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1930's rear projection TV in the UK still in service

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:12:00 EST

It's really easy to forget how far we've come in the past 70 or so years, while at the same time how some things stay the same. This 12-inch CRT might be the oldest working TV in the UK and has even been modified so it could be connected to a modern day converter box to gain access to Freeview -- no word if the owner is paid up on his TV license though. But what's really interesting here is that it is a rear project TV with the main mirror being mounted on fold down lid to help it blend in with the home's decor when not in use -- and to think we thought the idea of finding ways to hide HDTVs was a new idea or something.

Continue reading 1930's rear projection TV in the UK still in service

1930's rear projection TV in the UK still in service originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a tour through Panasonic's CRT & flat panel TV recycling center

Richard Lawler — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Panasonic, CRT, LCD, Plasma

Less remarked upon in our CES 2009 coverage was the green factor consistently mentioned in many presentations, with various manufacturers promising more responsible production facilities, and plans to offer recycling for all the old televisions that will be replaced in the years to come. Courtesy of AV Watch and Google Translate, we can take a tour through one of Panasonic's recycling facilities, where the latest breakthrough uses a laser beam to separate the front and rear glass of CRTs, allowing for three times faster processing. If there's anything better than machine translation, old TVs headed for certain doom, and lasers, we have no idea what it is.

Take a tour through Panasonic's CRT & flat panel TV recycling center originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi's 65-inch Diamond WD-65835 RPTV HDTV reviewed

Darren Murph — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:48:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews, Displays, Mitsubishi, CRT

If you've been eying something a touch larger than Samsung's 61-inch HL61A650, why not consider Mitsubishi's WD-65835? The 65-inch Diamond series set was overshadowed by the altogether more intriguing LaserVue when it was introduced this Spring, but there's still a lot here worth loving. The surprisingly lightweight set was found to have accurate colors, "convincingly deep blacks" and a "bright, punchy, dimensional image," all of which sound characteristically Mitsu. Truth be told, critics had a tough time knocking the image quality at all under real-world scenarios, noting that its "exceptional contrast and solid blacks" easily trumped all but a few flat-panels. All that praise for a 65-incher under three grand? Smells like a winner if you've got the space.

Mitsubishi's 65-inch Diamond WD-65835 RPTV HDTV reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 61-inch HL61A650 RPTV HDTV reviewed

Darren Murph — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews, Displays, Samsung, CRT

Let's face it: there aren't too many new RPTVs hitting the market these days, but for those looking to save a little coin at the expense of a little depth, Samsung's HL61A650 is worth a look. The reviewers over at Home Theater Mag were able to take this beast in for a sit-down, and overall, they were duly impressed. The 61-incher included a respectable amount of ports, sufficient picture controls, very accurate colors and a swell remote. The main knock (outside of the bulky size) was the lackluster black level; in fact, critics noted that it was "among the worst that it had measured." That aside (if you can overlook it), but HDTV was said to perform "well above its pay grade," meaning that it could be an "ideal set at the right price for the casual viewer who will leave it in Dynamic mode and watch a heavy dose of sports in a brightly lit room."

Samsung's 61-inch HL61A650 RPTV HDTV reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officials urging new TV buyers to not junk their analog sets

Darren Murph — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:57:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Misc, Displays, CRT

Earlier this week we discussed the pros and cons of picking up a new digital tuner-equipped TV or simply throwing a DTV converter onto the analog set you already own. Needless to say, quite a few individuals across America will be choosing the former option, which creates quite the issue: where are all of those old sets going to go? Early on, surveys showed that people were most likely to resell it, donate it or recycle it, but we all know how easy it is to utter the politically correct response when under the microscope. In reality, there's a great chance that a large quantity of analog TVs will end up in the dump, and officials are making an eleventh hour push to encourage individuals to recycle their screen rather than clog up a nearby landfill. Given that we live here too, we'd also like to encourage the act of recycling if you're planning on ditching the old for something new -- wouldn't want the DTV conversion to be the start of the Apocalypse or something.

