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September 26, 2007
Dear CNET members,
Should we start calling rear-projection HDTVs "rare" projection TVs in the near future? With plasma and LCD HDTVs becoming not only larger but becoming more affordable, will people eventually start buying flat-panel TVs rather than considering a rear-projection? Sure, you get a giant rear-projection TV for a lot less right now, but how long will that last, with flat-panel TV catching up to them in price and increasing screen sizes? Before long they will be on the same playing field, but what do I know?
In a recent Crave blog post by CNET editor John Falcone, he informs us of this topic by blogging about how there are study groups out there stating that sales of rear-projection TV will decline drastically by 2011 and eventually become a dying breed. And we aren't talking a few digits in decrease, but dropping to under 30,000 units by 2011 as compared to the peak of 3.51 million sold in 2004 (according to the CEA). Now that's a huge decrease! Check out John's blog right here: "Flat-panels to kill off rear-projection TV sales by 2011."
Anyway, who cares what a study predicts? What do you think? Do you think rear-projection TV will be dead soon or will become just a niche product? I know there are a lot of die-hard rear-projection TV fans out there, and I would love to get your perspective on this subject to tell us what compels you to buy a rear-projection TV. Heck, even if you aren't a fan of rear-projection TVs, we want to hear your opinion on this. So join us in the latest Screening Room discussion and make your mark to tell where you think the fate of rear-projection TV lies.
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This week's hot topic:
Rear-projection HDTV dead?
Rear-projection HDTVs are the only way to get giant screen sizes on a budget, but the latest reports indicate they're a dying breed. When we asked our members how long they thought rear-pro HDTVs would last, many came around to tell us what they thought.
"RP best picture by far"
"I have a 50-inch DLP, and even though I wanted to buy a plasma, I couldn't do it. The screen-door effect on plasma/LCD is awful. DLP outperforms every set I've looked at. I work at a major media company, and every vendor I work with and every TV we use for showing HD..." (Read more)
--Submitted by: CNET member PFreak
"Flat won't win out too soon"
"Price still drives most people's purchases, fellas. Although those flat screens look nice, a lot of people still support a family of 4 on salaries under 50K in this country. Until flats approach RPs in price, the value is still in RPs. When it's all said and done, the $$$ still..." (Read more)
"Dying slowly"
"The way I see it is that the RPTV technology will be alive for a while, but nevertheless is dying very slowly. In my experience, every time I go to the electronic store, I see more people leaning toward the flat TVs like the LCDs and the plasmas. I do the same thing..." (Read more)
"Flat-panels are about style"
"People are buying flat-panel sets as much because of style and price (for smaller screen sizes) as picture quality, maybe moreso. There will always be a place for technology like RPTV that provides a big picture at a moderate price. It just might not be able to beat..." (Read more)
Speak up!
Now it's your chance to tell us if you think rear-projection HDTV is dead! Speak up; we are all watching closely!
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This week on CNET
Topic: All things Apple
Got questions about Apple? Well, you've come to the right place. Our next upcoming Ask the Editors Live chat begins at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern), Thursday, September 27. Our host will be CNET News.com staff writer Tom Krazit, who will be here to answer your questions, debate, and discuss anything to do with Apple: Macs, iPods, iPhones, iTunes, the future direction of Apple, you name it, Tom is your man!
Join us here tomorrow at 11 a.m. Pacific.
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