Believe it or not, this is far from the first we've heard of bringing high-def video to cellphones, and it's not even the first application to dabble in mobile 1080p. Still, we'll take all the innovation we can get in this space, and when the real Touch HD ever arrives, we'll be ready and waiting with Full HD capabilities. Announced at ISSCC 2009 in San Francisco, Renesas Technology is showing off an application processor that enables handsets to process 1,920 x 1,080 resolution video at 30 frames-per-second; the processor's core has a maximum operating frequency of 500MHz and supports MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 video formats. There's no telling when the 6.4- x 6.5-millimeter chip will be available en masse, but we need the HTCs of the world to get us a 1080p phone and a retina implant or two to read 0.2-size fonts before it even matters.

Further blurring the line between an LCD computer monitor and a bedroom HDTV is Acer, as its P244Wbmii boasts not only a 1080p (1,920 x 1,080) panel but also a pair of HDMI inputs. The 24-inch (TN) display features a 2-millisecond response time, 300 cd / m2 brightness, 20,000:1 contrast ratio and a VGA port for PC purists. Mum's the word on a price or availability, but all signs point to a Japanese first / only release.

[Via Impress]

It's tough to predict the future, especially with cutbacks to R&D budgets in the face of a global economic slowdown. Still, it's always nice to see a forward-looking corporate-slide related to mobile handsets from the taller, blonder half of that Sony Ericsson partnership. LTE and fast CPUs are certainly no surprise, nor is that 1,024 x 768 XGA screen resolution that Japan's superphones are already bumping up against. The most compelling vision is that of the embedded camera sensors: 12-20 megapixels capable of recording Full HD video by 2012. Adding more fuel to firey speculation that handsets are about to find themselves embroiled in a megapixel war. Fine by us, just as long the optics and image processing are there to support such a resolution. Even though 12-20 megapixels seems high compared to the 5-8 megapixel cell phones we see today, those numbers are entirely within reason when you recall that Samsung hit 10 megapixels in Korea two years ago. In fact, we wouldn't be suprised in the least to find Ericsson's mythical device on the market well prior to 2012. Combined, these features certainly make for a tantalizing glimpse at the wireless handset future.

Anyone who figured OLED would go the way of SED has another thing comin', and Samsung's got the prototype to prove it. Over at the OLED-heavy FPD International 2008 show, Samsung is showcasing the biggest panel (of this nature) that its pilot line can even create: a 40-inch Full HD OLED display. 1,920 x 1,080 pixels of delicious OLED goodness, mixed with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, a color gamut of 107% NTSC, a luminance of 200cd/m2 and a thickness of just 8.9-millimeters. Judging by first hand reports, the actual quality wasn't top-notch, but we're willing to forgive the early glitches in hopes of a better tomorrow. Hit the read link for one more look.

[Via OLED-Display]

Heads-up, DirecTV users. That DIRECTV2PC software that you've been waiting so anxiously for is finally available for download. Like, for real this time. Just as a refresher, the CyberLink software enables PC users to stream HD recordings from their DirecTV Plus HD DVR receiver to a connected computer in the home, and if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, may we encourage you to hit the read link and follow the steps to downloading. Oddly enough, the direct URL to CyberLink's site only seems to work when you connect through DirecTV's site, but we're hoping a fix is in the works.

[Thanks, Albert]

It's no HDPC-20 PC tuner, but it is a new way for DirecTV subscribers to enjoy content. As of now, the DIRECTV2PC beta has been opened, giving mettlesome souls the ability to stream HD recordings from their DirecTV Plus HD DVR receiver to a connected PC in the home. Unfortunately, this isn't a Slingbox-type application, as the programming can only be slung within your local (read: home) network, but thankfully, high-def recordings are transmitted as high-def. You'll need a potent PC to play things back smoothly, and you can watch shows on your PC while live or recorded shows are being viewed on the TV. Have any of you given this a go? If so, drop in your initial impressions below.

[Via SatelliteGuys, thanks Vanbrothers]

Update: Seems the link still isn't working -- c'mon DirecTV, what gives?

Not quite sure if NEC's three latest will ever be revealed outside of Australia, but we'll take a look if for no other reason than to appease those in Perth, Sydney and Darwin. Starting things off is the PXT-50FHDP1, a 50-inch 1080p plasma that packs a 100Hz refresh rate, a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, multiple HDMI inputs, a built-in EPG and an integrated TV tuner. As for the other guys, we've got the 42-inch PXT42XD3 and 50-inch PXT50XD3, both of which arrive with their own HD tuner, three HDMI ports, a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, RS-232 control ports and a 1,024 x 768 / 1,365 x 768 resolution, respectively. As for pricing? Try $3,499 for the Full HD fellow, $1,599 for the PXT4 and $2,199 for the PXT5.

[Via ARN]

Didn't see anything that particularly suited your fancy at CEDIA? Then feast your eyes on CEATEC. As the Japan-based trade show hastily approaches, out pops a mind-boggling new home theater package from Panasonic. The system will include one of its marvelous 103-inch plasma HDTVs, a Blu-ray player and at least one set of fancy 3D goggles. Hailed as a world's first in some form or fashion, the Full HD 3D package utilizes an undisclosed format "employed by major Hollywood film studios" to "distribute full HD images of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels to each eye via synchronized shutter glasses." Panny is hoping to promote the technology and possibly get a leg up on Samsung (our assumption) by impressing wealthy homeowners and members of the Blu-ray Disc Association. As expected, there's no mention of a price, but rest assured -- you'll be stuck choosing between this and a new BMW.