Officials urging new TV buyers to not junk their analog sets originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LCD shipments expected to skyrocket in Latin America

Darren Murph — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT, LCD

With DirecTV launching HD service in Latin America, we'd say it's about time its residents realized that flat-panels are the wave of the ~~future~~ present. According to a fresh iSuppli report, the Latin American television market is expected to make a hasty and noticeable transition between now and 2012. Reportedly, LCD TV shipments to the region are set to rise and account for over 83% of the market in under four years; meanwhile, shipments of bulky CRT sets will decline to make up around 8% of the total market. The numbers are pretty baffling when you consider that CRTs held 77.4% of the market just last year, and it's actually rather scary to think where all of those soon-to-be-unwanted sets will end up.

LCD shipments expected to skyrocket in Latin America originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will tough times give RPTVs one final breath of life?

Darren Murph — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT, DLP

People love their money, sure, but people still love their style. A thought-provoking article over at CNET has us pondering whether or not these tough economic times will actually increase sales of thick RPTVs during the holiday season. After all, the desire for high-def isn't apt to wane while the belt tightens, but consumers may begin to sacrifice thinness in order to finally bring home a big screen of their own. In our estimation, we can't say in good faith that we think CRT / RPTV sales will skyrocket while flat-panels struggle, particularly when you realize just how cheap these wall-mountable sets will be on Black Friday and during the run-up to that final week in December. It's a cute gesture, but we're still saying the heartbeat for chunky sets is growing weaker by the day.

[Thanks, Anthony]

Will tough times give RPTVs one final breath of life? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DisplaySearch report takes long, hard look at flat-panel maturity

Darren Murph — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:15:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT, LCD, Plasma

It's pretty obvious that flat-panel sales have the potential to slow (and that sets could get really, really cheap) in the current economic environment, but a new report from DisplaySearch asserts that the problem may be exacerbated by flat-panel maturity. According to David Barnes, DisplaySearch strategic analysis VP, the "concerns over contracting consumer demand over the near term may grab headlines today, but slower growth may be a long-term trend in the flat-panel market." In fact, it's expected that 4 out of 5 TVs in 2011 will use flat-panel technologies, meaning that this double-digit yearly growth we've grown accustomed to could be coming to an end. Of course, techs like OLED, SED (ahem) and holograms are just around the corner -- and be honest, who wouldn't trade in their KURO for a floating 1080p image with perfect contrast?

[Via TWICE]

DisplaySearch report takes long, hard look at flat-panel maturity originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 61-inch Samsung HL61A750 RPTV gets reviewed

Darren Murph — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews, Displays, Samsung, CRT, DLP

You're probably dusting the dirt from your spectacles as we speak, but yes, the set you see above is an RPTV. You know, those not exactly wafer-thin rear-projection TVs that used to be all the rage? This 61-inch set provides an awful lot of screen space for not a lot of dough (comparatively speaking), and as with most sets with a little junk in the trunk, picture quality was seen as "excellent" in a recent CNET review. On the downside, off-angle performance was expectedly poor and there was no 2:3 pulldown for SD sources, but the positives here far outweighed the negatives. For under $1,800 (way under in some places), you can get 61-inches of LED-backlit goodness in your den -- just have to make room for it, is all.

[Thanks, Matthew]

Samsung's 61-inch Samsung HL61A750 RPTV gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LCD outsells plasma 8-to-1 in Q1 2008

Steven Kim — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT, DLP, LCD, Plasma

Not so long ago, the good people at DisplaySearch were forecasting good times for plasma. But there's no way around the first quarter of 2008 global sales numbers that show LCD outsold plasma by an 8 to 1 margin. Take a breath -- those are global sales numbers -- but it still isn't the most encouraging news for plasma fans. Worldwide, plasma has a frenemy in good old CRT, though, which actually edged out LCD on its way to the highest sales volume. Click on through for all the numbers, but globally it looks like this: LCD is taking over, plasma is moving into a very small niche, RPTV is all but gone and CRT is going down with a fight.

LCD outsells plasma 8-to-1 in Q1 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 22 May 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Survey shows consumers aren't apt to trash analog sets post-cutover

Darren Murph — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT

Granted, almost half of OTA-only households in America (48-percent, to be precise) are planning on picking up a digital converter box in order to get a few more years of life out of their old set, but for those taking other routes -- like spending their stimulus checks on a new flat-panel -- it seems as if tossing 'em in the garbage is a last resort. According to new research from the Consumer Electronics Association, fewer than 15 million NTSC-only TVs will be removed from homes through 2010. Of those, 95-percent will be resold, donated or recycled -- or so the owners say. We can also remember a time when Salvation Army accepted bulky, inefficient CRT computer monitors with open arms, but trying to hand one over today can be a lesson in futility depending on the store. All in all, we figure it's easy for respondents to voice good intentions, but shortly after these sets become useless in the OTA realm without a DTV converter, we have our doubts about the vast majority of them dodging the dump for very long.

