Hot HDTV trends for 2010

(ARA) - As we enter the second decade of the millennium, screen technology, Internet connectivity and 3D capability are transforming the experience of watching television, experts say.  

A new study from Opinion Research Corporation found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. households now have a high-definition television (HDTV), and another 12 percent are looking to purchase one in the next two years. If the market plays out like this research suggests, by the year 2013 approximately three out of four American households will have upgraded to a flat-screen HDTV.

At this year's International Consumer Electronics Show, HDTV manufacturers showed off the latest and greatest in flat-screen technology and offered a sneak peek of what's ahead for HD in 2010. According to Gary Arlen, noted industry analyst, anyone currently in the market for a flat screen HDTV should consider these emerging trends:

Thin, thinner, thinnest

Ultra-slim units are all the rage, with HDTV manufacturers showing sets that are less than an inch thick. "While the difference may seem small, the impact to a room's decor is monumental," Arlen says. Ultra-thin flat screens, like LG's LEX8 LED HDTV, which as the world's slimmest full LED HDTV, measures only 7.1 mm in depth, can go virtually anywhere in the home. "In addition to their ultra-thin design, these LED models offer the latest technology with more high-tech upgrades and are often more energy efficient than older models," Arlen notes.

3D comes to your living room

According to a new study from DisplaySearch, global sales of 3D-ready TVs will grow from 200,000 units in 2009 to 1.2 million units in 2010. By 2018, there will be 64 million 3D units available. New 3D-enabled HDTVs, like the LEX9 and LX9500 LED HDTVs from LG Electronics, will make you feel like you are a part of the movie or on the field with the team, bringing the action to life in your own living room.

"The 3D effects grab your attention and bring your entertainment experience to the next dimension. Most 3D-enabled sets require glasses to view 3D content, but the viewing experience is so lifelike that it's easy to forget you're wearing them," adds Arlen, who heads Arlen Communications Inc, a Bethesda, Md., research firm.

Endless content options

Sure, you can access the Internet from your smart phone - not to mention your laptop, desktop and netbook - but now you can have full access to thousands of movies that stream instantly to your TV as well as a full menu of Yahoo! Widgets. Manufacturers at CES were offering an abundance of content options. LG's 2010 line of net-enabled plasma and LED TVs, offers seamless connectivity and limitless content.

"This allows viewers to stream entertainment content from Netflix, YouTube and VUDU directly to the TV," Arlen explains. "It adds options and choice, bringing the desktop or laptop experience to the living room."

Beyond the entertainment options, the NetCast also offers a Skype feature, so you can make free calls via the Internet and communicate with family and friends from the comfort of your own living room.

More for your entertainment dollar

HDTVs can now be found in about 60 percent of American homes. Arlen predicts that the approximately 45 million households that don't yet own one will find budget-friendly pricing will make it easier than ever to acquire and HD set in 2010.

"The slow economy has actually fueled HDTV sales as more Americans look for cost-effective ways to get the most for their entertainment dollars while spending time with their families," he says. "Consumers recognize that the investment in an HDTV provides long-term entertainment for the family. "

To learn more about HDTV trends, prices and technology, visit www.LGusa.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and DawgByte Productions

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