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.
Samsung 3D HDTVs Now Available For Pre-Order
The Samsung UN46C8000 and UN55C8000 are now available for pre-order at Amazon.com.
Both sets, which come in 46-inch and 55-inch screens, have a sleek design - a silver bezel edged in a transparent border and a new metal four-legged stand. They also offer 1080p resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, Samsung Internet@TV interactive services, integrated Skype calling as promised, network streaming, four HDMI inputs and two USB ports.
The most important thing about the Samsung C8000 models, though, is that they are 3D-Ready, which means it incorporates Active Shutter 3D technology and even upconverts 2D content into amazing 3D.
The UN46C8000 currently costs $2,799 while the UN55C8000 costs $3,499.
Both HDTVs are currently featured in Amazon’s special limited offer. If you buy either model together with the Samsung BD-C6900 1080p 3D Blu-ray Disc Player, you will get a free 3D Starter Kit, which is normally priced at $349.99.
The kit includes two pairs of Samsung’s 3D Active Shutter Glasses as well as a 3D Blu-ray disc of the Dreamworks animated film, Monsters vs. Aliens.
The Samsung BD-C6900 Blu-ray Disc Player is the perfect companion to your 3D HDTV, offering full 3D support as well as BD-Live support, Internet@TV capability, DLNA connectivity and both an HDMI and USB input.
Consumers can pre-order their 8000 LED models now or wait for the 9000 LED series, which can display true 3D content, as opposed to being 3D-Ready and comes with Samsung’s new cool remote control, although the release date for this is not yet certain.
Google TV To Come To Sony HDTVs?
Google has recently announced its intention to jump into the HDTV market, signing a partnership with Sony and Intel.
Believing in the profitability of internet-enabled HDTVs, the three companies are working on Google TV, a web application platform that will allow viewers to surf for online information and access online video content on their HDTVs just as they normally would on their computers. Indeed, Google TV will transform HDTVs into more like computers - a reverse of the current trend of making computers into HDTV entertainment centers.
Google TV promises to be a full web browser, similar to the Google Chrome web browser. It will make use of Google’s Android operating system and will be powered by Intel Atom processors inside Sony Bravia HDTVs, giving Apple TV some serious competition.
There is also a partnership with Logitech to create the necessary equipment such as a special remote control with a QWERTY keyboard in order to navigate the system.
Currently, Sony Bravias have the most advanced internet applications, with the most number of Yahoo widgets, video streaming from Netflix and Amazon Video-on-Demand and Slacker Radio. Sony is also in the process of launching a new online movie service called Qriocity which will stream HD movies directly to Bravia sets.
LG Introduces Ultra-Thin Plasma HDTVs
LG’s XCanvas HDTVs have always had a reputation for being very slim. These have been mostly LCD sets, though - a fact which LG is trying to change as it releases two more ultra-thin Plasma HDTVs - the 60-inch 60PK550 and 50-inch 50PK550.
The last time LG released Xcanvas Plasma models was in the middle of 2009 - the 42-inch 42PQ60D and 50-inch 50PQ60D, both of which offer a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
The 60PK550 and 50PK550 measure only 25mm thick at most but at the same time offer three HDMI inputs and a USB port for excellent connectivity. They also have a 600Hz refresh rate, which matches the 240Hz technology of LCD sets, as well as a dynamic contrast control for automatically adjusting the contrast to suit various lighting environments.
The models are currently available only in Korea, where the LG Xcanvas series is based out of and cost $3,300 and $1,500 respectively.
Earlier, at the 2010 CES in Las Vegas, LG announced its new LED, LCD and Plasma models, which offer access to Skype and Napster, online video streaming capability, DLNA connectivity and a new Magic Wand remote system. Some of these HDTV sets are 3D-Ready.
Toshiba Launches Freeview HDTVs
This year, Toshiba is making a commitment to Freeview HD. As part of this, it is releasing two LED HDTV series with built-in DVB-T2 tuners - the Regza WL and SL series.
This means that viewers who buy these sets will be able to enjoy crystal-clear HD broadcasts without buying additional hardware such as a satellite dish or subscribing to HD services from local providers.
