Westinghouse announces its first 3D HDTV, coming to a discount department store near you


Just 18 short months after 3D made its big HDTV debut at CES 2010, Westinghouse is finally ready to make its own entry into the third dimension, with the 47-inch W47S2TCD. Like most Westinghouse sets, there’s really nothing special to make this rather generic TV pop (until you toss on one of the four included pairs of 3D glasses), but you will be getting a passive 1080p 3D display, 3:2 pulldown, three-way selectable color temperature, and a backlight enhancement tool called DayBright. The company is also unveiling five other TVs, including its first connected TV — the 46-inch WC-4625T — which includes access to Netflix and Vudu. The 47-inch 3D TV will likely be sold at retailers like Best Buy, Costco, and Target with a suggested retail price of $1199, but we imagine in-store pricing will be significant lower — with the recent announcement of Vizio’s 42-inch passive offering for $699, shelling out an extra $100 per inch for the new Westinghouse set is not likely to sit well with bargain hunters.

Continue reading Westinghouse announces its first 3D HDTV, coming to a discount department store near you

Westinghouse announces its first 3D HDTV, coming to a discount department store near you originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BBC picks Wimbledon for its first 3D broadcast in July

More than three years after testing out 3D production during a Rugby Six Nations match the BBC is ready to send out its first 3D broadcast during the men’s and women’s singles finals at Wimbledon. UK viewers can catch 3D tennis via the BBC HD feed on Freeview, Freesat, Virgin or Sky, July 2nd and 3rd. Here in the US ESPN 3D has already announced plans to air those matches, plus the men’s semifinal, both live and reaired at more convenient local times. While Panasonic featured its 3D tech last week during the French Open at Roland Garros, Sony is going to be working the dials at Wimbledon along with the BBC as the network undertakes “a 3D TV editorial experiment.” 3D Focus TV has more details like the channel listings and a behind the scenes look at a 3D promo shot to advertise movie theater screenings that will also be available during the event. So far Sky has been way out in front of the 3D push in the UK while the BBC is taking a more cautious approach, but since Wimbledon was one of the first sporting events aired in color on the BBC, it’s no surprise this pops up as a test event in the run up to new broadcast technologies emerging during the London Olympics next year.

Continue reading BBC picks Wimbledon for its first 3D broadcast in July

BBC picks Wimbledon for its first 3D broadcast in July originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony’s 24-inch PlayStation 3D display first hands-on!

We knew you were dying to know what Sony was planning with those stereoscopic multiplayer display patents last year, so we took a look at Sony’s new PlayStation-branded 3D display, just for you. True to its schtick, the stereoscopic display simultaneously displays two separate full screen images, hidden behind the smoke and mirrors of active shutter 3D technology — while suffering only a minimal amount of ghosting. The dual-full-screen trick will only work with PlayStation 3 games specifically programmed to make use of the feature, and although none have been announced yet, we wouldn’t be surprised if pack-in title Resistance 3 is compatible. Staff couldn’t say if the games featured in the demo video, Motorstorm Apocalypse and Wipeout, would be updated to support this feature. While the demo units we saw performed their trick reasonably well, visible ghosting and flat, muted colors give us some reservations about that competitive $499 price tag.

Sony’s 24-inch PlayStation 3D display first hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony introduces PlayStation-brand 3D monitor and 3D glasses, bundle available for $499

Jack Tretton just announced PS3 gamers can get into the 3D game for much less this fall when the company launches a 24-inch monitor and active shutter LCD glasses under the PlayStation brand. $499 gets the monitor, a pair of glasses, an HDMI cable and a copy of Resistance, while additional pairs of glasses — which are compatible with TVs from other manufacturers and can be used to give two split-screen gamers their own full screen view — are $69. That’s a competitive package to be sure, but many will likely still need to be convinced slipping on the specs is worthwhile, and competitors like Vizio are slipping passive 3D glasses TVs in with similar price points and similar features.

Update: Sony has issued a press release (included after the break) with full specs: it’s a 1080p edge LED lit LCD with two HDMI inputs, stereo speakers, an integrated subwoofer and claims to be the first display at this size with “quad speed frame sequential display technology”. The glasses charge via USB and will be available at the same time as the screen this fall.

Continue reading Sony introduces PlayStation-brand 3D monitor and 3D glasses, bundle available for $499

Sony introduces PlayStation-brand 3D monitor and 3D glasses, bundle available for $499 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG LW5600 3D LCD HDTV review

Much like the format war that once divided us between HD DVD and Blu-ray, a battle between two different types of 3D-capable HDTVs rages on while customers wait to be convinced that any of the new tech is worth the trouble. One of the first to enter the battlefield for the passive glasses side from LG is the LW5600, a slim edge-LED lit LCD model that is most notable for its extras. Besides featuring a Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) screen that plays back 3D viewable with the same RealD glasses you use at the movie theater, it’s a connected TV packing apps, Plex media streaming software and a “magic motion” gesture control remote. After perusing the spec list we couldn’t wait to see if more features actually made for a better HDTV experience and if passive 3D is a competitive option for home viewing, so check after the break to see how we felt about it after a few hours on the couch.

