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Sony plans to expand their high definition LCD Bravia television line to over 30 products. They recently announced plans to release new products ranging from sizes 40 to 70 inches.

The new Bravia products will all have 1080p display and include Sony XBR which features; Digital Media Extender (DMeX), Motionflow and x.v. Color support. The new models will also feature Digital Media Port (DMP) technology.

The sony bravia model key feature is the 'Triluminos' local-dimming feature which claims superior contrast compared to plasma televisions. Unfortunately, the feature will only be available in the 55-inch KDL-55XBR8 and 46-inch KDL-46XBR8 models. According to a recent post on Twice, Triluminos LED backlighting expands an LCD TV's color range by using a cluster of red, green, and blue LEDs to replace a single white LED to backlight the display panel. Local dimming improves video contrast and dynamic range by reducing backlight levels area by area on the display to maintain detail in dark areas of the screen during a scene. The reduced light emissions yield deep blacks and reduce power consumption.

Sound like the right 1080p HDTV for you? Please comment back and let us know.

-itsTripple

vizio announced today that they're being sued by consumer-electronics companies; Mitsubishi, Samsung, Victor Co. of Japan, and others. The grounds for the suit are over MPEG 2 video patents. The suit alleges that Vizio is using the format illegally.

According to a recent post at PC Magazine, the suit alleges that Vizio used technology patented by manufacturers who have also banded together as part of the MPEG Licensing Authority, or MPEG-LA.

This is a breaking report so we will follow-up with more details as they become available. In the meantime, what do you think? Are our digitized lifestyles in jeopardy? Do the big electronics manufacturers have a case or are they 'picking' on the little guy? Let us know.

-itsTripple

© bovinity


Best Buy recently announced their plans to test a program that will allows consumers a convenient and free way to discard of millions of unused and forgotten televisions, computers and dated gadgets. Best Buy will except the e-waste regardless of where it was purchased.

According to an article in the Washington Post, BestBuy plans to launch the free recycling program in over 100 retail locations within eight states. The pilot stores will originate in markets such as; Northern California, Minneapolis, north dakota, and Washington, D.C.

If the recycling program is successful, Best Buy plans to expand it to all of its 922 stores in the United States.

Will you drop-off your e-waste to Best Buy? Who's getting paid recycling profits? Your feedback is encouraged.

-itsTripple

© elvissa


Pantel, manufacturers of weatherproof high definition televisions and Synthetic Landscaping, recently announced new monitor dimensions for their outdoor life LCD high definition televisions line. Pantel is known for niche products such as the digitized weatherproof HDTV; one of the two key products produced by the parent company, Surfside Concepts, Inc. They also produce artificial landscapes.

According to a recent article on Electronic House, Pantel announced three new models at handsome price points: the 20-inch ($2,999), 52-inch ($9,999, and 65 inch ($25,999). Only the The 52-inch (PAN-520) and 65-inch (PAN-650) LCDs support 1080 resolution (not progressive scan). The 20-inch (PAN-200) supports the standard 768 high definition resolution of 1366 x 768.

It seems that $2,999 is a little costly for a standard high definition resolution of 1366 x 768. The only advantage is that I can hang it up outside and it will not rust? Might be nice for the professional athletes that can afford lavish luxuries but I'd be just as happy with a 65-inch 1080p Visio that I can keep in the house for half the price.

What do you think?

-itsTripple

© michaelkpate



TiVo viewers in the Chicago area will soon have the ability to get picks of Chicago Tribune critic Maureen Ryan, uploaded automatically to their TiVo boxes. TiVo, proclaimed holder of the DVR patent and a leading maker of digital video recorders, is expected to announce their partnership with The Tribune today.

TiVo recently introduced other unique digital television services such as downloads from YouTube video service, in order to keep them competitive in the DVR television market. According to the New York Times, One in four households now own a DVR, indicating viewers are becoming more comfortable with the time-shifting abilities of the technology offered by TiVo and other companies.

Currently, there are no plans to extend the critic service into other markets but TiVo feels that if successful, it can, "create new relevance for local television critics."

What do you think? Please respond and let us know.

-itsTripple

© Ian Muttoo



The Sony Corporation has just moved one step closer to ensuring that consumers live a digitized life. Sony recently announced a partnership with the leading cable television providers in the United States that will revolutionize the way consumers receive their digital tv cable programming. According to the Wall Street Journal, Sony and six of the largest U.S. cable operators announced an agreement to create digital televisions capable of receiving cable service without a set-top box.

Sony recently signed a pact with Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable Inc., Cox Communications, Charter Communications Inc., Cablevision Systems Corp. and Bright House Networks. Sony plans a new line-up of cable-ready HD televisions that will allow consumers to not only discard their set-top box but also the extra cable remote and monthly set-top box rental fee.

Will this make you switch to a Sony brand HDTV television? Let us know.

-itsTripple