hdtvexpert.blogspot.com

Currys Hotpicks

2008-04-29T13:24:00.001Z

Samsung LE32M86BD TV - Save £150, Was 649.99 Now £499.99

Philips 50PFP5532 TV - Great Value Now £999.99

The Sharp HT-DV50H Home Cinema: Everything but the popcorn

2008-04-29T13:19:00.002Z

Experience cinematic quality in the comfort of your own living room with the Sharp home cinema system

London, UK — 29th April, 2008 — Sharp has today introduced the stylish HT-DV50H home cinema system, the latest in its line of groundbreaking home entertainment products. With high power RMS 250W speakers (75W per channel) and a 100W Subwoofer, the HT-DV50H offers sound quality to match its striking appearance.

With the explosion of high-definition technology and advancements in flat screen TVs, the HT-DV50H provides crystal clear sound to complement the clarity of the viewing experience and is the perfect accompaniment to the AQUOS range of LCD TVs.

Supporting the latest Audistry by Dolby, the sound of the HT-DV50H is enhanced with the press of a button, making it richer, bigger and better - and creating a personalised experience for music and movie lovers. Audistry's technology is based on a set of digital audio processing features that are designed to dramatically improve listening enjoyment, including intelligent volume control designed to correct for sudden volume changes in music and movies and a natural bass enhancer for speaker systems.

With HDMI output and DivX enabled technology, the HT-DV50H is capable of reproducing images with stunning quality. No longer does any on screen activity have to be viewed in anything less than high definition. Compatible with DVDs and with a USB port available, the HT-DV50H supports the playback ofJPEG, MP3 and WMA format material

To complement the exceptional image quality, the home cinema system is also fitted with a 5-mode preprogrammed electronic equaliser, capable of adapting to and maximising any genre of sound. The HT-DV50H also comes with two ‘tall boy’ speakers. Adding a level of design sophistication to the sound reproduction capabilities, these speakers are simply stunning.

Complete with an FM stereo digital tuner and a remote control, the HT-DV50H home cinema system offers unparalleled sound quality and is a must for any home cinema enthusiast.

For those looking for an alternative, the predecessor of the HT-DV50H, the HT-DV40H, is still available at outlets up and down the country. Released in 2007, the HT-DV40H offers a superb quality of sound and comes with a pair of satellite speakers. Smaller, and more compact than the tall boy speakers, this is a sounds system to designed to offer the best, even in the smallest of spaces and is available now with a suggested retail price of £299.00.

Pricing and Availability
The Sharp HT-DV50H home cinema system will be available in the UK from the end of April 2008 with a suggested retail price of £399. More information about the HT-DV50H home cinema system is available on the home entertainment section of Sharp’s Web site, www.sharp.co.uk.

Freesat launch date

2008-04-29T13:06:00.005Z

The Freesat service from the BBC and ITV is scheduled to launch in "early May" according to their customer service representatives. When pushed for an exact date, they were not forthcoming and stuck to early May as the nearest they could give.

The Freesat satellite service will be the first fully packaged HDTV broadcast available in the UK without any monthly subscription costs. The Hig h Definition (HD) content will be broadcast alongside a range of standard definition channels.

It is currently possible to use a high definition satellite receiver to view a number of HD channels, but until Freesat is launched, free HD channels are likely to remain outside the scope of most viewers.

The Freesat package is set to include a number of broadcast channels, as well as a range of receiver equipment and installation options.

BBC and ITV to launch free satellite HD service

2008-04-18T23:22:00.005Z

BBC and ITV are set to launch a free satellite service, offering both standard and High Definition (HD) channels this spring.

To receive this new HD service, you will need a satellite dish, HD satellite receiver box, cables and an HD-Ready television.

This will be the first subscription-free service offering the High Definition quality to the UK and promises to cover 98% of households.

Pre-launch details of the equipment costs are a bit sketchy, but expect to pay around £180 for the HD receiver box and £50 for installation. There will also be the option of a standard definition-only receiver box, as well as an HD receiver plus personal recorder system.

The best thing is that there will be no monthly subscription fees to pay - once you have bought and installed the system, there are no ongoing costs. This promises to be a serious rival to the HD channels offered by the bSkyb Sky HD Services that are available via an initial payment for HD equipment and a premium monthly subscription cost.

From the lack of pre-launch promotion on both BBC and ITV, it seems as though there are still a few issues to be resolved, but we expect that the launch will be accompanied by a fanfare of publicity.

One whisper is that a launch date of May the 5th is planned, but the Freesat people are still a bit vague and are still saying that it will be in Spring 2008.

Likewise, availability of the satellite receiver equipment is still a little secretive in the pre-launch phase, with none of the retailers that will provide the HD receivers actually promoting the gear as yet.

It seems that we may have to wait a couple of weeks for the full picture to emerge, but we at hdtvexpert.co.uk expect that when the Freesat service launches, both the BBC and ITV will do everything in their power to make it known to all.

Sharp promotion codes

2008-04-17T18:35:00.006Z

Check out these great offers on Full HD (1920x1080) TV’s available from Sharp. Hurry while stocks last!

Please remember to enter the relevant promotional code at checkout to take advantage of these great offers.

42" AQUOS XD1 SERIES FULL HD

Code 0842XD1

With code only £799

Save 38%

46" AQUOS XD1 SERIES FULL HD

Code 0846XD1

With code only £899

Save 50%

46" XL1 SERIES FULL HD 100Hz

Code 46XL1E

With code only £999

Save 38%

Comet New Discount Codes

2008-04-14T13:19:00.003Z

LCD AND Plasma TV’s – Ends 3rd May
Save 20% off selected LCD and Plasma TVs - code 20TVPROM
Save 15% off selected LCD and Plasma TVs - code 15TVPROM
Save £100 off selected LCD and Plasma TVs - code 100TVPROM
Save 10% off selected LCD and Plasma TVs - code 10TVPROM
Save 5% off selected LCD and Plasma TV’s - code 5TVPROM2

Click here to get these great offers from Comet's online store

Save up to £900 on HD TVs from Sharp

2008-04-09T15:31:00.005Z

Sharp have some fantastic new offers on LCD TV’s available now. Please note that due to the strength of these offers stock levels change frequently. Stock levels have just been replenished on these TVs so get these offers as quickly as you can to take advantage: LC42XD1EA 42 inch Full HD LCD TV

Code 0842XD1

Retail price £1,299

Promo price £799

Saving £500

LC46XD1E 46 inch Full HD LCD TV

Code 0846XD1

Retail price £1,799

Promo price £899

Saving £900

LC46XL1E 46 inch 100Hz Full HD LCD TV

Code 46XL1E

Retail price £1599

Promo price: £999

Saving £600

Currys discount codes

2008-04-09T15:19:00.003Z

These Currys discount codes are now available until the 16th April 08!

