Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[DIY CRT is fun, slightly dangerous, won't lead to a home-made TV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/diy-crt-is-fun-slightly-dangerous-wont-lead-to-a-home-made-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/diy-crt-is-fun-slightly-dangerous-wont-lead-to-a-home-made-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/diy-crt-is-fun-slightly-dangerous-wont-lead-to-a-home-made-tv/#comments DIY CRT Looking for a DIY project with a bit more danger than an Arduino-powered TV muter, but don't have the resources to start building a fusion reactor in your garage? Well, challenge yourself with this electron accelerator project that requires little more than a wine bottle, a vacuum pump, a neon sign transformer and a diode from a microwave oven. OK, so that's not exactly a list of components you're likely to have laying around, but they're not terribly difficult to come by and at the end of the day you'll have your very own, home-made cathode ray tube. That's right, just like the one inside that TV you finally junked last week. You won't be able to create your own old-school display with it, but you will be able to observe interesting effects like sputtering (a ring of metal ion deposits) and magnetic deflection. Check out the instructions at the source and the video after the break.

Continue reading DIY CRT is fun, slightly dangerous, won't lead to a home-made TV

DIY CRT is fun, slightly dangerous, won't lead to a home-made TV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cathode ray tubeCathodeRayTubecrtdiydo it yourselfDoItYourselfelectron acceleratorElectronAcceleratorinstructableprojectvideoMon, 22 Aug 2011 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Unicat retro TV channels the 1940s, bidding now underway]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/12/unicat-retro-tv-channels-the-1940s-bidding-now-underway/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/12/unicat-retro-tv-channels-the-1940s-bidding-now-underway/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/12/unicat-retro-tv-channels-the-1940s-bidding-now-underway/#comments How does technology a half-century old manage to be this sexy? We're not certain. But this one-of-a-kind, handmade retro television -- which seemingly combines an old desktop lamp and a giant magnifying glass -- definitely tugs at our heartstrings. With a 5.5-inch monochrome CRT screen and no inputs to speak of, you won't be watching Blu-rays on this set, and its PAL standard and 220V plug mean non-Europeans might not be bothered to try. Still, for an old over-the-air TV, it's remarkably full-featured, with knobs for volume, band (VHF-L / VHF-H / UHF), brightness, contrast and V-sync, and we can't get over its clean, handsome design. If your Nixie tube collection is getting lonely, check out the auction at our source link; bidding starts at €300.

Gallery: UNICAT retro television set by DJ Design


[Thanks, Alex]

Unicat retro TV channels the 1940s, bidding now underway originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artblack and whiteBlackAndWhiteBWCRTdesignDIYDJ DesignDjDesignhomemademonomonochromemonochrome tvMonochromeTvPALretrosteampunksteampunk tvSteampunkTvtelevisiontvUHFuniquev-syncVHFMon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[LG's Classic TV gives old CRT new legs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/25/lgs-classic-tv-gives-old-crt-new-legs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/25/lgs-classic-tv-gives-old-crt-new-legs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/25/lgs-classic-tv-gives-old-crt-new-legs/#commentsLG's Classic TV gives old CRT new legs In these complex, digital days, it's easy to yearn for simpler, analog times -- when everything was daisy-chained coax cable and all you needed was the odd RF adapter to get your gaming on. LG is taking its customers back in time with the Classic TV, an honest to gosh CRT clothed in period-appropriate attire. While it does break with tradition slightly by including a remote control, it offers nicely tactile dials and even a set of color-matched rabbit ears, making it the perfect thing for hooking up your Famicom or watching Astroboy re-runs. It's available now in Korea, your choice of basic black or cheeky red for ₩ 249,000. That equates to about $215, but don't go looking for it in your local Caldor flier.

LG's Classic TV gives old CRT new legs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicclassic tvClassicTvcrtlglg classic tvLgClassicTvrabbit earsRabbitEarsretrorfMon, 25 Jan 2010 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[LPD display tech from Prysm uses lasers, phosphors, groovy Flash intros]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/lpd-display-tech-from-prysm-uses-lasers-phosphors-groovy-flash/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/lpd-display-tech-from-prysm-uses-lasers-phosphors-groovy-flash/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/lpd-display-tech-from-prysm-uses-lasers-phosphors-groovy-flash/#commentsLPD display tech from Prysm uses lasers, phosphors, groovy Flash intros Well, it's Thursday. You know what that means: it's time for another new revolutionary display technology that will offer better image quality at lower costs and with reduced energy consumption. Today's breakthrough is LPD, or Laser Phosphor Displays. They rely on a screen covered in phosphors, much like a traditional CRT, but instead of a scanning beam of electrons those pixels are excited by a series of lasers. It seems rather similar to SED and FED tech, but with lasers rather than cathodes, thus making it roughly 23 times more awesome. The display tech is said to be able to created in any shape or size, and with its long lifespan and low power consumption is being targeted toward large-scale installations for advertising and the like. Don't believe the hype? Turn up those speakers, click on that read link, and prepare to be awed by the breathless potential of... Prysm.

LPD display tech from Prysm uses lasers, phosphors, groovy Flash intros originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcrtdisplay technologyDisplayTechnologyfedfuturelaser phosphor displayLaserPhosphorDisplaylpdprysmsedThu, 14 Jan 2010 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[1930's rear projection TV in the UK still in service]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/21/1930s-rear-projection-tv-in-the-uk-still-in-service/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/21/1930s-rear-projection-tv-in-the-uk-still-in-service/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/21/1930s-rear-projection-tv-in-the-uk-still-in-service/#comments1936 UK TV
It's really easy to forget how far we've come in the past 70 or so years, while at the same time how some things stay the same. This 12-inch CRT might be the oldest working TV in the UK and has even been modified so it could be connected to a modern day converter box to gain access to Freeview -- no word if the owner is paid up on his TV license though. But what's really interesting here is that it is a rear project TV with the main mirror being mounted on fold down lid to help it blend in with the home's decor when not in use -- and to think we thought the idea of finding ways to hide HDTVs was a new idea or something.

