LATEST ADDITIONS

Samsung's new Super Clear technology, one of several new technologies developed by Samsung for better LCD performance, will appear soon in the company's new 65 Series flat panel LCDs. It definitely produced a more vibrant image (which can't really be seen in a photograph, so I'm showing you a brief tech explanation card that appeared in the demo instead). Is it more natural? When we get our hands on one, we'll let you know.

Samsung now has several RPTVs that use LEDs for illumination instead of a projection lamp. This is the largest of the new models, the HL-6187S at 61". It's a full 1920x1080 (as are most all of the sets we are discussing here), with a slim depth of 14.4" and a claimed contrast ratio of 10,000:1. Contrast ratio is now officially the video equivalent of the old audio wattage race.

Sharp revealed a 108-inch LCD panel. It was 1080p of course, and while no price was mentioned, you can bet on it costing more than a little. It should be available this summer.

Sony was showing a gaggle of 11" (diagonal) OLED displays, along with a 27" model. OLEDs, or Organic Light Emitting Diodes, were once thought to be the next big thing in flat panels. They are not only thin, but have great contrast. The light comes from the diodes themselves, and may be modulated or even shut off, similar to the way in which the venerable CRT provides its stunning contrast. The 27" model here is a full 1920x1080 resolution, while the 11" models are 1024x600.