Samsung Introduces New 63-inch 3D Freeview HDTV
Samsung has come up with another addition to its growing family of 3D HDTVs, this time a 63-inch Plasma 3D HDTV with a built-in Freeview HD tuner – the Samsung PN63C7000 – which is perfect for those who want to enjoy cinema-quality images on a large screen.
The PN63C7000 is equipped with a 3D Hyper Real Image engine, which allows you to watch all your 3D content as they were meant to be seen. It can also convert 2D content to 3D for a more explosive viewing experience.
Even as a 2D HDTV, the PN63C7000 is quite impressive, with full 1080p resolution, a combination of 100Hz technology with 600Hz subfield-motion to create clear, flicker-free images and a full platform of Internet applications, including access to BBC, YouTube and Twitter. It can also render 2D content into stunning HD.
Panasonic Launches All-in-One 3D HDTV
Lately, Panasonic has been leading the market in the sales of 3D HDTV sets, and it has released several 3D Blu-ray players and HDD recorders, too. That, however, is not enough, for this premier HDTV manufacturer. Rather, Panasonic is also planning on manufacturing a product that combines all these three, called the Panasonic Viera RT2B 3D.
The Panasonic Viera RT2B 3D comes in two screen sizes – 42 inches and 46 inches – both of which come equipped with a 3D Blu-ray player, an HDD recorder with a 500GB hard disk – a combination which makes it easy to play 3D videos and even record them – as well as a built-in rechargeable Lithium ion battery that can be used for about 30 hours per charge.
Both also offer a full 1080p resolution and a contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1. They come with a pair of special active shutter glasses, too, that is available in three sizes – small, medium and large.
These HDTVs will be available in Japan starting August 27, though it is expected that they will not come cheap. In fact, the 46-inch model may be priced for more than $5000 when it becomes available in the US, which is yet to be announced.
Loewe Manufactures ‘Individual’ HDTVs
Loewe, one of the leading electronic companies in Europe, is preparing to launch a full range of customisable LED HDTVs – the Loewe Individual series. The series consists of 32-, 40-, 46- and 55- inch models, which will be available over the next coming months.
The main selling point of these HDTVs is that they are customisable. The frame itself comes in only three colors – Aluminum Black, Aluminum Silver and High Gloss White – but the side panel comes in a variety of colors and designs to fit every consumer’s taste.
The design is not the only thing that can be customized. There are also two types of screens available – a contrast filter screen called Compose and a high gloss front panel called Selection – and different audio systems from 2.1 to digital 7.1 cinema sound. There is also the option to include a WLAN connection for access to online content.
Consumers also have a choice when it comes to the remote control, as well as the TV racks, floor stands and other set-up solutions.
All models come with a full LED backlight and an integrated HD tuner, while the dual-channel ones have an integrated 250GB hard disk recorder and the Compose models offering a 400Hz refresh rate and an intelligent backlight control.
YouTube Leanback For HDTV In The Works
YouTube is currently the number one site for free video content online and its videos can also be accessed on a lot of internet-connected HDTVs, but apparently, that isn’t enough. YouTube is currently working on a special application especially designed for large screens like HDTVs, called YouTube Leanback, which is already in its beta stage.
Like the site, YouTube Leanback presents countless online videos for your viewing entertainment but the videos are of a higher quality and are easier to browse. All you have to do is go to the application on your HDTV, then be able to watch the videos from your stream or your Feed, which is customized based on your personal preferences. Your Feed can even show videos your friends are sharing on Facebook if connected to your account. You can also watch videos in pre-defined streams like ‘Film & Animation’, ‘Comedy’ and ‘Education’.
In order to go from one video to another, you just have to use the arrow keys and then the videos will play continuously so you can just lean back and relax, hence the application’s name.
If your remote has a QWERTY keyboard or if you connect one to your HDTV, you can do searches on the videos, too, then have the ones you’ve selected play one after another.
There is no specific launch date yet for YouTube Leanback but it is certainly something to watch out for, especially for those who want to do more on their HDTV than just watch television.
