HP phasing out MediaSmart LCD HDTVs?
updated 02:50 pm EDT, Tue October 28, 2008
HP quits HDTV production
A Monday report has HP exiting its MediaSmart LCD TV business by phasing out and stopping sales of its MediaSmart HDTV line-up. The company will instead focus on its MediaSmart Connect digital media receivers that connects to users' existing HDTVs and enables them to browse the net, view photos or movies or perform any other functions via their PCs.
While no official word has come from HP, it is likely the growing competition from other LCD makers and the high costs of incorporating the media extender technology into HDTV sets is what spurred the change in strategy. The move also hurts Microsoft's efforts and hopes to cater to users with Internet-connected HDTVs thanks to built-in extender technology in their living rooms, although HP's MediaSmart Connect is compatible with Windows Media Center Extender functions.
HP's MediaSmart Connect is available now, priced at $350.
HP MediaSmart Connect digital media receiver
