westinghouse

Westinghouse to show Roku Ready TV at CES

Today Westinghouse announced a line of TVs designed to work with the Roku Streaming Stick, a USB-key-size dongle that provides the functionality of a full-fledged Roku box -- our Editors' Choice for streaming video -- without having to connect additional wires.

The TVs have MHL (Mobile High Definition Link)-enabled HDMI inputs, into which the stick can be plugged. Numerous other MHL-equipped TVs will also be announced at CES next week, theoretically allowing them to also work with the Stick, but many will likely have their own smart TV suites built in, and few will be guaranteed such functionality by … Read more

Westinghouse to show 110-inch 4K TV at CES

Even if you believe that 4K TVs are stupid, like we do, that won't stop manufacturers from churning out numerous examples of the shiny new, higher-resolution TVs at the Consumer Electronics Show next month.

Tied for the biggest we've heard of so far is the 110-inch 4K LED TV announced by Westinghouse yesterday.

That size will join 50-, 55-, and 65-inch 4K models in the company's booth. Few other details, aside from a 120Hz refresh rate and shipping information, were revealed. The 110-incher will be available as a custom order in the first quarter, says the company, … Read more

Westinghouse shows off 4K TV

While Westinghouse positions itself as a budget brand, it has shown it's also willing to experiment with cutting-edge technology. The 55-inch is the company's first TV to feature a 4k resolution, and is planned to be released in the first quarter of 2013.

The TV features a Quad HD resolution, which is essentially a consumer version of 4K, and measures at 3,840x2,160 pixels (or four times 1080p).

Interestingly, 3M researcher Dave Lamb recently told CNET that 4K would only have benefits in sizes above 55 inches. Based on a brief demo of mainly static images in … Read more

Elektro: 1939 smoking robot saved from oblivion

You can walk into any toy store and buy a robot these days. No big deal. Back in 1939, a robot was an incredible oddity. That's why crowds flocked to see Elektro, a robot built by Westinghouse Electric for the New York World's Fair.

The talking Elektro described himself as a "smart fellow" with a "fine brain" consisting of 48 electrical relays that worked like a telephone switchboard.

Elektro was a bit of a smarty-pants, making lame jokes, smoking cigarettes, and blowing up balloons. Elektro could walk (slowly), move his mouth, and turn his head. This was pretty advanced stuff for the day. The 7-foot-tall creation took voice commands via a telephone handset.

Elektro lies low Elektro disappeared into obscurity after touring the country and then passing time as a minor attraction at a California amusement park. Elektro's story could have ended there, but the big metal guy is now in line for a revival. Elektro's head turned up in a basement and his body in a barn. … Read more

Westinghouse touts its $899 'value' 46-inch LED TV

At CES, companies like to roll out new TV technologies and higher-end sets. But Westinghouse is doing something different. It's talking up the value of its LED TV lineup, highlighting the 46-inch LD-4655 that hits stores later this month for a suggested retail price of $899.

The 1080P LCD measures just over 2 inches thick and has a high-gloss, black bezel and weighs 38 pounds. In terms of specs, you're not looking at anything fancy: a 120Hz refresh rate, 6.5ms response time, and LED backlighting, which helps make the set more energy efficient.

We can't say … Read more

Westinghouse debuts new HDTV lineup

LAS VEGAS-So apparently there's this new technology called LED? Has anyone heard of this? Doesn't really matter. The LED train is moving and moving fast. You're either on it or under it. At least that's what a PR rep said to to me today and I'm inclined to believe him.

Westinghouse's newest display lineup consists eight models ranging from 24-inch to 55-inch screen sizes. According to the company, each is about one-inch thick at the TV's visible edges. Also, the acrylic neck of each model's stand is illuminated with an understated red … Read more

Budget Westinghouse (very slightly) out-greens most LCDs

Much like Vizio, budget TV brand Westinghouse has decided to capitalize on the usual energy efficiency of small-screened LCDs. Its "greenvue" line, which includes the SK-H640G series, is said to surpass Energy Star by 20 percent.

That's not a very high standard yet, however, and according to our tests, the 32-incher, while among the most efficient of its kind, will save you at most a few bucks a year over similar TVs. Compared with those TVs it also came up a bit short in the picture quality and features departments, but its simple design and control scheme … Read more