Eco-friendly is the general theme of Sharp's facility because it's all about creating and saving energy. From the energy-conserving LCD displays and solar panels being produced to the technology being used around the actual factory, Mama Nature's got plenty to smile about here.

Ok, maybe the whole place is a bit eerie with those hallways, but did anyone really think that LCDs would be built in a cheery-looking factory?

In other words, bumping up the refresh rates beyond 60 Hz may have eliminated the problem of motion blur, but some complain that the activation of the ME/MC circuit that kicks in when LCD sets achieve these high refresh rates desegregates the picture. As the video put together by HDGuru illustrates, this is a very real problem.

That having been said, LCD buyers have a few options. Most sets offer an option to turn off ME/MC, although that will result in lower motion resolution. You could also opt for a plasma set that doesn't suffer from this issue. It also reinforces a point I made with yesterday's article—you don't need to spend extra money on a LCD just because it advertises 240Hz. You probably won't see any additional benefit with that set than you would with one that tops out at 120 Hz. Check out HDGuru for the full details and results of the test. [HDGuru]

The HDTVs included models from the top-tier brands of (alphabetically) LG, Samsung, Sharp and Sony - from the mid-line to top-of-the-line models. All of the units were from the 2008 model year. Differences between the 2008 and 2009 models are primarily in their marketing hype. For this article we had three flagship top-of-the line LCD models from Samsung (LN-T5281F), Sharp (LC-52D92U) and Sony (KDL-52XBR4). By studying the top-of-the-line models from the market leaders we were assured of examining the state-of-the-art for each display technology and each manufacturer. The consumer mid-line models included LG (42LG50), Samsung (LN40A550P3F), and Sony (KDL-40V3000). The remaining two LCD units were consumer HDTVs but not commercially available models.

The top-of-the-line Sony XBR and Sharp units had 120 Hz screen refresh, the top-of-the-line Samsung had strobed LED backlighting, and all of the other units had standard 60 Hz screen refresh. The goal was to determine the degree to which this varied advanced technology affected visible motion blur.

DisplayMate analyzed the blur using moving test patterns, moving photographs and live video (a Nikon D90 DSLR with a shutter speed of 1/160th a second was used for the photography) and found that no actual motion blur detectable in any of the live video content—although there were incidents that were passed off as defects in the source video or temporary optical illusions.

After extensive side-by-side objective testing with moving test patterns, moving photographs and live video we found that there was no visually detectable difference in motion blur performance for current mid to top-of-the-line LCD HDTVs, regardless of their Response Time, 60 or 120 Hz refresh rates, strobed LED backlighting, or motion enhancement processing. While there was considerable motion blur in the moving test patterns, motion blur was simply not visually detectable in real live video content during our extensive side-by-side testing. With only a handful of minor exceptions, whenever blur was seen in live video we always found it to be in the source content or a temporary visual illusion that disappeared when the segments in question were reviewed. This is undoubtedly due to the way the brain processes and extracts essential information from dynamic and complex moving images.

In other words, DisplayMate thinks you are probably seeing things. Don't be fooled by manufacturers charging extra for fancy motion blur technologies or claims of exceptional response times. If you purchased a mid to top tier model you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Of course, this test doesn't remotely cover all of the LCD brands out there, so I have to ask—based on your experience, do you believe that LCD makers have finally tamed the motion blur beast? [DisplayMate]

Pro Bag Ads is a company installing sun-resistant HD LCD displays into the bags of pro golfers. These LCDs then play advertisements for companies like "19th Hole Wines" during tournaments—we assume without sound—while the caddies enjoy the extra heft of a TV and batters on a midsummer day.

So far, they've only signed up one guy, 2009 Senior PGA Champion Michael Allen. The chief flaw, beyond the general tackiness, can be seen in the lead shot. Stitched logos appear brighter than that screen.

Oh, and when Tiger misses his first put because a Cialis ad enters his periphery, trust me, these guys are finished. [Pro Bag Ads via gizmo watch via DVICE]

Dell claims the display covers 100 percent of the SRGB color space and 96 percent of the Adobe RGB spectrum. The ST2410 uses the same old TN panels that have been around forever now, and trades some of the U2410's color accuracy for affordability.

