Samsung Electronics First to Begin Mass Producing 3D TV Panels

The 3D experience is one step closer to "invading" your personal home space. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd announced that it has become the first company to commence mass production of panels for 3D LED TVs and 3D LCD TVs.

“Samsung Electronics aims to lead the global 3D TV panel market in pioneering panel mass production for 3D LED and LCD TVs” said Wonkie Chang, president of the LCD Business at Samsung Electronics.

The company began producing LED and LCD compatible panels for 40-inch, 46-inch and 55-inch full-HD 3D TVs using ‘3D Active Glasses’ this month, employing Samsung’s exclusive true 240Hz technology. Samsung’s true 240Hz technology delivers full-HD viewing in 2D, and also smooth, natural, full-HD 3D images that can vividly capture rapid movements. Operating at 240 frames per second, Samsung’s panels deliver a more lifelike picture with alternating left and right eye images through the use of 3D Active Glasses technology.

Samsung’s new 3D Active Glasses technology first blocks the left and then right lens, causing a momentary lag when images are shown to each eye to achieve more lifelike 3D images. The term, 3D Active Glasses, was selected as an official term by the Glasses Standardization Working Group of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) earlier this year. The polarized glass method previously used in 3D glasses produced separate images for the left and right eyes, resulting in half the resolution of two-dimensional pictures as only half of the screen can be viewed through each polarized filter. Brightness was also lowered because of the polarized filter.

According to DisplaySearch, a market research firm, the 3D display market is expected to grow from $902 million in 2008 to $22 billion in 2018. Specifically, the 3D TV market is expected to expand to a $17-billion market, with sales increasing from 200,000 units in 2009 to 64 million units 2018. But who knows, that could be a lot more a lot faster. I know I'm dying to get one of those.

HP DreamScreen 130 digital photo frame

Photo frames have come a long way since the days of the old wood or metal ones. And the classical photo album is almost obsolete in these high tech days we're living. These days if you want to view your vacation or wedding photos you would get a digital photo frame that's capable to store all of them in one small place and you can view them on a sleek and small LCD screen or you can leave them play as a slide show.

HP's DreamScreen 130 is one of those cool digital lcd photo frames that has a lot more features packed in it's small box Some of those features, aside from storing and displaying photos, are: Internet radio, Facebook updates, music and photo streaming from a PC, a calendar and a built-in alarm clock. All in all HP DreamScreen 130 is a sleek stand-alone "smart screen" you can place on your kitchen counter or take from room to room because it even works with your existing home wireless network.

The DreamScreen 130 digital photo frame gives you the possibility to easily access content on your PCs and the Web via a simple menu, enjoy music, photos, and videos with HP MediaSmart software, control entertainment via an intuitive handheld remote control. For even more usability you can turn it to landscape or portrait orientation with the included stand.

If you are on Facebook, and a lot of people certainly are, with DreamScreen 130 you have easy access to your account so you can view and stay current on Facebook. You can also view slide shows of photos uploaded to Snapfish, stream music and photos from your PC, listen to Internet radio from Pandora or HP SmartRadio and stay organized with the calendar and be on time with the built-in alarm clock

The design of the DreamScreen 130 digital picture frame is pleasing and elegant, complementing your home decor. The speakers are concealed and offer a superb sound quality. If you need to, you can mount the lcd screen on a wall, because holes have been pre-drilled on the back.

For touchscreen capabilities is equipped with capacitive touch navigation buttons. Unlike the more classical 7 inch digital photo frame, the HP's DreamScreen 130 has a 13.3" wide screen display, with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 800x480px screen resolution. It's equipped with built-in Line Out for headphones or external speakers and 10/100 LAN & wireless 802.11 b/g for networking. It has 2 USB ports and a 6-in-2 Card Reader for your data transfer needs. The built in memory is 2GB, out of which 1.5GB is usable space.

For more information related to the HP DreamScreen 130 you can visit the official page on the HP Shopping site here

Samsung F2080 LCD Monitor with cPVA technology

Continuing our showcase of great LCD computer monitors, we have come to present the Samsung F2080 20 inch LCD monitor.

