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

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 6th 2009 at 1:03PM

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]

Toshiba details CELL REGZA LCD TV, coming December to Japan (update: video!)

by Ross Miller posted Oct 5th 2009 at 2:12AM Breaking News

It's a day before CEATEC officially kicks off, but Toshiba's getting a head start on the news, dishing out all the deets on its Cell-powered CELL REGZ LCD TV, now officially due out in Japan in early December. The 55-inch, 240Hz display boasts a mighty impressive 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, self-congruency technology for improved picture detail on the edges, a peak luminance of 1250cd/m², and LED backlits dividing the screen into 512 distinct areas. A 7-speaker sound bar lies just below the display. Want more? How about eight-window simultaneous multi-display, an Opera-based web browser, DLNA, and a 3TB hard disk drive, 2TB for "time-shift" recording recording up to 26 hours of programs, up to eight channels simultaneously. There's a sizable box on display, too, which seems to be where the Cell hardware is being housed. Curious about price? So are we, but there's nothing being said.

If that's not forward-thinking enough, Toshi's also outlining its future concepts, dubbed CELL REGZA NEXT. Those four include a 3D set, a 4K2K version that upcoverts 1080p to 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 46-inch model integrating its CELL BOX dedicated TV tuner and HDD, and a 37-inch that works as a home network server. It looks like we'll be getting some hands-on time with the 55X1 shortly, but in the meantime, one more pic after the break.

Gallery: Toshiba Cell Regza

Continue reading Toshiba details CELL REGZA LCD TV, coming December to Japan (update: video!)

Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 1st 2009 at 3:56AM

We've said it before and we'll say it again, sports, not movies or video games is 3D's killer app, and this prototype camera from Sony is designed specifically to help bring the two closer together. Set to debut at CEATEC next week, the HFR Comfort-3D records at 240 fps through just one lens instead of two thanks to a new half-mirror system that takes left and right eye images at the same time, better for capturing fast motion and providing viewers lacking polarized glasses a 2D picture with minimal blurring. One of our few complaints during last year's BCS National Championship 3D experience was occasional benefits caused by fast left-right motion which this system could make a non-issue. Check after the break for a detailed (in Japanese) diagram that should help make things clearer -- for those that can read the language -- the rest of us are waiting for ESPN or someone else to tote a few of these down to the Super Bowl in 2010 and make magic happen.

[Via AV Watch thanks Derek for English PR]

Continue reading Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports

Sharp combines its latest LCD improvements in LX series HDTVs

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 30th 2009 at 4:12PM

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]

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

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 23rd 2009 at 11:52PM

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.

Mitsubishi unveils latest Diamond Vision LED HD screens at Nakayama Racecourse

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 31st 2009 at 11:38PM


Just in time to remind us that immense LED HDTV screens aren't only in Texas, Mitsubishi has announced it's installation of (the likely less-problematic) Turf Vision 1 & 2 at Nakayama Racecourse. At around 4,000 square feet, the larger Turf Vision 1 isn't quite as daunting as the pair of screens hung at Cowboy Stadium or as long as previous world beater still residing at Tokyo Racecourse, but as you can see from the pictures, what other screen would be right to view footage beamed from that track to this one? These screens go live September 12,we'll save a few betting slips for you.

Continue reading Mitsubishi unveils latest Diamond Vision LED HD screens at Nakayama Racecourse

Blu-ray rental availability lagging in Japan

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 24th 2009 at 3:32PM

A Reuters blog posting from Japan reports that even with strong Blu-ray DVR sales, discs are still tough to find on rental shelves and suggests that Japanese makers have been reluctant to commit to the format so far. We're Redboxing and Netflixing it up on this side of the Pacific so the (likely lonely) inside of a video rental store even in the U.S. is foreign to us, but perhaps some of our overseas living or traveling readers can tell us how the HD battle is going from their perspective?