Considering it's an IPS panel, the U2410's cost isn't outrageous, but it's still up there. I just hope these things drop in price soon. My 17" monitor circa 2003 is begging for an upgrade, and as much as I don't need it, I would love an IPS panel. The U2410 goes for $599, and the STN2410 runs $259. Both are up for grabs today. (The ST is pictured.) [Dell via Electronista]

It does, however, stream 1080p from a wireless source. That and the clear plastic block design—appearing as if the panel is suspended in a thin block of Lucite, like a visible LCD version of Han Solo—mean it's guaranteed to look oh so purdy hanging on a wall and from the side. What remains to be seen is how good the XBR10 looks compared to the XBR8. (The obscenely over-engineered set from two generations ago looked better to reviewers than the XBR9.)

The set has a few more things going for it, too. Like DLNA media streaming, Youtube, Amazon on Demand and "later in the fall, Netflix". (There are also other services, but I have no doubt they'll be of lesser value than the ones I mentioned.) It plays 24p content and has 240Hz tech, which interpolates 3 frames for every one (a tech that no one can see.) And it'll have the cross media interface.

The thing about the XBR8 was that it was expensive; the picture quality alone could not justify the $3000-$4000 cost. So, how does a wireless set like this one get away with costing $4500 and $5000 for 46 and 52-inch flavors?

SONY ADDS SUPER SLIM EDGE-LIT LED MODELS TO BRAVIA HDTV LINE
New XBR10 LCDs Feature 1080p Wireless High Definition Leaving the Cables Behind

ATLANTA (CEDIA Booth # 1409), Sept. 9, 2009 – Sony today introduced a new line of ultra-thin BRAVIA™ LCD HDTVs featuring an advanced edge-lit LED backlight and exceptional contrast ratio of over 1,000,000:1.

The XBR10-series models also deliver full 1080p wireless transmission of high definition signals from a separate media box to a receiver embedded in the TV, allowing source components to be placed out of sight.

"BRAVIA is on the cutting edge of television technology and the XBR10 series pushes the limits of industry-leading, innovative features," said Jeff Goldstein, vice president of the television business for Sony Electronics. "Not only will this TV look striking when hanging on a wall, the wireless feature clears the clutter of components and messy tangles of unsightly wires, allowing you to hide components away across the room."

The XBR10 models also feature an Ethernet connection allowing them to directly access Sony BRAVIA Internet Video content using an existing broadband network. The platform offers one of the largest selections of free and premium movies, TV shows, sports, music and more from an array of partners like, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube®, Slacker Internet Radio, and, later this fall, Netflix.

Bravia Internet Widgets, powered by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, also expand and personalize the TV experience by adding on-screen applications that provide such information as weather reports, stock information, financial news, Twitter, and additional content.

The full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive (1080p) models also feature Sony's Motionflow™ 240Hz technology, which delivers exceptionally crisp and detailed images with natural motion. The Motionflow algorithm goes beyond traditional 120Hz technology by quadrupling the frame rate of conventional LCD TVs and interpolating three new frames.

The models are Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compliant, enabling easy access to digital photos, music, and video stored on a PC or other DLNA server using the XMB® interface and the TV's remote control. They also offer a USB input for displaying digital photos or playing digital video and music files from a USB storage device.

Other notable features include:
BRAVIA Engine™ 3
24p True Cinema™
xross media bar™ (XMB)with enhanced 3D favorites Menu
Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen

BRAVIA Sync™
4 HDMI inputs
RS232C
Single PC, component, composite and component/composite selectable inputs

Taking up only 1.15-inches in the thickness department, the SL90 also has a 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio and an ambient light sensor for dynamic brightness adjustment. The SL80 nixes the LED-backlighting, cuts contrast ratio to 150,000:1 and fattens up to 1.8-inches of thickness—all in an effort to cut costs. But seeing as LG hasn't released pricing or availability for the SL90, it's unclear exactly how much money is saved.