AWOFF75 £7.50 off when you spend over £149
AWOFF15 £15 off when you spend over £299
AWOFF30 £30 off when you spend over £449
AWOFF40 £40 off when you spend over £549
AWOFF50 £50 off when you spend over £749
AWOFF70 £70 off when you spend over £849
AWOFF100 £100 off when you spend over £1,000

Simply add the code at the checkout.

Click here to visit the Currys site

FREE DELIVERY on all orders over £150 (automatically applied at the checkout) also continues...

Bennetts - Web Exclusives!

2008-04-09T15:12:00.003Z

Web Exclusive Prices (Valid until 27th April)

LG 26LB75 TV – In-store price £498.77, Web Exclusive £398

Philips 50PFP5532 TV – In-store price £998, Web Exc. £898

Toshiba 37AV504DB TV – in-store £598.98, Web exc. £549

Discount Code

Offer: Save £10 when you spend £150 or more (Excludes cost of delivery).
Discount Code: Enter discount code 10AW0408 at the checkout.
Valid: 1st – 30th April
T&Cs: Cannot be used for purchases of Laptops or MP3 players.

Currys Discount Codes - save up to £100

2008-03-20T19:25:00.003Z

Currys discount codes have been extended and are now valid until next Monday 17th March at midnight.

So continue to make the most of the below codes until then!

Click here to visit Currys and rememeber to use the discount codes below

AWOFF75 Save £7.50 when you spend over £149
AWOFF15 Save £15 when you spend over £299
AWOFF30 Save £30 when you spend over £449
AWOFF40 Save £40 when you spend over £549
AWOFF50 Save £50 when you spend over £749
AWOFF70 Save £70 when you spend over £849
AWOFF100 Save £100 when you spend over £1,000

Free delivery for orders over £150 also continues (applied automatically at the checkout)

Bennetts £20 off voucher

2008-02-29T00:01:00.002Z

Save £20 on all orders of £250 or more but better still, save £25 if you use this voucher before 4pm on Friday 29th February.

Simply enter the code 20EMAIL02 at the checkout when purchasing online.

Voucher code - free delivery over £500 from Empire Direct

2008-02-22T20:42:00.007Z

Empire Direct are offering FREE DELIVERY on all orders over £500 (excluding delivery charge).

Click here to visit Empire Direct

Enter the following voucher ID and Username in the shoppping basket and the delivery charge will be removed from the total price.

Voucher ID: EX4394

Username: edsave

The code expires on Monday 10th March 2008.

Empire Direct have a great range of LCD and Plasma TVs,
many of which are currently discounted.

Blu-Ray beats HD-DVD in the format war

2008-02-19T20:11:00.004Z

In a much-anticipated press release, Toshiba announced today that it is to cease manufacture of HD-DVD players. This means that the Blu-Ray format has emerged triumphant in the war between the two competing high definition disk formats. Let's all be glad that the war has had a swift conclusion and now disks and players can be brought to market without the uncertainty over their long-term viability.

Here is the full press release from Toshiba:

Toshiba Announces Discontinuation of HD DVD Businesses19 February, 2008

Company Remains Focused on Championing Consumer Access to High Definition Content

TOKYO--Toshiba Corporation today announced that it has undertaken a thorough review of its overall strategy for HD DVD and has decided it will no longer develop, manufacture and market HD DVD players and recorders. This decision has been made following recent major changes in the market. Toshiba will continue, however, to provide full product support and after-sales service for all owners of Toshiba HD DVD products.
HD DVD was developed to offer consumers access at an affordable price to high-quality, high definition content and prepare them for the digital convergence of tomorrow where the fusion of consumer electronics and IT will continue to progress.
"We carefully assessed the long-term impact of continuing the so-called 'next-generation format war' and concluded that a swift decision will best help the market develop," said Atsutoshi Nishida, President and CEO of Toshiba Corporation. "While we are disappointed for the company and more importantly, for the consumer, the real mass market opportunity for high definition content remains untapped and Toshiba is both able and determined to use our talent, technology and intellectual property to make digital convergence a reality."
Toshiba will continue to lead innovation, in a wide range of technologies that will drive mass market access to high definition content. These include high capacity NAND flash memory, small form factor hard disk drives, next generation CPUs, visual processing, and wireless and encryption technologies. The company expects to make forthcoming announcements around strategic progress in these convergence technologies.
Toshiba will begin to reduce shipments of HD DVD players and recorders to retail channels, aiming for cessation of these businesses by the end of March 2008. Toshiba also plans to end volume production of HD DVD disk drives for such applications as PCs and games in the same timeframe, yet will continue to make efforts to meet customer requirements. The company will continue to assess the position of notebook PCs with integrated HD DVD drives within the overall PC business relative to future market demand.
This decision will not impact on Toshiba's commitment to standard DVD, and the company will continue to market conventional DVD players and recorders. Toshiba intends to continue to contribute to the development of the DVD industry, as a member of the DVD Forum, an international organization with some 200 member companies, committed to the discussion and defining of optimum optical disc formats for the consumer and the related industries.
Toshiba also intends to maintain collaborative relations with the companies who joined with Toshiba in working to build up the HD DVD market, including Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and DreamWorks Animation and major Japanese and European content providers on the entertainment side, as well as leaders in the IT industry, including Microsoft, Intel, and HP. Toshiba will study possible collaboration with these companies for future business opportunities, utilizing the many assets generated through the development of HD DVD.

Bennetts Promotion - No Deposit Pay 2009

2008-02-11T09:25:00.000Z

Bennetts' latest promotion is Buy now with NO DEPOSIT and pay nothing 'til 2009 when you spend £99 or more.

Bennetts also have some great offers on, including £100 OFF this JVC LT32DY8ZJ 32" HD ready LCD TV. . It comes with FREE Delivery and FREE 5 years parts and labour guarantee.
Click here to buy it now

Comet Discount code – Save 10% OFF Plasma and LCD TVs

2008-02-11T09:17:00.000Z

Save 10% on a huge selection of Plasma and LCD TVs at Comet, just enter promotional code -

10TVOFFER

Click here to visit Comet and use the discount code at the checkout.

Bennetts Discount Code for February 2008

2008-02-06T11:31:00.000Z

Bennetts Discount Code for February 2008 gives you a £15 discount when you spend £300 or more.

Visit Bennetts Electrical and enter code 15AW0208 at the checkout.

The discount code is valid from 01.02.08 to 29.02.08T&Cs.

The minimum spend of £300 excludes delivery charges.

SHARP announces AQUOS X - the world's thinnest LCD TV

2008-01-29T11:53:00.000Z

Sharp's new AQUOS X series LCD TVs will be available in Europe from September 2008. Recently launched in Japan, the world’s thinnest LCD televisions in production, the AQUOS X series TVs, will be fully compatible with European market standards and connection regulations. The extremely thin Full HD LCD TVs come in screen sizes of 37, 42 and 46 inches (94 to 117cm) and will be formally revealed to the European market at this year’s IFA, Europe’s largest consumer electronics event.

