Tag Archives: HDTV

Fireplace/HDTV combo is a winner

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Much like Helex’s I-Vision, firespace designer Safretti has beautifully integrated a fireplace with a flat-screen LCD HDTV.  The eco-friendly “Double Vision” setup includes an ethanol fireplace and can be installed with a 37-inch or 47-inch TV.  The mirrored design would fit right into any contemporary, modern home.  Creator Jan des Bouvrie says, “This specific design is a beautiful symbiosis between two products, each of which strengthens the other with force.”  Look in the gallery below for additional shots.

[Via Trendir; Safretti]

Early demonstration of Samsung’s 3D TVs

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Yeah it’s around seven minutes long, but if you are even slightly interested in 3D TVs and the forthcoming slew of them entering the market this year it’s worth a viewing.  In the video preview a Samsung rep details the Samsung C7000 LED TV, giving us an early peek into the brand new 3D tech that’s embedded inside.  There’s SD/HD modes, a 3D mode (duh), a 2D to 3D converter, a sleek remote, and the sporty 3D shades.  Man I wish I had a British accent.

[Via Which?; Engadget]

ESPN & Discovery to broadcast first 3D programming

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In addition to the 3D programming DirecTV promises to bring this year, ESPN and Discovery have stepped up to the plate with plans to share 3D broadcasts of their own content.

On June 11 ESPN will launch a brand new channel appropriately called “ESPN 3D” and will air their first 3D broadcast with a World Cup soccer match.  According to USA Today: “ESPN 3D expects to showcase at least 85 live sporting events during the first year. There’ll be no reruns initially, so the network will be dark when there’s no 3D event. Among other events planned for 3D broadcast: the Summer X Games (extreme sports), NBA games, college basketball and college football.”

Discovery, Sony, and IMAX have joined forces to broadcast the world’s first 24/7 dedicated 3D TV network.  Discovery was the first to bring a 24/7 basic cable HD channel in 2002, so this all makes sense, right?  The trifecta plans to switch on such a channel sometime in 2011.  Bummer, I know.  At least we’ll have ESPN 3D to whet our appetite before we immerse ourselves into wild documentaries.

And remember kids–in order to watch HD 3D programming you are required to go out and purchase a compatible TV set along with those pesky glasses.  Expect the first wave of 3D-enabled TV sets to hit stores this spring.

[Via USA Today; Engadget, here & here]

3D programming is coming to a non-compatible TV near you via DirecTV

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According to the HDGuru, DirecTV plans on launching the first 3D HDTV channel in the US sometime next year.  It’s been reported that DirecTV recently shot a brand new satellite into orbit that supports the addition of a 3D channel plus other regular HD stations.  The satillite becomes operational in March 2010, so that’s the earliest a 3D channel could pop up.  HD Guru’s “sources” tell him that all current DirecTV set top boxes will receive a firmware upgrade that will enable it to receive the 3D programming.  But remember, in order to watch 3D on your television, you need a TV that supports it.  DirecTV is expected to make this announcement at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show; TV manufacturers like LG, Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic are planning on showing off their latest 3D HDTVs as well.

Thing is, I don’t think we are ready for 3D programming yet.  Hell, we are just getting used to high definition!  A hefty percentage of America finally owns decent HDTVs, and now the industry expects us to go out and buy a new 3D-supported TV.  I think not.  Let’s stick with 3D in the theatres for now (Avatar and Up were the first 3D movies I thoroughly enjoyed); slowly but surely the industry should allow it to enter the home.

[Via HDGuru; Gizmodo]

Fireplace + HDTV integration

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Helex’s “I-Vision” integrates the two main focal points of your living room–a fireplace and a flat-screen television.  The HDTV is covered with a glass panel and completely disappears above the gas-powered fireplace when it’s turned off.  This fireplace-HDTV hybrid holds a modern, sleek look that can turn any ordinary living room into a technological marvel.  And now it’s on my list of things to install into my future home.  Additional shot after the break.

[Via Bornrich; Gizmodo]

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Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification

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The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced the finalization of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification.  So what does this mean?  Now the home entertainment industry has the go-ahead to produce and ship full-blown high definition (1080p) 3D experiences to capable television sets for consumers.  The specification allows Blu-ray players to display full HD in 3D to each eye.  Also, it’s agnostic, meaning that capable Blu-ray players and TVs will be able to display HD 3D images regardless of display type (LCD, plasma, etc.).  The spec features enhanced graphics for displaying menus and subtitles in 3D.  All Blu-ray 3D-enhanced discs will contain a 2D version of the content, thus making them backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players.  Notice I’ve been careful to label Blu-ray players and TV sets as “capable.”  In order to receive the high definition 3D experience, you must own a 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player.  This means that your current entertainment setup likely will not be compatible with the specification.  It is worthy to mention that there’s a lone exception; the Sony Playstation 3 will be forwards-compatible with the spec.  Sony has stated that it will become 3D ready via a future firmware update.  Remember, though, that a new HDTV with IR emitters and those pesky 3D glasses are necessary.  Expect all this new tech to release starting in 2010.  Full press release is after the break.

What’s to come of all this?  No one is certain of the future of 3D tech in the home.  For starters, many have been skeptical of this idea, labeling 3D movies a gimmick with silly glasses.  However, a number of people have admitted like movies like Pixar’s UP and the freshly released Avatar are better in 3D than 2D because instead of acting as in-your-face gimmicks they are great films that truly immerse you into the environment of the on-screen characters, making the movie experience better.  The real question is whether or not manufacturers will have success helping consumers transition from standard HDTV sets to 3D-capable ones.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification →

Dallas Cowboys’ scoreboard makes Guinness Record

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Mitsubishi Electric takes the crown for “World’s Largest High-Definition Video Display.”  The high-definition video display has four Diamond Vision LED video screens (which contain 10,584,064 LED lights) and a total viewing area of 11,393 square-feet.  The two main displays measure 72 feet high by 160 feet wide, and the two Diamond Vision end-zone displays measure 29 feet high by 51 feet wide.  This insanely large screen can be seen hanging 90 feet above the field at Cowboys Stadium.

[Via Engadget]