| The lowdown on high definition television sets
If you're not going to be at the big game, the next best place to watch the Super Bowl is in-front a big screen high definition television. HD, LCD, DLP, flat screen, projection, plasma... Consumers are left with two questions, what does it all mean? And, which one's right for me? For those looking to switch from standard to high definition, the best advice is to educate yourself before you buy your new set. The one that's on sale may not be the right one for you. There is some confusion about a misconception that everyone will need a HDTV when the federally mandated switch from analog to digital signal takes affect in 2009. That is in fact, not true. If you are able to receive a cable or satellite signal from a digital receiver now, then nothing will change for you in the future.
CMO's 42-inch 1080p LCD: $1665 now in Europe, Q2 US
Look out Westinghouse and Vizio, Taiwan's Chi Mei has a new 42-inch, 1080p LCD TV looking for market share at the low-to-mid end of the big panel LCD spectrum. Shipping now in Taiwan and Europe, model DTL-742E500 is expected to make its US premier sometime in Q2 -- about the time we expect their 47-inch Quad HD LCD to ship. Their new set swaddles a Faroudja DCDi scaler and Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) panel with a 1200:1 contrast ratio, 500cd/m2 brightness, 176-degree viewing angle, 6.5-ms response, and 2x HDMI inputs among a healthy collection of in and outs. Expected to pop at your local big box for right around $1,665 or less by the time it arrives. .
Jury rules in favor of Broadcom in ongoing battle with Qualcomm
A federal jury has ruled that Broadcom Corp. did not infringe on a pair of Qualcomm Inc. patents for video encoding, although the patents are valid, according to media reports. The products in question are Broadcom's circuits used in HDTV cable and satellite receivers and other high-defintion video equipment. .
Just a little patience, yeah
A wise scholar by the name of Axl Rose once said, All we need is just a little patience. He then added, Patience, mmm yeah, mmm yeah, need a little patience, yeah, just a little patience, followed by a bunch of wailing, presumably to drive home just how much we need patience. A lot, apparently. Patience is never more a virtue than when it comes to new gadgets. Early adopters know all too well that being the first person on your block with the latest tech toy means that the guy who waits a year to buy his toy will either pay less than you did or get a better product. Often both. It's so easy Case in point: Toshibas new second-generation HD DVD players. If you were one of those gotta-have-it-NOW types who bought the Toshiba HD-A1 or HD-XA1 when they were released last spring, well, guess what? There are better models out now.
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