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Panasonic Unveils 2012 Plasma TVs

Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Panasonic, HDTVs, Plasma TVs, CES 2012 (all tags)

Six new series are launching, only one of them lacks 3D.

Panasonic is launching a total of 17 new TVs this year, with sizes and features ranging from the entry-level to the high end.  Every single one of them packs a 1080p resolution, and all but one - the U50 - offers 3D capabilities.

At the top of the six different lines is the VT50.  You'll be able to pick up Panasonic's flagship in 55" and 65" sizes and you'll find everything you've come to expect from a high end television.  You get 3D capabilities, the Infinite Black Ultra Panel for dark blacks, built in Wi-Fi, Viera Connect for your internet apps and 2D to 3D conversion.

The VT50 also packs CALMAN calibration software and an ISFcc calibration mode so you - or someone who knows what they're doing - can get your set looking just right.  It also gives you 8-Train speakers with 3D Real Sound for more immersive audio.  Though if you're buying a top of the line TV you should really shell out for some speakers.

The VT50 and the rest of Panasonic's new plasma sets will be available this year though a specific launch date and price have not yet been set.

Source: Panasonic

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Sony Announces Three New TV Models for 2012

Fri Jan 13, 2012 at 10:00 AM ET
Tags: Sony, HDTVs, CES 2012 (all tags)

It's a much more streamlined lineup than last year, something Sony has been aiming for.

One of Sony's big initiatives recently has been to completely rethink its TV business, and that's certainly clear from the company's CES offerings. Instead of the usual glut of sets with slight differences, the company has launched just three new product lines.

At the entry level is the BX, which includes the 1080p BX450 and the 720p BX330. All the BX models offer the ability to connect to the Sony Portal for access to Netflix, Pandora and other streaming sources. They also boast Sony's Color Resolution Enhancer and Digital Noise Reduction.

The EX line is a step up from the BX and gives you Motionflow XR 240 and LED edge lighting. It also provides Wi-Fi out of the box, though it's in the form of a dongle.

Of course, the flagship HX sets are the exciting ones, packing built-in Wi-Fi, 3D capability, DLNA certification and can be controlled via smartphone apps. They also include Skype, though you'll need the Sony camera and mic - sold separately - to use it.

Source: Engadget

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A Third of Americans are Dissatisfied with the Size of Their TV According to Sony Poll

Mon Nov 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM ET
Tags: Sony, HDTVs (all tags)

Nearly the same amount are embarrassed by having an older set.

Sony released the results of something that it's calling the TV Intimacy Poll and the findings are pretty interesting.

The poll results of over 2,000 tallied up reveal that over half of respondents were ready to "break up" with their TVs for one that better suited their needs. A whopping 32% of those dissatisfied with their sets were concerned mainly with size, preferring something bigger than what they had.

A similar number, 31%, simply wanted an update from their older set. 26%, meanwhile, said that their sets just didn't fulfill specific needs that others would. This sounds like a desire for connected, 3D or otherwise more capable televisions.

"In the same way friends and family would encourage a loved one to leave an unfulfilling relationship, we at Sony want to urge TV consumers to take advantage of the holiday buying season to date around," says Sony VP Jennifer Sassen, pushing the metaphor to its limit. "Happiness is something you can't put a value on, so it's worth it to see if there's other fish in the sea."

Source: Sony

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Flat Panel TV Owners Own More TVs

Fri May 06, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: HDTVs (all tags)

It might go without saying, but a new study finds that people who buy new TVs also buy more TVs.

It stands to reason that people with an expendable income that allows them to purchase a new flat panel TV would have more income available to spend on additional televisions, but the trend may be bigger than you'd think - especially in emerging countries.

"In fact," writes DisplaySearch, who carried out the study, "the tendency for flat panel TV adopters to own more TVs was even stronger in emerging markets, indicating a stronger separation of buying power among upper and lower income classes."

While the USA led in terms of televisions owned per household, emerging countries like Indonesia, Brazil and Turkey ranked high on the list. Mexico came in as number four on the list, which was a surprise to researchers.

Source: TWICE

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Westinghouse Explains Its TV Making Philosophy

Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Westinghouse, HDTVs (all tags)

"We give the consumers what they need. Nothing more and nothing less."

