No Glasses Ma?: Eizo releases first glasses-free 3D LCD

Technology marches forward at all times, and in the world of HD 3D, it marches pretty darn quickly, it appears. Eizo has given us a glimpse at a glasses-free 3D future, and we like it so far. Read onward:

Eizo has released a spec sheet confirming the 1920 x 1080 resolution and 23-inch size, also detailing how it works. The monitor uses a directional backlight and a time lag to effectively hit each eye individually through the same pixel, enabling that high resolution in a small panel but still delivering glasses-free performance. Eizo pledges no moiré, color distortion, or other issues typically seen in glasses-free displays, but this tech will surely not come cheap when it ships in the second quarter of 2011. How do we know? Anticipated applications for the FDF2301-3D include scanning electron microscopes and semiconductor inspections.

Yes, it will mostly be used for scientific applications, but no law against it being used by those with thicker pockets for fun.

Forest of Hi-Def: Bambi to arrive on Blu-Ray next year

The much-beloved classic Disney masterpiece Bambi will finally be getting the full 1080p treatment in March of next year, it appears, if rumors are to be believed. We always try to keep an eye on noteworthy releases on Blu-Ray, and here’s the skinny on one:

Disney’s officially put a date on the Diamond Edition release of Bambi, which will arrive March 1, 2011 in Blu-ray/DVD combo pack edition HD download, or SD download — DVD only packages arrive April 19th. There’s plenty of exclusive Blu-ray features, including never before seen deleted scenes, 7.1 audio track, a deleted song, a peek inside Walt Disney’s meetings where the concept of the film came to be, and an interactive game. The biggest addition is that this disc will debut Disney’s new “Second Screen” feature on computer or iPad which promises to sync with the film and pull in even more interactive features.

We applaud this effort to move animated classics like this into the hi-def world, so that future generations can enjoy them with increased clarity.

Game and TV in One: New Sony HDTV with built-in PS2 debuts

Yes, it’s a 720p HDTV and a PS2 gaming console made to play together happily with this very cool Sony model recently debuting overseas. Here’s the skinny:

Sure, the PS3 is what’s hip and happening for Sony game fans, but unless you picked up one of the first generation (chubby) units you have questionable support for the greatest generation of games: those that released for the PS2. But, don’t fret noble gamer, and don’t lament about trading that console in for $15 store credit a few years back. Just buy a new TV! Sony’s KDL-22PX300 LCD has a rather hunky base that conceals a fully working PlayStation 2. That console is fully backwards compatible with O.G. PlayStation games and naturally also plays DVDs but, if that isn’t enough pixels for you, four HDMI ports await the clumsy probes of cables from sources that can better handle the ways of its 720p panel. The set can also serve up video from Sony’s Bravia service over Ethernet or an optional wireless dongle. It’s priced at £200 in the UK, which is just a tick over $300.

A US release is a possibility with some modifications in design of course, but no word on whether that will happen or not.

Big Time: Toshiba Power TV runs on integrated battery

It seems the world of big screen LED HDTV has merged with the world of built-in batteries in a very nice marriage indeed, according to Toshiba. A 32″ LED HDTV running on a battery? Yes indeed. Read on:

Toshiba just announced its new Power TV family of battery-powered LED TVs. Mind you, these aren’t tiny portables. Toshiba’s PC 1 sets are pushing 32- or 24-inches and are the world’s first (according to Toshiba) to integrate a rechargeable battery good for about two hours of power. Why? Because even people lacking clean, consistent power desire the mind-numbing escape afforded by a large televised football match. The sets feature “auto signal booster” tech to enhance viewing in areas with weak signal coverage and “auto view” to optimize the picture based on ambient lighting conditions.

Now these have many uses, including areas with spotty electric service, or even to take along on a very modern camping trip of some sort.

