Say hello to the brightest LCD panel entering mass production - Samsung's 70-inch super bright digital information display will be burning out retinas near you next year. Taking local dimming LED backlighting to a new application, it features 200,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000nit (cd/m2) brightness -- as much as four times brighter than the HDTV on your wall and topping the previous 1,500nit champ -- more than capable of displaying information or advertisements in bright sunlight or dim environments. The 1080p panel already nabbed a CES Innovation Award earlier today and will be sampled (in Las Vegas, surely) before the year is out, but you may want to grab some shades now just in case.

Granted, it's not the most fitting time to ask this question in the majority of North America, but they always say the best sales are in the off-season. Have a look at Jonathon's request regarding outdoor sets:

"We just put in a new deck and pool this summer, and now I'm looking for HDTV options for the outdoors. Ideally, I'd like a set that could withstand the rain and elements so I'm not stuck hauling it in and out each time we want to use it. Obviously, I'm trying to spend the least amount possible while still getting a good product, but I've had zero experience with those rugged, waterproof HDTVs. Anyone out there who could help?"

We know a few of you have splurged on a set to sit by the pool, so let's hear it! Are you happy with your Runco / Pantel / etc.? Had any problems with it standing up to the elements? Chime in below.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

The speaker-in-a-rock was hot stuff back in the day, but now, it's pretty played out. SpeakerCraft has applied its jungle influences to the OG outdoor speaker, which is modeled after an exterior landscape lighting fixture and can be hidden away in flower beds, under bushes or in between statues of Tiki Men. The unit itself includes a 3-inch full-range aluminum cone driver, but it seems as if you'll need to phone up your nearest SpeakerCraft dealer for pricing information. Full release after the break.

When we heard of Polk Audio's Atrium Sat 30 and Sub 10, we can't say we envisioned those two objects you see pictured above. Debuting at this year's CEDIA, these two units combine to create a new outdoor speaker system "that adapts seamlessly into any exterior landscape." The Sat 30 resembles an outdoor light fixture (or one of those "plants" on Honey, I Shrunk The Kids), while the Sub 10 was crafted to resemble a "plant stand or pedestal table." Both devices are sealed from water and are hopelessly ugly in and of themselves, but if you're looking for something to blend right into your flora, look no further. The pair will begin shipping in January 2009 for $179 (Sat 30) / $329 (Sub 10). Full release after the break.

Bresnan Communications, the 13th largest cable operator in the US, has fittingly added Outdoor Channel HD to its lineup in Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. Given the areas in which it serves, it makes sense to offer up an outdoor-oriented station in high-def, which Randy Brown, senior vice president of affiliate sales and marketing, completely agrees with. Let us guess -- fishing will be the most watched sport.

CEDIA 2008 is still over a month away, but the pre-expo news is already starting to trickle out. SunBriteTV, the firm responsible for last year's 46-inch 4600HD all-weather outdoor LCD, has just announced that it will be bringing two new ones to Denver this year, though there's no word on whether a dunk tank will also be in tow. The 32-inch 3220HD (1,366 x 768 resolution; 1,500:1 contrast ratio) and 46-inch 4610HD (19,20 x 1,080 resolution; 2,000:1 contrast ratio) both feature "corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum exterior that protects the internal components from extreme weather and temperatures ranges," not to mention an interior heater to keep things toasty when it's snowing outside. The two sets are actually becoming available as we speak for $3,295 (3220HD) / $5,495 (4610HD), while a third unit -- the 23-inch HD-ready 2310HD -- can also be acquired now for "just" $1,995.

Unlike Sanyo, Pantel has a pretty good idea of when outdoor displays will sell: summertime. That being the case, Pantel has jubilantly announced that its 20-, 52-, and 65-inch models are all shipping. Each display boasts a "weatherproof" enclosure that keeps the panel within safe from unpredictable weather. These units were designed to withstand water, extreme heat / cold, wind and dust, and judging by a few unofficial tests, they'll hold their own against sugary beverages as well. Grab yours now for $2,999, $9,999 or $25,999 (respectively) and make your way over to the deep end.

