mos6507's Blog

Cool. Wonder if they can make video projectors that way...

Cool. Wonder if they can make video projectors that way...

 

You mean front projection, right? Never been a fan of rear projection (which presumably this is) because of the viewing angle issues and the bulk. Front projector is what I'm looking for. I've been holding off on a projector for ages because of the bulb issue. A 1080P laser front projector would pretty much be the ultimate.

Yep - front projection. Basically, I'm looking for something bright enough to burn a hole in the wall.

Here's a follow-up blog on the laser TV. Given the blogger's reaction, it does sound impressive. The original story also mentioned 3D capabilities, which piqued my interest. Unfortunately, from the blog story:

 

The TVs used at the demo were prototypes, but you'll be able to get your hands on the real thing in Fall of 2008. Though pricing isn't announced, I was told that you won't see the Laser TVs at your Best Buys and Circuit Citys. Rather, they'll only be available through high-end retailers.

Sounds like these TVs will be in the 5 to 10 thousand dollar range. It will be years before us common folk will have access to them, similar to the status of HDTV sets five years ago.

I think laser TV should compete favorably to OLED, which is another technology touted for its color accuracy. The thing is, if OLED can't solve the lifecycle issues, laser may just clean up.

 

I'd be curious to know whether it could resolve the "deep color" depth of HDMI 1.3a.

 

I think I'd be willing to spend $5K on a laser front projector, since you wouldn't have to replace the bulbs. I'd have to see the rear projector in person to see how bad the viewing angles are.

My threshold of pain for buying a TV is around $1000. Last year I picked up a 50 inch Vizio plasma for $1200, and I've been very happy with it. The TV industry is in such a state of flux right now that you can only expect to use your TV for 2 to 3 years before something on it is "obsoleted". I get a strong vibe of planned obsolescence coming from this industry.

 

A good example is HDMI. 5 years ago no TVs supported HDMI. But today, if you don't have an HDMI port on your TV you're TSOL, regardless of how much you paid for it.