Continue reading 1930's rear projection TV in the UK still in service

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1930's rear projection TV in the UK still in service originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crthdmiscrear projectionRearProjectionRPTVUKTue, 21 Jul 2009 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a tour through Panasonic's CRT & flat panel TV recycling center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/take-a-tour-through-panasonics-crt-and-flat-panel-tv-recycling-ce/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/take-a-tour-through-panasonics-crt-and-flat-panel-tv-recycling-ce/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/take-a-tour-through-panasonics-crt-and-flat-panel-tv-recycling-ce/#comments
Less remarked upon in our CES 2009 coverage was the green factor consistently mentioned in many presentations, with various manufacturers promising more responsible production facilities, and plans to offer recycling for all the old televisions that will be replaced in the years to come. Courtesy of AV Watch and Google Translate, we can take a tour through one of Panasonic's recycling facilities, where the latest breakthrough uses a laser beam to separate the front and rear glass of CRTs, allowing for three times faster processing. If there's anything better than machine translation, old TVs headed for certain doom, and lasers, we have no idea what it is.

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Take a tour through Panasonic's CRT & flat panel TV recycling center originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crthdjapanlcdpanasonicplasmarecyclerecyclingFri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Students create CRT emulator, hope to recapture that analog gaming vibe of yesteryear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/students-create-crt-emulator-hope-to-recapture-that-analog-gami/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/students-create-crt-emulator-hope-to-recapture-that-analog-gami/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/students-create-crt-emulator-hope-to-recapture-that-analog-gami/#comments The retro gaming insurgence seems as strong as vinyl these days, but you don't see as many people looking for a CRT monitor to complete the set. More likely, they're playing a HD remake or the original title on a digital screen in more detail than the developers ever anticipated or intended. A group of Georgia Tech students are looking to change all that by modifying open-source Atari 2600 VCS emulator Stella to give players that good ole fashion analog vibe. As highlighted by associate professor Ian Bogost, key attributes such as color bleed, "burned" afterimage, RF-engendered signal noise, and texture created by the phosphor glow have been imitated here in recreating the effect. Hit up the gallery below for pictorial examples while we wait anxiously for video and / or the mod itself to rear its blurry head.

Gallery: Students create CRT emulator, hope to recapture that analog gaming vibe of yesteryear

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Students create CRT emulator, hope to recapture that analog gaming vibe of yesteryear originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>26002600 vcs2600Vcsatariatari 2600atari 2600 vcsatari emulatoratari vcsAtari2600Atari2600VcsAtariEmulatorAtariVcscrtcrt emulatorcrt monitorCrtEmulatorCrtMonitordigitaldisplaysemulatorgamegamesgaminggeorgia techGeorgiaTechhackhacksian bogostIanBogostlcdledmodmodsvcsvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGamesMon, 04 May 2009 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi's 65-inch Diamond WD-65835 RPTV HDTV reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/28/mitsubishis-65-inch-diamond-wd-65835-rptv-hdtv-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/28/mitsubishis-65-inch-diamond-wd-65835-rptv-hdtv-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/28/mitsubishis-65-inch-diamond-wd-65835-rptv-hdtv-reviewed/#comments
If you've been eying something a touch larger than Samsung's 61-inch HL61A650, why not consider Mitsubishi's WD-65835? The 65-inch Diamond series set was overshadowed by the altogether more intriguing LaserVue when it was introduced this Spring, but there's still a lot here worth loving. The surprisingly lightweight set was found to have accurate colors, "convincingly deep blacks" and a "bright, punchy, dimensional image," all of which sound characteristically Mitsu. Truth be told, critics had a tough time knocking the image quality at all under real-world scenarios, noting that its "exceptional contrast and solid blacks" easily trumped all but a few flat-panels. All that praise for a 65-incher under three grand? Smells like a winner if you've got the space.

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Mitsubishi's 65-inch Diamond WD-65835 RPTV HDTV reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crtDiamondhdhdtvMitsubishireviewreviewedRPTVWD-65835Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's 61-inch HL61A650 RPTV HDTV reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/24/samsungs-61-inch-hl61a650-rptv-hdtv-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/24/samsungs-61-inch-hl61a650-rptv-hdtv-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/24/samsungs-61-inch-hl61a650-rptv-hdtv-reviewed/#comments
Let's face it: there aren't too many new RPTVs hitting the market these days, but for those looking to save a little coin at the expense of a little depth, Samsung's HL61A650 is worth a look. The reviewers over at Home Theater Mag were able to take this beast in for a sit-down, and overall, they were duly impressed. The 61-incher included a respectable amount of ports, sufficient picture controls, very accurate colors and a swell remote. The main knock (outside of the bulky size) was the lackluster black level; in fact, critics noted that it was "among the worst that it had measured." That aside (if you can overlook it), but HDTV was said to perform "well above its pay grade," meaning that it could be an "ideal set at the right price for the casual viewer who will leave it in Dynamic mode and watch a heavy dose of sports in a brightly lit room."

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Samsung's 61-inch HL61A650 RPTV HDTV reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crthdhdtvHL61A650rear projectionRearProjectionreviewreviewedRPTVsamsungWed, 24 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Officials urging new TV buyers to not junk their analog sets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/officials-urging-new-tv-buyers-to-not-junk-their-analog-sets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/officials-urging-new-tv-buyers-to-not-junk-their-analog-sets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/officials-urging-new-tv-buyers-to-not-junk-their-analog-sets/#comments
Earlier this week we discussed the pros and cons of picking up a new digital tuner-equipped TV or simply throwing a DTV converter onto the analog set you already own. Needless to say, quite a few individuals across America will be choosing the former option, which creates quite the issue: where are all of those old sets going to go? Early on, surveys showed that people were most likely to resell it, donate it or recycle it, but we all know how easy it is to utter the politically correct response when under the microscope. In reality, there's a great chance that a large quantity of analog TVs will end up in the dump, and officials are making an eleventh hour push to encourage individuals to recycle their screen rather than clog up a nearby landfill. Given that we live here too, we'd also like to encourage the act of recycling if you're planning on ditching the old for something new -- wouldn't want the DTV conversion to be the start of the Apocalypse or something.

