JVC intros second-gen 120Hz, 1080p LCD TVs

JVC today launched a surprise refresh of its 1080p Series LCD TV sets with three new models that pack a brand new display engine. The High Speed 2 display range has a new engine, dubbed Clear Motion Drive II, that better handles fast movement. While an earlier set already produced twice the refresh rate at 120Hz, the technology for the new models is said to dramatically improve processing by interpolating on-screen movement in any direction using 8,000 surrounding pixels and adapting the technology to a full HD, 1080p panel. The upgrade is so quick, JVC says, that one of its 120Hz panels with an 8ms pixel response could beat a 60Hz set with no pixel lag whatsoever.

Three sets have been announced, the company says. The 37-inch LT-37X898, 42-inch LT-42X898, and 47-inch LT-47X898 all claim the full 1080p resolution and 120Hz display, but also share three HDMI 1.3 inputs for "deep" color from the PlayStation 3 and next-generation movie players. Their cabinets are also freshlly improved with a 1.5-inch bezel and a thinner, lower-profile cabinet that fits into tighter media centers.

Official prices will wait until the sets are officially released in the fall.