GadgetReview

Atlona released the AT-HDPiX USB to HDMI adapter which essentially adds HDMI video output to any computer via USB. This is pretty tremendous since you can now output video from any PC that didn’t have a HDMI-out to a HDMI-equipped HDTV at a maximum resolution of 1600×1200 (720p). Audio is transferred from the PC to the adapter via the 3.5mm stereo jack. The adapter then embeds the audio with the video and transfers the signal over a single HDMI cable.

Full press release:

Atlona Technologies, a solution based manufacturer of Audio Video accessories releases a Universal HDMI adaptor capable of adding an HD Audio Video output to any computer via USB.

San Jose, CA - Atlona Technologies, a solutions base connectivity manufacturer, has just released its all new USB to HDMI adapter, the AT-HDPiX. This new solution is designed to add a HDMI port to any computer, Mac or PC. The HDPiX has limitless applications in both consumer and commercial environments. From digital signage to home theater, the HDPiX provides a simple solution for viewing content from a computer on any HDTV at a maximum resolution of 1600×1200 or 720P. The device features a small form factor, which allows it to hide behind computers or displays.

Because the unit takes audio from the 3.5mm stereo jack from the computer, rather than through USB connection, the entire 34 Mbps bandwidth of the computers USB connection can be used to transfer HD video. This ensures high quality video playback without dropping frames during high motion video such as sports, or video games. Audio from the computer is embedded with the video and transferred to an HDTV over a single HDMI cable.

The HDPiX is will start shipping before Christmas with a MSRP of $179.

Atlona Technologies is a registered trademark of Lenexpo Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information on Atlona Products: http://www.atlona.com

[EngadgetHD]

Samsung unveiled the world’s first 40″ full HD OLED monitor, an update to their previous prototype. This baby features an astonishing 1,000,000:1(!!) contrast ratio with 1920 x 1080 resolution. Excuse me while I spit on my meager 30,000:1 LCD TV.

I, for one, would love to see what 1 million to 1 contrast looks like. Will I faint from too much image sweetness? Will my eyeballs spontaneously pop out of their sockets?? I sure hope so.

[Slashgear]

By: Albert S

The Slingbox Pro-HD, in all its HD-slinging glory, is available for pre-order. Now you can stream HD quality media across your local network and, of course, access your video sources from anywhere in the connected world. It also features a built in digital tuner to catch your basic cable feeds.

Pre-order here.

[Sling Community]

Honestly, I’m not a die hard TV guy. Cover your eyes, but I watch my daily dose of the Daily Show on a 42-inch Vizio - you really can’t beat it for the money. If you’ve got a penchant for the high end and need a crazy spec list to impress you, yourself and Irene, then look no further, for a Plasma that is. The Panasonic TH-65VX100 apparently takes it to a whole new level. The $9,999 set sports the following: a 1920×1080 65-inch screen, 60,000:1 contrast ratio, 18-bit signal processing for what HD Guru says produces 7,160 equivalent step of graduation, improved glass filters, widened color gamut and a whole lot more. It’s also got 4 HDMI inputs, one component (huh?), one PC input and an RS-232 for jacking in your Creston system.

Ok, I’m gonna stop. If you want the full specs hit up the HD Guru. The TV releases in late December ‘08.

Although LG’s newest Plasma TVs (the PG6900 series) won’t be a Tivo killer any time soon, they most certainly pose a threat to the stand alone DVR box that has gained mass popularity and set an interesting precedent for TVs of the future to come. Embedded in the 42-inch, or 50-inch PG6900 will be a 160GB DVR and an 8 day electronic programming guide. Expect up to 86 hours of SD recording (48 hours in HD), a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, a DVB-T tuner, 3 HDMI inputs and a 100Hz refresh rate to keep things looking smooth.

Release date isn’t know, but expect them to start at $1,800

[Gizmag]

To say ‘laser TVs’ are new to the market is an understatement.  Everything today is LCD this, or Plasma that.  Although Mitsubishi’s Laservue TV will run 10-inches thick, it will produce eye popping colors (twice the amount of colors) and be 3D (yes, three dimensional) out of the box!  The first iterations of the Laservue wil come in sizes 65 and 73 inches.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, they’ll utilize the very ’sound’ DLP technology found in today’s many high end rear projection TVs.  They also use less power than Plasmas and LCDs.

Expect them to be up the ass expensive and the 65-incher available sometime in Q3 2008.

More info here

I want one, I want one (like the nagging little kid).  Sharp is selling their 108-inch TV.  How much you ask?  Just a mere $185,000 (yes, that’s 3 zeros)!  Currently, it’s being sold in Europe and has a 16 week waiting period.  The Sharp LB-1085 108-incher weighs 430lbs and displays 1080p.

[TGDaily]

Just when you thought the television had hit it’s peak in picture quality, think again.  Samsung unveiled an 82″ HDTV that displays a resolution of 3820×2160.  To put it in perspective, today’s top of the line consumer HDTVs display a resolution of 1920×1080p.  Samsung also tossed in a RGB LED backlight, which apparently raises color saturation to 150%, and upped the image refresh to 120hz.

According to TGDaily, these high end TVs are already available, but not to the general market.  Westinghouse currently sells a 52-inch 2160p TV and it goes for a stomach turning $40,000.  Probably safe to say that the Samsung one would be more than double that.