HDTV

If you are like me and despise the task of assembling furniture, Bell'O comes to the rescue! They just announced a new line of ready-to-assemble (RTA) HDTV stands that require no tools. You read that right…absolutely no tools are required to set these HDTV stands up! Featuring their No Tools Assembly™ latch system, the WAVS-326, WAVS-333 and WAVS-321 HDTV stands take just minutes to set up! Three new wood HDTV stands are available and let you update your living room without breaking a sweat…or, in my case, a nail!

All three models will hold TVs of all kinds - Plasma, LCD, DLP, Projection and Micro-display, including related electronics and a center channel speaker. A CMS Cable Management System is also included to conceal the wires. Read more

Samsung has just unveiled the flagship model of its expanded LED HDTV lineup with the all-new 8500 Series. The new HDTVs combine the award-winning picture quality and thinness of Samsung's previous LED HDTVs, with the latest networking and interactive features, to provide an ideal option to all TV connoisseurs.

The 8500 Series is capable of a stunning 7,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for extreme detail and image depth. Its Wide Color Enhancer Pro ensures that colors are consistently vibrant, while Samsung's Ultra Clear Panel works to improve image clarity and brightness regardless of a room's ambient lighting. The 8500 Series is also compliant with the latest Energy Star v3.0 ratings, and includes an optimized energy savings mode.Read more

LG Electronics will be the first to introduce broadband HDTVs with the instant-access high-definition (HD) movie service from VUDU Inc., a leading provider of digital on-demand entertainment services. VUDU on-demand movies will be available on LG's LH50 1080p LCD series and PS80 Plasma 1080p series with "NetCast Entertainment Access," beginning this month.

The VUDU service allows consumers to instantly buy or rent from an extensive library of movies and TV titles, including an industry-leading catalog of more than 2,000 high-definition movies - with no monthly fees and without having to buy, install, or connect any additional hardware.

VUDU's streaming movie service delivers a near-instant viewing experience - movies start immediately, including high definition HDX movies, and viewers can fast forward, rewind and browse chapters without the delays or the frustration associated with slow buffering. The VUDU catalog is updated weekly, and newly released movies from major studios are typically available months before they are available on subscription-based services.

The ASUS TV monitor T1 series combines the best in desktop monitor and LCD TV technology to deliver HD TV broadcasting and Full HD Blu-ray Disc playback for the ultimate entertainment and work experience. Equipped with inbuilt TV tuners, these large screen monitors—available in 22-, 24- and 27-inch sizes—allow users to watch digital (DVB-T) and analog (PAL/SECAM) channels and enjoy all common TV functions in Europe.

The T1 Series also boasts surround sound with a pair of 7-Watt speakers, a rich complement of I/O ports catering to various connectivity needs and ASUS' exclusive Splendid Video Intelligence Technology for spectacular color reproduction.

Other Specs:

• Full HD 1080p (1920x1080)
• Inputs: HDMIx2, SCARTx2, D-Sub, Composite, Component, S-Video, audio-in jack, S/PDIF out, audio out, earphone out and CI slot
• Contrast ratio: 20,000:1

No word yet on a ship date or MSRP. Check out the full spec sheet and press release here.

LG's new LH90 series, available now through national retailers such as Best Buy and other leading electronics dealers, offer consumers advanced picture quality, smart energy savings and stylish design. The new LH90 series of LCD HDTVs features full-array LED backlighting with 2,000,000:1 Mega Contrast for unsurpassed picture quality and color detail.

The LH90 employs local dimming technology for precise automatic picture control, resulting in deeper blacks and wider color gamut. The addition of TruMotion 240Hz technology ensures smooth motion even during fast-action sports and movie scenes. Built-in THX Movie Mode on the LH90 provides consumers with a one-button solution for experiencing studio color, black levels and clean signal processing. Also, the the LH90 meets the latest Energy Star 3.0 specifications.

The LH90 is available in 55-, 47-, and 42-inch class sizes and has a MSRP of $3,199.95, $2,399.95, and $1,899.95 respectively.

VIZIO has announced 8 new models ranging in sizes from 32- to 55-inches for its new XVT HDTV series. The comprehensive range includes cutting-edge technologies like 240Hz scenes per second, TruLED with Smart Dimming backlight technology, VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) feature and high-style Slim Line profile 120Hz LCD HDTVs.

All of VIZIO's 2009 televisions are energy efficient, with each earning and exceeding Energy Star 3.0 qualifications by as much as 20%. Products are scheduled to ship throughout summer and into Fall 2009, with several already in-store or due to hit shelves. Read more

Are you still looking for a Father's Day gift? Shopping with PayPal allows you to save some money in the process. Sound good? Read on to see some gift ideas for Dad that won't cost you an arm and a leg…

Gadget Dad:

• Instead of spending over $1,000 on a new laptop or PC, how about a mini notebook? Toshiba's NB205 mini Notebook is packed with features, available in four different colors and priced between $349 and $399!
• If Dad really wants a laptop, Toshiba also offers a great notebook for under $750. Visit http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/satellite to get more information on the Toshiba Satellite A350.
• With PayPal Shopping, consumers can receive 15% off items like a 52" Sharp AQUOS 1080 LCD HDTV plus free shipping!

There are four new HDTVs that will instantly stream Netflix. The 47-inch LCD 47LH50 and 50-inch Plasma 50PS80 are available now, while the 42-inch LCD 42LH50 and 60-inch plasma 60PS80 are coming out later this summer.

LG's LH50 and PS80 series provide access to the Netflix library of more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes available to watch instantly, with hundreds available in HD. Netflix members pay as little as $8.99 per month for unlimited instant streaming (all you need is a broadband connection) to the LCD or plasma in addition to unlimited DVD and Blu-ray rental from a catalog of more than 100,000 titles. Honestly, why didn't people think of this earlier?

Besides these HDTVs, LG has also introduced two additional Network Blu-ray Players and two Network Home Theater Systems that incorporate the Netflix instant streaming capability. Find out more at www.LGusa.com.

The Toshiba REGZA series will see three new additions to its lineup, the XV648, ZV650 and SV670.

First, the REGZA XV648, which will excel when there is extra light in the room. It features Toshiba's CrystalCoat technology that stops ambient room light reflections from washing out the picture, creating 30 percent better contrast in bright rooms.

Next, the REGZA ZV650, which will come equipped with Toshiba's ClearScan 240 technology combing 120 frames per second with advanced Backlight Scanning Technology to create a 240Hz effect. 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.

Finally, the REGZA SV670 will feature FocaLight Full Matrix LED with Local Dimming. 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 ratio.

All of these will be launching in June and August this year. Get the sizes, release dates and prices here.