The system offers up the familiar top-down view and flipper controllers you’d find on a traditional pinball machine, but that’s about where the similarities end. Austria’s TAB has created the “Virtual Pinball” platform to offer arcades a cost-effective way to offer multiple games in a single cabinet. At the core of the system is a 42-inch touchscreen surface, along with a proprietary gaming platform which allows new tables to be easily downloaded.

Unlike some of the other pinball-specific systems out there, this one can also be used to play other action arcade games, so maybe it’ll be more popular. In addition to flipper inputs, the machine incorporates realistic tilt sensors which can be programmed to affect game play. Since the system offers IP connectivity, there’s even an online tournament play capability.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of digital pinball simulation, and would much rather play on an old mechanical machine any day of the week. But with the old pinball industry pretty much a fading memory, digital is about the only game in town.

[via acquire]

The 132-inch display was made by connecting nine of Philips 42-inch 3D displays in a 3×3 grid. Based on their WOWvx 3D technology, the displays can show 3-dimensional images without special glasses.

WOWvx uses a lenticular lens assembly on top of the LCD panel to display different images to both your left and right eye. In addition to the special display, there’s digital signal processing equipment and software that generates the necessary 3D views for the screens. Since individual WOWvx displays cost about $12,000 each, I’d imagine that the huge nine display rig would cost well into the six-figure price range. I guess I won’t have one in my media room any time soon.

First off, there’s the 688 series, consisting of a 37-inch model (LT-37X688) and a 42-incher (LT-42X688.) The 788 series come in 42-inch (LT-42X788) and 47-inch (LT-47X788) variants. The 688 series each feature a minimal black cabinet, while the 788 series have a an ultra thin bezel with silver trim. The 788 models also offer higher contrast ratio, faster response time and wider viewing angle than the 688s.

All of the sets offer a native 1080p (1920×1080) pixel resolution, and feature an upgraded scaling for optimal upconversion of lower resolution content. The sets all feature JVC’s Genessa image processing chip which offers features such as video noise reduction and “mosquito” noise reduction for dealing with highly-compressed signals better.

In addition to the typical inputs (HDMI, Component, Composite and S-video), the sets feature the ability to connect any USB storage device and view images directly on screen. They also feature “Advanced Hyper Surround” for basic virtual surround sound if you don’t want to add separate sound system.

Pricing and release dates for the new sets are as follows:

Another improvement in this new series of sets is that JVC has drastically redesigned their (previously quirky) remote controls. The remotes now provide direct access to video inputs, illuminated buttons and improved infrared transmitters.

[Press Release]

The lineup ranges in price from $2700 all the way up to $7500 for the top of the line 60-inch Elite model. Below is a detailed list of models and release dates:

Pioneer has always produced some of the best plasma sets out there, so if you’re in the market for a set, you might want to wait until early Fall so you can check these models out.

Both sets feature WXGA (1366×768) resolution and can handle 480p, 720p and 1080i source signals. The Cineon’s also offer an on-board NTSC/ATSC digital tuner for over-the-air HDTV broadcasts. The 42-inch model claims a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, while the 50-inch offers 8000:1. The sets also feature a diverse array of inputs including VGA, HDMI, component, composite and S-video. The displays are available for purchase now through custom A/V and home theater installers.