Taking another step towards the dream of the frameless LCD TV, the AQUOS X series measure just 3.44 centimetres at their widest point. The astonishing image quality is provided by 120-hertz technology in combination with Full HD resolution. Equipped with dynamic contrast of 15,000:1 and a 3-way audio system, this is the ultimate high-resolution television experience. Environmentally friendly design and a low electricity consumption of less than 0.5 watts in standby mode make the new AQUOS X series models the most eco-friendly in their class.

Save up to £700 with Comet

2008-01-25T12:22:00.000Z

Save Up to £700 on selected LCD and Plasma TVs with Comet. This offer is available until midnight Thursday 31st January 2008.

Toshiba 40XF355DB. Save £700, now just £999.99
Picture Frame technology from Toshiba for the slimmest frame on any LCD TV - this Toshiba 40" LCD 1080p HD TV has amazing sounding Onkyo speaker technology and built in Digital Freeview tuner - all at a great low price

Panasonic TH-50PZ70B. Save £300, now just £1499.99
Superb picture and sound quality from this Panasonic 50" 1080p HD Plasma TV with integrated Freeview digital tuner

Panasonic TH-50PX70BA. Save 300, now just £1,099.99
Panasonic 50" Plasma HD ready Viera TV featuring V-real technology for the ultimate high picture quality, integrated digital TV tuner, 2x HDMI inputs and pedestal stand included.

Philips 42PFL7662D/10. Save £200, now just £799.99
Experience 1080 HD with this amazing Philips 42" 1080 HD ready LCD TV - great value from a great brand

SHARP Discount Codes - save £hundreds!

2008-01-14T13:48:00.000Z

Here are the current discount codes from Sharp. You can save hundreds of pounds on the following Sharp Aquos Full HD LCD Tvs and the Sharp Aquos Full HD Blu-Ray Player.

These discount codes will be available until 31st January 2008.

Sharp Aquos LC42XD1EA 42 inch Full HD LCD TV
Discount Code 0842XD1 <-- You will need to enter this code at the checkout
Retail price £1,299.00
Promotional price £750.00
You Save £549.00 42%

Get this discount now!

Sharp Aquos LC46XD1E 46 inch Full HD LCD TV
Discount Code 0846XD1 <-- You will need to enter this code at the checkout
Retail price £1,799.00
Promotional price £950.00
You Save £849.00 47%

Get this discount now!

BDHP20H Full HD Aquos Blu-Ray player
Discount Code 08BDHP <-- You will need to enter this code at the checkout
Retail price £399.00
Promo price £299.00
You Save £100.00 25%

Get this £100.00 discount now!

Littlewoods Sale

2008-01-03T15:48:00.000Z

Littlewoods End of season sale - Started 28th December 2007

John Lewis Clearance now on with free delivery

2008-01-03T15:35:00.000Z

Clearance now on at John Lewis - FREE delivery

Clearance now on 26 December through 13 January - Click Here

Comet Special Offers

2008-01-03T15:26:00.000Z

Comet Extra Extra Low Prices
Visit the Comet sale: LCD & Plasma TV’s – Save up to £600

Top Offer from Comet:
Philips 32” LCD
Only £449.00 – Save £150

Bennetts Discount Voucher, Promotions and Top Products

2008-01-03T15:08:00.000Z

Discount Voucher
Bennetts Discount Voucher promotion runs from 2nd – 31st January 2008.
Spend £350 or more and get £15 off upon entering the code 15AW0108 at the checkout.

Free Delivery on ALL TVs
This is an ongoing promotion.

Big B Winter Sale ongoing
The Big B Winter Sale is ongoing with hundreds of price reductions.

Top products:
Sony Home Theatre DAVX1G, less than half price!
DVD 2.1 home cinema system from Sony. This fantastic system has 2 speakers plus a subwoofer, and accepts various media types.

Panasonic TH50PX70PED 50” plasma TV (with FREE Delivery).
This elegantly designed 50”(127cmV) VIERA HD ready plasma TV features an advanced 3D colour management system has integrated digital Freeview and comes complete with pedestal stand.

Philips 42PFL5522D 42” HD Ready LCD TV with Freeview (with FREE delivery).
Enjoy a unique audio visual experience with this 42"(106cmV) LCD from Philips. Let it propel you into the heart of HD action with its integrated digital tuner.

SANYO introduces new full HD home cinema projector - the PLV-Z2000

2007-10-22T12:20:00.000Z

SANYO has announced the launch of a full HD (1920 x 1080) home cinema projector, model PLV-Z2000. Featuring rich new 3D colour management, a high resolution and high contrast ratio of 15000:1*1, the industry’s most advanced lens shifting function*2, and the industry’s most silent fan system*3, the PLV-Z2000 will be on sale in the UK from November 2007.

The PLV-Z2000 brings the home cinema experience to the full HD digital movie age and is able to adjust to even the most complex homes through the industry’s best lens shifting capabilities, allowing a large screen to be projected onto from a variety of settings.

This new projector has already been on display at IFA 2007 held in Berlin, as well as in the United States at the CEDIA Show, where the unit was received with significant interest.

Main Features:
1. Able to project in full HD high quality, with additional built-in high resolution functions, including rich colour reproduction, a new 3D Colour Management system and a high contrast ratio of 15,000:1*1
2. Industry’s most advanced*2 top-bottom/left-right lens shifting function enabling large screen enjoyment from the living room to smaller spaces
3. Industry’s most silent*3projector, at only 19 decibels

*1 When using ‘Vivid’ mode
*2 As of August 24, 2007 for front Full HD (1920 x 1080) projectors
*3 As of August 24, 2007 for LCD projectors brighter than 1200 lumens

Outline:
As interest in low-profile, flat panel large screen televisions has increased, so has the interest in home cinema projectors that can easily project images of 80” or greater. The home cinema projector market is expected to see a total of 600,000 units shipped for fiscal year 2007. Also, with the beginning of digital transmission for television and the entrance of next-generation DVD units, the home cinema projector market will be constantly changing and improving to be compatible with the new formats. SANYO presents the new PLV-Z2000 as an answer for the home cinema projector market so that users can enjoy the new full HD signal from next-generation DVDs and the new digital transmissions with high resolution.

SANYO, since first introducing a built-in lens shifting function with the release of the PLV-Z1 in October 2001, has continued to develop home-use projectors with this function so that private consumers can easily enjoy their videos and movies with large screen sizes and high quality. The new PLV-Z2000 further advances the ease-of-use cultivated in the Z series for home cinema use while having a genuine full HD-compatible built-in high resolution function.

Detailed Explanation:
1. Able to project in full HD high quality, with additional built-in high resolution functions, including rich colour reproduction, a new 3D Colour Management system and the high contrast ratio of 15,000:1*1

Rich Colour Reproduction – the new “3D Colour Management” system
The PLV-Z2000 is equipped with a rich colour depth reproducing system brought to its maximum performance by the new “3D Colour Management”. In order to process operations for primary colours which are usually difficult to control, SANYO has realised in the Z2000 an increase of 1,100 times better*4 colour management ability (approximately 2,160 hundreds of thousands of combinations) when compared to traditional models, and the projector displays full HD with rich colour reproduction.

