Today's High-Def Headlines

Sharp Unveils Thin-Bezel Aquos TV Line - TWICE
Sharp Tuesday took the wraps off its new entry 1080p LCD TV line, featuring slim-depth and -width bezels and a reduced footprint to fit into more cabinet spaces. The new models are part of the D64 series, which will replace the current D62 series, and feature the 42-inch, 46-inch, 52-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. All have new cabinet designs that measure 3.75 inches deep, or 25 percent slimmer than models in the D62 series, which they will replace.

Sony Launches Its Largest Integrated Marketing Campaign
Sony Electronics launched its largest integrated marketing campaign in the U.S., centering on its high definition DNA known as "HDNA." The campaign, featuring Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts and NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt, Jr., focuses on how Sony's high-definition technology in a variety of product categories comes together to bring consumers unparalleled HD entertainment experiences.

Ken Crane's Debuts World's Largest Plasma Television - TV Week
Ken Crane’s, an electronics store specializing in high-end luxury televisions and home theater systems in Los Angeles, unveiled the world’s largest plasma television Wednesday. The TV, manufactured by Panasonic, is 1080p, 103 inches and weighs 485 pounds, with its stand adding another 250 pounds. Four 50-inch plasmas could fit inside the one screen.

Is HDMI Finally Ready? - Dealerscope
HDMI supporters claim the worst is over for the relatively young specification, so if dealers and their customers want 1080p and the newer audio and video features coming down the pike - like Deep Color and Dolby TrueHD - it might be time to approach the technology with new confidence. But it’s not going to be easy to convince an industry singed by early HDMI and High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) compatibility issues and complexity-not to mention HDMI plugs popping off during and after system installation-to forsake familiar, stable DVI and component connections.

IBM To Handle DTV Coupons - TWICE
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on Wednesday said it has awarded IBM a contract to provide services for the implementation and administration of the nation’s digital-to-analog converter box coupon program. The Coupon Program, authorized by the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, provides for distribution and redemption of coupons that consumers may apply toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Denon Adds Blu-ray, HDMI 1.3, HD Radio, More - TWICE
Denon has added the following features to all new A/V receivers: dedicated port for an optional iPod dock, XM-ready port and HDMI 1.3a connectivity, even if used only for switching high-definition video signals up to 1080p resolution. All three features start at a suggested $349. The company also brought 1080p up-scaling in receivers down to a suggested $849.