End of Rear Projection TVs by 2011?

[obscbyclouds]

Came across this insteresting video segment while surfing the web today. They are forcasting the end of Microdisplay based RPTV's by 2011, due to (of course) dropping prices of LCD and Plasma flat panel TV's. Personally I think less choices usually mean worse market conditions and higher prices, but it's probably pretty close to the truth, either way, here's the link.

End of Rear Projection TVs by 2011?

 

[jimfitz]

With prices of LCD's coming down, why would anyone buy a rear projection?

 

[MDS]

With prices of LCD's coming down, why would anyone buy a rear projection?

There is still a rather large price difference but I'm sure over time that will change. 50" Sony SXRD=$1300, 52" LCD=$4,000.

As usual the question is 'How long do I want to wait'? I'm tired of waiting.

 

[obscbyclouds]

With prices of LCD's coming down, why would anyone buy a rear projection?

Personally, I'm still not impressed enough with many flat panel LCD's black levels to consider one to replace my aging CRT RPTV. And, as MDS says, if you're looking for a 60" + TV, a LCD is going to be really expensive. If you want over 60" be prepared to dish out 5,000-6,000 for a good Flat Panel.

Of course, Front Projection becomes size/price leader once you get into the REALLY big screens.

 

[Hi Ho]

In my opinion DLP sets still outperform most LCD and match plasma sets. DLP sets are still much cheaper per inch. They are also finally developing alternatives to the mercury bulb.

 

[fmw]

4 years is a long time in the high tech electronics world. Anything could happen. Guesses are guesses not facts. Some new technology could develop that makes RP TV's the cat's meow. Some other new technology could make LCD obselete. 4 years is along time.

 

[jliedeka]

Maybe SED or OLED will be economical by then. Those two technologies seem to have a lot of potential.

I broke down an bought a 40" LCD this year because I wanted to upgrade my display and didn't want to wait. I only got a 720p model but that works for me because I don't have any 1080p sources yet. I also figure on replacing it in about 5 years so I didn't want to spend too much.

I think the bulb issue put me off RP and FP. I know that Samsung and a few others are starting to use LEDs in projectors but that adds to the up front price for now. If that cost comes down, I think RPTVs will still be a good alternative.

Jim

 

[Audioholics]

I can't stand RPTV simply due to bulk. As for CRT - those are useless to me simply due to the fact that they stray over time, often to a point where they can no longer be fixed.

Bring on the flat panels I say.

 

[dem beats]

I can't stand RPTV simply due to bulk. As for CRT - those are useless to me simply due to the fact that they stray over time, often to a point where they can no longer be fixed.

Bring on the flat panels I say.

Agreed.

I am a big fan of FPR myself, but it's less family freindly.

You need to nearly dedicate a room.

 

[Martiad3]

I just know that with rear projection I can get a very well performing, big screen TV for half the price and half the weight (in most cases) of a similar sized plasma/LCD. Bulk is starting to be less of an issue too, with a 56" slim case having less depth than my 27" CRT (though I admit you'd still want a second person to help move any type of big TV). And with long lasting light sources starting to come out, RP can finally get rid of one of their biggest problems.

Though, if I had a light controlled room then FP would indeed take the front runner spot.

I'd guess that once there start to be several high quality 60" flat-panels for under $3000, then we'd see the end of RPTV's. Will that happen by 2011? Who knows. Are flat-panel prices dropping as fast as they once were? I don't know, I haven't been watching them for too long to be able to say.

Just my thoughts, take care.

 

[AVRat]

Slim is in. The 65" JVC HD-65S998 @ depth < 12" and wall mountable. Ooh La La !!!