If you are looking for a new HDTV and you’re concerned how much energy the device will use then you’d be happy to know that recently the USA government passed a law that all TV manufacturers have to display a Federal Trade Commissions’ Energy Guide Label on every HDTV. The label is more commonly found on house hold electronics like dish washers and refrigerators. The label is designed to show how much energy that specific TV consumes within a set amount of time. Not only that, but it will also show how it compares to other TVs. The labels were expecting to be used back in May, but starting July 11th, the labels will also be required to be shown by online retailers as well.

[via HD Guru]

One of the major downsides to the new 3DTVs is their price difference when compared to similar models without 3D capabilities. But if trends continue that problem won’t be a factor soon. According to a recent study from Retrevo, 3DTVs could see some major price slashes during the upcoming holidays. Their study said that 3DTVs are expected to drop in overall price by as much as $150. This is good news for anyone waiting for 3DTVs. Last year the price difference between 3D and non-3D was about $900. This year it is only $400 with predictions of it dropping more. Hopefully this will help 3D technology gain some popularity.

[via Home Media Magazine]

Sony was one of the speakers this week at a 3D-themed conference. The company’s vice president, Mick Hocking, talked about several of the new technologies that the company is currently developing. Among them is a new system that will be used to enhance 3D content through an HDTV. The concept right now is a head tracking system that will detect where the viewer is looking. The TV can then angle the 3D content towards that point. Hocking states that this development will help create a “pseudo-holographic” effect for the viewer and that all aspects of objects with this technology. He did not release a specific release date, but did state that it will make a debut in the not too distant future.

[via HDTV Test]

One of the latest LED HDTVs to be released from Samsung is the UE32D5000. This 32 inch display is capable of displaying full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a “Mega” contrast ratio. Today, Trusted Review published their review of this TV. The writers were very content with the TV’s design as well as the picture quality. However they would have liked to see a Freeview HD tuner added. They also thought that there were backlight inconsistencies, but this problem can be easily fixed by the user. The writers complimented to very low retail price and thought it was very competitive with the TV’s main competitors. The final verdict was, “If you’re after the last word in 3D and Smart TV technology, then the 32D5000 is not the set for you. If you’re into good picture quality and stylish design at startlingly affordable prices, though, then the 32D5000 is almost scarily good. Though it’s a shame about that missing Freeview HD tuner…”

[via Trusted Reviews]

Samsung has recently announced that they have developed a new way to connect your HDTV to your mobile device. Today, they introduced the Smart View App that streams TV shows, DVDs, and Blu-ray movies from your HDTV to your mobile device. The downside though is that the app is limited with its compatibility at this time. In order for it to work users will have to purchase one of Samsungs D7000 or D8000 series HDTVs. They will also have to own the Samsung Galaxy S II Smartphone. Fortunately though, the company has stated that this app will expand to their tablet sometime over the summer.

[via Flatpanels HD]

This week on HD Nation, the hosts answer a few viewers’ questions about HDMI ports. But the main article this week is a comparison between the LG 50PZ550 HDTV and the Panasonic TC-P50ST30 to see how the LG 3DTV compares to the popular 3DTV from Panasonic. The 50PZ550 measures at 50 inches, has full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and active shutter 3D technology. The P50ST30 has the same stats as the LG. One thing that the LG holds over the Panasonic is that it is cheaper. The hosts say that the overall image quality was pretty good, but some calibration is always a good idea when you want the best display possible. Overall the hosts are impressed with the 50PZ550 and state that it would be a wise choice for anyone looking at a mid-range model.

[via Revision 3]

LG is announcing the release of their latest HDTV, the MX235D. This screen only measures 23 inches, diagonally, but the company says that it can double as both a monitor and an HDTV. The specifications are limited at this time, but it does come with full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. It also uses the new passive 3D technology. LG has included a pair of 5 watt speakers and a USB port for instant playback. Unfortunately the MX235D is only expected to release in South Korea at this time for 479000 won (approx $445). There is no info about a global release at this time.

[via VR-Zone]

Sharp was happy to announce today that their PN-V601 was honored with two separate awards at this year’s InfoComm 2011. The first is the Best Digital Signage product, presented by InfoComm/Rental & Staging Systems New Product Awards. The second award is the Most Innovative Video Display product at the InfoComm/Systems Contractor News Installation Product Awards. The PN-V601 is a 60 inch LCD flat panel that displays a 2400:1 contrast ratio and WXGA (1366 x 768) resolution. “For our product to earn multiple awards at an event as competitive as InfoComm shows that Sharp is at the forefront of innovation,” said Gary Bailer, director product management, IS products. “The PN-V601 truly showcases our commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies, but also meeting our customers’ needs. The PN-V601 clearly enables almost limitless digital signage and display possibilities, which is what our customers are looking for.”

[via Sharp]

NEC is a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions. Today, the company announced that their MultiSync MD301C4 display received the Food & Drug Administration 510K certification. This allows the display to be used for diagnosis by trained physicians. The MD301C4 is a 30 inch display that features a 1000:1 contrast ratio, and a 2K HD (2560 x 1600) resolution. The 4-megapixel resolution allows even the minute details to be seen. This impressive detail will allow doctors and surgeons to notice any irregularities or potential problems. “The FDA certification for the MD301C4 is true evidence of NEC’s continued commitment to the medical industry,” said Art Marshall, Product Manager for Professional Desktop and Medical Displays at NEC Display Solutions. “The MD301C4 provides diagnostic professionals accurate imaging, productive features and exquisite screen performance, and with the backing of an FDA certification, it proves its reliability within healthcare facilities.”

[via NEC]

Mitsubishi is proud to announce a new HD monitor, the LCD-22BLR500. This display measures 22 inches and the company says that is it the all-in-one screen. The 22BLR500 comes with a native WXGA (1366 x 768) resolution and LED backlight lighting. The main features though are the built in Blu-ray player and the 500GB HDD optical drive. This means that the TV does not need to be connected to outside source to view movies unless you want to connect a home theater PC. The connection panel will include dual HDMI ports, an SD card slot, Ethernet, i.Link, and several other minor ports. The downside to this announcement though is that it is only going to be released in Japan. The release date is in July and it will retail for ¥110000 (about $1360).

[via Engadget]