The future on screen

At the recent IFA electronics expo in Berlin, Germany, the latest offerings in computers and home entertainment were on show.
This year, high definition television was everywhere - bigger, brighter, and thinner. There was also a lot of interest in 3D TV.
And computers were on show offering touch screens, ready for Windows 7, along with tiny netbooks and new powerful desktop-replacement "net tops".
Click takes a look at some of the highlights.
3D TV


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3D TV and games could be in our homes sooner than we think.
It seemed like every TV manufacturer at IFA was plugging 3D-enabled televisions sets.
It has already made a comeback in cinemas, where there is a lot of hype and anticipation surrounding for James Cameron's 3D sci-fi epic, Avatar.
As a a result, more and more movies are being made in 3D and these films will eventually be released on Blu-ray DVD with a 3D viewing option.
There are also plans to create 3D content for television but viewers need 3D enabled TV's and media players as well as special glasses in order to watch new 3D content.
However, no standard format has been agreed to generate 3D pictures on television, meaning there could be another format war.
Danny Tack of tech firm Philips says people should not rush to buy into the technology.
"I think it is smart for the consumer to wait until there is something final," he said.
"We will wait until we know what the specification is then you know what product to provide for the consumer and everything will go together then," he said.
NETBOOKS, LAPTOPS AND TOUCHSCREEN


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The latest developments in Netbooks, Net Tops, Laptops, high spec home computers and touchscreen.
When it comes to computers everything tends to get smaller and more powerful.
Lightweight, low cost, tiny laptops have struck a chord with those who want some mobile web surfing action on a sub-10in (-20cm) screen.
For example, Sharp showed off its new Netwalker, which was only slightly larger than a mobile phone.
However, the portable computers are not right for everyone.
Desktop PCs and larger laptops were on show at IFA, and the theme this year was ultra-low-voltage silicon chips.
These are slightly less powerful versions of existing processors found in high-end machines, but which are still capable of running power-hungry applications.
FLAT SCREEN TV


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A new generation of flat screen TVs are on their way with an even better picture.
Organic LED (OLED) screens offer increased contrast ratio, meaning vibrant colours and pin-sharp high definition images. But it all comes at a high price tag.
LG showed off its 15in (38cm) active matrix OLED (AMOLED) screen. The technology allows the firm to create thin screens, just 3mm thick.
The display on show was still a prototype, but it could be on sale by the end of the year, according to the firm.
Samsung meanwhile is offering an ultra-thin 14.1in (36cm) screen.
The Korean manufacturer has said it may also include OLED technology in laptops next year.