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.
Vizio Working On Passive 3D HDTV
Just as 3D HDTVs are becoming more popular, 3D glasses are also being sold everywhere. These glasses are battery-operated and cost as much as $200 per pair - an expensive purchase which Vizio is planning on eliminating with its production of a passive 3D HDTV.
Indeed, Vizio is planning on making a 65-inch passive 3D HDTV, which is the first in the United States. Earlier, JVC released a 46-inch passive 3D monitor - not an HDTV - while LG passive 3D HDTVs are currently only available in Korea.
What exactly is a passive 3D HDTV? With a passive 3D HDTV, the images for the left and right eye are projected at the same time into a single space on the display and it is up to the glasses to separate the intended images for each. On the other hand, with an active shutter 3D HDTV, the images are alternately (not simultaneously) displayed, though very quickly for a continuous motion, and the glasses have lenses that automatically open and shut or go from opaque to transparent in perfect synchronization with the display.
Because passive 3D technology mainly lies with the display, the glasses do not have to be expensive - they are the common red and blue cardboard glasses handed out in movie theaters that you can make yourself.
Passive 3D HDTVs cannot offer the full resolution, though - only 1920×540 per eye - which is why companies are focusing more on making active 3D displays, but nevertheless can provide a satisfactory viewing experience for less.
Vizio is also set to deliver a full suite of active 3D HDTVs this year - its XVT Pro models which come in 47, 55, 58 and 72-inch screen sizes, with full LED backlight, full 3DHD technology, WiFi capability and wireless HDMI which were announced at CES in January.
Sony Bravia 3D HDTVs Now On Sale
Just as promised in January, the Sony Bravia 3D HDTVs, namely the LX900, HX909 and HX900 series, are now available for pre-order online and in selected stores. All models come with LED backlighting, full 1080p HD resolution, 240Hz PRO Motionflow technology and Sony’s new trademark monolithic design.
The LX900 models come with a built-in 3D transmitter, making them Sony’s first full 3D HDTVs, and are available in 60 and 52-inch screen sizes at $4999.99 and $3999.99 respectively. Aside from the edge-lit LED backlighting, both also offer a built-in Wi-fi capability for easier access to Bravia Internet Video content like Netflix and Bravia Internet Widgets.
The HX909 models, which offer a Dynamic full LED backlight, come in 52 and 46-inch screen sizes at $3999.99 and $3499.99 respectively while the edge-lit HX800 models come in three screen sizes - 55 inches at $3399.99, 46 inches at $2699.99 and 40 inches at $2099.99. Both series are 3D-Ready, compatible with the 3D sync transmitter sold separately at $50.
The LX900 models also come with two pairs of active shutter glasses. For the others, 3D glasses are available for $150 a pair.
To complete the package, Sony tosses in “Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs” on 3D Blu-ray, as well as vouchers for 3D PlayStation 3 game titles such as WipeOut HD, Mr. Pain and SuperStarDust HD. Its rivals, Panasonic and Samsung, are offering ‘Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs’ and ‘Monsters Vs. Aliens’ respectively, for 3D content.
Sony is currently in the process of developing more 3D games for the PS3 while other 3D products from the company include 3D-capable Blu-ray players, ranging from $199.99 to $649.99, 3D audio recievers and 3D home theater systems.
Panasonic Announces Release of Industry’s Largest 3D HDTV Screens
Today’s HDTVs currently range from 40 inches to 65 inches in terms of diagonal screen size but Panasonic is thinking much bigger with its announcement of a full suite of large format full HD 3D Plasma displays to be available by January 2011.
Its largest HDTV will measure 152 inches - the Panasonic TH-152UX1 - with a resolution of 4096 x 2160 and a 17:9 display. Its price is estimated to be around $500,000 - too heavy for consumers, which are not its target anyway, but should be affordable for the government, advertising and healthcare industries and order commercial establishments. It can also be used in corporate environments and screening rooms.
