LG Debuts the World’s Thinnest 3D OLED TV

LG recently debuted a 31-inch OLED TV that measures just 2.9mm thin, and handles 3D content.

Today at the IFA tradeshow in Berlin, LG has debuted the world’s thinnest OLED (organic light emitting diode) TV, measuring just 2.9mm, according to Crave Asia. The thin OLED sets have been around since the 2007 introduction of the Sony XEL-1, but the LG model has the added benefit of 3D playback.

There is a catch though. No official price has been given yet for the set, but it will likely be expensive. Jaw droppingly expensive. The Chaebol 15-inch EL9500 OLED is on sale now in the U.S. For $2,500.

Sony Reveals Video Streaming TV Set-top Unit

Sony's standalone SMP-N100 network media player emulates its Internet-enabled Blu-ray players and TVs by streaming Netflix, YouTube, Pandora and more, but will cost only $129.

Coming this fall, Sony will release the SMP-N100, a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) client capable of streaming content from your home network, as well as online video services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, several Sony exclusives online, and many others. The device will be similar to Sony’s Bravia Internet-enabled Blu-ray players, but will cost only $129 and offer more content.

When it is released, the SMP will be a direct competitor to other streaming set-top boxes like the Roku, the Popbox, and possibly the next AppleTV when it eventually is detailed.

The SMP will stream all of the features that Sony’s Internet-enabled Blu-ray devices offer, including Netflix, YouTube, VoD, Pandora, Amazon, and Slacker. The device will also offer exclusive Sony video content, including everything on the PlayStation Network. There will, however, not be any way to stream Hulu or Boxee — at least for now.

The SMP will feature HDMI connections, a USB port to play media, and a built in 802.11n wireless modem. There is currently an iPad app for the Sony Bravia Internet service, so a comparable app for the SMP is likely on the way.

The SMP is set to ship later this fall for $129, but CEPro, who had a chance to test the unit out are, are suggesting that the price may drop to $99 before Christmas.

Sony Shows Off Bravia NX810 HDTVs with 3D Compatibility

Sony is teasing its new Bravia NX810 HDTVs with Wi-Fi, access to Sony's Qriocity streaming service, and 3D capability.

Sony has taken the wraps off its Bravia NX810 HDTVs, touting the 46-, 55-, and 60-inch sets to sports fans and 3D entertainment enthusiasts. The NX810s are an evolution of Sony’s previous NX800 series, and sport Sony’s current monolith design as well as integrated Wi-Fi, access to Sony’s Qriocity online streaming service, ambient light sensors, MotionFlow 240Hz refresh, and 3D compatibility…although folks will have to buy their shutter glasses separately.

“Bravia is optimized to deliver the best possible 3D consumer experience by leveraging the vast knowledge from our theatrical and professional products groups,” said Sony’s VP for televisions Chris Fawcett, in a statement. “3D is driving the growth of the entertainment industry and only Sony is involved in every stage of the platform.”

Sony is pushing the NX810 lines to sports fans who want to tap into football games to be broadcast this autumn in 3D; customers will also receive two Blu-ray 3D titles with a set, along with a PlayStation Network voucher to download 3D gaming content. All three sets feature Sony’s Bravia Internet Video and Widgets so users can tap into online video and information, along with Sony’s DynamicEdge LED backlighting with local area dimming for improved contrast.

However, none of these Bravia NX810 sets are exactly cheap: the 46-inch model will carry a suggested retail price of about $3,000; the 55-inch unit will go for about $3,700, while the 60-inch edition will carry a price tag near $4,700—all three models should be availabel in September. Plus, users will still need to buy their own compatible 3D shutter glasses and (of course) 3D-capable gear like a Blu-ray player and DVR…if they don’t have it already

Vizio Rolls Out New TruLED XVT HDTVs

Vizio's new high-end XVT LCD TVs go from 32 to 55-inches, feature a bundle of Internet apps, and pack Wi-Fi and QWERTY-enabled Bluetooth remotes.

Vizio has announced the immediate availability of its new high-end TruLED XVT high-definition televisions, backed with performance enhancements designed to crank up the display quality and contrast ratios, improve image uniformity, and offer broader angles of viewing. But in case improvements to picture quality aren’t enough to lure consumers to its high-end sets, all the new sets feature Vizio Internet Apps—VIA—along with 802.11n Wi-Fi and aBluetooth remote with a QWERTY keypad enables full interaction with services like Facebook and Twitter via a television.

“Our dedication to high performance drives us to use the best commercially available technology,” said Vizio’s New Products VP John Schindler, in a statement. “Each of our XVT TruLED sets uses a Full Array with local dimming that produces an unquestioned superior picture.”





Of course, Vizio isn’t immune from using edge-lit technology itself: the 32-inch XVT323SV and 37-inch XVT373SVuse Vizio’s Razor LED edge-lighting with local dimming, which the company says boosts contrast from 50,000:1 in previous models to a 1,000,000:1 in the new XVT series. They’re also less than 2 inches thick, 120Hz refresh rates, and offer full 1080p resolution.



But the real flagships are the 42-inch XVT423SV, 47-inch XVT473SV, and 55-inch XVT553SV, which Vizio says reach contrast ratios of up to 10,000,000:1 with true blacks. The 53-inch and 42-inch models offer 120 zones of local dimming (compared to 80 zones in their predecessors), while the 47-inch model stops up to 1060 local dimming zones from 120 in the earlier model. The sets all boast 240 Hz refresh rates and 1080p resolution, fiveHDMI 1.3 inputs, along with TruSurroundHD and TruVolume technologies.



All the new XVT sets offer Vizio Internet Apps, which can use an existing home broadband connection to tap into services like Netflix, Pandora, Vudu, Flickr, and more. The QWERTY-equipped Bluetooth remote enables users to easily tap into messaging and search features from their televisions.



All five units are available now; the 32- and 37-inch models are prices at $699 and $899, respectively, while the 42-, 47-, and 55- inch models carry suggested prices of $1,199, $1,799, and $2,199.