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Sharp announces first THX-certified 4K television

Sharp has announced that the 70-inch LC-70UD1 is the first Ultra HD screen to receive THX certification. It will be released in mid-August and will retail for $7,999.

The TV features a 4k/UHD resolution of 3,840x2,160 pixels and includes a dual-core processor to upscale existing sources.

The Sharp includes a relatively thin metal bezel and a bottom grille featuring a six-speaker sound system with a dual subwoofer.

Onboard are four HDMI inputs -- which the company says accept a native 4K signal, despite there not being any yet -- in addition to an SD card reader … Read more

Asus developing a 39-inch UHD monitor

TAIPEI -- Size matters for a display, and this Asus monitor caught our attention with its huge 39-inch screen size. Spotted at the company's Computex booth, this panel also features an ultra high-definition (UHD) resolution packing 3,840x2,160 pixels. However, it's still in prototype stage and will not be ready until early next year.

There are limited details about this 39-incher, except that it is based on a VA-type LCD panel … Read more

4K LCD TV panel shipments to increase 40-fold in 2013

A new report by TV industry tracker NPD DisplaySearch says Ultra HD resolution LCD TV panels, the principal component in new UHD/4K TVs, will increase significantly in 2013.

The firm says the number will top out at 2.6 million by the end of the year, up from a paltry 63 thousand in 2012.

A summary of findings in its "Quarterly Large-Area TFT Panel Shipment Report" says five suppliers will be responsible for the growth in 4K LCD panels, feeding a number of TV brands worldwide. China will play a key role, and growth will be driven by sizes between 50 and 65 inches.

"4K×2K panel manufacturers' shipments are primarily focused on 50-inch, 55/58-inch, and 65-inch sizes, which are expected to have the highest volume shipments, especially in China," says David Hsieh, NPD DisplaySearch vice president, Greater China Market, in a statement.

To put the 2.6 million panel number in perspective, consider that DisplaySearch reported that shipments of all TV types totaled 237 million in 2012. The firm predicts flat demand for TVs worldwide in 2013.

If you're wondering about OLED, DisplaySearch says its 2013 volume will be significantly less than that of 4K -- just 50 thousand units worldwide in 2013.

Sony to launch 4K video distribution system this summer

LAS VEGAS--One of the big problems with 4K TVs right now, aside from the fact that it's tough to discern any benefit from their extra resolution, is lack of content. Sony, alone among TV or content providers so far, actually aims to tackle that issue around the same time it launches its full line of 4K TVs later this year.

This summer the company will set up a dedicated video distribution service to deliver 4K content to the home, complete with a hardware 4K Video Player that can feed the TVs directly.

Currently buyers who pony up $25K for … Read more

Sony XBR-X900 series: 4K gets smaller, cheaper

LAS VEGAS--4K isn't just for wall-size, five-figure TVs anymore.

Sony is among the first major TV makers to announce it will sell 4K, aka Ultra High Definition (UHD), televisions in sizes less than 84 inches. The XBR-X900 series, which currently counts a $25,000 84-incher as its sole member, now includes 65-inch and 55-inch sizes, which will sell for $4,999 and $6,999 respectively. They'll be available beginning April 21.

UHD/4K in this TV's (and most other's) case means a pixel count of 3,840x2,160 -- four times as many pixels as today'… Read more

Hisense's whopping 110-inch XT900 TV

LAS VEGAS--Ultra HD is the theme of this year's CES, and Chinese brand Hisense has unveiled three new XT900 TVs, including a 110-inch, which will feature this mega-resolution.

Hisense's XT900 TVs will include 65-inch, 84-inch, and 110-inch "precise local dimming" televisions.

All of the TVs come with a range of features including Smart TV with onboard Wi-Fi, active 3D with two sets of glasses, and a 240Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the TV features a detachable USB camera for Skype calling, built-in gesture control, and facial recognition.

Pricing and availability of the three televisions has yet to … Read more

Sharp Purios about Ultra HD TV

LAS VEGAS--Sharp has announced two new Ultra HD/4K displays at CES with the flagship Purios the first to receive THX 4K Display certification.

The two TVs are the 60-inch Purios now due in summer 2013 and the prototype 60-inch Ultra HD TV.

The Purios was developed in conjunction with the I-cubed Research Center, and combines an Ultra HD resolution with a proprietary ICC (integrated cognitive creation) image processor, which the company claims reproduces the way the human brain responds to light. Sharp says this process tricks the brain into believing images are actually real.

The Aquos Ultra HD TV … Read more

Westinghouse to show 110-inch 4K TV at CES

Even if you believe that 4K TVs are stupid, like we do, that won't stop manufacturers from churning out numerous examples of the shiny new, higher-resolution TVs at the Consumer Electronics Show next month.

Tied for the biggest we've heard of so far is the 110-inch 4K LED TV announced by Westinghouse yesterday.

That size will join 50-, 55-, and 65-inch 4K models in the company's booth. Few other details, aside from a 120Hz refresh rate and shipping information, were revealed. The 110-incher will be available as a custom order in the first quarter, says the company, … Read more

Sharp shows off $31,000, 60-inch Ultra HD TV

Sharp has unveiled a 60-inch Ultra HD television that will cost you a boatload of cash when it launches early next year.

Dubbed the ICC Purios, the television comes with a 3,840x2,160 resolution, allowing it to display over 8 million pixels. The LCD is also THX-certified.

Sharp's television is one of a growing number of Ultra HD sets. And the ICC Purios, like other UHD sets, is by no means affordable for the average consumer. According to the company, it will be selling the television for 2.625 million yen (about $31,000) starting on February 20. … Read more

What is 4K? Next-generation resolution explained

As if LED and 3D TV weren't confusing enough, in the last few months we have seen a new HDTV technology called 4K, or its official name, Ultra HD. It's being heralded as the next high-def, and judging by the show floor at CES 2013, manufacturers are lining up to bring you a new array of products.

But just as was the case with 3D, it's the hardware chicken before the software egg: there's no consumer 4K content available. Still, if you listen to the industry, it'll tell you it's the last resolution you'll ever need. So what is 4K anyway, and what makes it different from high definition?

Editors' note: This was post was originally published January 23, 2012, and has been updated several times thereafter with expanded information, most recently on January 17, 2013.… Read more