Vizio today announced pricing and availability for its highly anticipated all-new line of M-Series Razor LED Smart TVs.   Featuring an ultra-modern, ultra-thin bezel that virtually vanishes next to the nearly edge-to-edge display, the line will begin rolling out its sleek look this month.

The new, faster Vizio Internet Apps Plus Smart TV platform allows users of all experience levels to quickly and easily breeze through set-up and get connected. The intuitive Smart TV platform offers more apps than ever before, making it convenient to start watching TV or browse apps like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, M-GO, Facebook, HuluPlus, Pandora, VUDU and YouTube using the TV’s built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to the Internet. Additionally, the M-Series collection features a backlit Smart remote that is perfect for nighttime viewing. Coming Summer 2013, all M-Series model remotes will be enabled with Wi-Fi and Universal remote features, making it easier to control all home entertainment devices, creating a better user experience

50″ M-Series models and larger, will enjoy a flicker-free, 3D picture through lightweight, battery free glasses thanks to Vizio’s Theater 3D technology.

VIZIO M-Series Razor LED Smart TVs

• 32″ Razor LED Smart TV (M321i) – $399.99 MSRP
• 40″ Razor LED Smart TV (M401i) – $529.99 MSRP
• 47″ Razor LED Smart TV (M471i) – $729.99 MSRP

VIZIO M-Series Razor LEDTSmart TVs w/Theater 3D

• 50″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M501d) – $799.99 MSRP
• 55″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M551d) – $1,199.99 MSRP
• 60″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M601d) – $1,599.99 MSRP
• 65″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M651d) – $1,999.99 MSRP 
• 70″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M701d) – $2,499.99 MSRP 
• 80″ Razor LED Smart TV w/Theater 3D (M801d) – $3,999.99 MSRP

The all-new M-Series models are now shipping to retailers nationwide including Best Buy, Amazon and Walmart. For more information on VIZIO’s M-Series collection, please visit VIZIO.com

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The screens will use the Regza Engine CEVO 4K and Cinema 4K image processing system to show 4K images, as well as upscaling standard HD video and images to the higher resolution. An optional external hard disk can be installed into the back of the TV and used as a DVR, allowing for recording of up to six channels simultaneously for up to 80 hours, while the TVs will also be able to connect to Toshiba’s TimeOn cloud service for content sharing.

The 84-inch and 65-inch models will have 40-Watt sound provided from four speakers, while the 58-inch will have 20-Watt sound from two instead. All of the televisions have four HDMI ports along with an SD card reader, Ethernet, a USB port, and built-in Wi-Fi.

Going on sale in Japan from the end of June, the 84-inch model will cost 1.68 million yen ($16,450). Though there is no mention if the Regza Z8X range will make its way into other markets, Toshiba did show off an 84-inch Ultra HD TV at CES earlier this year, suggesting that the company may well do so.

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The two televisions will be able to display 4K images at a resolution of 3,840×2,160, and will use the newly developed Aquos 4K-Master Engine Pro for up-scaling and image processing, according to AV Watch. It is also capable of showing 3D footage using optional active shutter glasses, while sound is provided by a 2.1-channel speaker system with a low-vibration woofer dubbed “DuoBass.”

The 70-inch model will be released on June 15th in Japan priced at 850,000 yen ($8,300), while the 60-inch variant will arrive on August 10th for 650,000 yen ($6,300). A release date for the UHD TVs in other territories has yet to be announced.

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The S9 ships with an imposing large frame, allowing it to stand freely from the floor, but it is not clear if the smaller television sets will have a similar design or have a more conventional form. Just as its larger predecessors, the 55-inch and 65-inch versions will have the same Smart TV functionality and share a number of other features, such as the micro-dimming lighting.

While a price is not currently available, it is likely to cost far less than the $38,000 of the S9. When Sony announced two Ultra HD televisions in the US last month, it priced its 55-inch and 65-inch models at $5,000 and $7,000 respectively, and Samsung’s offering may end up being in the same ballpark.

The post Samsung About to Launch 55, 65-inch UHD TVs in Korea appeared first on Takes On Tech.