*4 Compared to the PLV-Z5

Projecting full HD without sparing any detail with high resolution and high contrast ratio of 15,000:1*1
The PLV-Z2000 is able to realise full HD through using the C2FINETM*5 D7 new
generation inorganic LCD panel and variable iris capable of the high contrast ratio
of 15,000:1*1. The Z2000 maximizes image details in high definition with a newly
developed high efficiency lens, bringing the most high definition potential out of every scene with the highest optical performance.

*5 C2FINETM property of Epson

2. Industry’s most advanced*2 top-bottom/left-right lens shifting function –
enabling large screen enjoyment from the living room to smaller spaces.
As well as being a full HD model with more than two times the image pixels of
traditional projectors*4, the PLV-Z2000 also has a built-in lens shifting function that allows the wide-range shifting up or down up to three screen sizes, and left to right up to two screen sizes. The projector also has a built in 2x zoom enabling large projection from living rooms to smaller rooms.

3. Industry’s most silent*3 projector at only 19 decibels
The PLV-Z2000 is equipped with built-in newly developed large aperture, low noise Sirocco cooling fan, that not only reaches the low noise level of 19 decibels*6, but has also been improved to effectively cool the inside of the projector unit. The reduction in noise allows movies and films to be enjoyed and heard during quiet or silent scenes, providing true home cinema enjoyment on a large screen in any room and during any scene.

*6 When using the “Theater Black Mode” Lamp Mode

4. Other Functions
Combines both interior design and functionality in stylish and automatic sliding shutter
Deep colour HDMI (ver 1.3a) equipment compatible (2-types)
Smooth gradient reproduction, 14 bit gamma correction circuit
Specifications:

Model name
PLV-Z2000
Panel
0.74 inch TFT p-Si(16:9),Micro Lens
No. of pixels
1920 x 1080
Lamp Life
3000hrs
Brightness (typical)
1200 ANSI lumens
Uniformity
85% (corner to centre)
Contrast ratio
15000:1
Throw ratio
Screen size
1.36 – 2.76:1
40R21;-300R21;
Color systems
PAL / SECAM / NTSC / NTSC4.43 / PAL-M/N
Connections
Input 1: Dsub15 (RGB/Scart-RGB)
Input 2: HDMI (HDCP)
Input 3: HDMI (HDCP)
Input 4: RCA (composite)
Input 5: S-Video
Input 6: Y-Pb/Cb-Pr/Cr
Computer compatibility
UXGA/ SXGA/ XGA/ SVGA/ VGA/ MAC
Scanning frequency
H-sync 15-80kHz, V-sync 50-100Hz
Voltage
100V-240V AC (auto voltage)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
400 x 146 x 346 mm
Weight
7.3kg

Sony Bravia outshines iPhone as most-wanted gadget this Christmas

2007-10-22T12:16:00.000Z

The Sony Bravia High Definition TV has stolen the march on the Apple iPhone as the most-wanted gadget this Christmas, according to a survey of over 3,500 people conducted by consumer electronics reviews website CNET.co.uk.

Heralded by Steve Jobs as a “reinvention of the phone”, the arrival of the Apple’s iPhone has triggered huge excitement across the world with an estimated 1.05million sold in the US since the device hit the shelves in July. However, it is the 40-inch Sony Bravia high-definition LCD TV that has been named this year’s most coveted Christmas gift by the readers of CNET.co.uk.

Sony’s awarding-winning Bravia TV range has generated massive publicity recently, following the launch of “Play-doh”, Sony’s highly acclaimed Bravia advertising campaign which features 200 colourful plasticine bunnies hopping through New York. Created by a team of 40 animators who produced 100,000 still images over three weeks, the 60-second advert follows in the footsteps of previous Bravia campaigns which featured thousands of colourful balls on the streets of San Francisco and an explosion of 70,000 litres of paint in a housing estate in Glasgow.

Jason Jenkins, reviews editor of CNET.co.uk, said: “With the festive season just around the corner, competition is hotting up as vendors battle it out to produce the most desirable gadget in the crowded Christmas marketplace. Since Steve Jobs’ glitzy announcement of the iPhone in January, the hype surrounding the device has been phenomenal. But, now Sony has pipped Apple to the post in producing this year’s object of desire, with the Bravia’s bunnies giving the Bravia an extra bounce. As the iPhone hits the shops in the UK at the beginning of November, it will be fascinating to watch the battle unfold as we get closer to Christmas.”
The winners of the readers’ awards were unveiled at CNET.co.uk’s Editor’s Choice 2007 Awards. Other winners included:
1. Best social networking site - Facebook
2. Most wanted product feature - Wireless recharging
3. Most stylish product - Apple iMac
4. Most useless Facebook application - Harry Potter Spells and Charms

SANYO launches the new Xacti HD1000 High Definition digital camera

2007-10-05T22:43:00.000Z

SANYO, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics, has launched the world's smallest and lightest full HD digital camcorder*1, model VPC-HD1000.

The HD1000 is the latest addition to SANYO’s award winning Xacti HD range. It records video in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) and also takes 4-megapixel digital still images. The HD1000 utilizes the advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.246 video format and features a 10x optical HD lens and a large 2.7-inch widescreen display.

The SANYO Xacti HD1000 will be available in the UK during October 2007. Smallest, Lightest, Full HD Camcorder

The new SANYO Xacti HD1000 weighs only 268g and has a total volume of only 272 cubic centimetres, making it the world's smallest and lightest full HD recording (1920 horizontal and 1080 vertical pixels) digital camcorder*1. It incorporates advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression, enabling up to approximately 85 minutes of Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording or over five hours of TV-quality (640 x 480) video recording onto an 8GB SDHC Memory Card (memory card sold separately).

SANYO developed a new high-speed image processing engine to handle the high capacity demands of full HD data. This engine utilizes SANYO's proprietary codec, enabling full HD compatibility with the AVC/H.264 format, and makes it possible to do with one simple yet powerful chip the complex processing which previously required two separate chips.

The required high compression ratio is achieved due to optimisation of the image process algorithm actuator, while consuming a mere 4.2 watts of power.

New Ergonomic Design
Designed for easy, one-thumb operation, the HD1000 is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The camcorder is the first to incorporate ergonomic results based on collaborative research between SANYO and Japan's Chiba University in regard to optimising the lens-to-grip angle to minimize strain on the muscle groups used while holding and recording. Extensive testing focused on muscle responses in six places in the right arm where the muscles are used during filming, as well as surveys asking for individual assessments and evaluations. As a result of these tests and responses, it was discovered that a lens-to-grip angle of 105 degrees was not as tiring, serving as actual proof that it was easier to use than other models with different angles. The angle subsequently used on the HD1000, was optimal.

