Philips finally prices 56-inch Cinema 21:9 HDTV

We mentioned a rumored price for the Philips Cinema 21:9 way back when, but at the time we also heard a supposed June release date. That's come and gone and now a new price has officially been announced. Once converted from euros, the price will equate to roughly US$7400. The set, which will ship in the UK at some point, is the first to feature the 21:9 aspect ratio, enabling it to playback movies shot in widescreen format without those annoying horizontal black bars. Philips also manages to fit 8.3 million pixels on the 56-inch display, as far as I know the most ever for an HDTV. Unfortunately though, there isn't any indication the Cinema will ship to North America.

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Cello Electronics HDTV line records Freeview TV OTA to SD cards

Now that is interesting. A British LCD TV company named Cello Electronics has announced the world's first HDTV that records directly to SD cards. Unfortunately for us in North America, it's only headed for the European market at the moment. The set, available in 22-, 26- and 32-inch screen sizes, records over-the-air Freeview TV to an SD card making it easy to transfer content for viewing on your laptop or netbook. Moreover, the HDTV has dual SD slots and two TV tuners so you can record two channels at once. Known specs are minimal at this time, but it is known that the set has a remote-controlled EPG, 1440 x 900 resolution, but unfortunately no HDMI slots.

Shipping in July under the Soundwave brand, the Cello Electronics HDTV will be priced at TBA, £399.99 and £469.99, in order of size mentioned above.

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JVC intros 32-inch LED-backlit LT-32WX50 with a whopping huge price tag

Ok, so maybe JVC isn't renowned for rolling out the most reliable HDTVs on the market, but personally I think the company is kicking out some pretty cool stuff in 2009. At CEDIA UK this week, JVC announced the LT-32WX50, its 32-inch debut in the LED backlighting market. The new LCD is notable for its minimalist 7 millimeter thickness and 5 kilogram mass. It also sports some half decent specifications including a 1080p panel, 100 Hz frame rate, 4000:1 contrast ratio, 90% Adobe RGB color space, a pair of HDMI ports, a PC port, and both SD and USB slots. JVC has a trick up its sleeve with its target market for the LT-32WX50 though. Because it's aiming the set at the post-production market (and though it has consumer market hopes), JVC can, or at least try to, charge a ridiculously high price. When the set goes on sale in the UK come October or November, it'll cost a big £1,900. In the US that equates to $3147--for a 32-inch television.

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Vizio outs fall XVT family with new internet content, 240 Hz SPS

Vizio barely got its spring HDTV line out the factory gates before it announced its fall 2009 line this morning. The internet-connected SV422XVT, SV472XVT and VF552XVT are sized 42-, 47- and 55-inches, respectively. The trio features 1080p resolution panels, 240 Hz SPS (scenes per second) and Smooth Motion technology. The larger two models also feature TruLED backlighting with Smart Dimming, while the two smallest feature 4 HDMI slots and the largest 5 HDMI ports. The Vizio HDTVs also have new content thanks to recent partnerships. Widget functionality over 802.11n LAN or Ethernet now includes Amazon Video On Demand, Blockbuster On Demand, Rhapsody, Vudu, Revision3, Twitter, Faceibook, Netflix, Flickr, Pandora and more. The 42-, 47- and 55-inch Vizio XVT Connected HDTVs will ship in November, October and December priced at $1199.99, $1699.99 and $2199.99, respectively.

Vizio will also be launching a pair of 120 Hz Thin Line XVTs in September, sized 32- and 37-inches. They'll be priced at $749.99 and $849.99, respectively.

Read--New Vizio XVT HDTVs announced
Read--Vizio and Rhapsody partnership announcement
Read--Vizio announces new content partners

LG goes 3D with the 47-inch LH50 LCD in South Korea

A 47-inch LCD just doesn't cut it anymore. After delivering the 47LH50 to the United States, LG is shipping a 3D version of the same in South Korea. The set can process 3D imagery natively but it still requires those irritating 3D glasses for full effect. LG will be marketing the 3D version under the Xcanvas brand in South Korea, but it's unknown whether the company will ship the modified version elsewhere or if it will extend the 3D capability to other LH50 LCDs. As for the price, I'm not sure about that either.