LG is putting curved OLED televisions on sale earlier than predicted. The electronics producer is opening up its 55-inch EA9800 to pre-orders in Korea today, with shipments in the country expected in June. The HDTV’s release outside of Korea will apparently be announced in the coming months, along with regional pricing.

Weighing in at 37.5 pounds and at 4.3mm (0.17-inches) thick, not taking into account the curvature itself, the EA9800 provides what is described as an “IMAX-like viewing experience,” with the curved screen allowing for the entire display’s surface to be equidistant from the viewer’s eyes, reducing distortion at the edges and loss of detail. Using a four-color pixel system, it uses an extra white sub-pixel to fine-tune colors, and the OLED display is also capable of an “infinite contrast ratio.” Thin transparent speakers are incorporated into the clear stand, in order to avoid spoiling the appearance of the curved screen.

More than 1,400 LG retail stores in South Korea will be taking orders for the curved TV, which is priced at 15 million wong ($13,500). A release in other territories is likely to be at a much higher price.

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The Logitech Harmony Ultimate and Logitech Harmony Smart Control are universal and are compatible with over 225,000 home-entertainment devices from over 5,000 brands. The Harmony Ultimate includes a 2.4-inch color touchscreen that enables users to control all of the key functions directly from their remote without having to to look up at their TV. It also features blacklit keys and produces vibration feedback to let users know that their commands have been recognized, while it can also control up to 15 devices. Buttons can also be programmed for short or long presses, doubling the number of assignable functions.

The Harmony Smart Control is a bundles package that includes a much more simplifed remote control, but comes with a complete Logitech smartphone app that turns a smartphone into a full function universal remote control. It is limited to controlling up to 8 devices over a user’s smartphone or the bundled remote. The combination allows users to execute most of the functions of the more expensive Harmony Ultimate, but stop short on features like Philips Hue control.

The Logtitech Harmony Ultimate ($350) and Smart Control ($130) are available for pre-order now, and will ship in late April through early May.

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Affected customers with non-Comcast boxes will have to order a digital TV adapter from the cable provider. Comcast will contact customers in advance, offering two small digital TV adapter for up to two years at no charge, reports GigaOM. The adapters will connect to a TV through a coaxial connection, and have their own remote controls in order to function. Pay-per-view content, premium channels, Xfinity On Demand, and the on-screen channel guide will not be usable on the digital TV adapters, but will continue to do so on the Comcast set-top box.

The move to encrypt the channels stems from the FCC B1 Encryption Order, enacted last year. By encrypting even the basic channels, Comcast hopes it will be a deterrent, stopping people from committing cable theft, as well as making device management easier for the company.

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“CBS made high-definition sports broadcasts a reality with the Final Four in HDTV over a decade ago, and now we’re leading the way into the 4K era,” said Ken Aagaard, executive vice president, operations, engineering and broadcast services, CBS Sports. “March Madness is always filled with big moments, and this demonstration shows how Ultra HD TV can ultimately become the future of sports broadcasting and enhance the viewer’s experience.”

“The NCAA Men’s Final Four is one of the most captivating events of the year, and we want to continue exploring ways to enhance the experience for our fans. Thanks to LG, Turner Sports and CBS Sports, we’re seeing how Ultra HD has the potential to transform and elevate the television viewing experience for college sports fans,” said Keith Martin, managing director of championships marketing and broadcast alliances, NCAA.

The demonstration builds on LG’s role as the first company to commercialize Ultra HD flat-panel TV technology, launching the first model in the United States last fall. The 84-inch class (84.04 inch diagonal) model, as well as the upcoming 55- and 65-inch class (54.6- and 64.7inch diagonal respectively) models boast exceptional picture technology that creates astonishingly vivid images with 3840 x 2160 resolution — more than 8 million pixels. LG’s 84-inch Ultra HD features 3D and Smart TV capability.  LG’s Magic Remote allows the user to navigate the Ultra HD TV’s smart onscreen interface using gestures and even voice recognition for natural speech. The LG Smart TV ecosystem now includes approximately 1,400 apps and access to a growing collection of premium content services.

