The Toshiba REGZA 42HL67U LCD TV is a 42-inch 720p display with 4096 levels of color gradation thanks to 333 Mhz, 14 bit PixelPure 3G digital video processing. That’s 16 times the variety of color you’d find in a typical 8 bit model. DynaLight technology automatically regulates the brightness of the backlight and has 256 different brightness settings creating seamless frame transitions without flicker or motion blur. The 42HL67U uses an SRS WOW Soundstrip speaker system to deliver high-quality Dolby Digital sound and features PC support, 3 HDMI and 2 component inputs. Right now at Amazon, you’ll pay only $899.98 for this popular 42-inch REGZA, saving $900, and the purchase includes free shipping.

Pantel has two new outdoor LCD TV’s available that are rain, sleet, and sun resistant, perfect for some summer high-def R&R in your backyard. Coming in 32- and 42-inch sizes, the Pantel 320 and 420 feature 1336×768 resolution, a 1600:1 contrast ratio, an RF wireless receiver that allows wireless transmission of high-def audio and video up to 150 feet and a waterproof remote control. Pantel is apparently looking at the possibility of adding some larger models to the line-up, but expect them to be pricey, as the 32-inch Pantel 320 will cost you $3, 950 and the 42-inch Pantel 420 will set you back $4, 450.

Most of us familiar with the internet have heard of mashups which basically just combine two services, applications or concepts to produce something new and different. Humax has taken the term mashup to a whole new realm, producing a concept LCD TV designed by UK industrial designer Tej Chauhan. The set combines a retro exterior design reminiscent of the typical curvy design from the 1950’s, but boast the hardware common to the most technologically advance HDTV’s on the market. Will it hit shelves anytime soon? We doubt, but by making the rounds of the world’s most popular design show, the Humax retro LCD TV will make for some cool eye candy.

Here you are another PC LCD which received a Digital TV Tuner and an HDMI port. The LCD-DTV221 XBR is a 22” LCD monitor with a WSXGA+ resolution (1680×1050) with a integrated digital TV Tuner, PIP, D5, DVI HDCP and HDMI port, 2.5Wx2 integrated speaker, a 1000:1 contrast ratio as well as a brightness of 300cd/m2.

Microsoft have signed a broad patent cross-licensing agreement that will enable significant technological innovation in high-quality home entertainment and enhance the overall user experience. The agreement covers a broad range of consumer products and allows greater mutual access to each partner’s respective patent portfolio.

The company’s hope this will foster innovation in audio-visual home entertainment. What could we expect from this? Most likely Microsoft software integrated into Onkyo’s hardware, the obvious answer. A Microsoft interface for Onkyo hardware setup? We’ll have to see as the press release linked to below is pretty vague.

Onkyo also entered into the Microsoft Windows Rally program giving Onkyo access to “Microsoft technology, streamlined licensing, and technical guidance for effortless, security-enhanced and reliable connectivity between devices and PCs”. Looks like Onkyo is getting ready for the web TV revolution.

The Blu-ray 2.0 spec (or BD-Live) is about to be launched in a couple of days and at the taking cue Sony has just announced that the next PlayStation3 firmware update v2.20 will add the new interactive features to your PS3. PS3 owners will be able to access downloadable video content, ringtones, interactive movie-based games, and lots more when the software is released in “late March.” The update will also allow you to copy photos and music playlists over USB from your PS3 to your PSP.

Some of the features are:
- “Resume play” will enable PS3 system to start playing a Blu-ray disc
and DVD at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been
removed.(*1)
- “Audio Output Device” will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP
to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.
- PS3 system’s Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly
linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser’s
view speed will be improved.
- DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.
- “Mosquito Noise Reduction” will be added as an AV setting in the
control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.(*2)

*1 BD-J format disc is not supported.
*2 BD discs recorded with BDMV format are not supported

Sharp Aquos HD-ready models launching in the UK in the next few months. The Sharp Aquos D44E Series features the 37-inch LC-37D44E, the 32-inch LC-32D44E, and the 26-inch LC-26D44E all with the option of a new silver-grey color design.Key features include 720p resolution and 10000:1 contrast ratio on all models, and a luminance of 470-500 candelas per square meter ensuring brilliant colors. Optimal image control automatically adapts screen brightness to the lighting level in the room. Automatic sound control allows you to preset sound levels depending on the content you are viewing, and is pumped through 2 10W loundspeakers via a built-in digital amplifier.

Other key features include:
* 176 degree viewing angle
* 6ms response time
* Enhanced programme overview with image-split and image-in-text functions
* Freeze-frame function to keep a favourite scene on screen
* Built-in DVB-T and analogue tuner for all-round TV reception
* 2 SCART sockets and the HDMI inputs with HDCP support
* YUV, AV/S Video IN, VGA IN and Audio OUT sockets

The 26- and 32-inch models will be available later this month for 499 and 599 Pounds respectively in either black or silver-grey. The 37-inch model will be available in July in black only, with pricing still to be confirmed.

Best Buy will be sending out $50 gift cards to the poor souls who were duped into buying the now-defunct HD DVD player before February 23, 2008. Of course, this only applies to HD DVD owners who bought the merchandise at Best Buy. If this describes you, you should be receiving the gift card automatically in the mail within the next few weeks, but if you haven’t received your pity money by May 1 just call 1-888-BEST-BUY with your receipt or credit card statement.This Friday you’ll also be able to trade in your used HD DVD player at BestBuyTradeIn.com, probably netting you another $50 or so.

Via Best Buy

Panasonic Corporation of North America rolled out its complete 2008 line of 21 plasma and LCD flat paneltelevisions, all branded VIERA for the first time in North America. A Panasonic spokesperson explained that VIERA stands for “Visual Era,” and for “exceptional picture, connectivity and customer service and satisfaction” [But the latter didn’t make such a spiffy acronym!-Ed.].

The 16 new plasma sets, divided among four lines, include all new panels, a new 46″ screen size and improved contrast ratios and feature sets including HDMI connections, SD Memory Card slots, Game Mode and Viera Link. In addition, the full line includes a defeatable 110% color scale setting, “deep color” capabilities, 10-bit color gradation, and anti-glare screens.

Last year’s highest performing Panasonic PDPs featured 10,000:1 contrast ratios. The company claims 30,000:1 for this year’s best, with even the lowest tier 42″ ($1,199.95) and 50″ ($1,699.95) 720p PX80 series offering 15,000:1 performance.

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LG Electronics launches its new super multi drive GH22 enabling 22x high speed DVD writing. As a successor of 20x products, it takes only 4 minutes 30 seconds on average to write 4.7GB data, enhancing 9% of performance. Fast and safe data writing is also possible with its 2MB memory and buffer underrun prevention technology.

Rounding out key features are ‘Light Scribe’ to decorate disks with images and texts and ‘SecureDisc’ to enhance security functionality.

The GH22 supports horizontal and vertical installation that enables users to enjoy it in a slim pc.