The folks at Westinghouse sent around an interesting video today featuring Doug Woo, the company president, explaining the philosophy behind Westinghouse televisions. You might not be surprised, but Westinghouse is focused on practicality and affordability.

"Everyone really deserves to have the latest technology," he says. "If you load everything in to make the price not-affordable to get the latest technology, we don't think that's fair."

Woo seems to think of Westinghouse televisions in the same way that most home theater buffs do. They're not going to compare to the latest models from Samsung and Sony, but they're decent enough for someone who just needs a TV. Check out the full video at the link below.

Source: Westinghouse (YouTube)

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Blu-ray Players Could Sell For Under $40 This Year

Wed Jan 26, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Blu-ray Players, HDTVs, Deals (all tags)

Similarly, low-end 42 inch HDTVs may be available for less than $300 according to DealNews.

Beth Pinsker is the editorial director of DealNews.com, a site dedicated to helping consumers get the best deals on the things they want. They keep tabs on prices for individual items as well as items in each category.

Pinsker says that the data they've been tracking is helping them to predict pricing for the next year. Blu-ray players sold for as little as $79 in 2009 and $50 in 2010, but the folks at DealNews are expecting even lower prices for 2011.

"You'll probably see a lot of Blu-Ray players bundled as extras with TVs, but you’ll also see them as doorbusters and priced like crockpots," she writes on the site.

Pinsker also says that we'll see less expensive TVs in both the 42 inch and 55 inch categories. "Once they hit $299, 42 inch LCD HDTVs will destroy the waning market for 32 inch LCD HDTVs," she writes.

Source: DealNews

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LG Booth Tour - CES 2011

Sun Jan 09, 2011 at 12:02 PM ET
Tags: LG, HDTVs, Blu-ray Players, 3D (all tags)

LG has plenty of new tech for CES 2011, with a strong focus on their new passive 3D televisions. They’ve also got washing machines that can text you, though I’m still not clear on the “why.”

It’s a pretty good year for LG. Next year’s offerings will almost certainly go leaps and bounds past 2011 thanks to the huge investment the company made in research and development, but this year’s CES looks good for the company.

I started off by checking out the passive tech televisions that LG pushed hard at their press conference and in their marketing material. There were a few different feeds going, including a sports broadcast, a fashion show and a digitally animated film. Just which movie it was I can’t remember, there’s so much Pixar and Dreamworks on display that things start to blend together.

As far as 3D goes, LG’s sets looked good, but not amazing. The center of the screen was nicely focused and really popped nicely, but the edges started to separate and lose the effect. There also seemed to be an issue with the logo that was in the foreground, which didn’t look good at all.

Without seeing the same source playing on all 3D TVs it’s a bit difficult to judge them. If the video LG used was poorly done, then it’s not the TV’s fault. There was also more glare on the LG screens than on the Vizio and Toshiba displays that I saw, and glare on a 3D TV absolutely ruins the effect.

Based on the samples on hand though, I had a better 3D experience with Vizio’s set than LG’s, but LG’s were superior to Toshiba’s. It’s something I’d much prefer to test out in a realistic viewing environment before passing judgment though.

LG’s high-end sets looked great as usual, and don’t hold too many real surprises. Many of them do 3D and offer access to LG’s internet streaming suite. It seems to be the standard for CES 2011.

LG’s set-top box was on display as well, and though it doesn’t really do anything that already existing options can’t, it’s smaller than most and just might be worth picking up. The interface is nice and clean too, and as long as LG keeps up with the updates, the set-top could be a winning proposition.

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LG Booth Tour - CES 2011

Sun Jan 09, 2011 at 12:02 PM ET
Tags: LG, HDTVs, Blu-ray Players, 3D (all tags)

LG has plenty of new tech for CES 2011, with a strong focus on their new passive 3D televisions. They’ve also got washing machines that can text you, though I’m still not clear on the “why.”

It’s a pretty good year for LG. Next year’s offerings will almost certainly go leaps and bounds past 2011 thanks to the huge investment the company made in research and development, but this year’s CES looks good for the company.

I started off by checking out the passive tech televisions that LG pushed hard at their press conference and in their marketing material. There were a few different feeds going, including a sports broadcast, a fashion show and a digitally animated film. Just which movie it was I can’t remember, there’s so much Pixar and Dreamworks on display that things start to blend together.

