LATEST ADDITIONS

Among nine new models of LCD TVs on display at Sharp's press conference, the company introduced the world's first models with an integrated Blu-ray player, including the LC-46BD80U pictured here. In addition to the side-mounted, slot-loading player, members of the BD80 line offer Pure Mode, which senses the content format and automatically sets the TV's aspect ratio and other parameters. Three screen sizes will be available in February: 52" ($2600), 46" ($2300), and 42" ($1900). LCD/DVD combos have been around for quite a while, so I've been wondering who would be first to market with an LCD/BD combo; now I—and you—know.

Toshiba announced that it will add Dolby Volume as a feature in its 2009 Regza line of LCD televisions. Dolby Volume delivers a consistent volume level by automatically bringing down the volume of louder stations or commercials or
raising the volume of lower channels or commercials to maintain the desired listening
level. It's a welcome feature since loud commercials can be very annoying.

Which would you rather have, more content options streamed from the Internet or wireless speaker connectivity? LG Electronics thinks you should have both and has introduced three Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems featuring content-on-demand options through alliances with CinemaNow, YouTube and HD titles from Netflix as well as wireless speaker connectivity. The speakers are designed by Mark Levinson, well known in the arena of high-end audio. This introduction follows on the heels of the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray player shown at CEDIA 2008. The LHB979 system is shown in the photo above and is scheduled to be available in the second quarter of 2009. A price was not available at the time of the announcement.