Mitsubishi unveils REAL line of Blu-ray burning, super upconverting LCDs

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 20th 2009 at 10:52AM


Providing some competition for Sharp's DX series, Mitsubishi has taken the wraps off of its REAL Series LCD HDTVs, including a set with built-in hard drives and Blu-ray recorders, plus a few more that lack the recording, but throw in super resolution upconversion that claims to make even the worst SD look better than ever. Even if that's just hype, we hope it fares better than the company's ill-fated 120Hz processing. The 37- (1080p) and 32-inch (720p) BHR300 models feature their disc drives in the stand, rather than back-mounted approach of the AQUOS, plus 320GB HDDs, SDHC slot, plus i.LINK and USB connectors that let owners edit video from a camcorder on the TV before saving to disc or hard drive. The MZW300 models are all 1080p, in 40-, 42- and 52-inch sizes, with Diamond Engine Pro IV HD super resolution tech, the latest and most power efficient Diamond panel with 20,000:1 contrast ratio, built in 5.1 Dolby Digital decoder, virtual surround speakers and a talking program guide feature. These hit shelves in Japan in late October ranging in price from ¥350,000 ($3,705) for the LCD-52MZW300 to ¥200,000 ($2,117) for the LCD-32BHR300.

Mitsubishi's new Blu-ray DVRs have you covered, from super resolution to VHS

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 20th 2009 at 6:32AM


Mitsubishi has always tried to take a different tack with its Blu-ray recording DVRs in Japan -- see its DVR-BF2000 model for evidence -- and we're sure someone's glad to see them going the extra mile with these latest three models. The DVR-BZ330 combines a 1TB hard drive with the super resolution upconversion that promises to pull additional information from low res video via its Diamond HD chip. If that bit of video magic isn't impressive(or believable) there's always the similar DVR-BZ230 sans-Diamond HD and half the hard drive space, while true back compat freaks should opt for the DVR-BV530 with VHS playback (no recording, we know you had an LP tape you've been saving.) Expect these to hit the streets in October from ¥180,000 ($1,915) for the high end DVR-BZ330 to ¥120,000 ($1,270) for the DVR-BV530.

Toshiba engineering still holding grudge, saddles 2TB RD-X9 DVR with DVD

by Steven Kim posted Aug 11th 2009 at 2:31PM

Toshiba RD-X9 DVD DVR
It's not a big leap to assume that folks who can grab and actually use Toshiba's RD-X9 2TB DVR would want to occasionally archive some of their shows to an optical disc. Yes, plugging in an external USB drive for backups is probably a better approach, but those optical discs are just so bite-sized and bookshelf-friendly. Toshiba apparently agrees, because burning to disc is supported as well; but maybe engineering is still bitter about the whole Blu-ray/HD-DVD thing and isn't aware of the new company line, because the onboard drive is DVD, not Blu-ray. Hopefully the next iteration will get everyone on one page, and we can move on to a feature-competitive Blu-ray model.

High end Onkyo fans in Japan get Integra DTR-70.1, DTR-50.1 and DTR-40.1 receivers

by Steven Kim posted Aug 11th 2009 at 12:04PM

Onkyo Integra DTR-70.1 receiver
Just in case its home market was feeling a bit jealous over the US release of the TX-NR807 and TX-SR707 AVRs, Onkyo Japan has brought the DTR-70.1, DTR-50.1 and DTR-40.1 receivers to its Integra lineup. The 250-, 230-, and 190-Watt ratings in the PR need some extra salt, as they're "6-Ohm, 1-channel driven" specs. That said, Onkyo receivers haven't been known to run out of gas; we just wish the specs had a little more real-world applicability. On a happier note, the DTR-70.1 and DTR-50.1 feature Reon HQV video processing and ISF calibration, and all three models get Dolby ProLogic IIz and Audyssey DSX surround processing in addition to network streaming capabilities from the "mere" Onkyo line. If you're waiting for the stateside arrival of these AVRs, there's much more info to be teased out of the machine translations below.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Read - Onkyo Integra DTR-70.1
Read - Onkyo Integra DTR-50.1
Read - Onkyo Integra DTR-40.1