LG’s Ultra HD TV also features a 2.2 Sound System. Consisting of two 10W speakers and two 15W woofers, the sound system produces a lush audio experience that perfectly complements the extraordinary onscreen visuals; creating a theater-like experience in the home. The LG 84-inch Ultra HD TV is available now at selected retailers coast-to-coast, at a suggested price of $19,999.

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The Hisense XT900 family of UHDTVs, honored with the 2012 Annual Display Technology Innovation Award, offers consumers the ultimate in picture quality with spectacular 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution panels offering four times the resolution of standard HDTV. Complete with a rich feature set that includes WiFi-enabled Smart TV, active shutter 3D technology on vibrant 120Hz panels, and precise local dimming with mega dynamic contrast ratio, the XT900 delivers a powerful and immersive viewing experience ideal for any video content.

Another unique feature of the new XT900 is the USB mounted detachable camera that enables applications such as Skype calling in addition to powering built-in gesture control and facial recognition functionality. The ergonomically designed remote control also houses a microphone, allowing users to operate many of the television’s functions using voice commands.

“The XT900 represents the pinnacle of Hisense’s R&D and innovative design capabilities, rightfully deserving the crown as our new flagship model,” said Peter Erdman, Vice President of Consumer Electronics, Hisense USA. “With the XT900, consumers can look forward to the very best in technological advances and freedom of choice at incredibly affordable prices.”

XT900 key specifications:

UHD (3840 x 2160) native resolution;
U-LED Technologies
120 Hz;
WiFi enabled;
Smart TV with Google TV;
65”, 84”, 110” screen sizes;
3D;
Smart TV functionality;
Precise Local Dimming;
Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio (10,000,000:1);
Multi-Screen Play;
Detachable camera (Skype calling, gesture and facial recognition);
Voice control

Pricing and retail distribution for the XT900 have not yet been announced.

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Panasonic

The 2013 Smart VIERA Plasma line-up features:

• My Home Screen – a personalization function that allows each user in the home to create their own personal home screen giving them quick access to their favorite content. (2013 VIERA ZT60, VT60, and ST60 Series)
• Swipe & Share 2.0 – a connectivity enhancement that transforms the TV into a hub for streaming and sharing photo and video content seamlessly with Smartphone and Tablet devices. Through Panasonic’s proprietary VIERA Connect platform, users can transfer personal photos and videos from their Android or iOS devices directly to the large screen with a simple swipe of the finger and transfer them back to their smart devices the same way. Swipe & Share also enables sharing of user-generated photos and videos that are on the large screen with other Android or iOS devices. (2013 VIERA ZT60, VT60, and ST60 Series)
• Touch Pen – a design feature which allows users to add their own writing to their photos on screen and transfer them back to their smart devices using the optional Electronic Touch Pen (TY-TP10U) accessory. (2013 VIERA ZT60, VT60, ST60, and S60 Series)
• Voice Guidance – an accessibility function that uses text to speech functions to verbalize text content as it appears on your TV. (2013 VIERA ZT60 and VT60)
• Voice Interaction — by simply saying a key word into the Smart VIERA Touch Pad Controller or Smartphone (VIERA Remote 2 App must be installed), the search result is displayed on the VIERA HDTV screen and also verbally read out. (2013 VIERA ZT60 and VT60 Series)

The Smart VIERA ZT60, VT60, ST60 Series models also include a web browser with built-in Wireless LAN and the VT60 will also feature Panasonic’s first-ever built-in camera to enhance the home entertainment experience. In addition, each new Smart VIERA HDTV offers an enhanced VIERA ConnectTM platform including more options for streaming video content, unique social networking features, fully-integrated apps, and intuitive search features designed to make the user experience fast and easy.

ZT60 Series
The ZT60 series is Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Plasma flagship series and is available in two screen sizes – the TC-P65ZT60, 65-inch class and the TC-P60ZT60, 60-inch class. With 1080p resolution, the ZT60 series comes with advanced features for connectivity including My Home Screen, Swipe and Share 2.0, Touch Pad Controller, three HDMI and three USB connectors, along with VIERA ConnectTM, allowing consumers to connect to applications through the internet via built in Wireless LAN and Web Browser. 2D-3D conversion transforms 2D content to 3D images in real-time. The ZT Series also includes two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear.

