CES 2007

First there was 1080p. Now there's something called "Quad Full" or 3,840x2,160 resolution, which Westinghouse showed off in a 56-inch LCD HD monitor at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. The company says that equates to a resolution greater than 8 megapixels and that the LCD offers "stunning, never-before-seen picture reproduction."

Westinghouse's upcoming 52-inch 1080p LCD television

The Quad Full monitor may be the flashy headline act, but the real meat of the story is that Westinghouse is serving up several new LCD televisions, with a full lineup of moderately priced 1080p models in 42-, 47-, and 52-inch sizes. The company has also announced additional all-in-one models that feature a built-in DVD player. A new line of photo frames is on tap as well, and judging from an early peek at the specs, it should be better than the old line, which wasn't impressive.

Here are the highlights of Westinghouse's offerings for 2007.

1080p LCD HDTVs

TX-F430S series

• 42- and 47-inch models
• 1,920x1,080 native resolution
• 8ms response time
• Inputs: 4 HDMI, 2 component, 1 composite, 1 S-Video, 1 VGA
• Integrated ATSC tuner
• Available in April
• $2,000 MSRP

TX-F480S series

• 52-inch model
• 1,920x1,080 native resolution
• 6.5ms response time
• Inputs: 4 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 2 S-Video, 1 VGA
• Integrated ATSC tuner
• Available in May
• Price not available

1,366x768 LCD HDTVs

Many of the HDTVs in this category have multiple model numbers for what seems to be the same TV. Westinghouse has not announced what the differences are between these models at this time.

SK-42H240S and SK-42H360S

• 42-inch models
• 1,366x768 native resolution
• 8ms response time
• Inputs: 2 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 2 S-Video, 1 VGA
• Integrated ATSC tuner
• Available in April
• $1,700 MSRP

SK-32H520S and SK32540S

• 32-inch models
• 1,366x768 native resolution
• 8ms response time
• Inputs: 2 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 2 S-Video, 1 VGA
• Integrated ATSC tuner
• Available in April
• $950 MSRP

SK-32H590D

• 32-inch model
• Built-in slot-loading DVD player
• 1,366x768 native resolution
• 8ms response time
• Inputs: 2 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 2 S-Video, 1 VGA
• Integrated ATSC tuner
• Available in April
• $1,050 MSRP

SK-26H240S and SK-26H520S

• 26-inch model
• 1,366x768 native resolution
• 8ms response time
• Inputs: 2 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 2 S-Video, 1 VGA
• Integrated ATSC tuner
• Available in April
• $700 MSRP

SK-26H590D

• 26-inch model
• 1,366x768 resolution
• 8ms response time
• Inputs: 2 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 2 S-Video, 1 VGA
• Integrated ATSC tuner
• Available in April
• $800 MSRP

Hitachi's 50-inch '1080' HDTV, the P50H401

(Credit: Hitachi)

Hitachi's main television-related introduction at CES 2007 might engender a certain amount of confusion about an already-confusing topic to many HDTV buyers. The company is marketing its new plasma TV, the P50H401 (February, $2,500), as the world's first "50-inch 1080 HDTV flat panel for under $2,500." If you're paying close attention (and really, who is?), you'll notice "p" is a big deal, however--the panel's pixel array is 1,280x1,080, not the 1,920x1,080 that qualifies for 1080p native resolution. But the price is definitely better than that of true 1080p, 50-inch plasma TVs, such as the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK and the Pioneer PRO-FHD1.

The P50H401 utilizes "a new method of energizing pixels on a panel," a method the company's rep told me is no longer being called ALiS. We reviewed a 42-inch set last year, the Hitachi 42HDS69, that also had a vertical resolution of 1080 lines, and we found the picture plenty sharp although without the same depth of black as the best plasma sets we've tested. Needless to say, we're anxious to check out the 50-inch model, especially for that price.

