As you may have heard, Sony is apparently discontinuing their rear projection displays (SXRD and 3LCD lines) in order to concentrate on flat panel LCD sets.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/19/sony-dumping-all-rear-projection-tvs-to-focus-on-lcds/

According to a spokesperson, "We are moving our resources more toward LCD TV, because that's what people really want."

I have to agree with Engadget that it seems odd to drop those lines entirely when they're extremely popular. Of course, I also just got a notice from Sony on the 7th that they settled their SXRD optical block class action lawsuit. My set was replaced with the later model, so I don't have to try to take advantage of that outcome, but I wonder if the difficulties they've had with their SXRD sets contributed to their decision to discontinue rear projection.

While I had my troubles with my first unit and I vowed to never buy another Sony TV when dealing with their customer service was such a hassle, I'm sad to see them get out of rear projection. I still really love the picture on my TV, and while a wall-hanging unit would be sexier, the price was right.

So this decision is still unconfirmed, but it sounds fairly certain.

However, now I wonder what will happen to their SXRD front projectors. It's not like they can discontinue that line, right?

The prices have dropped so much for LCD's I believe is the main reason to drop the rear projectors. People look at the difference in price and are willing to pay that extra little bit for the 'sexier' one.

I have the A2000 so I'll be sad to see the SXRD go. I think it is one of the better technologies out there. I don't care about the screen being flat, I want the best picture at a good price. Sony SXRD looks better than their LCD from what I've seen, so it seems strange to get rid of better quality TV's just to have something flat.

Looks like JVC will be the only one supporting this technology, or are they backing away too?

As far as the lawsuit goes, does anyone have a link to the details of it? My TV has been great, but I would like to see what it entails to see if it ever might apply to me if I have problems in the future.

Answered my own question on the settlement...applies to the XBR1 50 and 60" TVs, not mine.

I love my sony lcd rp

I havent seen anything that indicates JVC backing away from LCOS, but they may limit the RPTV offerings as flat panels become increasingly popular.

You have to remember that JVC was one of the main pioneers of LCOS and have been using it in commercial projectors and cameras for years. Sony came out with their SXRD 3 or 4 years ago and had growing pains with their "green blob", "purple blob or haze" optical block issues and I'm sure thats why they found it to be not that profitable. Gotta sell a lot of sets to cover legal costs of class action suits and replacing TV's.

Its a great technology and beautiful looking picture. Too bad Sony couldnt stick it out until they had the technology perfected.

I think they should have perfected the technology before they sold it

Yeah, unfortunately nothing is ever that way. Its why I never really like to buy a car when its a new line release. Give the MFG. a couple years to work the kinks out.

JVC had problems with their G886 model HDILA blowing light ballasts, Toshiba had problems with their MX85 series DLP and bulbs, Sony had their green blobs and optical block issues with SXRD.

Its still a great display technology for front and rear projections. Hey, is sony gonna discontinue their SXRD front Projectors too??

I don't think they can discontinue their SXRD front projectors, unless they have some new technology for that market that they haven't revealed yet.

WOW, this board looks so different. I've been very inactive because I have been moving.

To the thread, I have the 60" Sony SXRD and the optical block (light engine) was replaced last Summer. My son had his replaced 4 times and finally ended up with a brand new TV.

When the SXRD are working, they are hard to beat. But, Sony has had a lot of trouble with them and I have to wonder what the results of the lawsuit are costing Sony??

I would like to wish the board members a Very Merry Christmas!!

Of course I don't know what this settlement will be costing Sony, but for anyone wanting more information on it, here is the website for the settlement:

http://esupport.sony.com/sxrdsettlement