Vizio’s Q3 sales accounted for only 15.7% of the US’s total, while Samsung managed to move 16.8%. iSuppli credited Samsung’s LED backlighting push for the higher sales. LED backlight means thinner TVs. The rest of the manufacturers, LG, Toshiba, and Sony only managed a 8.1%, 7.8%, and 7.8% respective market share.

But here’s the thing, only LG saw its numbers actually increase from the second quarter of 2009. Everyone else, including the top dogs, watched less TVs ship out. Of course that shouldn’t be a problem for the fourth quarter of the year as people pick up TV sets as household holiday gifts.

This California TV regulation thing isn’t going to happen without a fight, no sir. Even though a bunch of LCD makers have said that they wouldn’t have too much of a problem complying with whatever the California commission comes up with, the LCD TV Association has just applied the brakes, saying that any such regulation will ultimately result in “TVs that have fewer features.”

Of course, I don’t live in California—doesn’t the state have bigger things to worry about?—but such regulation could spread across the country. Plus, then TV makers would have to produce California models of their TVs. Again, not my concern, I just don’t want y’all to thing I’m pro-one thing or anti-another.

The argument is the same as we’ve noted: a few TV makers (most notably Vizio) say they’d be able to comply with any new environmental regulations; other companies have balked at the idea, saying that being forced to change their TVs by the BIG BAD GOVERNMENT it will raise prices, and then consumers will have to bear the brunt of these costs.

This latest development shows that maybe these new regulations are being railroaded through without any real debate. A Panasonic exec claimed that the California commission, at a hearing last week, selected people to testify based on their pre-existing support of any regulation, and not a totally random person, as was required. (Because that’s what you want, to drag people who have no idea what’s going on, bombard them with information, then ask them to come to some sort of conclusion. It’s ludicrous, but whatever.)

In any event, I look forward to more developments. Maybe we should ban TV while we’re at it; what good has it done for us lately?

You would be hard pressed to find an OLED TV in any brick and mortar retailer besides the Sony Store right now. The technology is amazing, but they just aren’t available yet and that might not change soon according to a iSuppli report. The TVs are too small and the prices are too high to gain any real traction. But, as we all know, that will change as the display tech evolves. However, don’t expect to see a wall full of OLED because the LCD market isn’t slowing down.

Digitimes,

However, even with this growth, unit shipments of OLED TV panels will amount to just 850,000 units in 2013 and only 4.7 million units in 2015, up from 25,000 in 2009. This represents a tiny number of shipments compared to the LCD TV panel market, which is set to reach 232.6 million units in 2013.

What we will likely see is similar to the CRT projection TV market growth compared to plasma TVs from earlier in this decade. Stores will carry a few OLED TVs to draw people in like they did with plasma TVs. But once the average Joe sees the price and size compared to an LCD, they will likely opt for the cheaper option and larger option.

As long as OLED continues to mature and carve out a market, it might eventually become the dominate display option. Unless, of course, something new and sexier doesn’t come to market first. Or 3D display take off. *shudder*

Sharp has announced four new LCD TVs with some impressive specs for the Japanese market today [press release in English]. The TVs will be available in four sizes: 40, 46, 52 and 60 inches. All models are full HD and feature LED backlight for improved picture quality.

The TVs from the so-called LX series feature a fantastic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, extra-low power consumption levels (Sharp speaks of the lowest in the industry) and an RSS six-speaker system with duo bass sub-woofer and a 2.1-channel set-up (except for the 40-inch model).

The 60-inch flagship model will go on sale in Japan on November 25, and it isn’t cheap (price: $6,100). The other models prove that quality has its price, too: Sharp sells the 52-incher for $5,000, the 46-incher for $3,900 and the 40-inch model for $2,800. The company hasn’t laid out international distribution plans for the LX series yet.

The main idea is to use a special material that reacts to UV radiation. The liquid crystal molecules align in accordance with the direction of the radiation so that the screen can display dark blacks. Sharp says the the contrast ratio is enhanced by 60% to 5,000:1, compared with conventional LCD screens. The response time is even doubled, according to the company. The new technology also leads to a more efficient use of the backlight, which means you can save up to 20% energy when you watch TV.