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JVC shipping new XIVIEW 42-inch LT-42WX7 LCD business display

Japan's JVC has announced a new XIVIEW line of LCD HDTVs geared for the business market. The first model, the 42-inch LT-42WX7, is a 1080p display covering 100% of the sRGB color space and 96% of the Adobe RGB color space. It sports a 4000:1 contrast ratio, 5.5 millisecond response time, 450 cd/m2 brightness, a 178 degree viewing angle, 3 HDMI slots and dual 10 Watt speakers. Priced the equivalent of US$3700, the JVC XIVIEW LT-42WX7 will ship in Japan next month. It isn't known whether the new XIVIEW line will become available internationally.

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NEC bows 24-inch LCD2490WUXi2 and LCD2490W2 color-accurate LCDs

Granted, a pair of 24-inch NEC LCDs just isn't quite as cool as a 43-inch curved desktop display, but either would make a half decent computer monitor. The LCD2490WUXi2 and LCD2490W2 are the latest color-accurate monitors to be spun off of NEC's production lines. Each IPS panel covers about 96.7 percent of the sRGB color space, producing better images than either TVA or PN displays, and enabling them to be used for professional-level video editing. Other common features between the two include 12-bit color lookup tables, ambient light sensors, automatic brightness controls, 320 cd/m2 brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and both DVI and VGA inputs. The only difference between the two is that the LCD2490W2 includes a SpectraView color calibrator enabling enhanced imagery. Both panels sit on swivel stands and will ship later the month; the LCD2490WUXi2 for $1099 and the LCD2490W2 for $1299.

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Vizio outs 31 new HDTVs spread among XVT, M and E series'

When it comes to announcing new HDTV lines, it's go big or go home these days. Aside from price, there just isn't all that much differentiating different displays. That's what Vizio is doing this morning, adding 31 new models to its XVT, M and E series lines. The new XVT models, ranging from 32 to 55 inches, bring TruLED backlighting, 1080p resolution, 2, 000, 000:1 contrast ratio and SRS sound technology to the table. Models come in both 120 Hz and 240 Hz varieties. The M series is the designer line, sporting JAVA color, 1080p resolution, 50, 000: 1 contrast ratio, 120 Hz technology, and multimedia playback via USB. Models will be available sized between 32 to 47 inches. Finally, the E series is the eco-friendly family, ranging in size from 19 to 42 inches. With its EcoHD technology, it manages to use 20% less energy than the Energy Star 3.0 specifications while (hopefully) maintaining picture quality and performance. Check out the full press release with all the little details after the cut.

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NEC's curved CRV43 LCD desktop display shipping for 8000 big ones

NEC delivered today what could be the ultimate in computer monitors though the 43-inch CRV43 curved LCD is officially a "specialty desktop display." Built for commercial applications such as digital imaging, command and control and professional graphics, the CRV43 provides an ultra-wide field of view (32:10 aspect ratio) thanks to its slightly curved design. Features include:

• 2880 x 900 double WXGA native resolution
• 200 cd/m² brightness
• 0.02ms Rapid Response
• 10,000:1 contrast ratio
• Wide color gamut with 100% coverage of sRGB and 99.3% coverage of Adobe RGB
• Single link DVI-D and HDMI 1.3 input connectors
• USB 2.0 connectivity for easy use of peripherals
• Front panel controls
• On Screen Display (OSD®) and software-based GUI, which enables advanced display control options

Shipping in July 2009, NEC's CRV43 curved desktop display will result in a $7999 hole in your pocket. At least that includes a 3-year parts and labor warranty including the backlight.

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BeoVision 7 LCD HDTV upgraded to include built-in Blu-ray player

It's been a couple of years since high-end HDTV maker Bang & Olufsen released the 40-inch BeoVision 7 LCD HDTV. But despite the fact the company has announced the BeoVision 8 this year, it decided to give the 7 series an upgrade anyway. Scrapped is the DVD optical drive, replaced instead by an integrated BD Live Blu-ray player. Picture frame rate has been upped to 120 Hz from 60 Hz reducing motion blur, and buyers will have the choice of two loudspeakers: either the BeoLab 7-2 stereo speaker or the BeoLab 7-2 center speaker unit with Acoustic Lens Technology. Also included with the updated home theater package is the Beo5 remote control, enabling turn-and-tilt control of the 40-inch LCD panel and control of automated home systems such as lighting and outdoor pool covers. Unfortunately the price of the BeoVision 7-40 remains about the same sporting an MSRP of $13500 with the included center loudspeaker. Got the cash? You'll be able to pick up the integrated Blu-ray BeoVision 7 this month at all Bang & Olufsen retail locations.