As part of its stylish new design, the HD1000 also adds a distinctly useful feature frequently requested by users of previous SANYO Xacti camcorders - the ability to have the lens level with the ground when the device is used with a tripod. Full 1080i HD SensorIncorporating the latest high-definition C-MOS sensor, the SANYO Xacti HD1000 camcorder captures full 1080i high-definition video (1920x1080) at 60 frames-per-second.

Designed to record the rich and vibrant colours of real life, the HD1000 also captures the subtle tones to provide a natural-looking result. The HD1000's C-MOS sensor provides the quick responsiveness needed to capture fast moving subjects and SANYO's noise reduction technology helps obtain the cleanest signal from each pixel.

New "Xacti Library" Function for Easy File Saving and Playback*2
The large data size of full HD movies, along with demanding file saving and playback processing usually requires special hardware and/or burning video to a disc. The HD1000's new "Xacti Library" feature makes it exceptionally easy to save video and image files by simply connecting the included USB cable*3 from the docking station to an external hard disk drive*4 (hard drive not included). After connecting the docking station to an external hard drive and to a television (via an HDMI cable), the user places the camera into the docking station and - using the menu that appears on the television screen - can search through the thumbnails and choose either to play the file or save it to the external hard disk as required. 10X Optical HD Lens

At the front of the HD1000 is a commanding 10x all-glass HD lens.
The HD1000's fast f/1.8-2.5 lens is capable of allowing almost four times more light through to assist in lower light venues. Consisting of eight groups and eleven total lenses with a built-in neutral density filter, the HD1000's lens provides a spectacular field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 10x digital zoom, the HD1000 provides up to 100x total zooming capability. Large 2.7” Widescreen DisplayThe HD1000 features a large 2.7 inch widescreen Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on its axis, allowing you to take great video or still images even from difficult-to-view positions, which is especially useful when shooting in large crowds or confined spaces.

4 MegaPixel Digital Images
The Xacti HD1000 enables simultaneous shooting of 4-megapixel still images and HD movie clips, with a simple press of the shutter button during the recording of a video clip. Users need never miss another precious photo opportunity. (Depending on the mode used to take still images, simultaneous video clip shooting may be interrupted. While shooting video clips, using the digital image stabilizer may change the angle of view for still images.)

HDMI High Definition Output
It's easy to view and share high-definition video on your HD television with the HD1000. Using the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal built into the base station, just one cable connects your camcorder to your TV for a totally digital output. HDMI carries both the video and audio signals in digital form for the highest quality playback.

Records to convenient SD/SDHC Memory CardThe SANYO Xacti HD1000 records high-definition and photos directly to a standard SD or SDHC Memory Card. In fact, the HD1000 is capable of recording approximately 85 minutes of 1080i high-definition video on a single 8GB card (sold separately). The SD Memory Card's compact size and weight makes it ideal for the diminutive HD1000. The minimal power requirements of the SD card also contribute to longer recording and playback times. When connected to the computer via the USB cable, the HD1000 acts as a standard card reader.

Transferring images and videos to your computer has never been easier. Image StabilizationHigh Definition will emphasise shaky or erratic camera movement. That's why SANYO's HD1000 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer for both video and stills. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel. For video-compatible anti-shake correction, SANYO further developed the digital stabilizer based on previous proprietary image stabilizer technology, and has advanced the technology to be more accurate in its correction, by increasing the image area detection function. Also, SANYO has further developed its proprietary "Superposition function" for higher still image quality. This function allows for clear pictures of the subject even when moving or rotation occurs.

Automatic "Face Chaser" Function for Still ImagesThe HD1000 includes a new "Face Chaser" function that automatically detects and isolates faces to assist the camera's exposure and auto-focus. The HD1000 is capable of detecting up to 12 independent faces at a time whilst photographing groups. Depending on the area, auto exposure is also compatible with AF emphasis on the people in the centre. When looking at photos taken using this face detecting technology, users can zoom in on one particular face and see clearly the facial expression of each subject.

Manual Controls
The HD1000 features versatile manual controls for advanced shooting.

The following settings can be manually adjusted according to the shooting situation:
Manual focus adjustment (16 settings); aperture adjustment (6 stops); exposure compensation (1.8 EV, 0.3 EV steps); shutter speed (13 settings); and image-quality adjustment (for sharpness and colour saturation).

Additional HD1000 Features:

Random Access: Each video is recorded as an individual MPEG-4 and each still as a JPEG so you can have true random access allowing you to review a specific image or video quickly and easily, without waiting for tape rewinding or fast forwarding.
Easy Camera to PC Connection: One of the more frustrating aspects of working with any digital media camera is juggling all the wires and connections necessary when you want to use it with external components for viewing or to download files. SANYO's HD1000 streamlines the whole process with an innovative docking station that provides an instant HDMI, component, composite or S-video connection to a TV and a USB connection for a PC. The HD1000 even recharges its internal battery when nested in the docking station.
Super fast Startup: With its tapeless design, the HD1000 eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck or get a DVD or hard drive spinning, allowing the HD1000 to begin shooting in as little as two seconds! When the HD1000 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the HD1000 in standby mode. Simply open the display and the HD1000 automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as two seconds.
Equipped with 'SIMPLE' mode so even beginners can create high quality, beautiful high definition movies
Defaults for automatic settings can be accessed quickly with the "Full-Auto" button
Adopts newly developed 2.7 inch 230,000 pixel, widescreen TFT-LCD monitor designed for viewing HD footage.
Bundled with "Nero 7 Essentials" for playback and "Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5 SE" for editing.
Newly developed and long-lasting 1900 mAh Lithium-ion battery (DB-L50)
Allows the use of external accessories such as an external strobe, video light, microphone, etc.
Optional adapter lenses for increased telephoto or wide-angle conversion
Six selectable video resolution modes and eight selectable still photo resolutions
Continuous Still Image Shooting function - 7 frames per second*5
Able to take still pictures while in the middle of Full HD movie recording*6
9-image quick display function
In-camera editing
48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound
Headphone Jack
Approximate battery use time:- Continuous Movie Filming – 120 minutes, Stills Shooting – 340 stills, Continuous Playback – 275 minutes

*1　 For consumer-use Full HD digital movie cameras, size is by volume (as of August 30, 2007)
*2　 Via docking station
*3　 Uses a special cable (included), HDMI cable sold separately
*4　 SANYO does not guarantee that the docking station will be compatible with all external hard disk drives.
*5　 Recorded as 4.0 Mega-pixels
*6　 Recorded as 2.0 Mega-pixels

Samsung announces the HT-TXQ120, the worlds' first 1080P upscaling dvd home theatre system

2007-07-19T10:24:00.000Z

Samsung Electronics UK has today announced the new Samsung HT-TXQ120 Home Theatre System, the world’s first full 1080p upscaling DVD entertainment system, designed to give consumers the ultimate audio visual viewing experience for all their home entertainment needs.

Complete with 1000W of power, the Samsung 5.1 channel HT-TXQ120 Home Theatre System has been well received by the market.This is a must for any home cinema enthusiast that is looking for an unrivalled audio visual experience.