The VIERA ZT60 Series offers a “Beyond the Reference” level of picture quality. Ultimate black color, contrast and crystal crisp picture are achieved thanks to the new Studio Master Panel with newly developed panel driving method and panel structure with direct glass layer. The front glass is directly attached to the Plasma panel itself by Panasonic’s exclusive crafting methods. As a result of the improvement, dim and double images are cut off by eliminating the air gap layer between the front glass and Plasma panel. A wider color gamut (DCI 98% Color Space) is achieved thanks to a newly developed pure red phosphor. The ZT60 features THX in both 2D and 3D modes *1 as well as ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with calibration software (CALMAN) provided by SpectraCal Inc.

In addition to picture quality, operation and usability of the VIERA ZT60 Series is also refined with Voice control and easy web search are achieved based on voice recognition technology in combination with new touch pad remote controller with microphone. Also, text to speech function offers voice guidance for convenient usage of the web browser. In addition, the painting and retouching function based on Panasonic’s newly developed Touch Pen technology offers a fun and new experience for using your TV. (Touch pen accessory is optional)

The ZT60 Series offers advanced network functions via VIERA Connect — Panasonic’s exclusive cloud-based IPTV function. Multi-tasking allows simultaneous use of apps from seven categories, including YouTube, Skype and Facebook. Web browser capability makes it easy to use the Internet from the TV. DLNA, Wireless LAN and Bluetooth are also supported for a high level of convenience.

VT60 Series
The VT60 series includes three screen sizes – the TC-P55VT60, 55-inch class; TC-P60VT60, 60-inch class; and TC-P65VT60, 65-inch class. The VT60 Series achieves the ultimate in advanced design combining built-in side speakers and a built-in camera with a Full HD 3D display delivering 1080p resolution via an Infinite Black Ultra Panel. Similar to the ZT60 series, the VT60 models are equipped with enhanced connectivity features including VIERA Connect, My Home Screen, built-in Wireless LAN and Web Browser, Swipe and Share 2.0. The VT60 Series also includes a Touch Pad Controller and voice interaction with three HDMI and three USB connectors. The VT60 Series also includes two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear. 3000 Focused-field Drive technology produces image resolution of 1080 lines for 2D images, to provide crisp, clear image motion. The VT60 also features THX in both 2D and 3D modes  as well as ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with the calibration software (CALMAN)provided by SpectraCal Inc.

ST60 Series
The TC-P50ST60, 50-inch class; TC-P55ST60, 55-inch class; TC-P60ST60, 60-inch class and TC-P65ST60, 65 inch class comprise the ST60 series of Full HD 3D VIERA HDTVs. The ST60 models include Infinite Black Pro Panel with 2500 Focused Field Drive and 1080p Full HD resolution for pristine picture quality. The ST60 Series features VIERA Connect, My Home Screen, a Web Browser, Swipe and Share 2.0, and voice guidance. The series includes three HDMI connections, two USB ports and two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear.

S60 Series
The S60 Series is one of two non-3D models in this year’s HDTV Plasma lineup.
There are five screen sizes in the S60 Series – the TC-P42S60, 42-inch class; TC-P50S60, 50-inch class; TC-P55S60, 55-inch class; TC-P60S60, 60-inch class; and TC-P65S60, 65-inch class. The S60 Series includes an Online Movies feature — a service that provides select IPTV functionality by offering access to popular applications for streaming movies and other videos. All S60 models offer 1080p Full HD resolution, built-in Wireless LAN, 600Hz Sub-field Drive, Media Player; DLNA, VIERA Link, two HDMI connections and two USB ports.

X60 Series
The X60 Series is one of two non-3D models in this year’s HDTV Plasma lineup.
There are two screen sizes in the X60 Series — the TC-P42X60, 42-inch class and TC-P50X60, 50-inch class. The X60 offers 720p HD resolution; Media Player; 600Hz Sub-Field Drive; Game Mode; two HDMI connections and one USB port.

Panasonic’s line of 2013 VIERA Plasma HDTVs will be available starting in February 2013.

