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Sharp’s first 4K 32-inch IGZO LCD is destined for Japanese workstations
We’ve been waiting to enjoy the promised extra detail and low power consumption of IGZO-based LCD panels for a few years now, and they’re finally starting to appear. The latest on the docket is Sharp’s new PN-K321 monitor, built for professional use with 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160) plus HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, and what Sharp claims is the industry’s thinnest frame at just 35mm thick. With an expected price of 450,000 yen or so (about $5,500 US) when it debuts in February 2013 it’s still too pricey for our desks but if you’re doing CAD work you may be able to design a budget it can fit into. We’re seeing them in phones, tablets and now monitors overseas, here’s hoping we’ll see plenty of these high pixel density yet power-sipping panels with US release dates at CES in January.
Sharp announces first TVs with Moth-Eye technology: the AQUOS XL series
Sharp may look like it’s in trouble, but that’s not stopping it bringing new displays to the market, including today’s announcement of the AQUOS Quattron 3D XL TV line. Behind the mouthful of acronyms, these LED-backlit LCD panels are the first to feature Sharp’s Moth-Eye technology, designed to reduce glare and pump out bright colors, as well as a deep black. The company’s ‘four primary color’ tech is partly responsible for the rich output, which squeezes a yellow sub-pixel in with the standard R, G and B. All the panels run at 1,920 x 1,080, as you’d expect, sport a 10 million to 1 contrast ratio and use five speakers to deliver audio. Prices aren’t fixed, but the 46-, 52- and 80-inch models will be released in Japan on December 15th, while the 60- and 70-inch variants will come slightly earlier, on November 30th. You’re going to have to be quick on launch day, though — only 10,000 units are expected to be available in the first month.
Dell releases new S Series monitors with edge-to-edge glass, IPS panels
Dell’s built quite a reputation for delivering solid monitors at reasonable prices, and it’s now expanded its offerings in a fairly big way with no less than five new S Series models, some of which boast edge-to-edge glass and/or IPS panels. On the top end is the 27-inch S2740L, which has the most connectivity options of the lot (DVI, VGA, HDMI and a pair of USB ports) and, of course, the highest price tag at $400. From there, things drop to $300 with the 24-inch S2440L (the only non-IPS model of the lot), and go all the way down to $200 for the 21.5-inch S2240M — the three lower-end models ditch the edge-to-edge glass but still retain minimal bezels. Unlike some of the company’s higher-end UltraSharp models, though, all five monitors have a 16:9 aspect ratio instead of 16:10, and you’ll get a standard 1920 x 1080 resolution regardless of the size you choose. Complete specs for each can be found at the links below.
Sony unveils latest HX950 flagship HDTV in Japan with ‘Intelligent Peak LED’ backlighting
While Sony’s current lineup of HDTVs has so far topped out with the HX929/920 series that’s been kicking around since 2011, in Japan it has just unveiled a new top of the line model: the HX950. Often rumored in the last few months, it’s available in 65- or 55-inch varieties and features Sony’s now-trademark monolithic style as well as “Intelligent Peak LED” backlighting. Although Sony’s brand name for the tech doesn’t exactly reveal how it works, information leaks have suggested it is full array LED backlighting and not edge based, although we don’t know how many zones (individually controlled light sources) are in play. What we do know, however is that it claims to outperform the LED backlighting in the old 929 quite handily, although we’ll let our eyes be the judge of that.
It also includes MotionFlow XR960 (800 in the US) motion processing tech that can create 240fps from 60 frames and a glass panel mounted to the LCD itself with a special type of resin designed specifically to reduce glare. Finally, there’s also the usual add-ins like 3D and Sony Entertainment Network streaming video. We haven’t seen any European or US information for this model yet, although with IFA 2012 under way and CEDIA coming up that may change quickly. Currently pricing in Japan for the 65-inch is expected to be around 650,000 yen or $8,269 when it ships November 10th, but we should mention actual US prices are typically much lower than a direct conversion. Unofficially, one retailer is already listing the 55- and 65-inch models for sale in the US for $3,499 and $5,499, respectively, although we’d take that with a grain of salt until we know for sure.
