Don’t get me wrong, $99 for a name-brand Blu-ray player sounds great, except it’s missing several key features. The player doesn’t have an Ethernet connection and so it’s only a Profile 1.1 player and cannot display any of the BD-Live content on newer titles. The player also doesn’t have compenent, optical or 7.1 analog audio outputs so your A/V receiver must be able to decode the digital audio from the HDMI stream or from digital coax.

But if you don’t care about any of that and are just planning on running an HDMI cable from the player to the HDTV, this unit seems just fine. Plus, it’s only $99 today.

Well, this LG solar ereader is a biblical revelation. We will probably never see it in this configuration and it was made to pay lip service to green ideals because the engineers at LG believe this is the kind of stuff we want.

The real technology here is the .7mm thin solar panel that can charge the reader in about 5 hours. Obviously you have to leave your book out in the sun for 5 hours and it may or may not work behind windows, so you might as well get cosy on a park bench.

The N2R1 (what a name eh?) is coming out later this year, and features two drive bays, a DVD player/writer, a memory card reader, and most interestingly, a wi-fi connection built in. Unfortunately, LG decided to go with the slower 802.11g protocol, instead of the faster 802.11n, but most users won’t really notice the difference. Priced at $299 for 1 TB, and $399 for 2 TB, it’s looking like a good deal for a nice bit of hardware. LG also states that it is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Macintosh.

From the press release:

ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2009 – LG Electronics introduced a new Network Attached Storage option for consumers looking to protect their multimedia entertainment files, this week at Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO 2009 (Booth #2623).

To help safeguard treasured family memories, photos and music, LG’s Network Attached Storage (NAS) model N2R1 uses a proven system of multiple hard drives used for sharing and replicating data to prevent possible damage or loss. Called RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Discs), this system automatically backs up and restores files for added security in the event of a hardware failure.

With up to two Tera-bytes (TB) of storage, the N2R1 provides a wealth of storage capabilities, allowing consumers to continue building their digital libraries of music, movies and other multimedia files. For an enhanced level of convenience, the N2R1 includes a DVD Re-Writer and Playback feature for additional back up or file sharing options.

“Consumers continue to create digital memories, from photos to family videos and it’s important that these irreplaceable moments are saved in a secure place,” said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics USA, Inc. “With LG’s Network Attached Storage, consumers now have a virtual ‘Library on Command’ that allows them unlimited access to their favorite memories, whether at home or on the road.”

Connectivity and Compatibility

For consumers who cannot be tied down by wires, the N2R1 has integrated WiFi connectivity for easy connection to any 802.11g wireless home network. The MyMedia feature allows consumers access to videos, photos and music through a DLNA-certified media player, placing digital entertainment libraries within easy reach of the big-screen. For music aficionados, the N2R1 also has iTunes™ connectivity for a networked music option.

The Network Attached Storage is compatible with a variety of operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems, allowing for installation in any home entertainment environment. It also provides remote support with easy access to files from anywhere an Internet connection is available, allowing consumers to show off their favorite pictures or movies even when they are away from home.

The N2R1 will be available online and at national retailers early this Fall for the manufacturers suggested retail price of $299 for 1TB of storage and $399 for 2TB of storage.

The LG marketing on this literally showed TVs with no border – the TVs looked like they went from edge to edge. However, that marketing has been swallowed up thus far and it looks like LG is backing away from the borderless concept, at least when it comes to talking about the TV. A quick search of the LG website shows that the borderless model aren’t being marketed that way anymore.

LG’s theme for this year, LIVE BORDERLESS™, will instantly make sense to anyone who sees the company’s BORDERLESS™ TVs, which appear to be a single, uninterrupted sheet of glass. These are the first TVs to completely eliminate the seam between the screen and the surrounding bezel.

So it’s obviously a philosophical “borderless” than a physical “borderless.” However, I suspect the average consumer will think “borderless” borderless, meaning without a border. Come on, LG. What’s up with this?

Here are the specs on LG’s baby:

• 1366×768
• 347.938×210.293×1.70mm (screen only)
• Number of colors: 16.7 Million
• Luminance (Peak/cd/m²) 200/440
• Contrast Ratio: >100.000:1
• Colour Gamut NTSC %: > 87
• Viewing Angle: 180 degrees
• Response Time: < 0.01ms (is that right?)