To make the Samsung HT-TXQ120 fit perfectly in any home, the system includes full HDMI in/out capabilities which enable it to link up with all standard home entertainment technologies including TVs, DVDs and gaming devices. In order to provide maximum flexibility to consumers, the Samsung HT-TXQ120 incorporates a USB Host which allows instant plug and play capabilities with any flash media player.

The design of the Samsung HT-TXQ120 complements its powerful functionality. It comes in a glossy piano black, and is partnered with tall boy speakers which show off its sleek, and stylish design.

The Samsung HT-TXQ120 also offers DVD audio & SACD compatibility and playback of a range of disk formats which include MP3, WMA, Divx and JPEG.

In addition the Samsung HT-TXQ120 includes Samsung’s exclusive Anynet+ technology.

Stephen Mitchell, Marketing Manager – Digital AV, Samsung Electronics UK commented: “The Samsung HT-TXQ120 is another world first from Samsung in delivering 1080p high definition audio visual quality to our customers. Following our successful launch of the UK’s first commercial Blu-Ray player, the BD-P1000, we are now able to offer consumers the first 1080p home theatre DVD system. This impressive technology not only offers unparalleled picture and sound quality, but its powerful speakers are housed within a luxury minimalist design, guaranteed to make it the perfect living room centrepiece for any digital home.”

The Samsung HT-TXQ120 is available now from all leading electronic stores.

The Samsung HT-TXQ120’s full specifications include:

- 1000W
- 5.1Ch
- Tallboy speakers
- MP3/WMA/DivX/JPEG Disc Playback
- USB Host
- DVD Audio Audio and SACD Playback
- Wireless ready
- HDMI In/Out with 1080p upscaling and Anynet+

More Sharp Aquos reviews now available

2007-06-08T10:48:00.000Z

Following on from our previous reviews, we now have a more extensive list of the Aquos range reviewed.

Here's the full list of reviews that are currently available:

Sharp Aquos 42" LCD model LC-42XD1E The Aquos is a great-looking TV. It produces excellent picture quality from standard definition sources and in High Definition (HD) mode the quality is absolutely stunning. It's easy to install and set up, though connecting an XBox 360 was a little fiddly. The supplied remote control is intuitively designed and quickly accesses the impressive array of features. Read the full review
Sharp Aquos 46" LCD model LC-46XD1E This 46" model is near the top end of the current Aquos range of flat panel LCD televisions from Sharp, both in terms of size and specification. Along with others in the range, it boasts full 1080P High Definition (HD) picture quality and this looks stunning when connected to an HD source. The 46" Aquos also delivers strongly with standard definition broadcast and DVD, giving rich colours, excellent contrast and superb sound from the built-in speakers. It also looks great in terms of design, having a slim, sleek frame and stand. Read the full review
Sharp Aquos 52" LCD model LC-52XD1E The 52" model is the largest flat panel LCD television currently available from Sharp, topping off the Aquos range. The screen is massive even by today's standards, but the full 1080P High Definition (HD) specification provides an excellent experience when connected to an HD source. The 52" Aquos also delivers a good picture from Sky, Freeview and DVD, with rich life-like colours, excellent contrast and a booming sound system. As with the other TVs in the Aquos range, it also looks great in terms of overall design, the screen being set in a slim piano-black frame and complimented by an elegant stand. Read the full review
Sharp Aquos 37" LCD model LC-37XD1E The 37" model shares the same good looks as the rest of the Aquos range, but this model didn't perform to the same high standard during review. Other models in the XD1E series haven't failed to impress, but this LCD TV is an unfortunate exception to the rule. Although it boasts the same full 1080P specification as other Aquos models, both the picture and sound quality seemed much less impressive than its bigger cousins. Read the full review
Sharp Aquos 32" LCD model LC-32RD2E This 32" model is the jewel in the crown of the Aquos models reviewed to date. The 100Hz frame rate provides a judder-free picture, with very smooth action scenes. Colours are extremely realistic, retaining good definition across bright and dark scenes. The sound quality is superb. All in all the LC-32RD2E is a stunning television. Read the full review

Find the best deals on the Sharp Aquos range at ShopWindow.com

BBC propose new free HD channel

2007-06-08T09:26:00.000Z

At last some good news for HD TV enthusiasts. The BBC have announced proposals for a new free-to-air channel broadcasting high definition (HD) content and are inviting the public to respond to these proposals.

You can register your response online at http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/open_consultations/hdtv.html and there are also links to other methods to air your opinions, but you'll need to be quick - the closing date is 5pm on 19th June 2007.

The BBC's HD channel proposal is for broadcast on satellite, cable and digital terrestrial (through an aerial).

Here's a sample of what a week's schedule could look like:

Proposed BBC HD channel
Indicative nine hour weekday schedule, 2009
(R = repeat; S/C = simulcast)

Let's hope that between them, the BBC and Ofcom can make this a reality!

Microsoft announce new HD Enhanced XBox 360 Elite

2007-04-02T12:36:00.000Z

Microsoft have announced an additional model in the XBox 360 range. The new XBox 360 Elite joins the Core and Premium consoles and boasts a host of High Definition enhancements.

Microsoft have yet to provide a launch date or price, but have released details of the new system's specification. This is the latest from Microsoft's website:

"Our buddies over at Xbox US just revealed Xbox 360 Elite; the new model of everybody’s favourite next-generation videogame and entertainment system.
"Boasting a 120GB hard drive and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)
port, Xbox 360 Elite opens the door to the ultimate in high-definition digital content.

"The Xbox 360 Elite console, plus wireless controller and Xbox Live headset are all presented in a premium black finish with signature metallic detailing (growl). Also in the box will be an Xbox 360 HDMI cable to make sure you’re all set for HD nirvana.
"This new high-capacity 120GB HDD for Xbox 360 Elite gets you ready for the new era of high-def downloadable content such as TV shows and movies currently available in the US, in addition to the amazing downloadable games already on Xbox Live Marketplace and Xbox Live Arcade.
"Whatever your taste in digital entertainment, not forgetting music that can then become the soundtrack to your favourite games, the Xbox 360 Elite with its 120GB HDD lets you keep it all in one, ultra cool place. Using HDMI you can watch video and listen to multi-channel surround sound all from the same cable. You’ve got to love science sometimes.
"If you already own an Xbox 360, no need to feel left out: the new 120GB hard drive will also be sold separately. Likewise, the black wireless controller, black Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit, and black Xbox 360 rechargeable battery are also making their way to store shelves in the US around the same time.
"Our US pals tell us Xbox 360 Elite and the new accessories are shipping stateside from 29 April. We’re getting it all soon, okay, so hang in there for a release date."

Sanyo launches new LCD HDTV range

2007-03-30T08:30:00.000Z

Sanyo has annonced the launch of a new range of Full HD and HD Ready LCD TVs. The new 2007 range incorporates eight models in sizes from 20" to 47" and with a variety of features. Release dates for the range are April and June 2007.