Discounted: Vizio 3D HDTVs showing up with slashed prices

We always like price surprises, and this time is no exception as Vizio’s 3D HDTV line is appearing on US shelves, with a several hundred dollar price reduction over the MSRP, a welcome sight indeed. Read on via Engadget:

Right on cue, VIZIO’s latest XVT 3D LCDs have been spotted on retail shelves. One reader noticed this 55-incher at Costco with a $1,999 price tag, a few hundred bucks off the initial MSRP. We’d still like to see some of those 3D specs thrown in, but with a pretty significant price advantage over similar TVs from other manufacturers like Sony we’re thinking there’s some room in there to snatch them up separately if one is so inclined.

Now all we need is a more complete detailing of the specs of the unit, and we’ll be all set. Anyone want to volunteer to check them out for us?

Vizio Update: New 3D HDTVs and 3D Blu-Ray player announced

With the race for holiday dominance already begun, Vizio isn’t standing pat, it seems. They announced a gaggle of new products today, including a new 3D Blu-Ray player and 3D HDTV models (mega-slick box for one seen here in the picture). Check it out:

Say hello to the new VIZIO XVT 3D series, while the XVT Pro line announced earlier this year (and that 72-inch model we were drooling over) were not to be, these 42-, 47- and 55-inch HDTVs are real and on sale today through Amazon, Sam’s Club and Target’s online shops and should be on shelves later this month. Features like the number of LED backlighting zones (for the 47- and 55-, the 42-inch features edge LED lighting), claimed contrast ratio, WiFi N and VIZIO Internet Apps are consistent with existing models, so the big addition this time around is 480Hz refresh rate and obviously, 3D readiness (active shutter glasses not included). VIZIO’s also announced two new 3D compatible Blu-ray players to match for $189, plus a new router and some high priced HDMI cables to fill out the lineup.

All prices were not announced at the time, but expect value price points if we know Vizio pretty well.

Mitsu News: Mitsubishi unveils its all-in-one monitor solution

Sometimes all-in-one can be a good thing, especially when it comes to electronics. Mitsubishi has announced the upcoming release of its 120hz 23″ monitor/HDTV combo unit, and the specs sound pretty cool indeed. Check it out:

Sometimes having a computer monitor and a separate HDTV are just too much for your feng shui to handle, and Mitsubishi is here to enhance your qi with its MDT231WG all-in-one monitor. No, not an all-in-one in that it has a PC built in there, but rather it’s intended to serve double-duty as a computer monitor and an HDTV. Its 120hz refresh rate and 5.5ms response time mean it’ll keep up with Call of Duty, while its 178-degree viewing angle, 5000:1 contrast ratio IPS panel, and integrated 2.1 channel sound system means it should do a decent job at movie playback. And, with a combined power output for all three speakers of 11 watts you won’t even have to worry about waking the neighbors. Right now this is looking like it’ll only be hitting the Japanese market and, while Mitsu hasn’t announced a price yet, we found one for pre-order at ¥118,000 — just over $1,400 and a small price to pay for finding your perfect spot.

That isn’t cheap, mind you, but hey, perfection and clarity for multiple uses has its price.

Adapter-Less 3 Dimensions: Mitsubishi to prepare HDTV line for freeform 3D

Previous Mitsubishi HDTV models required an adapter to support 3D HDTV, but Mitsu is (as we speak) preparing to launch a new update for the feature. We applaud their efforts, even if we aren’t too sure how 3D will do in the future. Read on:

While its older 3DTVs will still absolutely require an adapter, Mitsubishi is rolling out a software update for its 2010 line of 3D-ready HDTVs that will allow them to process additional forms of 3D video supported by HDMI 1.4 devices. The TVs shipped with only support for checkerboard or side-by-side format 3D, while the new update adds top-bottom (ESPN 3D) and frame packing (Blu-ray 3D) support without requiring an adapter passthrough. Owners of 738 and 838 TVs that are hooked to the internet should start seeing the update soon automatically, or it will be avialable for download from the website. You’ll probably still want to grab a starter kit with IR sync and glasses if you want the Samsung-compatible specs, but DLP-link active shutter 3D glasses should work without any additional hardware at all.

