Mattcav1, glad at least you also got to actually read the link they posted.

The whole dates don't make sense the way the Conrad (En Poster) put it. The show runs from the 16th to the 19th. The Toshiba ad says to be there to get *more info*, not to actually GET one.

In the link he posted, 2nd paragraph read : "I can't tell if this is an offer being made exclusively to show attendees, or if it's a consumer offer that Toshiba will announce at the Home Media Expo next week at the Venetian Resort. I suspect it's the latter..."

I don't know how one can post without at least reporting that the deal being only available to attendees is a RUMOR, then commenting this is a desperate attempt from Toshiba. I don't know if this is a lack of rigorousness or fanboyism and I don't feel like finding out, but it does seem like cheap HD-DVD players are on the way, which would be good for either BD or HD-DVD customers.

Before calling bullshit you may want to read around. These TVs have a new technology even when compared to Apple or other LED backlit momitors, it is called Local Dimming. The technology is also developed by another company, Brightside if my memory serves me well. The trick is, within the same *frame* to selectively light the required portions of the screen. You can achieve much deeper blacks (Because you don't need to rely on the LCD crystals to block the light) and thus much better contrast ratio.

LED backlight (BLU) also removes the need for color filters. Instead of having a CCFL and *decomposing* light into 3 colors and then reproduce the required color, this LED BLU technology strobes color in rapid succession. Removing the filters increases color output (Gamut and intensity) by a lot. Strobing also improves motion blurring a lot too (Because of the way the eye acquires images - rather complex stuff). Most 120HZ TVs use BFI (Black Frame Insertion) at 120Hz but rapidly strobing is supposed to be better. All this leaves out as far as 120Hz is solving 3:2 cadence issues.

The 81 series could wind up to be a milestone in LCD TV. There are potential artifacts and the LED BLU might not completely fix the cadence issue but if implemented right, LD technology could push plasmas on their way out for good.

The phone part of the iPhone is severely lacking when compared to Nokia's, Samsung's, SE's offering.

Some small, some big things but they just add up. Take away the superb interface and you're left with a 2/10 device. I know the interface if part of the phone but the phone part is generations behind in quality, connectivity and options (hello? A decent camera please? MP3 Ringtones? These are BASIC things in 150$ contract-free mobile now).

It's WAY more an iPod with some phone features attached that a Mobile with MP3 added IMHO. I can see stiff competition from the big mobile guys ramping up real quick.

Here's the million (or rather 8k) bucks question...
What about banding?
I've personally returned two D-series panels. Until Sharp demonstrates that their Kameyama plant can produce quality panels I strongly suggest enthusiasts to back off from Sharp larger TVs. If this was a sub-2k products I'd say swing for it. At that price, I'll wait for complete reviews. (I know it's not even available yet but...) :)