Sony pulling out of the Tube market?

[Jin-X]

Recently Sony has stopped selling both their 30 inch HD CRTs, the Super Fine Pitch and the non Super Fine Pitch. And now just only one 34 inch HD set. They've cut back their tube offerings and seem to be in the process of pulling out of that market.

This sucks big time because for bedrooms tube are still the best (esp. those Sony sets, their picture quality is unmatched) and they're cheaper than LCDs.

It's a shame everybody's going flat-panel crazy, I was really eyeing the 30 inch Super Fine Pitch set as the price had kept getting lower.

 

[dm_4u]

I have been searching for a new tube tv...and just found out that most if not all companies are making a quick exit for lighter lcd screens that cost more for the consumer, but less to make...

 

[Blundaar]

I agree. Funny, I used to work for Sony and help make those TV's. Great picture and beats the flats hands-down (should easily out-last them as well). The problems are all related to quality control. Because of the finer pitch, you're esentially making a giant computer monitor and can't get away with half the defects that you could on a "traditional" TV. The profit margin just isn't there anymore.

 

[3x10^8]

Jin-x, this makes for the possibility of a great deal on the set that you were eyeing. just look around a bit, i'm sure you'll be able to find a nicely discounted unit. this may actually not be a bad thing for you.

 

[j_garcia]

Consumers are determining the direction, not the companies. Most people want thinner and lighter, even at the cost of better picture quality. I went through this as well when looking for a TV and I got a smoking deal on my 34" Sony last year.

Yeild still drives the price of LCD as well. Only a small number of defects are allowed and the larger the screen, the harder that is to do. In order to hit the profit margins, they have to charge more compared to the number produced, so the prices are higher. Over time, production technologies will improve and the cost will go down.

 

[BTT917]

Looking at the spec's for the Sony KD-34XBR970 on Crutchfield, two things stick out: weight = 190lb, depth = 23.75". Those things eliminate the Sony tube from consideration for the vast majority of consumers, especially for the bedroom, when you can get a Syntax 32" LCD for $949.

 

[sjdgpt]

Looking at the spec's for the Sony KD-34XBR970 on Crutchfield, two things stick out: weight = 190lb, depth = 23.75". Those things eliminate the Sony tube from consideration for the vast majority of consumers, especially for the bedroom, when you can get a Syntax 32" LCD for $949.

Yes that puppy is heavy.

But the depth is not an issue for anybody with speakers that need to be located away from the walls.

I have that big Sony with Polk LSi's. By time I positioned the LSi's the front of the speaker is nearly on the same plane as the front of the Tube.

And yes, my theatre is located in a small bedroom.


I agree, if I was having to use the floor space for family stuff, the depth could be an issue, but a lot of people just stick their TV into a bookcase or shelf unit, so the depth may not a huge problem.

 

[j_garcia]

Speakers should not be on the same plane as the front of your display - they should be at least 6" (a bit more would be better) in front of it or the center of the image (stereo for example) will not be ideal.

 

[Jin-X]

Jin-x, this makes for the possibility of a great deal on the set that you were eyeing. just look around a bit, i'm sure you'll be able to find a nicely discounted unit. this may actually not be a bad thing for you.

Unfortunately I'm a 20 yr old college student so I don't have a lot of disposable income, I was eyeing it because the prices on those kept coming down, so maybe by next Christmas I would be able to get it. I also live in Puerto Rico so all those great online deals are null, I mean who is going to ship a 125+lbs tv overseas?

 

[Duffinator]

Consumers are determining the direction, not the companies. Most people want thinner and lighter, even at the cost of better picture quality. I went through this as well when looking for a TV and I got a smoking deal on my 34" Sony last year.

Yeild still drives the price of LCD as well. Only a small number of defects are allowed and the larger the screen, the harder that is to do. In order to hit the profit margins, they have to charge more compared to the number produced, so the prices are higher. Over time, production technologies will improve and the cost will go down.

What he said. Sony TV's have been over priced and over rated for years. Panasonic and Toshiba caught up and in many cases surpased the picture quality of Sony in the early 90's if not sooner. But all of this is moot as the CRT is having a relatively quick death. I can't wait to replace my Panasonic superflat box in my bedroom with a Sharp 37" HD LCD and hang it on the wall. RIP CRT.

And Sony continues to over charge for their LCD's when they don't even make most of their LCD panels, Samsung does. I know it's a joint venture but Sony went to Samsung because Samsung's panel technology and capacity left Sony in the dust.