Sharp says production of LCDs making use of the new system will begin in a Japanese plant as early as next month.

At $4500 for the 46-inch and $5000 for the 52-inch, they are in the upper-end of consumer LED LCDs. Both do rock standard features of this price-point too: DLNA media streaming, YouTube, Amazon on Demand, Netflix, Slacker Internet Radio, and Yahoo! Gadgets. But even those don’t make up for the high price. Sorry, Sony, wireless is great, but most would rather opt for a cheaper, but also more reliable wired, LCD. I would.

SONY ADDS SUPER SLIM EDGE-LIT LED MODELS TO BRAVIA HDTV LINE
New XBR10 LCDs Feature 1080p Wireless High Definition Leaving the Cables Behind

ATLANTA (CEDIA Booth # 1409), Sept. 9, 2009 – Sony today introduced a new line of ultra-thin BRAVIA™ LCD HDTVs featuring an advanced edge-lit LED backlight and exceptional contrast ratio of over 1,000,000:1.

The XBR10-series models also deliver full 1080p wireless transmission of high definition signals from a separate media box to a receiver embedded in the TV, allowing source components to be placed out of sight.

“BRAVIA is on the cutting edge of television technology and the XBR10 series pushes the limits of industry-leading, innovative features,” said Jeff Goldstein, vice president of the television business for Sony Electronics. “Not only will this TV look striking when hanging on a wall, the wireless feature clears the clutter of components and messy tangles of unsightly wires, allowing you to hide components away across the room.”

The XBR10 models also feature an Ethernet connection allowing them to directly access Sony BRAVIA Internet Video content using an existing broadband network. The platform offers one of the largest selections of free and premium movies, TV shows, sports, music and more from an array of partners like, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube®, Slacker Internet Radio, and, later this fall, Netflix.

Bravia Internet Widgets, powered by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, also expand and personalize the TV experience by adding on-screen applications that provide such information as weather reports, stock information, financial news, Twitter, and additional content.

The full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive (1080p) models also feature Sony’s Motionflow™ 240Hz technology, which delivers exceptionally crisp and detailed images with natural motion. The Motionflow algorithm goes beyond traditional 120Hz technology by quadrupling the frame rate of conventional LCD TVs and interpolating three new frames.

The models are Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compliant, enabling easy access to digital photos, music, and video stored on a PC or other DLNA server using the XMB® interface and the TV’s remote control. They also offer a USB input for displaying digital photos or playing digital video and music files from a USB storage device.

Other notable features include:

BRAVIA Engine™ 3
24p True Cinema™
xross media bar™ (XMB)with enhanced 3D favorites Menu
Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen

BRAVIA Sync™
4 HDMI inputs
RS232C
Single PC, component, composite and component/composite selectable inputs

The XBR10 models exceed Energy Star® 3.0 guidelines for energy efficiency and use Sony’s Light Sensor® technology to adjust backlight intensity based on ambient room light helping to save energy and reduce the user’s overall carbon footprint.

The KDL-52XBR10 and KDL-46XBR10 models will be available this October at Sony Style retail stores, www.sonystyle.com and at and at similar authorized Sony retail outlets across the country, for about $5,000 and $4,500, respectively.

Mitsubishi Electric organized a big press conference today in Tokyo, unveiling two new series of LCD TVs, three Blu-ray DVRs and a new full HD video projector. The two TVs of the BHR series are the world’s first featuring both a built-in Blu-ray recorder and an HDD. No announcements regarding release dates outside Japan were made, but here are the main details for every device, all prices and release dates and some pictures.

