HDTV Takes Off, Speakers Multiply

[Gregg Lengling]

As prices of widescreen TVs capable of handling high-definition content drop below $1,000, public interest in the format is starting to take off. At the next Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, (January 7th to January 11th, 2004), we expect to see some exciting new developments, ranging from 25-inch HDTVs priced under $700 to new 1080p digital projectors.


Texas Instruments, for example, is expected to show off the latest developments in its digital micromirror technology. Digital Light Processing (DLP), which uses the technology, has become common in rear projection HDTVs from Samsung, Panasonic, Gateway and Optoma, while 720P-capable front projectors also using the technology have taken the market by storm. TI hasn't announced anything but we expect it to discuss a 1080p version – if only behind closed doors.

We'll see a big focus on HDTV broadcasting, too. Cablevision will be there, talking up its new Voom HDTV satellite network. Meanwhile, both Dish Network and DirecTV will discuss further developments in their HD offerings. The long-wished-for HD PVRs from both DirecTV and Dish Network may finally see the light of day, along with more demonstrations of HD PVRs from Motorola, as well as Scientific Atlanta and Moxi

There'll also be announcements regarding Blu-Ray, the next version of DVD. It will be interesting to see what progress is being made on the industry standards end of this high-definition optical disc format.
Dolby Labs' announcement of a 7.1 format in its Dolby Prologic IIx apparently started a trend. CES will be a coming out party of sorts for vendors introducing receivers that can support seven speakers and a subwoofer.

But why stop at seven? Yamaha will be there too, touting its flagship RX-Z9, which the company claims is the first home theater receiver to support 9.1 audio, although today's Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES standards only support six true channels.

Speakers big and small will dot the convention floor. Creative Labs plans to roll out its line of 7.1 PC speaker packages. Audiophile speaker companies, including Magnepan and Martin Logan are pushing into the home theater market as well. Space-saving "Plasma TV" speakers will also make an appearance. Somewhat of a misnomer, these shallow speakers mount alongside flat-screen TVs but offer audio quality about comparable to that of big box speakers. Big names like Definitive Technologies, Pinnacle Speakers, and B&W are jumping into this market.

We expect to see more home theater gear with true digital connections, mostly through iLink (FireWire). Silicon Image will be touting its High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) initiative, however, and a number of companies are expected to announce HDMI products as well. With its ability to carry both audio and video in a compact, serial format, and support content protection, HDMI has received widespread industry support.

Distributing HD content through the home over wireless will also take center stage. Both Magis and DigitalDeck will be exhibiting wireless HD transmission within a home environment.
The HTIB craze will reach a fever pitch at CES. Units ranging from sub-$200 to the esoteric and pricey Rotel RSDX-02 DVD/Receiver combo ($1,499) will be on display. The RSDX-02 offers Rotel's superb build quality and audio excellence in a compact package. The unit, however, does not come with