ASUS launches PB278Q WQHD monitor for pros and gamers that appreciate accurate colors
It appears there will be plenty of options for professionals interested in WQHD monitors this fall, and ASUS has added one more to the pile on the eve of IFA 2012 with its PB278Q. An LED-backlit IPS 27-inch widescreen display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, it has HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, Dual-link DVI and built-in speakers. Similar to the VA278Q that was introduced at CES 2012, it will add pro-focused adjustments for more accurate color, plus ASUS QuickFit Virtual Scale and Splendid Video Intelligence tech when it ships in early September. There’s no word on the price tag, but if you’re interested in something with more pixels than your current 1080p setup, there’s a video from ASUS Republic of Gamers Australia embedded after the break.
LG preps 21:9 aspect ratio EA93 and WQHD EA83 series IPS LCD monitors for debut at IFA 2012
It’s tradeshow season and as is its custom, LG is bringing monitors packed with its latest and greatest display technology to show off. Just announced ahead of IFA 2012 are the EA93 and EA83 IPS LCDs, with the former aimed at entertainment / multitasking and the latter targeting graphics, video and photography pros. The EA93 is a 29-inch 21:9 aspect ratio ultrawidescreen (2560 x 1080) display with a thin bezel designed to immerse the viewer in the content. It can handle a 4-way split screen and connections via DVI Dual Link, DisplayPort, or HDMI with MHL support. The EA83′s claim to fame is its 2560 x 1440 WQHD resolution that brings four times the pixel count of 1280 x 720 panels and 99 percent Adobe RGB accuracy. There’s no word on the price tag for either of these, but they should start shipping in November.
4K, 84-inch ‘ultra’ HDTV from LG is ready to start shipping now in Korea, worldwide next month
Just in time to completely blow away that puny flat screen you nabbed for your dorm room, LG has announced its 84-inch ultra high definition LCD TV is ready to ship in South Korea. The company put its first UHDTV up for pre-ordering last month, at a price of 25 million won, which currently converts to about $22,105 US. The 84LM9600 does 3D with LG’s Cinema 3D passive glasses technology, however its ultra high pixel count means you’re still watching in 1080p even with the resolution loss since it starts at 3,840 x 2,160, and also features “3D sound” with integrated 2.2 channel speakers.
The bad news of course is that finding actual 4K res content is practically impossible, despite recent work on standards and even some testing by broadcasters. Still, plug this into a BDP-S790 Blu-ray player, certain PS3 apps or just output the latest video you’ve shot and it should be worth the price of admission, assuming you’re one of the (presumably) well-heeled Korean VIP customers that managed to snag one so far. If you’re not then don’t worry — the press release (included after the break) reveals you’ll have your chance once they start shipping worldwide in September, we plan to get our eyes on a production model at IFA 2012 in Germany.
AOC Aire iPlay desktop LCD docks iPhones and iPods, rocks the joint (modestly)
AOC has a bit of a long-term memory issue: it claims the Aire iPlay E2343Fi is the first computer monitor to have a built-in iPhone and iPod docking station. Nope. But don’t let that deter you from checking out the new 23-inch LCD, whose cradle in the base will both keep your Apple gear topped up as well as play movies and music through the display. The 10-watt speakers won’t exactly bring the house down, though they will let you take the headphones off. As an actual computer display, it’s a typical TN-based panel with a 1080p resolution, a quick 2ms pixel response time and a boldly claimed 50,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Those who find a separate dock or (gasp) wires too much can officially spend $280 for an Aire iPlay of their own today; Amazon and other shops have already knocked the price down to a more palpable $230.
Acer G6: i nuovi Montitor dal Design Super-Slim
La recente esplosione di contenuti video, soprattutto in alta definizione, richiede display con tecnologie all’avanguardia e computer in grado di mostrare la qualità delle immagini. I questa ottica Acer annuncia i nuovi monitor serie G6, prodotti che oltre alle performance mirano ad “attirare” l’utente con un design ricercato Super-Slim.
La base con geometria a X offre un supporto stabile, e l’aspetto lucido conferisce eleganza e un aspetto moderno, ideale per tutti gli ambienti. I Monitor G6 sono disponibili in 6 diverse misure: 68,6 cm (27”), 61 cm (24”), 58 cm (23”), 55 cm (22”), 51 cm (20”) e 47 cm (19”) di diagonale, con risoluzioni Full HD e HD+.