As far as 3D goes, LG’s sets looked good, but not amazing. The center of the screen was nicely focused and really popped nicely, but the edges started to separate and lose the effect. There also seemed to be an issue with the logo that was in the foreground, which didn’t look good at all.

Without seeing the same source playing on all 3D TVs it’s a bit difficult to judge them. If the video LG used was poorly done, then it’s not the TV’s fault. There was also more glare on the LG screens than on the Vizio and Toshiba displays that I saw, and glare on a 3D TV absolutely ruins the effect.

Based on the samples on hand though, I had a better 3D experience with Vizio’s set than LG’s, but LG’s were superior to Toshiba’s. It’s something I’d much prefer to test out in a realistic viewing environment before passing judgment though.

LG’s high-end sets looked great as usual, and don’t hold too many real surprises. Many of them do 3D and offer access to LG’s internet streaming suite. It seems to be the standard for CES 2011.

LG’s set-top box was on display as well, and though it doesn’t really do anything that already existing options can’t, it’s smaller than most and just might be worth picking up. The interface is nice and clean too, and as long as LG keeps up with the updates, the set-top could be a winning proposition.

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Samsung Roundtable – CES 2011

Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 09:30 PM ET
Tags: Samsung, 3D TVs, HDTVs, Plasma, CES 2011 (all tags)

I was lucky enough to be invited to sit in on a roundtable meeting with some of Samsung’s top brass along with twenty or so other press members. A lot of questions got asked and we got some great answers.

The panelists:

Kevin Lee – VP, Smart TV Partnerships

Bong-Ku Kang – SVP, Product Marketing Group

Hyo-Gun Lee – VP Software Group R&D Team

John Revie – SVP Home Entertainment

Traffic was bad and monorail lines were long so the panel got started a bit later than planned. There were a few quick introductions and then we went straight into the Q&As. Unless there are quotes around a line, it’s not a direct quote but a shorter paraphrased response. Some of these answers went on for a while.

Q: Samsung has created a new panel tech called PLS. Will that be available in consumer level televisions any time soon?

Kevin Lee: There are currently no plans to put PLS tech into consumer TVs. PLS is made for very specific product categories like medical equipment.

Q: Why not?

Kevin Lee: The requirements for medical equipment are very specific and medical companies aren’t as held back by price as normal consumers. While PLS provides wider viewing angles and a better picture, it also costs dramatically more.

Q: Other companies are going with glasses-free and passive 3D Displays but you’re sticking with active. Why is that?

Kevin Lee: Samsung’s primary concern for televisions is image quality, which is something that passive and glasses-free sets can’t provide. Glasses-free sets also offer very limited viewing angles, which works for smaller sets but not large scale ones.

Q: What is your Google TV strategy? What do consumers actually want from their connected TV?

John Revie: 60% of 2011 TVs are 3D, 70% are connected and include web-browsing. People want a variety of things, but we’ve set aside a few key features for consumers so prevent the choice from becoming overwhelming. Google set-top boxes and Blu-ray players are coming, but there are no current plans for a television with Google TV included.

Q: You’ve been talking a lot about US releases, but do you have anything exciting planned for Europe or Australia?

Kevin Lee: Apps are currently available globally, but Samsung is currently working on making more local content in other countries. The BBC iPlayer is a great example, but we’re willing to take on more partners in other countries. “We welcome any partner who can provide attractive content.”

Q: What challenges have you run into in finding content partners for your connected TVs. What concerns do they express.

Kevin Lee: Finding a winning strategy is the key. Samsung has an open platform and provides great opportunities. We’re not running into any concerns. Internet TVs aren’t a big issue with our content providers.

Q: With your LCDs as good as they are, how long until Samsung stops making Plasmas?

Kevin Lee: Production costs for plasmas keep getting cheaper, letting us deliver more screen at a lower price. Because of this, we won’t be stopping plasma production any time soon. We see it going on for another ten years.

Q: What can you tell us about Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) backlighting technology?

Bong-Ku Kang: CNT technology is currently under development, but it’s not the only tech we’re working on. With CNT there are technology limitations and cost limitations, so we have no idea if or when it will make it out. We’ve got a lot under development, so it’s impossible to tell what will come first.

Q: The new touchscreen remote for your LCD sets can play some content from the TV but not all. Why isn’t all video available?

Hyo-Gun Lee: We’re working with content providers to solve the issue, which is one of digital rights management (DRM).

