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

by Darren Murph posted Oct 30th 2009 at 4:28PM

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.

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

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

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

by Darren Murph posted Sep 17th 2009 at 8:48AM


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

New Blu-ray laser from Sharp burns triple, quad layer discs but can't cut red tape (yet)

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 11th 2009 at 4:04PM


Sharp stepped up at the 70th Autumn Meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics to promote its new 500mW Blu-ray laser that is reportedly production ready and waiting to churn out triple and quad layer (100GB) discs at 8x speed. The only thing holding it back from release now is the lack of an official spec from the BDA. Geeking out over details of the aluminum oxynitride film that enabled this breakthrough (pictured above) continues beyond the read link.

[Via Blu-ray.com]

Liquid crystal lasers will light up next-gen HDTVs, your life

by Tim Stevens posted Apr 21st 2009 at 6:51AM

Liquid crystal lasers will light up next-gen HDTVs, your life
If you thought Mitsubishi's LaserVue HDTVs were the beginning and the end of laser-tech in boob tubes, think again. Mitsu's line is carrying on, but the brightness and depth of color offered by that telly are apparently just the beginning of what's possible according to researchers at the Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics at the University of Cambridge. They indicate that the use of liquid crystals in concert with a single, laser-based light source would result in the same color depth but at a lower cost and higher reliability than the LaserVue, which requires separate lasers for RGB. What cost, exactly? That, dear reader, remains to be seen, but given the source we're thinking you have plenty of time to save up -- and to practice those Dr. Evil impressions.

[Via OLED-Display]

Mitsubishi affirms that LaserVue HDTV production is back on

by Darren Murph posted Mar 24th 2009 at 1:35PM


After Mitsubishi suddenly and unexpectedly suspended production of its flagship LaserVue HDTV in early February, many took the liberty of believing that the end was nigh for this extremely high-end set (given the not-exactly-booming economy). We contacted Mitsubishi in order to follow up, and today we've received direct confirmation that the LaserVue is indeed "back in production." In other words, the supply channels are all moving smoothly again, and whatever caused the issue to begin with truly was simply a snag and not a foreshadowing of the set's death. Too bad this thing is still up near seven grand in many places -- after seeing one in action, it's hard to look at any other technology the same way.

Mitsubishi temporarily suspends production of LaserVue HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted Feb 11th 2009 at 12:32PM Breaking News


We had heard that certain Mitsubishi representatives had been telling Diamond dealers that production had been suspended on the outfit's flagship LaserVue HDTV, and sure enough, the story is true. We have confirmed with Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America that the outfit has "temporarily suspended production of LaserVue televisions due to a problem with manufacturing equipment used to produce LaserVue TVs." We're also informed that "Mitsubishi Electric engineers are taking the necessary action to ensure that the company resumes production as quickly as possible, while maintaining the highest standards for product quality and reliability." So far as we know, this isn't a sign of sudden discontinuation, as Mitsu has affirmed that it's "expecting production to resume in early 2009." We'll update with more as we get it in.

Update: We asked a few followup questions, and we did find that Mitsu isn't anticipating any supply issues, which indicates the problem may be short lived (or at least it hopes so). As for an official comment on what went wrong? "LaserVue production was suspended due to a manufacturing equipment issue." That's all we've got.

[Thanks, Chuck]

Sharp and Nichia link up for LED patent cross-licensing deal

by Darren Murph posted Nov 21st 2008 at 1:45PM


While RPTVs teeter on a bellbottom-styled return to the mainstream, Sharp and Nichia are focused squarely on the future. The two have just entered into a LED patent cross-licensing agreement covering both LEDs and laser diodes; the deal grants each company the right to use "inventions related to LEDs and laser diodes covered by the vast number of patents owned by the respective companies in Japan and in major countries." The release gets interesting when touching on Sharp's intentions -- it states that the company is hoping to "create unique, one-of-a-kind products in the future that feature both devices [Blu-ray recorders and LED lighting] at their core." Color us very intrigued.

Mitsubishi's $6,999 65-inch LaserVue HDTV now hitting retailers

by Darren Murph posted Oct 28th 2008 at 12:46PM


Just in time for your holiday wish list, Mitsubishi has announced that its stunning 65-inch LaserVue HDTV is now on sale at select specialty retailers nationwide. From what we've personally seen and from what we've gathered from those lucky enough to critique it in detail, this here set is a real winner. Of course, coming up with the $6,999 in order to bring one home is another matter entirely, but those who feel like stimulating the economy and their retinas can absolutely do so starting today.

Mitsubishi's 65-inch LaserVue priced at CEDIA: $6,999

by Darren Murph posted Sep 6th 2008 at 6:19PM

Mitsubishi has been trickling out details for its mysterious LaserVue HDTV for months now, but at long last, we finally know the most pertinent piece. Reportedly, the 65-inch set -- which was seen lookin' mighty fine on the CEDIA floor, by the way -- will retail for $6,999 when it ships to Select Diamond retailers at the end of this month. The forthcoming 73-inch version doesn't have a price / release date just yet, but given the way we've found things out about its smaller sibling, we can't say we're shocked in the least.

QPC lands $12 million Laser TV contract with Asia Optical

by Darren Murph posted Aug 7th 2008 at 2:32PM

Watch out, Mitsubishi. Looks like you aren't the only game in town with Laser TV in the corporate word bank. Reportedly, California-based QPC Lasers has just landed a $12 million contract that will exclusively supply Asia Optical (AOCI) with the goods its needs to craft 60-inch laser-based sets -- kind of like the one it recently demonstrated in QPC's Los Angeles headquarters. To be totally honest, the terms of the deal are relatively vague, and while we can only assume that AOCI will be utilizing this tech in order to craft the HDTV of the future, we suppose it could use it for wicked cool microwave displays. OLEDs, Laser TVs and now SEDs (again)? Man, what are these poor LCDs to do with themselves?