Toshiba’s 55XS5 brings quad HD without the glasses-free 3D tech to Japan in June
While we’re still waiting for Toshiba to deliver its top of the line 55X3 HDTV with 4K resolution and glasses-free 3D technology here in the US, it just announced a step-down model in Japan. The Regza 55XS5 keeps the 3840 x 2160 LCD panel, but switches to edge LED lighting instead of local dimming and drops 3D altogether, autostereoscopic or otherwise. There’s a CEVO Duo image processing engine inside the slimmed-down frame upconverting your standard HDTV res inputs to QFHD, as well as support for apps and USB hard drive for recording broadcasts. This model should ship in June on the other side of the Pacific for an “open price” expected to be around 750,000 yen ($9,410 US), slightly lower than the X3′s 900,00 yen launch price last December.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III’s light leak fix found to be black tape
When Canon promised a fix for the EOS 5D Mark III’s preview LCD leaking light, photographers wondered just what the “countermeasures” would be to prevent the display from affecting exposure readouts. The remedy, it turns out, is a simple patch — of the physical kind, not software. Roger Cicala at LensRentals was brave enough to tear down one of the DSLRs shipping with a fix already in place and found black electrical tape covering the LCD area that would otherwise spill light into the exposure meter. While basic, the solution does the trick, and will no doubt be a relief to shutterbugs who want to know exactly what exposure they’ll get while snapping photos in the dark.
LG’s IPS monitors head downmarket with 2D-only IPS4 series launching soon
While LCD monitors with in-plane switching technology were once decidedly settled at the high end, LG apparently thinks its time for everyone to have one and is launching its mainstream IPS4 line. Executive VP JJ Lee says the aim is for IPS monitors to become “ubiquitous in every room”, bringing better color reproduction, picture quality and wide viewing angles with them. So far we know they’re slotting in just below the 3D-capable models shown off at CES, but there’s nothing mentioned in the press release (included after the break along with another pic) about prices, sizes, specs or model numbers. If you’re in the market however, expect to find out more soon since they will roll out to Asia first in May, followed by Europe and North America in “the coming weeks”.
Perifoveal Display tracks head positioning, highlights changing data on secondary LCDs (hands-on)
If there’s a large display as part of your workstation, you know how difficult it can be to keep track of all of your windows simultaneously, without missing a single update. Now imagine surrounding yourself with three, or four, or five jumbo LCDs, each littered with dozens of windows tracking realtime data — be it RSS feeds, an inbox or chat. Financial analysts, security guards and transit dispatchers are but a few of the professionals tasked with monitoring such arrays, constantly scanning each monitor to keep abreast of updates. One project from the MIT Media Lab offers a solution, pairing Microsoft Kinect cameras with detection software, then highlighting changes with a new graphical user interface.
Perifoveal Display presents data at normal brightness on the monitor that you’re facing directly. Then, as you move your head to a different LCD, that panel becomes brighter, while changes on any of the displays that you’re not facing directly (but still remain within your peripheral vision) — a rising stock price, or motion on a security camera — are highlighted with a white square, which slowly fades once you turn to face the new information. During our hands-on demo, everything worked as described, albeit without the instant response times you may expect from such a platform. As with most Media Lab projects, there’s no release date in sight, but you can gawk at the prototype in our video just after the break.
Eizo Showcasing Its $35,000 4k LCD Monitor At NAB 2012
At NAB 2012 later this month from April 14th – 19th Eizo will be showcasing their latest high resolution monitor, that features a 4k display, sporting a resolution of 4,096 x 2,160 pixels.
The massive 36.4 inch Eizo FDH3601 monitor will deliver 10-bit colours, together with a 100 percent sRGB coverage in colour gamut as well as a “perfect smooth tone reproduction across the screen” say Eizo.
Other features of the Eizo FDH3601 monitor include a 16-bit lookup table supporting up to 278 trillion colours. Together with a maximum brightness of 700 cd/m2, and contrast ratio of 1,000:1 with a response time of 8 ms.
But as you might expect all this cutting edge technology and massive screen resolution come at a price, and in this case thats around $35,700.