Mitsubishi also updated various sources to state that the software update will launch officially on 11/16.

Deluxe: Blu-Ray treatment of Inception is out of this world

We appreciate that companies want to dress up the HD Blu-Ray releases of films nowadays, but this treatment looks to be really something else entirely. Check it out:

For a moment it appeared that the sweet Limited Edition release of Christopher Nolan’s Inception on Blu-ray would be a European only thing, but Warner Bros. has made it available for US customers as well, exclusively via its WBShop.com website. Located by a few Blu-ray.com forum posters, it looks to have all the fixings, with art cards, totem, PASIV instruction manual and of course the metal briefcase itself with Inception Blu-ray and DVD held inside. Preorders are $49.95 and ship December 6, so don’t forget to figure in overnight shipping.

That price tag is something else as well, but if you’re a 1080p fan and a big follower of the box office hit, this is the way to go, no doubt about it.

Big Panel News: AUO to make large LCD 3D units

It seems even the ‘smaller market’ players are joining the 3D HDTV fray: AUO Optronics will be releasing several huge (huge meaning 71″ mind you) LCD 3D panels in the next little while. Read on for more details:

In case you haven’t noticed, FPD International 2010 is just about ready to hit full-swing, and AUO is on hand with a stockpile of new kit. AUO Optronics just so happens to be a fairly substantial panel maker in the grand scheme of things, so people tend to pay attention when they roll out the planet’s largest Cinema Scope (read: 21:9 aspect ratio) 3D LCD TV. A 71-inch version of the aforesaid device is on hand for the public to gawk at, as is a 65-inch QFHD 4K x 2K lenticular lens 3D TV. The former boasts a 240Hz double frame rate, LED scanning backlight and optimized parameters for better motion flow, and unlike most three-dee televisions these days, this one works with polarized glasses — you know, the ones that are dirt cheap, don’t require batteries and haven’t been known to give people headaches. The latter is a glasses-free solution, but unlike the company’s next generation 3D notebook panels, you’ll need to be located in one of eight viewing spots to dig the effect.

We like the specs, but no prices released as of yet. We’re anticipating the ‘not cheap’ range, but glasses-free and/or huge will always have a hefty price tag.

Thinnest Ever (Again): LG grabs thinnest bezel title with new 37″ unit

LG seems to be on a ‘thinnest ever’ LCD HDTV title quest lately, we’ve noticed, and they’re at it again with their latest announced release.

Samsung grabbed the title last month with its 55-inch Display, but today LG is moving ahead of Sammy with a nearly nonexistent frame around its new 37-inch LCD unit that’s guaranteed to turn a few heads, especially as it migrates to larger screens in their line.

Here’s the stats: There’s 2.5mm of bezel on the bottom and right side of the screen, and 1.5mm on the top and left sides, resulting in a microscopic 4mm (0.16 inches) of separation, which is about as small as it can get and still actually have a bezel present.

We appreciate the race to slickness, but now its getting a little silly in our opinion. Thinner doesn’t always equal better, with people or HDTVs.

‘Bang’ for your Buck: B and O Goes Cheap (Sort Of)

We occasionally like to cover our Bang & Olufsen, due to their slickness, technology and boutique qualities. This one is more of a ‘budget minded’ model, relatively speaking of course; it seems they’ve heard wallets everywhere crying out in pain with the BeoVision 10-32:

It’s still a long way from the more budget-friendly model you may have been hoping for, but Bang & Olufsen has now at least introduced a smaller BeoVision LCD TV. That comes in the form of the company’s new 32-inch BeoVision 10-32, which hangs onto many of the features of the other BeoVision 10 series TVs, including edge LED-backlighting, a DVB-HD module, and a pair of built-in speakers that B&O says offers a sound quality that is “quite superior compared to the market level for TVs of this size” — you can even add your choice of one of two motorized stands.

