OTHER TECH

Tubed Out

Q. Why do the TV manufacturers seem to ignore smaller-tube (24 inches and under) HDTVs? I know of only a few 26- and 27-inch tube HDTVs available. LCD HDTVs are always promoted, but I still think the prices of LCDs remain stubbornly high and that getting HD into more homes means making more reliable, affordable tube TVs. Francis Valente III NEW YORK, NY

A. Al Griffin says: As you've observed, TVs that use tubes to generate images are practically extinct except in the small screen-size range. But unlike the ivory-billed woodpecker, big tubes won't be coming back any time soon. One reason is LCD's flat form-factor - people love the look of the sleek new sets and are willing to pay a premium. TV manufacturers are only too happy to oblige, redoubling their efforts to crank out more LCD TVs. Even so, there are LCD bargains to be found. Some less well-known companies offer 27-inch widescreen LCDs for about $600 - roughly the same price range as similar-size tube HDTVs. Although that might still sound steep to the average 19-inch TV-owner, that kind of consumer probably isn't interested in HDTV, and will continue to watch TV on cheap, standard-definition tube sets well into the digital future.

Is 720p Enough?

Q. I recently bought a Sony VPL-HS51A LCD projector based on your magazine's excellent review. I was disappointed, however, after reading your review of Toshiba's HD DVD player (June 2006)! You mention in your introduction that "...this baby needs, wants a 1080p display." Does this mean that there will there be a huge difference in picture quality on my Cineza vs. any other 1080p projector on the market when connected to an HD DVD or Blu-ray player? And based on your general comments regarding 720p vs 1080p in your review of the Toshiba, do I need to upgrade to a 1080p projector in the near future? Karthik Subramanian Aurora, IL

A. Al Griffin says: A high-quality 720p-resolution front projector like yours can display stunning high-def pictures, especially when hooked up to an HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc player. But the additional pixels contained on a 1080p model's display chip will enable it to show more detail in 1080i sources like the Toshiba HD DVD player that Sound & Vision frothed over (a bit too much, apparently). The picture quality leap won't be so overwhelming that you'll need to rush out and buy a new projector - unless you're a hardcore videophile, that is, and have the excess cash to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest and greatest video technology. Plus, the benefit will depend on the size of your screen and how far you sit from it. For help in figuring out whether 1080p will really make a difference for you, check out David Ranada's "Tech Talk" column Maxing Out Resolution.