Display Search recently released a survey measuring the percentage of 3DTVs that were bought compared to the overall HDTV sales. The results show that 3DTV penetration has grown in every corner of the world except for North America. In the 3rd quarter of 2011, North America showed a drop in 3DTV penetration, while the rest of the world showed continued growth. Right now it is unknown why the drop in growth, but it could be any number of factors from increased prices, lack of content or uncomfortable eyewear. ”We were surprised to find that 3D appears to be a far more popular feature in China than North America, and the penetration rate was two times higher in the last quarter,” said Paul Gray, Director of TV Electronics Research, NPD DisplaySearch. “Our report also indicates that North American and Japanese 3D penetration is lower than the Middle East.”

[via 3D Display Info]

This week on HD Nation, the hosts decide to end the year by listing off their favorite movies that were released onto Blu-ray this year. Topping the list is Star Wars, which have been several years in the making. The reviews stated that the movies exceeded expectations in terms of image quality and overall performance. Next on the list was the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This was another set of movies that consumers were waiting patiently for and were rewarded for their patience with amazing image quality. Other movies that were listed include Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski, Blade Runner, and laundry list of others.

[via Revision 3]

Here is an interesting idea for mounting and hiding your HDTV. The owners of this creation took the back half of a 2005 996 Porsche and mounted it in their bedroom. With a touch of a button, the sun roof opens and a 42 inch HDTV rises. The car’s lights even blink like warning lights while the screen is moving. The whole thing is pretty impressive, but unfortunately there is no additional information about the TV or how they managed to get the back half a Porshe in their home. But based on the user’s other videos this setup is available for purchasing and can come in a variety of colors.

[via DVICE]

3DTVs are designed to trick your mind into seeing 3D images, but the truth is that the images displayed are not actually in 3D. The only real way to create 3D content is to use holographic displays. Today, it was revealed that a European research film called Imec has been developing a way to create the world’s first holographic HDTV. The system uses a microelectromechanical system fabrication in order to develop a display that can dynamically create a hologram of anything. This is made possible by using a lot of tiny reflective platforms. Lasers are shined onto these platforms and the light is bounced around in such a way that creates a 3D holographic image. The design is still being tested, but Imec is hoping to have a proof of concept prototype available to show sometime in the middle of 2012.

[via DVICE]

The Toshiba 46TL868 HDTV is one of the company’s latest to feature 3D technology. It also comes with full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a 5000000:1 contrast ratio. Today, the writers from Trusted Reviews released their experience with this TV. The writers praised the TV’s image quality with both 2D and 3D content. They also liked the thin design that helps save space wherever it is setup. Unfortunately there were a few problems with the backlighting. They also thought that the internet features were lacking compared to similar models. Another aspect that the writers would have liked to see change was the fact that Toshiba did not include any 3D glasses with the TV. Instead they need to be purchased separately. But in the end, the final verdict was, “Although the 46TL868 doesn’t manage to hide absolutely all traces of its budget focus, it remains a much more enjoyable all-rounder than it really ought to be for so little cash.”

[via Trusted Reviews]

LG has really been creating a buzz for CES this year. The company announced today that they will be débuting their largest TV to date. The specific name was not announced, but what makes it impressive is that it measures 84 inches, diagonally. LG is calling it the world’s largest 3D Ultra Definition TV. The screen features an impressive 3840 x 2160 resolution and features both 3D and smart TV technology. “LG is pushing the limits of home entertainment innovation with this 3D UD TV,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. “We are bringing together all our Smart TV and 3D knowledge in the 3D UD TV in order to demonstrate to the CES audience that LG is committed to being the world’s leading brand for immersive home entertainment in 2012 and beyond.”

[via LG]

More rumors about the fabled Apple HDTVs are beginning to surface. The latest information stated that the TVs will launch sometime in mid-2012. There will be two different versions, a 32 inch and a 37 inch display. The screens will be manufactured by Sharp and will have a hefty retail price. Unfortunately the specific retail prices are not available. Another feature that these sets will have is the Siri voice activation feature. This would eliminate the need for a remote control. Target release dates aim for either the second or third quarter of 2012. Maybe we will be lucky and see the Apple HDTV on display at this year’s CES.

[via Gizmo Crave]

Boxee is proud to announce today that they have just released their 1.5 version of their Boxee media center software. This program is compatible with PC, Mac, and Ubuntu. The company is also announcing that this upgrade will be the very last that they will be releasing for the software. They stated that they want to focus on future development of their popular Boxee Box. The 1.5 version will allow users to access a wide array of content through their home theater PC. The software has proven to be popular among users who choose to use a home theater computer over a set-top-box for storing and organizing video, music, and photos.

[via Flatpanels HD]

One of the many HDTVs from Logik is the L323CD11. This screen measures 32 inches and comes with WXGA (1366 x 768) resolution and an 1100:1 contrast ratio. Today, the writers from Trusted Reviews published their experience with this device. The first thing they noticed was that the TV is incredibly cheap. This is good for those with low budgets, but it also means that many features had to be sacrificed. The writers noted that the TV has rather poor contrast and a limited viewing area. But watching 3D content was fairly nice. The writers also enjoyed the fact that the TV comes with 10 pairs of 3D glasses. But in the end, the final verdict was, “While the L323CD11 is a solid 3D performer provided you can work within its tight viewing angle limitations, its at times significant problems doing justice to 2D material just can’t be ignored given that 2D is likely to make up the vast majority of your viewing time.”

[via Trusted Reviews]

LG is a leading innovator of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display technology. Today, the company announced that they have developed the world’s largest OLED display. The screen measures 55 inches, diagonally and a 100000:1 contrast ratio. Specifications are limited right now, but the company is highlighting the incredible ultra-thin design. OLED screens are known for not needing a backlight in order to display images. This allows the screens to be thinner than a pen. The technology also has a faster refresh rate, which ensures fluid-like movement without judder or other mage problems. “Our objective has always been to actively define and lead emerging display technology markets,” said Dr. Sang Beom Han, CEO and Executive Vice President of LG Display. “Although OLED technology is seen as the future of TV display, the technology has been limited to smaller display sizes and by high costs, until now. LG Display’s 55-inch OLED TV panel has overcome these barriers.”

[via Engadget]