Continue reading LG LW5600 3D LCD HDTV review

LG LW5600 3D LCD HDTV review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi officially prices 2011 HDTVs including a 92-inch DLP and 75-inch LaserVue

Other manufacturers may say they’re living large with their latest HDTVs, but Mitsubishi’s “Go Big” slogan is supported by the biggest displays available for 2011. It’s finally revealed details on the models, with new features including a clearer screen and 16 speaker soundbar with support for a wireless subwoofer on its top of the line 840-series that includes the 92-inch model (pictured above) we saw at CES. The other big addition for 2011 is support for Mitsubishi’s iOS remote control app in the LaserVue TV as well as the 740 and 840 series DLPs. If you don’t need those features, a built in IR emitter for 3D glasses or Stream TV Vudu Apps then look at the lower end 640-series rear projection sets. Still, no matter what the trim level, the new Mitsubishi is strictly a 73-inch and over TV manufacturer so it’s definitely going to be big, whether it’s the 840 series that ships in July or any of the other models that will be available this month. Specs and MSRPs are in the press release after the break, from the 73-inch 640 series for $1,599 all the way up to the $5,999 92-inch.

Continue reading Mitsubishi officially prices 2011 HDTVs including a 92-inch DLP and 75-inch LaserVue

Mitsubishi officially prices 2011 HDTVs including a 92-inch DLP and 75-inch LaserVue originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissho starts selling 52-inch, glasses-free 3D TV with Full HD resolution in Japan

Remember Dimenco? A four-man splinter group of former Philips employees, the company has been hard at work refining its glasses-free 3D display tech and today some of the earliest fruit of its labor is going on sale. Nissho Electronics in Japan is beginning sales of a 52-inch LCD panel that can pump out full 1080p of 3D vision without requiring any headgear from the viewer. Initially, this big lenticular display will target businesses, who’ll be among the few to be able to afford the ¥1.7 million ($20,820) asking price. Other specs include a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 8ms response time, 700 nits of brightness, and a 60Hz refresh rate. The 3D on this TV is actually described as a unique “2D + depth” implementation, which can also be used to convert 2D images in real time. Great, now take a zero out of that price, ship it westwards, and watch the sales really take off.

Nissho starts selling 52-inch, glasses-free 3D TV with Full HD resolution in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 07:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen’s 85-inch 3DTV comes to North America for $1,000 per inch

Because the current lineup of 3D capable HDTVs just aren’t exclusive enough, Bang & Olufsen has expanded its lineup with the BeoVision 4-85 plasma which will be available to North American buyers next month for a mere $85,000. While we prefer to save our riches for even rarer sets like Panasonic’s 152-incher, the BeoVision system does include the triangular BeoLab 10 center channel speaker and a motorized stand that lowers it when you’re not watching. Either way, we won’t tell you how to spend your (presumably ill-gotten) ducats beyond pointing out the specs in the press release below, but those interested in staying one step ahead of the Joneses should remember a refreshed version of the 103-inch edition with 3D will be available this summer as well.

Continue reading Bang & Olufsen’s 85-inch 3DTV comes to North America for $1,000 per inch

Bang & Olufsen’s 85-inch 3DTV comes to North America for $1,000 per inch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 12:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eyes on with the VT30, Panasonic’s flagship 3D plasma

The latest and greatest (and largest) 3D plasmas from Panasonic are finally shipping, including the flagship, THX-certified Viera VT30 sets with their single sheet of glass panels and Infinite Black Pro2 filters. We first caught a glimpse of these bad boys back at CES and we’ve been impatiently waiting for a chance to blast our retinas with their PDP goodness in all three dimensions. The company was nice enough to invite us over recently to have a little TV powwow that featured an uncomfortable amount of Avatar on Bluray. Keep reading after the break for all the not-so-gory details.

Continue reading Eyes on with the VT30, Panasonic’s flagship 3D plasma

Eyes on with the VT30, Panasonic’s flagship 3D plasma originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 18:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung’s entire line of active shutter glasses gets a price cut, more money for your popcorn

Following its pledge to make 3D TV experience more affordable, Samsung’s just announced a price drop on the rest of its active shutter glasses lineup. As you probably already know, the entry-level SSG-3100GB went from $129.99 down to just $49.99 last month; and now we have the better-looking SSG-3300CR plus SSG-3300GR reduced by $50 down to $129.99, along with the swanky SSG-3700CR (pictured above) getting a $70 discount to just $149.99. Of course, these premium spectacles are still far from affordable compared to their passive counterparts, so it’ll be interesting to see if Samsung’s attempt to lure more 3D viewers will work at all. Ultimately though, we’d love to see other manufacturers follow suit — bring on the 3D price war!

Samsung’s entire line of active shutter glasses gets a price cut, more money for your popcorn originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 23:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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