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Officials urging new TV buyers to not junk their analog sets originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009analog shutoffanalog tvAnalogShutoffAnalogTvcrtcutoverdigital tv transitionDigitalTvTransitioneco-friendlygreenhdold tvOldTvrecycleswitchovertrashtvwasteSun, 21 Dec 2008 02:57:00 EST<![CDATA[LCD shipments expected to skyrocket in Latin America]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/19/lcd-shipments-expected-to-skyrocket-in-latin-america/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/19/lcd-shipments-expected-to-skyrocket-in-latin-america/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/19/lcd-shipments-expected-to-skyrocket-in-latin-america/#comments
With DirecTV launching HD service in Latin America, we'd say it's about time its residents realized that flat-panels are the wave of the future present. According to a fresh iSuppli report, the Latin American television market is expected to make a hasty and noticeable transition between now and 2012. Reportedly, LCD TV shipments to the region are set to rise and account for over 83% of the market in under four years; meanwhile, shipments of bulky CRT sets will decline to make up around 8% of the total market. The numbers are pretty baffling when you consider that CRTs held 77.4% of the market just last year, and it's actually rather scary to think where all of those soon-to-be-unwanted sets will end up.

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LCD shipments expected to skyrocket in Latin America originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Latin America latinAmerica2012crtdataflat-panelglobalgrowthhdiSupplilcdlcd hdtvlcd tvLcdHdtvLcdTvresearchrptvshipmentsstudyFri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RealD launches stereoscopic converter PODs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/reald-launches-stereoscopic-converter-pods/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/reald-launches-stereoscopic-converter-pods/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/reald-launches-stereoscopic-converter-pods/#commentsQuite frankly, we're still a bit miffed at what all RealD's 3D-PODs actually are, but we can (attempt to) explain what they do. Straight from Real3D's lips, it is delivering the "first 3D stereoscopic converter PODs," which present a "simple conversion solution when upgrading to a new stereoscopic display monitor, such as a DLP or XPOL HDTV." Still confused? Let us forge on: "the PODs automatically detect the output format from a connected display device and convert most stereo-enabled software applications from native stereoscopic output format to the required format for stereo viewing on the display monitor." We're told that these PODs (three variants are available) are specifically aimed at R&D environments, where "3D visualization is heavily used and where departments or organizations are seeking alternatives to CRT display technology for stereoscopic applications." Hmmph -- this would all be so much easier to digest if there were an accompanying image.

[Via SoCalTech]

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RealD launches stereoscopic converter PODs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d-podCRThdother hardwareotherhardwarePODRealDRealD 3dReald3dStereoscopicStereoscopic converterStereoscopicConverterTue, 16 Dec 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Will tough times give RPTVs one final breath of life?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/18/will-tough-times-give-rptvs-one-final-breath-of-life/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/18/will-tough-times-give-rptvs-one-final-breath-of-life/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/18/will-tough-times-give-rptvs-one-final-breath-of-life/#comments
People love their money, sure, but people still love their style. A thought-provoking article over at CNET has us pondering whether or not these tough economic times will actually increase sales of thick RPTVs during the holiday season. After all, the desire for high-def isn't apt to wane while the belt tightens, but consumers may begin to sacrifice thinness in order to finally bring home a big screen of their own. In our estimation, we can't say in good faith that we think CRT / RPTV sales will skyrocket while flat-panels struggle, particularly when you realize just how cheap these wall-mountable sets will be on Black Friday and during the run-up to that final week in December. It's a cute gesture, but we're still saying the heartbeat for chunky sets is growing weaker by the day.

[Thanks, Anthony]

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Will tough times give RPTVs one final breath of life? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer spendingconsumersConsumerSpendingcrtdlpeconomyhdhdtvrear projectionRearProjectionRPTVsalesTue, 18 Nov 2008 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: China's wasteland of toxic consumer electronics revealed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/10/video-chinas-toxic-wastelands-of-consumer-electronics-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/10/video-chinas-toxic-wastelands-of-consumer-electronics-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/10/video-chinas-toxic-wastelands-of-consumer-electronics-revealed/#comments
Any self-respecting gadget hound knows that China is responsible for packing millions of shipping containers with the consumer electronics we crave. What you may not know is what we ship in return: our waste for recycling. Of growing concern is e-waste, resulting from the deluge of PCs, cellphones, televisions and crapgadgets we churn through at an accelerating clip each year. While domestic recycling programs are good-intentioned, often the most toxic of our e-waste is shipped illegally back to China and boiled down for its precious metals under some of the most crude conditions you can imagine. When faced with the choice of familial poverty or the slow accumulation of poison in their bloodstream (for $8 per day), it's not hard to imagine what many rural Chinese people will choose. So while we give Greenpeace's self-congratulatory promotions and oft-subjective "Guide to Greener Electronics" company ratings the occasional hard time, their attempts to raise e-waste awareness are commendable. Now go ahead, check the video from 60 Minutes' intrepid reporters after the break and let the guilt wash over you.

Update: As noted by reader Jason, a more thorough (and disturbing) exploration of these e-waste dumps can be found in a Current TV video shot last year in the same region.

