CES 2007

As reported last week, Warner Brothers announced yesterday at CES its introduction of a new disc format that will contain both HD DVD and Blu-ray versions of the same movie, so it would work with either type of player. Warner calls the new format Total HD.

The studio fleshed out a few more details at the press conference. It announced that major retailers Best Buy and Circuit City, along with online retailer Amazon, will stock the discs when they appear in the second half of this year. It also specified, according to Reuters, that the discs could be either single- or double-sided, and that Total HD discs would not cost more than standard Blu-ray or HD DVD discs in stores.

Warner is making the move after it became apparent that neither Blu-ray nor HD DVD is taking off all that quickly and that neither format seems to be on the verge of gaining the upper hand, even with the release of Sony's PS3, which has a built-in Blu-ray player. In other words, the company expects a long and protracted war, and I assume the overall cost to market a single disc rather than two separate packages of the same movie will be significantly cheaper. It also will help save precious shelf space in stores (eventually).

Warner's planning a supermerger.

Currently, only Warner and Paramount are putting out movies in both formats. Universal has sided exclusively with HD DVD, while Sony, MGM, 20th Century Fox, and Disney are all exclusively Blu-Ray.

In other CES format war news, LG announced a player that can handle discs from both formats. All I can say is that the whole thing is stupid, and I don't plan on buying either format any time soon, especially when I can easily click on a pull-down menu in my Netflix account and rent whatever movies are available in HD DVD or Blu-ray.

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.

Panasonic PT-61LCX70

(Credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic's new line of LCD projection TVs are featuring a new technology--called LIFI--that Panasonic is claiming will eliminate the need for lamp replacement. Since today's LCD and DLP projection sets often need to have their bulb replaced after 3-5 years--and the bulbs cost several hundred dollars--LIFI technology could get remove one of the major drawbacks to projection TVs. We have seen ultralong bulb-life from projection TVs on Samsung's HL-S5679W, which was the first DLP HDTV to use an LED light source. The HL-S5679W claimed its bulb lasted for 20,000 hours, which means it virtually never needs to be replaced. The other advantage that Panasonic is claiming for its LIFI technology is faster start-up times--under 10 seconds to get an image on the screen. Unfortunately, they didn't mention how long it takes to get to full brightness, which we feel is a more important metric.

The LIFI technology is used on two new TV series. The LCX70 series features two models: the 56-inch PT-56LCX70 and the 61-inch PT-61LCX70. Both of these models are 720p sets, which means they have a native resolution of 1,280x720 pixels. Its jack pack is highlighted by three HDMI inputs (one front, two rear) and a PC input. There was no pricing announced for the LCX70 series, but they should be available in April.

The LCZ70 series is a step up and also uses the LIFI technology. It consists of three models--the 50-inch PT-50LCZ70, the 56-inch PT-56LCZ70 and the 61-inch PT-61LCZ70--all of which feature glossy black styling. They're also all 1080p TVs, which means they have native resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels and can display all the detail of the highest resolution HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs. Their connectivity is highlighted by three HDMI inputs (one front, two rear), as well as a PC input. There was no pricing announced for the LCZ70 series, but they should be available in May. Due to the April release dates, we suspect that neither series will feature HDMI 1.3.

Panasonic's lineup per the press release

The dancing 103's

(Credit: CNET)

Panasonic's 2007 press event Sunday at the CES was devoted primarily to extolling the virtues of the company's television cash cow: plasma HDTVs. It featured numerous presentations covering the myths and realities of plasma, plasma picture quality, and the ways plasma TVs can help you "live in high definition." The press event was a snoozer, but just about my favorite thing at CES this year was the amazing display at the Panasonic booth, which consisted of a pair of 103-inch plasmas dancing on articulated mounts that moved up and down and rotated in synch, displaying video that some how stayed straight, regardless of the screens' angles. It was great.

TH-58PX75U

(Credit: Panasonic)

Stripped of the glitter and hyperbole, Panasonic's actual plasma announcement lacked one essential detail: price (see chart below). The most notable item it did announce was the presence of a pair of new 1080p (1920x1080) native resolution models, at 50- and 58-inches, to complement the existing 1080p resolution TH-50PF9UK. All of the new sets have SD card slots, and the company's new partnership (details about which were vague) with GalleryPlayer allows customers to download HD-resolution still images--of art, for example--to SD cards for display on the big screen.

