Japan tops HDTV viewership

According to research firm, SNL Kagan, the number of HTDT viewers globally has continued to increase, with more affordable HDTVs coming onto the market.

SNL Kagan’s new study, “Global High Definition Television Trends”, shows that Japan has the highest number of HDTV viewers in the world, helped by its pioneering experience in the HD market in the 1980s and 1990s.

Broadcasters in Japan offer low cost TV services, helping to drive demand, with some of them even offering HDTV for free.

The United States is currently in second place, but could overtake Japan by the end of 2008, when the number of US homes with HDTV is expected to have increased to 12 million, from 6 million at the moment.

According to SNL Kagan, HDTV markets in Canada, France and the United States have become better suited for pay-HDTV, and US Cable and satellite content providers are continuing to provide TV packages with a growing number of HD channels.

SNL Kagan estimates that the HDTV service provider market will generate revenues of over $1 billion in 2007, $11 billion by 2014, and $12 billion by 2016.

JVC LT-42X688 with 5th Generation Digital Image Scaling Technology

The JVC LT-42X688 is one of those sets that you would really appreciate. It produces images with such clarity that it feels that you are actually there. All this, thanks to JVC’s technology, like 5th Generation Digital Image Scaling Technology (D.I.S.T.) with GENESSA Picture Processing. Using an exclusive digital algorithm, D.I.S.T. detects and seamlessly upconverts any video source to display at 1080p.

Genessa provides 32-bit turbo-powered picture processing for faster and more efficient sampling to drastically reduce jagged edges and increase the resolution of all sources. The LT-42X688 also offers 1200:1 contrast ratio, 500 cd/m2 brightness level, and a 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle.

The LT-42X688’s Digital Super Detail (DSD) circuitry is a state-of-the-art edge correction technology that works to reproduce completely focused pictures, whether the image is still or highly active. Providing this higher degree of focus ensures that every image is viewed at the highest possible resolution.

Digital Super Detail Circuitry keeps the picture completely focused for both still and highly active images. A 4-point Color Management System (CMS) compensates for color range limitations and ensures JVC colors are reproduced with dimension and vivid detail. Colors are truer and never tainted by surrounding or similar colors.

So the LT-42X688 has the technology to display HD programming in fantastic detail. This model is HD-integrated, a feature that maximizes your ability to tune in to the programming you want to see. A built-in ATSC tuner allows you to receive over-the-air digital terrestrial broadcasts. The clear QAM tuner allows you to receive unscrambled digital cable signals.

Selectable aspect modes let you choose the aspect ratio to suit your preferences. Standard signal modes include Regular, Panorama, Cinema and Full. HD signal modes include Full Native, Cinema Zoom and Panorama Zoom/Slim. By examining the brightness level of incoming image sources, Smart Picture technology compensates for scenes, frame by frame, to insure they are displayed at the perfect brightness level without sacrificing contrast as detail.

The LT-42X688 is equipped with dual HDMI/HDCP Digital Inputs that provide an uncompressed high bandwidth digital connection from any HDMI compatible device. This method of displaying digital signals allows for a noise-free, unaltered transmission of the digital content, and helps ensure you’ll be ready for the ever-increasing number of electronic components that are offering this dynamic interface.

Input terminals include the HDMI inputs, an RS232C, a DCR CableCARD slot, dual IEEE 1394 FireWire ports, a PC input as Input 3 (D-Sub 15 pin), a Smart Video Input, 2 Auto Sensing Component Video inputs, 2 S-Video inputs and 3 AV inputs. Output terminals include an optical digital audio output and a fixed audio output. With this variety of connections, you don’t have to worry about connecting your less-advanced heritage components to your new television.

Suited for premier sound quality, the LT-42X688 features 20 watts of total audio power, Advanced Hyper Surround sound, Vocal Enhancement On/Off in Menu and a Parametric Equalizer with MaxxBass for maximum bass response.

