Digital Trends

RCA

RCA-branded TVs, which are now manufactured by the TTE Corp., used the Home Entertainment Show as a springboard to launch its new line of SDTVs (Standard Definition) and HDTVs.  RCA introduced eight new DLP HDTV models, seven rear projection CRT HDTVs, three direct-view HDTV CRT monitors, five LCD displays, and five SDTV sets for a total of twenty-three new digital models.  The company's goal is to provide consumers with the most affordable path to high-definition by delivering an array of integrated HDTV sets, HD monitors, and standard definition digital TVs in a variety of screen sizes and cabinet designs. 

First and foremost, RCA will continue its Scenium Profiles DLP HDTV models:  the 50-in. HD50TH263 ($4,999) and the 61-in. HD61THW263 ($6,999 and recently reviewed by DesignTechnica.)  RCA announced the introduction of eight new DLP HDTV models that encompass three series:  the 175 Series, 167 Series that are Scenium models, and RCA 62 Series.  All models are 720p, as RCA believes that it's too premature to offer 1080p products this year.  All new DLP sets include an integrated ATSC tuner and are Digital Cable Ready with CableCARD plus an InFocus light engine using Texas Instruments' HD4 chipset. 

RCA HD61THW263

The RCA 62 Series is comprised of three models:  a 44-in. model (HD44LPW62 @ $1,999), a 50-in. model (HD50LPW62 @ $2,199), and a 61-in. model (HD61LPW62 @ $2,799).  All 62 Series models also include HDMI and dual component video inputs plus a 6-device illuminated universal remote along with a 20-watt audio system featuring SRS Focus.  The RCA Scenium 167 Series and the 175 Series offer identical features, but present completely different cabinetry designs.  The silver 167 Series sports bottom-mounted speakers, while the 175 Series offer all black cabinetry with side-mounted (bi-sonic) speakers, giving them a flat panel look.  Besides including all of the features found on the RCA 62 Series, the RCA Scenium models add TV Guide On-Screen electronic program guide, backlit touch sensors, and SRS TruSurround XT with subwoofer and 1394 A/V record outputs.  The 167 Series is comprised of three models:  a 44-in. 9HD44LPW167 @ $2,299), a 50-in. model (HD50LPW167 @ $2,499), and a 61-in. model (HD61LPW167 @ $2,999).  The 175 Series is made up of two models:  a 50-in. model (HD50LPW175 @ $2,499) and a 61-in. model (HD61LPW175 @ $2,999).  Except for the HD61LPW175 that will ship this fall, all other models will be available in June.

RCA continues to offer rear projection CRT HDTVs with seven new models this year; they are very affordable.  The new models are available in three series: the 59 Series, the 66 Series, and the 68 Series, which are offered in three screen sizes:  52-in., 56-in. and 61-in. models.  The 59 Series is represented by a single 52-in. model (HD52W59 @ $1,099) that incorporates a built-in ATSC HD tuner, 3-line comb filter, DVI/component video input, a 20-watt audio system, and a 3-device universal remote.  The 66 Series adds scan velocity modulation and a 6-device backlit universal remote.  It is comprised of three models:  a 52-in. model (HD52W66 @ $1,499), a 56-in. model (HD56W66 @ $1,799), and a 61-in. model (HD61W66 @ $1,999).  The 68 Series, which also features a "floating screen" design, is also made-up of three models:  a 52-in. model (HD52W68 @ $1,599), a 56-in. model (HD56W68 @ $1,899), and a 61-in. model (HD61W68 @ $2,099).  All models will be available in June.

RCA's direct-view CRT line is comprised of three HD Monitors and five SDTV (Standard Definition TV) models.  The new HDTV monitors are available in one 30-in. widescreen model (D30W850T @$699), and two 4:3 models:  a 27-in. (D27F650T @ $549) and a 32-in. model (D32F750T @ $899).  All three models, which are currently available, offer TruFlat tubes, TruScan Digital Reality Creation, 3-line digital comb filters, dual syncorscan HD inputs, a DVI input, and a 3-device universal remote.  The five SDTV models offer integrated ASTC tuners, allowing consumers to watch digital TV broadcasts at DVD image quality (480p).  There are four 27-in. models with prices ranging from $279 to $359, and one 32-in. model (32F654T @ $599).