Sanyo promises stunning sound and picture quality. They say the new products incorporate up-to-the-minute technologies as demanded by the industry and today’s customer.

HD ready is available across the board and two top-end models feature full 1080p HD resolution. The range is also designed to ensure that viewers will be ready when the national switch to digital commences in October 2007.

The new LCD televisions are available in SANYO’s widest selection of screen sizes and include 47”, 42”, 37”, 32”, 26” and 20 “ models – ensuring that there is a product to meet every need.

At the larger end of the screen size spectrum is the CE47FD51-B full HD LCD television. This 47” size screen is the largest television launched by SANYO and includes true HD 1080p picture resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) that is fully compatible with HD DVD’s and Blu-ray. The panel incorporates a high contrast ratio of 1000:1, a high brightness level of 500cd/m2, response time of 8ms and an ultra wide viewing angle of 178 degrees.

In addition the slightly smaller 42” option (CE42FD81-B) also offers full 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and like its bigger brother features two HDMI inputs and two SCART inputs, in-built digital tuner, ultra wide viewing angle and a response time of just 5ms.

Other options in the SANYO range include 37”, 32”, 26” and 20” models. These new models have been introduced to capitalise on the growing demand for flat panel televisions. The 26” and 20” screen size models in particular will cater to consumers’ increasing need for a second or even third LCD television in the home. Slim and compact, the products are perfectly suited to the bedroom, kitchen or study.

All products in the range feature 16:9 LCD, 2 SCART sockets and HDMI input (excluding the CE20WLD25-B).

The new products will be launched over the coming months. Full specifications follow below.

CE47FD51-B
47R21; Full HD LCD television with digital tuner (1080p)

16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
Black Colour
Full HD resolution 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Brightness – 500cd/m2
Contrast ratio – 1000:1
Viewing Angle – H:178 V:178
Response time – 8ms
2 HDMI input
2 scart sockets
YPbPr Component IN
PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
Availability – April

CE42FD81-B
42R21; Full HD LCD television (1080p)

16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
Full HD Resolution 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Brightness – 550cd / m2
Contrast Ratio – 800:1
Viewing Angle – H@178 V: 178
Response Time – 8ms
2 HDMI Input
2 Scart sockets
YPbPr Component IN
PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
Availability – June

CE42LD81-B
42R21; HD ready LCD television

16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
WXGA resolution (1366 x 768)
Brightness – 500cd/m2
Contrast Ratio – 1000:1
Viewing Angle – H: 178 x V: 178
Response time – 5ms
2 HDMI Input
2 Scart sockets
YPbPr Component IN
PC Input (DSUB15 – VGA)
Availability – June

CE37LD81-B
37R21; HD ready LCD television with Digital Tuner

16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
WXGA Resolution (1366 x 768)
Brightness (500cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio – 800:1
Viewing Angle – H:178 V: 178
Response Time – 9ms
2 HDMI Input
2 Scart sockets
YPbPr Component IN
PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
Availability – June

CE32LD81-B
32 “ HD ready LCD television with digital tuner

16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
WXGA Resolultion (1366 x 768)
Brightness – 500 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio – 1200:1
Viewing Angle – H:176 V: 176
Response Time – 6.5ms
2 HDMI Input
2 Scart sockets
YPbPr Component IN
PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
Availability – April

CE32LC81-B
32R21; HD ready television

16:9 LCD with built in Analogue Tuner
WXGA resolution (1366 x 768)
Brightness 500cd/m2
Contrast ratio 1200:1
Viewing Angle H: 176 V: 176
Response Time 6.5ms
HDMI Input
2 Scart sockets
YPbPr Component IN
Availability – April

CE26LD81-B
26R21; HD ready LCD television with digital tuner

16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
WXGA Resolution (1366 x 768)
Brightness – 500cd/m2
Contrast Ratio – 800:1
Viewing Angle – H:160 V:150
Response Time – 8ms
2 HDMI
2 Scart sockets
YPbPr Component IN
PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
Availability – April

Also available – 26” HD ready LCD television with analogue tuner (CE26LC81-B)

CE20WLD25-B
20R21; LCD television with digital tuner

16:9 LCD with built in digital tuner
WXGA Resolution (1366 x 768)
Brightness 450cd/m2
Contrast Ratio 700:1
Viewing Angle – H:160 V:140
Response time – 8ms
2 Scart socket
Colour: Black
Availability – April

Sanyo launch HD2 - a new HD Digital Camcorder

2007-03-28T10:19:00.000Z

Sanyo has annonced the launch of a new high-definition digital camcorder. The HD2 is the latest addition to the award winning HD1 and HD1A range.

Building on the features of the HD1A, the HD2 has the added ability to take 7.1 megapixal high-resolution images. The HD2 also has an HDMI terminal docking station (cable supplied), which means that clear video and high-resolution still images can be viewed on the growing numbers of High Definition TVs on the market.

As the smallest and lightest* camcorder of its kind, the HD2 measures 80 x 119 x 36mm, weighs just 235g (including battery and standard SD memory card) and is small and compact enough to fit in your pocket. This also means that both still and moving images can be shot using just one hand. A 2.2 inch LCD display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees for taking great video or still images in any situation. The LCD display contains 210,000 pixels, ensuring exceptionally clear viewing.

The HD2 also features a web-use filming mode, which means that footage can be uploaded directly on the internet without needing to be converted – making it ideal for the growing number of online video blog sites. Web–SHQ recording mode has been designed specifically to capture video destined for video iPOD and other popular MPEG-4 capable personal media players. For optimal playback on such devices, video is captured at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and a smooth and natural 30 frames per second video image.

Hassle-free editing
Recording and editing film footage is simplicity itself and doesn’t require the HD2 to be connected to a computer. Various scenes can be recorded into one single film which can be edited by cutting un-needed parts using the easy to use editing options in the camcorder. High Definition footage can be easily edited using Ulead DVD MovieWriter5.0 SE software and then conveniently saved in their MPEG-4 format directly onto a PC/MAC or DVD.

Ideal for low lighting
The HD2 is equipped with a one touch ‘high-sensitivity mode’ button for filming under low-lighting conditions. Additionally the HD2’s 10x optical zoom lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 in both wide and telephoto angles, allowing for clear images in low light situations. Combined with a 10x digital zoom capability, the HD2 is capable of a total 100x zoom.

Image Stabilization
The HD2 features digital image stabilization that works across the full shooting range from wide-angle to telephoto. Using an original corrective algorithm developed by SANYO, the HD2 is able to distinguish between ‘trembling hands’ and ‘camera work’ such as panning and tilting.

Progressive HD video scanning
Thanks to highly efficient MPEG-4 technology, the HD2 is able to create richly detailed high-definition 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) videos at 30 frames per second. That’s up to three times more pixels than standard conventional video cameras.

High Definition Engine
The HD2 is powered by high-precision LSI (large scale integration) circuitry for advanced, high-definition image processing. This powerful ‘high definition engine’ processes a vast number of calculations and enables the HD2 to provide image processing functions such as high-definition 720p processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression and noise reduction.

