Despite a rather forgettable 2008, Andy Bass, Managing Director of Toshiba UK has announced that the manufacturer is now second only to Samsung in the PC monitor and TV marketplace in the UK - taking Sony’s number-two slot. “In the last month, our figures show that we are now bigger than Sony in the UK, and we hope to keep this going.” Bass said.

 

LG has released details of its new range of LCD TVs with integrated Freesat receivers. The 1080p displays will come in sizes of 32, 37, 42, and 47 inches and feature 3 HDMI and 2 Scart connections, VGA and composite in as well as Ethernet and USB ports. It’s as yet unclear if the range matches up to the Digital Television Group’s recent specifications to receive the future Freeview HD DVB-T2 transmissions.

As of Monday the BBC has been broadcasting nine hours of HD content on a daily basis. Originally running on a half a day schedule, this increase signals a firm intent on the broadcaster’s part to keep way ahead come the digital switch. Speaking about this development, Channel head Danielle Nagler said the following. “With a new scheduling team on board we will be making some changes over the coming months, which I would hope can plan your time with the channel”.

It’s been a long time in the making but Sky HD subscribers can finally experience the broadcasters spanking new Electronic Programme Guide. Containing a PiP screen playing out within the guide so the action is never far away, the new EPG also introduces an all new series stacking tool, not to mention an in-depth genre based search tool, making this update has been well worth the wait.

Ok, so their movie is available on Blu-ray, but on February 15th Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie will make their high definition broadcast debut, when the first ever episode of The Simpsons airs in HD in the US. Fox will broadcast the 10th episode of season 20 - the 430th episode of the show overall - with the series’ first new title sequence since the show premiered in 1989. With Sky currently broadcasting new episodes, no word yet on whether the show will make the same transition over here, but look out for the episode “Take My Life, Please” - more news when we have it.