With a cabinet depth of just .92 inches and an 8.5mm bezel, the LE9500 is a full LED TV with the thinness you’d normally expect from an edge-lit model. The 55-inch display supports local dimming of up to 240 addressable segments, while the Infinia LE7500 and LE5500 each offer 16 addressable segments.
LG is introducing six new LED LCD series in all: the Infinia LE9500, LE8500 and LE7500, along with the LE5500, LE5400, and LE5300. All of the series are 1080p, with the exception of the LE5300 models under 32″, and most come equipped with NetCast Entertainment Access, LG’s connectivity suite that’s been upgraded this year to include Skype and DivX TV. The LE9500 has an ambitious refresh rate of 480Hz, the LE8500 at 240Hz, and the rest of the lineup sits at a more conventional 120Hz.
For those who aren’t ready to make the jump to LED yet, LG is also refreshing its CCFL LCD line with five new series that also feature 1080p and refresh rates of up to 240Hz.
LG has announced pricing yet on either the LED or LCD sets, but they should be hitting retailers this spring/summer.
LG ELECTRONICS REDEFINES HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXPECTATIONS WITH BROAD LINE OF STUNNING, SLIM LED AND LCD HDTVs
New LED Technology Combined with Local Dimming
Enhances Picture Quality, Black Levels and Utilizes Less Power
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2010 – INFINIA, an innovative new family of LED LCD HDTVs from LG Electronics that delivers “freedom through infinite possibilities,” highlights the company’s 2010 lineup of LED LCD HDTVs introduced here today at the International Consumer Electronics Show (Booth #8205).
LG INFINIA HDTVs (the LE9500, LE8500 and LE7500 series) combine a slim design and thin bezel with enhanced connectivity and abundant content options. Leading the way to the ultimate home entertainment experience, the 55- and 47-inch class* LE9500 sets will be LG’s first 3D-ready models available in the United States.
INFINIA is the flagship of LG’s 41-model LED LCD HDTV line – six new series of LED LCD HDTVs and five new series of LCD HDTVs. Leading these introductions are two new LED technologies – Full LED Slim and LED Plus – that provide cutting-edge picture quality. The unique backlight structure on its Full LED Slim models (LE9500 and LE8500) allows for the INFINIA line’s ultra-slim depth without sacrificing picture quality. Together, these features provide consumers with infinite possibilities in home entertainment.
“We’re removing barriers to entertainment with very slim LED LCD TVs that couple wireless connectivity with the most access to online content,” said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics USA. “With seamless connectivity and limitless content, LG INFINIA is resetting the standards for design and entertainment as LED LCD TVs are expected to grow to more than 20 percent of the market this year.”
“Consumers will no longer have to compromise on picture quality in order to enjoy an ultra-slim design. Together this new Full LED Slim technology and our wireless connectivity options allow consumers to ‘live borderless’ with the ultimate in content access and convenient installation,” Reiner added.
LG’s new Full LED Slim technology elevates picture quality with a slim LED structure that supports detailed local dimming of up to 240 addressable segments (on the 55-inch class LE9500), resulting in an HDTV that provides the deeper black levels and uniform picture quality which typically could not be achieved on an ultra-thin set.
The LE9500 series cabinet depth is only .92 inches with a bezel width of only 8.5mm. LG’s LED Plus technology (available on the LE7500 and LE5500 series), also improves picture quality and energy efficiency by adding a basic local dimming capability of up to 16 addressable segments.
The LE9500, LE8500 and LE7500 were all recognized with CES 2010 Innovations Awards, including the “Best of Innovations” distinction in the Online Audio/Video Content category for the LE9500.
Shattering Expectations
Broadening consumer entertainment options, LG’s latest series of HDTVs affords consumers superior picture quality, advanced energy saving options and flexible access to content-on-demand. LG’s LED LCD HDTVs challenge consumers’ current perceptions of home entertainment by illustrating what’s possible with superior display technology.
LG’s Full LED Slim series (models LE9500 and LE8500) for example, join an elite group of LED LCD HDTVs that have achieved THX Display Certification* – the industry standard for having the correct gamma, luminance, and color temperature. This certification demonstrates that select series of LG HDTVs can recreate the cinema experience at home, making the picture resemble movie theatre quality. To date, LG is the only manufacturer who has attained this designation for LCD TV in the U.S. market.