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Samsung's UN46B8000 240 Hz LED HDTV is the best LCD TV ever...so far

Samsung's 2009 B8000 LCD HDTV line is definitely a premium line in terms of features. The HD Guru has already managed to snap up one of the 46-inch LED-backlit sets for review and he dubs it the "top" of all LCD HDTVs he's ever tested. Only the Pioneer Pro-141FD plasma has ever compared. His quick synopsis:

The full motion resolution and overall excellent performance places the UN46B8000 at the top of all the LCD HDTVs tested. We will see if the 8000 can keep its crown when we review the current Samsung and Sony LED rear backlit models currently in queue. Despite our quibbles regarding its "new technology" advertising, this Samsung is the first HDTV to deliver the dream of a thin, light weight, bright, clear 46″ HDTV that you can easily hang on the wall like a painting.

I should mention that "quibbles" the Guru has with the advertising has to do with the "LED HDTV" nomenclature. There is no such thing as an LED HDTV--meaning the display isn't made up of individual LEDs. An LED HDTV simply uses LEDs for backlighting rather than the more commonly used CCFL lamps. Just so you know.

Definitely check out the whole review. It's incredibly detailed and gives you a good look at what you should know about purchasing a new HDTV.

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Hitachi UltraVision and Alpha LCD HDTV lines shipping in '09

Hitachi has announced the UltraVision and Alpha Series' of LCD HDTVs for 2009.

The UltraVision line will be available in 42-, 46- and 55-inch screen sizes, all featuring 1080p resolution, 120 Hz panel speed, Hitachi's Reel120 motion blur control, built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners for HD channels, up to 5 HDMI slots and Energy Star certification. In terms of design, the displays will be surrounded by a glossy and curved black bezel, and sit on a swivel base. The three UltraVision displays from smallest to largest will launch in June ($999), August ($1299) and September ($1799), respectively.

The Alpha Series will ship in 32- and 42-inch LCD screen sizes and is a step-down in feature quantity from the UltraVision Series. The 720p 32-inch model and the 1080p 42-inch model each have 4 HDMI slots, 2 of those on the side for easy access. There's also an RGB input for direct PC connectivity on both. Both panels will have a 60 Hz panel speed and sport Energy Star certification. The $499 32-inch and $899 42-inch Alpha are both currently available.

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LG claims the world's brightest 3D LCD monitor

LG has claimed the world's brightest 3D LCD monitor in a press release this morning. The 23-inch display is said to boast twice the brightness of other 3D LCD displays we've seen. How did LG do this? According to the company, their 3D technology is embedded within the panel enabling a higher brightness. Other companies typically install the technology outside of the panel or in the viewing glass.

3D TV viewing is enabled by basically splitting the display in two vertically and showing two different images on each side at the same time according to a time sequence. This tricks the human eye into seeing a 3D image. While most displays still require specialized 3D glasses for proper viewing, LG says its technology can be used with polarized glasses, a low cost alternative to the usual 3D glasses.

RIght now the 23-inch 3D LCD monitor is a prototype and LG hasn't said whether it'll be commercially available in the future. But it'll be on display next week at the Society for Information Displays conference in San Antonio, Texas if you're in the area and want to check it out. You can also check out a cool video demo after the cut.

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JVC's 42-inch Xiview LCD monitor is built for photographers

JVC announced today the Xiview LT-42WX70, a 42-inch LCD TV monitor built for digital imaging enthusiasts and professionals. Featuring a "color space that is wider than a typical HDTV's," the Xiview features a 1080p flat panel encompasses 100% of sRGB.904 color space and 96% of AdobeRGB enabling photographers and video creators the ability to see their images accurately reproduced. Powered by JVC's GENESSA Color Engine, the LT-42WX70 has 52 picture tweaking options, x.v. Color, JVC's Individual Gamma Adjust System for grayscale calibration, 12-bit Deep Color, 120 Hz motion blur technology and 3D noise reduction.

Measuring only 1-5/8 inches thick and weighing 26.4 pounds, the Xiview LT-42WX70 has a bunch of connectivity options including 3 HDMI-CEC terminals, D-Sub 15pin with component video and an audio input jack. The monitor also meets Energy Star 3.0 specifications.

Available now, the JVC LT-42WX70 will set you back $2399.95.