CES 2010

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.

Both Samsung and Sony announced partnerships with Yahoo. Integrated into their top line TVs customers will have access to the Yahoo Widget Engine, to expand and personalize their TV experience. It adds on-screen applications that provide real-time information such as weather reports, stock ticker updates, financial news, Yahoo! Video, Flickr images, and much more content to come.

In what seems like a blizzard of interesting product announcements, LG Display—the company that manufactures the glass for LG's and other companies' LCD TVs—has announced it will unveil several hot items at CES. First among them is an LCD panel with a refresh rate of 480Hz, four times that of 120Hz panels. What's the point, you ask? Isn't that just meaningless marketing numerology? Perhaps, but perhaps not. I intend to find out for myself, so stay tuned.

After the Cajon Pass, my next favorite stop is Bob's Big Boy Restaurant in Victorville, California for a combination lunch featuring the world's best burger (in my opinion), fries and a salad. Bob's Big Boy was my favorite restaurant until they closed in the 1960s, but recently re-opened to my delight. Bob's Big Boy is known as Shoney's or JB's in other parts of the US but it's the same great food!