The other models, the 103-inch TH-103VX200U and the 85-inch TH-85VX200U will retail for $65,000 and $45,000 respectively. The TH-152UX1 has a full 3D engine while the other two are 3D-capable.
Panasonic’s 3D HDTVs for consumers, spearheaded by the TC-P50VT20, which were released in March, are also doing well. In fact, Panasonic made a move to boost production in order to meet consumer demands both in the US and in Europe last May.
Skype Now Live On Panasonic And Samsung HDTVs
True to their promise, select Panasonic and Samsung HDTVs are now Skype-enabled, allowing users to make voice and video calls using their HDTV.
As of this month, viewers can now enjoy Skype on Panasonic VT25, VT20, G25 and G20 plasma models as part of the Viera Cast interactive suite. The VT25 and VT20 Viera models offer full 3D capability and WiFi access while the G25 and G20 series offer 1080p resolution and a THX certified display.
On Samsung, Skype is being offered on the C7000 and C8000 series - both LED TVs, though the C8000 offers local dimming and the C7000 is edge-lit. The C8000 series is also 3D-ready and comes with Samsung’s new innovative touchscreen remote control.
In order to avail of the service, though, users will have to buy a special webcam. The one for Panasonic is available from its official site and US retail stores for a price of $170 while the one for Samsung, made by Freetalk, can be bought at the Skype Shop for $150.
Panasonic was the first to partner up with Skype, making the announcement back in January during the CES, while Samsung promised its HDTVs would be embedded with the same feature in February.
LG also announced the Skype feature last January and is said to offer it in 26 LCD and plasma models later this year.
Roundtable Concepts Launches Street Fighter IV HDTV
Are you tired of HDTVs with the usual glossy black frame, or perhaps a fan of the Street Fighter IV video game? If you are, you’re in for the treat as Roundtable Concepts recently announced that it is due to roll out is Street Fighter IV-themed LED HDTVs very soon.
The Street Fighter IV LED HDTVs will be available in four screen sizes - 46, 42, 40 and 32 inches. Each will have either a Street Fighter IV character embellished on the bottom corners of the frame or the game logo at the bottom centre. The set prices and other specifications were not yet disclosed.
Aside from the design, all the sets will also display the Street Fighter IV image while powering on for eight seconds.
In the past, Roundtable Concepts has launched Marvel-themed HDTVs in various colors and character designs, as well as LCD and LED sets with official collegiate logos. The sets offered 1080p resolution and a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio which can be an indication of what to expect from the company’s newest products.
Seon King, the Senior Director of Licensing at Capcom, is said to be pleased with the project, calling it a perfect fit because of the “natural partnership between video games and consumer electronics”.
Street Fighter IV was one of the top video games for 2009, selling over three million copies worldwide.
Sharp Jumps Into 3D HDTV Market
Japanese electronics corporation, Sharp, has recently announced that it is preparing to launch its own 3D LCD HDTV sets, joining a market where Panasonic, Samsung and Sony currently prevail.
Indeed, Panasonic was the first to release 3D HDTVs followed by Samsung while Sony promises to deliver its first 3D Bravia, the HX803, in time for the World Cup.
Sharp will be introducing its 3D HDTVs in Japan this summer, followed by a December release in the United States, Europe and China.
The models, sizes and prices of the Aquos 3D sets are yet to be announced. What Sharp did disclose, though, was that its 3D HDTVs would have an Advanced Display, that is to say its display will use not just the three standard primary colors or RGB technology, but four - red, green, blue and yellow, for sharper and more vivid images - a first in the industry.
Sharp also said its 3D HDTVs will have a higher response speed so as to eliminate the problem of ‘crosstalk’ or ghost images.
Although new to the 3D HDTV market, Sharp is by no means new to 3D technology. In fact, it released the first 3D notebook back in 2003 and has also just released the world’s first 3D HD camera for mobile devices.
Sharp also unveiled a three-inch touchscreen 3D display last month and is working on 3D displays for mobile devices that do not need 3D glasses, which are perfect for the next generations of smartphones and possibly for the Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming console.
