For the past four months, HDTVs have been noticing a steady incline in retail prices. But in August, the industry announced that the average price of flat-panel TVs dropped in price. Part of the contribution is due to the fact that the prices have been rising lately as well as inventories reaching new highs. The data was released by the HIS iSuppli U.S. TV & Specifications Tracker. The price drop was measured to be only a 0.4% decrease, but it is the first drop to be seen since March 2011. Probably the hardest TVs to sell nowadays are the larger big screen HDTVs due to their high retail prices and the current economy being what it is.

[via HDTV Test]

This week on HD Nation, the hosts first answer a question from a viewer who asked for recommendations for HDTVs that focus more on out-of-the-box picture quality instead of focusing on online apps or WiFi capabilities. The hosts state that the TV market has pretty much turned into a check box feature market. This means that the manufacturers feel they have to include these features and more in order for their TV to stand out among all the other TVs that are on display on the retail wall. This unfortunately means that only way to find a TV that focuses on picture quality, the only real options are professional grade HD monitors or to use a home theater projection system.

[via Revision 3]

Smart TVs have been a recent addition to the consumer market. They provide internet access to users without the need for an external computer or having only limited access to websites. Today, a study conducted by the Consumer Decision Process stated that 10% of the broadband households that they reviewed stated that they plan to purchase a new Smart TV before the end of 2011. This number has grown from the 6% of households who stated they would in the first half of the year. The households interviewed represent about 50% of the nearly one-fourth of U.S broadband households planning to purchase a flat-panel TV. “Advertising campaigns from manufacturers such as Sony, Samsung, and VIZIO have boosted consumer awareness and interest, making connectivity a must-have feature for new CE products,” said Tricia Parks, CEO, Parks Associates. “Younger consumers especially want the extra benefits on their new TVs of going to the web for social networking and on-demand video or subscription entertainment options.”

[via Businesswire]

One of the new HDTVs to come from Panasonic this year is the TX-P42S30E. This device features a 42 inch screen, full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and plasma technology. Today, Trusted Reviews released their review of the P42S30E. The TV is definitely in the affordable range, which is the first thing, the writers notice. But this aspect doesn’t prevent the TV from providing excellent quality. The writers noticed that there were no motion blur, even during wide viewing angles. The only thing that might hinder the TV is that it is not equipped with the latest technology. Also the online features are kind of limited when compared to other TVs on the market. But with all that, the writers concluded by stating, “While the P42S30 isn’t as stand-out brilliant as so many other TVs in Panasonic’s 2011 range, if you can run it in a reasonably low-light environment it’s still better than you’ve a right to expect for its money.”

[via Trusted Review]

It looks like Apple is looking to increase their movie rental service. Today, the company announced in several new countries in the European market. Some of the new countries include Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. In the past these nations only had Apple’s iTunes music store available to them. Movies run for about 5 Euro per movie and they are available in full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. Unfortunately the catalog is not the same in each country and varies between what’s available to rent and/or buy. Apple has not released an actual release date for this at the time, but it will probably be available before the end of the year.

[via Flatpanels HD]

For the longest time, surveys have been saying that consumers have been shying away from 3D technology. But according to a new study from Frank N. Magid Associates, that fact has now changed. The survey was conducted for Panasonic during Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim last month. The survey said that consumers have noticed the vast changes in the 3D technology and are starting to consider using it in their own home. “We’re very pleased with the rapid-fire development of 3D TV,” Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic Corporation of North America’s Chief Technology Officer said. “Panasonic has just completed the second year of its sponsorship of CBS Sports’ expanded 3D broadcasts of the US Open Tennis Championships, a production which garnered an Emmy Award in its first year, and we are now looking forward to next year’s 3D production of the London Olympic Games. With these and many other exciting 3D events and movies ready to amaze and entertain, consumers have every reason to step up to the glorious viewing experience of Full HD 3D television.”

[via HDTV Magazine]

Sharp unveiled today their latest leader in large flat panel HDTVs, the LC-80LE632U. This screen measures 80 inches, diagonally and displays full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a 6000000:1 contrast ratio. This screen is the newest addition to the company’s Aquos series and features all the Smart TV features. The TV has been fitted with Wi-Fi capabilities and the ability to access websites like Netflix, CinemaNow and VUDU. Other major features include a Vyper Drive, dual USB ports, and the Aquos Advantage Live. “Our 80-inch AQUOS TV delivers more than double the screen area of a 55-inch TV, for an amazing viewing experience,” said John Herrington, president, Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America. “It’s truly like nothing else on the market. Consumers want bigger flat panel TVs for deeper, more immersive viewing experiences and that’s exactly what Sharp’s delivering here.” The LC-80LE632U will be available in October for a retail price of $5499.

[via Sharp]

The latest HDTV to come from Samsung is the UE60D8000YU. This screen features a 60 inch screen, full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and 3D capabilities. Today, the writers from Trusted Reviews released their review of this particular device. The first thing that the writers absolutely loved was the overall design. The thin body and even thinner bezel makes the TV seem like it is all picture. Equally amazing was the brightness and color. However the writers did notice some backlight problems. Also the viewing angle was limited. The final verdict was, “Samsung’s UE60D8000 is possibly the most lust-inducing TV we’ve ever seen. And for much of the time it’s a barnstorming performer, too. We can’t ultimately give it a whole-hearted recommendation, though, due to its twin problems of an inconsistent backlight and occasional 3D crosstalk issues.”

[via HDTV Reviews]

Eizo announced today two new 23” monitors that will be releasing soon into their FlexScan EcoView series. The FlexScan EV2335W and EV2315W both feature a full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. The main difference is the EV2335W uses an IPS display panel, while the EV2315W uses a TN display panel. The TN panel allows the EV2315W to be cheaper than the other, but still provide all the features required for an impressive image quality. Other major features include an internal speaker, EcoView index indicator, Energy Star approved, and many more. Both screens are expected to release sometime in October. The retail prices were not released.

[via Flatpanels HD]

This week on HD Nation, the hosts start the show by showing off the latest 51” plasma HDTV from Samsung called the PN51D8000. This screen features full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a 25000000:1 contrast ratio. This device is the middle sized version in a trio of TVs. It comes with internet connectivity and the ability to access a home theater hard drive. The hosts don’t really like the stand, but it is suitable enough for its purposes. The screen navigation is really quick and easy to use, which is a new change of pace. The testing the hosts did noticed that the native quality was fairly decent, but the TV provided amazing fine tune features in order to get everything to its ideal setting. The only concern they had was with the contrast and black levels.

[via Revision 3]