New 2009 LCDs With Superior Local Dimming

The purpose of this thread is to highlight local dimming LEDs products. Remember at the store that just because an LCD display uses LED backlighting does not mean it offers superior performance. Insist upon local dimming LED.
At the 2009 CES Samsung disappointed many by introducing LCDs with inferior edge lit LEDs. They selected this technology because its less costly to manufacture. For those who seek the highest levels of performance, the following true LED local dimming products should be considered:

Toshiba 55-inch 55SV760U, May 2009. No price yet

Vizio VF551XVT June 2009, $1999

LG LH90 models
* LG 55LH90 ($TBD) May 2009
* LG 47LH90 ($TBD) May 2009
* LG 42LH90 ($TBD) May 2009

Existing local dimming products are deemphazied for various issues:
Samsung 950 $5000 placed last in Home Theater face-off March 2009 issue
Sony XBR7 at $7000 is priced to high for consideration. Green color cast too.

A Masterpiece of Visual Entertainment
The world's slimmest LED-backlit panel with local dimming technology is incorporated into the LG's LH90 series (LH90 and LHX), allowing for an extremely thin design with a built-in tuner. In its LHX line, LG was able to keep the set at an incredible 24.8mm by using silicone lenses to amplify the light while simultaneously increasing backlight quality. In addition, LG's premium LH90 series is the perfect combination of a sleek exterior with unmatched picture quality, a masterpiece of visual entertainment.

http://www.lge.com/about/press_relea.../21064_1.jhtml

Lets hear what LG has to state about LED edge lighting:
"The edge of the backlight unit is located on the side ... compared to (local dimming), but the drawback is lack of quality".

(poor translation):
http://translate.google.com/translat...istory_state0=

Toshiba FocaLight LED Backlight with Local Dimming
"Toshiba’s SV Series REGZA models also feature FocaLight LED Backlight with LocalDimming. Unlike simple (read puppy kicker Samsung) edge LED, FocaLight offers a full LED matrix for better brightness uniformity.
Even more important is that the Local Dimming system allows the LEDs to be controlled by zone, creating a significantly higher dynamic contrast ratio, where blacks are blacker without reducing the peak white brightness.
The result is a new level of picture quality and depth that was not possible with standard backlight systems."

http://i.gizmodo.com/5125531/toshiba...d-sv670-series
The 55-inch 55SV760U, and will be available in the US in May! It has all the cutting edge feature anyone could want:
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10134093-100.html

"Vizio - The Best in Video Performance
Launching two compelling new technologies, the expanded XVT Series offers more advanced features than any previous VIZIO product line with a complete line of Full HD 1080p performance coupled with both 120Hz and 240Hz with Scanning Backlight.

Using advanced LED backlight control local dimming, the VF551XVT is capable of delivering the brightest highlights and the deepest blacks. Coupled with VIZIO's Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio these sets can provide a contrast ratio that rivals the performance of the best plasma displays. The use of local dimming to increase overall contrast ratio and picture quality, especially in brightly lit rooms, allows these LED models to exhibit deep, three-dimensional-like images.
VIZIO's Smooth Motion II™ technology steps up the game with 240Hz Refresh Rate in the SV421XVT and SV471XVT for unbelievably flawless video -- frame after frame by eliminating motion blur from fast-action movie sequences.

Every LED and LCD model in the series is outfitted with the Advanced Glare Polarizer (AGP) and Enhanced In-Plane Switching (IPS). AGP provides up to 60% better contrast ratio in bright room environments. Earlier Anti-Glare screens tended to create an overall haze on the TV image; however, VIZIO's solution counteracts the effects of ambient light, while keeping images bright and crystal clear. By reducing the reflections that are produced by ambient light, the overall picture contrast can be preserved. IPS produces truer colors at wider viewing angles ensuring vivid and clear pictures even when sitting off-axis.

VIZIO's advanced HD/SD noise reduction removes noise and artifacts caused by signal compression from cable and satellite providers. Each model is outfitted with multiple HDMI inputs for maximum connectivity with DVD/Blu-ray players, digital cable and satellite set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and HD camcorders. All XVT series sets have a Game Port on the side of the set with inputs (including HDMI) for fast, easy connection of other devices."

Folks, this is what I wanted to hear from the CES. 2009 is going to be a great year for local dimming technology.

http://www.vizio.com/about.aspx?cid=2888&id=1318

No, but this superficial answer will fool most people.

Samsung has used very high power LEDs in rear projectors for two generations
Samsung has also used local dimming LEDs in flat panels for two generations

However this is the first time Samsung has adapted the high power type of LEDs for an LCD flat panel. So in reality it is there first generation edge lit LED display.

The key is to ask the number of LEDs used in the display. Of course they don't want to tell you this! The higher the LED matrix count the better. In theory the best performance is reached when there is one LED per pixel. But this is neither practical or cost effective. At a minimum ask (better yet research) if its local dimming or edge dimming.

I would stay away from edge dimming for high-performance applications where good black-level is important.

Note too that LEDs will offer a wider color gaumet than traditional fluorescent bulbs. However most display’s color is already over-saturated.

Local LED dimming can be used in conjunction with 240Hz frame interpolation as Anand explains:
http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/...spx?i=3496&p=2

These new techniques are expected to be hotly contested here in the coming year.

Vizio uses 2000 LEDs in its local dimming design. If true, then that is most remarkable:
"Additional benefits of the VF551XVT's backlight array of some 2000 white LEDs includes local dimming for increased
picture contrast as well as reduced edge flicker - side by side comparisons to the fluorescent-backlit VF550XVT were convincing."

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2338664,00.asp