Crave

Rear-projection TV: heading toward extinction.

(Credit: CNET)

Will rear-projection TV sales plunge to near zero within the next 48 months? That's what a new study from IDC Group claims. With ever larger plasma and (especially) LCD flat-panel HDTVs becoming ever more affordable, IDC sees sales of RPTV sets--those utilizing DLP and LCoS microdisplays--dropping to under 30,000 units by 2011. That's a dramatic drop from the peak of 3.51 million sold in 2004 (according to the CEA).

None of this is shocking news, of course--the trend toward flat panels has been increasingly irreversible as large plasmas and LCD screens continue to break key price-point barriers. For the consumer, however, it's the best news of all: LCD and plasma prices continue to drop, and even larger rear-pro TVs will approach fire-sale prices as they have their last hurrah.

SOURCE: CNBC video interview--Becky Quick discusses the IDC report with Ruben Roy, Pacific Crest Securities semiconductor analyst, and Eric Haruki, IDC research director.

(Update 11-14-07) Since this post first published, we have reviewed the 46-inch model from each series described below. For complete details check out the full reviews of the Samsung LN-T4671F and the Samsung LN-T4681F . For further information on the company's less-expensive lineup of flat-panel LCD HDTVs, check out our roundup.

Samsung LN-T71F series

Samsung LN-T71F series

(Credit: Samsung)

The big step-up feature for this series is a 120Hz refresh rate, which is said to cut down on the motion blur sometimes seen by sharp-eyed viewers in fast-moving scenes -- although in our tests of 60Hz LCDs, motion blur hasn't been an issue. Samsung's processing also smooths out judder inherent in film-based sources, a feature found on 120Hz LCDs from Sony and Toshiba, among others. Compared to the less-expensive 65F series, the 71F series also boasts a higher contrast ratio, which might mean better black-level performance, but we doubt if the improvement is all that noticeable despite the very high 25,000:1 spec. Styling is also a bit different, too, incorporating chrome plating to accent the standard glossy black. Of course, these models include the same shiny screen we complained about in the LN-T4665F review, which Samsung calls "Super clear panel."

Models (estimated selling prices)

• Samsung LN-T4071F ($2,699)
• Samsung LN-T4671F review ($3,399)
• Samsung LN-T5271F ($4,399)

Step-up features (over the LN-T65F series)

• 120Hz refresh rate
• anti-judder processing
• 25,000:1 contrast ratio
• chrome plating

Samsung LN-T81F series

Samsung LN-T81F series

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung's highest-end LCD-based HDTVs for 2007, the LN-T81F series, includes the first widely distributed flat-panel LCDs that replace the traditional fluorescent backlight (the TV's light source) with LED technology. The benefits, according to Samsung, include more-accurate color and better black-level performance, to the extent that the company is claiming a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, the highest yet for a shipping flat-panel set. The TVs are said to achieve these deep black levels because the dark areas of the display can be turned off completely--traditional LCD backlights are always on, which causes "black" areas of the picture to brighten a bit as the light leaks through--with so-called local dimming technology. All this pretty-sounding technology costs a pretty penny compared to the 71F series (from $300 to $600 extra depending on screen size), but it has the potential to really improve picture quality. Needless to say, we're excited to review one of the 81F series and check out the claims for ourselves. As we mentioned above, the 81F series lacks the 120Hz scan rate of the 71F series, but does offer anti-judder processing.

Models (estimated selling prices)

• Samsung LN-T4081F ($2,999)
• Samsung LN-T4681F review ($3,999)
• Samsung LN-T5281F ($4,999)
• Samsung LN-T5781F ($6,999)

Step-up features

• LED backlight
• local dimming
• 100,000:1 contrast ratio

We've reviewed three models from Samsung's 2007 flat-panel LCD lineup so far this year: the LN-T4665F, the LN-T4661F and the LN-T3253H. If those model numbers don't mean much to you, don't worry. We'll take you through the company's 2007 LCD lineup from least- to most-expensive, and when we don't have actual reviews we'll provide our take on step-up features and how the models relate to one another. Update 07-12-2007: Samsung has announced two additional series of LCD TVs for 2007, detailed here.

