14 DAY TRIAL // These days everything which is hardware-related will probably also be CES-related, so if you're not fond of the subject, don't read anything for a week and you'll be safe. I say that because all IT companies are represented at CES and the goods will be on the table this year too. Such an attitude is understandable, though somewhat irritating. For example, it's a well known fact that large LCD integrators see CES more as a battleground than as a place of showcasing the best they can offer.
As always, CES is a place that can hold many surprises. For example, this year is by far the best year for LCDs (although only the first week of 2007 has passed). I say that because the CES hasn't even begun and two manufacturers have already announced their 108" monsters as being the largest LCDs ever.
First came LG with the announcement of its giant LCD but the news was somewhat pale compared with the launch of the first hybrid player (also produced by LG and capable of playing both HD-DVDs and Blu-Ray disks). Immediately after that, Sharp announced that they will showcase their largest LCD panel. And the new Aquos was a 108 incher too. Regarding it, the company claims it has the contrast of the best of plasma offerings and will be coming to market sometime around "summer".
But that's not all. After Samsung press released its 70-inch LCD, saying that it's the world's first commercially available 70" TV, the LG.Philips team has released a new 100" TV, leaving Samsung in the dust. Moreover, we have to mention that Samsung's statement is not true because LG already sales 70" TVs at a competitive price ($15,000).
There's not much I can say here, because the story speaks for itself. However, my guess is that the large TV war is far from over, especially because Panasonic will also be at CES and it's pretty clear that they will come with a newer (and probably bigger plasma) than the one that held the headlines in 2006 (that was a 103" TV).