AfterDawn: News

Laser TV is coming

Today, Plasma and LCD are the two main technologies in HDTVs but reports indicate that by this time next year, Laser TV will emerge and bring the best picture quality yet.

Novalux Inc., one of the main developers of the new technology has promised that the technology has great benefits over current technology including half the production cost, double the color range, and three-quarters less power consumption.



Laser TV technology is suited for projection (both front and rear), and will most likely replace the UHP lamp currently used in today's projection TVs.

At this year's CES, Sony displayed a Novalux-powered laser TV at its booth although the company has yet to formally announce a laser-based product.

Greg Niven, the vice president of marketing at Novalux had this to say about the event: “At CES we had a laser TV beside a plasma TV, an LCD TV and a traditional UHP lamp TV, so that’s four TVs lined up running our own produced high definition content, and I mean, it was a no brainer. The laser TV had a way, way better picture than any of the other conventional technologies.”

Novalux is currently in discussions with a few OEMs in an effort to bring the technology into living rooms within a year’s time. “We now have over four design wins in laser TVs for four different brands that are scheduled for launch in 2008,” said Niven.


Source:
Dailytech

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 4 Apr 2007 13:42

• Previous article

• Jobs not eager to remove DRM from video

• Next article

• Huge piracy ring busted in Brazil

• 34 comments

• bobiroc

  This is why I didn't invest in a plasma or LCD TV. I also heard that Laser TVs will be cheaper to produce.

  4.4.2007 14:19 #1

• navsav

  Wow you had an inside track - what a savvy shopper you are!

  4.4.2007 14:38 #2

• domie

  I'll sit and wait like others, i'm not quite sure what they mean by
  
  Quote:Laser TV technology is suited for projection (both front and rear), and will most likely replace the UHP lamp currently used in today's projection TVs. is it going to work like a normal tv or will we need extra hardware projection to use it ?

  4.4.2007 14:38 #3

• handsom

  I'm eager to see these hit our market, but I'm a little bugged because they were saying the same thing roughly one year ago(I actually read about it here first, lol), and it's another year away. I sit here wondering if this will ever really hit our market; or if it's just going to stay on the back burner. It makes you wonder if there's a smaller per-unit profit margin for companies or something...
  
  Anyone else have any thoughts there?

  4.4.2007 14:45 #4

• bobiroc

  Originally posted by navsav:Wow you had an inside track - what a savvy shopper you are!I read an article a long time ago about how Laser TV was right around the corner and due out as early as 2008. I try to keep up on new technology as much as possible and this is a great site to do that. And yes I do consider my self a savvy shopper as I usually do plenty of research before I buy product so I can get the best item that fits my needs.

  4.4.2007 14:58 #5

• vinny13

  I heard about this a couple months ago. I think Canon is supposed to get into the television buisness with these crystal TVs next year. I can't wait to see the price!

  4.4.2007 15:04 #6

• DarkJello

  I had originally read laser TV's were supposed to be availible this coming fall, pushing back the release to the next quarter doesn't really surprise me at all.
  
  As far as Canon is concerned I think they weren't allowed to produce TV's for some reason or another? Something in their contract saying they wouldn't enter that market. I don't remember it exactly.

  4.4.2007 16:03 #7

• borhan9

  When this hits the shelf in a big way then i will invest in a LCD Flat Screen. Cause if laser comes out the prices of plasma and LCD will drop :)

  4.4.2007 16:10 #8

• cashman91

  don't expect these to come in a good selection to the main stream until 2009

  4.4.2007 17:13 #9

• pollution

  Patience....

  4.4.2007 17:32 #10

• sssharp

  If its too cheap to make, companies will delay the release to continue the profits of what they have available. I have yet to settle on the lcd, plasma or dlp wave. If this arrives with a good price tag at the 1080p screen it may be a good purchase.

  4.4.2007 17:51 #11

• SProdigy

  If I'm not mistaken, these are the same shallow promises that were made with OLED.

  4.4.2007 19:17 #12

• jookycola

  Remember....just becuase it's cheaper to "make" does not mean the savings will transfer to the consumer. They already know your willing to pay $2000 for current flat screen technology, so if they could build something better that's cheaper to make. that fattens their pockets.

  4.4.2007 19:47 #13

• cart0181

  @domie
  A front projection TV would require a projector unit and a screen of some type which can be as simple as a painted wall. A rear projection TV would be something that looked much like a CRT. I would expect any rear projection TV to be quite large if I'm not mistaken.
  
  As I read it, the real "catch" here is if people want to use this technology they'll have to give up their nifty space-saving flat panels you can just hang on the wall. They did a good job of "neglecting to mention" this in the article. However, I could be wrong here, this is only the second article I've read on this technology. Correct me if I'm wrong here people. Thanks

  4.4.2007 20:44 #14

• thejammy

  ffs just bought a brand new lcd hd ready tv about month agou...

