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Most observers acknowledge that the quality of these and similar
sets will improve and the costs decrease substantially over the
next two years. Three-Five is working with several Asian
engine and projection systems makers to also compete in this segment
(see article page 4)
Other movers and shakers in the industry continue to invest in
LCOS. UMC has officially spun off its LCOS device making
operations into the United Microdisplay Optronics Corporation
and is going full steam ahead with production (see page 1 article).
In the U.S., 3M acquired Corning Precision Lens
in a bid to augment it projection and display component business.
Both groups also have engine development capabilities, so the
combined company may be positioning itself for a bigger run at
the microdisplay TV business (see article on page 15).
Is it possible that the long awaited commercialization of LCOS
TVs has finally begun? Maybe.
In any event, we see two segments emerging. One will feature
lower-cost LCOS sets with average performance manufactured by
Taiwanese or Chinese companies and marketed initially in these
countries. The other camp will use LCOS technology to field high-performance
products destined for the Japanese, U.S and European markets.
Toshiba for example, is expected to launch its 57-inch
LCOS TV any day. It offers 1920 x 1080 native resolution but will
retail for a high $9,000.
Which approach will ultimately lead to successful and profitable
companies and which approach will enable LCOS to become a viable
third microdisplay contender for rear-projection TV? I'm not going
to answer that one - but let you make your own judgments.
An equally thrilling battle is shaping up for front projection
in the home. Low cost projectors are now available as low as $1,300,
which can serve up pretty good images for home movie viewing.
Toshiba, Epson, InFocus and Sony are offering the
lowest-priced units mostly with SVGA resolution. Some are targeted
at consumer channels while others are being fielded through professional
channels with the dual home use expected. As a result, a new category
of front projector is emerging - Multi-Use (see article on page
6).
We see numerous hurdles in establishing a robust front projector
market for the home, but believe in the next two years this will
all be ironed out. By then, prices of low-end projectors will
be sinking below $1,000 and the market will be poised for some
significant growth.
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