Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Sharp Releasing Solid, Budget 1080p LCDs with SB Series [Televisions]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/356686284/sharp-releasing-solid-budget-1080p-lcds-with-sb-series

Depending on your definition of "cheap," Sharp may or may not be releasing inexpensive SB Series LCDs, but their prices aren't so bad relative to the market. Their new line of 52, 46 and 42-inch 1080p televisions will feature a decent 6ms response time and run $2,300, $1,700 and $1,400, respectively. But since these figures are retail prices, don't be surprised to see the displays around for plenty less. All televisions are available now save for the 42-inch, which will be around next month. Here are the full details:

SHARPĂ’ INTRODUCES ENTRY-LEVEL LINES OF FULL HD 1080P WIDESCREEN LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY TELEVISIONS

New Models Provide Stunning High-definition Viewing & Stylish Slim-Line Designs at Competitive Prices

MAHWAH, N.J., August 5, 2008 - Sharp, a worldwide leader in flat-panel Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Televisions, is expanding its large-screen SB series of LCD HDTVs, making the sought-after high-definition (HD) experience available to more consumers. The SB series (LC-52SB55U, LC-46SB54U and LC-42SB45U) provides consumers with affordably-priced Full HD, big-screen options, available in 52- 46-, and 42-inch screen size class units (diagonal 52 1/32", 45 63/64 and 42 1/64" respectively), some of the most popular screen sizes today. All three feature Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080 resolution), and are cased in a glossy piano-black bezel.
"As the demand for high-definition home entertainment continues to rise, we are creating a wide range of reasonably-priced HDTVs that incorporate Sharp's esteemed picture quality and renowned features," said Bruce Tripido, associate vice president, marketing, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp. "The large-screen SB series of LCD TVs opens up the high-definition viewing experience to a wider audience, providing an affordable, yet high-quality option for consumers."
Helping! more co nsumers create a true high-definition home theater, the large-screen 1080p SB models feature Sharp's Spectral Contrast Engine for deep blacks and crisp images. All three models also feature an impressive pixel response time of 6ms (6.5ms on the LC-42SB45U), providing excellent picture quality on fast-moving action scenes, and wide viewing angles so the TV can be viewed from virtually any seat in the room.
Additionally, these sets come fully equipped with built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners and an array of inputs, including four HDMITM on the LC-52SB55U, two on the LC-46SB54U and three on the LC-42SB45U, as well as two HD component terminals on each. All models feature a dedicated PC input so the TV can also act as a PC monitor. An OPC Power Save function automatically adjusts luminance to room brightness and lighting conditions.


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Olympus and Panasonic launch Micro Four Thirds, compact "DSLRs" will be yours

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/356084033/

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Ready for this? Olympus and Panasonic just announced a new mirrorless format and lens mount based on the venerable Four Thirds standard. Dubbed Micro Four Thirds System, the enhanced standard uses the same 18 x 13.5-mm sensor but promises 50% slimmer cameras due to the removal of the mirror box. We're also looking at smaller lenses (while remaining compatible with existing Four Third lenses with an adapter) thanks in part to a new reduced lens mount which is now 6-mm smaller. With the mirror box gone, Micro Four Third cameras will lose the optical viewfinder so you'll have to frame up your subjects using a Live View LCD or an external viewfinder.

How big of a development is this? Huge. As Phil Askey, editor over at dpreview puts it, "This is without doubt the most exciting digital photography announcement this year. It's fair to say that this "extension / addition" to the Four Thirds standard is finally able to deliver on the original promise of that format; considerably smaller and lighter lenses and bodies."

Unfortunately, no products were announced so you've got plenty of time to debate the spec and pour over the illustrations we've dropped in after the break.

[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]

Continue reading Olympus and Panasonic launch Micro Four Thirds, compact "DSLRs" will be yours

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Nokia 5800 Tube browser screenshots appear, underwhelm

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/356426197/

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Well, we've seen the Nokia 5800 Tube's keyboard, home screen, video player, and uh, Bat-Sonar, so we might as well keep going with these shots of the browser. Kudos to Nokia for delivering something just slightly more impressive this time around than we're used to from S60 Touch, but we're still not feeling the super-90s aesthetic -- check out those icons at the bottom. We're still hoping to be blown away when this thing finally launches, but it's looking less and less likely with each new screenshot.

[Thanks, Marie]
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BenQ's MID Aries2 reportedly set for European launch

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/356273226/

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For those that have actually waited around and saved their heart for BenQ's MID, we applaud you. Nearly a full year after we initially saw this thing crop up, we're just now receiving word that a launch is imminent. Finally redubbed MID Aries2 (after simply going by BenQ MID for all these months), this handheld computing device will reportedly "be launched in Europe this quarter." Unfortunately, that's all the details we're given, so until we see a finalized specifications sheet, we'll just assume nothing has changed since the last update.

[Via Pocketables, thanks Will]
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Motorola Alexander gets pictured: WinMo 6.1, NVIDIA graphics, Q4 release

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/356483533/

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Surely that "last stand" Motorola handset is still burned into your memory, right? No? Anywho, said mobile was just given a face courtesy of Boy Genius, and it's an, um, interesting face at that. We'll let you be the judge on its unsightliness (or beauty, depending on inebriation level), but aside from design, we're expecting this one to include Windows Mobile 6.1, NVIDIA graphics, a 5- to 8-megapixel camera, A-GPS and a Q4 release date. As always, we'll be keeping an ear to the ground for more.
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