CES 2008

Vizio's Jive SV5.1 lets you drop the wires running to the back of your home theater.

(Credit: Vizio)

Most people love surround sound, but can't stand all the messy wires required to make it work. Vizio's new Jive SV5.1 Enhancement kit attempts to solve that problem with a wireless subwoofer that's placed in the back of the room and feeds two rear speakers--eliminating the need to run wires from the front of your home theater to the back. The Jive SV5.1 integrates with your current stereo TV speakers, adding a center channel in the front, and the aforementioned wireless subwoofer and rear speakers in the back. While that's great in terms of reducing wire clutter, utilizing the built-in speakers on your TV for the critical left and right channels is going to disappoint anyone who values audio quality. Also note that the subwoofer works wirelessly on the crowded 2.4GHz spectrum, so you might experience some interference if your home theater is in the proximity of cordless phones and Wi-Fi networks.

Even with those shortcomings, we could see the SV5.1 Jive finding a home with gamers who aren't concerned as much with sound quality but still want a more immersive experience. The VIZIO Jive SV5.1 will have list price of $300 when it's released in July.

Pioneer DEH-P7000BT

(Credit: Pioneer)

Proving its commitment to the aftermarket stereo market, Pioneer today unveiled a dozen new in-dash car stereos. The 12 new stereos offer a range of connectivity options, ranging from the ability to play compressed audio formats such as MP3, WMA and AAC discs, to support for USB sources, iPods, HD Radio, and Bluetooth hands-free calling. For systems with iPod connectivity, Pioneer has improved the user interface and menu navigation to more closely resemble that of the iPod itself, while adding some extra navigation features, including alphabetical search, iPod passenger control (which gives car passengers the ability to search for music on the connected iPod player itself), and Link Search, which provides a list of all the content by a currently playing artist.

Pioneer DEH-P600UB

(Credit: Pioneer)

Four of the new units--the FH-P8000BT, FH-P800BT, DEH-P7000BT and DEH-P700BT--come with built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling as standard, while four--the DEH-P7000BT, DEH-P700BT, FH-P8000BT, and FH-P800BT--come with built-in HD Radio controls. Mid- and upper-range models in the new lineup feature an organic electroluminescence display, while upper-end models get a rotary control knob to improve the navigation of digital audio sources. Most of the new stereos ranging from the $100 DEH-2000MP to the $250 USB-enabled DEH-P600UB will be available later this month, while the four higher-end systems with price tags of between $290 and $330 will be available in March.

MPH In-band Mobile DTV

(Credit: MPH Mobile DTV)

Even though we as a country still haven't quite caught on to the idea of ubiquitous mobile television, it appears that LG is stepping ahead anyway in its introduction of yet another standard for mobile TV. Called MPH, or Mobile Pedestrian Handheld, this standard utilizes bandwidth from the existing ATSC signal to broadcast live television to an MPH-compatible product, be it a cell phone, a laptop, or an in-car navigation system.

This sets it apart from other mobile TV standards right now -- both Qualcomm's MediaFLO (which is behind Verizon's V Cast TV) and DVB-H utilize their own frequencies and thus require their own infrastructure. LG hopes that the MPH standard's usage of the traditional ATSC signal will cost less to implement, with more coverage as a result.

A modified LG VX9400 using MPH mobile DTV

(Credit: MPH Mobile DTV)

The MPH in-band system was developed by LG, Zenith, and Harris, and it works like this: A local broadcaster will broadcast a live TV feed via their existing 6 Mhz, 19.39 megabit per second network through an MPH exciter, which is then received via an MPH-compatible device. LG had a few prototype devices up for display here at CES; a modified LG VX9400 (which is also compatible with Verizon's V Cast TV that uses the aforementioned MediaFLO standard), a handheld 4-inch widescreen display, a USB dongle to be used with a laptop, plus a Kenwood in-car receiver. The MPH standard can also transmit up to 140 miles per hour, which fits right into the in-car entertainment system.

LG handheld television with MPH Mobile DTV

(Credit: MPH Mobile DTV)

Right now, LG says that they're conducting trials of the MPH system in limited markets like Las Vegas, Chicago, and Washington D.C. They're definitely pushing this more for local stations, so that they can broadcast time sensitive content like news, weather, and sports. They're currently in talks with over 800 stations nationwide, and hope to launch a full product by early 2009.

JVC's demo mode shows off its video processing prowess.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

JVC has announced a new line of LCD HDTVs, the Procision series, scheduled to come out his summer. The press release focuses on a gaggle of new video processing technologies, including Inteliigent HD processing, x.v.Color-enabled signal processing, 36-bit image processing, and Clear Motion noise reduction. That's a lot of high-tech mumbo-jumbo, but it doesn't tell us much about how the Procision series will actually perform. Intelligent HD processing dynamically adjusts picture settings and we generally recommend leaving those types of settings off; x.v.Color-enabled signal processing isn't worth much considering there are no announced Blu-ray or HD DVD discs that use x.v.Color. 36-bit image processing and Clear Motion noise reduction might be useful, but we can't be sure until we actually get our hands on a review sample.

