HP to drop rear projection TVs from its lineup?

HP is poised to eliminate rear projection sets altogether from its TV lineup, according to an early preview the company gave of the range to be introduced at CES. While the company has in recent years maintained a range of DLP-based rear projection sets (pictured at left), the CES 2007 announcement carries no mention of any such sets, opting instead for LCD and plasma screens. HP has already excised any mention of DLP from its site. No comments were made by the firm regarding the change, but the move reflects a recent shift towards direct-view sets, whose increasing size and reduced cost have largely obviated the need for bulkier projectors.

Few details of the new lineup have been revealed, but include 42- and 47-inch sets (shown, right) capable of a full 1080p resolution, each coming with or without HP's MediaSmart sharing technology built in. Plasmas at 42- and 50-inch sizes will also be available, as should a line of inexpensive 720p sets ranging from 32 to 42 inches in size. Full details should become available with the opening of CES next week. [Via Crave]