Hasta La Gadget!

It’s now clear that Sharp doesn’t have an exclusive lock on IGZO displays, even for the big-screen TVs that are still the company’s domain. AU Optronics has developed a 65-inch IGZO panel that wields the very light-friendly technology to reach 4K resolutions without the usual penalties — as the screen doesn’t need much backlighting to illuminate all those pixels, it can stay slim and keep the shocking energy bills to a minimum. The smaller size and miserly power draw also leave a real chance that any pricing will be closer to the mere mortal realm than current 84-inch behemoths. And while it’s mostly up to other companies to decide if and when they use AUO’s flagship display, we’ll have choices of our own should the IGZO TV still be too rich for our blood: the Taiwan firm has simultaneously developed a more conventional, 55-inch 4K screen with a wide color range as well as a 50-inch, 1080p panel with an extra-skinny 0.14-inch bezel. It’s at least good to know that there’s already competition for technology that’s just getting started.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD

AUO develops IGZO-based, 65-inch 4K TV screen, vows high resolution without the high power originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Electronics has reported its earnings for Q3 2012, notching its third straight quarter of positive income with a net profit of 157 billion won ($138.57 million) and “solid” performances from its home theater and mobile businesses. Revenue is down from the same period last year, but seeing as it’s actually making money this time around it’s probably still reason to celebrate. On the mobile side of the aisle it reports an operating profit of $19.42 million with slightly higher sales than Q2, mostly thanks to those LTE smartphones it’s been rolling out. Its home entertainment biz noted a rise in LCD sales, with 3D TVs and LED-lit models growing from last quarter in most markets. Looking towards the future it’s obviously going all-in on the Optimus G (although our interests run towards the Nexus G that should debut next week), and also looks for its Ultra HD television to raise its standing as a premium brand. Check the press release after the break and PDF linked below for more numbers if that’s your thing.

Continue reading LG records a ‘solid’ $138.57 million net profit for Q3, keeps the positive trend going

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, LG

LG records a ‘solid’ $138.57 million net profit for Q3, keeps the positive trend going originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next generation of super-resolution TVs you’ll be guilted into feeling bad for not shelling out for at Best Buy has been named, with 4K getting its final branding as “Ultra High Definition.” Sets will need to deliver at least 3,840 x 2,160 resolution in order to qualify as Ultra HD, the Consumer Electronics Association has decided, with an aspect ratio of width to height of at least 16:9; there are also requirements in what inputs any Ultra HD display must have.

At least one digital input needs to support the native 4K signal, without relying solely on upconverting from lower resolution feeds. Of course, that still leaves the potential for existing connectivity with lower capabilities, and we’re likely to see the first batch of TVs only including one or two of the 4K-capable ports and relying on more humble resolution hook-ups for legacy components.

TVs and projectors capable of Ultra HD resolution have been on sale for some months now, though they’re generally seen as more about manufacturers boasting than having any realistic sales potential. Common across them all is a high price: $20,000 for LG’s most recent set, for instance, looking almost like a bargain in comparison to the $25,000 84-inch Sony.

Unsurprisingly, the electronics industry is the most excited about the new tech, having seen 3D fail to gather the same momentum as observed in the SD to HD switchover. Ultra HD’s potential for driving sales may well stumble because of the nature of high-resolution sets, however: you need a big panel to enjoy the benefits, and that requires a big room and a big wallet.

Ultra HD gives 4K TV a brand of its own is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
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