Zepto intros HDTVs with built-in Windows Media hooks

Danish luxury HDTV maker Zepto has wrapped up its year by releasing its new Helios LCD sets. Both the 32-inch A32 and 40-inch A40 have the option of a built-in wireless media center that picks up nearby Windows XP Media Center or Vista Home Premium computers on the local network, allowing the TV to stream video or other content without a separate set-top box. The bundled TV remote switches over to browsing the networked content, Zepto notes.

Each set also boasts a unique, adjustable ambient light system that the company says reduces eyestrain without adding too much light to the room. A DVB-T (Freeview) tuner is standard for picking up over-the-air HD broadcasts, as are dual analog tuners for capturing both airborne and land-based conventional TV. Each claims a static 2,000:1 contrast ratio and an 8ms pixel response time. The A32 is capable of 720p pictures and should be available now for about $3,084; the A40 boosts the resolution to a full 1080p for a higher price of $3,855 when it ships next month. Zepto typically focuses on Europe and has yet to sell outside of the continent. [via Engadget]