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Customers can also use the Sling feature to watch DVR recordings stored on Hopper’s hard drive, including major network shows recorded using DISH’s PrimeTime Anytime feature. Both live and recorded television programs are available for viewing in the home as well as outside of it, with quality depending on receiving downstream bandwidth as well as the DVR’s upstream capacity. The feature is compatible with tablets, Windows, and OS X. Sling technology is also available as an add-on to the original Hopper whole-home DVR.

The Hopper Transfers app lets viewers move recorded television programs from their DVR to an iPad and watch those shows on the go for no additional charge. The transfer of these recordings to the iPad occurs via Wi-Fi in the home prior to viewing and is not a streaming feature across the Internet. An hour of video occupies approximately 2GB of space on an iPad. A single recording is DRM-restricted and can be only copied up to five times, but the same program can be re-recorded, resetting the counter. This feature is exclusive to Hopper with Sling.

The new Hopper with Sling is powered by a 1.3GHz Broadcom BCM7425 processor and runs up to three times faster than any other satellite-TV receiver in the US market, the company claims. Hopper with Sling contains a 2TB hard drive, giving viewers up to 500 hours of high-definition or 2,000 hours of standard-definition recordings. DISH’s Hopper with Sling includes built-in Wi-Fi for easy networking.

The Hopper with Sling DVR upgrade pricing to existing customers will be available some time in 2013. Retail price of the DVR is $449. New subscribers can obtain the DVR for free with contract. According to the CEO of Dish Network, release is expected within a month.

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All of the content will be divided into five sections on the same screen, named “On TV”, “Movies & TV Shows” for VOD content, “Apps”, “Social”, and “Photos, Videos & Music.” Users will be able to “flip” between the five pages at the top of the screen, according to a company blog post.

Images on the company’s Flickr stream shows the revised Smart Hub on what appears to be a Series 8 television, released earlier this year. It could be the case that the Smart Hub will update on existing Samsung Smart TV offerings, but it is likely that the company will be demonstrating it on its new wave of HDTVs at the trade show in January.

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Users can now use the Magic Remote say things like “Show me the Gangnam Style video” and the remote will launch the Youtube app on the Smart TV, which then searches for a clip and begins playing it. The device supports motion sensing, which LG says makes it an “ideal motion-based video game controller.” The same capability can also be used to change channels.

The wheel control can be used to scroll up and down webpages, or zooming in and out of applications including Google Maps. The Magic Remote can also recognise gestures for short cuts to often used functions, or often accessed menus further helping to make the TV viewing experience easier and more interactive.

The LG Magic Remote is shipping with its Cinema 33 Smart TVs, with the high-end models also gaining LED backlighting.

The post LG Releases Updates Magic Remote with Siri-Like Natural Language Support appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Standing on distinctive legs and housed in an almost borderless surround, the new sizes include a smaller 42-inch screen, a 50-inch version that sits at the middle of the range, and a new-largest 60-inch model. The HDTVs use both gestures and a Qwerty remote control, and offers access to various apps, including streaming gaming service OnLive, YouTube, and a digital TV guide.

More details will be revealed by LG during CES in Las Vegas next month.

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Capable of displaying an image at a resolution of 3x840x2,160, the ICC Purios has four HDMI inputs, two USB ports, Wi-Fi support, and an Ethernet connection. Its speaker system is rated at 35 Watts, and also has a headphone jack, while the multiple tuners allow the display to support simultaneous recording of two programs when used with an external USB hard drive.

Initially set for release in Japan on February 20th, the ICC Purios, also known as the LC-60HQ10, will cost 2.6 million yen ($31,000). A global release is currently unknown, but more details should come out at CES in January.

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The 27-inch Personal Smart TV also supports LG’s Cinema 3D and Cinema Screen functions and continues the trend towards ultrathin bezels. The smart capabilities of the set extend to its SmartShare gateway on the Home Dashboard that allows users to browse and share files with laptops, smartphones and external hard drives.

The TM2792 also sports a number of interfaces including D-sub, two HDMI ports that are also MHL ready, as well as composite, component and SCART connections. To enable use as a monitor, or to provide better Internet browsing capabilities using the Smart TV functionality, the set also incorporates three USB ports and a LAN port.