TH-50PX77U

(Credit: Panasonic)

The company would not confirm one way or the other, but we suspect that the two 700U models, available this summer, will include HDMI 1.3 inputs. People annoyed at the two-tone silver-and-black finish of the 2006 models, like the TH-42PX60U, will be glad to hear that Panasonic has gone with an all-black, glossy finish for the 2007 line. Briefly, the baseline models consist of the 75U series in 42-, 50- and 58-inch sizes, which replaces the current PX60U series. They have 1024x768 (42-inch) and 1366x768 (50- and 58-inch) native resolution and bottom-mounted speakers.

TH-58PZ700U

(Credit: Panasonic)

The step-up 77U series has side-mounted speakers and the antiglare coating so popular among plasma makers this year (e.g Samsung and Pioneer), but doesn't have a 58-inch version...yet. The line-topping 700U series, in 50- and 58-inch sizes only, adds "EZ-Synch" HDMI inputs (again, perhaps 1.3), 1080p resolution, and a third design cosmetic.

Finally, the company is carrying over a pair of huge-screen plasmas from 2006, the 65-inch TH-65PX600U and the pimp-my-mansion-worthy TH-103PZ600U.

Panasonic's lineup per the press release

Dish ViP-622: now part of a package

(Credit: Dish Network)

The headline on Dish Network's press release says "free high-definition DVR," but the fine print is a bit less exciting. The company introduced two new programming packages, called DishDVR Advantage and Dish DVR Advantage HD, that are said to reduce the cost of items purchased separately--as much as seven percent for the first package (woo hoo!). The "free high-definition DVR," a ViP-622 normally available for $199, is part of the HD version. For the reasonable cost of $69.99 per month, customers will receive the DVR, the satcaster's 30 national HD channels (more info), and the company's America's Top 200 standard-def package. Speaking of standard-def, the new DishDVR Advantage replaces the ViP-622 with a standard-def DVR, the dual-tuner DVR 625, drops the HD package, and costs $49.99 per month. An offer for new customers basically gives them the HD package for free for the first 10 months. Both new packages will be available starting February.

In a separate announcement, Dish said it would introduce MobileDish, an in-car satellite service that works with a new roof rack-mount antenna designed by RaySat. The company didn't provide many details other than that it would have more information this spring.

In case you're wondering, Dish Network did not announce any new HD channels to counter the blockbuster 100-channel announcement made by rival DirecTV, but for now, Dish still leads the pack in total available HD channels.

In a major announcement at CES this year, DirecTV said it would expand its national HD channel offering to 100 channels by the end of the year, far surpassing the HD channel offerings of satellite rival Dish Network and of cable providers. The "100" number sounds suspiciously round to me, but the company's press release mentions it has "signed agreements, or agreements in principle, with more than 70 major networks including: A&E, National Geographic, Bravo, NFL Network, Cartoon Network, SciFi Channel, CNN, Speed, Food Network, TBS, FX, the History Channel, HGTV, the Weather Channel, MTV, [and] USA Network." It also mentioned it would offer high-def games from numerous regional sports networks, including YES Network, Comcast SportsNet, New England Sports Network, and Fox Sports, and that it would expand its offering of HD movie channels.

(Credit: DirecTV)

Dish Network currently offers many of those networks (more info), but the majority, including SciFi Channel, CNN, FX, Cartoon Network, and the History Channel, don't currently have HD channels. I expect once these channels become available that Dish and cable networks will selectively pick them up, but DirecTV is claiming up to four times the bandwidth of cable channels in commercials, and its press release claimed it had bandwidth for 1,500 local HD channels and 150 nationals after the launch of two new satellites this year. No matter what, this announcement is great news for HD fans who've been wanting more content.

DirecTV also released availability on its SatGo portable satellite system (pictured). The system will come out in April, but DirecTV still didn't give an official price. The system consists of a box with a 17-inch LCD that can receive DirecTV programming anywhere. A small antenna that comes with the unit needs to be set up within line of sight to the company's satellites (that is, the sky). Specs include a remote control; component and composite A/V inputs for the TV; a composite A/V-out; a satellite-in connection; a phone jack; a USB connection; an included cigarette lighter adapter; and a rechargeable, replaceable, laptop-style battery (battery life was not specified). The unit can also be connected to a customer's existing in-home satellite dish when not being used in a portable capacity. A subscriptiion for the SatGo receiver tacks an extra $4.99 onto the monthly bill.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Sony's gargantuan booth at CES 2007 covers a lot of real estate, and it's always packed full of onlookers soaking up the sights and sounds. But the flashy booth hides a dirty little secret: Aside from a handful of headline products, very few of the devices on display are actually new. Instead, the company waits until late February to announce a detailed product plan for the forthcoming year (at which time CNET will have in-depth coverage).

