Continue reading Sony goes in a cheaper direction with wireless XBR10 BRAVIA LCDs

Video: Slim, wireless, LED-backlit Sony ZX5 LCDs prepped for November release

by Steven Kim posted Sep 7th 2009 at 4:29AM

Sony KDL-46ZX5 LCD TV
Sony's packed in a plethora of buzz-worthy tech into its ZX5 series of Bravia LCDs -- thin panels, edge-mounted LED backlighting, 240-Hz Motion Flow, and wireless connection between the media receiver section and the glass. The new 46- and 52-inch versions have got the styling portion of the competition aced, but we're still smarting over the move away from local-dimming Triluminos LEDs. As for the Motion Flow, we'll have to wait and see for ourselves if 240-Hertz is going to be the magic number to win us over. But then again, we're greedy like that; but there's something drool-inspiring about a 52-inch LCD that gets 1080p video wirelessly sent to its 16.6-mm thin frame. Somehow, we don't think our response will be different when these beauties are released to Japan in November. Video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Slim, wireless, LED-backlit Sony ZX5 LCDs prepped for November release

LG unveils new slim design LCD HDTVs due this fall

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 30th 2009 at 8:14PM


Sure it's summertime in New York and not January in Las Vegas, but that didn't stop LG from rolling out a couple new lines of LCD HDTVs today. The new SL80 and SL90 models don't bring new high water marks on the spec sheets, but feature LG's take on the "borderless" design trend that's the rage these days, built from a single edge to edge piece of glass with a slim bezel and Invisible Speaker design. The top of the line SL90 is due later this year for an unspecified price range in 42- and 47-inch sizes with LED backlighting contributing to its 3,000,000:1 claimed contrast ratio and 1.15 inch depth, plus 120Hz TruMotion processing. The SL80 line has 240Hz processing, but older CCFL backlighting means a 300,000:1 measured contrast ratio and 1.8-inch thick design, but the 42-, 47-, and 55-inch models will be available this August for $1,599, $1,899 and $2,799, respectively. Want a closer look at LG's new global flat panel design platform? The gallery is right here.

Gallery: LG's SL80 and SL90 hands-on

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Gallery: LG SL80 & SL90 press pics

Upcoming Sony LCDs opt for cheaper motion, backlighting tech

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 27th 2009 at 3:17PM

Waiting on the next generation of Sony LED-backlit LCDs? FlatpanelsHD has some information on the next edition of Sony's BRAVIA sets, dubbed in the UK as the X5500. The key difference here is instead of the company's current Motionflow tech and Triluminos LED backlighting, these sets will opt for Black Frame Insertion technology to up the Hz rate, and while it's still a local dimming LED set, white LEDs will come inside instead of the previous three color setup, reducing cost, but also image quality. Of course, DLNA and AppliCast widget support will all be part of the package, so if you, like us, were looking for a cheaper alternative to Sony's high end sets you'll also be keeping an eye out for these to debut around IFA 2009 in September.

LG's THX-certified LH90 LCD HDTVs now shipping in US

by Darren Murph posted Jul 22nd 2009 at 4:19PM


We've been following LG's 240Hz LH90 series of LED-backlit HDTVs since they were launched alongside oodles of internet-connected rivals at CES, and now -- at long last -- the 1080p trio is shipping to US soil. The sets, which are the first-ever to boast THX certification, also feature an ambient light sensor, 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 240Hz dejudder technology and a super glossy bezel. If you're jonesing to get one in your abode, you can cruise over to your nearest electronics dealer and part ways with $3,199.95 (55-inch), $2,399.95 (47-inch), or $1,899.95 (42-inch).

You know you're a videophile if...

