CES 2011: Show Floor Coverage (Part 6)

In our next edition of our CES 2011 coverage, we've covered JVC, LG, MSI, NVIDIA, Plantronics and BlackBerry.

By Vijay Anand - 9 Jan 2011

JVC's Booth

More stats and specs of the reference UHD camcorder. At the show, they've got a reference UHD screen to showcase some of the captures from this camcorder. One word to describe it: Life-like.

JVC claims the GS-TD1 is the world's first Full HD 3D consumer camcorder (and so does Sony with their version). It sports twin 3.32MP, 1/4.1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensors, 5x optical zoom in 3D mode, ultra fast f1.2 lens opening, 3D glasses free 3.5-inch LCD, 3D audio capture, 64GB built-in memory and expandable via SDHC/SDXC cards.

JVC also has a line of new camcorders using normal lens with built-in 2D to 3D conversion output. The GZ-HM960 is the top of the line of these camcorders with a 10.6MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 3D glasses-free 3.5-inch LCD and 16GB built-in memory and expandable via SDHC/SDXC. These cameras also excel in low-light recording.

A demonstration of JVC camcorders' ability to excel in capturing in low lighted conditions.

JVC showcasing its 65-inch E-LED polorized LCD panel, Of course the notion for going with passive glass technology is to capitalize on the less troublesome, low-cost 3D glasses. Other notable features include dual-band WiFi IPTV, built-in VUDU internet apps and HDMI 1.4 support. Just below the TV, is JVC's new two-way, six-speaker ultra slim soundbar - a design aspect that's often overlooked by several soudbar makers.

JVC's new ultra-thin LED backlit LCD, 1:1,1,000,000 dynamic contrast ratio, HDMI 1.4a support, anti-glare hard coating and Helios sound subsystem with rear-firing woofers. Shown here is the 46E910, a 46-inch model.

We saw JVC's real-time solution for 2D to 3D conversion last year, but this year they've revised the solution and it produces even more convincing 3D output with better depth, separation and intelligent processing.

The JVC DLA-X9 is the world's first 3D THX certified front projector powered by tri-chip full HD D-ILA technology. It's not new for CES, but we couldn't resist highlighting it.

And something else shown at JVC's booth is this cool GPS device utilizing 3D technology that doesn't require glasses. The best part is how some of the intended 3D arrows, landmarks and other areas of focus are practically floating out of the screen - it's a surreal experience.

LG's Star Mobile Phones

LG has launched a whole slew of new phones this convention, but we'll be focusing on the key champion phones that will likely be the most wanted:- Optimus Black, Optimus 2X and the Revolution. All three of them generally have the same look and feel, so it could be a bit tricky to identify them at a glance. Let's take a closer look:-

Here's the elusive sounding LG Optimus Black Android smartphone, Specs include a 4-inch high brightness LCD, 5MP camera with flash, portable WiFi hotspot, BT connectivity, Google Maps navigation and Dolby Mobile audio technology. Last but not least, the Black has a slide out QWERTY keyboard.

One of the highlight features of these new phones is the Nova display technology which LG claims is two time more power friendly than even AMOLED displays. Shown here is the Optimus Black's NOVA display versus a Samsung Galaxy S and the iPhone 4 display (so much for the code work). This photo may not be the best representation, but when viewing them in real life, the NOVA display is truly more vibrant - although you may not be using the phone at such high brightness in normal circumstances.

Here's the rear of the Optimus Black and it's the only phone in their new lineup that's purely black. You can use this as a quick indicator in case you mix up which phone is which.

Here's the much talked about Optimus 2X smartphone or what NVIDIA calls, a super phone. Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 (dual-core 1GHz processor), this is currently the most capable smartphone around. 4-inch LCD screen (NOVA display), 8MP camera with flash, 1080p video recording and playback, HDMI mirroring and gaming like never before on a mobile device.

This photo exemplifies the Optimus 2X's best capabilities and truly shows off its super phone status. Not only can it play games well, but in this demo, it's also showing off its HDMI mirroring capabilities without any lag. Furthermore, the game utilizes the phone's accelerometer for control and thus the entire phone becomes a controller while you enjoy the game on the big screen. Looks like LG has a possible winner on its hands and we can't wait to do a full review.

