ViewSonic announces VTV TVs, new monitor
updated 11:00 am EST, Tue January 8, 2008
ViewSonic TVs, monitor
Display builder ViewSonic has announced eight new LCD TV sets (not pictured), all from the company's recently-created VTV division. The best-performing models are those in the 90 Series, all of which feature an ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner, HDMI 1.3 support, and digital noise reduction. Additionally, the 26-, 32-, 42- and 47-inch versions all have a swiveling base, which is omitted for the 52-inch TV. The 26- and 32-inch screens are limited to 720p, but 1,500:1 contrast and 6.5ms response time start at the 32-inch mark, as does the inclusion of three HDMI inputs. 1080p becomes available starting at 42 inches.
At the lower end is the 30 Series, which does not include any noise reduction or swiveling bases, and equips sets with just a single HDMI port (on top of component and composite inputs). Sizes range between 15.6 and 22 inches, with two of the three having a 5ms response time and 2,400:1 contrast. None are capable of resolutions over 720p, although the 22-inch display has a native panel resolution of 1680x1050.
The first of the VTV sets, from the 30 Series, will begin shipping in March; the rest will arrive in May. Prices will scale from $249 to $2,499.
More imminent is ViewSonic's newest LCD monitor, the 26-inch VX2640w. The display is 1080p capable, and features and extremely fast 3ms response time. It is moreover capable of a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, and is said to exceed the NTSC color gamut by two percent, where many monitors cover only 70 to 80 percent of it. To support Blu-Ray, HD DVD and other HD sources, a native HDMI input is included. The monitor should ship in late January for $649.
