HP rear-projection TVs
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
Price range (MSRP):
$2,500 to $5,000
Initial release dates:
October
Size range (inches):
50 to 65 (diagonal)
Highlights:
1080p input capability on some models; front input bay; thumbnail source selection
We first saw HP's lineup of 2005
DLP-based rear-projection HDTVs last spring, and
even then we were impressed by the innovations the computer-centric company brought to the television table. First off, these are the only HDTVs on the market to place all of their inputs on the front panel for easy access. The illuminated input bay is hidden behind a fold-down door, and convenient conduits under the TV allow the cables to reach the rear panels of components. HP's RPTVs also include a unique thumbnail menu that displays all of the incoming sources simultaneously.
Perhaps most importantly, the flagship 1080p models have the ability to accept
1080p resolution signals via HDMI, an ability that no other 1080p rear-projection sets on the market can currently claim. 1080p signals are virtually nonexistent at the moment, but this capability will be nice to have in the next couple of years as they become somewhat more common in devices such as Blu-ray HD DVD players and
PlayStation 3s.
In November 2005, we reviewed the 65-inch MD6580n, and aside from the features mentioned above, we were also impressed by the TV's overall performance. For more information, see the
full review of the HP MD6580n.
The HP lineup
From entry level to top of the line, with the step-up features that distinguish each line from the previous ones highlighted.
The MD20N series consists of HP's two entry-level rear-projection HDTVs. Each has a
native resolution of 1,280x720, so they should be able to display every pixel of 720p material. A built-in
ATSC tuner is included for over-the-air HDTV reception, but a
Digital Cable Ready CableCard slot is not. To use a CableCard with one of these sets, you'll have to purchase an optional module ($80), and unlike many other HDTVs, the HPs lack a built-in
EPG. The MD20N series has the same video input selection as the step-up series below (with the exception of 1080p capability), including two
HDMI ports, a VGA-style PC input, and two component-video inputs. The 50-inch MD5020N ($2,500) and the 58-inch MD5820N ($3,100) will be available in October. Their pricing is higher than the competing series from
Samsung, but the HPs' unique features may be worth the extra cash to some buyers.
- 1,280x720 native resolution
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready with optional module
- Two HDMI ports
- Two component-video inputs
- One VGA-style PC input
The MD80N series is HP's 1080p DLP offering. It shares most of the characteristics of the MD20N series, except for an increased native resolution of 1,920x1,080 (a.k.a. 1080p), which means it should be able to display every pixel of 1080i HDTV material. As mentioned above, the two TVs in this series can accept 1080p sources via HDMI. The HDMI inputs can handle computer and HD resolutions up to 1080p/60Hz, but the component-video and VGA ports cannot (the highest VGA resolution is 1,280x1,024/60Hz). As they are Digital Cable Ready, both of these sets can take a CableCard from a digital cable provider to allow them to tune digital and high-def cable channels without a separate box. However, unlike many other HDTVs, the HPs lack a built-in
EPG. The 50-inch MD5880N ($4,000) and the 58-inch MD6580N ($5,000) will be available in late October, and their pricing is again a bit higher than competing 1080p lineups from
Samsung, but their ability to accept 1080p signals will likely make them tempting for well-informed, future-conscious buyers. For further information, please refer to the
full review of the HP MD6580n.
- 1,920x1,080 native resolution
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- Two HDMI ports
- Two component-video inputs
- One VGA-style PC input
- 1080p input capability
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