The Optimus 2X is identical in size and form factor to the Optimus Black. However at the rear, the Optimus 2X has a thin metal strip running at the rear.

The Revolution was the last phone to be revealed by LG at the show and it's basically a full-on multimedia oriented smart phone with a much larger 4.3-inch display, 4G connectivity for HD streaming and recording, DLNA support, video calling via Skype and has Dolby Mobile technology.

And the rear of the Revolution is distinguished by a mostly metal backing.

LG's New 3D TVs, Plasma TVs, OLED TVs and More!

As with all the major consumer electronics players, LG has completely revamped its entire TV lineup. From the budget-end, to the ultra expensive, there are new features and innovations packed into every one of them. Since there are just too many TVs refreshed, we'll highlight some of the key models to take note of:-

LG's hall of TVs was an impressive display to behold.

The picture says it all - a super huge ultra high definition TV. It's of course just a concept TV as the market and content simply don't exist yet as we barely even embraced 3D in proper. Perhaps UHD TVs may be common place in 5 years time. As for this reference TV, it doesn't support active 3D glasses technology, but instead, passive 3D glasses which have a wider viewing angle.

The LG PZ950 is billed as the ultimate plasma TV. With the screen's depth measuring just two inches, it houses a display that has THX 3D certification, LG's new Smart TV functions, built-in 3D RF emitter for active shutter glasses, Magic Motion Remote, intelligent sensor and smart energy savings.

Moving on to LED TVs, the LZ9700 (72-inch) is LG’s largest consumer TV, This 3D-enabled HDTV features Full LED Slim technology with Local Dimming, TruMotion 480Hz and THX 3D and 2D Display Certification. Also includes LG SmartTV with Magic Remote, DLNA, Wi-Fi capability and Smart Energy Saving features. The LW9500 series shares much of the same features, except that it sports LG's thinnest bezel design and NANO FULL LED technology. The latter is a thin film printed with a proprietary light dispersion pattern that helps disperse light more evenly across the screen.

LG also introduced this new feature set. While it sounds impressive, they are mostly catered to support passive 3D glasses technology, which is new to LG's 3D TV line-up. This is found in the upper mid-tier LW6500 and LW5600 TV series to provide an inexpensive 3D viewing experience and especially for group TV watching where only an inexpensive and flexible polarized glasses are needed.

Also introduced this year is Smart TV which is a platform providing access to thousands of movies, customizable apps, videos and the ability to browse the internet effortlessly. Endless entertainment options are also supported by these providers:- VUDU, Netflix,YouTube, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Amazon Video on Demand and Live Streaming Sports (multiple partners). LG SmartTV is available on a range of LG’s new HDTVs, including: LK530, LV3700, LV5500, LW5600, LW6500, LW7700, LW9500, LZ9700, PZ750 and PZ950.

For those who aren't yet ready to get a new TV, LG also has introduced the SmartTV Upgrader. As shown, it's a set-top box that works with any TV with HDMI input to access all the content offered by LG's SmartTV technology, You will of course need to provide internet access to benefit from its features.

LG's got a knack with being the world's thinnest for various products, including products that aren't in mass retail like these new OLED TVs.

LG probably also has one of the largest 3D OLED TVs according to our walkabout in CES. This is a 31-inch full HD 3D OLED that supposedly advertises itself as 3D crosstalk free and viewing angle independent.

LG shows off their touch pen that responds to LG's plasma PZ850 & PZ950 series. These are the same TVs for home use, which can double for other purposes with this add-on option.

While the above was for residential use, here's a commercial application of the LG touch pen usage in a boardroom / classroom situation with multiple plasma TVs.

Here's another close-up of the LG touch pens in action on their plasma TV solutions.

LG's New Monitors, Other Products and Technologies

LG had yet another world's thinnest and this time it's with their new LED monitor models as decorated in this tasteful display.

Here's a side view to show its slimness which can go as think as 7.2mm.

LG has a new line of monitors boasting something called Super LED. Checking the specs, this term is loosely used as a marketing term where a monitor posses one of these features:- an IPS panel for better viewing angles, improved picture quality (Super+ Resolution) with the use of Image Clear Engine IC and better power savings than conventional LED monitors by controlling backlight and gain. LG E41 series only sports power savings, while LG E81 series has Super+ Resolution and power savings. Only the LG IPS6 series uses an IPS panel. So one has got to be careful with the marketing term.