Hitachi's booth also contained a few other new televisions, none of which the company is willing to price at the moment. Along with the 50-inch model, the company showed the 42-inch P42H401 (April, 1,024x1,080 resolution) and the 55-inch P55H401 (July, 1,366x768 resolution). All three are glossy black with hidden speakers, three SimplayHD-certified HDMI inputs, and Hitachi's characteristically excellent range of picture adjustments with three independent memories per input. A second lineup dubbed "CineForm T501" offers the same three sizes, all-black styling, and a few stepped-up features such as card slots and a swivel stand. Finally, the booth did have a range of "full 1080" (aka true 1080p) plasmas on display, from 50 inches and up, but the company rep told me Hitachi wouldn't have any details on those models until its April line show.

In 2006, we saw a few DVD players that could upscale to 1080p, but you had to pay a little extra for the cutting-edge technology. At CES 2007, several manufacturers have announced 1080p-upscaling DVD players, with most of the prices hovering right around $100. And while the LG Super Multi Blue Player is certainly the biggest video disc player of the show, we're betting plenty of people will be jumping on these 1080p players as a relatively cheap way to make their DVD collection look a little better.

1080p for $100

(Credit: Pioneer)

Pioneer so far has the cheapest 1080p-upscaling DVD player we've seen--its DV-400V-K will cost $100 when it comes out in May. The DV-400V-K will handle upscaling over its HDMI output and will probably be able to handle 720p and 1080i resolutions as well, though the press release didn't explicitly say so. Its disc compatibility looks solid, handling DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and CD-R/RW. It also can play back WMA, MP3, JPEG, and DivX files. The player also will be available in silver, with the model name DV-400V-S.

Samsung also released a 1080p-upscaling player, the DVD-HD1080P7. Its HDMI output can also upscale to 720p and 1080i, and it uses Silicon Optix's HQV video processing. The DVD-HD1080P7 has a 10-in-2 memory card reader, as well as DivX playback, though we don't know if it can play DivX files off the card reader. The DVD-HD1080P7 is scheduled to come out in May with a list price of $110. Samsung also will be offering a step-down non-1080p model, the DVD-HD870, which can upscale to 720p and 1080i and should come out in February with a list price of $90.

DVD-S53

(Credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic's new 1080p-upscaling DVD player is the DVD-S53. Like all these players, it offers upconversion over its HDMI output, and we assume--although the press release, again, doesn't explicitly state it--that it can also upconvert to 720p and 1080i. Panasonic lists some very robust disc-compatibility specs, including DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, both +R and -R dual layer discs and the flexible DVD-RAM format. That sounds impressive, but we're going to remain a little skeptical since Panasonic DVD players and recorders have had some disc compatibility issues in the past--despite the impressive spec sheets. The DVD-S53 should be available in April with a list price of $130.

Toshiba announced a trio of upscaling DVD players, with the SD-6000 capable of 1080p uspcaling. Like the others, it handles its upscaling over its HDMI output and can also upscale to 720p and 1080i resolutions. The SD-6000 also can handle other digital media, such as DivX, WMA, MP3 and JPEG. Disc compatibility is a little limited, handling only DVD-R/-RW and CD-R/RW. The SD-6000 will have a list price of $130 and is expected to be released in May. Toshiba also is offering a step-down upscaling player, the SD-5000, which only handles 720p and 1080i. The SD-5000 will come out in February for $80.

LG came out with the DN798 1080p DVD player but didn't offer many more details than the product name. The DN798 will have an HDMI output, as well as a USB port that can read JPEG, MP3 and WMA files. LG also will be releasing a step-down 1080i-upscaling DVD player, the DN788. We don't know when these players will come out or how much they'll cost.

(Credit: Matthew Moskovciak/CNET Networks)

It wouldn't be CES without some giant TVs that nobody can afford, and Sharp has done its part with a gigantic 108-inch LCD TV. The 1080p-resolution set measures 93.9 inches high by 52.9 inches wide, so you'll probably need a mansion to go along with your new TV. There's not much more to say except that, unlike many of the giant TVs that are unveiled, Sharp announced at its press conference that this set actually will be available to consumers.