Survey shows consumers aren't apt to trash analog sets post-cutover originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony bids adieu to Trinitron CRT sets

Darren Murph — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Sony, CRT

Just months after Sony hauled its RPTV production business off to the graveyard, the firm is now bidding a fond farewell to the Trinitron CRT. Believe it or not, the first Trinitron became a reality in 1968, and here we are some 40 years later shedding a tear as LCDs and OLED displays steal the thunder. Reportedly, the firm has moved some 280 million units worldwide between televisions and computer monitors, but we suppose all good things must eventually come to an end. So long, Trinitron -- it's been a mighty impressive run.

[Via Slashgear]

Sony bids adieu to Trinitron CRT sets originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Worldwide LCD TV shipments surpass CRTs for first time ever

Darren Murph — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:19:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT, LCD

Just days after Sony vaulted to the top of North American LCD sales charts, DisplaySearch is now reporting that worldwide shipments of LCD TVs have overtaken CRT TVs for the first time in the history of the universe. More specifically, LCD TV sales rose some 56-percent year over year, and 47-percent of the world's TV market is now held by said technology. Reportedly, the transition from CRT to LCD was seen as a logical one, considering that it could extend down to sizes smaller than 20-inches and satisfy desires for large-screen sets. We know you're just itching to go diving head first into more numbers on the subject, so feel free to toss on those wire-rimmed glasses and hit the read link below.

[Via TGDaily]

Worldwide LCD TV shipments surpass CRTs for first time ever originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung sticks by RPTV, intros HL67A750A / HL56A650A

Darren Murph — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Samsung, CRT, DLP

While the rest of the world seems to be bailing on RPTVs, Samsung is using CES to showcase a pair of all new DLP rear-projection sets. Up to bat first is the 61- / 67-inch HL67A750A, and here's a look at what it's packing:

Next-generation LED light engine: no color wheel, longer set life (30,000 hours)
Full HD 1080p resolution and 10,000:1 contrast ratio
3D Ready integration with 3D accessory kit (sold separately)
Four HDMI 1.3 ports with CEC
USB 2.0 socket for PMPs, cameras, etc.
Single-tuner picture-in-picture (PIP) can display two separate sources without an external tuner

But wait, there's more! Click on through to see it.

Continue reading Samsung sticks by RPTV, intros HL67A750A / HL56A650A

Samsung sticks by RPTV, intros HL67A750A / HL56A650A originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RPTV sales up in latest reports, plasma falls again to LCD

Darren Murph — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:17:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT, LCD, Plasma

It was around this time last year when we saw RPTV sales hit an unexpected jump, but honestly, we wouldn't read too much into it. Manufacturers are bailing from the aging technology left and right, and even though sales were up 27-percent in October over September (tallying "the highest unit sales since May"), these figures are still "less than half" of what was seen in January. Additionally, 1080p LCDs outsold 1080p plasmas in the 50- to 54-inch arena "by nearly three to one," and research from Pacific Media Associates also discovered that LCDs "made up 80-percent of flat panels sold" in the 26-inches or larger category. Also of note, street prices sunk around 30-percent from the same month a year ago, and while Samsung led the flat-panel market with a nearly 20-percent share, Toshiba's 32-inch 32HL67 was said to be the best seller.

[Image courtesy of NFM]

RPTV sales up in latest reports, plasma falls again to LCD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seiko Epson ceases production, sales of RPTVs

Darren Murph — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:46:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Epson, CRT

Not even a full month after Hitachi pulled the plug on its own RPTVs and started looking to sell off its CRT operations, Seiko Epson has come forward and announced that it too will discontinue the production and sales of its rear-projection televisions. Reportedly, the outfit will be refocusing efforts on front projectors, and judging by its installation at CEDIA, we can't say we're shocked to hear it. It should be noted that the firm will "continue its research and development activities for rear-projection models," and moreover, a company spokesman proclaimed that it wasn't totally withdrawing from the rear-projection TV "business" -- whatever that means. Another one bites the dust, we suppose.