Continue reading Video: China's wasteland of toxic consumer electronics revealed

Video: China's wasteland of toxic consumer electronics revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacrte-wasteenvironmentewastepoisonrecyclerecyclingwasteMon, 10 Nov 2008 04:11:00 EST<![CDATA[DisplaySearch report takes long, hard look at flat-panel maturity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/23/displaysearch-report-takes-long-hard-look-at-flat-panel-maturit/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/23/displaysearch-report-takes-long-hard-look-at-flat-panel-maturit/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/23/displaysearch-report-takes-long-hard-look-at-flat-panel-maturit/#comments
It's pretty obvious that flat-panel sales have the potential to slow (and that sets could get really, really cheap) in the current economic environment, but a new report from DisplaySearch asserts that the problem may be exacerbated by flat-panel maturity. According to David Barnes, DisplaySearch strategic analysis VP, the "concerns over contracting consumer demand over the near term may grab headlines today, but slower growth may be a long-term trend in the flat-panel market." In fact, it's expected that 4 out of 5 TVs in 2011 will use flat-panel technologies, meaning that this double-digit yearly growth we've grown accustomed to could be coming to an end. Of course, techs like OLED, SED (ahem) and holograms are just around the corner -- and be honest, who wouldn't trade in their KURO for a floating 1080p image with perfect contrast?

[Via TWICE]

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DisplaySearch report takes long, hard look at flat-panel maturity originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adoptionanalysisanalystcrtdatadisplaysearchflat-panelgrowthhdhdtvlcdplasmareportresearchsalesThu, 23 Oct 2008 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's 61-inch Samsung HL61A750 RPTV gets reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/samsungs-61-inch-samsung-hl61a750-rptv-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/samsungs-61-inch-samsung-hl61a750-rptv-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/samsungs-61-inch-samsung-hl61a750-rptv-gets-reviewed/#comments
You're probably dusting the dirt from your spectacles as we speak, but yes, the set you see above is an RPTV. You know, those not exactly wafer-thin rear-projection TVs that used to be all the rage? This 61-inch set provides an awful lot of screen space for not a lot of dough (comparatively speaking), and as with most sets with a little junk in the trunk, picture quality was seen as "excellent" in a recent CNET review. On the downside, off-angle performance was expectedly poor and there was no 2:3 pulldown for SD sources, but the positives here far outweighed the negatives. For under $1,800 (way under in some places), you can get 61-inches of LED-backlit goodness in your den -- just have to make room for it, is all.

[Thanks, Matthew]

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Samsung's 61-inch Samsung HL61A750 RPTV gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crtdlphdhdtvHL61A750rear projectionRearProjectionreviewreviewedsamsungTue, 22 Jul 2008 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[LCD outsells plasma 8-to-1 in Q1 2008]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/lcd-outsells-plasma-8-to-1-in-q1-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/lcd-outsells-plasma-8-to-1-in-q1-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/lcd-outsells-plasma-8-to-1-in-q1-2008/#commentsDisplaySearch global sales volumesNot so long ago, the good people at DisplaySearch were forecasting good times for plasma. But there's no way around the first quarter of 2008 global sales numbers that show LCD outsold plasma by an 8 to 1 margin. Take a breath -- those are global sales numbers -- but it still isn't the most encouraging news for plasma fans. Worldwide, plasma has a frenemy in good old CRT, though, which actually edged out LCD on its way to the highest sales volume. Click on through for all the numbers, but globally it looks like this: LCD is taking over, plasma is moving into a very small niche, RPTV is all but gone and CRT is going down with a fight.

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LCD outsells plasma 8-to-1 in Q1 2008 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 May 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crtDisplaySearchdlpglobalhdlcdmarket shareMarketShareplasmaresearchsalesvolumeThu, 22 May 2008 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey shows consumers aren't apt to trash analog sets post-cutover]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/survey-shows-consumers-arent-apt-to-trash-analog-sets-post-cuto/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/survey-shows-consumers-arent-apt-to-trash-analog-sets-post-cuto/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/survey-shows-consumers-arent-apt-to-trash-analog-sets-post-cuto/#comments
Granted, almost half of OTA-only households in America (48-percent, to be precise) are planning on picking up a digital converter box in order to get a few more years of life out of their old set, but for those taking other routes -- like spending their stimulus checks on a new flat-panel -- it seems as if tossing 'em in the garbage is a last resort. According to new research from the Consumer Electronics Association, fewer than 15 million NTSC-only TVs will be removed from homes through 2010. Of those, 95-percent will be resold, donated or recycled -- or so the owners say. We can also remember a time when Salvation Army accepted bulky, inefficient CRT computer monitors with open arms, but trying to hand one over today can be a lesson in futility depending on the store. All in all, we figure it's easy for respondents to voice good intentions, but shortly after these sets become useless in the OTA realm without a DTV converter, we have our doubts about the vast majority of them dodging the dump for very long.

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Survey shows consumers aren't apt to trash analog sets post-cutover originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009ceacrtcutoverdonategreenhdrecycleresearchsellstudysurveyswitchoverwasteWed, 02 Apr 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony bids adieu to Trinitron CRT sets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/sony-bids-adieu-to-trinitron-crt-sets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/sony-bids-adieu-to-trinitron-crt-sets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/sony-bids-adieu-to-trinitron-crt-sets/#comments Just months after Sony hauled its RPTV production business off to the graveyard, the firm is now bidding a fond farewell to the Trinitron CRT. Believe it or not, the first Trinitron became a reality in 1968, and here we are some 40 years later shedding a tear as LCDs and OLED displays steal the thunder. Reportedly, the firm has moved some 280 million units worldwide between televisions and computer monitors, but we suppose all good things must eventually come to an end. So long, Trinitron -- it's been a mighty impressive run.

