CES 2008: The news from JVC, Westinghouse and Vizio

JVC gets thin, Westinghouse goes wireless, Vizio heads uptown

Announcements by JVC, Westinghouse, and Vizio underscore a few of the key TV trends we've been seeing here at CES: thinner sets, wireless connectivity, and higher-end features moving into the mainstream.

JVC entered the "we are the thinnest LCD TV in the world" contest with a new thin-line series of LCD TVs that measure just 1.5 inches across the top of the cabinet and under 3 inches at the panel's center. (Click on image at right for a closer look.) The 42-inch LT-42SL89 and the 46-inch LT-46SL89, both 1080p models, also have a very thin bezel. They weigh less than conventional LCDs (under 27 pounds for the 42-incher) and consume less power, the company said. The slim design was enabled by JVC's development of a new space-saving backlight and chassis.

Westinghouse hit CES with the news that it was partnering with a company called Pulse-Link to deliver what it called "the world’s first fully integrated" wireless HDTV. The LCD uses ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technology, called Wireless HDMI, to send audio and HD-quality video signals from a source component, such as a DVD player or cable or satellite box, to the TV.

The set, which will initially be released as a commercial product, reflects the growing trend of wireless-enabled TVs we're seeing here at the show. The key advantage is that once a TV is untethered from its source components, it can be mounted anywhere in a room without having to worry about cabling (except for the power cord).

Vizio showed seven new plasma models, including well-priced 50- and 60-inch 1080p sets. The company says the 50-inch set, the VP504F, is the first plasma to incorporate the Silicon Optix high-performance HQV Reon video processor. The chip will also be used in the 60-inch model (VP605F). These new 1080p sets, which have four HDMI 1.3 inputs, come with a 6-foot HDMI cable. They will be available in June with estimated selling prices of $1,699 and $2,899, respectively.

Vizio also announced a new VP series of 720p plasma sets, including the 32-inch VP322 ($689), 42-inch VP422 ($999), 42-inch VP423 ($999), and 50-inch VP503 ($1,399). The two 42-inch models are similar, but one will be sold in mass merchants such as Wal-Mart, while the other will be available in warehouse clubs and electronics chains. The company also reintroduced its all-in-one 720p "Jive" VP500 TV, plus a new Jive model, the VP501, which has 1080p resolution. The Jive sets are 50-inch plasma models that include a full Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound system. The VP500 is priced at $1,800, but final pricing for the 1080p model hasn't yet been set.

—James K. Willcox