LG’s exclusive Full LED Slim technology includes detailed local dimming capability, but also enables the LE9500 and LE8500 to achieve a slim depth usually limited to conventional edge-lit models. This unique technology makes it possible for these two models to achieve the picture quality worthy of THX Display Certification and helps minimize the front bezel of the TV. This works with the single, edge-to-edge panel of glass to create a design, perfect for any home environment. Boasting a thin bezel of only 8.5mm, the LE9500 brings advanced technology into the home without being obtrusive. Available in 55-and 47-inch class sizes*, this series also incorporates TruMotion 480Hz for reduced motion blur during fast moving action sequences.
Connectivity
LG’s full line of LED LCD HDTVs ― series LE9500, LE8500, LE7500, LE5500 and LE5400 (in screen sizes 32-inch class and above) ― boast a connectivity package with a variety of entertainment options, including NetCast Entertainment Access™. With NetCast, consumers can access the following content sites for an almost endless array of entertainment options**:
o Skype™: Newly added in 2010, this allows consumers to make free video and voice calls over the Internet to family members and friends (separate camera and other equipment needed).
o Netflix™: Updated with Netflix 2.0, consumers can stream thousands of movies without a PC.
o VUDU™: Allows consumers to instantly buy or rent from an extensive library of movies and TV titles, including a catalog of more than 3,000 high-definition movies – with no monthly fees or additional hardware.
o YouTube™: Offers the ability to instantly stream millions of Web videos directly from the Internet (without a personal computer).
o Napster™: Now Napster subscribers can enjoy unlimited on-demand streaming music from millions of songs on their NetCast TV.
o Yahoo! Widgets™: Enables access to various applications called TV Widgets that allow viewers to interact with popular Internet services and online media through applications specifically tailored to the needs of the watcher, such as up-to-the minute Yahoo! News, Weather and Finance, and new widgets, including CBS, Showtime and CNBC.
LG also has incorporated the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) technology across the full line of LED models. DLNA allows consumers to access content stored on other DLNA-certified devices within the home, such as computers, making content options almost limitless.
Providing easy options for connecting to the Internet, in addition to the wired Ethernet jack, all NetCast-enabled sets can integrate into a wireless home network by using a USB wireless broadband adaptor (sold separately). All models with NetCast also support multi-media playback from a connected USB device including photos (JPEG), music (MP3) and video (DivX HD).
For greater convenience and flexibility in setup and installation, all HDTV series with NetCast also offer wireless Full HD 1080p wireless transmission from a “Wireless Media Hub” from up to 98 feet. Connecting source components, such as Blu-ray players, cable or satellite boxes and video games to the media hub enables transmission to a compact receiver adaptor, which attaches to the back of the TV, hidden from view. This eliminates the need for individual components to be connected directly to the TV, making for a clean and easy installation and removal of the unsightly wires (Media Hub and receiver adaptor sold separately as a package).
Controls
LG’s LE9500 incorporates a unique “Magic Wand” remote system that provides an immersive interaction with the set. This “Magic” user interface brings together menus, component controls and even embedded games, which can be accessed using a simple remote that combines minimal buttons and gestures to control the on-screen activity, mirroring a “Wii-like” experience.
Energy Savings
Understanding consumers’ desire for products that reduce their household energy costs, most of LG’s LED and CCFL HDTVs have a variety of energy-saving features, such as Intelligent Sensor, to automatically calibrate and optimize brightness, contrast, white balance and color, based on the ambient light in the room, saving on energy output under most circumstances. Additionally, ISFccc calibration options allow consumers to work with a professional to set “day” and “night” levels for optimal viewing and brightness levels. All of LG’s 2010 LED LCD series also qualify for ENERGY STAR® 4.0 certification.
In total, LG unveiled six new series of LED LCD HDTV models for consumers – creating a robust HDTV line up of advanced picture quality, wireless technology and diverse screen sizes. Full details on the series are below:
INFINIA LE9500 Series (47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Full HD 1080p HDTV features uni-layer design with ultra-slim (8.5MM) bezel, Full Slim LED technology with Local Dimming, TruMotion 480Hz and THX Display Certification. Also includes NetCast Entertainment Access, DLNA, wireless broadband ready capabilities, wireless HD ready and 2 USB ports.
INFINIA LE8500 Series (47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Includes all the same features of the LE9500 with the exception of the 8.5mm bezel and the Magic Wand remote control. It also features TruMotion 240Hz technology.