In any case, the SL80 will be available in August in 42-, 47-, and 55-inch variants for $1600, $1900, and $2800 respectively. [Electronista]

While the ruling would effect a large segment of Sharp's product line—including Aquos. Sharp will no doubt appeal the ruling, and it is subject to review by President Obama over the next 60 days. Much like the Vizio ban, it probably won't matter all that much in the end. [LA Times]

Though I see hints of a protruding buttocks, as is the main issue with the GD-32X1, the set is admirably wispy. And aside from its svelteness and light source, the 1080p TV boasts a few notable features—namely, its 100Hz refresh rate, 4000:1 contrast ratio and apparent support for some kind of direct digital media playback, as evidenced by its built-in SD slot and USB ports. Since it was shown at a British event, pricing and availability are UK-only, but a helpful indicator: £1900 (about $3000) is the retail target, and it's landing in October or November. [TechRadar]

The new TV is based on the 47LH50—even sharing its model number—and is functionally identical, aside from the fact that it'll occasionally require you to don polarized 3D glasses. That model number is significant, and bodes well: the old 47LH50 made it to the US, so it's fair to say that this one will, too. No price info yet, but the old one nudged $2,000. [LG via Akihabara News]

The Scopia webcam captures 720p video at 30fps with a bitrate of 2 megabits. It also supports V2oIP conferencing technology and uses h.264 compression. Obviously, this thing will never win any design awards, but considering this is an enterprise-oriented product and is far more powerful than any comparable product, I'm not sure Samsung cares.

As for actual monitor specs, the Scopia VC240 has 1920x1080p full HD resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and a 170 degree viewing angle. It will also be available in the fall. Oh, did I mention it costs $2000. Well it does.

Question: what video conference software works with such high resolutions?
[Only Gizmos]

The top of the line ZC700 includes localized dimming and is the true example of what LED LCDs can do, and is the only example I am sure is not merely sidelit but backlit, because of its ability to locally dim sections according to the brightness required. LEDs in the array below an area depicting a black sky will remain dark, while the LEDs below the moon in a movie will light up. That helps it achieve a theoretical dynamic contrast ratio of 2 million to one. Unlike the XBR8 from Sony, this set doesn't have separate red/green/blue LEDs, but mere white ones, arranged in clusters of 10—though they wouldn't tell us how many total are in the set. Unlike the XBR8, this set is actually affordable at $2300 and $3000 for 46 and 55-inch models.

The lowest tier of the new line is the XV648, the first example of a TV with Dolby Volume built in, which keeps the volume consistent through commercials, etc. It'll be available in 40, 46 and 52-inch sizes. It also has a tech called CrystalCoat that reduces screen glare.

The ZV650 improves upon the XV648 while adding 240Hz screen refresh technology. (Toshiba reps admitted that none of the sets use real 240Hz—they just have a 240Hz "look" that uses a combination of 120Hz refresh with backlight scanning to achieve the effect.) It supposedly will reduce motion blur while helping the dynamic contrast ratio reach 100,000:1 by strobing the lighting, wiping the light palette between frames, which helps the brain process the images as if it was watching a CRT. Sizes include 42, 47 and 55-inch flavors.

I'm excited to try these out. I expect them to be on par with Samsung's LED models, but not quite on par with Sony's XBR8.

TOSHIBA BRINGS INDUSTRY-LEADING PICTURE QUALITY TO HOME THEATER WITH ITS FIRST SERIES OF LED TV

Toshiba introduces LED TV incorporating FocaLight technology with Local Dimming, and ClearScan 240 motion enhancement, demonstrating best-in-class picture performance

Digital Downtown, New York - June 10, 2009 - Toshiba America Consumer Products L.L.C. ("Toshiba"), a market leader in LCD TVs, today announced that it is now shipping its premium REGZA® HDTV Series, including the highly acclaimed ZV650 LCD TV, and state-of-the-art SV670 LED TV. These new series combine the most advanced picture technology with stunning designs, creating a highly immersive viewing experience that improves and extends home entertainment in new and exciting ways.

As a leader in technology, Toshiba designed its new REGZA line of premium LCD TVs to elevate the viewing experience to the next level by using its unmatched processing power to create all-new levels of picture quality. In addition, next-generation connectivity and industry-leading cosmetic design were added to create a new REGZA experience.

REGZA models set themselves apart with a litany of cutting-edge picture technology features such as the new FocaLight LED Backlight with Local Dimming for superlative picture contrast, ClearScan 240 motion enhancement with Backlight Scanning for amazing picture clarity with fast-motion video, and the enhanced REGZA Engine with PixelPure 5G 14-bit video processing, Resolution+ super resolution technology, and AutoView histogram controlled automatic picture adjustment.