Super-fast – 9Mbs frame rate
The HD2 features an accelerated frame rate in the high definition mode, which is more than four times faster than earlier digital cameras. Transmitting data at nine megabits per second ensures that camera and subject motion are smooth and natural, without the image lag or distortion that might occur in slower-responding systems.

Features at a glance:

Edits movies without computer / Includes web compatible recording mode

Includes Ulead DVD Movie Writer 5.0 SE

High sensitivity mode

HDMI Compatible (cable supplied)

Super-fast start-up

Image stabilization

1280 x 720 progressive HD video scanning

High-definition engine

7.1 Megapixel still images

10x optical zoom

2.2 inch LCD display

Video recording optimized for personal media players

16:9 still shooting

Compact (80 x 119 x 36mm) and lightweight (235g)

* consumer-use available high definition video camera category (as of 7th February 2007)

The UK launch date is set for April 2007 and the price is £499.

How it works - LCD TV

2007-03-26T13:33:00.000Z

After several unsuccesful attempts, I now have a simple answer to the question: How does an LCD TV work?

The reason I thought about getting to grips with an explanation of how LCD TVs work was a discussion with industry insiders about "Backlight" that left me wanting to find out more. The backlight is one of the critical bits of an LCD panel. But why? It's all down to the way that the picture is generated. Without wishing to over-simplify the technology, I'll try to explain it in layman's terms...

The TV's screen is an LCD panel, made up of several layers. A bright white light shines away at the back of the panel. Millions of colour filters sit in front of this light, each one acting as a single pixel. Changing the strength of these colour filters allows varying amounts of the backlight through the front of the screen and into the room. With all of the filters switched off, the screen shines bright white. With all of the filters fully on, the screen will go nearly black. There are three elements to each filter - one each for the red, green and blue light that makes up the white visible spectrum. Each of the three colours can be adjusted for each filter, allowing each dot on the screen to have a different colour and brighness at the same time.

To get an idea of the size of each pixel, a full high-definition TV has 1,080 rows of pixels in 1,920 columns. The brightness and colour of each of these pixels can be controlled separately by adjusting its colour filters, to create the full colour picture across the whole screen.

Television pictures are made up of a series of still images displayed one after another in quick succession, to give the impression of movement. Therefore it important that the pixels should be able to change colour and brightness very quickly. If they change too slow, any fast movement on the screen will look blurred, with a smeared edge behind the moving object. The speed with which the pixels can change colour and brightness is called the "refresh rate". The faster the refresh rate, the less blurry and smeared the picture. Top-range LCD TVs currently refresh in 4 milliseconds, but lower priced LCD TV's don't achieve this rate and often suffer from noticeable motion-blur as a result.

Sony launches PS3 - with a bonus for some lucky buyers

2007-03-23T22:25:00.000Z

Sony's PS3 Games Console was launched in the UK today amid much fanfare and a give-away of free HD TVs to the first 100 lucky(?) punters in the queue at Virgin Megastore on London's Oxford Street.

Ray Maguire, head of Sony Computer Entertainment in the UK is quoted by the BBC as saying:

"High definition is very important to people.

"A lot of people have bought flat panel TVs and they want content to go on it and PlayStation 3 is one of the few places they can get that kind of experience."

The European launch of the PS3 has been delayed due to technical difficulties in manufacturing the components of the laser for the built-in Blu-Ray player. This is now in direct competition to the HD-DVD drive that is available as an add-on to Microsoft's XBox console.

The PS3 carries a hefty price tag - around £425 GBP at launch, compared to the current c£280 GBP price of the XBox 360 Premium Edition. Bear in mind though that to add an HD drive to the XBox 360 will set you back a further c£125 and the price gap narrows significantly.

In addition to re-igniting the war between competing games consoles, the release of the PS3 has stepped the format war between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD up a gear. The name of the eventual winner is still in the balance. Maybe, just maybe, both formats will be able to co-exist, with the wisest manufacturers producing an affordable range of players that will play both formats.

Find the best deals on Sony PS3s at ShopWindow.com

Ofcom propose to strangle Freeview HDTV

2007-03-23T13:25:00.000Z

Ofcom are proposing to sell off bandwidth to the highest bidders when the digital switchover is complete in 2012. If implemented, this will leave no room for free public broadcasting of high definition television (HDTV) and will mean that HDTV will only be available via subscription services - i.e. we will have to pay extra for them.

Ofcom, the Office of Communications, is billed as "the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries". They have responsibility for the allocation of the bandwidth that will become available when the analogue signal is switched off and replaced with digital.

A quick technical explanation: Television broadcasts are made by transmitting Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) radio waves and these are picked up by roof-top aerials. Currently an analogue signal is used and this requires a large portion (bandwidth) of the naturally occuring radio spectrum. Digital signals can be carried with a much narrower bandwidth than analogue, meaning that when the analogue signal is switched off, there will be a large chunk of the spectrum available for new uses.

There are a variety of uses to which the new bandwidth (referred to as the "Digital Dividend" by Ofcom) could be allocated. A lot of us who have bought HD Ready TVs might have hoped that at least some of this bandwidth would have been reserved for HD broadcasts, but Ofcom seem hell-bent on selling it off to the highest bidder. They claim to have commissioned market research that points to HD broadcast as being a marginal interest. Thiis is a kick in the face to all those people who have invested their hard-earned cash in HD Ready televisions.

So what can be done about it? Well there are a number of petitions on the No. 10 Downing Street site for a start. Finding these and signing them is a fairly painless process, so that is one option worth considering. Unfortunately Ofcom's formal call for responses to their proposal has now closed, but their website carries numerous contact points that are also worth a try. Why not give it a go if you, like us think that Ofcom has got it all wrong.

Links:

Sharp Aquos Product Reviews

2007-03-22T16:00:00.000Z

We have been busy reviewing the latest models in the Sharp Aquos range over recent weeks. Our independent reviews of the Sharp Aquos range of flat panel LCD TVs are now available on http://www.hdtvexpert.co.uk/HDTV_Reviews.asp

Sharp Aquos 42" LCD model LC-42XD1E The Aquos is a great-looking TV. It produces excellent picture quality from standard definition sources and in High Definition (HD) mode the quality is absolutely stunning. It's easy to install and set up, though connecting an XBox 360 was a little fiddly. The supplied remote control is intuitively designed and quickly accesses the impressive array of features. Read the full review .

Sharp Aquos 46" LCD model LC-46XD1E This 46" model is near the top end of the current Aquos range of flat panel LCD televisions from Sharp, both in terms of size and specification. Along with others in the range, it boasts full 1080P High Definition (HD) picture quality and this looks stunning when connected to an HD source. The 46" Aquos also delivers strongly with standard definition broadcast and DVD, giving rich colours, excellent contrast and superb sound from the built-in speakers. It also looks great in terms of design, having a slim, sleek frame and stand. Read the full review

Find the best deals on the Sharp Aquos range at ShopWindow.com