The Procision series consists of three models, 42-inch LT-42X899, the 47-inch LT-47X899 and the 52-inch LT-52X899. All three are 1080p TV's, which mean they have a native resolution of 1,920x1,080 (for more information on 1080p vs. 720p--and whether 1080p is worth it--read this column). These sets also have a 120Hz refresh rate, although it doesn't mention whether it includes any dejudder processing.

Connectivity is highlighted by three HDMI 1.3 inputs, two of which include CEC support. For analog video, there are two component video inputs, two S-Video inputs and a PC input. The rest of the connectivity is rounded out by an AV output, RS-232 port and a USB port for viewing photos.

The Procision LCDs are scheduled to come out in the early summer, and pricing is not currently available.

The Vizio VP605F has built-in HQV and four HDMI ports.

(Credit: Vizio)

Vizio may be known as the bargain brand found at Costco, but AV enthusiasts might want to take Vizio's new series of plasmas more seriously. Vizio announced two new plasma displays, the 50-inch Vizio VP504F and the 60-inch Vizio VP605F, both of which have HQV processing built into the panel. For those that don't memorize every home theater acronym, HQV processing is a third-party video chip that, in our experience, delivers excellent video quality for scaling lower-resolution sources--like DVDs--to the native resolution of the panel. Usually HQV processing is included in receivers or high-def disc players, but the advantage of having the chip in an HDTV is that every incoming source is scaled using the HQV chip, instead of needing each individual source to have HQV processing.

Watch the Vizio VP504F video on CNET TV.

The VP605F touts a 1080p (1920x1080) native resolution, while the smaller VP504F presumably features a 720p (1366x768) native resolution (for more information on 1080p vs. 720p--and whether 1080p is worth it--read this column). Both sets include four HDMI 1.3 inputs, two of which are positioned on the side of the panels. Vizio quotes several other specs, including a "10-bit diagonal interpolator" and "true 10-bit processing which outputs 4:4:4: color processing", but we'll wait until we actually review the sets to see if it makes a difference.

In typical Vizio style, the prices of these nicely featured sets are less than you might imagine. Both the VP504F and VIZIO VP605F are scheduled to be released in June 2008 with list prices of $1,699 and $2,899, respectively.

(Credit: Pioneer)

Pioneer used the first morning of press conferences here at CES 2008 to unveil the latest in its range of AVIC in-car navigation devices. The touch-screen AVIC-F500BT dubbefd "LINC" by Pioneers engineers, follows the recent in-car "hybrid" trend of combining the flexibility of a portable navigation device with the audio integration of an in-dash system, while providing some innovative voice-recognition capabilities. The system, which has built-in GPS and mapping data, Bluetooth, and USB and SD-card playback capabilities--can act as a standalone portable navigation and media device or can be connected to any car stereo with an auxiliary input jack. For stereos without an aux input, the system can be connected to an existing head unit using a dedicated Pioneer adapter module. When connected to an existing car stereo, the device can be snapped into a rather snazzy-looking cradle on a car's dashboard, giving it a well-integrated appearance.

The AVIC-F500BT offers most of the goodies found in Pioneer's previous AVIC devices, including text-to-speech functionality and 3D map view, while adding a number of advanced navigation features including a subscription-based information service from MSN direct providing updates on traffic, gas prices and movie times in 100 cities across North America as well as the facility to update the POI database using the SD card.

(Credit: Pioneer)

Watch the Pioneer AVIC-F500BT video on CNET TV.

The main innovation of the AVIC-F500BT is its enhanced voice-command capabilities. Drivers can use the F500BT's built-in Voicebox technology to control and request music from a connected iPod and to make calls via a Bluetooth-connected cell phone. In contrast to the formulaic voice commands required by most factory-installed and aftermarket systems, VoiceBox technology allows drivers to request songs and contacts using conversational commands and intent-based commands. Rather than requesting an audio track by number or using a prescribed word order, users can ask for music in a more conversational way ("play U2" and "I want to hear some U2" will apparently achieve the same result). We're looking forward to getting our hands on one of these over the next couple of days here at CES; customers can expect the AVIC F500BT to hit the shelves in Spring 2008.

Pioneer's concept plasma (right) next to the current model, with no image but both panels turned on. A long exposure time exaggerates the leftmost panel's brightness and makes its color look bluer, but you get the idea.

(Credit: Kevin Law Photography)

Pioneer also showed a model that was only 9mm thick

(Credit: Pioneer)

(Credit: Pioneer)

Pioneer consistently makes some of the best plasmas on the market, such as our current Editors' Choice PDP-5080HD plasma, and today it demonstrated two new "Project Kuro" technology concepts that are among the most exciting displays shown by anyone at CES. Unfortunately, neither will make it to market in 2008.