We had a chance to take a quick look at this set both at the press conference and on the CES floor, and our initial impressions weren't that positive. Senior Editor David Katzmaier and I both saw some very noticeable darker and lighter areas of the screen, most likely because of uneven backlighting. To be fair, the sets we saw were prototypes, so maybe they'll be able to iron out the kinks by the time it's released. Pricing was not revealed, but we feel comfortable speculating that it will cost more than the 70-inch Sony.

(Credit: JVC)

JVC, purveyor of LCoS-based rear-projection HDTVs including the well-performing HD-56FN97, announced a pair of superslim models in mid-December, and showed them again at CES 2007. The sets are designed to "easily fit on most stands and furniture designed for flat-panel TVs" according to the press release. The 58-inch HD-58S998 (January, $3,300 selling price) and the 65-inch HD-65S998 (March, $4,200) occupy a mere 10.7 inches and 11.6 inches of depth, respectively. The company is marketing a stand (pictured at right) and a wall-mount bracket that allows these TVs to hang over the fireplace, plasma TV-style.

(Credit: JVC)

(Credit: JVC)

No, no wires here.

Thousands of people pay thousands of dollars to have flat-panel HDTVs mounted on the wall with no visible wires. Samsung's FP-T5894W, the first mainstream large-screen "wireless" TV that I've seen, aims to make those wireless-looking installations a lot cheaper and easier. Like most "wireless" A/V gear, it does require one cord--to supply AC power--but that's it. The rack full of A/V equipment that accompanies any self-respecting plasma installation connects to the FP-T5894W's "wireless A/V center," which the company claims can sit up to 300 feet away from the panel itself. The panel and the included wireless center communicate using the 802.11n wireless standard at bit rates up to 150Mbps--plenty for 1080p video, for example. I'm looking forward to testing its capabilities with more than one video source (picture-in-picture) and at the extreme range of its signal.

The FP-T5894W is a 58-inch plasma display with 1080p (1,920x1,080) native resolution. (Note: Our video and images are of a 50-inch prototype on display at the company's CES 2007 booth; for now, Samsung is talking about only a 58-inch version being available for sale this year.) The screen deploys Samsung's FilterBright2 Plus technology, which the company is pushing again this year as a solution for reducing glare and improving the picture quality in bright light (a historical weakness of those big panes of glass). Samsung also touts a ludicrous 10,000:1 contrast ratio. These last two claims deserve a healthy helping of salt. The A/V center sports 3 HDMI 1.3 inputs among its many connections, although there's no mention of a PC input on its preliminary spec sheet.

Available in September, the wireless FP-T5894W will list for $5,799, a couple grand more than a wired Panasonic TH-58PX600U, for example. The company also announced two other high-end plasmas at the show, both also available in September: the 50-inch HP-T5084 ($4,199 MSRP) and the 58-inch HP-T5884 ($5,199 MSRP). Aside from wireless connectivity, they have essentially the same specs as the FP-T5894W (yes, the 50-inch model is also 1080p, and both models have HDMI 1.3). If you compare just the two Samsung 58-inchers, the cost of going wireless is about $600. There are a couple of other wireless solutions available, such as Gefen's $500 Wireless HDMI Extender, but this Samsung is the first big-screen integrated wireless TV I've seen.

