Sceptre is proud to announce their latest HDTV to be released, the X402BV-FHD. This TV features a 40 inch LCD screen, full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and a 4500:1 contrast ratio. The main feature though is the dual 10 watt speakers, which include the new SRS TruSurround XT technology. Also included is the SRS TruVolume feature, which levels the sound between shows and commercials. “The addition of SRS TruSurround XT and TruVolume will not only create 3 dimensional sound, but will also eliminate background noise, increase dialogue clarity and optimize bass for an enhanced home theater experience,” expressed Cathy Chou, Vice President of Operations, Sceptre. The X402BV-FHD is available now through certified retailers and is priced at just under $700.

[via Ecoustics]

One of the new HDTVs from Panasonic is the TX-P42VT30. This 42 inch display features full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 3D technology. Today, Trusted Reviews released their review of this particular HDTV. The writers were very impressed with the TV’s performance and gave it high marks in every field. They even went to call it “Mesmerizingly good.” One of the biggest surprises was with the 3D content where the reviewers noticed almost absolutely no crosstalk at all. Unfortunately though, this TV does have some problems. For starters, it isn’t cheap and is definitely not something that every consumer can afford. Also the writers did notice some judder with lower resolution content. The final comment was, “The P42VT30 is another stunning Panasonic TV, with class-leading black level response, wonderful detail resolution and the cleanest 3D picture yet seen. It’s also beautifully built and rich in multimedia features, as well as being reasonable value when you take into account the two pairs of 3D glasses and USB Wi-Fi dongle it ships with. People with quite bright rooms might do better with the slightly less contrasty but seemingly slightly brighter pictures of the GT30 series, and the P42VT30’s 42in screen frankly left us gagging for something bigger. But neither of these ‘philosophical’ arguments stops the set from being state of the art so far as current 40-42in TVs are concerned.”

[via Trusted Reviews]

Mitsubishi has announced today their latest 3D HD monitor, the RDT233WX-3D. This display measures 23 inches, diagonally, and can display 1080p HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The screen uses LED backlighting and a IPS LCD panel. The connection panel is diverse for a monitor and comes with dual HDMI ports, a DVI-D port, and a D5 connection. The screen uses the new passive 3D technology, which is the same polarized technique that is used theaters. Mitsubishi has stated that the monitor will not release until May 30th and only in Japan. There is no word yet if there will be a global release.

[via Engadget]

Sony is changing how their TV market and the latest change is their shift from a manufacturer of HDTVs to only a provider. This change comes after an announcement that stated that Foxconn has been contracted to manufacture HDTVs for Sony. Foxconn is now looking to upgrade their HDTV assembly lines in order to become a complete production service. The majority of the TVs that Foxconn manufacture are Sony’s low end models that are typically found in Walmart. Sony’s corporate communications spokeperson stated that the story, “…refers to our strategic decision to produce televisions that compete in the low-price, high-volume market segment in which many of our competitors already deploy models.”

[via HD Guru]

Sharp is one of the few TV companies that have not released a lineup for 2011. However today, the company unveiled their new series called the X5 range. This series is expected to replace the old XS1 series. There is not a lot of information right now about the X5 series, but we do know that it will include two new HDTVs, the LC-60X5 and LC-70X5, which measure 60 and 70 inches, respectively. Some of the features that Sharp will include are LED backlighting, a 240Hz refresh rate, Quattron, and 3D technology. Sharp has also announced that the series will have the Aquos Net+ internet platform, Skype, and Wi-Fi capabilities. Sharp is looking to release the X5 series in August at the IFA show in Berlin. Retail prices have not been announced.

[via Flatpanels HD]

Sony is proud to announce today that they have released upgrades to the firmware of their BRAVIA HDTVs. The biggest feature of the upgrade is the use of Skype to their TVs. Skype is a video messaging service that users can use to chat with friends and family from across the world. By allowing Skype onto the TVs, the whole family can sit on the sofa and chat with relatives instead of all having to clutter around a small computer screen. Another major improvement in the upgrade is the ability to control your TV through the web, via your smartphone. In order for this feature to work, the user needs to download a remote control app for their phone and then connect it to the TV.

[via Sony]

The LG 47LW5600 HDTV is one of the company’s first passive 3D HDTVs. This TV features a 47 inch display, full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and an 8000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Today, the writers from Digital Trends released their review of this particular TV. The first thing they state is how affordable this projector is. It is considerably less expensive than the active shutter TVs currently on the market. The one aspect that the writers wanted get a closer look at is the 3D capabilities. They noticed that the TV comes with four pairs of glasses, which was a huge plus. The 3D content was not as sharp and as distinct as the active shutter technology provides, but it is better than the writers expected. The writers also praised the internet accessibility and the magic wand remote, which is based off the Nintendo Wii remote. The final conclusion the writers made was, “Consider us convinced. LG’s new Cinema 3D is a great alternative for those who don’t want to drop a bundle on Full HD 3D HDTVs using active shutter glasses. Realize there are some definite quality tradeoffs for 2D and 3D if you go this route. And your eyes should make the final decision as well as your credit limit. That on the table, we’re all in favor of anything that makes an improved entertainment experience more accessible and affordable. That’s why we had no problems when MP3s usurped the CD and why we’re giving the LG 47LW5600 an Editor’s Choice designation.”

[via Digital Trends]

Earlier this month, Sharp released one of their largest commercial HDTV, the 70 inch LC-70LE732U. Today, the company announced that this TV is now available in Canada. The screen is capable of displaying full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a 6000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The display doesn’t come with 3D capabilities, but the company did state that the added size will deliver 62% more screen area. Another major feature is Sharp’s Quattron quad LED technology. This technology adds yellow LEDs as a forth color to create the images. Also included is internet connectivity as well as a diverse connection panel that will include 4 HDMI, a component, PC, and a composite connection. The LC-70LE732U is already available in the USA for just under $3800.

[via Digital Home]

Sharp unveiled back in February a unique display called the i3 wall. This concept used 64 PN-V601 HDTVs to create a five sided room of video. Today, the company has announced that they have built a larger room that will include 156 screens. Each of the 3 walls will include 36 screens, each, while the floor and ceiling will have only 24 screens, each. The i3 Wall is being created for the 5D Miracle Tour at the Hui Ten Bosch Theme Park in Nagasaki. The PN-V601 HDTV was chosen due to having virtually no bezel. The 60 inch display features WXGA (1366 x 768) resolution and a 2400:1 contrast ratio. The exhibit is expected to open this Friday.

[via Akihabrara News]

Sony and Samsung announced today that they have created a joint venture called S-LCD. This agreement is expected to reduce capital for both companies by $555 million. Analysts at Kiwoom Securities have said that this change is due to shrinking demand from Sony. The joint-venture is expected to focus more on OLED displays, and especially OLED HDTV screens. “The decision reflects shrinking demand from Sony after the devastating earthquake in Japan last month and the sector’s overall shift in focus to OLED display,” said Kim Sung-in, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities. “Sony has bought around 1.1-1.2 million units of LCD panels every month from the venture but it can’t buy that much any more due to weak sales in Japan. With the overall demand for LCD displays set to shrink further, Samsung and Sony are likely to gradually wind up the business and focus instead on OLED.”

[via Reuters]