[Image courtesy of Astera]

Seiko Epson ceases production, sales of RPTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Philips, Samsung named in CRT-cartel suit

Steven Kim — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, LG, Philips, Samsung, Toshiba, CRT

A whole bevy of companies have been named in a suit alleging that a CRT-cartel has been price-fixing the good-old tube. Companies claimed to be "in on the fix" include Philips, LG, Tatung, Matsushita, Samsung and Toshiba. The suit states that these companies banded together in the face of (precipitously) dropping demand for CRT-based sets to, you guessed it, keep prices artificially high. The plaintiff's lawyer cites "...unnatural and sustained price stability, as well as inexplicable increases in the prices of CRTs" as evidence of the shady goings-on stretching back to 1998. Ten years seems like a stretch to us, and we haven't exactly been keeping up with CRT prices; but we'll see how this one settles out.

[Image courtesy of TheHarrowGroup]

Philips, Samsung named in CRT-cartel suit originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitachi unsurprisingly looks to sell stake in CRT operations

Darren Murph — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Hitachi, CRT

Not even a month after Hitachi announced that it would be axing production and sales of RPTVs in North America, the firm has followed up by stating its intentions to sell its entire stake in a Chinese joint venture that produces CRTs. More specifically, the firm will offload its 25-percent stake in Shenzhen SEG Hitachi Color Display Devices to a local investor for 175 million yuan, or around $24 million. Reportedly, the company will be focusing the newly-freed resources on "growth areas such as plasmas," but that doesn't exactly jive with Hitachi's previous viewpoints on the generally shaky PDP market. Nevertheless, we can't say that we're shocked to hear of this exit, but so long as we're headed onwards and upwards, you won't find us tearing up over the loss.

Hitachi unsurprisingly looks to sell stake in CRT operations originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitachi pulls the plug on RPTVs in North America

Steven Kim — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Hitachi, CRT, LCD, Plasma

Hitachi has announced it's stopping production and sales of its LCD- and CRT-based RPTVs in North America. The production facility in Mexico which serves the North American market was actually shut down this summer. While this might not come as much of a surprise to us, this is a sure sign that the average consumer's idea of what a "big screen, HD" TV is has shifted from a monstrous box to a slim flat panel. The torch has been passed, and recent announcements indicate that Hitachi is smitten with the "thin is in" concept as well. We expect to see similar decisions from other manufacturers in the future as LCDs and PDPs continue their roll. There's some nostalgia for the huge behemoths that were our introduction to HDTV, but you really couldn't pay us to go back.

Hitachi pulls the plug on RPTVs in North America originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's still the #1 TV manufacturer

Richard Lawler — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Samsung, CRT, LCD, Plasma

Vizio may have snatched the sales crown when it comes to LCDs in the U.S., but Samsung maintained it's position as the largest worldwide TV manufacturer in the second quarter. Following Samsung's 12.4% market share were LG with 11.4% and Philips with 7.1%. The numbers were run by iSuppli, who forecast the quickening demise of the CRT, with it dropping to 38% of unit shipments in 2009, compared to 56% this year. No word on exactly what part of that was HDTVs, but we hope buyers are getting the most quality possible out of those new plasmas and LCDs.

[Via TV Snob]

Samsung's still the #1 TV manufacturer originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How much power does your HDTV use?

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, CRT, DLP, LCD, LCoS, Plasma

CNET took 54 HDTVs and analyzed their power requirements to answer this question. The results are interesting, but not very surprising and include an estimated yearly expense for each. The yearly number is based on leaving your TV on for eight hours a day and sixteen hours in stand-by. While most technologies used similar amounts of power, there were some exceptions like the 65-inch Sharp LCD which uses almost 600 watts of power in their tests. This is more than any of the Plasmas which were around 500 watts for a similar size. In the end the size made the biggest difference and microdisplays overall used the least amount of power. As interesting as we find this, in the grand scheme of things it isn't a lot of money, even the most expensive TV only costs $19 a month to run.

[Via TVSnob.com]

How much power does your HDTV use? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Does your HDTV support 1:1 pixel mapping?

