Can't decide what TV to buy? Exec Digital's February issue has your informative answer.
The Consumer Electronics Show is home to big television debuts. Less than two decades ago, Panasonic premiered the first ever HDTV, and just a few years ago its first ever 150-inch plasma. Technology junkies thrive here, so at last month’s event expectations were high. The stars of the show leveled out to three big players: OLEDs, HDTVs and the glassless 3D.
LG
The future really is upon us. At least it will be when you pick up one of the new LG interactive “ultra resolution” (3,840x2, 160 pixels) Smart TVs, which debuted at CES. The Cinema Screen HDTV line for 2012 has both voice recognition and 3D gesture control to allow for conversational quality at home. The 84-inch LG, expected to be the largest television set in the US, has a 1mm bezel with a redesigned Magic Remote and touch-screen capabilities, and will include Smart Share Plus with Wi-Fi to tap into your Smartphone from the couch.
On point with today’s television trend, the LG team also revealed the 46-55 inch 3D OLED TV – a device that’s supposedly the thinnest flat screen in the nation, checking in at just 4mm. The screen quality was uncensored and scored brilliant reviews from everyone on board – particularly those eager to finally pick up one for their home theater (last year’s model never made it to the consumer).
The LG televisions will run on NetCast and Google TV OS. The 3D Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) version features a Film Patterned Retarder technology so those pesky 3D glasses won’t be necessary.
Name: Cinema Screen Range
Expected release date: Summer 2012
Services: 3D, voice control, Flash and HTML5 support, built-in WiFi
Sizes: 47-55 inches; 84 inch
http://www.livestream.com/cnetlive/share
SAMSUNG
As the largest television retailer in the United States, Samsung had some big shoes to fill. The team unveiled their own version of the Google TV in their 55 inch OLED. The multi-tasking, dual-core processor Smart TV seamlessly transitions from live TV to app, and back to online rentals and mobile wireless networking. The Samsung 55 inch OLED follows the larger (up to 75 inch) Smart TV versions that also include voice and facial recognition, enabling users to toss the remote. The televisions were just a few of the several new devices Samsung is expected to help propel its company net worth as it transitions into 2012’s top roster, particularly via an “Evolution Kit” that updates televisions annually.
Name: Samsung ES800
Expected release date: Spring
Similar to: Google TV
Standout control: ‘Evolution TV’
SHARP
Sharp doesn’t need much introduction to the TV world, particularly as it introduced another 80 inch LED LCD HDTV, this time with 3D capabilities. Size isn’t the only draw on this new scene stealer – the Sharp also features up to 240 Hz, 3D technology, SmartCentral interface, WiFi capability, and makes use of the Sharp 3D X-Gen panel with four-color Quattron technology. The new AQUOS LED roundup comes in 60 inches-plus, with some even fitted to feature 3D in 120 Hz or 240 Hz. The ‘Smart TV’ revolution is delivered right with SmartCentral popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Facebook and YouTube all available with the progressive interface for simple web browsing.
Name: Sharp LC-80LE844U
Features: Aquos Advantage LIVE, SmartCentral, WiFi, 3D
Apps: Facebook, Hulu, YouTube, Netflix
Available: April 2012
PANASONIC
Named one of the “Best of CES 2012,” it’s hard not to highlight the Panasonic VT30 that comes in 55 and 65 inches. The whopping price of Panasonic reveals brand details on all levels – from the re-distinguished Infinite Black Ultra Panel and louver filter, as well as 2D to 3D conversion, apps, WiFi and Touch Pad Remote Controller. While the Panasonic doesn’t star CES 2012’s favorite feature –OLED - the premiere indicates Panasonic might still be in the TV running.
Name: Panasonic TC-PVT50
Features: 3D, cloud connected, WiFi, 2D to 3D
Available: TBD
Price: TBD
NUANCE
An unfamiliar star held the spotlight at CES this year - Nuance grabbed the attention of the television market last month when they revealed plans to tackle TV. Dragon TV is Nuance’s latest voice and language platform for televisions, device and set-top boxes that debuted at the Las Vegas technology event, pegging many to question SIRI’s next move. From the leading voice recognition brand, Dragon TV allows couch potatoes to ask questions, search the guide through genre and eventually connect to apps and mobile devices through its unique set of properties.
