CES 2008: The best and worst of HD

CES is an epic event, and after walking the show floor, sitting through press conferences and reading enough press releases to last us a lifetime, these are the products that made the most lasting impression, good or bad. Pioneer's extreme contrast concept was without a doubt the most impressive item on display, and left more than one person saying they'd seen their next HDTV. Size still matters, Panasonic had the biggest and Pioneer had the slimmest. XStreamHD was best and worst by making great promises, but failing to deliver when we stopped by for a demo. Finally, HD DVD's pre-CES disappointment -- and subsequent press conference cancellation -- left a pall hanging over the booth, no matter how many people were there.

Best:
Tru2way TVs at CES 2008
Hands-on with Pioneer's extreme contrast concept plasma
Hands-on with the Pioneer 9mm-thick Kuro plasma
Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive
DirecTV's PC tuner (HDPC-20) is real!
Eyes-on with Samsung's 31-inch and 14-inch OLED TVs -- take that Sony
Panasonic's gigantic 150-inch plasma is official!
XstreamHD details continue to emerge
Hands-on with Marantz's first Blu-ray player, the BD8002
Hands-on with HD video podcasts on an HD TiVo
Logitech launches Harmony One
Sharp rolls out SE94U Aquos series w/ Aquos Net
MusicGiants launches VideoGiants, with HD movies from Paramount

Worst:
XStreamHD's CES 2008 booth tour
HD DVD's CES 2008 booth tour
Philips' new LCD lineup continues to not impress
Mustek intros the BD-100, aka Sharp BD-HP20S

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 13th 2008 6:31PM]

Any news on the new '08 LCDs' that will have built-in audio leveler/volume Leveler/Stabilizer (WHATEVER they're calling it these days!) Cannot stand constantly changing volume for loud commercials and sudden blasts within a movie (i.e. chase scenes, dramatic moments etc...) Must stay within 32-37", $850.00 range.
Thanks!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 13th 2008 7:20PM]

No love for the Toshiba REGZA LCD's that were at CES? there were like 30 models unveiled and they had impressive specs.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2008 12:20AM]

Worst:
HD DVD's CES 2008 booth tour



OUCH!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 16th 2008 12:27AM]

Those new 9mm thick Pioneer Kuro plasmas are simply amazing.

There is absolutely no reason to wait for OLED or SED, especially considering prices for the Pio 60" plus sizes cost less than 40" OLED.