Mitsubishi Electric LCD-TVs (REAL MZW300 series [JP])

• 3 sizes will be offered (40/46 and 52 inches (pictured above) for $2,000/$3,000 and $3,500)
• all MZW300 models are full HD and come with 4 HDMI ports
• contrast ratio: 20,000:1 for the 52-incher
• “Diamond HD” technology for better picture quality
• “Diatone surround sound” (5.1)
• release date in Japan: October 21

Mitsubishi Electric LCD-TVs (REAL BHR300 series [JP])

• 2 sizes will be offered (32 and 37 inches for $2,000  and $2,500)
• the 37-inch model is full HD, while the 32 incher just features 1366×768 resolution
• built-in 320 GB HDD
• built-in Blu-ray recorder
• release date in Japan:  October 30

Mitsubishi Electric Blu-ray DVRs [JP]

• three models will be sold: the BZ330 (1TB) for $1,800, the BZ-320 (500GB) for $1,400 and the DVR-BV530 (320GB) for $1,200 (pictured above)
• all come with a combination of a Blu-ray recorder/player and HDD
• the DVR-BV530 also features a VHS recorder/player
• release date in Japan: October 21 for the model with the VHS deck, October 1 for the other two DVRs

Mitsubishi Electric video projector (LVP-HC6800) [JP]

• resolution: 1,920×1,080
• brightness: 1,300 lumens
• contrast ratio: 20,000:1
• two HDMI ports
• release date in Japan: September 15 (price: $2,500)

Credit top picture: Phileweb [JP]

The consolidation process in the Japanese home electronics business goes on and on. Today former rivals Sharp and Sony said [JP] they reached a final agreement to launch an LCD panel joint venture in Osaka, after having failed to ink the deal last month. In March already, Sharp said it wants Sony as a partner for its plans to boost the production of LCD TVs.

Sharp will start operating a plant for the production of LCDs on its own in October. The subsidiary is to be turned into a joint venture by March 2010. Sony is expected to take a 34% stake and cover 34% of the $4 billion total cost. In return, the company will get some of the LCDs produced in the Sharp plant in Osaka (and another one in Southern Japan).

The deal is focused on midsize-LCD screens, particularly 32-inch models. So far, Sony bought its panels from AU Optronics in Taiwan and from a joint venture company it established with Samsung.

Sharp is also expected to merge its Blu-ray business with Pioneer’s Blu-ray division on October 1 this year. In addition, the company is in talks with Toshiba to step up the production of solar panels.

Now there is no excuse for you not having an LCD monitor. CompUSA is selling thie I-Inc 19-inch widescreen LCD for only $100 + $2 for shipping. That’s cheap. Granted, it’s not a Dell Ultrasharp, but it’s better than nothing.

Specs include:

• 19-inch screen size
• 16:10 aspect ratio
• 1440 x 900 max res
• 16.2 million colors
• Built-in speakers
• VGA input
• 700:1 contrast ratio

CompUSA via Dealnews

Dude. Sweet. I don’t have kids, let alone anyone who really ever rides in the back seat of the car but if I did, I could easily justify a $130 outlay for not one, but two (two!) replacement headrests with built-in 7-inch LCD screens. Maybe I should just get these and then always ride in the back myself while the little lady handles the driving.

You get the following: two-pack of black leather headrests with built-in 7-inch LCDs (480×234 resolution), PAL and NTSC compatibility, two-channel input for watching two separate videos, and power consumption of just five watts. I’d have no idea how to install these things but I’m willing to bet there are a few of you who’d have no problem with such a project.

Available at Geeks.com — you can get free shipping by using promo code FREESHIP at checkout.

7″ TFT LCD Color Monitor Car Headrest 2-Pack w/Remotes (Blk) [Geeks.com]

I would say that it’s a good sign for the worldwide economy that Sharp is increasing its LCD panel production by tens of thousands of screens per month. Sharp is after all one of the largest provider of OEM LCD screens which get sold not only under the Sharp brand but many others too. The company is raising it’s forecasted output from 120 million to 127 million as the LCD demand rises in developing nations.

PCWorld is stating that China alone will account for 24 million panels this year alone, which is a lot of screens. Hopefully US consumers will be able to account for a good chunk of sales too. But first we have to jobs.

If you’ve ever come to Japan, and especially to Tokyo, you will have noticed this country’s love for digital signage systems. They’re practically everywhere and some of them are quite cool. Now Tokyo-based Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) has announced plans to set up a digital signage system [JP] that consists of a total of twelve 42-inch LCDs.

