Laser TV is coming

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 04 Apr 2007 1:42 User comments (34)

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

<Jobs not eager to remove DRM from video >Huge piracy ring busted in Brazil

34 user comments

14.4.2007 14:19

bobiroc

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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

24.4.2007 14:38

navsav

Send private message to this user

Member

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

34.4.2007 14:38

domie

Send private message to this user

Member

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 ?

44.4.2007 14:45

handsom

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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?

54.4.2007 14:58

bobiroc

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 04 Apr 2007 @ 3:02

64.4.2007 15:04

vinny13

Inactive

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!

74.4.2007 16:03

DarkJello

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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.

84.4.2007 16:10

borhan9

Send private message to this user

AfterDawn Addict

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 :)

94.4.2007 17:13

cashman91

Send private message to this user

Member

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

104.4.2007 17:32

pollution

Send private message to this user

Member

Patience....

114.4.2007 17:51

sssharp

Send private message to this user

Junior Member

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.

124.4.2007 19:17

SProdigy

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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

134.4.2007 19:47

jookycola

Send private message to this user

Member

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.

144.4.2007 20:44

cart0181

Send private message to this user

Member

@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

155.4.2007 03:15

thejammy

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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

165.4.2007 04:54

bobiroc

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

@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)

175.4.2007 05:41

error5

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 05 Apr 2007 @ 5:42

185.4.2007 05:46

bobiroc

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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.

195.4.2007 11:09

JvstJim

Inactive

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

205.4.2007 19:49

robtwilk

Send private message to this user

Member

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.

215.4.2007 20:14

Tashammer

Send private message to this user

Newbie

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?

225.4.2007 23:03

cart0181

Send private message to this user

Member

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.

236.4.2007 01:08

cd-rw.org

Send private message to this user

Senior Member

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.

246.4.2007 01:36

vietorisz

Send private message to this user

Junior Member

Read this article
Laser TV "No Plasma Killer"

258.4.2007 16:12

plazma247

Send private message to this user

Member

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

269.4.2007 16:20

ian23

Send private message to this user

Newbie

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.

279.4.2007 22:34

hastypete

Send private message to this user

Junior Member

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. Thanks

They 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.

2813.4.2007 03:42

homer232

Inactive

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

2917.4.2007 20:31

cart0181

Send private message to this user

Member

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.

3015.6.2007 05:39

MrCairo

Inactive

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.
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 :)
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 15 Jun 2007 @ 5:41

3121.1.2008 14:52

briankon
Send private message to this user

Newbie

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

3222.1.2008 19:29

robtwilk
Send private message to this user

Member

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. Thanks
They 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.

3322.1.2008 21:40

solarf
Send private message to this user

Member

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

3423.1.2008 11:46

hastypete
Send private message to this user

Junior Member

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. Thanks
They 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.

Comments have been disabled for this article.

	Napster Sold – Yet Again (27 Mar 2025 1:16) The world’s most iconic peer-to-peer music-sharing platform, once infamous for its role in digital piracy, has once again been sold.
	YouTube viewing now happens in TVs (11 Feb 2025 2:43) Smartphones are no longer the primary device for watching YouTube. Instead, televisions—those big screens in our living rooms—have taken the top spot as the most-used platform for YouTube viewing at home. 5 user comments
	Sony to end production of writable Blu-ray discs, MiniDiscs and MiniDV tapes (24 Jan 2025 11:27) Sony has announced that it will halt the production of writable Blu-ray discs, MiniDiscs, and MiniDV tapes in February 2025.
	Nintendo announces Switch 2 - Long video released, but specs still under wraps (16 Jan 2025 11:33) After years of anticipation, Nintendo has officially unveiled its next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2, in a newly released promotional video. However, the company has yet to reveal the exact technical specifications, promising to share mor 1 user comment
	YouTube Premium starts showing ads to subscribers (13 Nov 2024 3:09) For years, YouTube Premium has been marketed as a way to enjoy an ad-free YouTube experience. But apparently, that is no longer the case, as Premium subscribers are now starting to see ads on the platform. 4 user comments

	Guide: Is Your Wi-Fi Sluggish or Slow? Here's How to Fix Do you have problems with you Wi-Fi? Slow connection or is it cutting off constantly? This guide aims to remedy these problems. 1 user comment
	GUIDE: Wi-Fi speeds are slow? Here are some tips Having problems with Wi-Fi speed and stability at home? Here are some tips to follow to alleviate the issues. 1 user comment
	Guide: Phone battery drains quickly - how to fix (iPhone / Android) In this guide, we go through the most typical reasons for rapid battery drain with phones, and look at potential reasons or solutions.
	What IP rating for dust and water resistance means An IP classification (such as IP68) is given to mobile phones, Bluetooth speakers, and other devices, but what do these classifications mean? 1 user comment
	Does your phone rattle? Here's why it happens When you shake your phone and hear a light rattle, clatter, or jingle, it's likely not broken. The culprit is probably the optical image stabilization (OIS) system in your phone's camera, meaning everything is functioning as it should. 2 user comments

Laser TV is coming

34 user comments

Latest news

Reviews

Guides

News archive

Subscribe

Sections:

Follow us:

	Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra review - obstacle avoidance doesn't work as it should, otherwise almost perfect robot vacuum We put the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra through a very, very long review process. The $1800 mopping robot vacuum is almost perfect, but its obstacle avoidance was surprisingly bad, considering the price - and compared to its competitors.
	Sharge x OnePlus Pouch review: Beautiful power bank that supports SuperVOOC charging In our review, we take a look at Sharge's power bank that supports OnePlus SuperVOOC quick charging technology as well as standard USB PD charging. It has small design flaws, but despite those, the Pouch is very nice product. 1 user comment
	Roomba Combo j7+ review - Clever trick allows robot vacuum finally to tackle home with rugs and carpets Roomba Combo j7+ is the very first Roomba model to combine robot vacuum with mopping features. And Roomba Combo j7+ does all that with a very clever trick, which tackles the problem with mopping and carpets. But is it any good? We found out.