Ben Drawbaugh — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, CRT, DLP, LCD, LCoS, Plasma, Projector

Even if you don't know what 1:1 pixel mapping is, you probably think your TV supports it. If your TV does support this viewing mode, odds are it isn't on by default. 1:1 pixel mapping means your TV is capable of displaying the image sent to it pixel for pixel, without scaling or processing the video in any way. In other words, if your TV is fed 1920x1080p, then it displays 1920x1080p. Believe it or not usually your digital LCD, DLP or even Plasma takes the 1920x1080 image, shaves off a few lines and displays it. The reason isn't a good one, but it's 'cause TVs have had overscan so long that when digital TVs came along they actually engineered overscan into the set. This is not the case at all on computer monitors, where even one missing line is noticed. So if you want to see if your TV is capable of showing you the whole picture, look it up in your manual for a "pc mode" or even "dot by dot", or just head over to the AVSForum for a comprehensive list of HDTVs that support this elusive feature.

Does your HDTV support 1:1 pixel mapping? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNET unveils its top-rated HDTVs

Darren Murph — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:39:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Mitsubishi, Pioneer, Samsung, CRT, DLP, Plasma

Yeah, we've already let you guys voice your opinion on the best HDTV out there, but now its time for CNET to dish out an updated version of the "top-rated HDTVs regardless of type, technology, brand, or size." Taking a respectable fourth is the Samsung LN-T4665F, which was praised for its excellent shadow detail and beautiful styling, while the Pioneer PDP-5070HD managed to squeeze into third thanks to its accurate color decoding and impressive array of inputs. The first loser (or runner-up, depending on perspective) was the Mitsubishi WD-65831, which was dubbed "as good as it gets" in the 65-inch range for those not savvy with high-end plasma pricetags. Unsprisingly, Pioneer's stunning PRO-FHD1 took top honors due to its excellent detail with 1080-resolution material, deep blacks, and all around excellent picture quality. Of course, this very set also took home the gold in an earlier showdown, so if you've been teetering on how to ~~blow~~ wisely spend $8,000 or so, the choice seems pretty clear at this stage.

CNET unveils its top-rated HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Circuit City trims HDTV selection, blames 1080p for slipping sales

Darren Murph — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:18:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT, DLP, LCD, Plasma

To be perfectly honest, it's only disappointing that it has taken Circuit City this long to realize that relying primarily on the sales of highly marked-up HDTVs to boost its bottom line was a direful decision. Still, it is impressive to see the company finally break away from its past and "no longer regard TVs as the centerpiece of its product strategy." Reportedly, the firm will soon be eliminating many models from its floor, giving users fewer selections and aiming to sell more 42-inch and under models that may fall below the magical $1,000 price point. Interestingly enough, CEO Phil Schoonover was quoted as stating that his outfit had really been "emphasizing 1080p, maybe to its detriment," and noted that 720p ought to be "good enough" for today's modern shopper. Right, we're sure the plummeting sales have nothing to do with that Wally World across the way.

[Image courtesy of ICSC]

Circuit City trims HDTV selection, blames 1080p for slipping sales originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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House Republicans propose warning labels for analog TVs

Donald Melanson — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:45:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Displays, CRT, OTA

If a group of House Republicans have their way, television manufacturers still trying to convince consumers of the questionable benefits of analog TV may soon have a harder time making their case, as they'll be required to slap a big 'ol label on that old-school tube warning potential buyers of its considerable shortcomings. According to TV Week, the bill proposed by Republican members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce would mandate that all analog-only TVs carry the message that "this TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after Feb. 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts." Not exactly "this TV can kill you," but hardly a selling point either. The bill would also require cable and satellite service providers to deliver regular reports detailing their consumer educations efforts, as well as require that the FCC create its own consumer outreach effort and provide details on the number of customers that have redeemed coupons for cable boxes. While the prospects of the bill passing aren't clear, it has picked up at least one big supporter, with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) quickly hopping on board to endorse it.

[Via Lost Remote]

House Republicans propose warning labels for analog TVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The quest for an HDTV this holiday season

Ben Drawbaugh — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 12:51:00 EST

Filed under: CRT, DLP, LCD, LCoS, Plasma, Projector, SED

Keeping up with the latest in HD can make you forget how difficult it can be for the above average consumer to find the right HDTV. Sure the average Joe would just go in the store an buy what is on sale or what the salesman sells him, but the above average consumer has his work cut out for him. He isn't an HD nut like us, he doesn't live and breath HD news by reading Engadget HD every day, but he knows enough to want to make the right decision. This is what Paul Boutin from Slate Magazine found out on his quest for an HDTV this holiday season. He learned a lot along the way, but missed the main point because he didn't end up buying a HDTV. He did realize that all TVs have problems, but he missed the point that having any HDTV is better than not having one at all and you just need to pick the one that has problems you can live with. He also learned something that surprised us, clerks in the store actually tried to talk him out of 1080p, yeah that's right. We don't get it either, sure 1080p isn't for everyone, but if someone wants the best despite the fact they might not actually notice the difference, why try to talk him out of it?

