2005 HDTV Report, Part 5: Analysis of H/DTV Equipment

[Rodolfo]

Panel technology and microchip-based displays have taken a larger position in the HDTV market. The price reduction experienced on LCD and Plasma panels is remarkable compared to the year before. DLP and LCD are the main technologies now used for RPTV's, although CRT is not yet withdrawing from the market. Many major companies are still introducing new lines of RPTV and Direct-view models based on CRT technology, which continues to offer the best value for a good quality display known for its excellent rendition of black, provided space and weight are not a constraint. Additionally, with the new introduction of slim tubes using 33% less depth, direct-view sets might create a shift on the market share for second/third room applications, where small LCD panels were starting to be adopted in 2003/4. The LCoS technology is showing some successes but also some disappointments, there is a parallel effect of companies switching in and out of the LCoS technology depending of the manufacturer or chip-company. LCD panels are becoming larger and larger from one year to another; last year's 40-inch screens introduction seemed a big step forward, a step into the domain of plasmas; this year the competition for even larger panels is heating up. The larger LCD TV panels are now at 1920x1080 resolution on the 45+ sizes, while in plasmas the 1080p resolution is seen on much larger sizes. CES 2005 showed a larger volume of integrated sets to meet the FCC mandate and deadlines, however, there are still at least two issues to be resolved: a) the cost of integration and HD-STB's is still too high, and b) integrated QAM CableCARD tuners are being implemented with only unidirectional limited functionality. The integration extra cost was expected to come down, and is gradually happening, but is not yet to the level it should be. Consumers purchasing a HDTV might not be aware of the actual cost of integration they are subjected to endure. Are you one of those?

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