One of the latest additions to the European HDTV lineup is the Panasonic TX-L26X20. This 26” model only has a WXGA (1366 x 768) resolution, but also a 20000:1 contrast ratio. Today, the writers from Trusted Reviews released their experience with the TX-L26X20. The writers first make it known that this TV is an entry-level unit, which means it’s designed for first time owners and it is one of Panasonic’s cheapest TV. One aspect that the writers liked was the connection panel, which comes with three HDMI ports as well as the typical composite, component, and VGA connections. The reason why the price for the TX-L26X20 is so low is because Panasonic had to compromise and not include several features like full HD resolution. The image quality was fairly good, especially darker scenes. The final verdict that was made was, “Overall, the L26X20 fits perfectly into what seems to be a Panasonic trend right now, where the brand does some outstanding work from the mid level of its ranges upwards, but struggles to really stand out from the crowd when forced to work within very tight financial constraints.”

[via Trusted Reviews]

A lot of companies that you talk to is very adamant about the new 3D technology. However today, Danielle Nagler, Head of HD at BBC, is demonstrating restraint for the technology. The company states that 3D could still easily be a fleeting fad. They are also concerned that the fad might prove to be problematic to high definition because it might be distracting. BBC announced that they have no intentions of creating a dedicated 3D channel anytime soon, or at least not until 3D technology has proven to be a technology that will stay. “We are not clear on what makes good 3D and are certainly not clear on what makes good 3D television. The trials we are doing are a bit like early color – it looks interesting but there is a long way to go.”

[via 3D Display Info]

Back in the day there was a distinct difference between computer monitors and TVs. The only, but crucial difference was the connection panels. However in today’s world that difference is quickly becoming blurred. More and more TVs are including monitor connection options in order to combine the home theater and the work station. The technology of choice for modern HD monitors is LCD. It provides a slim screen look and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. HDTVs these days are being driven by LCD screen technology, especially now with the new LED lighting system. The only noticeable difference between monitors and TVs nowadays is screen sizes. Monitors are generally kept below 30” because it is expected to have the user close to the screen. HDTVs usually have the viewers farther away and can also measure in sizes up to and over 55”. There are some who believe that in a matter of time, the line between LCD monitors and LCD HDTVs will disappear completely, leaving only HD screens.

[via Boosh News]

Do you want to watch the latest movies at home while they are still at the movie theaters? Today, Time Warner Cable unveiled their plans to allow for a cable on-demand station that would play the latest movies for a nominal fee between $20 and $30. The problem with this plan though is that the movies will not be available until thirty days after the original release and it will dramatically shorten the 4 month span that movies have to wait until they are available at home. The companies that this will hurt the most are the online rental services like Netflix and the Red Box vending machines. However, viewers through out the nation would still find it cheaper to take the family to the movies instead of renting them at home. Time Warner also is hoping that this deal might help deter pirates from stealing the movies. However there is probably no hope of that actually happening. Why pay $30 and wait 30 days for a new movie when they could take it for free, 3 days after the release. Right now the other major studios are deciding on this plan, but none of them have decided to commit to it.

[via Engadget HD]

Every week, the hosts of HD Nation bring the best and most popular news in HD content to the show. This week one of the first topics that they cover is the new Google TV announcement. The company teamed up with Intel and Sony in order to create a TV that combines the high quality and luxury of an HDTV with the web browsing qualities of your PC or laptop. Another big section of the show includes their Top 5 list, which featured Las Vegas movies in HD this week. The list includes some classics like The Hangover, Bugsy, Casino, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Cooler, Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Thirteen, and many more. Next on the show, the hosts talk about ways to hack an apple operating system for your home theater system. The one that the host has is incredibly warm and will require a drill press to add some additional ventilation holes. The hosts go through the process of downloading software online and then transferring it to a media box.

[via Revision 3]

It looks like LG will be going big this year at the Society for Information Display convention. Today, the company announced that they will be showcasing the world’s largest 3DTV. This display measures at 84” diagonally and will have an Ultra High Definition (3840 x 2160) resolution. This resolution is four times the size of normal HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and for a screen that size it is rightfully so. The company also plans to release a new smaller 47” 3DTV that will use polarized glasses instead of the common active shutter glasses. This switch will greatly reduce the crosstalk problem that is present with 3D technology. Unfortunately names of these two TVs are not available at this time along with additional specifications. Hopefully when the show opens later this week LG will release additional information.

[via OLED Display]

Are you tired of having a black HDTV? Well thanks to NuVision that color is not the only option any more. Today, the company announced that they have launched their new color match service for their FX HDTV series. The series includes three displays ranging from 40” to 55”. The color matching series allows a customer to select any color they want in order to match the TV to the décor of the room. This helps prevent the TV from being an eye soar. The color range for the service is practically endless and even includes some extraordinary colors like sky blue, mustard yellow and even hot pink. The color of the TV does not affect the price. The TVs range between $1500 and $7500.

[via Electronic House]

Samsung has really been pushing forward in the development of OLED displays. Today, the company unveiled their 19” transparent AMOLED display. This display allows a user to watch the subjects on the screen, but also look past them at what ever is behind them. This makes the screens ideal for advertising and the company plans to develop the screens for advertising as well as HUDs for futuristic helmets and car windshields. Unfortunately Samsung did not state what resolution the screens display with, but it is a step in the right direction.

[via Engadget]

LG is proud to announce that two new 3DTVs will be coming to the USA very soon. The displays include the 47” 47LX6500 and the 55” 55LX6500. Both displays feature the latest in LED backlight technology and full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. Unfortunately the company did not state whether the TVs will be coming with their own 3D glasses or if they need to be purchased separately. LG has included 4 HDMI ports in both TVs as well as an assortment of composite, component, VGA, and even an Ethernet connection. This connection allows the TVs to access NetCast as well as several website like Yahoo, Netflix, and more. LG has also included Skype capabilities for those who like video conferencing. The 47LX6500 will retail for about $2700 while the 55LX6500 will retail for $3600.

[via 3D Display Info]

Panasonic has been hot on the 3D trail lately. However today, the company has announced the release of their TC-P58S2 plasma HDTV. This display has a 58” display, full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and a 2000000:1 contrast ratio. Unlike all the other displays being released recently, this TV does not have the 3D technology included, which makes it a lot cheaper, priced at $1899. The connection panel includes three HDMI ports as well as several composite and component connections. Panasonic has also included a 600Hz Sub-field Drive in order to ensure clear, crisp pictures. The TC-P58S2 is available now through Panasonic’s website and through certified retailers.

[via Tech N Gear]