At 10:35 AM -0400 7/1/04, John Golitsis wrote: >I clearly recall a discussion we had several years ago where you championed >the position of an almost immediate switchover of computer displays from >CRTs to LCDs. Why? Because Apple said so. > >But now when it comes to TVs, you say it'll take years! I'm not certain that your conclusion is accurate. There are many factors that have driven the shift in computer displays from CRT to LCD. The fact that Apple once again was on the leading edge of this trend was a factor, but not especially important in the bigger scheme of things. The important factors were and are: 1. The shift from desktop to laptop. CRT-based laptops were never well accepted ;-) 2. The desire to reduce the "space" footprint for desktop computers. This is important in both business and home computing applications. A large CRT hogs space, whether it is in an office or a home. It also uses more power and generates more heat than an LCD display. We are beginning to see some parallels in the consumer TV market, especially for big screens that are "thin." 3. Greatly improved screen geometry and in most cases brightness and contrast. The LCD provides uniform performance from edge-to-edge of the screen. Brightness and contrast are now superior to CRT displays (this may not have been true a few years ago). 4. Human ergonomics - LCD screens are proven to cause less fatigue for users. And finally... No need to use a high SPF sunblock to prevent CRT emissions from giving you a tan! The issue with TVs is simply one of economics. The average price of a TV is sill well below $500. It will take years for LCD panels to be price competitive, especially for the smaller screens that will be found in bedrooms, etc. The only way this can change is if there is a shift in perception about the value of a new display. If new applications emerge that take advantage of the benefits of LCD displays, the masses might spend a bit more for a digital media appliance to replace an existing TV. This is where "convergence" could have an impact. Regards Craig Regards Craig ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.