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HD-2: twice as slim?
Companies have been promising that LCD, LCoS, and DLP rear-projection TVs would slim down to sizes that begin to rival flat-panel displays, and the HLP5685W is evidence of that progression. The set is powered by Texas Instruments' new HD-2 Plus chip that allows for a 1,280x720 resolution, enough to show every pixel of 720p HDTV. This 56-incher has both a DVI and a HDMI connection, which are compatible with the latest cable and satellite set-top boxes, as well as with DVI DVD players.
The HLP5685W is due out in September and will sell for just less than $5,499. By comparison, a plasma display of a similar size would retail for more than $10,000. That said, we're still a little surprised to see that prices for DLP rear-projection sets aren't dropping--even for models that aren't all that slim. For example, in June, Samsung is set to release a second floor-standing 56-inch DLP set that's not quite as thin and is also powered by the new TI HD-2 Plus chipset. That TV is tentatively priced at around $5,000.
DLP-based HDTVs aren't the only rear-projection sets that Samsung has announced. The company is showing off a couple of new CRT-based HDTVs, including a budget 42-inch tabletop model that will list for $1,299 when it arrives in April. Samsung is also planning a 43-inch tabletop model ($1,999) with an integrated DVD player and surround-sound system, though it uses simulated surround as opposed to actual surround speakers.
Flat gets better
As noted, several plasmas and LCDs are on tap, including a slick 50-inch plasma that will retail for $12,999 when it hits the street in April. That plasma boasts an integrated 802.11a wireless media box that allows you to stream video and other content to it. A 42-inch EDTV plasma will retail for $4,499 and offer built-in virtual-surround technology. Meanwhile, Samsung LCDs will start at $599 for a 15-inch model and go up to $4,499 for the 32-incher. Again, we're not seeing a significant price drop for LCDs or plasmas, but users should see an incremental improvement in picture quality and additional connectivity.
HTIB goes Bluetooth
In the HTIB realm, the most talked-about piece of gear is the compact HT-DB490 ($499), a kit that features wireless rear-channel speakers employing Rear Block Bluetooth Wireless Technology. The company was set to announce the HT-SK4, another $500 HTIB that includes Klipsch speakers, but that turned out to be premature. It's unclear whether or not that product will ship in 2004.
The DVD lineup
Last but not least, Samsung is updating its line of DVI-equipped DVD players, which are designed to work with many of the company's new HDTVs and offer improved picture quality with DLP, LCD, and plasma TVs. Unfortunately, the DVD-HD841 ($249) and HD-941 ($349) won't be available until the fall. Coming in April, however, are a portable DVD player with a whopping 12-inch screen ($1,199) and two new sub-$500 DVD recorders that appear hauntingly similar to Panasonic models.
A third DVD recorder with a 120GB hard drive is supposed to show up in August, so it looks like Samsung will keep us busy writing reviews throughout the coming year.
Companies have been promising that LCD, LCoS, and DLP rear-projection TVs would slim down to sizes that begin to rival flat-panel displays, and the HLP5685W is evidence of that progression. The set is powered by Texas Instruments' new HD-2 Plus chip that allows for a 1,280x720 resolution, enough to show every pixel of 720p HDTV. This 56-incher has both a DVI and a HDMI connection, which are compatible with the latest cable and satellite set-top boxes, as well as with DVI DVD players.
The HLP5685W is due out in September and will sell for just less than $5,499. By comparison, a plasma display of a similar size would retail for more than $10,000. That said, we're still a little surprised to see that prices for DLP rear-projection sets aren't dropping--even for models that aren't all that slim. For example, in June, Samsung is set to release a second floor-standing 56-inch DLP set that's not quite as thin and is also powered by the new TI HD-2 Plus chipset. That TV is tentatively priced at around $5,000.
DLP-based HDTVs aren't the only rear-projection sets that Samsung has announced. The company is showing off a couple of new CRT-based HDTVs, including a budget 42-inch tabletop model that will list for $1,299 when it arrives in April. Samsung is also planning a 43-inch tabletop model ($1,999) with an integrated DVD player and surround-sound system, though it uses simulated surround as opposed to actual surround speakers.
Flat gets better
As noted, several plasmas and LCDs are on tap, including a slick 50-inch plasma that will retail for $12,999 when it hits the street in April. That plasma boasts an integrated 802.11a wireless media box that allows you to stream video and other content to it. A 42-inch EDTV plasma will retail for $4,499 and offer built-in virtual-surround technology. Meanwhile, Samsung LCDs will start at $599 for a 15-inch model and go up to $4,499 for the 32-incher. Again, we're not seeing a significant price drop for LCDs or plasmas, but users should see an incremental improvement in picture quality and additional connectivity.
 The compact Samsung HT-DB490 HTIB with wireless rear-channel speakers |
In the HTIB realm, the most talked-about piece of gear is the compact HT-DB490 ($499), a kit that features wireless rear-channel speakers employing Rear Block Bluetooth Wireless Technology. The company was set to announce the HT-SK4, another $500 HTIB that includes Klipsch speakers, but that turned out to be premature. It's unclear whether or not that product will ship in 2004.
 Samsung DVD-HD841 DVI DVD player |
Last but not least, Samsung is updating its line of DVI-equipped DVD players, which are designed to work with many of the company's new HDTVs and offer improved picture quality with DLP, LCD, and plasma TVs. Unfortunately, the DVD-HD841 ($249) and HD-941 ($349) won't be available until the fall. Coming in April, however, are a portable DVD player with a whopping 12-inch screen ($1,199) and two new sub-$500 DVD recorders that appear hauntingly similar to Panasonic models.
A third DVD recorder with a 120GB hard drive is supposed to show up in August, so it looks like Samsung will keep us busy writing reviews throughout the coming year.
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David Carnoy is an executive editor for electronics coverage at CNET. Got a question for him? Let us know.