The quest for an HDTV this holiday season originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 doesn't do 1080i?

Richard Lawler — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 13:07:00 EST

Filed under: Other hardware, Sony, CRT

That's what IGN has discovered in testing several PlayStation 3 games. Despite 1080p being "the true definition of HD", most of the titles available are rendered internally at 1280 x 720 and scaled up accordingly... or at least that's what should happen. On many older CRT HDTVs that only support 1080i input and not 720p, instead of scaling to the appropriate HD resolution, the PS3 goes back down to the positively Wii-like EDTV standard of 480p. The problem is confirmed to exist in Resistance: Fall of Man, Tiger Woods 07, Need for Speed Carbon and NHL 2K7 so far, but no word from Sony if this can or will be fixed in a downloadable update. The Xbox 360 scales to 1080i without a problem -- although 1080p results may vary -- if you're not reading this from your place in line already be sure to check your HDTV's manual for supported input resolutions before grabbing a lawn chair (and bulletproof vest).

[Thanks, Michael J.]

PS3 doesn't do 1080i? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Requiem for the impending death of CRT televisions

Erik Hanson — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Displays, CRT

The death bells have not yet tolled for thee, CRT, but the hunchback is readying the rope to pull.. so sayeth the CNN, who has an article about how consumers are increasingly purchasing other technologies like LCD, plasma, DLP, and many others that are lighter, flatter, and more desirable. All predictions are that CRTs will be all but dead by 2009, especially when the (mostly high-definition) digital broadcast signal cutoff is complete. After all, in most consumers' minds, if you can buy a heavy CRT tube television today, but also have a flat-screen technology available for a small amount more, why not go for it? Big-box retailers are devoting more and more space to the other technologies, and demand is lower and lower as the years pass, with the newer technologies more apt to support high definition resolutions. Many manufacturers only produce a few models, if any, that incorporate CRT tubes.

On the other hand, CRT is a time-tested, proven technology that is still cheaper to make. It also produces deeper, richer blacks, and more vibrant color reproduction, as well as having no problems with screen door effects, or color wheel rainbows, or nearly as many problems with scaling of content. It also is put to great use in front and rear projection sets that eliminate much of the space requirement and still keep many of the benefits. So, will consumers pick a tech simply because it's easier to hang on the wall, or has a more desirable shape? I imagine many consumers could care less about the quality of the picture and are just looking for what's newer and more improved -- even if it's more expensive. And, we can't forget upcoming technologies like SED (and laser TV?) that promise all the benefits of flat with all the picture of CRT.

So, is CRT worth saving? Or should we have the closed-casket and move on with our technological lives?

Requiem for the impending death of CRT televisions originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An hourly cost breakdown of HDTV ownership

Matt Burns — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: CRT, DLP, LCD, LCoS, Plasma

So exactly how much does that HDTV sitting in your living room cost you? HDTV Almanac takes a look at this and does some simple math to come up to $.37 an hour. That is if you assume the TV is going to be there for five years along with two people watching it the American average of four and a half hours a day. Plus, the cost of the HDTV ($2000) and the monthly charge of high-def service ($100) needs to be calculated too. The only variable missing is power consumption but this number can vary from TV type and manufacturer and in the end $.37 isn't that bad of a cost. Having trouble with the significant other justify the cost of a new HDTV? Simply bring up these numbers and it suddenly seems a tad more reasonable; See, we are here for ya.

An hourly cost breakdown of HDTV ownership originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Complete CEDIA coverage

Matt Burns — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, Cables, Displays, DVRs, HD DVD, Media PCs, Media streamers, Other hardware, Players, Ports, Receivers, Remotes, Set-top boxes, Speakers, CRT, DLP, LCoS, Plasma, Projector, SED

Just In case you missed our CEDIA coverage the last few days, here is run-down for your reading pleasure.

