Philips CES 2008

January 8, 3:00pm - Blu-ray!!

The next generation optical disc clearly took center stage at the CES. This can be attributed for a large part to Warner's recent announcement to support Blu-ray exclusively, which is generally seen as a deciding event to end the format war. At the Philips' Press conference, 2 out of 3 questions were related to BD and we anticipate it to be a hot topic throughout the week.

On that note, these are my impressions from the Blu-ray Disc booth on the showfloor and the press conference held earlier.

Association booths, with competing companies presenting their products on a common floor, are usually uninspiring and dull. Happily, the BDA booth is a great exception to this rule: not only is it one of the most exciting booths of the entire show, but it also radiates a very strong common message of all participating companies of their commitment to make Blu-ray Disc a resounding success.

This message is evident by the many flavours in which each company presents its particular competitive strengths for the BD market, but is permeated by the same basic message. The most spectacular parts of the booth are (of course) contributed by the Hollywood Studios, but otherwise it shows a very balanced participation of all stakeholders in this industry.

In other words: this booth is the best industry statement I have ever seen at any CES

In addition, in a rare show of unity, executives of 5 major Studios supporting BD made speeches, each on a specific topic, to underline their determination that the format war may be nearing the end and that all efforts can be put towards the next phase of market development of BD, by moving from the early adopter into the mass market segment.

Chris Buma - Live from CES

January 8, 1:00pm - Very Exciting News from CES!!

Philips' FlatTV 42PFL5630 is a finalist for CNETs Best of CES Award.

Vote in the People's Voice Award before 3pm EST on Wednesday!

Visit: http://ces.cnet.com/ces/peoples-voice/?tag=ces2008_bnav then click Best of CES and scroll down to "Philips TV" to vote or you can send this text message - PV28 to number 26381.

Please support Philips and VOTE!

January 8, 9:00am - LCD at CES!

For all you LCD fans out there, this year at CES Philips showcased a 120 hz, 1080p, 42" LCD - specifically, the 42PFL7403D. While this may not sound all that special, what makes this panel unique is its refresh rate. Most flat panels have a 120 hz rating have a refresh time of 4 m/s. The new Philips' model has a refresh rate of 2m/s. This results in very smooth motion without any "ghosting" or motion jitter. With this new product we have eliminated some of the biggest weaknesses commonly associated with LCDs. If you're here in Vegas at the show right now, come by our booth (12124) and see it for yourself...otherwise check it out online at www.philips.com/designcollection

Luke Hamel - FlatTV Product Technology Trainer Live from CES