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jul 7th 2009 at 1:46PM

HD Calibration Discs

  • You actually know what OAR stands for and won't watch anything but.
  • You believe edge enhancements are a crime against humanity.
  • You understand that contrast is the most important video spec.
  • You know that more P isn't always better -- as in 1080p vs 720p.
  • You realize that properly de-interlaced video is perfectly acceptable and possible.
  • You can't watch DVDs anymore.
  • HBO HD is a big joke.
  • You can explain what 3:3 pull-down is and why you'd want it.
  • You knew the actual differences between HD DVD and Blu-ray.
  • You have at least one video calibration disc on Blu-ray.
  • You don't think LCDs look better than Plasmas.
  • You've helped a random person at Best Buy pick out a TV, and you don't even work there.
  • It makes you mad that Samsung calls its new 6000, 7000 and 8000 series LED TVs.
  • You make fun of 240Hz HDTVs.
  • Your HDTV has been professional calibrated.
  • There are Blu-ray Discs in your collection because of their picture quality.
  • You know the name of the mode on your TV that disables overscan.
  • You think it simply isn't possible for downloads to ever compare to Blu-ray in quality.
  • Engadget HD is the first site you read every day when you wake up.

LG's LH55 series of 1080p, 240Hz LCDs now shipping

by Tim Stevens posted May 27th 2009 at 6:36AM

LG's LH55 series of 1080p, 240Hz LCDs now shippingRemember all those LCDs LG flooded us with at CES earlier this year? Another set of them is shipping, the LH55 models in sizes ranging from 37- to 55-inches. These don't have any of the fancy internet connectivity or wireless HDMI tricks offered by some of the company's more flash sets, but all offer 1080p resolutions at TruMotion 240Hz refresh rates, 80,000:1 contrast ratios, and other niceties like auto-calibration and Clear Voice II, which pledges to ensure dialogue doesn't get washed out by heavyhanded soundtracks. They're all Energy Star 3.0 certified, too, so you'll feel a little more green while watching that Discovery Earth Blu-ray on a television that's almost five feet on the diagonal. MSRPs range from $1,399 up to $3,899, so get bargain hunting.

LG's 240Hz LH90 LED TV series priced, global release dates still a mystery

by Ross Miller posted Apr 22nd 2009 at 2:03AM

LG's finally put a price on its TruMotion 240Hz LH90 series displays. Available in 42, 47, and 55-inch sizes, the LED TVs boast a whopping 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, THX support, and the ability to play DivX files via USB. If you need to start budgeting early, expect to pay somewhere around ₩3,300,000 (US $2,445) to ₩ 6,400,000 (US $4,742), depending on the model. We know it's destined for an international release, but other than that, unfortunately mum's the word when that date might be.

To Samsung, "vidification" means a theater experience everywhere

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 15th 2009 at 4:30PM


Samsung seems very optimistic for a CE company in these economic times, but the way we heard VP Scott Birnbaum tell it, it couldn't be in a better place to help customers "vidify" with loads of theater-experience when & where you want it hardware. Emphasizing a focus on LCDs, that means matching expected customer desires with a push to 16:9 on devices from TVs to laptops. We're not ones for slick buzzwords, but the results speak from themselves, from speedy Netflix streaming Blu-ray players, to the latest round of HDTVs with widgets (great), edge lit LED lighting (good) and 240Hz (we're not convinced yet) technology, and the outer edge of products like the Omnia HD HDMI packing celly. If Samsung's not giving the people what they want, it's certainly trying, peep the full PR after the break and see how close to the mark it is.

Continue reading To Samsung, "vidification" means a theater experience everywhere

Toshiba matches prices, ship dates to LED backlit REGZA LCDs in Japan

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 7th 2009 at 9:12AM


Toshiba is back and ready to make good on some of the higher end HDTVs promised at CES, after showing off the energy efficient C8000 REGZA LCDs, it's time for the 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio local dimming LED backlit ZX8000 (labeled SV670 in the U.S.) series. These also pack the latest edition of Super Resolution+ upconverting, ClearScan 240Hz motion and fifth generation Pixel Pure image processing. We've heard those picture quality claims and seen the (sometimes controversial) results before, but a few features anyone can appreciate are InstaPort HDMI for lagless switching between inputs and AutoView calibration for room lighting conditions. Add-on hard disk drives are also available, and the ZX8000 models are expected in late June / early July for 46- and 55-inch models topping out around 600,000 ($5,944.) Willing to live without LED backlighting, 240Hz or other bullet points? The ZH8000, Z8000 and H8000 models are ready and waiting for appropriately lower prices.