General info

HDTVs

Complete listing after the jump.

Continue reading Complete CEDIA coverage

Complete CEDIA coverage originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magnavox @ CEDIA - Mahogany tabletop

Matt Burns — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 06:42:00 EST

Filed under: CRT

Wait, year is it? Does Magnavox know that it is '06 and not the '50s? Anyway, what is on display here is a Mahogany tabletop with gold handles 13-inch B&W TV from 1953. Classic.

Magnavox @ CEDIA - Mahogany tabletop originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 16 Sep 2006 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tube TVs quickly fading into oblivion

Matt Burns — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 13:13:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Misc, CRT, LCD, Plasma, Advertising

The iconic tube TV is fading off rather quickly. People just don't want the big, bulky tube sets anymore with the new, fancy flat-panels just screaming for attention and it all boils down to price. For around $500 a person can get a quality tube TV or for around $800, they can pick up a cheap LCD. Now, we aren't saying that the cheap LCD is better, 'cause we all know that most CRTs will outperforms even the highest-end LCD, but the average person doesn't care. They just want the thin screen. Manufacturers have cut their model lines and retailers are slowly fading them out too. In fact Costco is not going to sell them after this years holidays. CRTs represented 78% of the market in 2004 but only 54 this year. There is still a market for some people looking for a bargain though as you can find a 32-inch tube for around $300 each weekend by looking in the weekly fliers.

Are you ready to kick your CRT to the curb and make way for a nice, new flat-panel HDTV?

Tube TVs quickly fading into oblivion originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Taiwan to stop CRT TV production in 2-3 years

Matt Burns — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Panasonic, CRT, LCD, Plasma

The flat panel giant, A.K.A. Panasonic, has a bright outlook for the plasma and LCD market. So much so that they are planning on halting CRT production in the Taiwanese market with-in a few years. That market has already soon flat-panel love and Panasonic currently only produces seven flat panels to every three CRTs and as the price of said flat-panels drop, so will the sales of CRTs. Experts expect the shipments of CRTs to decrease by 200,000-300,000 units in '07 alone to this market of ~~small~~ tiny living spaces. Well, who doesn't want a flat panel besides chaps that can't afford 'em. Not many people would turn down purchasing a thin and sexy flat panel if it was the same price as the big 'ol CRT.

Panasonic Taiwan to stop CRT TV production in 2-3 years originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUMOR: Circuit City to sell Mitsubishi and JVC TVs

Matt Burns — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 17:43:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, CRT, DLP, LCD, Plasma

We have some unconfirmed, but yet it comes from reliable sources, that Circuit City is going to announce sometime soon that they are going to start selling Mitsubishi and JVC HDTVs. So far all we know is that The City is going to sell Mitsubishi plasmas and LCDs; hopefully, they are going to sell their DLPs too. We don't know much about their role with JVC just yet, but we are hoping that this announcement is going to made soon so we can get more info. This could give the consumers a choice for different types of DLPs rather then Samsungs in Circuit City. It seems that Circuit City is really pushing the mid to high-end home CE market. This seems to be the opposite of what Best Buy is doing with making more in-house branded products. Case in point if these TVs do develop but also, Circuit City is also going to sell Denon and Boston Acoustics products as they are pushing out Harmon Kardon and Infinity.

We will keep you updated on this as it hopefully move from a rumor to news.

[thanks to everyone that sent this in]

RUMOR: Circuit City to sell Mitsubishi and JVC TVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LCD-TVs to surpass CRTs by 2009

Matt Burns — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Misc, CRT, LCD

There is a good chance that in three years you will see more LCDs then those old CRTs at your local Best Buy or Circuit City. iSupply has forecasted that the flat panels are going to out sell the classic CRTs in '09. LCDs are going to have to ship, and sell, 74% more then they currently are to achieve this lofty goal. With the price of these flat-panels dropping though, they keep on reaching new price markets so it really doesn't seem that hard.

If people can afford 'em, they will buy 'em

LCD-TVs to surpass CRTs by 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung SlimFit HDTVs top CRTs best selling list

Matt Burns — Thu, 25 May 2006 10:49:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Samsung, CRT

People love CRTs - they love to hate 'em. They are heavy, have a small screen and people have seen 'em since they were born. People are just getting tired of them but those fancy flat panels tend to be out of reach of a lot. So what does Samsung do, they come along with a plan to reduce the average depth of a CRT and make it look like a flat panel from the front. It worked. These TVs have been out for about a year and people simply love them; enough so that they now have 42% of the CRT marketshare. These TVs come in 30-inch HDTV style and 27-inch HD and SD with models start around 700 for the former and 300 for the latter.