King Bravia

(Credit: CNET Networks)

In the meantime, there are a few gems on display in the form of prototypes. Designed to showcase a technology or a proof of concept, these products often lack model numbers and specific details. They're hand-built (or simply plastic mock-ups), and they may or may not make it to your corner big box store in the next 18 to 24 months.

Case in point: Sony has three prototype TVs on display this year. The first was an 82-inch Bravia flat-panel LCD. Given the bank-breaking $33,000 price tag on the just announced 70-inch Bravia, we're guessing this one's absence from the TV aisle won't be missed--and with Sharp's 108-incher already taking the LCD size crown, why bother? Except for the bigger size, specs are otherwise identical to the 70-incher.

Thin...but not thin enough?

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Next up was a 55-inch SXRD set. Sony's already got larger 60- and 70-inch models using its proprietary flavor of the LCoS rear-projection technology, but this one utilizes a laser light engine that allows for a wall-mountable 10-inch depth versus the 19-inch thickness a bulb-based light engine requires. (If that sounds familiar, it's because Sony showed a slimmed-down 55-inch SXRD prototype last year as well--sans laser, however.) Sounds intriguing, but we think rear-projection sets at any thickness are going to be a hard sell as the world's love affair with ever more affordable flat-panel TVs continues to grow.

OLEDs make LCDs look fat.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

The last--and most impressive--were the OLED samples on display. Small organic light-emitting diodes are already in use in some phones and music players, but manufacturers are constantly working to enlarge them in the hopes that they'll eventually be a viable alternative to LCD and plasma TVs. Sony's showing a decently sized 27-incher with a thickness measured not in inches but in millimeters. It may not yet be ready for prime time, but it's certainly a tantalizing view of what the flat-panel future may hold.

(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.

Pioneer shows new plasma tech in booth demo

On Sunday at CES, a couple of CNET staffers and I attended a demonstration of Pioneer's newest plasma technology, and judging from the brief demo, the company has made some significant advancements. Pioneer had lined up five 50-something-inch displays, four plasmas, and an LCD; one of the plasmas utilized the new technology, which is designed to increase black level and reject ambient light reflections. After watching a variety of high-def feeds, I was convinced that the new plasma evinced some of the deepest blacks I'd seen yet in a flat-panel technology. I don't want to say more on the basis of one controlled demo of a preproduction technology, but suffice it to say I'm pretty excited to get my hands on a review sample of Pioneer's new plasmas. The company also is demonstrating the technology in a side-by-side comparison at its booth (pictured).

Pioneer has yet to dub the technology with a special name, but its press release claims that it delivers "immeasurable" black levels. When I asked Pioneer's rep about that particular adjective, he explained that light meters available today are incapable of accurately measuring the light output of the darkest areas produced by the new plasmas. The deep blacks have the added benefit of making colors appear richer in dark scenes. Pioneer also is employing a new filter that reduces ambient light reflections on the screen, an effect that was evident in the demo. We also were treated to a look at the company's new de-interlacing technology, which did appear to improve upon the video processing of comparable displays at the demo.

Update: I'd originally written here that the rep had told me the new Pioneer plasmas used a 60 Hz refresh rate, as opposed to the 72 Hz by models like the the PRO-FHD1 and the Editors' Choice PDP-5070HD, which can introduce additional judder on certain material. To clarify, those current panels support both 60 Hz and 72 Hz, and selecting 72 Hz when watching 1080i/60 or 1080p/30 material can indeed cause more judder, but the selecting the standard 60 Hz rate does not. As for the refresh rate used in the new generation of anels, were trying to confirm that the company has indeed dropped 72 Hz support, and will update this section when we hear one way or the other.

Pioneer will release the new plasmas this summer. I asked whether they would cost the same as the company's current models, whether there would be more than two plasma lines, and what exact sizes would be available, but the company's spokesman didn't specify. I suspect they'll release 42-inch, 50-inch, and 60-inch versions, since those were on display at the private demo and on the show floor; of the preproduction models I saw, only the 60-inch had 1080p resolution. The company's rep didn't think Pioneer would incorporate the new technology into its 1080p 50-inch model this year.