LG has not divulged the pricing for the model, but it will get a full reveal at IFA over the next week.

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According to sources familiar with the TV, it will also use side-lit LED lighting, which will also help to keep the display thin. Removable speakers are also said to be included. However, the TV is all about its new display resolution, which is something that Sony is aiming to pitch as a key differentiator in the high-end segment of the market. It will likely also go some way to rebuilding Sony’s battered image in the TV segment, where it has been swamped by Samsung and LG.

The in addition to the 4K projector, Sony now also has Blu-ray player that supports a 4K output using upscaling image processing, in addition to 4K native professional video cameras. As might expected, the cost will be quite prohibitive with rumors suggesting that it could be priced as high as $30,000, making it about $4,000 more expensive than its 4K projector. Along with the slightly more attractive price, the 4K projector may also be a more practical proposition for those with the cash.

The post Rumor Has Sony Working on 84-inch LCD TV with 4K Tech appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The FiOS TV app will allow customers to tune into 26 live channels from Verizon FiOS. Customers will also have access to the FlexView video on-demand content library. Since it works through the Smart TV or Blu-ray player, the app requires no separate set-top box.

Further information on the app is available on Samsung’s App Store page. The app update has been expected since at least January, when Verizon and Samsung jointly announced that FiOS TV would be coming to Samsung devices.

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The 65-inch HT2U CCFL 1080P home theater experience leads the announcements. It boasts Full HD at 1080p resolution, ClearFrame 120Hz technology, and Audyssey sound enhancement technology with BassXT. The HT2U boasts a 40,000:1 image contrast ratio, and inputs provided are three HDMI, and component, USB and VGA inputs. The HT2U is available now for $1,700.

The L7200U LED Cinema TV series comes in two sizes — 47-inch and 55-inch. Both models are 1080P, ClearScan 240Hz televisions. The CQ dual-core video engine drives the passive 3D with 2D-to-3D conversion capability. The L7200U also has the Audyssey sound enhancement technology with BassXT and boasts a 40,000:1 image contrast ratio. Built-in Wi-Fi connects with the included QWERTY keyboard for inputs when using the Smart TV functions. Inputs include four HDMI ports, one component, one VGA, and one Ethernet. The 47-inch L7200U retails for $1,900, and the 55-inch sells for $2,400.

Three sizes are available for the L6200U 3D LED television series — 42-, 47-, and 55-inch. All are 120Hz, 1080P ClearFrame televisions. The same 3D engine technology and Audyssey sound technology are provisioned in the L6200U. Similarly to the L7200U, the built-in Wi-Fi allows the keyboard to connect for Smart TV functionality. Inputs provided are four HDMI, one component, two USN, one VGA, and one Ethernet. The MSRP for the 42-inch is $1,400, the 47-inch is $1,600, and the 55-inch is $2,100.

Moving along the line, the L5200U LED series is available in 40-, 46-, and 50-inch sizes. Full HD resolution is available regardless of size. As with the rest of the line so far, the Audyssey sound enhancement technology with BassXT provides audio processing. Dynalight, dynamic picture control, and auto brightness control govern the image quality for the user automatically. Three HDMI inputs, one component input, one USB port, and one VGA port provide inputs to the television. The 40-inch model retails for $700, the 46-inch for $900, and the 50-inch for $1,100.

The smaller L4200U models provide a budget-entry point for HD televisions. The 24-inch model is Full HD with a 1080P resolution. The 19- and 32-inch models are 720P. The Audyssey sound enhancement technology with BassXT systems are installed on this model as well. As in the L5200U, Dynalight, dynamic picture control, and auto brightness control automatically optimize the picture based on the external lighting conditions.Two HDMI inputs, one component input, one USB port, and one VGA port are supplied. The 32-inch model is priced at $350, the 24-inch model at $300, and the 19-inch for $230.

Another budget model is the E220U model. The E220U is a 40-inch television with 1080p Full HD resolution. The television is optimized for gaming, with a specific gaming mode, providing shorter frame delays when playing a game requiring precise timing between the display and the controller. Inputs available are two HDMI, one component, one USB, and one VGA. The 40-inch model retails for $500.

