Samsung Introduces 61W" DLP
By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 10/14/2002
MINNEAPOLIS— Samsung previewed for CEDIA show goers its largest HDTV rear-projection monitor based on TI's HD-2 DLP technology, a new HD-level 40W-inch direct-view LCD TV monitor, and an ultra-thin 42W-inch plasma panel.
The 61W-inch Tantus HLM617W ($5,995 suggested retail price), 16:9 HDTV DLP monitor, measures 21.5-inches deep and weighs 103 pounds.
"This model features a slightly different design, with a charcoal gray bezel," noted Steve Panosian, Samsung display products senior marketing manager. "On a larger box, we felt the darker accent would be more attractive to consumers than keeping a uniform silver appearance."
The video display is powered by a 120-watt lamp with an expected 6,000-hour life.
Because the unit produces a larger image, Samsung opted to enhance the up-conversion/scaling capability by adding Faroudja's 2300 DCDi deinterlacing chip, which includes integrated image scaling to 720p. Other Samsung DLP models use the 2200 chip, which requires a separate scaling chip, Panosian said.
Samsung adds its proprietary Digital Natural Image Engine (DNIe), which adds white level, contrast and detail enhancement along with noise reduction.
Other features in the current 43W- and 50W-inch DLP models are the same.
Panosian said the unit rollout will follow the launch pattern of the previously introduced DLP models, starting shortly with a soft launch to key participating Pro Group members "and select Magnolia Hi-Fi type accounts." However, Samsung will not produce a derivative model of the 61W-inch unit for major accounts, as was done with the smaller pieces.
Samsung will monitor customer satisfaction for a couple of months before distributing on a broader scale in the first quarter of 2003.
"We will position this a couple hundred dollars over the price of Sony's Grand Wega (LCD rear-projection set), to send a subtle little message," Panosian said.
The LTM405W LCD monitor is scheduled to ship this month at a $9,999.99 suggested retail price. It measures 2.3-inches thick and weighs 50 pounds. It will accept both television and PC input.
The SPN-4235 is a 42W-inch PDP, which was billed "the world's thinnest" at 2-1/3-inches. The panel is expected to ship next year at a price to be announced.