  5.4.2007 03:15 #15

• bobiroc

  @cart0181
  
  Laser Televisions will be thin like LCD and Plasma and I actually think they will be even thinner and lighter. Technically LCD and Plasma TVs are Rear Projection because the picture originates from behind the screen. What the were saying is that Laser Technology can both be used for Normal TVs that you put on a stand or hang on the wall (Rear projection) or they can be used in the ceiling mounted projectors that you project onto a screen (Front Projection)

  5.4.2007 04:54 #16

• error5

  Originally posted by bobiroc:@cart0181
  
  Laser Televisions will be thin like LCD and Plasma and I actually think they will be even thinner and lighter. Technically LCD and Plasma TVs are Rear Projection because the picture originates from behind the screen. Actually Plasmas are Flat Panel displays and not Rear Projection. LCD sets can either be Flat Panel (like the Sony Bravias) or Rear Projection. DLP's and the Sony SXRD's are Rear Projection. On a practical note Rear Projection sets cannot be mounted on the wall - only Flat Panel sets are wall-mountable.
  
  A basic guide fron cnet:
  
  http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5108443-2.html?tag=arw
  http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5108443-3.html?tag=arw

  5.4.2007 05:41 #17

• bobiroc

  Well I stand corrected. That does make sense though since Plasma and some LCDs are not really "projecting" anything. Just a back light and liquid. Either way I am almost positive that Laser TVs will be thin and wall mountable from other articles I have read on the subject.
  

  P4 3.06 w/HT, 1GB Ram, 40GB HDD for OS, 80 GB HDD for Data
  GeForce 6200, SB Audigy 2 Plat. Pioneer DVD-ROM, SONY DVD±RW
  Windows XP MCE 2005
  "Media Center Computer"
  and
  AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+, 2GB Ram, 400GB's of HDD Space, GeForce 6600, DVD-ROM, 16X DL DVD±RW
  Windows XP 64 Professional
  "My Dual Core Power House"
  

  5.4.2007 05:46 #18

• JvstJim

  As for price, even though laser may be less costly to produce, the marketplace will eventually determine the price. Manufacturers will charge whatever the consumer is willing to pay and stuff their pockets for all they can get. Only competition will drive down the price as with all other consumables. Marketing 101

  5.4.2007 11:09 #19

• robtwilk

  I have been waiting for OLED as well. I read these TVs might easily reach 100" (or maybe that was SED). There were a couple of others that were close to production, but no word since that article I read in Home Theater Magazine.
  
  I own two CRT HDTVs (32" AND 40") and one DLP HDTV (62") as well as a few smaller LCDs. If you sit around waiting for the perfect technology, you'll never have any TV. Start enjoying HDTV today and sort out the next best thing when you're ready to upgrade.

  5.4.2007 19:49 #20

• Tashammer

  i quite like the steam-powered tv set that i currently have. We did have initial problems with the screen fogging up but a windscreen wiper fixed that problem up. Plus it fits in well with the water cooled computer.
  
  i had thought about getting an electric tv set but they change so much that it seems to be buying newtech every year. It's bad enough that they keep changing the plugs and sockets. Do you think that the makers get bored some times?

  5.4.2007 20:14 #21

• cart0181

  Rofl @ Tashammer, that's one I've never heard before.
  
  Thanks for comments bobiroc and error5, the picture at the top of this article would lead you to believe it's very flat, but I guess looks can be deceiving.

  5.4.2007 23:03 #22

• cd-rw.org

  The Laser TV was advertised earlier as a "1000$ 42" 1080p" solution. I beleive in the earlier announcement they reported prototypes being made with Samsung.
  
  The problem is that TV vendors have recently made huge investments in LCD technology and most importantly the production lines. They sure as hell are not going to come out with "Hey, buy our 42" laser for $1000" as it would destroy their LCD panel business.
  
  As it is reported that Laser TV might offer higher visual quality, I am sure that it will be introduced in the very high-end segment - in super sized and expensive televisions, and the Laser would then be the end of rear projection technology.

  6.4.2007 01:08 #23

• vietorisz

  Read this article
  Laser TV "No Plasma Killer"

  6.4.2007 01:36 #24

• plazma247

  Ok im all up for new tech but after spending my childhood sat infront of what i think must of been a grundig radio tron 4000 firing radiation at my head i was pleasntly surprised when i switched over to LCDS all round the head aches went away, ok i largely put this down to the lack of screen reflection.
  
  But is sitting infront of a laser a good idea?
  
  hehe im sure its fine, but just when i thought i had found a potentially non life shortening way to use the pc...
  
  see:
  
  Novalux's info
  http://www.novalux.com/display/solidstatergb.php
  
  Pretty good site coving basics of emergin screen technologies.
  http://www.oled-display.info

  8.4.2007 16:12 #25

• ian23

  personally i can't wait to see these laser tv's. i hope it lives up to what they r saying. if i had to pick it would be lcd or dlp tv, im not a fan of plasma.