Chances are that with this big of a marketshare a few of our readers have one of these TVs, Ya like it; tell us about it.

[via HDBlot.net]

Samsung SlimFit HDTVs top CRTs best selling list originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 25 May 2006 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is plasma still the king of HDTVs

Matt Burns — Fri, 12 May 2006 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Polls, CRT, DLP, LCD, Plasma

NewTechnologyTV.com has an article about plasma's being the reigning king of HDTVs. We tend to agree with that statement, but are curous to know what you think.

Plasma do offer a great picture at reasonable sizes and price. Sure, LCDs tend to be more versitale and can be made in different sizes but they do not offer the same type of picture quality that a plasma does. DLP is great technolodgy to make a very large high-def picture but again, does not offer a better picture then a quality plasma does. CRTs, a long time favorite, can produce a better picture then plasmas but top off at 34-inches; cannot be the king and be that small.

What do you folks think? Is NewTechnologyTV.com and us off our rockers today?

Is plasma still the king of HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 12 May 2006 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The DTV transition is here

Ben Drawbaugh — Mon, 01 May 2006 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Toshiba, CRT

Ok, it officially started some time ago, but it is finally being adopted by the average consumer.

I was visiting my parents this weekend which is like going back in time in regards to technology. I love my parents, but it pains me to visit and watch SD when I am used to HD. While I was visiting my parents, they came home with a new TV and to my surprise it was equipped with a ATSC and QAM tuner. My father plugged it (I helped him lift) into his basic cable and and my mother easily used the remote to setup the TV and a few minutes later we were watching down converted HD. If you have never seen down converted SD, let me tell you it looks much better than analog cable. The cool part is that the TV automatically found the QAM channels and added them to the line up. Of course the channels numbers are not the same as digital cable, but it was still nice to have them there.

Here at HD Beat we are always talking about consumer acceptance and to me when my parents buy it, it has arrived. I mean my parents didn't buy a DVD player till I bought them one for Christmas in 2002!
Have any of you seen these new ATSC SD TVs in action?

The DTV transition is here originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 01 May 2006 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDTVs on sale @ Best Buy

Richard Lawler — Mon, 01 May 2006 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Misc, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Toshiba, Zenith, CRT, DLP, LCD, LCoS, Plasma

Because if there's anything we like more than HDTVs, it's cheap HDTVs. All televisions $499 and up (excluding Sony XBRs and HP models) are apparently on sale this week, and there's free shipping for online orders. If you already know what set you want and have just been waiting for a price break, this may be a good opportunity.

See any other good deals in this weeks ads? Let us know in the comments for people like me who don't read the newspaper.

[Via digg]

HDTVs on sale @ Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 01 May 2006 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The (in)famous 1080p truth pt. 2

Richard Lawler — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 20:17:00 EST

Filed under: Sony, Toshiba, CRT, DLP, LCD, Plasma

Do we have to go into this again? I've got to question this piece on The Inquirer that compounds the confusion of the article cited. They're telling people that their CRT TV is going to throw away half the information on 1080i Blu-ray and HD-DVDs giving you a 540p image, and that a 1080p set is really only going to give you 540p, which is not necessarily an accurate description.

One way of getting your information correct is to go straight to the source like HDTV UK did recently. They have an excellent writeup getting information on 1080p from the manufacturers themselves.

The original author has written a new post clarifying a few things. While I'm still puzzled by repeated references to CRTs method of displaying 1080i in relation to why a 1080p television using totally different technology won't be 1080p; it seems we agree on one thing: "I'm not against anyone buying a 1080p HDTV - I just want that person to be a smart shopper and ask plenty of questions to see how the content is actually mastered and delivered to the HDTV."

If you're still wondering what all the hubbub is and if it affects your buying decision, don't take my word for it ((C) The Reading Rainbow). Check out the further information links and comments on our other post and educate yourself, then take a look to to see if you notice a worthwhile difference in 1080p.

The (in)famous 1080p truth pt. 2 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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