Samsung LN-T42H series

Samsung LN-T3242H

(Credit: Samsung)

This is Samsung's entry-level LCD series. We haven't reviewed any of these sets, but we expect them to perform similarly to the LN-T3253H (see below), which we did review. The 26-, 32- and 40-inch models might exhibit slightly worse black-level performance than their 53H counterparts, however, since they have slightly worse contrast-ratio specs, but we don't know for sure. The features on the 42H series are typical of what you'd expect from a name-brand LCD maker. All have the standard LCD native resolution of 1,366x768, all are clad in glossy black, and all have speakers mounted to the sides as opposed to the bottom. They also include a couple of extras that some entry-level sets skip, including picture-in-picture. Models smaller than 32 inches get two HDMI inputs, while the 32-, 40- and 46-inch models add a third on the front panel and a swivel stand--both uncommon among entry-level HDTVs.

Models

• Samsung LN-T2342H
• Samsung LN-T2642H
• Samsung LN-T3242H
• Samsung LN-T4042H
• Samsung LN-T4642H

Entry-level features

• 1,366x768 native resolution on all models
• Two HDMI inputs, three on 32-inch and larger models
• Picture-in-picture
• Side-mounted speakers
• Swivel stand on 32-inch and larger models

Samsung LN-T32H series

Samsung LN-T3232H

(Credit: Samsung)

Although generally a bit less expensive than the 42H series above, the LN-T32H series is reserved for selected distributors and isn't available in many places, so it's not the company's official entry-level line. We haven't reviewed any of these models, so we don't know for sure, but we expect them to perform slightly worse than the LN-T42H series, on account of their lower contrast-ratio specs. They also lack picture-in-picture and the third HDMI input on the larger models, but otherwise their specs are very similar to the 42H series.

Models

• Samsung LN-T2332H
• Samsung LN-T2632H
• Samsung LN-T3232H
• Samsung LN-T3732H

Samsung LN-T53/54H series

Samsung LN-T3253H

(Credit: CNET)

Samsung LN-T2354H

(Credit: Samsung)

This is Samsung's midline LCD series, which includes the company's best 32-inch and smaller sets, as well as its only 19-inch models. The 19- and 23-inch models are available in both the standard glossy black and a white finish--the latter distinguished by the "54H" at the end of the model name. We liked the 32-inch model we reviewed quite a bit, noting the numerous picture controls, solid video quality, and excellent connectivity. We expect the 40-inch model to perform about the same as the 32-inch, but the smaller sets have different specs, including lower contrast ratios, so they might not offer the same level of picture quality as the 32-incher we reviewed. Aside from rounded styling and speakers mounted on the bottom of the frame, these sets have all of the features of the 42H series (including three HDMI inputs and swivel stands in the 32- and 40-inch models). The 26-inch and larger versions add a so-called Wide color enhancer, which in our tests didn't render color as well as the standard setting. The 32- and 40-inch versions have USB ports that can connect with thumbdrives to display JPEG photos or play MP3 music. These two sets can also control compatible gear using just the HDMI connection and the TV's remote.

Models

• Samsung LN-T1953H
• Samsung LN-T1954H
• Samsung LN-T2353H
• Samsung LN-T2354H
• Samsung LN-T2653H
• Samsung LN-T3253H review
• Samsung LN-T4053H

Step-up features

• Bottom-mounted speakers
• Wide color control
• HDMI control on 32- and 40-inch models
• USB port on 32- and 40-inch models

Samsung LN-T5H series

Samsung LN-T405H

(Credit: Samsung)

Much like the LN-T32H series detailed above, the LN-T5H series of Samsung LCDs is reserved for limited distribution. The sets in this series will probably be cheaper in most cases than their equivalent sizes in the LN-T53/54H line, and they're also missing a couple features, including that third HDMI port, the USB port, picture-in-picture, the swivel stand, and the Wide color control. Most of the picture-related specs are the same, however, so although we haven't reviewed any of the models in this line and can't say for sure, we expect them to perform as well as the LN-T3253H we reviewed.

