Digital Trends

New Trends in Flat Panels

 

Samsung has announced the largest TV in the world, and this isn't some big LCD or Projection TV.  This 102 inch TV is all plasma with a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and a resolution of 1920 x 1080.  Samsung has not revealed a price for this monster of a TV, but expect it to be above $50,000 USD.  Every year at CES there is always a manufacturer breaking some type of TV barrier.  Samsung didn't just make the largest TV in the world, they also announced the world's first 1080P DLP; The HLR5688W is a 56 inch DLP TV with 1920 x 1080 pixel density, 5000:1 contrast ratio and built-in CableCARD.  They also announced the world's largest DLP, the HLR6768W, measuring in at 67 inches.

 

 

Sharp showcased several new flat panel displays featuring multiple housing colors and materials. This Sharp Aquos features speakers on the bottom of the display rather than the side. It also features a car quality paint job similar to what we have seen from high-end PC manufacturers like VoodooPC. Notice how thin these LCD's are.

 

 

Perhaps one of the coolest products in the Sharp booth was the Sharp Aquos housed in a wooden case. We apologize for the camera flash, but this was the best picture we could find of their LCD.

Philips had a very strong showing at this years CES and continued to push their new flat panels featuring their Ambilight technology. An ambient light which matches the image on the screen, glows behind the television to give the user a better viewing experience. While we cannot verify this claim, one of Pioneer's representatives claimed the light noise diminishes the picture quality instead of enhancing it. There is no doubt though that the Philips flat panels are looking better than ever.

 

 

Newcomers Kreisen and Syntax both introduced flat panel displays at record low prices. Think under $2000 for a 30" LCD and you get the picture. Televisions from both camps feature PDP panels from Samsung and LG.Philips, so you can bet they will look good.