SIM2 Solar Series LED-backlit LCD is first to use Dolby Vision technology

Everyone's jumping on the LED-backlit LCD bandwagon this year, as even third-tier vendors like Haier are producing sets that rely on the technology, which is superior in color accuracy and black-level performance to the fluorescent lamps most other LCDs use. SIM2 Multimedia is hoping to stand out amid this crowd with its new Solar Series set, a 47-inch model that makes use of Dolby's new Vision technology to control each of the more than 2,200 individual LEDs in relation to the on-screen image.

But SIM2 goes even further with high-dynamic-range technology, which boosts contrast ratio to north of 1,000,000:1. It also handles 16-bit color processing (in comparison, something like Sony's Bravia XBR8 series is 10-bit), and its peak brightness can top 4,000cd/m2. Needless to say, this could be the best LCD TV you've ever seen.

But most of us won't be seeing it for several months. While SIM2 has announced that its professional model will be shipping in the second quarter, it won't be releasing a consumer version until the CEDIA convention in the fall. The good news is that it will at least be available in the US; the bad news is it will be probably cost several thousand dollars at a minimum.