HL-T6187S: LED-powered DLP

(Credit: Samsung)

DLP-based rear-projection HDTVs have always been a mainstay of Samsung's extensive HDTV offerings, and offerings at this year's CES are no different. To follow up on its release of the HL-S5679W--the first widely available DLP to be powered by LEDs and 2006 Best of CES winner in the television category--the company announced three new LED-powered DLP sets for this year. The 61-inch HL-T6187S, the 56-inch HL-T5687S, and the 50-inch HL-T5087S all replace standard bulbs with a trio of light-emitting diodes, which imbues them with a longer life span (20,000 hours before needing replacement, as opposed to 3,000 to 6,000 hours with a bulb), an immunity to the rainbow effect, and the ability to impart that warm sense of environmental responsibility associated with mercury-free gear. They further increase appeal by decreasing the depths of their cabinets compared to last year's models. All three have 1080p (1,920x1,080) native resolution and "3D-ready technology." I'll ask Samsung about that one when I get a chance, but red-and-blue glasses aren't mentioned on the spec sheet. In case you're wondering, these still use the wobulated 1080p chip, known as "SmoothPicture" to TI fans (more info).

Conspicuously missing from the sets' official descriptions is any mention of whether their three HDMI inputs are version 1.3, but I'll post an update when I find out. The company also did not divulge pricing or availability for these sets, although they'll definitely arrive later and command a higher premium than the company's standard, bulb-powered DLPs.

HL-T6176S: bulb-powered DLP

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung introduced a matching trio of bulb-powered sets at the show and was even brave enough to commit to pricing and availability. There's the 61-inch HL-S6176S ($2,899 estimated selling price), the 56-inch HL-T5676S ($2,499) and the 50-inch HL-T5076S ($2,099), all coming in April. Each gets 1080p resolution and that difficult-to-believe but oh-so-round 10,000:1 contrast ratio, along with a few smaller numbers: three non-1.3 HDMI inputs, 3D readiness, and a depth of 10.6 inches. I assume that last number describes only the 50-incher and that others are proportionately deeper, but I can't confirm yet. Those prices are about equal to today's selling prices for the current generation of 1080p DLPs, such as the HL-S5687W.

In a smart move, Philips is shifting away from plasma and focusing almost exclusively on LCD TVs in 2007. The notable exception is its moderately priced ($3,500) 63-inch plasma TV, which has more potential than the company's earlier 42- and 50-inch plasma TVs that had to go head-to-head against Panasonic's highly regarded models.

LED is now the light behind Ambilight.

(Credit: Philips)

According to Philips, its new Ambilight LCD FlatTVs "range in size from 32- to 52-inches (32PFL7332, 42PFL7432D, 42PFL9832D, 47PFL9732D, 47PFL7432D and 52PFL7432D). The 42-, 47-, and 52-inch models now boast 1080p resolution, Perfect Pixel HD Engine to maximize 1080p content for the best picture, Pixel Plus 3 HD, Digital Natural Motion and ClearLCD, the peak of high-definition (HD) for today's demanding consumer."

Probably the biggest news is that Philips is now using LED to power its Ambilight technology. The company says that, "The LED generates more saturated colors, allows for a more compact set design, and consumes less power than prior models."

Philips' upcoming Ambilight LCD TVs.

(Credit: Philips)

Philips' big plasma TV has a relatively small price tag.

(Credit: Philips)

Vizio is making news at CES 2007 with a $3,000 60-inch plasma TV, but Philips has a big-screen plasma model of its own that it's going to price very aggressively at $3,500 (MSRP) when it arrives in stores in June. At 63 inches, the Philips 63PFP7422D is actually bigger and features 1080p resolution, USB connectivity for displaying digital photo slide shows and MP3 playback, and a motorized swiveling stand. That $3,500 is a suggested retail price, so we expect the real price to be even lower, possibly closer to $3,000. Of course, the Vizio will probably be nearer to $2,500 when it's released, but still, with prices for large-screen plasmas coming down quickly, the demise of the rear-projection TV seems more inevitable.

It's worth mentioning that with this set, Philips is also touting a new picture settings set-up wizard that seems pretty promising. You'll be guided through six preferences, including contrast, sharpness, and color saturation. We've been asking for this sort of wizard in sets for a while, so we're eager to see if it's a gimmick or a simple way for people to calibrate their sets right out of the box, without any help from pricey calibrators.