HDTV

OmniMount has just introduced the ominmount (slightly confusing); a fixed flat panel mount with the highest level of versatility and affordability. The omnimount accommodates any flat panel, 13 to 42 inches and up to 40 pounds on drywall, perfect for do-it-yourselfers who want to hang a flat panel TV with total ease and confidence.

Basically you just attach the panel spacers to the back of the TV using a screwdriver, mount the wall brackets with the template provided and hang the flat panel in its place. Also, the product supports up to 80 pounds if mounted into a single stud or masonry.

The omnimount comes with four separate wall brackets that work with any and all hole patterns on flat panel TVs, a comprehensive installation template and the mount, itself, features the company's exclusive Lift n' Lock technology.

Look for OmniMount's omnimount later this year with an MSRP of $39.95.

Now hailed as the thinnest LCD TV, the JVC GD-32X1 will feature Genessa Premium (a 36bit processing engine), 2x HDMI, RGB, component, composite, plus, other inputs. With a Full HD (1920 × 1080) screen, this LCD will have a contrast ratio of 4,000:1. Also, the GD-32X1 will support sRGB up to 100% and Adobe RGB up to 90%. Although this is super thin, not having an OLED screen severely lessens the contrast ratio. But, because this does not have an OLED screen, it should be a lot less expensive.

Currently, there is no word on a price, but the JVC GD-32X1 should launch in Japan this August. There should be a global launch soon after that.

All of the announced TVs fall in the XVT, M and E series. The XVT series will feature TruLED and 240Hz SPS. And it will be available in 32- to 55-inches. The M series will feature a JAVA design and 120Hz technology and will be available in 32- to 47-inches. The E series, as in Eco, will drain the least amount of energy and will be available in 19- to 42-inches.

Also, these TVs will have integrated USB video inputs that are enhanced and offer high quality 1080p video playback, along with a Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio of up to 2,000,000:1. The XVT series will include a universal learning backlit remote, too.

Between these 3 new HDTV series, there will be a total of 31 new models. This is VIZIO's entire 2009 lineup, so expect to see these rolling out soon, along with the prices.Read more

We know and expect to pay top dollar for top quality items. Hitachi is relieving us of this burden with their new line of Luxury LCD HDTVs. With improvements in technology and economies of scale, Hitachi is now able to offer first rate televisions for fractions of what they used to cost. The upcoming UltraVision Series will offer 55-inch, 46-inch, and 42-inch screens complete with 1080p resolution and 120hz panel speed for $1800, $1300, and $1000, respectively. For those of us who do not spend all our time studying the TV market, this means you'll get a "good deal on a good TV".

For more information, go to www.hitachi-homeelectronics.us

LG Electronics just announced the LH55 "Full HD" HDTV series, which features TruMotion 240Hz Technology with a scanning backlight. With an 80,000:1 contrast ratio, you can expect the LH55 series to display a crisp and clear picture at all times.

The LG LH55 series is equipped with a Super In-Plane Switching (S-IPS) panel that provides fast response times and maintains better color and contrast at off-axis viewing angles. LG also includes scanning backlight technology to improve motion picture response time from 120Hz to 240Hz to virtually eliminate motion blur.

Other features include:

• Picture Wizard: Easy self-calibration by providing on-screen reference points for key picture quality elements like black level, color, tint, sharpness and backlight levels.
• Invisible Speaker System: Tuned by renowned audio expert Mr. Mark Levinson.
• Clear Voice II: Automatically enhances and amplifies the sound of the human voice frequency range to help keep dialogue audible when background noise swells.
• AV Mode II: LG HDTVs include three AV Modes, preset to optimize picture and sound settings based on Cinema, Sports or Game content.

Available today, the sizes and prices are 37-, 42-, 47- and 55-inches at MSRPs of $1,399.95, $1,799.95, $2,099.95, and $3,899.95, respectively. Grab the full press release here.

The new JVC Xiview LT-42WX70 is a 42-inch, 120Hz, 1080p LCD TV monitor that targets digital imaging professionals and enthusiasts using high-end digital SLR cameras, allowing them for the first time to see the subtle colors, details and textures of their images faithfully reproduced.

The available color modes (depending on the source's signal) are:

• Wide (the TV's color space)
• Normal (ITU-R BT.709; HDTV standards)
• x.v.Color (xvYCC extended gamut)
• sRGB (same primaries as HDTV)
• Adobe RGB and sRGB (Adobe RGB color spaces are exclusive for viewing digital still images.)

Also, JVC uses its new high-quality GENESSA Picture Engine with 12-bit (x RGB = 36-bit) for truly accurate and natural colors. The 120HzClear Motion Drive III (100Hz for PAL video signals) in the engine reduces blurring on LCD TVs, helping to make images with rapid movement clearer and smoother using a high-precision interpolation algorithm.

The JVC LT-42WX70 is available now for $2,399.95. Grab the full press release here.

Amazon announced yesterday that customers can now buy HDTV programming and HD movies from the Amazon Video On Demand service. Compatible devices include the Roku digital video player, TiVo Series3, HD XL DVRs, and the Sony Bravia Internet Video Link. The Amazon Video On Demand library is also now available on Panasonic VIERA CAST enabled HDTVs.

HD movies rent for $3.99 - $4.99. HDTV programming can also be purchased and watched on a PC or Mac (through a compatible device) for $2.99.

For more information on the service, visit www.amazon.com/videoondemand/tv.Read more

Talk about putting some pressure on the competition… Westinghouse is going right to the point with the consumer of today. The launch of the TX-42F450S means that Dad or the Grad will have a great new television without breaking the family budget. If this price point for a quality 1080p LCD HDTV does not get the economy going, then nothing will. If you have been waiting for the right price, then your wait is over. The TX-42F450S has all of the HD connectors you need, HDMI, component and VGA.

The 32-inch from Westinghouse is the SK-32H635S, and is the ultimate price point for multiple rooms, a dorm room, garage or bathroom. This versatile display is designed for HDTV viewing, gaming, and PC computing. The HDMI connectors will ensure easy connection to your components. Even the speakers on this HDTV provide great sound quality for this size television panel. The SK-32H635S will be available in June for $429 MSRP.

There is no reason why you can't take that tax refund, and satisfy your HDTV needs with a Westinghouse.