Westinghouse LED-LCD TVs at CES 2013

Westinghouse's 2013 lineup of 1080p LED-edgelit LCD TVs will be available in screen sizes ranging from 28 to 60 inches and prices from $239 to $1200. Interestingly, the LEDs are located only along the bottom edge of the screen, yet I detected no problems with uniformity in the mostly black screen on the 60-incher in the center of this photo.

The new models will have no 3D capabilities and no online apps, which the company maintains should be implemented in external devices so the TV is not rendered obsolete so quickly. The apps being displayed on the center screen in this photo are provided by a Roku Streaming Stick plugged into the set's MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) port, which will be included on the 60-inch model and other sizes if retailers express strong enough interest.

I've gotten lots of e-mails from readers complaining about Westinghouse TVs failing after only a few months and problems dealing with the company's customer service, so I asked about these issues. The rep I spoke with acknowledged that last year's 46-inch model had some significant problems, and their outsourced customer service was not delivering the quality they had expected. The company is addressing the issues with the 46-incher, and it brought customer service in-house one month ago to work on that problem. I am greatly encouraged by a company that responds like this.

CES was great, though I did catch the bug that was running rampant! Recording Home Theater Geeks from the show floor was fantastic, with lots of great stuff from Toshiba, LG, Panasonic, Sharp, Samsung, and Sony, mostly about 4K Ultra HD and OLED; it should be posted on Monday. Hope you enjoy it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McC 

Scott, can you answer an unrelated question? Did you see any new A/V receivers at the show? From Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer, Yamaha ? I cannot find any info anywhere. Thanks.

Unfortunately, I did not see any AVRs, but then again, I wasn't looking for them this time around. I had my hands full with TVs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatuglyguy 


If I'm not mistaken new AVRS are generally not launched at CES, but rather CEDIA ('round september)

Now that I think about it, you're right. In years past, AVRs were introduced at CES, but they have since migrated to CEDIA. As far as home theater is concerned, CES has become much more about TVs. Of course, there's also 2-channel audio at the Venetian, but no AVRs to speak of over there, either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McC 


Thanks. Then why do the new receivers come out in the spring? That makes no sense if the show is in the fall.

I don't know. It often takes six months for products to go from unveiling to available, which could explain the timing.