One of the biggest names in the projection TV market has always been Mitsubishi. In years past, there were other names in the market including Sony and Samsung, but those two companies long ago abandoned rear projection TV fans. The lone holdout for all these years has been Mitsubishi offering a full line of big-screen rear projection TVs.
The End of an Era
Mitsubishi has now announced that it plans to discontinue its line of rear-projection TVs. This marks the end of an era for a technology that once dominated the big-screen TV market. Consumers have increasingly gone to LCD and plasma TV screens, with even plasma TVs slowly going extinct. The shift in consumer preference has been driven by several factors, including the superior picture quality, thinner profiles, and decreasing costs of LCD and LED TVs.
Mitsubishi offered rear projection TVs of 70 inches and over in size. These large screens were particularly popular among home theater enthusiasts who valued the immersive experience that a big screen could provide. However, the TVs were far from inexpensive, with prices suggested to be around $6000. This high cost was a significant barrier for many consumers, especially as more affordable and technologically advanced options became available.
The Technology Behind Mitsubishi’s Rear Projection TVs
Mitsubishi TVs used DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, which was known for its ability to produce bright and vibrant images. DLP technology works by reflecting light off a digital micromirror device (DMD) chip, which contains millions of tiny mirrors. Each mirror represents a single pixel, and by tilting these mirrors, the DMD chip can create a high-resolution image. This technology was particularly effective for large screens, making it a popular choice for rear projection TVs.
Despite the advantages of DLP technology, it had its drawbacks. One of the main issues was the “rainbow effect,” where viewers could see flashes of color, particularly in scenes with high contrast. Additionally, DLP rear projection TVs required regular maintenance, such as replacing the lamp, which added to the overall cost of ownership.
Mitsubishi’s decision to vacate the rear projection TV market allows the company to focus on other products such as projectors and printers. Projectors, in particular, have seen significant advancements in recent years, with improvements in brightness, resolution, and portability. By concentrating on these areas, Mitsubishi can leverage its expertise in display technology to remain competitive in the evolving market.
The decline of rear projection TVs is part of a broader trend in the television industry. As technology continues to advance, consumers are increasingly looking for TVs that offer better picture quality, more features, and greater convenience. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs, for example, have gained popularity due to their superior color accuracy, contrast ratios, and ultra-thin designs. Similarly, 4K and 8K resolutions are becoming more common, providing viewers with incredibly detailed images.
For those who are nostalgic about rear projection TVs, there are still options available in the used market. However, it’s important to consider the potential downsides, such as the need for maintenance and the limited availability of replacement parts. As technology continues to evolve, it may be worth exploring newer options that offer better performance and reliability.
via The Verge
Have a look at our handy guide which explains the difference between LCD and LED TVs.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