I’m sure these things are also going to be mighty expensive when they come out for you and me, so don’t get too excited yet.

[Update: Engadget notes that the TVs will be coming out in early 2010 and the 15-incher should cost about $2500. Yeah, I might have to wait a little while before I pick one up.]

That’s a lot, but look at it. It’s a fraking watchphone that has a front-facing camera, Bluetooth, and even HSDPA connectivity. The vast majority of “smartphones” don’t have all three of those specs.

LG hasn’t announced plans to sell the watchphone here in the States just yet. I would wager that this generation of the phone will not be officially available here, although importers are likely already dreaming of the crazy margins they can get away with. Perhaps we’ll get the next gen when our economy is a little better and the watchphone’s price a little lower.

cellular-news via SlashGear

The SL80 (above) and 90s (below) have an edge to edge, bezel-less design with motion smoothing and improved contrast ratio.

• The SL80 series utilizes slim CCFL technology with TruMotion 240Hz to achieve its dramatically thin profile and provide superior picture quality. Delivering consumers a compelling visual experience, the SL80 series is less than 1.8 inches thick at its slimmest point. The SL80 will be available beginning in August, in 42-, 47-, and 55-inch class screen sizes* at MSRPs of $1,599.95, $1,899.95 and $2,799.95 respectively.
• The SL90’s LED display technology provides enhanced picture quality and energy efficiency. The SL90 series will be released later this year in 42- and 47-inch class screen sizes* at MSRPs to be announced later.

LG Electronics’ New HDTVs Turn Heads; Global Design Platform Launched in USA

Unique Design, Advanced Display Technologies Expand Home Entertainment Options
NEW YORK, July 30 /PRNewswire/ — Offering consumers endless entertainment and design possibilities, LG Electronics today unveiled its newest LCD (SL80 series) and LED (SL90 series) HDTVs at the company’s annual Summer Line Show.

Both the SL80 and SL90 series feature a single edge-to-edge panel of glass over an ultra-slim bezel creating a seamless, sophisticated look that turns heads whether the TV is on or off. LG’s exclusive Invisible Speaker design further accentuates the seamless style by eliminating large speaker grills on the front bezel for a more streamlined home entertainment system aesthetic.

“Consumers are looking for stylish technology that fits seamlessly into their existing home environment, without sacrificing the advanced technology they’ve grown accustomed to,” said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing and strategy, LG Electronics USA, Inc. “With the SL80 and SL90, LG has combined the best of design and display technology – transforming the home entertainment experience from something ordinary into something better.”

Reiner explained that LG’s newest line of LCD HDTVs blend beautifully into a variety of home entertainment systems and room environments. In addition to the cutting-edge design, they both incorporate the latest picture technology, convenience and energy saving features, such as Intelligent Sensor, which automatically adjusts the TV’s picture to the lighting conditions in your room, for a more enjoyable viewing experience.

The LG Electronics USA Summer Line Show in New York is the first public showing in the world for the new SL80/SL90 series, which represent a new global flat-panel design platform.

The SL80 series utilizes slim CCFL technology with TruMotion 240Hz to achieve its dramatically thin profile and provide superior picture quality. Delivering consumers a compelling visual experience, the SL80 series is less than 1.8 inches thick at its slimmest point. The SL80 will be available beginning in August, in 42-, 47-, and 55-inch class screen sizes* at MSRPs of $1,599.95, $1,899.95 and $2,799.95 respectively.
The SL90’s LED display technology provides enhanced picture quality and energy efficiency. The SL90 series will be released later this year in 42- and 47-inch class screen sizes* at MSRPs to be announced later.
Style Expansion

Packing advanced technology into a beautiful design, the SL80 is ideal for movie and sports enthusiasts, incorporating TruMotion 240Hz technology to improve motion picture response time so consumers experience a smoother, more natural picture. For a complete cinematic home experience, the SL80 has a dynamic contrast ratio of 150,000:1 for amazing clarity and color detail, even during fast-action sports and movie scenes.