In 2 weeks, the aptly named “Tall Vision” will be set up in Sendai in Northern Japan and tested for efficiency until June, 2010. It will show mainly ads, but passengers will also be able to view timetables and other information on the display.

The whole thing is a whopping 3.6m wide and about 2m tall. DNP uses full HD LCD screens made by JVC for it, but the company is ready to install monitors made by other makers upon request.

The main point of this system is its price tag. DNP says the $85,000 buyers have to pay for the Tall Vision is relatively low when compared to digital signage systems of similar size. And just like the Yahoo system I blogged about back in April, the DNP version also comes with NEC’s facial recognition technology to identify passersbys.

The 21.5-inch monitor comes packing a 1080p screen with a 2ms response time. Plus, it sports an 80,000:1 contrast ratio and a brightness of 300 cd/ms.

To be honest though, we really don’t see how this monitor is worth a $100 more than the SX2210. That monitor has nearly the same specs – only 50,000:1 contrast ratio – but it also has a webcam and an analog video input. But maybe you’re willing to spend $300 on this monitor just for the Alienware brand. That’s fine. Apple owners understand the feeling.

JVC today announced a new brand for LCD TVs in Japan [JP]. The first model of the badly named XIVIEW series is the LT-42WX7, a full HD display sized at 42 inches. JVC said they first want to target business customers with the new model, possibly followed by XIVIEWs for home use.

The new TV covers 100% of the sRGB color space and is able to reproduce 96% of the Adobe RGB color space. Other specs include a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, 450cd/m² brightness, 178° viewing angle and a 5.5ms response time. Buyers also get 2×10W speakers and 3HDMI interfaces.

Sales in Japan start at the beginning of next month. The LT-42WX7 will be priced at $3,700. JVC is yet to say if the XIVIEW TVs will ever make it outside the Japanese market.

Toshiba is releasing three new lines of LCD TVs. The only one you care about is the SV670 LED line up though. The other two series, XV648 and ZV650, are just your standard top-tier LCDs TVs. But the SV670 might be something special.

The SC670’s are powered by LEDs with local dimming that should create a stellar picture. Toshiba says that this set, with it’s LED magic, can achieve a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio without sacrificing the white brightness. Plus, it’s loaded with everything a top of line LED LCD should have including, 4 HDMI ports, 240Hz screen, SD card slot, and PC input.

Not only that, the design was inspired by nature. Or so says the press release,

A new level of picture quality deserves a new level of design, so the SV670 series is the first to incorporate the Deep Lagoon Design with the Infinity Flush Front. Inspired by nature, Deep Lagoon evokes the image of sand disappearing below the surface of calm shores. The unique Infinity Flush Front then adds an edge-to-edge anti-reflective front panel, reminiscent of an infinity pool. Together, these new design elements create a stunning appearance that stands out on a sales floor, and will accentuate any home décor.

The top of the line SV670 should be available this month in both 46- ($2,299) and 55-inch ($2,999) sizes along with the 42-, 47-, and 55-inch ZV650s. The 40-, 46-, and 52-inch Xv648 will hit stores in August starting at $1,099.

TOSHIBA BRINGS INDUSTRY-LEADING PICTURE QUALITY TO HOME THEATER WITH ITS FIRST SERIES OF LED TV

Toshiba introduces LED TV incorporating FocaLight technology with Local Dimming, and ClearScan 240 motion enhancement, demonstrating best-in-class picture performance

Digital Downtown, New York — June 10, 2009 — Toshiba America Consumer Products L.L.C. (“Toshiba”), a market leader in LCD TVs, today announced that it is now shipping its premium REGZA^® HDTV Series, including the highly acclaimed ZV650 LCD TV, and state-of-the-art SV670 LED TV. These new series combine the most advanced picture technology with stunning designs, creating a highly immersive viewing experience that improves and extends home entertainment in new and exciting ways.

