HP ditching DLP TVs for flat-panel sets
The end may be near for this DLP set.
HP announced its new lineup of HDTVs for 2007, and the biggest news is probably that its well-received DLP (digital light processing) rear-projection sets aren't being refreshed for the new year. Word is that the company will let stores sell through the DLPs still out there, but that's it. The focus for 2007 will be on flat-panel models. It's strange, considering that the company invested heavily in DLP technology.
Although I suggested in a recent column that the future for rear-projection sets was pretty dim, I think it's a shame HP's rear-projection sets may soon be extinct. I liked their look and the hideaway front-panel inputs. Alas, a good design and good reviews don't always translate into big sales.
As for new flat-panel models, HP's trotting out 9 new HDTVs at CES 2007. Highlights include bigger sizes--the LCD models now come in 42- and 47-inch screens--and 1080p support. Two top-end MediaSmart models feature built-in wireless media streaming along with 1080p support.
One of the two new MediaSmart LCD TVs
HP will also offer a couple of new plasmas: a 42-inch and a 50-inch. The specs say they have a 60,000-hour lifespan and, naturally, a VGA input for PC connectivity along with multiple HDMI ports. In fact, all HP's new sets will feature three HDMI ports. The company still hasn't announced pricing or availability, but here's the complete list:
2007 HP Flat Panel Televisions
- HP 1080p LC4276N 42-inch LCD TV
- HP 1080p LC4776N 47-inch LCD TV
- HP 720p LC3272N 32-inch LCD TV
- HP 720p LC3772N 37-inch LCD TV
- HP 720p LC4272N 42-inch LCD TV
- HP PL4272N 42-inch plasma TV
- HP PL5072N 50-inch plasma TV
2007 MediaSmart Televisions
Hunkered down in New York City, Executive Editor David Carnoy covers the gamut of gadgets and writes his Fully Equipped column, which carries the tag line "The electronics you lust for." He's also the author of "Knife Music," a novel. E-mail David. Follow David on Twitter. 
Rear projection for the main players is less costly to produce and therefore sell has a great picture and increasingly being bought by people who could care less about hanging their TV on the wall.
Samsung has been successful with RPTV's that have a nice design and sold performance.
My sense is that RPTV will be around for a long time and doubt they will go away.
Rear projection for the main players is less costly to produce and therefore sell has a great picture and increasingly being bought by people who could care less about hanging their TV on the wall.
Samsung has been successful with RPTV's that have a nice design and sold performance.
My sense is that RPTV will be around for a long time and doubt they will go away.
- by dlbs3sons January 31, 2009 11:36 AM PST
- I'm not in the least bit surprised HD dumped DLP!! If I had known then what I know now, my TV would've gone back too!! I bought a HP DLP 52 inch TV less than 2 yrs ago, I've had nothing but problems with the TV. After less than 6 months, HP replaced my original unit with a brand new unit. Surprise surprise!! Within a few months I stated having problems with that unit also. My current unit quit working totally less than 1 yr after being replaced! I've been informed by HP that they are no longer making TV's!! And that the new TV had only a 90 day warranty on it, no one informed me of this at the time, or if any extended warranty could be purchased! And now they tell me I can take the TV (a 140 lb unit, which weighs more than I do) into their repair shop and get it fixed for a little over $700, which was 1/2 the original purchase price of the unit, imagine my surprise when I was given this information! Whenever I speak with anyone at HP tell me they can't do anything for me, but they are very interested in my feedback. To bad my feedback won't allow me to watch TV!!
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