The first, designated the "Extreme Contrast Concept" plasma, is said to be capable of producing an "absolute black with no measurable light emitting from the television." The ability to produce a dark shade of black is one of the most important ingredients in picture quality. ... Read More

The Victoria EVO will retail for $5,400.

(Credit: Waterfall Audio)

If you're not supposed to cast stones at glass houses, it's probably not a good idea to throw them at glass speakers--especially when they cost $5,400 a pair. No word on whether these superslick towers are shatterproof, but we're glad to hear that the French company Waterfall Audio is introducing its line of glass loudspeakers to the American market at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show this week.

According to the press release, Waterfall will showcase its two flagship models, the Victoria EVO and Iguascu EVO, which are named for the "famous waterfalls in Africa and South America, respectively."

The release goes on to say that the "Victoria EVO and Iguascu EVO are slim, pure-glass towers standing 40 inches high but just 10 inches wide. The Victoria EVO, a three-way/four-driver design, includes Waterfall's proprietary, downfiring, 8.5-inch passive woofer, the Iguascu (34 inches tall by 10 inches wide) employs identical drivers (including the passive woofer) in a two-way/three-driver arrangement. Both models use a key Waterfall technology: the Acoustic Damping Tube (ADT), which performs near-total damping of mid- and low-frequency 'back-wave' artifacts, and precise damping control of midrange reflections, allowing the speakers to produce superbly accurate, high-end performance within their effectively undamped glass enclosures."

"The Waterfall designs also feature drivers designed and manufactured by French partner Atohm--the 6-inch bass/midrange unit in both the woofer and midrange (Victoria) positions. This custom-alloy-diaphragm driver achieves superbly low-distortion output with impressive dynamic range. The Atohm tweeter is a 3/4-inch silk-coated dome design capable of smooth, unobtrusive, yet remarkably extended treble. Ultra-linear crossover topologies grace both models, with best-grade components such as polypropylene capacitors employed throughout. The use of 'doubled' low-frequency drivers delivers enhanced power-handling, while the exclusive downfiring passive woofer, an exceptionally low-profile design effectively disguised within each speaker's base, extends useful low-bass output to well below 38 Hz (Victoria) and 48 Hz (Iguasçu)."

Waterfall says the speakers will be available by March 2008, with the Victoria Evo retailing for $5,400/pair and the Iguascu Evo $3,900/pair. Unfortunately, there's no mention of a center-channel speaker or I'd be all over this for my new surround sound setup.

BlueAnt SuperTooth 3

(Credit: BlueAnt)

BlueAnt, an Australian manufacturer of Bluetooth devices, came out with a couple of different Bluetooth speakers to display at CES 2008. The first is the SuperTooth 3 Bluetooth speakerphone, which looks like an update to BlueAnt's own SuperTooth Light from last year. Like the SuperTooth Light, the SuperTooth 3 works as a portable speakerphone that can be used at the desk as well as clipped on to a car's sun visor. It can pair up to eight different devices, and will hopefully last you about 15 hours.

BlueAnt M1 Stereo Speakers

(Credit: BlueAnt)

On the music front, BlueAnt also debuted the M1 Stereo Speakers, which features A2DP/stereo Bluetooth capabilities so that you can transmit streaming audio wirelessly via Bluetooth. It also has a 3.5mm audio jack for non-Bluetooth music players. Since it's a wireless speaker, it also has a rechargeable battery pack which has a rated battery life of up to 10 hours.

No pricing as of yet, but we'll get back to you about availability as soon as we hear about that.

[Source: Engadget Mobile]

LG75 LED-backlit LCD

(Credit: LG)

Today LG announced a total of eight (!) series of LCD televisions for 2008, all of which include the letters "LG" in the model number. The flagship model, the 47-inch 47LG75, is the company's first to include an LED-powered backlight. Samsung was the first large-screen LCD maker to mass-produce LED backlights with its LN-T81F series, of which we reviewed the 46-inch LN-T4681F, and in that model we really liked the improved contrast ratio caused by the LEDs' ability to turn off, and so produce a darker shade of black. The LG75 promises similar technology, and a similar six-figure contrast ratio spec, offering 128 separate diodes that can be "locally dimmed" (dimmed independently from one another) -- for the record, Samsung did not disclose the number of LEDs in its 81F series models. The LG75 also sports 120Hz technology and a host of other improvements, including an ISF mode that has a user-accessible color temperature adjustment with 10 separate grayscale points, which should help calibrators improve color accuracy.

LG did not announce pricing or availability on the 47LG75.

• 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
• TruMotion 120Hz technology
• Invisible Speaker System
• Intelligent Sensor for automatic optimization of brightness and color
• 24p TruCinema
• ISFccc Calibration Ready
• Four HDMI with 1.3 Deep Color