You have been watching television all of your life, and all of a sudden, along comes HDTV. This new technology might seem too costly and even unnecessary, besides, the very term might seem confusing, but nevertheless HDTV does not necessarily mean a mass of indecipherable technical terms, professional slang and marketing pitch, because in its essence it is rather simple. HDTV means a better picture which is bigger, flatter, sharper and brighter. If you once decide to get yourself one, keep in mind that it does not go alone. You will need a cable, a quad video processor may be also something worth considering. This versatile, yet affordable system receives signals from video cameras and provides output to a VCR, computer monitor, TV or a capture card with a quad display showing all four images at once or a dual display featuring one main image plus a small picture-in-picture window.

What is best of all, it works with practically any model of a base band camera, including c-mount, ball, dome, tube or covert models, in black and white or a in a combination. This system of fantastic performance provides real-time picture output, so you can see events live, the very moment they happen. To be more convinced, make a comparison with the models that are inferior. These models convert pictures into a digital format and synchronize them, which results in the low speed of picture refreshing. This comparison is a perfect way to see why the quad video processor far outruns many other units. The device also stands out among others because it offers a variety of output connectors. Really versatile, these connectors let one monitor video images on any number of television sets, dedicated and even computer monitors.

Try using it and you will be amazed at how rich and sharp the pictures are! In order to achieve additional flexibility, you may try connecting to four security sensors to the processor unit and you will trigger very special actions. For example, you can make the device change from quad mode to a full-screen one when the door goes open or a when a special motion sensor signals that there is some movement. Each camera has a connected dry contact sensor that is typically connected to it. The input triggers are linked to a common output as well. To enhance your video equipment a little more, why not use audio video switches?

They route audio and video inputs from a number of video sources to a number displays like projectors, monitors, etc., and speakers via quite inexpensive cables, and are capable of connecting to video sources with the help of transmitters and video displays via receivers, the extension between local and remote units being a maximum one. One audio-video output can be further routed to one or several destinations. Each image is surprisingly clear, as if it was connected directly to the original source. Buffered video outputs and digital transmission of audio signals ensures integrity is maintained throughout the system.

LG has decided to release its W2442PA-BF 24 inch LCD monitor that comes jam packed with 300cd/m2 brightness level, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, Dynamic contraste feature, 2ms response time, 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios supported, 160 to 170 degrees viewing angle, 1 watt speakers, HDMI, DVI-D ports, and VGA port. Unfortunately, there is no word on pricing or availability though. So stay tuned for more updates.

With a similar technology to models in the series ZF,Toshiba released the Toshiba Regza ZV, tv incorporating Resolution +implemented by Cell processors.

This technology allows Upsampling of the images and convert them to standard resolution to high resolution, taking advantage of the fact that the panels are FullHD. Resolution + does not rely on simply increasing the resolution, but to improve the result of this increase in size, especially by refining the edges of objects.

Runco’s new CineWall CW-95HD in-wall projection system boasts the ConstantContrast frame-by-frame contrast correction to make sure the best quality pictures, CinOptx lens system for sharp-looking video, Vivix II internal processing, and CineWide technology. It seems that the specs are kewl, but you have to spend a hefty $50,000 to purchase this in-wall projection system. The Runco CineWall CW-95HD will be released in November 2008.

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has rolled out its first USB PC monitor powered by DisplayLink Corp.’s innovative network display technology, that allows notebook users easy access to multi-monitor computing via one USB connection. The 20.1-inch Mitsubishi RDT201WDL wide-format LCD screen offers a USB hub, built-in Ethernet and WSXGA+ (1,680 x 1,050) resolution. The LCD monitor also features the on-screen energy meter and three levels of power usage. The Mitsubishi RDT201WDL is currently available in Japan.

Sharp has showed off the new LED-backlit 52-inch LCD TV at CEATEC 2008. The LCD TV comes with solar floor panel which presumably provides at least some of the energy required to power the screen. I think Sharp will make more eco-friendly gadgets in the near future.

NEC has launched two new MultiSync LCD monitors in the form of the 24-inch MultiSync EA241WM widescreen LCD monitor and 19-inch MultiSync EA191M standard-format LCD monitor. The wide-format MultiSync EA241WM offers 1000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m² brightness and full 1080p high-definition 1920 x 1200 native resolution. Meanwhile, the standard-format (5:4 aspect ratio) MultiSync EA191M features a top-of-the-line PVA panel, which is ideal for the financial and specialty markets.

This display screen features 1280 x 1024 native resolution, 1500:1 contrast ratio, four-way ergonomic capabilities (height, swivel, tilt, pivot), integrated speakers, and brightness level of 250 cd/m². The MultiSync EA241WM and EA191M will be available for shipment this month for $549 and $379, respectively.

At the Ceatec Sharp unveiled the Aquos XS1 series of LCD TV’s for loaded customers. To be made available in 65 and 52 inches the LCD’s boast a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, brightness of 450cd/m2 and is just 2.8cms thick at the thinnest point. The XS1 has a speaker unit which is built in technical collaboration with Pioneer, the speaker unit consists of a tweeter, two mid range speakers and a sub-woofer connected to a digital amplifier. To maintain a slim profile it has an external TV tuner unit which comes with a digital / analog TV tuner and all the connections and slots to connect everything from a home-theater to a digital camera. It is accompanied by a futuristic Bluetooth remote control with a touchscreen. Schedules to hit Japanese stores by October 15 the 65 incher will sell for 1,280,000 Yen ($ 12,500) and the 52 inch model for 980,000 Yen ($ $ 9500).

Alphascan has launched the Prestige Haute, an LCD monitor adorned with Swarovski crystals. The LCD monitor measures 22-inch and looks as elegant and chic as you could imagine. The 97 Swarovski crystals add a unique elegance to the LCD monitor. The LCD monitor isn’t all bling and no technology. The Prestige Haute has a contrast ratio of 12,000:1 and is sure to give you an excellent video quality.

Dell has rolled out their new LCD Monitor to the market. Known as the S2309W, the monitor features 16:9 aspect ratio, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a quick 5ms response time, and 300cd/m2 brightness. No info on pricing and availability at this time. Too bad, the Dell S2309W LCD Monitor does not have HDMI port and only provides DVI and VGA ports.