Category: TVs
Toshiba launches REGZA ZV Series upscaling TV
Despite the fact that most people have HDTVs, very few actually view HD content on them, with 99% of TV programs still broadcast in standard definition. What’s the solution? Well, according to Toshiba, it’s “buy another TV!”. Buy the ZV, to be precise. It’s an upscaling television.
It uses a “powerful cell processor algorithm” to turn standard definition TV into something a little closer to full HD, mainly by finding edges and sharpening them. It also tries to improve depth and texture, and even though the result won’t be as good as full-HD signal, it’s better than nothing.
The BBC's TV detector vans are simply a form of psychological warfare
The UK’s Information Commissioner, who’s been a very busy man/department recently, declined a freedom of information request to reveal how many TV license detector vans the BBC operates – because it might stop people believing they exist.
The shadowy fleet of TV-detecting vans is supposed to be able to pick up tell-tale signs that a TV’s being used inside a house, but the ICO ruled that revealing how many vans the BBC actually operates – and the technology they use – might undermine the level of threat they pose. And lead to us not bothering to pay our licence fees any more…
Samsung stretches out its OLED display technology to a whole 40 inches
The OLED tech war is raging in the laboratories of companies across the planet right now, and here’s what Samsung’s boffins have managed to come up with – a 40″ OLED TV.
Massively superior to its past OLED test developments, this latest model features a stunning contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 – and manages to pull off the full HD spec 1920×1080 resolution, or 1080p to give it its common name. It’s pretty much a finished OLED telly, although Samsung has not revealed any launch date plans…
Sharp's 108-inch LCD TV finally launched
At CES last year (2007), Sharp unveiled its 108-inch LCD TV. As far as I’m aware, despite it being nearly two years since the show, it’s still the largest LCD TV in production (yes, there are larger plasmas) — and now it’s been launched.
This monster comes with eco-friendly features, according to reports, though I bet it burns a helluva lot more fossil fuels up per hour than your piddly little flat-panel TV…
Sharp claims world first: HDTVs with integrated Blu-ray recorders
Sharp will launch a range of high definition LCD TVs with integrated Blu-ray recorders in the Japanese market next month, claiming a world first.
While it’s not uncommon to see flat panel TVs with built in DVD and Blu-ray players, this is the first time a Blu-ray recorder has been added to a production TV.
The AQUOS DX range will come in a range of screen sizes from 26- right up to 52-inch, all full 1080p high definition, and ranging in price from around £1,100 to £2,900 (at current Yen to UK pound exchange rate). Though the integrated drive will allow playback of Blu-ray, and recording TV programmes directly to disc, there won’t be a built-in hard drive — so no DVR functionality…
Maplin offers up seven inch portable LCD TV
Maplin has announced its latest portable gadget, ideal if you don’t want to miss telly while on the go.
The set can receive both analogue and digital channels, committing 1,250 of them to memory (should you be able to find that many channels) for quick recall…
Designer Sky+ HD Boxes to be unleashed on the unsuspecting public
These are some of the delightful new Sky+ boxes that Sky is unleashing onto the world in three days’ time. Four designers have jazzed up the traditional box, Henry Holland, PPQ, Erdem and Julie Verhoeven…
LG announces new Scarlet LG80 TV, may come to UK eventually
LG has announced the latest in its line of Scarlet high definition LCD TVs, so named because the sets feature a deep red back and surround.
The LG80 features carefully tuned speakers that automatically slide out from the side of the set when it’s turned on. Apparently this “adds a bit more excitement”, but more importantly it improves sound quality. LG has created a 3.1-channel virtual surround sound system, meaning that those without the space or cash for external speakers can still enjoy decent sound. The speakers push out 50 watts each…
SlingCatcher available for £199.99 from today
Just a quickie to let you know that the SlingCatcher has finally seen the light of day. I’m told that it’s out from today at a very reasonable £199.99…
HANNspree HT09: 28-inch full high definition LCD TV
HANNspree is pretty pleased with itself as it boasts one of the few 28 inch widescreen LCD TVs on the market.
Though the TV boasts full HD credentials, both analogue and digital tuners, two HDMI and two SCART inputs, and teletext, there’s still something a bit “computer monitor” about this silver-edged screen.
Full HD it may be, but it has a 16:10 aspect ratio (1,920 x 1,200 resolution) rather than the standard 16:9 of most branded HDTVs. That means black bars at the top and bottom of standard widescreen material, or picture stretching. The additional vertical resolution makes it great for hooking up to a PC via VGA or DVI, though…
