Hdtv Televisions

Flat-Panel Displays Flat-panel LCDs already offer incredible resolution for their relative size. Expect this increasingly popular technology to include more models offering enhanced color accuracy and improved performance with full-motion video. Compared to recent CES showings, it's unlikely that we will see many static images or "simple" video being used to demonstrate LCD's current capabilities.

Plasma display panels (PDPs) will continue their domination of the flat-panel category. Increasing grayscale granularity as well as upping perceived contrast ratios are among the changes we're looking forward to seeing first hand. Of course, the 80-inch (or larger) behemoths will likely make a return appearance. But, panel improvements in the 50-inch and smaller models have become increasingly affordable this past year.

Rear-projection This affordable big-screen technology will see further enhancements on several fronts. Rear-projection TVs (RPTV) based around TI's latest DLP technology will boast improved black levels and reductions to inherent display artifacts. Attendees of the last CES were wowed by TI's preview of the 1080p "xHD3" DLP part (via Samsung) and we expect matured products to return for strong showing. We would like to see at least one manufacturer incorporate TI's impressive part into a stand-alone projector.

LCD-based RPTVs are among the most popular with consumers and manufacturers are gearing up to show off new designs incorporating features such as 3-LCD models (improved color accuracy) as well as increased effective resolution. It will be interesting to see if the latest LCD RPTVs can approach the small cabinet sizes offered by competing DLP-based designs.

RPTVs using Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) technology have been slow to reach consumers. With the long-standing promise of "affordable HDTV for all", LCoS has been hampered by manufacturing difficulties and the increasing maturity of LCD/DLP technologies. If the "shimmering image" problem I've seen with every LCoS RPTV to date can be addressed (and prices truly become competitive), it would go a long way toward convincing me that this technology isn't "too little, too late."

Wish list What excites me the most about the 2005 CES are the unknowns. Will we see paper-thin OLED televisions reach the stores this summer? How about a laser-based video projector? Something completely unexpected that makes you stop and say "wow"? While the first two are wishful thinking at best, the very nature of CES makes the last question a certainty.

Copyright © 2005 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in PC Magazine.

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