[Via Impress]

Sanyo's latest 1080i pocket camcorder (that'd be the Xacti 1010) was just sitting there all pretty like at IFA 2008, so our compadres over at Engadget Spanish took the liberty of posting up a gallery of hands-on shots. Not too many surprises in terms of design, but the demonstrative video of the super slow-mo mode is pretty trippy to say the least. Head on over and give it a look, won't you?

Oh sure, waterproof LCD TVs have been available for ages, but Sanyo's making the choice of which outdoor display to buy simple with the introduction of its CE52SR1. You see, unlike many alternatives, this waterproof set packs a 1080p Full HD panel, meaning that you can enjoy your Blu-ray films in full-res glory while slouched in a beach chair beside your pool. Furthermore, the display is daylight readable and features a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 1,500 cd/m2 brightness, 6.5-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles, a slew of inputs and a frame constructed from marine grade anodized aluminum. Unfortunately, the summer in America will be long over before you can actually drop $13,995 in order to claim one, but October isn't too far out, now is it?

In its battle with Sony for 1080i pistol grips, Sanyo just announced a minor, but notable update to its premium HD1000 Full HD MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 camcorder. The new HD1010 adds improved image processing and stabilization, new "face chaser" technology for stills and video, and amusing new 300fps slow-motion mode. Nothing compared to Casio's freakish EX-F1 but a nice novelty for shooting the kids' sporting adventures. Sanyo also tossed in a new 7fps continuous still shot mode which snags images at the sensor's maximum 4 megapixel resolution. A minor bump for sure but it makes for a compelling offering at the (relatively) low asking price of $800 when it hits the US in July (Japan, June 20th).

Update: Akihabara News went hands-on in the video posted after the break.

[Via Impress and Akihabara News]

Sharp's new GP3U family may be marketed towards the sophisticated gamer, but we're pretty certain just about anyone could get down with a set like this. Announced today, the 32-inch LC-32GP3U comes in a trio of hues (black, wine red and white), boasts a "unique swivel stand for ultimate viewing and gaming flexibility," and offers up bottom-mounted speakers to boot. Furthermore, this 1080p AQUOS touts a slim-line design, a Game Mode button on the remote for activating Vyper Drive and providing quick access to side terminals, a subwoofer audio output, two component / three HDMI 1.3 inputs, a VGA port, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, six-millisecond response time, integrated ATSC / NTSC tuner with Clear QAM support, 450 cd/m2 brightness and 176-degree viewing angles. If you're champing at the bit to fix your eyes on this one, all three versions will be available just in time for you-know-what for $1,599.99.

It's been a tick since we've seen a swank new projector from SIM2, but on paper, it looks like the wait was worth it. The firm's new-generation version of the Grand Cinema C3X (dubbed C3X 1080) features a gorgeous Giorgio Revoldini-designed chassis, TI's brand new DarkChip 4 DLP device, a 10-bit video processor, HD scaling and deinterlacing capabilities, 1080p24 support, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and color-management software that enables installers to "precisely match each projector to its home theater environment." Additionally, you'll find a pair of selectable HDCP-compliant HDMI jacks, component / S-Video / composite / VGA ports, RS-232 / USB control sockets, IR-sensor inputs, 12-volt trigger outputs and an optical digital audio socket. This 22-pounder, which ships in high-gloss gunmetal, black, red and gold, is likely to keep your eyes affixed for days on end, but only if you've got $31,995 to spare. Check out a few more colors in the gallery below, and watch the drool, will ya?

Life's just too good to only unveil one new television in a sitting, right LG? Apparently the firm is in total agreement, as it has decided to also shed a little (and we stress little) light on its (similarly designed) forthcoming 52-incher. The 52LG71 LCD TV claims to be the "world's first 1080p LCD with an integrated 802.11 Wireless System," and while we've certainly seen a few sets doin' the WiFi thing before (yes, even an LCD TV), you won't find us kvetching about newfound competition. Interestingly, we're not told what flavor(s) of 802.11 this thing supports, but considering that it can supposedly handle HD streams without a single hiccup, our bets are on 802.11n. Nevertheless, we'll hopefully be finding out the specifics soon enough, but for now, let this serve as motivation to start packing away any extra pennies as you wait for this to grace store shelves.

We knew LG was cookin' up a LED-backlit LCD TV behind closed doors, and it's quite the treat to hear that all that work has paid off in the 47LG75. This 47-inch set touts an uber-slim design, oh-so-sexy frame, 1080p support and hidden speakers to boot. Unfortunately, we're not privy to actual specifications just yet, but we are told to expect a "high contrast ratio" to go along with the automatic brightness and color optimizing technologies. We've also got a sneaking suspicion that this beauty won't be one of the sets ringing up for next to nothing on Black Friday, but we certainly hope LG fleshes out a few more details by then, anyway.