News

June 30th, 2008

The BBC is hard at work at the moment. Why? Because they’re trying to bring us HD broadcasts to Freeview within the next 18 months, that’s why. The appeal of watching HD TV is sky high, so the BBC is currently testing transmissions of a new technology that will make this a reality.

Although current Freeview boxes would be unable to process the signal, the arrival of this brand spanking new technology means HD quality broadcasts could soon be hitting the terrestrial airwaves. This trial, which uses second generation DVB-T specification DVB-T2, could pave the way for the introduction of HD onto Freeview by the end of 2009

 

From /www.shinyshiny.tv

May 30th, 2008

Tiscali has designed a new electronic program guide for its TV subscribers.
The new tool enables viewers to locate on demand, catch up and broadcast programming, from within a huge library of content.
Searches can be carried out across a specific channel or all channels, as well as specifying broadcast only, on demand only, Catch Up TV or all of the above.
Users can look for programmes by title as well as by credits, including cast members and even by subject matter, using a SMS style text input.
Results are listed by title and relevance, displaying on demand content first, followed by scheduled programming, then Catch Up TV, as well as delivering other findings based on programme synopses and credits.
From that list viewers can set reminders, book recordings, add to favourites or navigate straight to that programme if it’s showing.
If the function is triggered from within a channel then users can continue to watch that programme in the quarter screen of the search area.
Tiscali TV is available to 10 million households across the UK and incorporates 80+ broadcast channels, Catch Up and on demand TV services.

 

From www.pocket-lint.co.uk

May 19th, 2008

Here you are the latest DVD, Home-theater 5.1 Combo from LG, the Xcanvas HT953TVP which can also play Mp3 files and feature the VSM or Virtual Sound Matric which will simulate an 10.1 audio system. Our HT953TVP support Direct to USB Mp3 recording, as well as the 1080p up-scaling.

 

From www.akihabaranews.com

May 18th, 2008

Samsung’s stream of 82-inch monsters packing the company’s latest technology continues unabated, this time a minor update to the QuadHD behemoth we saw at CES brings so-outdated 120Hz motion processing and LED backlighting to keep blur and judder far, far away. We know what you’re thinking, its 3840×2160 resolution is no good unless you can write on it, luckily Samsung also has an 82-inch ultra high definition e-Board in its SID 2008 booth. OLED fans take heart, Samsung has reached economies of scale, hopefully meaning reasonably priced (and longer lasting) thin screens are due sooner instead of later. The Korea Times notes LG’s at the show as well, showcasing LCD roll-printing technology to replace the photolithography process that currently births the flat panels on our walls, but we simply can’t be bothered with a company that’s only the number two LCD manufacturer in the world.

 

From Engadget

May 15th, 2008

Sanyo has unveiled its new 2008 range of LCD televisions with four models featuring full 1080p HD resolution and a 19-inch model available with a built-in DVD player.
The new LCD televisions are available in the company’s widest ever selection of screen sizes and include 52-inches, 47-inches, 42-inches, 37-inches, 32-inches, 26-inches and a 19-inch model.
At the top end of the screen size spectrum is the CE52FD86-B full HD LCD television. This 52-incher is the largest television ever launched by Sanyo and includes true HD 1080p picture resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), a contrast ratio of 8000:1, brightness levels of 500cd/m2, response time of 8ms and a viewing angle of 178 degrees.
In addition the smaller 47-inch, 42-inch and 37-inch options also offer full 1080p resolution and like the flagship model, offer three HDMI inputs, two SCART sockets, PC input and in-built digital tuner.
All products in the range feature 16:9 LCD, two SCART sockets, PC input and HDMI input and will go on sale either this month or during June.

From pocket-lint.co.uk

May 8th, 2008

Samsung have today announced that they’ve begun mass producing their latest LCD panel, a “high bright” display measuring 46-inches.  The screen, which is intended initially for digital signage, is the brightest LCD in the world, at 1,500-nit.  That’s around three times as bright as a typical LCD.

The panel has a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, and is clearly visible even in well-lit areas.  Samsung have designed it so that multiple panels can be tiled together into video walls.  On its own it is 1,366 x 768 resolution, and has a 178-degree viewing angle.

This isn’t something you’re likely to see in your front room anytime in the near future; for a start it’d probably be too bright to make for comfortable viewing.  However Samsung are estimating the panel will enter volume shipping later on this month, so there’s a fair chance you may come across one at the mall or at a sports venue.

