CES 2007

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.

The end may be near for this DLP set.

HP announced its new lineup of HDTVs for 2007, and the biggest news is probably that its well-received DLP (digital light processing) rear-projection sets aren't being refreshed for the new year. Word is that the company will let stores sell through the DLPs still out there, but that's it. The focus for 2007 will be on flat-panel models. It's strange, considering that the company invested heavily in DLP technology.

Although I suggested in a recent column that the future for rear-projection sets was pretty dim, I think it's a shame HP's rear-projection sets may soon be extinct. I liked their look and the hideaway front-panel inputs. Alas, a good design and good reviews don't always translate into big sales.

As for new flat-panel models, HP's trotting out 9 new HDTVs at CES 2007. Highlights include bigger sizes--the LCD models now come in 42- and 47-inch screens--and 1080p support. Two top-end MediaSmart models feature built-in wireless media streaming along with 1080p support.

One of the two new MediaSmart LCD TVs

HP will also offer a couple of new plasmas: a 42-inch and a 50-inch. The specs say they have a 60,000-hour lifespan and, naturally, a VGA input for PC connectivity along with multiple HDMI ports. In fact, all HP's new sets will feature three HDMI ports. The company still hasn't announced pricing or availability, but here's the complete list:

2007 HP Flat Panel Televisions

• HP 1080p LC4276N 42-inch LCD TV
• HP 1080p LC4776N 47-inch LCD TV
• HP 720p LC3272N 32-inch LCD TV
• HP 720p LC3772N 37-inch LCD TV
• HP 720p LC4272N 42-inch LCD TV
• HP PL4272N 42-inch plasma TV
• HP PL5072N 50-inch plasma TV

2007 MediaSmart Televisions

• HP 1080p 42-inch SL4278N MediaSmart LCD TV
• HP 1080p 47-inch SL4778N MediaSmart LCD TV

The Samsung LN-T5265F

(Credit: Samsung)

Every year at CES it seems like more and more manufacturers release less and less information about their coolest products. Sure, I realize that the pricing, availability, and specs given are usually "preliminary" anyway, but any information is better than none. Take Samsung's higher-end flat-panel LCD lineup for 2007. Its three models, the 52-inch LN-T5265F, the 46-inch LN-T4665F, and the 40-inch LN-T4065F, all offer HDMI 1.3, 1080p (1,920x1,080) native resolution, a more-unbelievable-than-usual 12,000:1 contrast ratio, and "chrome accents and glossy black finish to accentuate any home theater." Also glossed over are pricing and availability for any of the three models, although maybe Samsung will drop hints during the course of the show.

The Samsung LN-T2354G

(Credit: Samsung)

Equally glossy but definitely more detailed is the company's step-down line of flat-panel LCDs, comprising five screen sizes. The 40-inch LN-T4053H ($2,299 list), the 32-inch LN-T3253H ($1,699), the 26-inch LN-T2653H ($1,299), the 23-inch LN-T2353H ($849), and the 19-inch LN-T1953H ($529) all have glossy black finishes, and the two smallest models have "pearl white" twins: the LN-T2354H ($849) and the LN-T1954H ($529). All hit stores in April and all include three non-1.3 HDMI inputs including one on the side panel. The spec sheet also mentions an "RS232 port for navigating MP3 player content on-screen with the LCD remote," presumably with a proprietary adapter. The two biggest models offer an improved panel with a wider color gamut, although this won't necessarily improve color accuracy.

Samsung CRTs

(Credit: David Katzmaier)

Most CES announcements about new HDTVs pertain to products that cost more than anybody's grandpa would consider paying for a television, but traditional cathode ray tubes can provide high-def to even stingy old codgers. Samsung, along with Toshiba and no-names such as Insignia, markets a few wide-screen HDTVs that don't cost a fortune, and at CES 2007 it continues the tradition of models including the Samsung TX-S3082WH with an updated trio. The 30-inch TX-T3093WH and TX-T3092 (both April, $699 list) are identical but for speaker configuration; the first has side-mounted speakers, while the second saves width by placing the speakers below the screen. Each offers a pair of non-1.3 HDMI inputs and two component-video inputs, as well as a Nano Pigment Screen that makes use of very small pigs to produce "deeper colors, higher contrasts, and a wider range of color expression throughout the entire screen," according to the company (except for the pigs part). The sets are shallower than some other similarly sized CRTs at 16 inches deep, although still much bulkier than a 32-inch LCD, of course. If 600 bones is still too rich, the 27-inch TX-T2793 (April, $549) should be a better fit--its spec sheet is otherwise the same, although I assume the depth is even shallower.

One of the major themes of this year's CES is mobile TV: yesterday, Verizon confirmed it will be bringing live full-length television programming to selected handsets, and then Samsung revealed it had developed a technology to enable local TV stations to broadcast digital programs to cars and mobile devices. For those road warriors who can't wait for either of the these solutions for their fix of Regis and Kelly, the answer might just be KVH's TracVision A7.

Developed in collaboration with DIRECTV, the A7 enables drivers to pick up 185 channels, including local network stations. To do this, the system incorporates a GPS interface that automatically enables regional-specific network channels when you're on home turf. The A7 costs $2,900, excluding in-car displays, although it does work with nearly all manufacturer-installed screens. While the monstrous, 48-pound roof-mounted, dome-shaped antenna is best suited for SUVs or minivans, TracVision reps tell us one driver installed the system on his Corvette. We're all for mobile connectivity, but people who want to watch TV that bad should probably just stay at home.