Both the WL and SL series come with local dimming LED technology, an ultra-slim panel and Toshiba’s Resolution+ technology, which enhances the quality of Standard Definition broadcasts so they appear in stunning HD. The WL series offers 200Hz processing and is available in 55-, 46- and 40-inch screens while the SL series comes with 100Hz processing and consists of 46-, 40- and 32-inch models.
The Regza SL models will hit the market in April with the more expensive WL models following shortly in May.
Aside from these, Toshiba is also offering the Regza RV, XV, AV and DV series for 2010. The RV and XV models are the first from Toshiba to offer wireless DLNA connectivity; the DV models have a built-in DVD player and the AV models are among its lowest-priced while still providing amazing picture quality.
Other products Toshiba has in store for 2010 include a Freeview+ HD DVR with a 500GB hard drive, DVD players with HDMI and USB ports, Blu-ray players and laptops like the Satellite U500-1EX, which has a touchscreen display which weighs just a little over two kilos.
Vizio Impresses With 2010 XVT Pro Series
Vizio is one of the top HDTV brands in the United States and for 2010, it strengthens its position even further with the new XVT Pro Series.
This series consists of all LED displays - some with TruLED local dimming technology and others with Razor LED edge-lit technology - with the largest screen measuring 72 inches.
Some models are also equipped with 3DHD technology, marking Vizio’s jump into the 3D bandwagon like other top brands. This 3DHD technology allows viewers to see the images not just in 3D but in full 1080p HD, alternating the images between the left and right eye with the help of Bluetooth-compatible XpanD active shutter glasses that are sold separately.
All the models come with the Vizio Internet Applications (VIA), the company’s interactive suite which allows access to online information and videos. They don’t even have to be wired via ethernet since they have built-in WiFi capability.
Wireless HDMI is another new offering from Vizio for 2010. The 72-inch, 55-inch and 47-inch models of the XVT Pro Series have a built-in wireless HDMI receiver which can receive signals from the Vizio XVT Pro Wireless HDMI adapter, also sold separately, so consumers can have less wires to worry about.
The 58-inch model of the series offers Vizio’s first Cinema Wide Display, faithfully and amazingly recreating the movie theater experience for home enjoyment.
All models come with a Bluetooth-enabled remote that has a sliding QWERTY keyboard.
Sony 2010 HDTV Lineup
Like the rest of the top HDTV companies, Sony unveiled its 2010 Bravia Lineup at this year’s CES. It offers 12 new series for a total of 38 new models.
Sony’s flagship series for 2010 is the LX900 series, which comes in 60-, 52-, 46- and 40-inch screens, all of which are equipped with full 3D technology - even with two pairs of 3D glasses included. They also come with edge LED backlighting, built-in Wi-Fi capability, integrated Bravia Internet Video, and an Intelligent Presence Sensor to help you save energy.
The HX series - HX900 and HX800 - are both 3D-Ready, with the 3D emitter and glasses sold separately, as well as Wi-Fi adapter ready. The HX900 series uses local dimming LED technology while the rest use Dynamic edge LED backlighting.
On the other hand, the NX800 and NX700 have built-in Wi-Fi capavility like the LX900 series but are not capable of working with 3D technology. The NX800 series comes with 240Hz Motionflow technology for smooth motion while the latter offers 120Hz.
The other Sony Bravia HDTV series with LED-lit displays are the EX700 and EX600 while the EX500, EX40B and EX400 use conventional backlight. The EX700 and EX40B models are equipped with Bravia Engine 3 while the Ex600, EX500 and EX400 come with Bravia Engine 2. All come with full 1080p resolution.
The Bravia EX308 and BX300, which are available in 32- and 22-inch screens, offer 720p resolution. Both will be available in the spring, with the 32-inch screens costing about $500.
LG 2010 HDTVs - More Interactive Than Ever
For 2010, LG Electronics offers no less than 41 new LCD models, including several LED-lit displays, and eight new Plasma sets - many of which take HDTV interactivity to the next level by including built-in support for Skype video calls.