Extending the seamless design concept of the SL80, LG will introduce the SL90 series of Full HD 1080p LED HDTVs, later this year. At only 1.15 inches thin, the SL90 offers consumers a sleek, slim LED.

With the SL90’s 3,000,000:1 LED Mega Contrast Ratio, consumers can expect superior image quality coupled with unparalleled design. The SL90 series also features LG’s TruMotion 120Hz to reduce motion blur and create more natural looking images. LG offers consumers an LCD HDTV that looks great whether the screen is turned on or off.

Advanced Technology

The SL80 and SL90 series further extend the consumer experience by providing LG’s four Core Technologies that are easy-to-use including:

AV Mode II: LG HDTVs include three AV Modes, preset to optimize picture and sound settings based on Cinema, Sports or Game content.
Invisible Speaker System: Fine-tuned by renowned audio expert Mr. Mark Levinson, LG TVs utilize a unique speaker system that delivers a clean, polished look and enhanced audio with a wider sound field.
Picture Wizard: Enables easy self-calibration by providing on-screen reference points for key picture quality elements, such as black level, color, tint, sharpness and backlight levels.
Clear Voice II: Automatically enhances and amplifies the sound of the human voice frequency range to help keep dialogue audible when background noise swells. This can also be personalized with a new 12-step adjustment level.

Well, Vudu is teaming up with LG to offer Vudu streaming in their new LH50 and PS80 TVs which puts their position as one of the better and more promising hardware providers and video streaming services in serious doubt.

When we reviewed the Vudu box back in 2007 we found it to be amazingly intuitive with a great UI. Fast forward to today and we find it to be considerably overshadowed by everything else that can stream video – HD and SD – including the XBox 360, a cheap little box from Roku, and the PS3. In short, Vudu was first to the party but the cool kids got all the attention when they rolled in drunk at midnight.

Standard definition movies cost 99 cents to $3.99 to rent while HD movies cost $3.99 to $5.99. There is not contract. The box itself now costs $149, down from a high of $399, and features 2000 HD movies.

Maybe I’m cynical but when a streaming service with little brand awareness outside of the geek world becomes just another logo on a box (”This LG TV is Vudu-ready!”) you’re nearing the end of the line. Netflix can do it because they’re Netflix. Blockbuster might be able to do it because they’re Blockbuster. But Vudu was a blip on most radars at best. Sure it streams at 1080p, sure it has some good content including Pr()N, and sure it was a great idea in 2007. 2009? Not so much.

VUDU’s Streaming Movie Service Transforms HDTVs into Movie-On-Demand Video Stores

VUDU Launches Unparalleled New Movie Streaming Service For Next Generation Smart TVs

Santa Clara, CA – July 29, 2009, VUDU Inc., a leading provider of on-demand Internet entertainment services today announced its second-generation service platform specifically optimized for Internet capable smart TVs.

“Smart TV’s are part of an exciting new industry trend. VUDU is partnering with leading consumer electronics vendors to embed the new VUDU service directly into the TV, eliminating the expense and hassle of purchasing, installing, or connecting another device to the TV”, said Alain Rossmann, CEO of VUDU.

The new VUDU service delivers a compelling environment for consumers to discover and watch high definition 1080p movies on-demand. The company is also announcing that industry leader LG Electronics will ship new HDTVs that include the new VUDU service.

VUDU customers can instantly buy or rent from the largest library of on-demand high definition movies – including the newest releases from all major Hollywood studios, with no monthly fees. The VUDU’s service uniquely delivers movies in true 1080p high definition and high resolution Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound, setting the industry standard for on-demand HD movies.

“Internet-delivered video to the TV, sans box, is the Holy Grail for what the TV industry today calls ‘over-the-top’ providers, “said Jimmy Schaeffler, Chairman and CSO of The Carmel Group. “I believe VUDU’s widely acknowledged excellence in video quality and user experience is likely to be a key driver for customer adoption of this next generation of smart devices in the living room.”  

“With our second generation platform we are pushing the envelope even further by delivering for the first time features such as instant fast forward and rewind, instant start for all movie qualities including HDX, and an even faster and more refined user interface” said Alain Rossmann, CEO of VUDU.