Finishing the new releases is the C120U LCD TV. The 32-inch, 720P screen is optimized by DynaLight, Dynamic picture mode, and auto brightness control. Like the E220U, a gaming mode optimizes the video gaming experience for users. Inputs available are the same as the E220U, with two HDMI, one component, one USB, and one VGA. The C120U retails for $350.

HT2U

L7200

E220

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Samsung has put a 75-inch LCD TV up for sale in South Korea. The ES9000, previously mentioned at the Samsung CES press event in January, is a full HD Smart TV with a claimed 30-percent sharper image from the “Diamond Black” panel, with a comparatively thin build and a 0.3-inch bezel featuring a rose-gold appearance.

A push-up built-in camera, branded “Secret Camera,” brings voice and gesture recognition capabilities as well as the potential for video conferencing. A wireless dock provides the network connection for its Smart TV applications including Smart Contents and Smart Evolution, and a separate keyboard for data entry is an optional extra.

South Koreans can get the display for 19.8 million Won ($17,500), similar to the launch price of the 75-inch D9500 predecessor last year. Other markets to receive the ES9000 have not been announced as of yet, but the price is unlikely to change based on reports that Samsung is to enforce minimum HDTV prices.

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The 90-inch Aquas LED TV (LC-90LE745U) is a 4 feet tall, 8 feet diagonally and more than 6 feet and 8 inches wide. It has a depth of 5 inches, and weighs 141 pounds.

It comes with Sharp’s SmartCentral service built-in, with apps for Netflix, YouTube and Hulu Plus, has a 3D-ready 1080p screen, Wi-Fi and ships with a pair of 3D glasses.

The LC-90LE745U is available now at select retailers for a suggested retail price of $10,999.99

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Soon, owners of Samsung’s 7000-series and higher 2012 Smart HDTVs will be able to access Gaikai’s cloud-based video games.

Samsung will customize the interface to match the look of its own Smart Hub user interface. The deal reportedly involves Samsung buying bandwidth dedicated to SCG from Gaikai’s 24 data centers, with pricing on a per-device basis. Gaikai will handle overflow traffic.

Samsung will begin looking for beta testers of the service soon.

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The sets will ship with the G2 Magic Remote, which sport a QWERTY keyboard, and gesture and voice recognition. Each TV ships with six pairs of passive 3D glasses.

The G2 UI has been updated to focus on content selection and browsing. The sets are capable of multi-tasking, allowing users to search the Internet and connect to social networks while watching television.

The LG Smart TV with Google TV G2 series will go on sale later in May, with a 47-inch model and 55-inch model priced at $1,700 and $2,300, respectively.

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Private playlists are featured as a grid of videos to allow users to quickly find any video in their Watch Later or Favorites stockpile. Users can find new channels with the freshly added Channel Search field, and then subscribe to them, having them constantly updated in the My YouTube tab.

The best possible quality will be played back, as the app will automatically play at the highest available resolution based on the web connection and its speed. It will prioritize smooth and constant playback over quality, so videos won’t likely need to constantly pause one the playback catches up to the download progress.

Likewise new is to +1 a video like on the YouTube website through a user’s Google+ profile.

The updated app is available now.

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When the unnamed compatible TVs are connected to the web, the Skype app will automatically appear in their app dock. The users will see their callers in up to 720p quality when network conditions and speeds permit. Minimum sustained download and upload speeds of 1.5Mbps are necessary for this. The officially required XCV100 camera costs $150, though if a camera from a third-party is compatible isn’t specified.

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Although it has had successes in LCDs for small and large tablets, as well as smartphones, the company section has been a drag on business as mid-sized, nine-inch tablets and notebooks haven’t done wellin the market. TVs have faced their own pressure as Taiwainese and mainland Chinese companies cut primarily into the low end of its business. It recently cut its deal with Sony, in part as Sony no longer found that it made economic sense.

Some talk has existed of Samsung completely integrating its primarily OLED-focused group, Samsung Mobile Display, with the rest of the company. The organic displays now form a staple of its business and are not only in its high-end smartphones but also its Super OLED TV.