Source: Toms Hardware
Samsung’s WiFi-laced DV300F camera now available, priced at $260
After having launched in January, Samsung’s WiFi-enabled DV300F camera officially hit the market today, according to a fresh announcement from the Korean manufacturer. As the latest addition to the DualView line, this 16 megapixel shooter features a 25mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom, and boasts a three-inch main LCD, along with that 1.5-inch front-facing display. The latter is specifically designed to make self-shots a bit easier to manipulate, but it also features some extra kids games in “Children Mode,” to help keep the little ones at bay. And of course, there’s onboard WiFi connectivity, allowing users to instantly upload shots to Picasa and Facebook, and an extra “Smart Face Recognition” function. According to Samsung, the device is now available on a “global basis,” for a price of ₩299,000, or about $266. For more details, check out the full, but choppily translated PR, after the break.
iPad review (2012)
What’s in a name? Or, more importantly, what’s in a digit? Would that which we call an iPad by any number less than 2 be less sweet? That’s the question Apple posed for us indirectly when it unveiled the new iPad and relegated its future slates (and, presumably, phones) to a numeral-free future. And that new slate? It’s much the same as the old one, with a slightly more chipper processor at its (quad) core and support for both Verizon and AT&T’s fancy new LTE networks.
But there’s one bigger change here, one that will ripple across the industry as each manufacturer struggles to keep up in this ever-accelerating market. That feature is the iPad’s new 2048 x 1536 Retina display. It’s the best display ever featured on a tablet, probably the best display ever on a mobile device, but is that enough to keep this tablet ahead of the pack? Believe it or not, the answer is yes.
Acer brings five monitors to the US, prices range from $139 to $329
Moving on, Acer also has two other 23-inch, 1080p monitors — the S230HL Abd and Abii — with the former packing VGA and DVI ports, and the latter trading DVI for two HDMI sockets. Look for those in April for $169 and $189, respectively. Of the lot, the most expensive is the 27-inch S271HL, a 27-inch, 1080p monitor with DVI, HDMI and a VESA mount. You can snag one now for a cool $329. Last but not least, if you’re on a tighter budget there’s the 20-inch S200HL, which has a more modest 1600 x 900 resolution, along with VGA and DVI ports. That’s on sale now for $139. More info on all of these in the PR after the break, though we’re pretty sure we passed on all the pertinent details already.
Samsung gets tired of neighbors watching its Transparent Smart Window, installs blinds (Video)
Sammy’s transparent OLED displays may not be the freshest piece of tech at CES, but its still pretty dang awesome. We first saw Samsung’s 46-inch 1920 x 1080 digitally augmented window back in March, but dropped by its CES booth for a second look. Although the touchscreen window still teases to fulfill our fevered sci-fi dreams, not much has changed — it’s still clear, it’s still loaded with widgets, and it’s still not anywhere near being installed in your home. Samsung told us this was still a concept device, although they did mention that the technology could be scaled down for use in military visors and heads up displays. Hit the break to see a video demo of a few new apps, including a rather slick set of digital blinds.
Sharp 8K Super Hi-Vision LCD, 4K TV and Freestyle wireless LCD HDTV hands-on
We got a hint of Sharp’s plans during its CES 2012 press conference two days ago, but really nothing can prepare you for the sight of the company’s 7,680×4,320 resolution 85-inch Super Hi-Vision 8K LCD. No matter how close we got, we still couldn’t see the pixels, and the video reels being demonstrated showed an almost unimaginable level of detail. The worst part of it was, seeing that first almost ruined the experience of checking out the ICC 4K demo at the other end of the booth. We can say this — after seeing Super Hi-Vision there’s really no going back. Make an appointment to see those 33MP broadcasts from the London Olympics now. Also a concept, but packed in a more conventional design, were Sharp’s Aquos Freestyle LCDs. These featherweight flat-screens were also featured in the press conference, and pack wireless HD streaming inside capable of extending up to 98 feet. The 20-incher in the video above even has a battery good enough for two hours of completely wireless 1080p viewing. While Sharp called them concepts, the displays seemed incredibly polished, so check them out in the gallery below because you may see them on shelves someday.
Samsung has Smart TVs with dual core CPUs, cameras and more
Samsung’s CES 2012 press conference is going on right now, and it’s unveiling new products including the top of the line ES8000 LED model that packs a dual core CPU to run its apps, and an integrated camera and microphone for “Smart Interaction”. Beyond that, the “Smart Evolution” feature will let users swap out that dual core processor for something heftier later on if they want to upgrade. Finally “Smart Content” is the umbrella term for a wave content and apps including, of course, Angry Birds, and an upgraded version of AllShare that pulls from the cloud, and can even control other compatible devices. The ES8000 edge lit LED line ranges in size from 46- to 65-inches, and features Smart Interaction cameras and mics for videoconferencing as well as voice and gesture control. Check after the break for the press release with all the details, or follow along with our liveblog.