Key VUDU Features:
Instant viewing experience: unlike typical Internet and on-demand video streaming, VUDU movies start immediately, and viewers can fast forward, rewind and browse chapters without the delays or the frustration associated with buffering.
Highest quality on-demand experience: VUDU’s unique HDX format delivers true 1080p resolution, TruFilm picture enhancements, and high resolution Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound
No monthly fees: customers can instantly buy or rent from VUDU’s extensive library of standard and high definition movie and TV titles.
Largest HD library anywhere: over 2,000 titles are available in HD or HDX format.
New releases: Newly released titles from all major studios are available day and date with the DVD release, months before they are typically available on subscription-based services.

The new VUDU Service for smart TVs will make its debut on LG Electronics’ upcoming models of Broadband TVs [later this fall – subject to completion of availability language by LG in the LG release].



Remember that stupid LG watch phone from CES? It’s on its way!

The $2,000 watch will run on GSM networks and will “turn heads on High Street” provided you’re also wearing assless chaps.

T3 writes:

The touchscreen watch phone is joined with a Bluetooth headset and video-calling capabilities, along with HSDPA internet for high-speed web browsing. The CEO of Orange UK, Tom Alexander, claims “the watch phone is the must-have gadget of 2009. It’s handcrafted, exclusively limited, and will turn heads on the high street”, and will supposedly bring “a 21st-century experience to our 21st century customers”.

Going further, he said “our ambition is to become the best loved communications brand in the UK, and the destination brand of choice for high-end mobile users in the market. To help us achieve this, we have secured some of the most original and innovative devices available”.

Yep.

LG has reportable chosen the ARM11 MPCore Processor to do the dirty in upcoming HDTVs. This chip is a multi-core CPU that, along with the ARM Mali graphics chip, should eliminate everyone’s main complaint about on-TV widgets: lag.

In the past TV manufacturers generally made the CPU themselves. This was never a big deal as the only thing the TV ever had to display was a menu and the picture. But now that consumers want more out of their HDTVS – or manufacturers say they do at least – these chips haven’t impressed. ARM CPUs are quickly becoming the go-to chip for manufacturers as they have been used for sometime by some.

We spent some time with the Yahoo Widget Engine at CES and walked away unimpressed. The system isn’t that responsive and is somewhat buggy. Probably because the chips running the system was never designed to handle such operations. That’s where ARM, and others like Intel, comes in.

Variations of the ARM11 CPU are already found in the iPhone 3G, iPods, the Palm Pre, and a lot of Nokia devices. Maybe we’ll even see ARM Cortex architecture sometime in the future. (That’s what the iPhone 3G S and Archos products are built-on) You have to imagine that Intel wouldn’t mind part of this pie either seeing as it helped develop the Yahoo Widget Engine.

Hopefully this move is the beginning of the next era of HDTVs. Hopefully we’re entering a time when televisions are more off a home appliance rather than a dedicated video device.

The futuristic OLED bracelet has a 4-inch display with a 100ppi resolution/QVGA (320 x RGB x 240 pixels), shows 1.67 million colors and features a luminance of 100cd/m². Weighing 8g, the panel is just 0.3mm thick (as thin as an OLED screen Sony showed last year). This is certainly a cool prototype (just like Samsung’s much larger and thinner “flapping display”), but it’s just a prototype and it seems we have to wait a few more years before we can lay our hands on large-sized OLEDs.

Via Tech-On

You’re soon going to be able to live out your Dick Tracy fantasy when LG ships out its video-calling watch phone this July.

Folks in Europe will get the first crack at the GD910 on Orange, but soon after Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America will all get a turn – pretty much everyone but us here in the States. It’s all good though, we didn’t wanna have fun video calling our peeps anyway.

There’s nothing really inherently exciting about a shot of the back of a phone. To be honest, there’s not really anything about the LG enV3 that gets us excited. But if you look real close at this picture right here, you’ll see one previously unleaked gem that might get you a bit more interested in this phone. Maybe. Probably not.

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For just a few hours early this morning, a post heralding the LG Viewty II could be seen at LG’s official German blog. Apparently it went up too early, because it was pulled down within hours – because that somehow fixes things.

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