Samsung Leaks Info on New 9 Series LCDs

Those waiting for the upcoming Samsung 9 Series LCDs are in luck. Leak out infos from Sammy indicate some new sets that are lined up replacing the A950 slot in their offering.



They are introducing this new variant named B9000 HDTVs in 46 and 55 inch. They will also feature the latest LED backlighting and dimming, which makes for improved contrast. This will replace the edge lighting seen on some other models.

They are also aimed to be part of the Touch of Color line and feature wireless connectivity to external media box, Yahoo Widgets and YouTube access options. DLNA support, and built-in USB port. Expected release date will be somewhere late this year in time for the holidays, and no official pricing is known yet.

Western Digital TV HD Media Player

Western Digital has delved into the world of HD media streaming with the WD TV HD Media Player. Simply put, this device turns your USB drive into an HD media player so you can watch your multimedia clips without using a computer.

But first thing first: the WD TV is not a storage device, as many would thought because of its external hard drive enclosure-type design. It's simply a media player that lets you connect USB storage devices such as a flash drive, an external hard disk drive, a multimedia card reader, or any external storage device for that matter, as long as it has a USB port.

You can connect the WD TV to an external monitor -- a regular TV or an LCD TV will work just fine since the media player has audio/video outputs for the standard A/V composite (RCA) jacks as well as HDMI. Once connected to a monitor, the WD TV will be able to show all the files stored on the USB storage device connected to it. It'll be able to distinguish movie files, photos, music, and other data, grouping them together for easy access. The remote control lets you browse the proprietary WD interface with ease.

Although the WD TV will be able to play most multimedia files you throw at it, there are certain data that it won't be able to read such as digitally protected contents from iTunes and the like. Also, keep in mind that small and highly compressed video files like those from YouTube will look grainy and pixelated on larger monitors. Don't expect high-def conversion when you play them on the device. A firmware update (v1.01.02) should be done on the device to ensure payability of additional file formates.

Black & Blu: Sharp Aquos LC-BD80U Blu-ray Built-in

It may look like just another LCD, but the Sharp Aquos LC-BD80U series is the world's first LCD TV with a built-in Blu-ray player. Slip a disc into the side-munted slot, and the TV automatically powers on, with Aquos Pure Mode technology intelligently adjusting display settings according to the disc's content. The Full HD1080p TV also comes with features like Fine Motion Enhanced technology, dejudder, Special Contrast Engine, and Optical Picture Control -- all for the best viewing experience under any room condition.

Other key features of the Sharp LC-BD80U series:
* Advanced Super View anti-reflective screen
* 120Hz refresh rate, with dejudder processing
* Four HDMI inputs (three on the LC-32BD60U and LC-37BD60U)
* Two component video inputs
* PC input
* 32-, 37-, 42-, 46- and 52-inch screen sizes