Thinner rear-projector LCD

Samsung continues its CES announcements with word of a new line of rear-projection LCDs (not shown), supposedly thinner and lighter than similar models, which are often comparable in size to conventional CRTs. The new LCDs will come with screens ranging from 50 to 60 inches, and will be no more than 10 inches deep, making them light enough to hang on a wall and not much thicker than a flat-panel display. The new sets will also be approximately 30 percent cheaper than the equivalent flat-panel models.

The company isn't devoting itself exclusively to this technology, however. Digital Media President G.S. Choi says Samsung will be doubling production of plasma TVs in 2007, with a particular emphasis on larger sizes, as demonstrated by a forthcoming 80-inch model. Frames are also being redesigned on the sets to make them as much as 30 percent thinner. On show at CES will be a wireless plasma TV, which will receive input from set-top, Blu-Ray and HD DVD sources. Matching this will be Samsung's second-generation Blu-Ray player, expected to cost 20 percent less than the first-generation. Choi says the company has no plans at this time to release a hybrid player like LG's. [Via CNET]

By Electronista Staff