fredfa
01-10-07, 11:39 AM
HD Displays: Smaller Prices, Bigger Features
(Broadcasting & Cable HD Newsletter)
High-definition display technologies like plasma and LCD are slugging it out at the CES show in Las Vegas.
Sharp scored a major blow for LCD with the introduction of a new 108-inch LCD Aquos panel that will be shipping this summer, proving that the common perception that plasmas rule in larger screen sizes is, at least for now, a falsehood.
Samsung added to the argument with the roll out of a 70-inch display on Sunday afternoon while Sony added an 82-inch Bravia LCD HDTV set to its lineup.
The larger LCD displays are the latest salvo in the battle between LCD and plasma technologies. Plasmas have traditionally dominated sales of displays larger than 50 inches while LCD panels have dominated in the 42-inch and smaller market.
In an effort to help plasmas continue that domination, LG Electronics slashed the price of its flagship 71-inch plasma display by 80% from last year’s introductory price.
At $14,999.95 it’s still not going to be a simple purchase for most Americans but it’s indicative of the impact increased manufacturing capacities and consumer demand have on the entire product line.
It appears that 1080p resolution is the new standard. LG Electronics offered up nine new LCD and three new plasma displays that are 1080p capable. LG also added three plasma monitors with built-in HD DVRs capable of storing up to 13 hours of HD video.
In terms of new display technology Pioneer introduced a completely new approach to plasma design with a new panel, color filter and ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) that it says will change the plasma performance landscape.
“We determined it was not good enough to just add another layer to existing technology,” says Ken Shioda, general manager of product planning for displays at Pioneer Corporation.
By re-engineering Pioneer’s plasma technology from the ground up Shioda says the company made a quantum leap in all areas that impact the viewer experience. Black levels, for example, reduce the minimum luminance level by 80% while a new filter minimizes the impact of ambient light, one of the biggest problems facing plasma displays.
“It looks equally good in both light and dark rooms,” says Shioda. “And it exceeds both LCD and even SED in all conditions.” Expect the new sets to be available this summer.
Philips also took a step forward in technology with the Perfect Pixel HD engine. “It has the processing power and accuracy to handle 1080p,” says Stewart Muller, Philips CE North America president. “If the processing isn’t good enough any problems before will be magnified even more with more pixels.”
Philips also cut the refresh speed of its LCD panels down to 4 ms with the introduction of Clear LCD technology. Muller says the move greatly improves motion sharpness. Sharp also nailed down a 4 ms refresh delay for its D92 series of LCD panels that also has a 15,000:1 contrast ratio.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/index.asp?layout=nocclamp&articleid=CA6338302
(Broadcasting & Cable HD Newsletter)
High-definition display technologies like plasma and LCD are slugging it out at the CES show in Las Vegas.
Sharp scored a major blow for LCD with the introduction of a new 108-inch LCD Aquos panel that will be shipping this summer, proving that the common perception that plasmas rule in larger screen sizes is, at least for now, a falsehood.
Samsung added to the argument with the roll out of a 70-inch display on Sunday afternoon while Sony added an 82-inch Bravia LCD HDTV set to its lineup.
The larger LCD displays are the latest salvo in the battle between LCD and plasma technologies. Plasmas have traditionally dominated sales of displays larger than 50 inches while LCD panels have dominated in the 42-inch and smaller market.
In an effort to help plasmas continue that domination, LG Electronics slashed the price of its flagship 71-inch plasma display by 80% from last year’s introductory price.
At $14,999.95 it’s still not going to be a simple purchase for most Americans but it’s indicative of the impact increased manufacturing capacities and consumer demand have on the entire product line.
It appears that 1080p resolution is the new standard. LG Electronics offered up nine new LCD and three new plasma displays that are 1080p capable. LG also added three plasma monitors with built-in HD DVRs capable of storing up to 13 hours of HD video.
In terms of new display technology Pioneer introduced a completely new approach to plasma design with a new panel, color filter and ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) that it says will change the plasma performance landscape.
“We determined it was not good enough to just add another layer to existing technology,” says Ken Shioda, general manager of product planning for displays at Pioneer Corporation.
By re-engineering Pioneer’s plasma technology from the ground up Shioda says the company made a quantum leap in all areas that impact the viewer experience. Black levels, for example, reduce the minimum luminance level by 80% while a new filter minimizes the impact of ambient light, one of the biggest problems facing plasma displays.
“It looks equally good in both light and dark rooms,” says Shioda. “And it exceeds both LCD and even SED in all conditions.” Expect the new sets to be available this summer.
Philips also took a step forward in technology with the Perfect Pixel HD engine. “It has the processing power and accuracy to handle 1080p,” says Stewart Muller, Philips CE North America president. “If the processing isn’t good enough any problems before will be magnified even more with more pixels.”
Philips also cut the refresh speed of its LCD panels down to 4 ms with the introduction of Clear LCD technology. Muller says the move greatly improves motion sharpness. Sharp also nailed down a 4 ms refresh delay for its D92 series of LCD panels that also has a 15,000:1 contrast ratio.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/index.asp?layout=nocclamp&articleid=CA6338302