An exit from LCDs would have a major impact on Samsung’s customers. Along with itself, Samsung is known to be a manufacturer for Apple’s iPad and iPhone displays, supplementing production from at least LG Display. OLED is only just getting to the level where it’s cost-effective in more than smartphone sizes, such as in the Galaxy Tab 7.7.

The post Samsung Won’t Confirm Rumors of LCD Unit Spin Off appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The CinemaWide mix earns its name through the 21:9 aspect ratio, 2560×1080 LCD. It can play true theater-ratio movies without having to crop the image. Its price is relatively inexpensive for the unique size and shape, and comes through Vizio using a 120Hz panel rather than the 240Hz of the 71-inch screen and edge LED lighting rather than a direct backlight.

Internet apps let it tune into Yahoo news and weather widgets as well as Netflix, Vudu, and other features. The extra-wide display has the upside of letting viewers check information without having to overlap the image.

Vizio is still has not disclosed prices and ship dates.

The post Vizio Prices the 58-inch 21:9 CinemaWide 58-inch TV at $3,499 appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The update should roll out sometime this week for most users. Neither Google nor Sony has said whether users can push the update early through a manual check.

The post Sony Google TV Sets, Blu-ray Players Get Updated this Week appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Among the V.I.A. Plus products to be included in VIZIO’s CES showcase are the 65-inch, 55-inch and 47-inch V.I.A. Plus HDTVs with Theater 3D, the VBR430 Blu-ray Player and the VAP430 Stream Player, all of which incorporate the latest Google TV experience. VIZIO will also show two V.I.A. Plus enabled tablets-the current VTAB1008 and the new 10″ VTAB3010.

“The way users consume content has changed drastically over recent years. Technology has enabled nearly every device with a screen to connect to some form of delivery platform, each with its own mechanism for searching, browsing and viewing content.” said Matthew McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO.

VIZIO is announcing new partners who are collaborating to bring their content and services to the V.I.A. Platform, including:

• iHeart Radio – iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s digital radio service, brings users a customizable digital listening experience with more than 800 of the nation’s most popular live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities.
• The Wall Street Journal – WSJ Live from The Wall Street Journal offers up to four total hours of live video programming each business day from across The Wall Street Journal Digital Network, including the Journal, Dow Jone Newswires, Barron’s, MarketWatch, SmartMoney and AllThingsD.com.
• M-GO™ video-on-demand – M-GO from Technicolor is a next-generation app that combines all of your media including movies, music, apps, live TV, and more. M-GO will come pre-loaded on VIZIO HDTVs and Blu-ray Players with VIZIO Internet Apps or VIZIO Internet Apps Plus.

Navigating V.I.A. Plus is simple and intuitive, using the QWERTY keypad and integrated touchpad that’s built into the premium Bluetooth remote control included with every V.I.A. Plus product. Users need no technical know-how to get their new devices online, thanks to the advanced wireless Internet access and simplified onscreen setup.

The products that include V.I.A.plus will be released starting later in 2012.

The post Vizio Expands Vizio Apps to Unify Experience Across New Devices appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Now this is not the first time OLED TV have been showed at CES, but this is the largest ever. In 2008 Sony showed an 11-inch OLED TV, which had  a brief run that same year for $2500!

The advantages OLED TVs have over the current LCD displays are truer colors and deeper black levels, as well as lower power consumption. It is like having the best of LED lighting, LCD TV and Plasma in one package.

The new display will feature a minimally-small bezel on the edges, a thickness of 4 millimeters and a weight of about 16.5 pounds.

The massive set, which hasn’t been officially announced as coming to the consumer market, was manufactured using new technologies that enabled LG to bring down production costs, the company said in a blog post.  Many hope the set will make it to market in the second half of this year.

“We have a product which not only delivers on all the advantages of OLED over LCD but at a significantly lower cost than what could be achieved using existing OLED manufacturing technologies,” said Havis Kwon, president and chief executive of LG’s home entertainment division.

LG did not even hint about this break thru at last summer’s Society for Information Display conference.  Many times the display shown at CES is talked about and or shown  in a very RAW form at SID.

The post World’s Largest OLED TV Will Be Demo’d at CES by LG appeared first on Takes On Tech.