In addition to picture quality enhancements, these new REGZA series also offer a comprehensive suite of next-generation connectivity features including a USB port, SD card Slot, 4 HDMI inputs with InstaPort and REGZA-LINK, IR Pass-Through Port, and high-resolution PC input.

To ensure that the sound quality is as enjoyable as the picture quality, Toshiba has also included new Dolby Volume sound leveling, and Audyssey EQ. Toshiba is the first TV company to incorporate new Dolby Volume, a technology that solves a real-world problem by utilizing human psycho-acoustic algorithms to ensure a consistent volume level, even during commercials or when changing channels.

"Toshiba LCD TV market share has seen a meteoric rise from just 4.1 percent in November 2007 to 11.4 percent in April 2009,"* said Scott Ramirez, vice president of Marketing at Toshiba. "For 2009, we developed and incorporated a wide range of advanced, robust technologies to create an all-new level of REGZA LCD TV. We didn't just make LED TV; we innovated by utilizing superior Local Dimming. We didn't just utilize higher frame rates; we innovated by adding new Backlight Scanning Technology. We didn't just wrap everything in high-gloss black; we innovated by creating the stunning new Deep Lagoon Design with Infinity Flush Front. The new REGZA is more than our dealers and consumers expected, and the response has been nothing short of amazing."

REGZA XV648 – Deep High Contrast in All Light Conditions

A new addition to the 2009 REGZA lineup, the XV648 Series offers extra features that truly make a difference. Extra room light can lower the contrast on some TVs, but Toshiba's new CrystalCoat™ technology stops ambient room light reflections from washing out the picture, creating 30 percent better contrast in bright rooms.** In addition, Dolby Volume technology ensures a consistent volume level when changing channels or during commercials. The result is improved picture and sound quality for an enhanced home theater experience.

The REGZA XV648 will be available in 40-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch screen sizes.

REGZA ZV650 – Clarity in Fast Motion

The ZV650 Series takes things to the next level with enhanced fast-motion picture quality, next-generation connectivity, and unique cosmetic design.

Toshiba's new ClearScan 240 technology combines 120 frames per second with advanced Backlight Scanning Technology to create a 240Hz effect. Far superior to 60 Hz or standard 120 Hz systems, ClearScan 240 provides amazing picture clarity with fast-motion video that is perfect for sports enthusiasts and action movie buffs. 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.

In addition, Toshiba wants to make connecting source devices and watching content simple and flexible. Therefore, the ZV650 incorporates an expanded array of connectivity features including a USB port for playback of digital video, audio and picture files, an SD card slot for playback of digital picture files by simply taking the SD card from the camera and inserting it into the TV, four HDMI Inputs with InstaPort for faster switching and REGZA-LINK for two-way device control, an IR Pass-Through Port to control source devices that may be hidden in a cabinet or closet, and a high-resolution PC input that allows you to use the TV as a big-screen PC monitor for multimedia or gaming.

REGZA ZV650 is available in 42-inch, 47-inch and new 55-inch screen sizes (measured diagonally at 42 inches, 47 inches and 54.6 inches respectively).

REGZA SV670 – The Toshiba LED Difference

The SV670 Cinema Series LED TV Series is the next generation of REGZA, and the next generation of LED TV. While some LED TVs utilize standard edge LED, the SV670 incorporates superior FocaLight Full Matrix LED with Local Dimming. The full matrix creates better brightness uniformity. More importantly, 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.

A new level of picture quality deserves a new level of design, so the SV670 series is the first to incorporate the Deep Lagoon Design with the Infinity Flush Front. Inspired by nature, Deep Lagoon evokes the image of sand disappearing below the surface of calm shores. The unique Infinity Flush Front then adds an edge-to-edge anti-reflective front panel, reminiscent of an infinity pool. Together, these new design elements create a stunning appearance that stands out on a sales floor, and will accentuate any home décor.

The SV670 is available in 46-inch and 55-inch screen sizes (measured diagonally at 46 inches and 54.6 inches respectively).

Pricing and Availability:

REGZA XV648 Cinema Series LCD TV Series
40XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,099.99)
46XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,499.99)
52XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,999.99)

REGZA ZV650 LCD TV Series
42ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $1,299.99)
47ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $1,699.99)
55ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,399.99)

REGZA SV670 Cinema Series LED TV Series
46SV670U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,299.99)
55SV670U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,999.99)

For full product details and more information on the SV670, ZV650 and XV648 as well as other REGZA products, please visit http://www.REGZA.com.