As a leader in technology, Toshiba designed its new REGZA line of premium LCD TVs to elevate the viewing experience to the next level by using its unmatched processing power to create all-new levels of picture quality. In addition, next-generation connectivity and industry-leading cosmetic design were added to create a new REGZA experience.

REGZA models set themselves apart with a litany of cutting-edge picture technology features such as the new FocaLight LED Backlight with Local Dimming for superlative picture contrast, ClearScan 240 motion enhancement with Backlight Scanning for amazing picture clarity with fast-motion video, and the enhanced REGZA Engine with PixelPure 5G 14-bit video processing, Resolution+ super resolution technology, and AutoView histogram controlled automatic picture adjustment.

In addition to picture quality enhancements, these new REGZA series also offer a comprehensive suite of next-generation connectivity features including a USB port, SD card Slot, 4 HDMI inputs with InstaPort and REGZA-LINK, IR Pass-Through Port, and high-resolution PC input.

To ensure that the sound quality is as enjoyable as the picture quality, Toshiba has also included new Dolby Volume sound leveling, and Audyssey EQ. Toshiba is the first TV company to incorporate new Dolby Volume, a technology that solves a real-world problem by utilizing human psycho-acoustic algorithms to ensure a consistent volume level, even during commercials or when changing channels.

“Toshiba LCD TV market share has seen a meteoric rise from just 4.1 percent in November 2007 to 11.4 percent in April 2009,”* said Scott Ramirez, vice president of Marketing at Toshiba. “For 2009, we developed and incorporated a wide range of advanced, robust technologies to create an all-new level of REGZA LCD TV. We didn’t just make LED TV; we innovated by utilizing superior Local Dimming. We didn’t just utilize higher frame rates; we innovated by adding new Backlight Scanning Technology. We didn’t just wrap everything in high-gloss black; we innovated by creating the stunning new Deep Lagoon Design with Infinity Flush Front. The new REGZA is more than our dealers and consumers expected, and the response has been nothing short of amazing.”

REGZA XV648 – Deep High Contrast in All Light Conditions

A new addition to the 2009 REGZA lineup, the XV648 Series offers extra features that truly make a difference. Extra room light can lower the contrast on some TVs, but Toshiba’s new CrystalCoat™ technology stops ambient room light reflections from washing out the picture, creating 30 percent better contrast in bright rooms.** In addition, Dolby Volume technology ensures a consistent volume level when changing channels or during commercials. The result is improved picture and sound quality for an enhanced home theater experience.

The REGZA XV648 will be available in 40-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch screen sizes.

REGZA ZV650 – Clarity in Fast Motion

The ZV650 Series takes things to the next level with enhanced fast-motion picture quality, next-generation connectivity, and unique cosmetic design.

Toshiba’s new ClearScan 240 technology combines 120 frames per second with advanced Backlight Scanning Technology to create a 240Hz effect. Far superior to 60 Hz or standard 120 Hz systems, ClearScan 240 provides amazing picture clarity with fast-motion video that is perfect for sports enthusiasts and action movie buffs. This new system also helps the ZV650 series attain its high 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, combining amazing picture clarity and incredible picture depth.

In addition, Toshiba wants to make connecting source devices and watching content simple and flexible. Therefore, the ZV650 incorporates an expanded array of connectivity features including a USB port for playback of digital video, audio and picture files, an SD card slot for playback of digital picture files by simply taking the SD card from the camera and inserting it into the TV, four HDMI Inputs with InstaPort for faster switching and REGZA-LINK for two-way device control, an IR Pass-Through Port to control source devices that may be hidden in a cabinet or closet, and a high-resolution PC input that allows you to use the TV as a big-screen PC monitor for multimedia or gaming.

REGZA ZV650 is available in 42-inch, 47-inch and new 55-inch screen sizes (measured diagonally at 42 inches, 47 inches and 54.6 inches respectively).

REGZA SV670 – The Toshiba LED Difference

The SV670 Cinema Series LED TV Series is the next generation of REGZA, and the next generation of LED TV. While some LED TVs utilize standard edge LED, the SV670 incorporates superior FocaLight Full Matrix LED with Local Dimming. The full matrix creates better brightness uniformity. More importantly, the local dimming allows deep blacks without sacrificing peak white brightness for an all-new level of picture quality with a previously unattainable 2M:1 dynamic contrast.

