Displays larger than 60-inches on non-rear projection HDTVs have yet to become affordable, and the sizes of their big brothers continue to grow and grow. The latest and greatest
150-inch monster from Panasonic is far outside of just about anyone's price range, but that only makes us more interested to learn all about it. Gizmodo recently had a chance to poke and prod for answers, and it came away with quite a few factoids. For instance, this sucker draws 7,000 watts of current, sports a resolution four times 1080p, and it weights as much as our old '88 Honda CRX. But the most interesting answer was the one to the most obvious inquiry: "Why is it 150-inches?" Turns out, it's because of the way plasmas are made -- out of a single, large piece of glass. Panny probably won't sell too many of these, but it shouldn't have too much trouble moving the nine 50-inch plasmas that are made from the same run of glass.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
El Cid @ Oct 1st 2008 8:05PM
This sort of display might be perfect for new, compact multiplexes capable of showing live content, 3D, etc., in daylight scenarios, since it elides the need for a projector.
KilgoreTrout @ Oct 1st 2008 9:11PM
Since that's the way it works with plasmas can't see why they don't sell a 100" too; but specially I can't understand How they can hide the juntures between the panels.
I'm Heading to wikipedia to hunt for answers....
Darryl @ Oct 1st 2008 9:43PM
Kilgore,
It is not made out of 9 panels, it is made out of one panel.
The glass being used would normally be cut into 9 pieces for 50" displays.
Kyle @ Oct 1st 2008 11:49PM
They do sell a 100", well a 103" Plasma, we actually show it off in our show room in Farmington Hills, MI. That set sells for $69,999, so it's not cheap, no matter how you cut it! It is quiet impressive and one of the coolest TV's I've personally ever seen.
Evan @ Oct 1st 2008 9:43PM
I just don't see how anyone an justify the price of a 150 inch plasma screen, when a front projector setup costs a fraction of the price. And the LED lit DLP projectors coming should rival the color gamut and contrast of a plasma. The only difference will be that a projector needs a darker room, but an extra $50K seems like a lot for the privilege of keeping the drapes open.
NoAndThen @ Oct 1st 2008 11:04PM
pimpin avatar
steedums @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:15AM
watts is power, amps is current
Rich @ Oct 2nd 2008 1:27AM
It may be cheaper to get a projector but ur not gonna find one that dose 4x 1080p any where for a fraction of the price.
KevinW @ Oct 3rd 2008 9:04AM
Fraction of what price?
A Sony SRX-R110 is MSRP $98,550, although its only 2000:1 contrast spec :-)