The Samsung F2080 20" 16:9 widescreen LCD displays feature cPVA technology, for accurate image performance and professional-caliber color. This is one of those Samsung LCD monitors with 100% support of sRGB color mode, the recommended color space for the internet, and the default color space for many computers, digital cameras and scanners, and 178º viewing angles. This ensures a smooth and accurate color to everyone gathered around the screen. Or just to you, if you prefer watching the screen from a very awkward angle. The innovative cPVA technology features a liquid-crystal cell structure that minimizes light leakage for brilliant, accurate color and enables wide viewing angles and high contrast ratios.

Speaking of high contrast ratios, the high 3,000:1 static contrast ratio provides subtle transitions in shadows, and details in the whites and blacks. The 2.5 mm bezel-to-screen depth and the 15 mm ultra-narrow bezel combine to give you an even, virtually seamless display area when tiling multiple displays. Also the Tilt/Swivel/Pivot/130 mm height-adjustable stands also add comfort.

Here are the official specifications for this Samsung 20 inch lcd monitor as provided by the manufacturer.

• Screen Size: 20" (16:9)
• Brightness (Typical): 250 cd/m²
• Contrast Ratio (Typical): DC 150,000:1 (static 3,000:1)
• Resolution: 1600 x 900
• Response Time (Typical): 8 ms (GTG)
• Viewing Angle (Horizontal/Vertical): 178º / 178º
• Color Support: 16,7 M
• Video Signal: 2 DVI-D, D-sub
• Sync. Signal: separate, composite, SOG
• Power Consumption: 40 W
• Stand By Power (DPMS): 1 W
• Plug & Play: Yes
• USB powered hub option: No
• Mac compatibility: Yes
• Multimedia Speakers: No
• Wall-Mount: 100 x 100 mm, 200 x 100 mm
• TCO: TCO 5.0, TUV
• Cabinet Color: black, texture
• Optional Accessories: DVI cable
• Special Features: Multi Screen S / W, MagicBright, MagicColor, Color Effect, Off Timer, MagicTune, Customized Key, Image Size, DVI with HDCP, Windows Vista Premium Certified, Mechanical Switch, EPEAT GOLD
• Product Dimension(With stand, WxHxD): 18.67" x 14.08" x 7.76"
• Product Dimension (Without Stand, WxHxD): 18.67" x 11.37" x 2.43"
• Shipment Dimension (WxHxD): 21.65" x 14.41" x 6.97"
• Product Weight: 5.5 kg
• Shipment Weight: 6.8 kg
• Stand Type: 130 mm HAS
• Function of stand: Tilt / Swivel / Pivot / height adjustment

For more examples of Samsung LCD monitors you can visit the other pages of this website. Make sure you also visit one of my favorite, even it's pretty old now, the stylish Samsung T220 LCD Monitor. For more information related to this professional 20 inch LCD monitor, you can visit the official page of the product here.

Samsung 23" F2380 LCD with cPVA Technology

The Samsung F2380 23" 16:9 widescreen LCD displays feature cPVA technology, for accurate image performance and professional-caliber color. With 100% support of sRGB color mode and 178º viewing angles, the color will be smooth and accurate to everyone gathered around your screen. High 3,000:1 static contrast ratio provides subtle transitions in shadows and details in the whites and blacks. The 2.5 mm bezel-to-screen depth and the 15 mm ultra-narrow bezel combine to give you an even, virtually seamless display area when tiling multiple displays. And the Tilt / Swivel / Pivot / 130 mm height-adjustable stands add comfort, while the F2380 offers 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Innovative cPVA technology features a liquid-crystal cell structure that minimizes light leakage for brilliant, accurate color and enables wide viewing angles and high contrast ratios. The 80 series accurately reproduces 100% of sRGB, the recommended color space for the internet and the default color space for many computers, digital cameras and scanners. A high 3,000:1 static contrast ratio adds incredible depth, with subtle shadow transitions and incredible detail, even in the whites and blacks.

Wide 178º viewing angles mean accurate color from every angle and the Tilt / Swivel / Pivot stand along with 130 mm height adjustments add comfort. A 2.5 mm bezel-to-screen depth and 15 mm bezel combine to provide a flat, virtually seamless image area when tiling monitors.