RCA is also offering five new LCD displays designed for wall viewing.  Three models will be offered in the RCA line in three screen sizes, available in June and July.  They include a 23-in. model (L23W10 @ $799), a 26-in. model (L26W11 @$999), and the 32-in.widescreen (L32W11 @ $1,499.)  All models will include an integrated NTSC tuner, and a 5-line adaptive comb filter.  While the 23-in. model will offer a screen resolution of 1280x720, the other two models will offer screen resolutions of 1366x768 and add DVI and HD component video inputs.  RCA Scenium will offer two HD LCD TVs with screen resolutions of 1366x768, and feature integrated ATSC/NTSC tuners plus integrated DVD players as well.  Key features include HDMI and HD component video inputs along with a Photo Card Reader, USB port, SRS TruSurround XT, and a 3-device universal remote.  These are available in two screen sizes:  a 26-in. (L26WD131D @ $1,699) and a 32-in. model (L32WD131D @ $2,199), and will be available in September. 

RCA L32WD131D

RUNCO

Runco, who has been a long-time staunch supporter of Home Theater through their various front video projector display devices and HD controllers/scalers, introduced their new Crystal Series of high-definition liquid crystal displays.  According to Runco, each ultra-slim LCD features distinctive signature styling, offering enthusiasts an immersed movie experience.  All three widescreen models offer a screen resolution of 1366x768, proprietary Vixix processing, and a 10-watt audio system with detachable side-mounted speakers.  Both the 26-in. (CRF-26HD @ $2,495) and the 32-in. model (CR-32HD @ $4,995) include integrated NTSC tuners and offer contrast ratios of 1000:1.  The 40-in. model (CR-40HD @ $6,995) is an HD monitor only without an integrated tuner, and offers a contrast ratio of 800:1.  However, all models include twin HD component video inputs, DVI, RGBHD-15, and RS-232C connectors.   All models are currently available, and feature integrated ISF calibration.

Runco CR-40HD Plasma TV

Home Video

AR

AR (Acoustic Research) introduced their new DMP3000 Digital MediaBridge at HES2005.  Designed as an A/V link between your PC and your home entertainment system, the Digital MediaBridge allows you to take the music, photos, and videos stored on your computer and play them on your home entertainment system.  It is WiFi capable via 802.11g.  Essentially, it gives you on-demand access to your digital library without having to be in the same room as your PC.  It will even pass HD images with resolutions of either 720p or 1080i via DVI and component video outputs.  The MediaBridge works with either a wired or wireless home network via Ethernet.  It supports playback of standard and high-definition content purchased from CinemaNow (http://www.cinemanow.com/), a leader in broadband video-on-demand.  The Digital MediaBridge plays back digital photos and digital videos in WM9, JPEG, MPEG2 and MPEG4.  It also plays back digital music in numerous formats including MP3, WMA, AAC and WAV.  Included with the MediaBridge is a 6-device universal remote that will operate both your PC and home entertainment system using easy-to-use on-screen menus.  Since the DMP3000 is attached to the Internet, it is fully upgradeable.  Priced at $349, the DMP3000 Digital MediaBridge will be available in June.

ACoustic Research DMP3000

KALEIDESCAPE

Kaleidescape took the opportunity of HES2005 to introduce two new whole-house entertainment server systems (KS3000 and KS3500) and Software Release 2.4.  Both new systems are based on the new KSERVER-2500 and Software Release 2.4.  The new KSERVER-2500 provides 100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and stores up to 660 DVDs on twelve 400GB disk cartridges (4.4 terabytes of RAID-protected storage capacity), which is a 33-percent increase of earlier Kaleidescape Servers.  According to the company, multiple KSERVER-2500s can be clustered in a single system to store thousands of movies.  The Kaleidescape System 3000 provides simultaneous playback in up to five zones throughout the home; the KS3500 provides simultaneous playback in up to twenty-five zones or more, depending on the System configuration and specific movies being watched.  Software Release 2.4 adds new features:  scripts that allow users to create and play any sequence of DVDs, Multiple Favorite Scenes, and quick Search capability.  Prices for the KS3000 and KS3500, which are available now, start at $22,500.  Both base systems include one Kaleidescape Server, one Kaleidescape DVD Reader, one Kaleidescape Movie Player, Software Release 2.4, a one-year subscription to Kaleidescape Movie Guide Service, and a one-year subscription to Kaleidescape Software Update Service.

Kaleidescape KS3500