A new level of picture quality deserves a new level of design, so the SV670 series is the first to incorporate the Deep Lagoon Design with the Infinity Flush Front. Inspired by nature, Deep Lagoon evokes the image of sand disappearing below the surface of calm shores. The unique Infinity Flush Front then adds an edge-to-edge anti-reflective front panel, reminiscent of an infinity pool. Together, these new design elements create a stunning appearance that stands out on a sales floor, and will accentuate any home décor.

The SV670 is available in 46-inch and 55-inch screen sizes (measured diagonally at 46 inches and 54.6 inches respectively).

Pricing and Availability:

REGZA XV648 Cinema Series LCD TV Series

40XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,099.99)

46XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,499.99)

52XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,999.99)

REGZA ZV650 LCD TV Series

42ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $1,299.99)

47ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $1,699.99)

55ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,399.99)

REGZA SV670 Cinema Series LED TV Series

46SV670U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,299.99)

55SV670U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,999.99)

For full product details and more information on the SV670, ZV650 and XV648 as well as other REGZA products, please visit http://www.REGZA.com.

The full HD TV measures just 6.4mm at its thinnest point, and with a weight of just 5.7kg, JVC also gets the bragging rights for the planet’s lightest LCD screen. It features 400cd/m2 brightness and a contrast ratio of 4,000:1.

As LG is said to work on LCD displays as thin as 5.9mm, JVC is particularly quick to bring their LCD to market.

Japanese users should be ready to spend $2,500 for the device, with JVC hoping to sell 10,000 units yearly (mainly to stores and public facilities). A price or release date for overseas markets hasn’t been announced yet.

Panasonic launched the VIERA R Series today in Japan [JP], consisting of a total of seven new plasma and LCD TVs. The first TVs of the series will be available over here starting July 1, with Panasonic not yet saying anything about sales in overseas markets.

The R series includes three plasma TVs, which are all full HD and sized at 42 ($2,900), 46 ($3,500) and 50 ($4,200) inches. They feature a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, a built-in 500GB HDD, two 16×4cm speakers and three HDMI ports.

The other four VIERA TVs of the new R series are LCDs sized at 17 ($1,300), 20 ($1,400), 32 ($1,900) and 37 ($2,500) inches. The only full HD model is the 37-incher, which also features an IPSα panel (120Hz speed). The 32-inch TV also has this panel but only achieves a resolution of 1,366×768 (just like the 17- and 20-inchers). All four LCDs come with a 250GB HDD.

Sharp has developed an LCD screen that can display a total of five primary colors, two more than usually used. In addition to red, green and blue, the prototype features cyan and yellow color filters. The result: A screen capable of reproducing 99% of the surface colors existing in the real world through what Sharp calls “Multi-Primary-Color Technology”.

According to Sharp, colors that are difficult to render for LCDs currently on the market aren’t a problem for their model, i.e. the emerald blue of ocean water. Enhanced color reproduction usually results in higher power consumption, but the company claims it leveled this off by using an extremely economical backlight.

We are likely to see the new LCD in some selected areas first, for example in museums, industrial design or remote medical treatment systems. It’s currently being showcased at the international symposium of the Society for Information Display (SID) in the form of a 60.5-incher with 1,920×1,080 resolution and 2,000:1 contrast ratio (the picture shows a conventional Sharp LCD).

The new product line is available in both 42 and 47-inch models, both of which are only 5.9mm thick. The catch is that Shinoda released their prototype displays this week, which are only 1mm thick, obviously a huge improvement over the bloated and oversized LG.

The LG units do have a weight advantage, however, coming in at 13 and 16 pounds respectively. The Shinoda weighs a Oprah-sized 200 pounds. That’s quite a difference. To be fair, LG only claims the title of thinnest LCD screen, but that’s like saying “I’m the fastest man on earth… who’s wearing this hat.”

[via Tom's Hardware]