Here are some of the specifications of the F2380 23" LCD:

• Screen Size: 23" (16:9)
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Brightness: 300 cd/m²
• Contrast Ratio: DC 150,000:1 (static 3,000:1)
• Response time: 8 ms (GTG)
• Viewing Angle (Horizontal / Vertical): 178º / 178º
• Sync. Signal: Separate, Composite, SOG
• Video Signal: 2 x DVI-D, D-sub
• Power Consumption: 45 W
• Stand By Power (DPMS): 1 W
• Plug & Play: Yes
• Special Features: Multi Screen S / W, MagicBright, MagicColor, Color Effect, Off Timer, MagicTune, Customized Key, 1080p Full HD, Image Size, DVI with HDCP, Windows Vista Premium Certified, Mechanical Switch
• TCO: TCO 5.0, TUV
• Product Dimension(With stand, WxHxD): 21.5" x 18.8" x 8.5"
• Shipment Dimension: 24.7" x 16.3" x 7"
• Product Weight: 13.9 lbs.
• Shipment Weight: 17.4 lbs.
• Stand Function: Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, height adjustment

For more details and pictures related to the Samsung 23" F2380 LCD, you can visit the product's page located at samsung.com.

Samsung T220 22" widescreen LCD Monitor

One thing that starts to appear maybe a little too often here: Samsung LCD monitors. But that's just because there's so great. Being one of the leaders in the industry, Samsung continues to provide us with even better gadgets each time. This is just one of them, part of the Samsung Premium Class LCDs.

The Samsung T220 22" LCD Widescreen Monitor is one beautiful display. Samsung has created a design unlike anything you’ve ever seen called Touch of Color™. Samsung Premium Class LCDs are top-of-the-line premium monitors offering superb picture quality, luxury features and the most striking, sophisticated designs. Premium Class monitors are ideal for executives, professional offices, advertising, public relations, gamers and developers.

The T220 monitor not only has beauty, it also has brains. An amazing 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 2ms response rate deliver sharp contrast and virtually no blurring when watching movies or playing video games. You’ll be inspired to create your best work with the T220. It looks more like a beautiful piece of art than a lcd monitor.

Here are some of the specifications for the Samsung T220 LCD Monitor:

• Screen Size : 22" wide
• Resolution : 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA+)
• Brightness: 300 cd/m²
• Response time: 2 ms(GTG)
• Contrast Ratio: DC 20,000:1 (1000:1) (Typ.)
• Viewing Angle (Horizontal / Vertical): 170º / 160º (CR>10)
• Power Consumption: 45 watts
• Video Signal: analog RGB, DVI

More detailed information about the Samsung T220 22 inch LCD monitor can be found on the official product page at www.samsung.com.

Samsung Electronics and Giorgio Armani - Premium LCD Television

From the official Samsung website: Press release

With the occasion of the Milan International Furniture Fair Samsung Electronics and Giorgio Armani, one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world, unveil the new Armani/Samsung premium LCD television, designed for a discriminating consumer, who is seeking a prestige television that combines sophisticated design and leading flat screen technology.

The Armani/Samsung LCD Television is the second product (following the Giorgio Armani - Samsung mobile phone) designed by Giorgio Armani under a strategic marketing alliance announced by the two companies in September, 2007. The alliance foresees the development of a range of prestige portable and home consumer electronics products matching Giorgio Armani’s iconic design aesthetic with Samsung’s cutting-edge technology and leadership in consumer electronics.

Unique design elements include a stylish remote control and a special 4-mode lighted power switch that customizes the display of the two companies’ logos on the front of the television. At rest, the remote mirrors the simple elegance of the television itself. When handled, the unit immediately comes alive with radiant backlights to present a full range of convenient features. The television also comes with a smaller, pebble-shaped remote for basic functions that rests at the corner of the stand.

The unit is further accentuated by glass in the front and shows simple but solid natural lines that convey pure emotional expression. Both models, 46-inch and 52-inch, are to incorporate many of the features and cutting-edge technologically, such as 100Hz Full HD and HDMI connectors, that have made Samsung Televisions world renowned for their outstanding picture quality and high-end functionality.

The design of the Armani/Samsung LCD Television has been inspired by Giorgio Armani's new 2008/09 Armani/Casa home furnishings collection, which includes the Brahms tea table in pleated effect glossy black lacquered wood which has been specifically designed to host the new television.

Giorgio Armani said, "There was once a time when one would want to hide a television as it never failed to disturb the ambience of a living room. Now, through the incredible advance in technology, flat screen televisions can easily be incorporated into the design solution for a home."

Bookeun Yoon, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Division of Samsung Electronics said, “There are more and more consumers today who are increasingly style conscious in their selection of home electronics products. They are looking for products that unite the best contemporary design with technological performance and functionality. This partnership therefore affords us the chance to offer those consumers unique products matching Giorgio Armani's sophisticated, iconic style with Samsung's leading technology."