[Via OLED-Display]

Mitsubishi's LaserVue 65-inch and 75-inchers due this fall

by Paul Miller posted Jun 25th 2008 at 12:01AM


We got a first glimpse of Mitsubishi's brand new rear-projection-ish laser-based TV tech, LaserVue, back at CES, but now the sets are just about primed for action, and should be hitting store shelves, as previously noted, Q3 2008. LaserVue will debut in 65-inch and 73-inch, with the 65-inch version hitting the scene first. Mitsubishi is still pretty coy about what exactly makes the technology tick -- other than the "zomg, lasers" aspect -- but is quick to point out the 200 percent color gamut that LaserVue provides, more than twice that of most traditional HDTVs. The sets also run at 120Hz, and boast 500 nits of brightness. Head to head against LCD and plasma sets we had trouble finding the differences, other than the color depth (particularly in the reds, almost too much so, though we're sure you can tweak that). Have no fear: the blacks are black, the brights are bright, and the viewing angle puts DLP to shame. That said, we're hearing price points are going to be more comparable to plasma and LCD than DLP, so Mitsubishi might have its work cut out for it in convincing consumers that these new "chubby," 10-inch thick TVs are the way to go. We're not entirely convinced ourselves, though one aspect can't be disputed: LaserVue draws under 200 watts, about half that of LCD and a third of plasma.

Gallery: Mitsubishi's LaserVue 65-inch and 75-inchers due this fall

AOptix demos laser wireless links to replace fiber HD connections

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 14th 2008 at 4:54AM

Getting HD highlights out of our favorite sports may be getting just a bit easier, now that AOptix has successfully tested a Free Space Optical (FSO) laser communications link to replace traditional fiber runs for an unspecified sports network. With demos from the GM Building in New York and over 3.2Km in San Jose, the company says it can handle up to 10 Gbps,more than enough for uncompressed 1080i or 720p transmissions. Like every other new broadcast tech, it plans for a display at NAB 2008, so just keep in mind the next time the local public access station says they can't broadcast your little snowflake's field hockey game in HD because "there are no HD feeds at the park" they're just not trying hard enough.

Mitsubishi intros slew of HDTVs, says LaserVue is coming in Q3

by Darren Murph posted Apr 7th 2008 at 10:09AM Breaking News


Mitsubishi and the onset of Spring can only mean one thing: an onslaught of HDTVs. Just as it did last year, the aforementioned outfit is busting out a plethora of high-definition sets to whet your appetite. As for the new line of April-bound DLPs ($1,799 to $4,699), you can expect the entire lot -- which ranges from 60- to 73-inches in size -- to sport 1080p panels, thinner frames than those on prior models, increased brightness, Mitsu's own 6-Color Processor and 3D-readiness.

Moving on, we've got the new family of Ultra Thin Frame 1080p LCD HDTVs ($2,499 to $4,499; shipping in May), which span between 40- and 52-inches and feature low-profile speakers, Smooth 120Hz Film Motion / GalleryPlayer technology, 10-bit panels, 6-Color Processor, x.v.Color and Deep Color. For these and the DLPs, those who opt for the Diamond series will be treated to Variable Smooth 120Hz Film Motion technology, a DeepField Imager and an oh-so-desirable blue light accent.

Lastly, the Laser TV which made its debut at CES 2008 is on track for a Q3 release, and just as predicted, it'll be going by the name LaserVue and sporting a currently undisclosed price tag. Hit the read link for the full breakdown.

Sharp plans 8x+ Blu-ray burners by 2010

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 25th 2008 at 7:39PM

Sharp is continuing to move the bar in blue laser technology, recently unveiling a higher power (250mW) 6x Blu-ray recording laser, but more importantly tipped its hand regarding plans for 8x blue laser diodes by 2009. Those lasers will be able to output 300mW, followed by 400mW varieties capable of up to 12x speeds by 2010. Looks like blue laser shortages are a thing of the past, now we'll see how quickly speed -- and possibly multilayer discs -- can ramp up.

[Via afterdawn]

Little old lady suing Sony, Samsung, Nokia and everyone else for infringing on her laser patents

by Thomas Ricker posted Mar 21st 2008 at 5:47AM Breaking News

Oh sure, she looks friendly enough. But don't let her matronly, argyle looks fool you. Retired Columbia University Professor, Gertrude Neumark Rothschild, is looking to extract some cold, hard cash from a who's who of Consumer Electronics giants. Otherwise, they can forget about importing their goods into the US. Rothschild's complaint filed with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) on February 20th claims that some 30 companies are violating a patent she owns for light-emitting and laser diodes. Today, the ITC has agreed to investigate the matter. It's worth noting that Rothschild has already successfully tested the legislative waters with lawsuits against Philips and others -- the Philips matter was settled out of court earlier this month. In other words, her case has legs. Still, we have very little confidence in the ITC's grasp of the matter when they name "HD DVD players (e.g., Blu-ray disc players)" as products to be probed. Full list of companies named in the complaint after the break.

[Via Reuters and mrontemp]

Continue reading Little old lady suing Sony, Samsung, Nokia and everyone else for infringing on her laser patents





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