On the computing front, Sony announced three new all-in-one PC/LCD systems last week - the VAIO JS, LV, and RT desktop models. These all-in-one systems are great for people who need the capabilities of an HDTV, a Blu-ray player, and of course, a desktop PC system, yet are constrained with real-estate space. Of course you can totally enjoy these systems even if you have all the space in the world. Here’s what you need to know about the three systems (Above are pictures of the Sony RT systems).

The VAIO JS features the following:

• 20.1 inch LCD display
• XBRITE-ECO LCD Technology
• Optional Blu-ray Disc ROM optical drive
• Integrated microphone and webcam with face-tracking technology
• Windows Vista Home Premium OS
• Available in black, silver, and pink with starting prices at around $1000

The VAIO LV features the following:

• Floating mirror design
• 24 inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display
• XBRITE-FullHD LCD technology
• Most models feature slot-in Blu-ray disc optical drive
• Up to 1 TB of storage
• Built-in DVR capabilities
• 1080p capable HDMI  input
• wireless LAN
• integrated power supply
• wireless keyboard with built-in touchpad, mouse, and remote control included
• Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate
• Prices start at around $1600

The VAIO RT (pictured above) features the following:

• 25.5 inch LCD display  with XBRITE-FullHD LCD technology
• Blu-ray optical drive
• Built-in digital TV tuners
• HDMI input and output
• Intel Core 2 Quad processor
• Up to 8GB of RAM
• Up to 1TB of HDD
• eSATA port
• CompactFlash slot
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Wireless keyboard with integrated touchpad and mouse are included
• Built-in power supply
• Prices start at around $3300

The new all-in-one PC/LCD systems will be available in the middle of October.

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Technorati Tags: Sony, VAIO JS, LV, RT

Now if you’re looking to get a new super-slim HDTV set, you might want to consider waiting for the new Sony 40 inch 1080p KLV-40ZX1M display which measures a mere 9.9mm deep - about the depth of a Blu-ray jewel case. The set (which also weighs a scant 26 lbs) features an edge-lit wide color gamut LED backlight, Sony’s Motionflow 120Hz technology, the Sony BRAVIA Engine 2, a single HDMI input, and compatibility with Sony’s BRAVIA Wireless Link. Optional accessories for the KLV-40ZX1M include a flat-matching speaker four with four full-range speakers and two tweeters, and a wall-hugging bracket. You can expect the Sony KLV-40ZX1M this December.

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Technorati Tags: Sony, KLV-40ZX1M, LCD HDTV

Still thinking about upgrading to a 120Hz LCD HDTV set? Well it looks like you’ve got a bit more catching up to do thanks to Sony’s latest HDTV set - the KDL-52XBR7 featuring 240Hz Motionflow technology. That’s four times the frame rate found in typical LCD sets and two times the frame rates of current high end sets. Other features include Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) which helps deliver a dynamic contrast ratio of 80,000:1, the BRAVIA Engine 2, compatibility with BRAVIA Link modules, Digital Media Port, and a new multi-plane 3D graphics slideshow for digital photos and music stored on USB devices. The KDL-52XBR7 comes with four 1080/60 24p HDMI ports, two 1080/60p HD component inputs, a 1080/60p capable PC input, and an Ethernet port. You can expect the Sony KDL-52XBR7 this December.

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Technorati Tags: Sony, KDL-52XBR7, Motionflow, 240 Hz

AOC has introduced their new Envision Series of HDTV LCD TV sets including three new models - the 19 inch L19W861, the 26 inch L26W861, and the 32 inch L32W861. The three HDTV sets are designed for consumers looking to add HD displays in places other than the living room. Here are the specs and features of the three new displays:

The L19W861:

• Designed for smaller spaces
• Can be used as an HD PC monitor
• 1440 x 900
• 300 cd/m2 Brightness
• 3000:1 contrast ratio
• 5 ms response time
• VESA wall mountable
• HDMI video input
• PC input with audio
• Digital ATSC and Clear QAM tuner
• Swivel Base
• Price at $299

The L26W861:

• 1366 x 768
• HDMI video input
• PC input with audio
• Digital ATSC and Clear QAM tuner
• Swivel Base
• Price at $499

The L32W861:

• 1366 x 768
• 500 cd/m2 Brightness
• 4500:1 Contrast Ratio
• 8ms Response Time
• 2 HDMI video inputs
• PC input with audio
• Digital ATSC and Clear QAM tuner
• Swivel Base
• Price at $599

Technorati Tags: AOC Envision, L19W861, L26W861, L32W861

Sharp has announced three new models to their large-screen SB series of LCD HDTV sets. The new SB models are LC-52SB55U, LC-46SB54U and LC-42SB45U which cover 52 inch, 46 inch, and 42 inch screen size class units (actual diagonal sizes are 52 1/32″, 45 63/64 and 42 1/64″ respectively).

All three new displays feature:

• Full HD (1920 x 1080)
• Glossy piano-black bezels
• 6ms pixel response times
• Wide viewing angles
• Built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners
• Four HDMI connectors on the LC-52SB55U, two connectors on the LC-46SB54U and three on the LC-42SB45U
• Two HD component terminals
• Dedicated PC input

As for pricing and availability:

• The LC-52SB55U is available now for an MSRP of $2,299.99
• The LC-46SB54U is available now for an MSRP of $1,699.99
• The LC-42SB45U will be available in September for an MSRP of $1,399.99

Technorati Tags: Sharp, LC-52SB55U, LC-46SB54U, LC-42SB45U, HDTV

Samsung keeps churning out new LCD HDTV sets - this time it’s the new Series 9 LED LCD’s which is Samsung’s second generation LCD HDTV to feature Samsung’s LED SmartLighting technology. The new Series 9 is now Samsung’s flagship LCD TV featuring Touch of Color bezel design, Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology, 1,000,000 dynamic contrast ratio,  and full HD 1080p pictures.

According to Samsung, LED SmartLighting with local dimming technology achieves “dramatic contrast levels” and expresses “‘actual black levels’ by completely shutting off a pixel’s light source”. In addition to SmartLighting, the Series 9 displays utilize improved Ultra Clear Panel technology to help eliminate ambient light reflection.

Other specs to these LCD Series 9 displays are as follows:

• Samsung InfoLink RSS service
• Supports MP3, JPEG, Video file formats
• USB 2.0
• Internal memory pre-loaded with content
• Four HDMI-CEC connectors (1 side mounted and three in the rear)
• EnergySaving Mode

The new Series 9 LED LCDs will be available in August in three models - a 46 inch (model LN46A950) and a 55 inch (model LN55A950).

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Technorati Tags: Samsung LED LCD HDTV, Series 9, LN46A950, LN55A950

Samsung announced today, three additional models to their “Touch of Color” lineup of desktop monitors - the T220HD, T240HD, and T260HD.  All three monitors utilize Samsung’s dual-injection technology which gives the display’s ruby red bezel that unique transparent look. These new monitors have common features such as a built-in ATSC/QAM TV tuner, front and rear HDMI connections, high contrast ratios, and 16:10 aspect ratios.

The T220HD has the following specs:

• 22 inch widescreen display
• 1680 x 1050 resolution
• 300 cd/m2 brightness
• Dynamic Contrast of 10,000:1
• Dolby Digital Surround Sound
• USB hub
• 2 HDMI connections

The T240HD has the following specs:

• 24 inch widescreen display
• 1920 x 1080 resolution
• 300 cd/m2 brightness
• Dynamic contrast of 10,000:1
• Dolby Digital Surround Sound
• 2 HDMI connections

The T260HD has the following specs:

• 25.5 inch widescreen display
• 1920 x 1200 resolution
• 300 cd/m2 brightness
• Dynamic contrast of 10,000:1
• Dolby Digital Surround Sound
• 2 HDMI connections

The prices for these three new ToC monitors are as follows:

• T220 HD: $429
• T240 HD: $549
• T260 HD: $599

Technorati Tags: Samsung, T220HD, T240HD, T260HD, HDTV displays, LCD displays, Touch of Color, ToC

Samsung’s Touch of Color (ToC) lineup of LCD HDTV sets have been well received over the last year and thus it’s not surprising to see the company add two new models today - the Series 8 850 and the Series 8 860. Both models feature a new slim and narrow frame with a depth of 1.9 inches at its widest with the 850 featuring a rose color and the 860 a deep blue color.