[Via Slashgear]

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Sony bids adieu to Trinitron CRT sets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscrtdeadeolhdtvkillkilledripsonyTrinitronMon, 03 Mar 2008 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony bids adieu to Trinitron CRT sets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/sony-bids-adieu-to-trinitron-crt-sets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/sony-bids-adieu-to-trinitron-crt-sets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/sony-bids-adieu-to-trinitron-crt-sets/#comments Just months after Sony hauled its RPTV production business off to the graveyard, the firm is now bidding a fond farewell to the Trinitron CRT. Believe it or not, the first Trinitron became a reality in 1968, and here we are some 40 years later shedding a tear as LCDs and OLED displays steal the thunder. Reportedly, the firm has moved some 280 million units worldwide between televisions and computer monitors, but we suppose all good things must eventually come to an end. So long, Trinitron -- it's been a mighty impressive run.

[Via Slashgear]

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Sony bids adieu to Trinitron CRT sets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscrtdeadeolhdkillkilledripsonyTrinitronMon, 03 Mar 2008 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Worldwide LCD TV shipments surpass CRTs for first time ever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/worldwide-lcd-tv-shipments-surpass-crts-for-first-time-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/worldwide-lcd-tv-shipments-surpass-crts-for-first-time-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/worldwide-lcd-tv-shipments-surpass-crts-for-first-time-ever/#comments
Just days after Sony vaulted to the top of North American LCD sales charts, DisplaySearch is now reporting that worldwide shipments of LCD TVs have overtaken CRT TVs for the first time in the history of the universe. More specifically, LCD TV sales rose some 56-percent year over year, and 47-percent of the world's TV market is now held by said technology. Reportedly, the transition from CRT to LCD was seen as a logical one, considering that it could extend down to sizes smaller than 20-inches and satisfy desires for large-screen sets. We know you're just itching to go diving head first into more numbers on the subject, so feel free to toss on those wire-rimmed glasses and hit the read link below.

[Via TGDaily]

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Worldwide LCD TV shipments surpass CRTs for first time ever originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrtDisplaySearchhdtvindustrylcdmarket shareMarketShareresearchsalesshipmentTue, 19 Feb 2008 20:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Worldwide LCD TV shipments surpass CRTs for first time ever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/worldwide-lcd-tv-shipments-surpass-crts-for-first-time-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/worldwide-lcd-tv-shipments-surpass-crts-for-first-time-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/worldwide-lcd-tv-shipments-surpass-crts-for-first-time-ever/#comments
Just days after Sony vaulted to the top of North American LCD sales charts, DisplaySearch is now reporting that worldwide shipments of LCD TVs have overtaken CRT TVs for the first time in the history of the universe. More specifically, LCD TV sales rose some 56-percent year over year, and 47-percent of the world's TV market is now held by said technology. Reportedly, the transition from CRT to LCD was seen as a logical one, considering that it could extend down to sizes smaller than 20-inches and satisfy desires for large-screen sets. We know you're just itching to go diving head first into more numbers on the subject, so feel free to toss on those wire-rimmed glasses and hit the read link below.

[Via TGDaily]

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Worldwide LCD TV shipments surpass CRTs for first time ever originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrtDisplaySearchhdindustrylcdmarket shareMarketShareresearchsalesshipmentTue, 19 Feb 2008 20:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung sticks by RPTV, intros HL67A750A / HL56A650A]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/06/samsung-sticks-by-rptv-intros-hl67a750a-hl56a650a/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/06/samsung-sticks-by-rptv-intros-hl67a750a-hl56a650a/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/06/samsung-sticks-by-rptv-intros-hl67a750a-hl56a650a/#comments While the rest of the world seems to be bailing on RPTVs, Samsung is using CES to showcase a pair of all new DLP rear-projection sets. Up to bat first is the 61- / 67-inch HL67A750A, and here's a look at what it's packing:
  • Next-generation LED light engine: no color wheel, longer set life (30,000 hours)
  • Full HD 1080p resolution and 10,000:1 contrast ratio
  • 3D Ready integration with 3D accessory kit (sold separately)
  • Four HDMI 1.3 ports with CEC
  • USB 2.0 socket for PMPs, cameras, etc.
  • Single-tuner picture-in-picture (PIP) can display two separate sources without an external tuner
But wait, there's more! Click on through to see it.

Continue reading Samsung sticks by RPTV, intros HL67A750A / HL56A650A

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Samsung sticks by RPTV, intros HL67A750A / HL56A650A originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pces 2008Ces2008crtdlphdhdmiHL56A650AHL67A750AledrptvsamsungSun, 06 Jan 2008 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[RPTV sales up in latest reports, plasma falls again to LCD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/rptv-sales-up-in-latest-reports-plasma-falls-again-to-lcd/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/rptv-sales-up-in-latest-reports-plasma-falls-again-to-lcd/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/rptv-sales-up-in-latest-reports-plasma-falls-again-to-lcd/#commentsIt was around this time last year when we saw RPTV sales hit an unexpected jump, but honestly, we wouldn't read too much into it. Manufacturers are bailing from the aging technology left and right, and even though sales were up 27-percent in October over September (tallying "the highest unit sales since May"), these figures are still "less than half" of what was seen in January. Additionally, 1080p LCDs outsold 1080p plasmas in the 50- to 54-inch arena "by nearly three to one," and research from Pacific Media Associates also discovered that LCDs "made up 80-percent of flat panels sold" in the 26-inches or larger category. Also of note, street prices sunk around 30-percent from the same month a year ago, and while Samsung led the flat-panel market with a nearly 20-percent share, Toshiba's 32-inch 32HL67 was said to be the best seller.

[Image courtesy of NFM]

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RPTV sales up in latest reports, plasma falls again to LCD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrthdindustrylcdoutsoldplasmarankingsresearchrptvsalesMon, 17 Dec 2007 07:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Seiko Epson ceases production, sales of RPTVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/seiko-epson-ceases-production-sales-of-rptvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/seiko-epson-ceases-production-sales-of-rptvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/seiko-epson-ceases-production-sales-of-rptvs/#commentsNot even a full month after Hitachi pulled the plug on its own RPTVs and started looking to sell off its CRT operations, Seiko Epson has come forward and announced that it too will discontinue the production and sales of its rear-projection televisions. Reportedly, the outfit will be refocusing efforts on front projectors, and judging by its installation at CEDIA, we can't say we're shocked to hear it. It should be noted that the firm will "continue its research and development activities for rear-projection models," and moreover, a company spokesman proclaimed that it wasn't totally withdrawing from the rear-projection TV "business" -- whatever that means. Another one bites the dust, we suppose.

