lcd

Samsung's investment in Sharp could prick Apple

Apple just can't get away from Samsung.

With Apple reportedly trying to reduce its reliance on Samsung, things just got a bit harder with the Korean company investing $111 million for a 3 percent stake in another big Apple supplier: Sharp.

While Samsung says it won't get involved with Sharp's business management in "any way or form," it will be getting a "steady" supply of LCD (liquid crystal display) panels used for smartphone and tablet displays. And it probably will get a line of sight into Sharp's future products and customers, as … Read more

Samsung invests $111M in Sharp to buoy display business

Samsung has agreed to invest 10.4 billion yen, or about $111.3 million, in Sharp, helping buoy the struggling display maker.

Sharp said it will issue 35.8 million shares to give Samsung's Japanese electronics unit an approximate 3 percent stake in the company. Sharp noted in a press release that the investment "is to build up mutual trust" in the liquid crystal display business and at the same time boost Sharp's capital position.

The new partnership will ensure that Samsung receives a steady supply of large LCD panels for TVs and small and medium … Read more

Get a Westinghouse 24-inch HDTV for $139.99

Looking for a TV for the den or bedroom? For many folks, a 24-inch LCD would seem to be the ideal size.

Today only, and while supplies last, Best Buy has the Westinghouse EW24T8FW 24-inch LCD HDTV for $139.99 shipped (plus sales tax). It's pretty rare to find a 24-inch monitor at that price, so this is definitely worth a look.

The reasonably slim EW24T8FW measures just 1.9 inches deep. It features a 23.6-inch, 60Hz LCD with a native resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels (aka 1080p) -- unnecessary at that size, but nice if you'… Read more

What are Quantum Dots, and how could they help your next TV?

At CES in January, Sony announced several LCD TVs with "Triluminos," a new backlighting method that they promise offered "rich, authentic color, and excellent red and green reproduction." Digging deeper, it turns out Triluminos includes an optical component produced by QD Vision, Inc. called "Color IQ" which uses quantum dots to help create light.

OK, so what are quantum dots?… Read more

What is the 'Soap Opera Effect'?

Do movies look weird on your new TV? Does everything have a hyper-real, ultra-smooth motion to it? Are you sure something is happening with the TV's image you don't like, but you can't figure out what?

Chances are, what you're seeing is called the "Soap Opera Effect," as descriptive a moniker as we get in tech, in that this feature makes everything on your TV look like a cheap soap opera.

Here's what it is, what it does, and how to turn it off.… Read more

Get a 27-inch Hanns-G LED monitor for $199.99 shipped

Yesterday, reader Pete asked, "Are there any good monitor deals coming?"

Yes. Yes there are.

For a limited time, and while supplies last, Newegg has the Hanns-G HL272HPB 27-inch LED monitor for $199.99 shipped. That's about $70 off the regular price and at least $40 less than I've seen it selling elsewhere.

Assuming your desk can accommodate one, big monitors rock. They not only make everything, well, bigger (duh), but also goose your productivity by letting you keep more windows open.

Imagine, then, your Web browser occupying half the screen and, say, your word processor … Read more

Getting your settings right for the big game

New TV? Old TV? New gear? Old gear? Are you sure all your settings are correct? Even if you're not planning on watching the big game, it's worth taking a moment to ensure you're getting the most out of your TV and assorted A/V gear.

Think of it like getting the oil changed on your car, or a visit to the dentist, except there's less chance of screaming and/or a tragic dental floss mishap.… Read more

Get a 50-inch Sceptre HDTV for $399

Now that the combatants for this year's big game have been decided (and who doesn't love a battle of brothers?), perhaps you're ready for a big, new TV on which to enjoy the game.

For a limited time, and while supplies last, TigerDirect has the Sceptre X508BV-FHD 50-inch LCD HDTV for $399.99, plus around $30 for shipping. That's your after-rebate price, but, hey, some deals require a little delayed gratification.

As you might expect from the price, this is an entry-level TV. It's not especially thin, and it lacks apps and Wi-Fi and all … Read more

At CES, Sharp explains benefits of its IGZO display tech

LAS VEGAS -- At CES today, a Sharp engineer talked to CNET about the merits of LCDs that use IGZO technology.

IGZO displays first came to consumers' attention when it was rumored that Apple was going to tap Sharp's IGZO tech for the third-generation iPad.

While that didn't happen (at that time, Sharp apparently had not gotten IGZO to the point where it could be mass produced for a commercial 10-inch class tablet like Apple's), Sharp is now offering IGZO on commercial smartphones and tablets in Japan.

And the company is showing off 32-inch 4K-resolution low-power IGZO … Read more

Panasonic's E series LCDs are feature-rich

LAS VEGAS--In 2013, Panasonic is releasing its largest line of LCDs yet, with seven different series to choose from. While the WT60 and DT60 sit at the high end, it's the three types of E series that make up the bulk of the company's offering.

The three E series include the 50-inch and 60-inch ET60; the E60 in four sizes (42-, 50-, 58-, and 65-inch screens); and the entry-level EM60 at 39 inches and 50 inches.

Unusually for Panasonic, the ET60 and E60 are blessed with an embarrassment of feature riches. The most "gadgety" addition is … Read more