  9.4.2007 16:20 #26

• hastypete

  Originally posted by cart0181:@domie
  As I read it, the real "catch" here is if people want to use this technology they'll have to give up their nifty space-saving flat panels you can just hang on the wall. They did a good job of "neglecting to mention" this in the article. However, I could be wrong here, this is only the second article I've read on this technology. Correct me if I'm wrong here people. ThanksThey have it down to a bit less than 6 inches. A large LCD or Plasma is not much smaller than that. The nice thing about lasers is that they are much easier to get focused. The optic train is simpler and takes less space.

  9.4.2007 22:34 #27

• homer232

  The best public place for information would be from Novalux.
  <http://www.novalux.com/>
  The proclaimed Display Applications are "Pocket Projectors", "Home Theater", and "Digital Cinema".
  The Laser Television product they display on their technology pages appear to be as flat as Flat Panels.
  
  -Homer232

  13.4.2007 03:42 #28

• cart0181

  Well, I disagree. While Novalux might be a great place to start, they most certainly would not mention the negative points of their own product.

  17.4.2007 20:31 #29

• MrCairo

  Originally posted by plazma247:
  But is sitting infront of a laser a good idea?
  
  hehe im sure its fine, but just when i thought i had found a potentially non life shortening way to use the pc...
  
  see:
  
  Novalux's info
  http://www.novalux.com/display/solidstatergb.php
  
  Pretty good site coving basics of emergin screen technologies.
  " target="_blank">http://www.oled-display.info[/quote]
  
  ------------------------------------------------
  
  The lasers are only providing the light source in the needed 3 primary colors. This is now being provided by a high powered (and somewhat hot) lamp....the lasers are much cooler and draw less power and are cheaper to produce. A win - win situation across the board!
  
  This is just a more efficient way of "getting" the light needed, as well as the colors.
  
  It's not like your watching lasers heh
  
  Cheers :)

  15.6.2007 05:39 #30

• briankon

  Check out the press release from http://www.qpclasers.com dated 11.30.07. This company is the real deal. To my understanding manufacturing the laser technology for reliability has been the problem in getting laser TV's to market. QPC has not only superior and patented technology, but can also manufacture said technology right now! Mitsubishi bet on the wrong horse... Sony wins by ten lengths

  21.1.2008 14:52 #31

• robtwilk

  Quote:Originally posted by cart0181: @domie
  As I read it, the real "catch" here is if people want to use this technology they'll have to give up their nifty space-saving flat panels you can just hang on the wall. They did a good job of "neglecting to mention" this in the article. However, I could be wrong here, this is only the second article I've read on this technology. Correct me if I'm wrong here people. ThanksThey have it down to a bit less than 6 inches. A large LCD or Plasma is not much smaller than that. The nice thing about lasers is that they are much easier to get focused. The optic train is simpler and takes less space.Where did you learn they have it down to six inches? From what I read they are intended for front or rear projection. Sony's current LCD rear projection TV is not thin and not wall mountable. Where SED and OLED are flat panel.
  
  It sounds to me that the laser provides similar size TVs (maybe slightly thinner), but with better picture, less energy used, and lower heat output. I guess we will all know when (if) they them into production.

  22.1.2008 19:29 #32

• solarf

  great I waited this long to finally jump in and get a 42" LCD and now this. I hope its affordable.

  22.1.2008 21:40 #33

• hastypete

  Quote:Quote:Originally posted by cart0181: @domie
  As I read it, the real "catch" here is if people want to use this technology they'll have to give up their nifty space-saving flat panels you can just hang on the wall. They did a good job of "neglecting to mention" this in the article. However, I could be wrong here, this is only the second article I've read on this technology. Correct me if I'm wrong here people. ThanksThey have it down to a bit less than 6 inches. A large LCD or Plasma is not much smaller than that. The nice thing about lasers is that they are much easier to get focused. The optic train is simpler and takes less space.Where did you learn they have it down to six inches? From what I read they are intended for front or rear projection. Sony's current LCD rear projection TV is not thin and not wall mountable. Where SED and OLED are flat panel.
  
  It sounds to me that the laser provides similar size TVs (maybe slightly thinner), but with better picture, less energy used, and lower heat output. I guess we will all know when (if) they them into production.6" is achieved with rear projection the same way as DLP, but without the complex optic train that requires the added depth. Lasers have a unique feature of being focused to infinity. I haven't seen one of these 6" TVs, but I have seen a few demos of DLP and LCD that use lasers as the illumination source. Really vibrant and bright.

  23.1.2008 11:46 #34