Gallery: Toshiba rolls out new REGZA HDTV line, internet connected crew coming later

Sony takes the wraps off 240Hz, RFID enabled BRAVIA LCDs in Japan

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 2nd 2009 at 11:03AM


If the trouble of typing in a credit card number was the thing keeping you from renting acTVila video on-demand movies in Japan, Sony's fixed that right up by including FeliCa reading capability in the remote for its latest BRAVIA LCDs. No longer tied to an ugly outboard box, now you need only to press your credit card, cellphone or other RFID enabled device against the remote to authorize payment. The Japanese edition W5 and F5 line of LCDs mostly feature 240Hz MotionFlow and the latest BRAVIA Engine 3 display processing, and top out around ¥450,000 ($4,614) for a 52-inch. Check out video of the RFID remote on Akihabara News or embedded after the break and imagine living in a Blade Runner-type world of the future where overpriced rentals downloaded via fiber directly onto an HDTV screen are billed to whatever card desired with a mere flick of the wrist, as opposed to overpriced, overcompressed rentals that shamefully expand ones cable bill each month.

[Via Akihabara News & AV Watch]

Continue reading Sony takes the wraps off 240Hz, RFID enabled BRAVIA LCDs in Japan

Samsung properly introduces Series 6 / 7 LCD TVs

by Darren Murph posted Jan 7th 2009 at 5:30PM


You knew Samsung wouldn't pull up in Vegas without a few new sets to clutter up your living room, and sure enough, we're being treated to a fresh pair of CCFL-backlit displays. The Series 6 ranges from 19- to 55-inches, while the Series 7 is comprised of just a 40-, 46- and 52-inch model, and the latter three (along with '09 Series 6 650 40-inch and above) sets feature the Yahoo!-driven Internet@TV functionality. Furthermore, the Series 7 is Sammy's first ever 240Hz CCFL-backlit display, while all Series 6 sets 32-inches and up tout the 120Hz Auto Motion Plus technology. All the nitty-gritty details (save for pricing and availability) are tucked away in the read link.

Gallery: Samsung properly introduces Series 6 / 7 1080p LCD HDTVs

Samsung stuns with 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series LED LCD HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted Jan 7th 2009 at 5:30PM


Here we are, folks, finally at the end of Samsung's CES 2009 gauntlet. We've seen Blu-ray decks, a BD-infused soundbar, LCD-equipped refrigerators and even a few HDTVs, but Sammy's clearly hoping you pay the most attention to its new line of LED-backlit LCDs. The 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series sets all ditch traditional CCFLs in favor of the newer, brighter and more energy-efficient LED backlighting. Of note, the 8000 Series is the only one a 240Hz refresh rate; the other lines get stuck with the perfectly acceptable 120Hz Auto Motion Plus. Furthermore, the 7000 / 8000 crew will come ready for the Yahoo!-driven Internet@TV online content service, while the 6000 family will allow access to Sammy's own InfoLink RSS service. More meaningful specs (screen size, brightness, contrast ratio, price, favorite color / date spot, etc.) are sorely missing, but you can peak the linked PDF if you don't believe us.

Gallery: Samsung stuns with 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series LED LCD HDTVs

LG's super slim LED backlit LCD packing wireless HD, DivX HD

by Richard Lawler posted Jan 5th 2009 at 3:27AM


Finally ready to give up further details on its 24.8-mm thick LED backlit LH95 (apparently dubbed the LH9500 in the UK), revealing to Stuff.tv we can expect a 55-inch HDTV with wireless HD box included. DivX HD support on the panel itself (sorry, no word about any Netflix streaming abilities just yet) via USB or Bluetooth makes sure there will be plenty to watch on the 2,000,000:1 contrast screen with 240Hz technology. At least on paper, one of the slimmest, best looking LCDs we've heard about so far, we'll see if it impresses in person shortly.




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