[Image courtesy of Astera]

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Seiko Epson ceases production, sales of RPTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrtepsonhdindustryrptvsalesSeiko EpsonSeikoEpsonThu, 06 Dec 2007 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips, Samsung named in CRT-cartel suit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/01/philips-samsung-named-in-crt-cartel-suit/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/01/philips-samsung-named-in-crt-cartel-suit/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/01/philips-samsung-named-in-crt-cartel-suit/#commentsPhilips, Samsung named in CRT-cartel suitA whole bevy of companies have been named in a suit alleging that a CRT-cartel has been price-fixing the good-old tube. Companies claimed to be "in on the fix" include Philips, LG, Tatung, Matsushita, Samsung and Toshiba. The suit states that these companies banded together in the face of (precipitously) dropping demand for CRT-based sets to, you guessed it, keep prices artificially high. The plaintiff's lawyer cites "...unnatural and sustained price stability, as well as inexplicable increases in the prices of CRTs" as evidence of the shady goings-on stretching back to 1998. Ten years seems like a stretch to us, and we haven't exactly been keeping up with CRT prices; but we'll see how this one settles out.

[Image courtesy of TheHarrowGroup]

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Philips, Samsung named in CRT-cartel suit originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartelcrthdlawsuitlgphilipssamsungTatungtoshibaSat, 01 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitachi unsurprisingly looks to sell stake in CRT operations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/28/hitachi-unsurprisingly-looks-to-sell-stake-in-crt-operations/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/28/hitachi-unsurprisingly-looks-to-sell-stake-in-crt-operations/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/28/hitachi-unsurprisingly-looks-to-sell-stake-in-crt-operations/#comments
Not even a month after Hitachi announced that it would be axing production and sales of RPTVs in North America, the firm has followed up by stating its intentions to sell its entire stake in a Chinese joint venture that produces CRTs. More specifically, the firm will offload its 25-percent stake in Shenzhen SEG Hitachi Color Display Devices to a local investor for 175 million yuan, or around $24 million. Reportedly, the company will be focusing the newly-freed resources on "growth areas such as plasmas," but that doesn't exactly jive with Hitachi's previous viewpoints on the generally shaky PDP market. Nevertheless, we can't say that we're shocked to hear of this exit, but so long as we're headed onwards and upwards, you won't find us tearing up over the loss.

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Hitachi unsurprisingly looks to sell stake in CRT operations originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrthdHITACHIindustryrptvsell offSellOffWed, 28 Nov 2007 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitachi pulls the plug on RPTVs in North America]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/08/hitachi-pulls-the-plug-on-rptvs-in-north-america/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/08/hitachi-pulls-the-plug-on-rptvs-in-north-america/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/08/hitachi-pulls-the-plug-on-rptvs-in-north-america/#commentsHitachi halts RPTVs in North AmericaHitachi has announced it's stopping production and sales of its LCD- and CRT-based RPTVs in North America. The production facility in Mexico which serves the North American market was actually shut down this summer. While this might not come as much of a surprise to us, this is a sure sign that the average consumer's idea of what a "big screen, HD" TV is has shifted from a monstrous box to a slim flat panel. The torch has been passed, and recent announcements indicate that Hitachi is smitten with the "thin is in" concept as well. We expect to see similar decisions from other manufacturers in the future as LCDs and PDPs continue their roll. There's some nostalgia for the huge behemoths that were our introduction to HDTV, but you really couldn't pay us to go back.

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Hitachi pulls the plug on RPTVs in North America originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crthdHitachilcdplasmaRPTVThu, 08 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's still the #1 TV manufacturer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/28/samsungs-still-the-1-tv-manufacturer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/28/samsungs-still-the-1-tv-manufacturer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/28/samsungs-still-the-1-tv-manufacturer/#commentsVizio may have snatched the sales crown when it comes to LCDs in the U.S., but Samsung maintained it's position as the largest worldwide TV manufacturer in the second quarter. Following Samsung's 12.4% market share were LG with 11.4% and Philips with 7.1%. The numbers were run by iSuppli, who forecast the quickening demise of the CRT, with it dropping to 38% of unit shipments in 2009, compared to 56% this year. No word on exactly what part of that was HDTVs, but we hope buyers are getting the most quality possible out of those new plasmas and LCDs.

[Via TV Snob]

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Samsung's still the #1 TV manufacturer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crthdisupplilcdplasmasalessamsungFri, 28 Sep 2007 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[How much power does your HDTV use?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/how-much-power-does-your-hdtv-use/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/how-much-power-does-your-hdtv-use/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/how-much-power-does-your-hdtv-use/#commentsPioneer Plasma
CNET took 54 HDTVs and analyzed their power requirements to answer this question. The results are interesting, but not very surprising and include an estimated yearly expense for each. The yearly number is based on leaving your TV on for eight hours a day and sixteen hours in stand-by. While most technologies used similar amounts of power, there were some exceptions like the 65-inch Sharp LCD which uses almost 600 watts of power in their tests. This is more than any of the Plasmas which were around 500 watts for a similar size. In the end the size made the biggest difference and microdisplays overall used the least amount of power. As interesting as we find this, in the grand scheme of things it isn't a lot of money, even the most expensive TV only costs $19 a month to run.

