Taking advantage of the calm after CES, Philips today kicked off the launch of its Cinema 21:9 HDTV line. The LCD series will be the first to use the extra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio of many theatrical releases and thus fit many movie adaptations to the screen without any of the borders that come from a non-native size. It should still handle 16:9 content and will "fill" the screen, according to Philips, though whether this involves any cropping or stretching of the picture isn't clear.

The first TV due to support the widened TV format is due in spring and will have a 56-inch display. Features and prices aren't known but should largely be available by the end of February. Whether Philips will export the initial set to the US is unknown. [via GadgetVenue]