Junior Enrique demonstrates on the Benjilock, a rechargeable lock that uses fingerprint technology, during CES Unveiled at CES International Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Las Vegas.
Junior Enrique demonstrates on the Benjilock, a rechargeable lock that uses fingerprint technology, during CES Unveiled at CES International Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. Jae C. Hong AP Photo
Junior Enrique demonstrates on the Benjilock, a rechargeable lock that uses fingerprint technology, during CES Unveiled at CES International Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. Jae C. Hong AP Photo

The Latest: Deciphering the alphabet soup of new TV features

January 08, 2018 06:50 AM

UPDATED 4 MINUTES AGO

The Latest on the CES technology show in Las Vegas (all times local):

3:30 a.m.

Flummoxed by the alphabet soup of features on new TVs?

TV manufacturers are showcasing new models at the CES gadget show in Las Vegas this week — all with acronyms to set their sets apart.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access.

One feature called HDR10+ takes what's known as high-dynamic range and adjusts settings for each frame, instead of having levels set for the entire video at once. HDR10+ is also a way to get around royalty payments for a competing technology called Dolby Vision.

Meanwhile, quantum-dot technology promises more accurate colors. Samsung calls its version QLED (pronounced q-led), which shouldn't be confused with OLED (o-led), a display that offers darker blacks and better contrast. And don't be fooled by LEDs (l-e-d). They are just regular screens with a certain type of lighting.

___

12:15 a.m.

A plush, robotic duck may soon become a fixture in the world of children with cancer. The social robot can be silly, happy, angry, scared or sick just like them, and help them cope with their illness through the power of play.

Aaron Horowitz was diagnosed with a debilitating condition as a child. He and his Rhode Island-based company Sproutel developed the emotional support robot to help children manage stress and change the way they deal with their health.

The American Cancer Society says almost 11,000 U.S. children are diagnosed with cancer yearly.

The duck is modeled after the mascot for insurance company Aflac, which paid for its development. Beginning later this year, the ducks will be distributed free to kid patients.

The duck's expected to be featured Monday at the CES gadget show in Las Vegas.