The “bargain” price? Only $5,500 USD, which is a far cry from the 8-10K you’d spend on their larger model HDTVs.

Super Slim HD: Ultra-Thin 3D Blu-Ray player to be released by Sharp

Speaking of the word Sharp, the design of this thing is mega-sharp: a super-thin Blu-Ray player with tons of great features, as described here:

Remember that slimmer-than-slim Blu-ray 3D / BDXL player that Sharp demonstrated at CEATEC? Looks like the world now has a ship date and price, though you aren’t likely to be keen on either. The unit itself — which measures but 35mm thick and looks eerily familiar to the slimmed-down PlayStation 2 — will tout a Blu-ray recorder while supporting BD 3D and BDXL playback, and there’s even compatibility with OTA broadcasts for those looking to toast television to blank Blu-ray media. Naturally, a contraption this awesome is going to be reserved for the Japanese market, with reports suggesting that it’ll ship anywhere between mid-December to early January. The real kicker, however, is the price — at ¥85,000 ($1,047 based on today’s exchange rate), we’re surmising that only a handful of individuals can afford to give this thing the time of day.

We imagine this will have a pretty limited market given its feature set and price combination.

The Specs Specs: Prescription 3D HD Glasses?

In all the hubbub over 3D and such, people forget that many need prescription eyeglasses to see anything, 3D or otherwise. Now Samsung is apparently doing something about this, as they’re preparing prescription level 3D active-shutter glasses for certain parts of that population. More here:

If the only thing holding you back from that new 3DTV purchase was the inconvenience of slipping the 3D glasses over the regular old 2D glasses you already wear, Samsung is the first major manufacturer with a solution now that it’s unveiled a prescription version in Korea. The SSG-R2200 models appear to be very similar to the company’s other active shutter 3D glasses in various shapes and sizes, but they’re made to order from an optometrist.

We’ll see these in the US as well at some point, but we’ll also have to see what kind of prices these go for.

New News: Google TV arrives in stores?

It appears that Sony and Google HDTV alliance has begun, as many blogs are reporting early releases on the new platform, and the world of interactive HDTV content may never be the same again. Read on to see more about it from Engadget:

Sony told us that Best Buy wouldn’t begin selling its Google TV sets until October 24, but it looks like that wasn’t quite right — sources within the big box retailer tell us the TVs have already arrived, and will be free for all to purchase when an October 17th street date breaks tomorrow morning. The scrap of paper you see above goes on to suggest that full shipments may not actually arrive until the 19th and that the Logitech Revue won’t appear until the 20th, but if you’re looking to get a nice big NSX without hunting for a Sony Style store, it’s definitely worth a shot.

It’s a big-time hype release, and we’ll have some coverage on it soon when it releases officially and we get some hands-on reports into our greedy fingers.

Extra, Extra: Inception Blu-Ray HD to include 90 mins of exclusive extra features

We like it when companies load their HD Blu-Ray releases with extra features that are exclusive, as it encourages those on the fence about 1080p to move over to the light side already. That will be the case with Inception, the hit theater release when it arrives on Blu-Ray Dec. 7th (estimate street date).

Extras include a unique “Extraction Mode,” probably similar to other Warner Maximum Movie feature where the director comes in and explains details in PiP (something we really dig), and a full DTS-HD MA soundtrack as well that’s supposed to be ear-blowing.

The sellsheet for the $35.99 Blu-ray (with Digital Copy and DVD version) combo pack will include more than 90 minutes of exclusive extras featuring the director and star Lenoardo DiCaprio in commentaries and documentaries about the film. Look for it in December if you’re a big fan   of content-heavy HD discs.