[Via TVSnob.com]

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How much power does your HDTV use? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CNETcrtdlphdlcdlcosplasmaPowerThu, 27 Sep 2007 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Q Acoustics' decor-friendly QAV HT speakers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/12/q-acoustics-decor-friendly-qav-ht-speakers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/12/q-acoustics-decor-friendly-qav-ht-speakers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/12/q-acoustics-decor-friendly-qav-ht-speakers/#commentsQ Acoustics QAV soundbarLarge HD displays are a lot less of an eyesore than in the days when CRT RPTV's ruled the roost. But unless you install in-wall speakers, you're still left with speaker cabinets spoiling your floor plan. Q Acoustics is hoping to make the speakers disappear with their QAV lineup, though. These speakers achieve svelteness by using NXT's latest design, the "Balanced Mode Radiator," which rounds out the typically thin sound of NXT's panels by adding a traditional cone driver. Q Acoustics is especially proud of the pictured "soundbar," which puts all three front channels in a single unit that adjusts to span the width of your TV. We're skeptical that 40" of separation between left and right can produce a soundstage, but it does cut down on visual clutter. No word on US availability, but you can pick up a 5.1 set in the UK for £600 ($1200).

[Thanks, dv9r]

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Q Acoustics' decor-friendly QAV HT speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CRThdNXTothersQ AcousticsQAcousticsQAVRPTVspeakersWed, 12 Sep 2007 01:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Expect $699 42-inch LCDs this holiday season]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/24/expect-699-42-inch-lcds-this-holiday-season/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/24/expect-699-42-inch-lcds-this-holiday-season/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/24/expect-699-42-inch-lcds-this-holiday-season/#comments

LCD prices just keep on dropping and it looks like they might hit rock bottom before the '07 Christmas spending season. Reports suggest that they will finally cost less than their CRT counterparts and bargain shoppers should be able to pick up a 42-inch "second-tier" (aka cheap, no-name house brands) LCD for around $699. The 32-inchers should go for around $299-399 which would officially make 'em less expensive than those 'ol CRTs. Walmart/Costco shoppers might be happy with these prices on the cheaper models and honestly, if a person is satisfied with the picture these sets produce; great, buy the less expensive LCD and start enjoying high definition.

[Via TGDaily]

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Expect $699 42-inch LCDs this holiday season originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapcrthdholidaylcdFri, 24 Aug 2007 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Does your HDTV support 1:1 pixel mapping?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/does-your-hdtv-support-1-1-pixel-mapping/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/does-your-hdtv-support-1-1-pixel-mapping/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/does-your-hdtv-support-1-1-pixel-mapping/#commentsMeasuring Overscan
Even if you don't know what 1:1 pixel mapping is, you probably think your TV supports it. If your TV does support this viewing mode, odds are it isn't on by default. 1:1 pixel mapping means your TV is capable of displaying the image sent to it pixel for pixel, without scaling or processing the video in any way. In other words, if your TV is fed 1920x1080p, then it displays 1920x1080p. Believe it or not usually your digital LCD, DLP or even Plasma takes the 1920x1080 image, shaves off a few lines and displays it. The reason isn't a good one, but it's 'cause TVs have had overscan so long that when digital TVs came along they actually engineered overscan into the set. This is not the case at all on computer monitors, where even one missing line is noticed. So if you want to see if your TV is capable of showing you the whole picture, look it up in your manual for a "pc mode" or even "dot by dot", or just head over to the AVSForum for a comprehensive list of HDTVs that support this elusive feature.

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Does your HDTV support 1:1 pixel mapping? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1:1 pixel mapping1:1PixelMappingcrtdlphdlcdlcosoverscanpixel by pixelPixelByPixelplasmaprojectorMon, 20 Aug 2007 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[CNET unveils its top-rated HDTVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/cnet-unveils-its-top-rated-hdtvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/cnet-unveils-its-top-rated-hdtvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/cnet-unveils-its-top-rated-hdtvs/#comments
Yeah, we've already let you guys voice your opinion on the best HDTV out there, but now its time for CNET to dish out an updated version of the "top-rated HDTVs regardless of type, technology, brand, or size." Taking a respectable fourth is the Samsung LN-T4665F, which was praised for its excellent shadow detail and beautiful styling, while the Pioneer PDP-5070HD managed to squeeze into third thanks to its accurate color decoding and impressive array of inputs. The first loser (or runner-up, depending on perspective) was the Mitsubishi WD-65831, which was dubbed "as good as it gets" in the 65-inch range for those not savvy with high-end plasma pricetags. Unsprisingly, Pioneer's stunning PRO-FHD1 took top honors due to its excellent detail with 1080-resolution material, deep blacks, and all around excellent picture quality. Of course, this very set also took home the gold in an earlier showdown, so if you've been teetering on how to blow wisely spend $8,000 or so, the choice seems pretty clear at this stage.

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CNET unveils its top-rated HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bestcompetitioncrtdlphdLN-T4665FmitsubishiPDP-5070HDpioneerplasmaPRO-FHD1rankingratedsamsungtop ratedTopRatedWD-65831Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City trims HDTV selection, blames 1080p for slipping sales]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/circuit-city-trims-hdtv-selection-blames-1080p-for-slipping-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/circuit-city-trims-hdtv-selection-blames-1080p-for-slipping-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/circuit-city-trims-hdtv-selection-blames-1080p-for-slipping-sal/#commentsTo be perfectly honest, it's only disappointing that it has taken Circuit City this long to realize that relying primarily on the sales of highly marked-up HDTVs to boost its bottom line was a direful decision. Still, it is impressive to see the company finally break away from its past and "no longer regard TVs as the centerpiece of its product strategy." Reportedly, the firm will soon be eliminating many models from its floor, giving users fewer selections and aiming to sell more 42-inch and under models that may fall below the magical $1,000 price point. Interestingly enough, CEO Phil Schoonover was quoted as stating that his outfit had really been "emphasizing 1080p, maybe to its detriment," and noted that 720p ought to be "good enough" for today's modern shopper. Right, we're sure the plummeting sales have nothing to do with that Wally World across the way.