The 46-inch Armani/Samsung Television, will be launched initially in Europe, Korea and Russia in mid summer . The 52-inch model will be launched in late-summer in the same market.

New LCD Desktop Monitors from Samsung

Samsung has released five new desktop monitors designed for the mainstream market, but with performances that may appeal to a small percentage of the gaming market. The monitors are part of the SyncMaster series and some of the features are the 5ms response times and the high contrast ratio that reaches 8000:1 on some models. With these new displays, Samsung aims to provide a good quality at a low price.

The BMX models feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, all models having rounded edges, a slim 15mm bezel, a gloss finish, and of course controls for setting brightness, contrast, and other settings, along with support for DVI with HDCP. On top of that, they all have stands with adjustable height, rotation, and swivel features, and come with a three-year warranty.

With sizes ranging from 17 to 22 inches, I'm sure you can find one that will meet your demands. Prices, as I've said earlier, are not high. Have a look at these:

• SyncMaster 743BX, 17-inch - $239
• SyncMaster 943BX, 19-inch - $279
• SyncMaster 943BWX, widescreen, 19-inch - $269
• SyncMaster 2043BWX, widescreen, 20-inch - $309
• SyncMaster 2243BWX, widescreen, 22-inch - $359

More details can be found if you follow the links to the official Samsung website.

Sony launches the Bravia F series

It appears that today will be a "display day", since I already posted about LCDs replacing CRTs. And on top of that, it seems like the giant Japanese company, Sony, doesn't take not even a brake. After they have defeated the HD-DVD format and winning supremacy in the high definition world through the Blu-Ray format, Sony launches a jaw dropping series of LCD TVs. Since consumers are pretty picky these days, the new Bravia F series has no intentions of disappointing. And let's face it, they look great. But how do they perform and what do they have that others don't? Well, you can judge that for yourself.

The TV comes in 3 different sizes: 46 (Full HD), 40 (Full HD) and 32 (WXGA) inches, slim frame and glossy look. All of them have a 3000:1 contrast ratio. Apparently there is also an Ethernet port to access the "Application cast" TV specific content ranging from weather to traffic to shopping information. The speakers deliver an output of 10W x 2Ch, the 46 inch model comes with a sub woofer delivering 20 watts. The remote control is rather powerful and works on the 2.4 Ghz band so it does not require line of sight and can be operated from almost any angle even in a large room.

And now the not so good news: the Bravia F series goes on sale in Japan from March 25 with the KDL-32F1 - 32 inch selling for 200,000 Yen ($1850), KDL-40F1 - 42 inch selling for 290,000 Yen ($2680) and KDL-46F1 - 46 inch selling for 460,000 Yen ($4257). So it anyone is interested, you'll have to wait just a little longer.

Sony is sure starting to dominate the media market. Products like the Playstation and the Blu-Ray technology are starting to find their place in more and more houses. We may be witnessing the birth of the next monopolistic corporation. Like we don't have enough of those. Well, at least this one comes through media and entertainment. You can't beat that.

CRT displays are replaced by LCD

This shouldn't surprise us at all, and it's in no form a news flash, but it appears that finally the LCD displays are reaching affordable prices for a great quality. We can only look back on the days when LCD displays had a small visibility angle or a lousy refresh rate or a crappy resolution and contract. Although the last do make for a great argument in choosing what type of display to purchase, I've always considered the angle factor something somewhat useless. I'm not used to watch my monitor from a 60 degrees angle, so I don't care. I, and probably many others, like to stare at the monitor straight on. I guess It's only necessary when you gather around with the family and look at holiday photos or who knows what else, just like the Windows setup shows up. And probably for presentations.

Anyway, following this article from Extremetech.com we can conclude that the LCD displays have achieved what they were meant to do: replace the CRT displays. Sales on LCD displays and plasma TV's have grown to such an extent that they have overtaken the classic CRT. We can only assume that from now on, things will go on this way and very soon, the old desktop "space takers" will eventually disappear.

Until the next big thing in display technology is discovered/invented we have the sleek looking LCD to glare at. Although I'm a great fan of the old CRT's and still haven't purchased a LCD, it seems like I will be forced to do so. My eyes are starting to impose it on me. It's a good thing they lasted for this long.