ByD:sign / EyeFi unveils antiquated 42-inch plasma
By Darren Murph 
posted Dec 29th 2006 4:15AM
posted Dec 29th 2006 4:15AM
It's one thing to be fashionably late, but to arrive at a party that essentially ended months ago (at least) and expect to shake things up is probably an ill-advised move. Nevertheless, Japan's ByD:sign (badged as EyeFi here in the States) is offering up a 42-inch plasma TV (PE-4202DFK) that sports a built-in digital terrestrial tuner and manages to include an HDMI input, but somehow touts a completely uninspiring 852 x 480 resolution. Just in case the rest of the specs even matter after that blow, it also features 1,500 cd/m2 brightness, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, Genesis DCDi chip, S-Video / composite, VGA, analog / optical audio, and removable 10-watt stereo speakers as well. While the lowly resolution may suit your Wii playing needs just fine, you won't enjoy any crisp HD DVDs or Blu-rays in their full, unadulterated glory here, and at a whopping ¥170,000 ($1,430), you can do a whole lot better for your money anyway.
I'm sure Panasonic is proud of these guys for upholding the honor of plasma displays. I bet they also make great VCRs.
It seems like there have been a ton of posts like these on Engadget over the last few months, more so than before. It used to be that you guys posted about products that had some new or interesting feature or something that was implemented particularly well. Now you post every time any manufacturer adds an item to its product line. Why even bother if a product such as this is so totally uninspiring?
I agree with sinz. Keep it current - I come here for cutting edge stuff, not this rubbish.
Yes, but it's still plasma. Anyone know the life-expectancy of a plasma screen? I've heard 5-10 years from people, which isn't too good.
This is an article that bears little truth. I then question all other so called cutting edge crap this site has posted. Go to bydsign.com and you can see there entire product line and spec sheets. Also, check your facts, byd:sign has been in the USA for 2 years now. They also introduced the first Wi Fi remote called Smart Remote at CES last month. Cutting Edge? You bet!