CEDIA Report: New technologies hit LCD TVs from Sharp, Toshiba and Sony

LCD TVs took center stage at CEDIA yesterday, with manufacturers showcasing technologies designed to improve color, brightness, motion smoothness, and sharpness, as well as super-slim designs. Here are some of the highlights.

Sharp adds LED-based LCDs

Sharp announced the Aquos HDTV LE (Limited Edition) series, which uses colored LEDs that offer a wider color gamut, according to the company, and local dimming, a technology that can apply different brightness levels across sections of the screen. The new sets also use 120Hz technology, which Sharp calls Fine Motion Enhanced, to minimize motion blur. The sets have slim-profile cabinets—as shallow as an inch in some areas—and a separate media module that houses five HDMI inputs and two component-video inputs, all of which can receive 1080p signals. The line, which debuts next month at yet-undisclosed prices, will be offered in 42-,52-, and 65-inch screen sizes.

The company also unveiled the Aquos D85U series, which includes 42-, 46-,  and 52-inch sets. All are 1080p, 120Hz sets with improved contrast and response times, the company says, and similar inputs to the HDTV LE series models, above. Prices range from $1,900 to $2,600.

Sony gets thin, adds 240Hz model

Sony will offer the first Bravia LCD model, the KDL-52XBR7 (shown at right), that includes 240Hz technology (MotionFlow 240). The TV essentially quadruples the video frame rate by interpolating three new frames to help reduce motion blur. 

The company also announced the Bravia KLV-40ZX1M, a 26-pound LCD monitor that's just 9.9mm deep, or "about the thickness of a Blu-ray jewel case." The 40-inch set uses LED backlighting,and includes 120Hz MotionFlow technology. It's a monitor, meaning it lacks a built-in tuner.

Both the 52XBR7 and the KLV-40ZX1M will be available in December at prices to be announced later.

The company unveiled two new LCoS-based (SXRD) 1080p front projectors, the VPL-VW10 ($3,500, September) and VPL-HW70 ($8,000, November). The more expensive model is designed for the custom-installation market, and has greater contrast, more picture adjustments, and can accept an optional anamorphic lens for 2.35:1 images.

Toshiba bows upconverting TVs

Toshiba introduced a new upconverting technology, called Super Resolution Technology (SRT) that will be included in its new Regza 535 series LCD TVs, as well as in its flagship XV545 Regza Cinema Series models. According to the company, the technology enhances image sharpness, brightness, and color to make standard-definition video signals—including DVDs and TV broadcasts—look like HD. Toshiba recently launched a new standard DVD player (XD-E500) with what it claims are exceptional upconverting capabilities. 

The XV535 Regza and XV545 Regza (shown at right) models combine SRT with AutoView, which uses built-in sensors to monitor ambient room light conditions and make adjustments to the TV automatically.  A key difference between the two series is that Cinema Series models includes Toshiba's ClearFrame 120Hz technology. Both have "Double Skin" cabinets, which have an outer layer of translucent material that reveals a textured material beneath it. Both lines will be offered in 42-, 46-, and 52-inch screen sizes, with prices ranging from $1,400 to $2,800.

Toshiba also introduced two new lower-priced series. The 40- and 46-inch RV525 models ($1,100 and $1,600, respectively) are 1080p sets (the first non-Regza Full HD models), while the entry-level RV502 models, which replace the AV500 sets in 26-, 32- and 37-inch screen sizes, are 720p models with prices ranging from $650 to $900. The company also introduced a new 22-inch AV500 model.

Stay tuned for more reports from CEDIA, including an update on the new Blu-Ray player introductions.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[everett whitney]

TO: John - 20 Oct - "Terrible sound on 19" TV.."

You have (2) problems .... that location atop the icebox IS completely too high for proper viewing. Display center needs to be @ about 41"-42" from floor.

Secondly, either plan on buying a separate sound system - i.e.- HTIB, which do exist at very basic models for $150 or, much better, find a wall location to mount a Top Tier 32"

These Top Sets do all have a "QAM" tuner internally, allowing HD service for your locals without any box whatever & on only the very same old cable fee as before - No extra charge! Simply connect the cable coax to the rear of the set & all is done! And, the sound will be acceptable for that kitchen.

[John Miranda]

We are returning a Samsung 19" because of the terrible audio - sometimes even at full volume it is hard to hear! Is there any 19" that has better/satisfactory sound? What do we buy for the top of our refrigerator if 19" is not good?

John

[everett whitney]

TO: Tim -09 Sept - "Why such bad audio in 19" ..?"

Mostly, because of the extremely small space inside that already-tiny cabinet simply doesn't permit a proper amplifier & speakers ! Yours may be only a 5 watt sound, very inadequate, as you said. And, these units ARE made to a price-point to be competitive.

For that matter, the 5.1 Dolby embedded in all HD signals can not be heard at all in ANY set, even the $4000 +ones!

There Must be adequate physical spacing between the respective speakers in order to have the various "hi / low / center / rear / sub-woofer" effects!

[Tim]

Why does the audio suffer so much on small LCD TV's? I purchased an LG 19" for my kitchen, and boy, the sound is terrible! The picture is good, even though I'm still in the dark ages with standard basic cable. But I've heard that I'm not the only one around with terrible sound.

[Mike]

I used to be a big Sony fan until I bought their 51" HDTV in 2002. To make a long story short, 6 picture tubes and several other parts later I changed my mind about Sony. That TV is in a scrap pile somewhere now. The Salvation Army wouldn't even take it.

I now have a 50" Panasonic plasma and it has been a great set so far.

[Cliff]

For anyone, who depends on closed caption, I recommend Sony Bravia. It has a button of "CC" in its remote control instead of going to the menus which consumes time. It also adjustments of font size, font styles, color fonts, etc. It is best one for any people with visual imparied.