It may have been the year that 3D video content came of age at CES, but what good would it be without a decent TV to watch it all on? Luckily, all the main players pulled out all the stops to impress in Las Vegas last week, in every dimension – here are the best TVs of CES, all in one place.
Panasonic Neo Eco PDP
Panasonic saved the best for last at its keynote this year, whipping the covers off its greenest, thinnest plasma display yet. We actually didn’t see it at first because we were looking at it side on, it’s that thin, but front on the wafer thin gogglebox is gorgeous to behold. There’s no specs or pricetag just yet, but it should work with Pan’s Viera technology, including wireless connectivity and IPTV. Bring it on.
Toshiba Regza range
Toshiba’s put closure on the death of HDTV with its new range of stunning Regza HD tellies, which pack more features than a Sunday newspaper supplement. ClearScan 240 gives you the impression of 240Hz video, while AutoView adjust brightness according to the lighting of the room the Regza’s in. Finally, Resolution+ upscales any video input you care to try all the way up to 1080p. Three ranges, XV645, ZV650 and SV670, are all due out before summer.
LG 3D TV
LG’s first foray into 3D viewing in the living room is still under construction, but a prototype we tested out at CES has us lining up to pre-order already. 3D isn’t new, but 3D TV displays that are bright and actually comfortable to watch are – LG’s model didn’t show any signs of choppiness whatsoever. No news yet when it’ll become a reality, but given Panasonic wants to make 3D HDTV as standard by 2010, you’d have to expect LG to follow suit.
Toshiba Cell TV
The Regza range is mindblowing enough, but if you can hold off before splurging your cash, you might want to wait a few more months for Tosh’s stunning Cell Tv system. Regzas can upscale to 1080p, but the power of the Cell can boost the image all the way to 2160p – double full HD. Oh, and they can record up to six HD video streams simultaneously, which should have Sky running scared. We saw a 56 inch prototype on display, but commercial models will be out some time this year.
Sharp Aquos BD TV
Fancy some Blu-ray built in? Sharp looks like it’ll be the first company to offer all in one HDTV set ups with its Aquos BD range of TVs with the HD video players built in – just slot your favourite high deffy movie in the side and you’re away. JVC’s also prepping some, but the elegantly names Aquos Tvs will start appearing on shelves this very month.
