Westinghouse Announces New HDTVs

Westinghouse just announced enough new TVs to make your head spin.

The TX Series will feature some of the larger sizes, including the 37-inch TX-37F510Z, the 42-inch TX-42F970Z, and the 55-inch TX-55F350Z. Each one of these models boasts a 1080p image and a 120Hz refresh rate. A few quickie specs on each:

• The TX-37510Z: 5000:1 contrast ratio, 500 nits brightness, 6.5 ms response time, and 4 HDMI inputs
• The TX-42F970Z: 4000:1 contrast ratio, 500 nits brightness, 4ms response time, 4 HDMI inputs
• The TX-55F350Z: 5000:1 contrast ratio, 500 nit brightness, 6.5 ms response time, 3 HDMI inputs

None of the prices were announced, but we should see each model between May and July.

The VK Series has a few additional sizes, including the 46-inch VK-46F260S and the 47-inch VK-47F140S. Each one delivers 1080p, 500 nits brightness, a 6.5 ms response time and three HDMI inputs. The difference, besides the one inch, is that the VK-46F260S sports a 5000:1 contrast ratio, while the VK-47F140S is 4000:1. Again, no prices were announced, but the units should be out by April.

Kicking off 2009’s smaller sizes is the new SK Series of 720p LCDs. These aren’t the big boys, but are designed to create a “comfort zone” -- basically wherever you could use another decent-sized screen.

Each one boasts a 1366 x 768 resolution with ATSC/NTSC/ClearQAM tuner, 450 nits brightness, and plenty of connection options. Two 26-inchers, the SK-26H630S and the SK-26H735S, have an 800:1 contrast ratio, a 8 ms response time, and two HDMI inputs.

Taking it up a notch, the 32-inch SK-32H635S and SK-32H820S, as well as the 37-inch SK-37H730S include a 2500:1 contrast ratio, 6.5ms response time and multiple HDMI inputs. All also have preset video modes for customized viewing.

Finally, when we heard that Westinghouse was unleashing “portable” HD, we couldn’t wait to watch football in the back of the mini van. Of course, you will need the proper high-def hookup, but the 19-inch PT-19H340S and 22-inch PT-22H340S might fit back there.

Other uses for the new PT series could include the game room, bedroom or even the basement -- anywhere that’s short on space. Both of those deliver 720p, but the PT-22F380S is a 22-incher designed to deliver 1080p from a small package.

No prices were announced on any of the smaller units, but each one should be available by March, with the 37-inch SK-37H730S coming around the May/June timeframe.