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?

You've got to have some serious firepower to attract eyes in Las Vegas -- after all, there's already enough neon in place to keep the average tourist distracted for hours. That being said, Samsung thinks it has what it takes, as it's teaming up with Outdoor Promotions in order to install eighteen 70-inch 1080p LCD panels "on prominent bus shelters spanning the Vegas strip from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on the south side to the Rivera Hotel and Casino at the north end." The units will all be sunlight-readable and boast 2,000 nits of brightness along with localized audio. We're told that advertisements put up on the beastly sets will shuffle every 7.5- to 15-seconds in a continuous loop, and while the initial 18 are slated to go up in October, another 20 are planned for early 2009 (pre-CES, pretty please?)

[Image courtesy of IntelligentEconomy]

Interestingly enough, the last time we heard the phrase "High Bright," Runco was showcasing a prototype set meant to work and play in the great outdoors. Now, however, Samsung's looking to one-up that endeavor by actually shipping a High Bright DID panel later this month. The 46-inch unit is said to posses 1,500 nits of brightness, a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, 16.7 million colors, 178-degree viewing angles and a screen resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. Sammy claims that it's around three times brighter than a typical LCD TV, and aside from remaining visible outside (you know, for pool parties and digital signage applications), it was designed to be tiled together to create "video walls." No word on what sets these panels will find their way into, but we wouldn't count on 'em coming cheap.

[Via SlashGear]

Neither Pantel's 32-inch PAN320 nor Aquatic AV's 17-inch AQ-LCD17S-1 boast HD panels, but these units can do some things even the mighty Kuro can't. Those sadistic (and oh-so-lucky) souls over at Sound and Vision Magazine were able to grab hold of the duo and indulge in an afternoon of torture -- all without fear of negative consequences. After blasting each set with a water hose, dousing 'em in Kool-Aid and even piling on the dirt, neither missed a single scene. Of course, they will set you back $3,950 and $1,999, respectively, but at least you won't be cooped up inside all summer, right? Hit the read link (and slip on the goggles) for the full report.

Since introducing the outdoorsy WP-42 late last year, Runco has apparently been quite pleased with its foray into the wilderness. Now, we're hearing that the company is gearing up for quite the push into said sector. At a recent getaway in Mexico for its top dealers and representatives, the company went so far as to demonstrate an all new prototype simply dubbed "High Bright." As its title implies, the weather-resistant set boasts upwards of 1,100 nits of brightness (compared to around 450 cd/m2 for the typical indoors LCD), and Runco engineers have purportedly figured out a way to not wash out the contrast in the process. No word from down south whether or not this particular unit was headed for retail, but one thing's for certain: Runco's looking at backyard pool areas just as intently as lavish living rooms.

Hong Kong's Digital Outdoor Television Limited has launched a new project, creating the Outdoor HD Corner network, bringing broadcaster TVB's HD content to various DOTV locations. We're inundated with ads every time we step outside, but don't mind getting some actual HD programming wherever we go. Already confirmed to include clips from the 2008 Olympics, the network will be available at nearly 200 DOTV spots in malls, restaurants and computer centers.

SunBriteTV have updated their range of weather resistant LCDs with a top end 46-inch model that brings the nature resistant features of it smaller siblings to a much larger screen area. The SunBrite 4600HD, which will debut at InfoComm in the second week of June, has a corrosion resistant enclosure that protects the internals from the elements. It has a built-in filtered fan system for particularly hot days, and a heater which allows it to work in temperatures of around -4 degrees C (24 degrees F), plus a watertight cable system for a range of sources including HDMI, component, VGA, S-video, composite, and RF. You won't want to stick a regular antenna into this TV though, as it comes with a respectable 1366 x 768 resolution at a 1600:1 contrast ratio. All this high end outdoor kit comes at a cost -- $4,995 to be precise, available from dealers this month -- but if you have a use for a HDTV in your garden, there's still the problem of figuring out how to weather-proof your HD sources. A perfect opportunity for the ever innovative console modders to get a tan, perhaps?

[Via CEPro]