[Image courtesy of ICSC]

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Circuit City trims HDTV selection, blames 1080p for slipping sales originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p720pbusinesscccircuit cityCircuitCitycomplaintcrtdlpflat-panelhdlcdmarketingplasmasalesWed, 04 Jul 2007 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY project turns an oscilloscope into a clock]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/11/diy-project-turns-an-oscilloscope-into-a-clock/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/11/diy-project-turns-an-oscilloscope-into-a-clock/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/11/diy-project-turns-an-oscilloscope-into-a-clock/#comments
While the highly-regarded Pong clock has long held the crown for most intriguing DIY clock, it looks like the leaderboard could be seeing a change. Frank Techniek's interesting oscilloscope conversion is yet another prime example of turning vintage (or otherwise idiosyncratic) kit into a modern day gadget, and the 20MHz TRIO that once read signal voltages for a living is now enjoying an unusually time consuming (ahem) retirement. Per usual, this expert-minded endeavor involved more circuitry, soldering, resistors, and time off than we have room to explain, but if you're interested in propping one of these up in your den, be sure to hit the read link for the nicely detailed bill of materials and assembly instructions.

[Via MAKE]

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DIY project turns an oscilloscope into a clock originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 02:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clockcrtdacdiymodoscilloscoperesistortriowatchWed, 11 Apr 2007 02:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Kmart had a $20 HDTV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/kmart-had-a-20-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/kmart-had-a-20-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/kmart-had-a-20-hdtv/#commentsWish someone would have told us (we do have a tip line) about this earlier. Did you know that Kmart had a 46-inch Hitachi HDTV clearenced out at $20 bucks? Well, that's the word according to the Baltimore ABC affiliate, ABC2 and surprise, surprise, Kmart didn't honor the price. A few friends placed orders for the obviously miss-priced TV and didn't end up getting their sets. Retailers have to honor misprinted ads - as long as they don't have a handy-dandy sign next to the item stating the correct price - but they can cancel online orders with the click of button. Honestly though, who would think that Kmart would actually give them the TV but who wouldn't try anyways?

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Kmart had a $20 HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crthdhdtvhitachikmartTue, 10 Apr 2007 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple TV kinda sorta works with certain 4:3 SD TVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/23/apple-tv-kinda-sorta-works-with-certain-4-3-sd-tvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/23/apple-tv-kinda-sorta-works-with-certain-4-3-sd-tvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/23/apple-tv-kinda-sorta-works-with-certain-4-3-sd-tvs/#comments
Semi-good news for the folks out there short a fancy widescreen display to plug an Apple TV into: nothing's going to explode or nothing if you go ahead and hook it up to your regular old TV. The folks at Rogue Amoeba have been celebrating just such a feat, since the Apple TV seems to be running just fine at 480i on their ghetto-school 4:3 CRT via component, unfortunately, it seems their celebrations are a tad premature. They claim to have video running unsquished, but as you can see in the pic above, which compares the Rogue setup to our own, the menu at least is most definitely being squeezed to fit. The word on the street is that 4:3 TVs are fine as long as they have the proper hookups and a simulated widescreen mode, but it's pretty clear that the Apple TV itself provides no support for 4:3 viewing.

[Via El Reg]

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Apple TV kinda sorta works with certain 4:3 SD TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4:3apple tvAppleTvcomponentcrtwidescreenFri, 23 Mar 2007 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[House Republicans propose warning labels for analog TVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/house-republicans-propose-warning-labels-for-analog-tvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/house-republicans-propose-warning-labels-for-analog-tvs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/house-republicans-propose-warning-labels-for-analog-tvs/#commentsIf a group of House Republicans have their way, television manufacturers still trying to convince consumers of the questionable benefits of analog TV may soon have a harder time making their case, as they'll be required to slap a big 'ol label on that old-school tube warning potential buyers of its considerable shortcomings. According to TV Week, the bill proposed by Republican members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce would mandate that all analog-only TVs carry the message that "this TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after Feb. 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts." Not exactly "this TV can kill you," but hardly a selling point either. The bill would also require cable and satellite service providers to deliver regular reports detailing their consumer educations efforts, as well as require that the FCC create its own consumer outreach effort and provide details on the number of customers that have redeemed coupons for cable boxes. While the prospects of the bill passing aren't clear, it has picked up at least one big supporter, with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) quickly hopping on board to endorse it.

[Via Lost Remote]

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House Republicans propose warning labels for analog TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog tvAnalogTvcrthdotatelevisiontvWed, 24 Jan 2007 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The quest for an HDTV this holiday season]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/16/the-quest-for-an-hdtv-this-holiday-season/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/16/the-quest-for-an-hdtv-this-holiday-season/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/16/the-quest-for-an-hdtv-this-holiday-season/#commentsWhich HDTV?Keeping up with the latest in HD can make you forget how difficult it can be for the above average consumer to find the right HDTV. Sure the average Joe would just go in the store an buy what is on sale or what the salesman sells him, but the above average consumer has his work cut out for him. He isn't an HD nut like us, he doesn't live and breath HD news by reading Engadget HD every day, but he knows enough to want to make the right decision. This is what Paul Boutin from Slate Magazine found out on his quest for an HDTV this holiday season. He learned a lot along the way, but missed the main point because he didn't end up buying a HDTV. He did realize that all TVs have problems, but he missed the point that having any HDTV is better than not having one at all and you just need to pick the one that has problems you can live with. He also learned something that surprised us, clerks in the store actually tried to talk him out of 1080p, yeah that's right. We don't get it either, sure 1080p isn't for everyone, but if someone wants the best despite the fact they might not actually notice the difference, why try to talk him out of it?

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The quest for an HDTV this holiday season originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pcrtdlpHDHDTVlcdlcosplasmaprojectorsedSat, 16 Dec 2006 12:51:00 EST