JVC brings 120Hz LCD panels to U.S.

Two new HD flat panel LCD televisions from JVC are the first to be available in the U.S. that produce 120 frames per second. Using the company’s Clear Motion Drive the panels double the typical rate and inserts an interpolated image.

The result, says JVC, is a significant reduction in blurring or ghost images, often a problem with conventional LCD TVs. JVC introduced the world’s first 120Hz LCD TV last fall in Japan, where that set is now available.

JVC will offer Clear Motion Drive in the 37-inch LT-37X987, to be available in August, and the 32-inch LT-32X987, to be available in October. Both sets offer 1366 x 768p native resolution and JVC’s fifth generation D.I.S.T. (Digital Image Scaling Technology) Genessa 32-bit CPU video processing, which seamlessly upscales any video source to display at 768p.

JVC’s Clear Motion Drive uses a high-precision interpolation algorithm and a 120Hz refresh rate, as opposed to the 60Hz refresh rate used in most televisions. JVC uses this faster refresh rate to insert an interpolated image, displaying two frames — the original plus the new interpolated frame — in the time a 60Hz set displays a single frame. The result is less blurring of moving images. In addition, JVC’s Clear Motion Drive’s use of an interpolated frame minimizes flicker and delivers a brighter image. Both new sets also boast a fast liquid crystal response time of 6ms, which contributes to reduced image blur. But according to JVC, there are diminishing returns as response time gets faster.

Other features of both new JVC LCD TVs include ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuning, digital 3D Y/C comb filter with DTV cross color elimination, digital noise reduction, MPEG noise reduction, and a full complement of inputs and outputs – two HDMI inputs, two component inputs, two S-Video inputs, 15 pin D-Sub PC input, optical digital audio out and audio output.

JVC’s new Clear Motion Drive LCD TVs set a new benchmark for sleek design, with a new black cabinet that features a narrow black frame around all four sides of the screen — even along the bottom where most LCD TV cabinets are wider to accommodate speakers. JVC solved this design issue by mounting the speakers behind the lower portion of the screen and porting the sound through a slot that runs the full width of the cabinet, just below the screen. To deliver top-quality audio, both sets feature JVC’s exclusive oblique cone speaker design for better distribution of sound. In addition, the audio performance is improved through the use of MaxxBass(R) technology, digital signal processing that extends the perceived bass performance, a 20-watt amplifier and a built-in parametric equalizer for tailoring the sound to meet room requirements and personal preference.

Both sets also offer JVC’s Smart Package, comprised of Smart Picture, Smart Sound and Smart Input. Smart Picture controls the average peak level of brightness, compensating for scenes that might be too dark or too bright. Smart Sound is an automatic volume limiter that keeps programming and commercial sound levels constant. Smart Input allows multiple sources connected to an AV receiver to be connected via the receiver’s monitor output to a single input on the TV. Sources can then be easily selected using the receiver’s remote.

Both new JVC LCD TVs will be available later this year. The LT-37X987 will be available in August and sell for about $2,700. The LT-32X987 will be available in October and sell for about $2,000.