Aside from access to Skype, these HDTVs also allow viewers to stream movies from Netflix 2.0, VUDU and YouTube, while listening to millions of songs from Napster and getting the latest online information via Yahoo! Widgets. They are also equipped with DLNA technology which means viewers can now access media files on networked computers.
LG’s biggest HDTV family for 2010 is the Infinia, which delivers ‘freedom through infinite possibilities’. This LED LCD HDTV series, consisting of the LE9500, LE8500 and LE7500 series, as well as Plasma sets PK950 and PK750, offers a stunning slim, design, being less than an inch thick. The LED sets offer a Full LED Slim technology which enhances local dimming for even deeper blacks and uniform picture. The LE9500 sets are also 3D-ready.
On the other hand, the PK950 and PK750 have a THX certified display and a new ‘Skin Glass’ protective system, which reduces glare even further and eliminates double imaging. They also have a Dual XD Engine so standard definition content appears in near HD quality, and a TruBlack Filter.
LG 2010 HDTVs also have a new remote system called the ‘Magic Wand’.
Panasonic Presents HDTV Lineup for 2010
Going 3D is the trend of the year for HDTVs and Panasonic is not one to be left behind. For its 2010 HDTV lineup, Panasonic presents two full 3D HDTV series, along with seven brand new Plasma HDTV series, six LCD HDTV series and two LED-lit series.
The V25 and V20 Full 3D HDTV series both have a THX-certified display so viewers can truly bring home the cinematic experience, as well as one of the deepest black levels around and Viera Cast web entertainment. The V25 series also snagged the Best of CES 2010 Award.
The flagship G25 and G20 Plasma HDTV series carry a 1080p resolution, while also offering a THX display, infinite blacks, Viera Cast and Viera Image Viewer, its built-in SD card reader. The S2 series is also full 1080p.
The U2, C2, S24 and X24 series constitute the rest of the Plasma lineup and are all equipped with a 600Hz Sub-field drive for enhanced motion resolution.
The D2 and D24 series contain Panasonic’s LED-lit displays, all of which offer a 178-degree viewing angle, Viera Image Viewer and Viera Link. The D2 LED HDTVs offer a 120Hz refresh rate and an iPod entertainment kit.
For those who prefer LCD HDTVs, Panasonic finishes up its 2010 lineup with the U22, U25, X2, C22, S24 and X24.
Panasonic has also recently teamed up with Skype, saying that its Viera Cast-enabled HDTVs will be allowing consumers to make calls using their HDTVs in the near future. This will be part of the new Viera Cast IPTV, which also now includes Twitter updates as well as access to FOX sports, YouTube videos and Picasa web albums.
Samsung Unveils 3D HDTVs at CES 2010
If the 2010 CES is any indication, this year is looking bright for Samsung, with its 3D HDTV sets - LED, LCD and Plasma models - 3D Blu-ray players and a 3D home entertainment partnership with Dreamworks.
The 9000 series is Samsung’s flaghsip LED-lit HDTV series for 2010, which is pencil-thin - just .3 inches thick at most - and comes with a built-in 3D processor. This allows it to display videos from various 3D sources, and also allows it to convert 2D content into 3D real-time. The 9000 series also comes with a touchscreen menu - the industry’s first - with a QWERTY keyboard, as well as built-in WiFi and infrared connectivity and enhanced DLNA compatibility.
For its LCD sets, Samsung offers the 650 and 750 series, the latter of which also comes with a 3D processor, along with a 240Hz refresh rate, Internet@TV and a HyperReal Engine that provides more accurate and saturated colors.
The company’s 7000 and 8000 Plasma series are also equipped with 3D technology, with a Real Black Filter that reduces glare even further and Samsung’s CinemaSmooth technology.
The perfect accessory for these HDTV sets is the BD-C6900 3D Blu-ray Player, the winner of the 2010 CES Best of Innovations Award, with a slim, semi-transparent design and excellent speed and performance. The BD-C7500 is just as good, though, and is Samsung’s slimmest Blu-ray player to date, especially designed for wall-mounting.
Aside from these 3D entertainment devices, Samsung also introduced its e-books, the E6 and E101, which are set to hit the shelves soon and give the Nook and the Kindle some serious competition.
The 2010 CES will end on January 10.
