The line between HDTV's and computer displays is continually blurring. The latest case (or cases) in point are three new computer displays from Samsung.
In late July Samsung released three new computer displays that might as well be HDTV's. The 25.5" T260HD, the 24" T240HD and the 22" T220HD. All three displays have the same basic design with the only difference in appearance between them being their relative size. The T220HD does not have a screen swiveling mechanism built in, though this is included in the other two. All three models inherit Samsung's Touch of Color (TOC) design detail which we discuss in our review of the T220. While TOC suceeds in enhancing the aesthetics of each display, it's the ATSC/QAM tuner that makes these stand out. The tuner turns these three computer displays into full-fledged HDTV's. Able to receive over the air and cable HD signals.
Each display also include the following features:
- 1920x1200 native resolution (the T220HD tops out at 1680x1050)
- 2 HDMI ports (one in the back and one on the left side)
- Component ports
- DVI
- VGA
- Headphone jack
- Optical digital audio out
- Dolby Digital Surround speakers
The T260. The other two look just like it only smaller
(Credit: Samsung Electronics America Inc. )According to Samsung each display uses half the normal power of other dipslays by redeucing the number of backlight lamps and keeping them confined along the edges. Samsung says they compensate for the reduced backlights by focusing the light that is there and increasing the overall efficiency of the display. We at CNET Labs should probably start looking into power consumption testing for computer displays, since this issue is cropping up more and more. Hmmm, we'll get back to you on when that'll be...
All three displays are available now from e-tailers and will be in brick and mortars by the end of August.
The displays are currently available for the MSRP's of:
T220HD: $429
T240HD: $549
T260HD: $599
We'll have a review of the T240HD along with the Samsung 2443BW in the next few weeks so check back then to see which is the best 24" Samsung.
On Sale Now: $249.95 - $300.25
View the latest prices for Samsung SyncMaster T220
In a step closer to more interactive advertising, a prototype LCD screen in Tokyo is using the aroma of delicious Japanese ramen and crispy tempura to reach customers.
(Credit:
Fareastgizmos)
Japan's Recruit and NTT Communication Corp. have teamed up to produce an innovative advertising booth that teases our senses unlike traditional media.
The prototype currently deployed in the Tokyo subway station not only displays video-style ads through a large 42-inch LCD panel, it also emits appetizing scents of the onscreen offerings to lure unsuspecting shoppers. Even better, it dispenses discount coupons right on the spot just in case you're raring to give the cafe and restaurant menu a try. Yum!
(Via Crave Asia)
(Credit:
Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology)
If razor-thin OLED screens do eventually supplant LCDs as some predict, there may still be hope for liquid-crystal display technology--in a new shape.
Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology has created a circle-shaped LCD that could be used for digital instruments in cars, according to Fareastgizmos. Why a circle? Because it can fit in certain parts of the dashboard better than cornered shapes, as well as particular design styles. (Think speedometers, tachometers and such.)
Besides, it's a much more dignified fate than resorting to a gimmicky engagement ring box.
(Credit:
Oregon Scientific)
Maybe it's got something to do with global warming, but personal weather stations seem to be a dime a dozen nowadays. So even though some may look better than others, it's difficult to get too excited over yet another model from Oregon Scientific, one of the more prolific makers of the devices.
Yet "Weather In Motion" really is noteworthy, though not necessarily for its meteorological qualities. What got our attention is its infrared motion-sensing technology, which Technabob says automatically adjusts the size of its numeric display depending on your distance from it--something that will be welcome news to anyone who's had the rude awakening of bifocals in middle age. From far away, the LCD shows only the basic time and temperatures; when closer, it gives more detailed information.
Forget about the weather. We want this feature on our computers too.
Lumus has come out with optic lenses on glasses that offer a see-through, high-resolution color screen. A patented Light-guide Optical Element (LOE) projects the image onto the eye while making it appear to be in the distance. Lumus worked on getting the technology into glasses, instead of the more conspicuous goggles offered by companies like Mirage Innovations.
(Credit:
Lumus-Optical)
With the Mirage Innovations product, users can see an image similar to one they'd see watching a 42-inch TV from 7 feet away. Lumus' miniature projector/LCD microdisplay offers the view of a 60-inch TV from 10 feet away.
The image projected by the Lumus technology is also somewhat transparent, so the eyeglass wearer can still view what's happening beyond the glass.
Lumus will demonstrating the new video glasses at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this January.
Israel21c focused on this new trend in eyeglass entertainment, and interviewed the scientist behind the invention.
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