Canon to Make Rear Project Sets in '05

[Gregg Lengling]

Canon plans to start producing rear projection television sets in 2005--a second flat panel venture for the company.


A Canon spokesman said that the electronics maker is not aiming the new TV sets at the consumer market, but focusing on schools and other public facilities.


Also, Canon, Hitachi, Toshiba and Matsushita Electric Industrial are teaming up to invest in liquid crystal display (LCD), although plans to manufacturer sets are still on the table.


"We will be investing as an LCD gear maker, and this does not mean we will be entering the LCD TV market," a Canon spokesman, said.


In another joint venture, Canon and Toshiba are investing $1.95 billion to produce the slimmer, SED panels.