 

More info at slashgear

May 7th, 2008

Pioneer has announced the Elite BDP-05FD and Pioneer BDP-51FD BonusView Blu-ray Disc players in the States.
Featuring picture-in-picture interactivity and a redesigned platform that claims to significantly improves overall performance, both players support 12-bit video digital-to-analog converter (DAC) whilst 12-Bit Deep Color is new to this generation of models.
With Pioneer’s 1080p / True 24 frames per second video output, the two models claim to offer smooth performance and greatly reduced image judder.
Thanks to the PureCinema Deinterlacer DVDs can be scaled to a 1080p resolution for improved picture quality and compatibility with HDTVs.
The new players are said to be two of the industry’s first to support all advanced audio formats, with the ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD and DTS HD Master high resolution audio formats.
Professional quality Wolfson Digital Audio Converters (DACs) in the new players claim to ensure the highest level audio performance that sound engineers intended audiences to experience.
Pioneer says the BDP-05FD and BDP-51FD have robust builds with high quality parts, a centre loading tray which helps reduce vibration as well as dedicated audio and video boards for smooth operation and playback of discs.
The Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD and BDP-51FD BonusView Blu-ray Disc players will go on sale in the States this summer for suggested prices of $799 and $599, respectively. UK deets not yet revealed.

 

From pocket-lint

May 3rd, 2008

Simply having a big screen for yourself isn’t such a great idea now is it? That’s why Big Moving Pictures’ fleet of rolling mobile LED screen displays constitutes a new advertising medium. The company is mounting massive (40 x 22 ft) HDTV LED displays on trucks so it can engage the audience at major outdoor events (such as air shows and auto racing) in a new way. Big Moving Pictures Inc. (BMP), and Strongbase have announced the signing of a unique agreement to create the largest mobile LED screen displays ever produced. BMP will target air shows and auto races (NHRA and Indy) initially, but we can see big opportunities for developing the ‘rolling television network’ into a valuable niche advertising medium with high engagement, and large numbers of a high value audience. BMP will transport its MEGASCREENS to the largest events in the United States and Canada, and there’s obviously application for the technology in every country. Weighing 66,000 pounds and hydraulically operated, the MEGASCREENS are trailer-mounted for maximum portability and rapid deployment into a given situation.

Typical time from arriving onsite to displaying video will be under one hour, done by a single technician or truck driver. Image area sizing will be 39.4′W x 22′H in a true 16:9 aspect ratio for direct usage of 720P HDTV signals. LED element pitch is 15mm, brightness range up to 10,000NITS. HD video transmission to the screens will be accomplished by laser-based, digital microwave or fiber optic cabling systems. Its not everyday that we see such a huge screen in our backyard or in the stadium for that matter.

 

From newlaunches

April 17th, 2008

That Samsung / Armani tie-up continues to grow closer, following the cellphones is a new premium HDTV unveiled on the opening day of the Milan International Furniture Fair. The 46- and 52-inch 1080p LCDs include Samsung’s 100Hz display technology, wrapped in a design inspired by Giorgio Armani’s ‘08/’09 Armani/Casa home furnishings collection — inspired by Eileen Gray and reminiscent of Hollywood’s Golden Age — built to incorporate the TV as a design element of the room rather than hide it. Expect the 42-inch model, with stylish backlit remote control (a smaller, pebble shaped remote is also included for your less stylish friends) and specially designed front-mounted power switch to launch in Europe, Korea and Russia mid-summer, followed by the 52-inch in late summer.
Read - Samsung & Armani unveil new premium LCD TV at Milan furniture fair
Read - Armani turns back to 1930s for home collection

From Engadget by Richard Lawler

April 10th, 2008

The picture perfect BRAVIA™ E4000 series lets you create a personal artistic statement and display breathtaking still images for everyone to enjoy. A radical departure from traditional sets, the newest BRAVIA™ series proves your TV doesn’t have to be a boring black rectangle taking up space when you’re not watching your favourite shows.
The beautifully styled E4000 series makes an elegant addition to any room décor. Inspired by the new Draw the LINE design concept by Sony, its clean, understated lines enhance your environment without distracting from enjoyment of the total viewing experience.
32-inch and 40-inch Full HD models are supplied with a stand, or can be wall mounted to become an integral part of your personal living space alongside other framed works of art. They’re complemented by a smaller 26-inch model – also wall mountable – that’s ideal for freestanding on a desk or table top with family photos.
There’s a choice of four colour frame options to blend effortlessly with contemporary or traditional interiors: Midnight Sky, Aluminium, Pearly White and Dark Walnut.
The E4000 series features Picture Frame Mode, displaying your favourite image on screen to suit your mood or the ambience of the room. Whether you’re socialising with dinner guests or just relaxing, Picture Frame Mode turns your TV screen into a ‘blank canvas’ for displaying treasured images with quality like no other.

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