Sharp's AQUOS DX2 HDTVs don't need any help to burn Blu-ray discs

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 7th 2009 at 6:19PM


So, Sharp, you introduced the world's first HDTV line with integrated Blu-ray players last year, what are you going to do next? Only naturally, the Japanese lineup of DX2 series one-ups the original DX by adding Blu-ray recording as well. It doesn't appear that these pack the LED backlighting of the new X-Gen based displays headed our way this fall, so for now buyers will have to make do with the 15,000:1 contrast ratio shared with the other D-series televisions. Still, the big deal here is that the 1080p (52-, 46- and 40-inch) and 720p (32- and 26-inch) displays will burn up to 30 hours of HD video on dual-layer Blu-ray discs, by way of transcoding and compressing to MPEG-4 format without any messy external boxes or wires. The price range from ¥170,000 ($1,740) at the low end to ¥480,000 for the largest size when these ship September 15 but don't count on seeing them on this side of the Pacific (or the Atlantic.)

[Via AV Watch]

Yamaha Japan spills details on its NS-700 speaker lineup

by Steven Kim posted Aug 4th 2009 at 4:08PM

Yamaha NS-F700 speakers
Although Amazon has had pages up for the new Yamaha NS-700 speaker series for a while now, Yamaha Japan has come clean with some details on the various models due for shipment in early September. If you thought Yammie just did soundbars, HTIBs and lamps, take a look. Non-parallel cabinet sides are used throughout the range, as is the black finish to match -- of course -- your Yamaha grand piano. You can hit the read link for the full machine-translated PR, but the NS-F700 floorstander is catching our eye with a 6.5-inch A-PMD (advanced polymer injected mica diaphragm) woofer, 5-inch PMD mid and 1.125-inch aluminum tweet; all together promising a 45Hz - 50kHz response. Sounds good, and you should be able to round out your system with the NS-B750 or NS-B700 bookshelves, NS-C700 center channel, and the NS-SW700 that didn't make Japanese press release but managed to sneak into the family photo.

Digital Cowboy's DC-MCNP1 2.5-inch NAS doubles as media player

by Darren Murph posted Jul 30th 2009 at 5:21AM


It's a little hard to believe that we've gone two whole months without a new device from Digital Cowboy, but at long last, the Japanese wrangler is hitting back with a striking new piece of consumer electronics goodness. The DC-MCNP1, which falls neatly into the Movie Cowboy family, is a 2.5-inch NAS drive at heart, but aside from giving you access to files on its diminutive internal drive anywhere in the world, it also streams a plethora of file formats to your HDTV. The HDMI / composite video outputs should take care of the vast majority of ya, and the USB 2.0 socket provides an expansion option for those needing to hook up an external HDD. An Ethernet port is built in for network access, but those who'd prefer to cut the cord can certainly plug a wireless adapter into that USB socket and pray continuously to the signal gods above. If you find yourself in Fukuoka next month, give this one a look if you've got ¥19,900 ($209) to spare.

JVC issues Everio GZ-HM400 Full HD camcorder in Japan

by Darren Murph posted Jul 30th 2009 at 4:14AM


Lookie here -- time for yet another HD camcorder in the quickly expanding Everio family. Launched today in the Land of the Rising Sun, the JVC Everio GZ-HM400 is a Full HD shooter with a 10.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, 2.8-inch flip-out LCD, 32GB of built-in storage, an SD / SDHC expansion slot, HDMI output, a 10x optical zoom and a fairly preposterous (in a good way) 600fps slo-mo mode, just like that ultra-sleek GZ-X900 we peeked back in March. The unit can also snap 9 megapixel still shots and hold nearly three hours of Full HD content before needing a USB-led cleansing. Indeed, this here camcorder mimics the aforesaid GZ-X900 in pretty much every way save for design, and it's expected on Japanese store shelves early next month for ¥110,000 ($1,157).

[Via Akihabara News]

Read - JVC press release
Read - Hands-on shots

Continue reading JVC issues Everio GZ-HM400 Full HD camcorder in Japan





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