About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba is a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TV, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information, please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com.

*According to The NPD Group's retail tracking service for 19" through 55" Units in the LCD TV / TV/DVD Combination category.

** "Bright rooms" are defined as rooms with light intensity measuring 200 or more lux.

We've seen this product before, but it seems like it's finally available for import/sale now here.

Thankfully, the Plus Minus Zero features a compact 8-inch LCD screen tucked inside that retro CRT shell. It's a kooky throwback item that would be a stylish addition to a kitchen, workout room, office, etc. It also features a wireless receiver so you can stream content to it from anywhere in the house. On the other hand, the absurd $1223 price tag means that most intelligent folks will opt for a decent-sized flat panel. [Japan Trend Shop via RGS]

The 9000 series will come in 46 and 55-inch sizes, and will come equipped with MPEG4 compliant DVB-T and DVB-C tuners. The external media box is similar to the Sony ZX1, where it takes all your video inputs and wirelessly transmits them to your TV, reducing the size of the panel itself. As for the LED backlighting, local dimming is superior to edge lighting because you get better contrast, and therefore deeper blacks, from the picture. (LED backlit Samsung LCDs have had this for awhile.)

Other features the 9000 series is rumored to have DLNA compatibility, USB port and on-screen widgets via the Medi@2.0 platform. FlatPanelsHD expects the 9000 series to be available in summer/fall 2009. [FlatPanelsHD] (Samsung B8000 Series LCD pictured above)

Last month China announced a wide-reaching stimulus plan mostly centered around infrastructure development, many parts of which wouldn't sound totally unfamiliar to anyone who's been watching the news here for the last few months. Buried in a corner of the plan, though, is a home appliance and electronics subsidy for rural farmers. China has about 1.3 billion citizens, so it's not hard to see what's happening here: Demand for small-to-medium LCD screens is being driven up (don't worry, big HDTVs are fine), seeing a hike of around 4%-5% during March alone.

Now, these kinds of things tend to resolve themselves before too long, and those price increases I mentioned are just for LCD panel components, not whole monitors. But the analyst Nikkei spoke to doesn't see prices even stabilizing for at least another month, and expects another moderate increase in prices come May—quite possibly passing the threshold that'll force manufacturers to increase their whole-product prices.

When or how this'll be reflected in your LCD screen aisle at Best Buy remains to be seen, but if you see a small bump in prices, hey, at least you'll know you're not just getting gouged. [Tech-on]

His post is minimal, so we don't know how he did it, what kind of screen he used or how much it cost. We do know, however, that running the an iTunes visualizer or iSight feed in the apple is categorically awesome. UPDATE: Oh my, it's on eBay. [MacMod —Thanks, Chris!]

While the ViVid screen is technically an LCD device, it's not a full-fledged display, as its imagery is supplied by a separate projector. It's a flexible, cuttable film that changes from opaque to transparent when electricity is supplied. That, specifically, isn't a breakthrough tech—it's the versatility of the system that matters. The LCD layer is made up of a sponge-like polymer acrylic, meaning that the film can be bent, punctured or even cut into odd shapes without losing function.

The most obvious applications are for advertising: Tech-On imagines a storefront that could be transparent during the day, switching to interestingly-shaped video displays at night, or even just when the store is closed. The tech isn't on sale yet and prices haven't been set, but it'll be available in a wide variety of sizes. The 40-inch version is expected to run at about $1500, so, you know, be careful with those scissors. [Tech-On]

Here's how the flat panel television market looked as of Q4 2008:

20.2% - Samsung
14.3% - Vizio
13.5% - Sony
10.7% - Panasonic

So why is Vizio doing so well? We're guessing people like buying cheap televisions. But incidentally, if you're in the market for a cheap set, we recommend the Toshiba Regza. [Reuters]

Samsung snuck out the U70 in Europe during CES, where it's available for around €99 ($127). Just like similar offerings from Buffalo, D-Link,Mimo and the rest, the display is 800 x 480, swivel-able and draws its signal via USB. No word yet on US availability. [Akihabara News]