CES - Televisions

Sony XBR goes over edge with full-array local dimming

Updated June 9, 2010 with new model number--HX900 became HX909--as well as pricing, availability and other information.

Among the numerous permutations of LED backlighting, we've consistently experienced the best results with the variety known as local dimming, which typically uses a full array of LEDs arranged behind the screen, not just along the edge. Those LEDs can dim or illuminate as necessary depending on program content, and as a result can achieve excellent contrast, black levels, and overall picture quality.

The superb Sony KDL-XBR8 series from 2008 was the company's last attempt at the technology. Sony skipped LED … Read more

Sony integrates 3D, Wi-Fi in flagship LED-based LCD

Updated June 9, 2010 with pricing, availability and other information. Despite announcing smaller sizes of this series at CES, Sony has only confirmed the 52- and 60-inch models for now.

Sony has announced a trio of 3D-capable HDTV series this year, but only the flagship XBR-LX900 actually includes the glasses--2 pair !--you'll need to enjoy 3D content. Of course, other family members beyond the first two will have to get their own pairs, sold separately ($150 each), but at least with this model Sony builds the emitter into the TV (the others make you purchase the $50 emitter separately). … Read more

Poll--Do you plan on upgrading to 3D?

CES 2010 proved that manufacturers are ready to sell 3D gear, but that doesn't necessarily mean that consumers are ready to buy it. The consumer electronics industry believes that the success of 3D movies like "Avatar" will get people pumped up for another upgrade cycle, but with plenty of people just getting HDTVs within the last few years, it's likely to be a tough sell.

We've voiced our own skepticism and seen plenty of 3D-hate in the comments, but it's worth pointing out that we saw that same kind of comments when Blu-ray came … Read more

TVs from the third dimension, a wrap-up

LAS VEGAS--Anybody who kept track of the news and highlights from CES this year knows that, as predicted, one trend dominated everything else: 3D. And since you'll need a new TV--and glasses!--to view the new 3D movies, games and TV programs, it follows that the main TV-related announcements all centered on 3D-compatibility.

But before I get into the nitty-gritty of actual announcements, it's worth taking a step back for some perspective on 3D. Here are a few general things to remember as you sift through 3D coverage from the show.

The first 3D TVs should ship in "spring" of this year--likely later rather than earlier--at which time we'll publish reviews. Until then we can't say how they'll actually perform in the real world. The models shown at CES were not final versions, and their picture quality in show demos is subject to change. The 3D TVs announced at the show are the most expensive in their respective manufacturers' product lines, although we don't expect them to cost much more than current high-end models. Aside from Vizio, nobody announced pricing on any 3D TVs. The new 3D TVs use technology that's similar to what's seen in IMAX 3D and other commercial 3D theaters, and it's superior to the technology typified by the cardboard glasses with color filter lenses. As far as we know, there's no way to upgrade ANY current HDTV to be compatible with the new 3D display technologies. Update: Mitsubishi announced an adapter box that would enable their current and older 3D-capable, DLP-based rear-projection models to work with 3D. You can watch normal TV and HDTV on a 3D TV with no problem. For a true 3D experience, you'll need new 3D content, whether it's a 3D TV channel, a 3D Blu-ray Disc, or a 3D video game. No such content is widely available now, and small amounts will trickle out throughout 2010. (The first 3D TV channels will likely be on DirecTV in June). Not everyone can enjoy the 3D experience, and many people cannot see 3D at all or suffer headaches or other ill effects from it. We recommend anyone who's considering a 3D TV to first watch a few 3D movies in the theater to see how it works for them. Then remember that TVs are a lot smaller. All of the CES announcements are subject to change, and most will certainly be modified as the year progresses. Check out CNET's 3D TV FAQ for more details.

Now that that's taken care of, let's check out the major TV announcements.

… Read more

LG's DP570MH combo unit set to become first Mobile DTV released

LAS VEGAS--With mobile digital television (DTV) technology officially in the process of being rolled out, a few new Mobile TV devices are set to hit the market later this year, including LG's DP570MH, a model that combines a portable DTV with a DVD player.

Mobile DTV technology is different from the over-the-air signals you can pull in with a standard ATSC digital TV tuner and antenna. The key to Mobile TV is that you can pick up signals while you're moving in a car or even a fast train. According to LG, the new Mobile DTV standard allows … Read more

Philips' new PET749 portable DVD player with built-in DTV ups the resolution

LAS VEGAS--Last year we reviewed a few new portable DTV units from no-name manufacturers that did OK in our tests, but fell short in terms of battery life and resolution. That's why we're intrigued with Philips' upcoming PET749, which combines a portable DVD player and DTV in a $179.99 (list) unit with a higher resolution 800x480 display.

While that's not HDTV resolution, it is a notch up from the 480x234-pixel resolution you see on many of the generic portable DTVs cropping up on Amazon and other sites (we reviewed the Envizen Digital Duo Box Pro ED8850A). … Read more

ViewSonic's HDTV lineup

LAS VEGAS--You can't swing a CES badge around without knocking over a LED TV this week, it seems. ViewSonic isn't doing much to help the situation as the debuted four new LED HDTVs during the show.

First up are the 18.5-inch VT1900LED and 32-inch VT3200LED. Both are 720p, Energy Star 5.0 compliant and offer a response time of 5ms.

The 42-inch VT4200LED and 23-inch VT2300LED feature full HD 1080p panel resolution, delivering the ultimate visual experience for HD movies and Internet content. In addition, the VT4200LED delivers 120Hz operation, fast 4ms response time, and a 100,… Read more

Consumers may not embrace 3D TV (podcast)

If you walk around the Central Hall at CES, you get the feeling that 3D TV is sure to be the "next big thing." It certainly is big at the enormous gadgetfest, but just because TV manufacturers are embracing the technology doesn't mean consumers will be quite so enthusiastic.

USA Today technology journalist Jefferson Graham doesn't think so. "You go to the movies three hours and you wear some glasses, that's fine. Do you really want to wear those glasses in front of your TV every night?" asks Graham. He talks about the … Read more

2010 Best of CES winner is Panasonic's 3D plasma TV

If you had to pick a theme at 2010 International CES in Las Vegas, it would have to be 3D. The dimension of depth was ubiquitous in the product announcements of CE makers, from HDTVs to Blu-ray to gaming to PCs to camcorders...well you get the idea. But to view all that spiffy 3D content you'll need a new 3D-compatible HDTV, which helps explain why we awarded the 2010 Best of CES award to the Panasonic TC-PVT25 series.

Among the numerous 3D-compatible HDTVs announced at the show, the Panasonic will likely be the first to market, at least … Read more