The key features of the new Series 8 models include the following:

• Full HD support
• 4ms response time
• 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• Down-firing speakers (10 watts x 2) with integrated woofer
• SRS TruSurround XT
• 4 HDMI ports
• New design that is at most 1.9 inches deep at the widest point
• Utilizes Samsung’s Ultra Clear Panel for better contrast ratios and deeper black levels
• Samsung Wide Color Enhancer 2 for expanded color range
• Auto Motion Plus 120Hz
• InfoLink - one button on-demand InfoLink RSS service with content from USA Today
• Side mounted USB 2.0 port (The Series 8 860 comes with an extra USB 2.0 port)
• WideLink Pro turns television into a jukebox or photo album
• Supports MP3, JPEG, XviD, and MPEG4 files

The Series 8 850 will be available in September in a 46 inch model (LN46A850) and a 52 inch model (LN52A850). The Series 8 860 will also be available in a 46 inch model (LN46A860), and a 52 inch model (LN52A860) in September.

The Series 8 850 46 inch model will go for $2699.99.

The Series 8 850 52 inch model will go for $3399.99

The Series 8 860 46 inch model will go for $2799.99

The Series 8 860 52 inch model will go for $3499.99.

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Touch of Color (ToC), LCD HDTV, Series 8 850, Series 8 860, LN46A850, LN52A850, LN46A860, LN52A860

Are you a Panasonic LCD HDTV owner who’s a bit jealous of fellow Panasonic HD plasma owners who have the Plasma Concierge free customer support program? Well there’s no longer a need to be jealous! Panasonic has announced that they’ve extended the free Concierge program to both Panasonic Plasma and LCD HDTV owners and have as such renamed the program the Panasonic VIERA Concierge program.

The VIERA program includes a toll-free customer support line, provides Panasonic HDTV owners with quick access to technical support via the web, phone, or in-home service as well as access to Panasonic’s HDTV loaner program. The HDTV loaner program provides HDTV loaners at no charge to customers who have their plasma or LCD in for repair (a bit like car loaners)

Once you become part of the VIERA Concierge program, you’ll receive a Concierge Benefits Card which provides a customer ID and a dedicated toll-free telephone number.

This move makes complete sense in the big picture as more and more Panasonic customers opt for LCD HDTV sets and not Plasma based sets.

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Technorati Tags: Panasonic LCD, Plasma HDTV, VIERA Concierge Program

Got some Westinghouse Digital PR materials today via e-mail and I thought I’d pass it along to all of you. The company has two LCD based HDTV sets that might interest someone looking for a new display at home. One is a full HD 42 inch LCD panel while the other is a much smaller 16 inch flip-style LCD display perfect for environments like the kitchen.

First up - there’s the Westinghouse TX-42F430S:

• 1080p resolution (1920×1080)
• Built-in ATSC/NTSC/ClearQAM tuner
• All inputs support 1080p including component
• 5000:1 contrast ratio
• Four HDMI inputs
• Automatic source detection and switching
• Built-in 5 band equalizer
• Energy Saving Mode
• Advanced Video Adjustments
• Measures 42.2 x 29 x 10.5 inches and weighs 68.1 lbs

Now if you’re looking to hang up a display in the kitchen, then you should check out the Westinghouse PT-16H610S display. Features include:

• Dual-hinged flip-style design
• Can sit on counter-top, be mounted on a wall, or on the bottom of a cabinet
• Full 180 degree rotation of the front bezel
• 1080p HDMI input support
• 1366 x 768 resolution with 16.7 million color support
• 500:1 contrast ratio
• 90 degree horizontal viewing angle and 65 degree vertical viewing angle
• Measures 15 x 11.3 x 7 inches and weighs 7.7 lbs

Technorati Tags: Westinghouse TX-42F430S, PT-16H610S