Jan. 7— As prices of widescreen TVs capable of handling high-definition (HD) content drop below $1,000, public interest in the HDTV format is starting to take off.
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, starting today and running through Jan. 11, we expect to see some exciting new developments, ranging from 25-inch HDTVs priced under $700 to new 1080p digital projectors.
Texas Instruments, for example, is expected to show off the latest developments in its digital micromirror technology. Digital Light Processing (DLP), which uses the technology, has become common in rear projection HDTVs from Samsung, Panasonic, Gateway and Optoma, while 720p-capable front projectors also using the technology have taken the market by storm. TI hasn't announced anything but we expect it to discuss a 1080p version — if only behind closed doors.
We'll see a big focus on HDTV broadcasting, too. Cablevision is expected to be there, talking up its new Voom HDTV satellite network. Meanwhile, both Dish Network and DirecTV will discuss further developments in their HD offerings.
The long-wished-for HD personal video recorders (PVRs) from both DirecTV and Dish Network may finally see the light of day, along with more demonstrations of HD PVRs from Motorola, as well as Scientific Atlanta and Moxi.
