Hewlett-Packard (South Hall, booth 31111) is introducing at International CES a revamped TV lineup including nine flat-panel TVs, some of the company’s first 1,080p LCD TV offerings and sets employing HP’s improved Visual Fidelity Engine (VFE) video processing technology.
The 2007 line will include LCD TV and plasma offerings, and will feature an expanded line of MediaSmart fully networked LCD TV.
The new VFE circuitry added to most models is said to enhance image quality, including improved detail performance.
Key display features include HP’s three Simplay-HD-certified HDMI inputs supporting 1,080p signals, dual component inputs, thin screen bezels with polished piano black finish, RS-232 control support, PC inputs and ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners.
HP said it will ship this spring two classes of large-screen LCD TVs segmented by 720p and 1,080p resolutions. The company plans to announce prices closer to shipping dates.
The 720p lineup will include the 32W-inch LC3272N, the 37W-inch LC3772N and the 42W-inch LC4272N.
Step-up 1,080p models will include the 42W-inch LC4278N and 47W-inch LC4778N. Both will include 1,200:1 contrast ratios, and 6ms response times.
The expanded MediaSmart TV assortment will ship to dealers in the summer at prices to be determined later.
MediaSmart TVs are fully networked TVs, allowing users to access their digital media and a range of Internet services on TV screens through wired or wireless connections to their PCs. Users can stream on their TVs photos, music, and video files stored in other rooms.
New features in 2007 models include: three antennas embedded in the TV bezel; network connectivity options including 802.11 a,b, g and now n; an improved user interface; and enhanced content integration software to simplify the selection of PC-stored entertainment files for playback over the network.
This year’s models add support for the AAC (non-protected) decoding format, along with the MPEG-1/MPEG-2/MPEG-4, DiVX HD, AVI and WMV (SD and HD) video formats; MWA, MP3 and WAV audio formats; and JPEG, PNG, GIF and BMP photo formats. The systems will work with XP and Vista operation systems.
MediaSmart TV models will also work with HP’s entertainment services port for online photo, video and music services.
MediaSmart TV models being introduced include the 42W-inch SL4278N and the 47W-inch SLC4778N, both with 1,080p resolution.
HP said it is also planning to introduce this spring new 720p HD plasma offerings at pricing to be announced. Models will include 6.87 billion color contouring, new panels with low-reflection phosphors and black walls around pixels to reduce reflection and enhance detail, brightness and contrast. Models will also offer concealed /integrated speakers for a uniform “picture frame” cosmetic, the company said. Plasma models will include the 42W-inch PL4272N and 50W-inch PL5072N.
