byd:sign unveils 42-inch LCD with four HDMI inputs
updated 10:25 am EDT, Fri June 15, 2007
bydsign 42-inch LCD TV
byd:design broke out from the pack on Friday through its LF4201DAB. The company hopes to offer features in its new 42-inch LCD TV that have been rare or even non-existent in other sets. The set matches the 1080p resolution of many sets but includes a total of four HDMI inputs. This is more than virtually any other TV set in the class and can be essential for some: those who use a PlayStation 3, an HD video recorder, and a media center PC would overburden just about any other set by themselves, the company says. The LF4201DAB also rolls out a new two-way HDTV tuner that includes a programming guide for over-the-air broadcasts and the ability to send data back during interactive shows.
Performance of the screen itself is primarily average with static contrast of 900:1, a standard 500cd/m2 brightness, and 8ms pixel response time; in its initial Japanese form the set includes a D5 (component equivalent) connector and VGA for HD-sized images as well as RCA and S-video. Chin-mounted stereo speakers provide a total 20W of power with virtual surround effects.
The LF4201DAB is up for pre-order now at a relatively low price of $1,625 in byd:sign's home country, where it will ship by early July. No foreign releases were mentioned, but the company's sales partnership with Sam's Club stores in the US promises an equivalent version under the EyeFi label. [via Impress]