LG’s 52 inch 1080p LCD WiFi TV

Now this puppy looks like a winner. LG have just launched a 52 inch 1080p LCD TV with 802.11n WiFi connectivity enabling you to stream HD content across your home network and onto this sucker.

Unfortunately with no pricing or launch date there are still a few key loose ends left to be tied up, but the 52LG71 LCD TV could be an awesome addition to any home entertainment setup at any cost.

Samsung S204S burns without hard drives

Samsung has introduced a new DVD burner, the TruDirect SE-S204S (not pictured). While it plugs into desktop or notebook PCs, the S204S is unusual in that it does not require hard drive access; it can burn videos and photos directly from devices attached to a computer, without first demanding any pre-mastering, multiplexing or buffering. The on-board technology is also said to improve copying speeds in general, since a one-hour video stream can be burned directly in an hour and five minutes, or 30 minutes if copied to a hard drive first.

DVD-R/DL and DVD-RAM discs are written at up to 12x speed, while DVD+R/DL discs are written at 16x, and regular DVD+/-R discs copy at 20x. The S204S should out across the US for $160.

Samsung to turn to plasma in face of LCD shortage?

Following rival LG Electronics (LGE)'s upcoming launch of a 32-inch PDP (plasma display panel) TV, Samsung SDI is also said to be developing similar products in order to meet demand driven by the persistent shortage of LCD TV panels.

Although Samsung SDI showed minimal interest in 32-inch PDP TVs in the past, the growing demand for PDP TV amid the LCD TV panel shortages, has prompted Samsung SDI to evaluate related offerings, according to industry sources. However, the company will not launch any 32-inch PDP TVs in the near term due to capacity constraints.

PDP TV panel capacity is tight due to buoyant demand from Samsung Electronics, Philips and some China-based customers, the sources explained. As Samsung SDI has no spare capacity to produce the 32-inch PDP TV panels, it has no plans to start volume production in the near term, although production is already ready.

With some industry players saying earlier that a possible 10% PDP TV panel shortage in Taiwan had been seen, some China TV vendors, finding insufficient panel supply, shifted to increase the proportion of their PDP TV offerings, the sources observed. Demand from China is getting strong as vendors are also under pressure to meet annual sales targets.

Best 5 HDTVs

Samsung LN-T3253H

Best HDTV 32-inches and under
Great style, oodles of features, and a solid picture combine to make the Samsung LN-T3253H one of the best LCD TVs available at its size.
Price: $739.95 - $1,099.99
Filed in: Top HDTVs: 32 inches or less



Panasonic TH-42PZ700U

Best HDTV between 33- and 42-inches
For those who can spare no expense, the Panasonic TH-42PZ700U plasma offers the best picture quality in its size class.
Price: $1,189.00 - $1,999.99
Filed in: Top HDTVs: 33 to 43 inches



Sony KDL-46XBR4

Best HDTV between 43- and 47-inches
Although not quite as impressive as the best plasmas, the 46-inch Sony KDL-46XBR4 outperforms any flat-panel LCD we've tested so far.
Price: $2,317.00 - $3,599.99
Filed in: Top HDTVs: 44 to 57 inches



Pioneer PDP-5080HD

Best HDTV between 48- and 52-inches
The Pioneer PDP-5080HD produces the deepest shade of black--and thus one of the best pictures--we've ever tested.
Price: $2,118.00 - $3,500.00
Filed in: Top HDTVs: 44 to 57 inches



Panasonic TH-58PZ700U

Best HDTV 52-inches and up
Although it costs more than any rear-projection big-screen, the 58-inch Panasonic TH-58PZ700U plasma offers superb image quality.
Price: $2,997.00 - $4,499.99
Filed in: Top HDTVs: 58-plus inches source (http://reviews.cnet.com)

Alphascan to launch its new 19-inch monitor 'AD190D Plus'

Alphascan launched its new 19-inch monitor with 4:3 aspect ratio 'AD190D Plus' in Korea market, which features 1000:1 contrast ratio, 2ms response speed, and 330cd/m² brightness. Supporting D-sub and DVI ports, it comes in two colors of black and white.