Q: Are there any plans to enable the use of phones as controllers?

Hyo-Gun Lee: We see the smart controller, smart tablets and smart phones as similar devices. We will implement the same functionality in those devices.

Q: What’s your view on the passive 3D technology being implemented by companies like LG and Vizio?

Bong-Ku Kang: It can’t be sustained long term. There are many limitations including cross-talk and viewing angle that they will not be able to overcome. That’s why we’re going to be sticking with active shutter glasses. It provides a Full HD picture. “We don’t think that (passive tech) can survive forever.”

Kevin Lee: The most important thing for the customer is image quality. In the case of passive technology there is a limitation in image quality. Passive style reduces brightness more than active does and provides better picture quality. That’s why most manufacturers are sticking with active.

Q: Can our network handle a large adoption of Smart TVs? If it really takes off will we be bogged down?

Hyo-Gun Lee: Smart TV will consume more bandwidth, but so will smartphones, tablets and everything else that uses the internet. The need for a better network will either result in an upgrade or help push new technology like adaptive streaming.

Q: Won’t 4K panels be sufficient for full HD with passive technology 3D glasses?

Kevin Lee: Sure, but customers will have to pay significantly more money for a 4K panel. That’s a scenario that doesn’t seem entirely likely.

Q: It’s impossible to buy a high-end TV that isn’t 3D, so how many of those high-end televisions are actually being purchased for the 3D. Do you have any studies on the subject?

John Revie: We don’t have any specific data on that. Most people buy a TV every 5-7 years, so we believe that 3D was a factor for purchases. Maybe they’re not watching 3D yet, but they’re future-proofing themselves.

Q: Can you give us an update on Samsung’s OLED screens?

Bong-Ku Kang: OLED is currently only being mass-produced for very small screens like shoes on cell phones. Larger sizes are in the works, and while Samsung’s main focus is picture quality, price comes into account. OLED production is extremely expensive, making it impractical to produce in large sizes.

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Samsung Booth Tour CES 2011

Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 12:50 PM ET
Tags: Samsung, CES 2011, HDTVs, Google TV (all tags)

It turns out there’s a Google TV device or two after all, plus what just might be the best looking TV at the show.

Samsung’s press conference was pretty impressive with only a few lamer notes. The booth was much of the same, and included not only the great gear we saw at the press event, but a surprise or two.

The first new surprise from Samsung was the SP-A8000, a 3D projector that provides full 1080p HD in both 2D and 3D modes. It pumps out 1,000 lumens and offers a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. All those numbers are fine, but the important thing is how it looks, and it looked good. Like all of Samsung’s 3D products, it uses Active Shutter Glasses.

There wasn’t a lot exciting from Samsung as far as Blu-ray players were concerned. In fact, that goes for most tech companies as well. Blu-ray players were there, but they really weren’t highlighted and most didn’t offer much outside of the capabilities of 2010’s models.

I did get to take a look at Samsung’s ultra-thin 3D Blu-ray player. As promised, it’s very thin. The rest of the players weren’t much to write home about until I happened upon one that I definitely didn’t expect to see.

Occupying a fairly nondescript space were two devices that Samsung is currently referring to as experimental. One a set-top box and the other a Blu-ray player – both equipped with Google TV.

It’s interesting to note that while Google TV devices were present, Samsung didn’t even talk about them it their press conference. They did, however, talk about their own smart TV initiative. This could either be an indicator of the direction Samsung is planning on going or simply a change because of the reported Google TV delay.

Of course, no tour of the Samsung booth would be complete without a look at the company’s LED backlit 7000 and 8000 series.

The look of the new sets is amazing. They’re ridiculously thin and have a nearly invisible bezel to match. They make other TVs – even 2011 models from competitors – look bulky in comparison.

It’s not just the set itself that looks good either. The 8000 series, which features a local dimming technology that the 7000 does not, has without a doubt the best looking picture I’ve seen so far at the show.

The colors are incredibly rich and bright in the 8000 series, and the blacks are darker than any other LCD at the show. If I didn’t know better, I would have said I was looking at a higher end plasma set. Of course, that’s under the lighting conditions of the show floor and not in a typical home environment.

As always, you can swing over to The Bonus View for photos from the show floor, including plenty from Samsung which should be posting on Friday.

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