Models

• Samsung LN-T325H
• Samsung LN-T375H
• Samsung LN-T405H

Samsung LN-T61F series

Samsung LN-T4661F

(Credit: CNET)

We've reviewed the 46-inch model in this series, the LN-T4661F, and we generally liked what we saw. The LN-T61F series includes the least-expensive Samsung LCDs with 1080p native resolution, which allows them to display every detail of 1080i and 1080p content (more info). The visibility of that extra detail depends on many factors, however, including seating distance, and if you sit a normal distance from the set, say about 7 feet away from the 46-inch model, you'll probably have a hard time appreciating the extra resolution. Other step-up features include HDMI 1.3 inputs, which are of dubious value as explained in the review. Otherwise they have basically the same feature sets as the 32- and 40-inch members of the LN-T53/54H series.

Models

• Samsung LN-T4061F
• Samsung LN-T4661F review

Step-up features

• 1080p native resolution
• HDMI 1.3 inputs

Samsung LN-T65F series

Samsung LN-T4665F

(Credit: CNET)

We've reviewed the 46-inch model in this series, the LN-T4661F, and it was one of the best-performing LCD TVs we've seen so far. The main difference between these sets and their step-down 1080p cousins in the 61F line can be found on the screen. The 65F LCDs have screens with a shiny finish that tends to reflect a lot of ambient room lighting, so they might not be the best choice in light-filled rooms. Then again, the LN-T4665F we reviewed exhibited excellent depth of black and especially shadow detail--surpassing the 61F in the latter area--so home theater buffs who can control room lighting might be willing to put up with the shiny screen. Aside from the screen and the price, the two series have basically identical features, although the 65F series is the only one to include a 52-inch model.

Models

• Samsung LN-T4065F
• Samsung LN-T4665F review
• Samsung LN-T5265F

Step-up features

• Shiny screen

We'll update this article if we review another Samsung LCD mentioned above.

Pioneer's new plasma TVs boast the technology's best-ever black levels

(Credit: Pioneer)

Gizmodo's got the early scoop on the new Pioneer plasmas. Early prototypes of these eighth-generation panels turned heads when they were originally on display at January's Consumer Electronics Show, and the company has finally supplied the pricing and availability details for the entire line:

Pioneer PDP-4280HD (42-inch, $2,700, June)
Pioneer PDP-5080HD (50-inch, $3,500, June)
Pioneer Elite PRO-950HD (42-inch, $3,200, July)
Pioneer Elite PRO-1150HD (50-inch, $4,500, July)

1080p models:
Pioneer PDP-5010FD (50-inch, $5,000, September)
Pioneer PDP-6010FD (60-inch, $6,500, September)
Pioneer Elite PRO-110FD (50-inch, $6,000, September)
Pioneer Elite PRO-150FD (60-inch, $7,500, September)

The big selling point that Pioneer is talking up on these models is the contrast ratio, which is said to be as high as 20,000:1 on some models. With flat-panel LCDs offering larger screen sizes, lower prices, and ever-better black levels (check out the Samsung LN-T4665F, for example), these new Pioneers are looking to raise the bar for plasma yet again. Senior Editor David Katzmaier--who's not easily impressed--suggested that the CES technology demons of the new plasma technology "evinced some of the deepest blacks" he'd seen yet in a flat-panel TV. And there's no denying that Pioneer has an impressive pedigree when it comes to plasma technology--its recent PRO-FHD1 and PDP-5070HD models are two of the three top-rated HDTVs on CNET Reviews. In other words, if you're a critical viewer who's in the market for a flat-panel TV, it's worth waiting a few weeks to see if the shipping versions of the new Pioneers deliver. (CNET will have full hands-on reviews as soon as samples are available.)

Read pricing and details of Pioneer's new plasmas (Gizmodo).

Additional resources:

• Read the CNET review: Pioneer PDP-5070HD
• Read the CNET review: Pioneer PRO-FHD1
• CNET editors' top TVs
• HDTV World