AfterDawn: News

Zepto introduces HDTVs with built-in Windows Media hooks

The Danish luxury HDTV maker Zepto has announced that their latest Helios LCD sets will come with a "built-in wireless media center that picks up nearby Windows XP Media Center or Vista Home Premium computers on the local network, allowing the TV to stream video or other content without a separate Set-Top Box." All you will need is the bundled TV remote, says Zepto.

The new Helios sets will come in the 32-inch and 40-inch varieties.



A DVB-T (Freeview) tuner is standard for picking up over-the-air HD broadcasts, "as are dual analog tuners for capturing both airborne and land-based conventional TV."

Each set has a static 2000:1 contrast ratio and 8ms pixel response time. The 32 inch model has 720p output capability while the 40 inch can output full blown 1080p.

Zepto only sells in Europe, but the TVs have USD equivalent prices of $3,084 and $3,855 respectively.

Source:
Electronista

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 23 Dec 2007 18:48

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• 6 comments

• redux79

  Is it just me or is a 2000:1 contrast ratio and 8ms response time rather low especially on a new tv. The only real feature this tv seems to have is the wireless media center that’s tied to the aging xp and vista... The built in obsolescence for tv's seems to be getting even shorter.
  
  I don't live in Europe so I've never heard of zepto before is this they're first attempt at lcd or is MS paying them off?

  23.12.2007 23:53 #1

• vinny13

  Originally posted by redux79: Is it just me or is a 2000:1 contrast ratio and 8ms response time rather low especially on a new tv. The only real feature this tv seems to have is the wireless media center that’s tied to the aging xp and vista... The built in obsolescence for tv's seems to be getting even shorter.
  
  I don't live in Europe so I've never heard of zepto before is this they're first attempt at lcd or is MS paying them off?I think most TVs now have a 10000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a 2000:1 true contrast ratio, unless you want to spend $3000+ for something thats just a little higher.

  24.12.2007 10:48 #2

• 21Q

  Very nice, but I won't be importing a tv nor will I pay 3000 for one.

  24.12.2007 16:32 #3

• Moomoo2

  Neat functionality. "Aging Windows XP and Vista" seems like a lofty comment considering Windows is still #1 most used OS in the world by along shot...

  24.12.2007 18:23 #4

• redux79

  Tying a major function/selling point in a tv to a single OS manufacturer is a mistake in my opinion. I remember reading somewhere that MS will stop supporting xp in 2009 in order to push vista even harder. On that note who knows where vista will be in 3 to 5 years? sure it will still be around, but how many bugs can be worked out and how will the imbedded drm limit future development?
  
  If a trend of tying tv functions to a single OS manufacturer catches on it's only going to complicate and limit consumer choices, not to mention force a new kind of brand loyalty.

  24.12.2007 21:45 #5

• borhan9

  Quote:Zepto only sells in Europe, but the TVs have USD equivalent prices of $3,084 and $3,855 respectively.Holy crap!!! for that price i would have to wait ages or i would just buy something else or even buy a home entertainment system.

  28.12.2007 19:24 #6