Quite frankly, we're still a bit miffed at what all RealD's 3D-PODs actually are, but we can (attempt to) explain what they do. Straight from Real3D's lips, it is delivering the "first 3D stereoscopic converter PODs," which present a "simple conversion solution when upgrading to a new stereoscopic display monitor, such as a DLP or XPOL HDTV." Still confused? Let us forge on: "the PODs automatically detect the output format from a connected display device and convert most stereo-enabled software applications from native stereoscopic output format to the required format for stereo viewing on the display monitor." We're told that these PODs (three variants are available) are specifically aimed at R&D environments, where "3D visualization is heavily used and where departments or organizations are seeking alternatives to CRT display technology for stereoscopic applications." Hmmph -- this would all be so much easier to digest if there were an accompanying image.

[Via SoCalTech]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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.

Large HD displays are a lot less of an eyesore than in the days when CRT RPTV's ruled the roost. But unless you install in-wall speakers, you're still left with speaker cabinets spoiling your floor plan. Q Acoustics is hoping to make the speakers disappear with their QAV lineup, though. These speakers achieve svelteness by using NXT's latest design, the "Balanced Mode Radiator," which rounds out the typically thin sound of NXT's panels by adding a traditional cone driver. Q Acoustics is especially proud of the pictured "soundbar," which puts all three front channels in a single unit that adjusts to span the width of your TV. We're skeptical that 40" of separation between left and right can produce a soundstage, but it does cut down on visual clutter. No word on US availability, but you can pick up a 5.1 set in the UK for £600 ($1200).

[Thanks, dv9r]

Wish someone would have told us (we do have a tip line) about this earlier. Did you know that Kmart had a 46-inch Hitachi HDTV clearenced out at $20 bucks? Well, that's the word according to the Baltimore ABC affiliate, ABC2 and surprise, surprise, Kmart didn't honor the price. A few friends placed orders for the obviously miss-priced TV and didn't end up getting their sets. Retailers have to honor misprinted ads - as long as they don't have a handy-dandy sign next to the item stating the correct price - but they can cancel online orders with the click of button. Honestly though, who would think that Kmart would actually give them the TV but who wouldn't try anyways?

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?

Whenever someone sends a question over to us, we research it in depth and then post our best answer. Some of these questions are tough, but we can usually come up with it though, but this is the first time we have been stumped -- we are hoping our readers can help us out on this one. SJ sent over this question that we just cannot come up with a solid answer for.

I am planning to get an Xbox 360 soon, and an HDTV to go along with it. I decided to look for CRT HDTV's first since they provide the best picture and are cheaper, but I noticed that there are no CRT HDTV's with a native resolution of 720p (which is the 360's native resolution). All the CRTs have a res of 1080i...why is that? Is it some kind of industry standard or are there some technical issues related to it?

Does anyone know for sure (read: give sources) why there isn't any 720p CRT HDTVS?

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.

What?!? Samsung is cutting back on their CRTs? Does this surprise anyone though, really? CRTs, while they are great technology, must see the writing on the walls. Their days are numbered. Samsung is expecting that by 2010, CRTs are only going to make up 13% of the companies annual sales instead of todays 39%. That 39% was reached after a steady decline from 78% in 2000. You may recall though, Samsung does have a niche CRT market cornered with their slim CRT line. These tube TVs take up 1/3 less room then normal sets by reducing the 'junk in the trunk.' Samsung doesn't foresee this part of their business from decline but these sets are just small part of their overall sales.

[Via HDBlog]

Samsung is expecting the US LCD market to explode this year - by 50 to 75%. We already know that LCDs are set to out sell CRTs in a few years so this might not be to far off base. They credit this to high-def gaming and HD DVD/Blu-ray. We think it is more along the lines of dropping prices and the increase in quality. Who doesn't want one of the nice, thin screens? A good amount of the videophiles that do the high-def gaming and movie watching already have a HDTV, but it is the Mom and Pop of America that is making the upgrade.

Do you plan on buying a LCD this year. Many of you indicated that you already have.