Shown here is an IPS236V full HD screen, 250 nits brightness, 5 million : 1 contrast ratio and the full array of input support with headphone jack output.

Even the 3D monitors got an upgrade, but they are not using IPS panels.

This brings us to another 3D product, LG's A520 multimedia notebook using the latest Intel Sandy Bridge processors, and featuring the new NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics engine. The 3D technology used is polarized glasses and not the active shutter glass variety,

LG's new 1-bay NAS storage solution is touted to also be the world's first with a built-in slot-loaded DVD writer. Features include Media Link Server for LG smart TVs, USB, DLNA certified, streaming support for smartphone and tablet PCs, scheduled and real-time back-up, remote access, iTunes server, network print support, Windows, Mac and Linux OS support.

The LG HB966TRW is a 4.1-channel full wireless HT system. Supports Blu-ray 3D content playback, ARC, USB recording from CDs, iPod & iPhone craddle, external HDD playback (DivX HD, MKV), Direct WiFi, Ethernet and DLNA compliant. Plus, it is controllable with a mobile remote app downloaded from LG.

LG also showed off their new range of high-end home appliances that can finally communicate with humans via status reporting or basic controls via the cloud. Also, they've also been given enough intelligence to either perform self diagnostics or upon user initiation, check with LG's database on the problem to self correct or book a technician. LG call these smart home appliances as products endowed with THINQ technology.

Speaking of modern home appliances, we couldn't ignore noticing this ultra modern clothes manager. Features include wrinkle removal, sterilization, odor removal and gentle drying. Functions are further customizable with duration or set them up for multiple functions in a string. This could just be what every household would be having in a decade from now. Kind of reminds us of Back to The Future: Part II.

MSI's Booth

MSI upgraded their current flagship multimedia gaming system with this similar looking GT680. Featuring the second generation Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M and a full HD 15.6-inch display. Comes with dual HDDs in RAID 0.

If you need a larger and more engaging gaming notebook, meet the new MSI GT780. Comes with all the good stuff of the GT680 like its dual HDDs, Dyne Audio speakers, THX TruStudio Pro technology, but with a larger 17-inch screen and GeForce GTX 500M graphics card options.

Additionally, it has a back-lighted keyboard.

On to their motherboards, we've already seen all of their products in previous previews, except for this top P67 motherboard named the Big Bang Marshal. Features:- Military Class II components, OC Genie II, ClickBIOS, Instant OC, Super Charger, OC dashboard, 24-phase PWM, eight PEG slots, 12 USB 3.0, four SATA 6G ports and dual eSATA connections.

We also saw a slew of Twin Frozr II cooler based graphics cards, starting from top left and going clockwise:- GeForce GX 580, GeForce GTX 570, Radeon HD 6970 and Radeon HD 6950.

We also caught sight of a few these concept products that could very well end up as OEM project fulfillments if it doesn't get in to retail.

This is the Angellow AIO PC - inspired by angels, it has a translucent base to give it a floating impression. The all white finish helps its cause too. Additionally, the AIO has a sidekick as you can see from the secondary screen, which allows you to control certain aspects of the PC directly from the mini pad-like device.

Meet the Kid Pad, designed for children to complement their early years in school. It has a 10-inch touch screen, a handle that doubles up as a stand and has an interchangeable back panel to personalize the design.

Lastly, meet the Projector Pad. As its name implies, it has an integrated projector. We were entitled to a quick working demo of it, The projection portion can be swiveled to meet where you would like to project it out.

NVIDIA Completely Focused on Tegra 2

Very unlike the usual participation by NVIDIA, this time round the star of their show is the Tegra 2 ARM-based processing unit as well as its ecosystem of products.

Check out this video we've captured from NVIDIA's press conference as CEO Jen-Hsun Huang enthusiastically shares the cool capabilities of the Tegra 2 mobile 'super chip' in the form of the LG Optimus 2X 'super phone. The rest of slides and product photos below the video are great support materials to the video as well:-