INFINIA LE7500 Series (42-, 47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Provides consumers with a Full HD 1080p experience, TruMotion 120Hz, and LED Plus technology for local dimming capability. With NetCast Entertainment Access, Wireless HD Technology content is easier to access than ever before without the fuss of too many cords.
LE5500 Series (22-, 26-, 42-, 47-, 55-inch class sizes*) – Includes TruMotion 120Hz, LED Plus Technology, and NetCast Entertainment Access. (Except 22- and 26-inch class sizes)
LE5400 Series (32-, 42-, 47, 55, 60-inch class sizes*) – Full HD 1080p HDTV series includes LED lighting, TruMotion 120Hz, NetCast Entertainment Access, Wi-Fi ready and two USB ports.
LE5300 Series (19-, 22-, 26-, 32-, 37-inch class sizes*) – Brings the slim profile of LED technology to smaller screen sizes. Thirty-two and 37-inch class sizes are Full HD 1080p and feature TruMotion 120Hz technology, while the 19-, 22- and 26-inch class sizes provide a 720p HD picture.
Broad LCD HDTV Lines
Expanding its line of LCD HDTV options, LG also introduced five new series of CCFL LCD HDTVs, which bring consumers a variety of technology, design, and energy-saving options. These series include:
LD650 Series (47- and 55-inch class sizes*) – A Full HD 1080p HDTV, this LCD HDTV series boasts TruMotion 240Hz performance for reduced motion blur. Other features include: NetCast Entertainment Access, USB Video DLNA, and Wireless-ready technology.
LD550 Series (32-, 42-, 46-, 52-, and 60-inch class sizes*) – Also a Full HD 1080p series, these HDTVs are equipped with TruMotion 120Hz. Other features include: NetCast Entertainment Access, USB Video, DLNA, and Wireless-ready technology.
LD520 Series (32-, 42-, 47- and 55-inch class sizes*) – Combines Full HD 1080p with TruMotion 120Hz performance with a variety of screen sizes.
LD450 Series (32-, 37-, 42-, 47-inch class sizes*) – A Full HD 1080p HDTV in a variety of sizes to fit almost any room in the home.
LD350 Series (19-, 22-, 26-, and 32-inch class sizes*) – Provides smaller screen sizes for consumers in a 720p HD model.
With class sizes ranging from 19- to 60-inches, LG’s LCD HDTV models provide a variety of flat panel options for any room in the home ― most built with LG’s four core technologies:
o Picture Wizard: Provides consumers with an easy-to-use seven-step calibration process that allows them to change picture settings without hiring an expert.
o Intelligent Sensor: Automatically calibrates and optimizes brightness, contrast, white balance and color, based on the brightness and color temperature of lighting in the room – thereby saving on energy output in most circumstances. (Excluding LD350 and LD450 series and the 19, 22, 26-inch class LE5300 models)
o Clear Voice II: An enhancement to Clear Voice, this feature customizes volume settings by 12 distinct voice zoom levels without diminishing other surrounding sounds, helping ensure consumers don’t miss a single line of dialogue during action sequences.
o AV Mode II: Includes three AV modes preset to optimize picture and sound settings based on Cinema, Sports or Game content, which can be easily set with the remote control.
Infinia is LG’s new generation of LED LCD TVs, and the 55-inch LE9500 is its flagship. It’s the first LG display to be equipped for 3D, and features measurements Heidi Klum would envy. You know, if she were a TV.
Financial institution GMAC is bracing itself for a huge $5 billion loss for the fourth quarter of 2009 alone, despite the recent $3.79 billion received from the US Treasury. The news was confirmed by the company’s CEO, Michael Carpenter, who also added GMAC will try its best to recover and repay the money received from the government. 
British company MobilityWorks will bring several wheelchair motorcycles to the US (Akron, Ohio) to be used by paraplegic bikers. The first four arrived last week, with three more expected shortly and a total of forty-five Conquest Trikes available in the United States.
Online video is becoming big business, especially in the US and other markets are looking to duplicate the success. Baidu, the company behind China’s biggest search engine, is announcing it will get behind a new company to create an online video site aimed at the Chinese market. The company will partner with venture capital investors, though the names are just rumored at this point. The site will offer licensed professional content like TV shows, sporting events and so on. The new company will be led by Mr. Yu Gong, formerly president and COO of China Mobile’s 12580 business.
Yesterday I pondered a pairing between the