Speaking of 3D… LG goes BIG

Yes, it seems LG is going big time into the 3D HDTV world, if announcements are to be believed. News of an 72″ 3D HDTV behemoth are emerging from their headquarters, and the TV was put on display as well. We bring you more details:

If you’re going to make the jump to 3D then don’t pussyfoot around. Not when you can go all in with the world’s largest commercial 3D LED backlit television from LG. The 72LEX9 stretches that 400Hz TruMotion panel to a full 72 inches while bunging NetCast online media streaming, Spot Control pixel dimming, DLNA, and Wireless AV Link into the mix. Look for it to be released in Q2 of 2011.

That makes it the biggest 3D equipped LCD TV in existence, and that’s pretty cool indeed. And you all know we’ve supported and endorsed LG as one of the best LCD brands around.

Slim Chance: Samsung debuts new 55″ Ultra Slim bezel model

Ever thinner profiles and bezels seem to be the new goal of many HDTV companies right now, and it seems Samsung is no exception in this race. Witness this new creation that was announced recently:

Remember the world’s thinnest bezel separation touted by Sharp just this past June? Forget about it. Samsung has bested its Japanese competitor with the unveiling of a new 55-inch Digital Information Display panel that features bezels of 3.8mm on the top and left edges and 1.9mm on the bottom and right, leading to a positively svelte 5.7mm distance between the content of neighboring displays. That good stuff is augmented with Full HD resolution and a blinding 700 nits of brightness. There’ll also be a 46-inch model that offers a 7.6mm separation (hint: that’s still pretty damn thin), though we’ve yet to learn on when and where aspiring home cinema nuts might be able to obtain either screen.

No prices announced yet either, but the pic here stirs the imagination for certain. We’ll bring more news when it becomes available.

A Bust: Toshiba glasses-free debut not promising?

Here’s some early hands-on reviews regarding Toshiba’s glass-free HDTV 3D unit, and they aren’t exactly good. Many have negative things to say about the current state of the technology sans glasses:

Toshiba this week introduced several glasses-free 3D HDTVs at the Ceatec conference and the media reviews are not exactly eye-popping.

For instance, CNET writes that you have to sit very close to the center of the screen to experience the 3D effect. And, “you have to stand pretty close to the (set), closer than any normal person would want to for feat of singeing their retinas.”

3D TV makers have struggled to generate sales this year and consumer surveys have suggested that the 3D goggles is a major obstacle; viewers simply don’t want to wear ( or pay extra for) special glasses while watching TV.

To combat that concern, Toshiba this week has unveiled three models, a 12-inch set, a 20-inch set and a 56-inch model. The 12-inch and 20-inch sets are expected to be available in Japan by year’s end for $1,400 and $2,800 respectively (translated into dollars.)

CNET writes that the glasses-free 3D set uses a 2D image and then makes nine images from it to create the 3D effect.

But The New York Post writes today that the viewer would have to sit between 15 and 25 inches from the screen to get the 3D effect.

Well, that isn’t a good thing. We’re one of the ones that think this tech could take off, if a reliable and solid glasses-free unit could really work.

Info Leak: Google TV info?

Sometimes even the most secret of information can be leaked suddenly by the various tech blogs that patrol the web for this very kind of thing. Witness the new info leaked about Google TV. Read on, brave HDTV lover:

While its controller may have a button layout that only an Atari Jaguar apologist could love (…), Sony’s Google TV set itself is still something intriguing, if only because of the missing pieces of the puzzle set to be revealed October 12th. Or now, perhaps, if this Sony Insider leak proves true. According to the site, four models will initially be introduced: NSX-24GT1, NSX-32GT1, NSX-40GT1, and NSX-46GT1 — which, as you may have surmised, correspond to 24-, 32-, 40-, and 46-inch sets. While no price is known for the littlest of the quartet, the others are reportedly equipped with respective $1299.99, $1499.99, and $1899.99 price tags. The lowest of those three is about $300 more than BRAVIA EX710, the most expensive Sony 32-incher right now.

We like the inside info and the Sony Google TV feature set, but those prices, ugh. Hopefully street prices will be a little lower.

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