Manufacturers Drop Plasma TVs as LCD Takes Over

3mm-thick wonder trumps LCDs, plasmas — though it's tiny, and pricey

(NEWSER) - Sony’s new XEL-1 television is neither plasma nor LCD: it uses organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, and “its picture is so incredible, Sony should include a jaw cushion,” David Pogue writes in the New York Times. Sony is the first to sell TVs using the system, which is "like looking out a window. With the glass missing,” Pogue notes. More»

Nation's first TV energy standards expected to pass

(NEWSER) - The consumer electronics industry is kicking hard against California's plans to introduce energy consumption maximums for TV sets. An industry lobby group argues that buyers should be allowed to decide whether they want a power-hungry flat-screen TV set or not, and warns that the move could cost the state jobs by sending TV buyers out of state to pick up their chosen model. The measure looks likely to pass despite the objections, notes the Los Angeles Times. More»

(NEWSER) - Sony will delay production of its next-generation ultrathin television as the struggling electronics giant seeks to avoid further losses, reports the Wall Street Journal. The organic light emitting diode, or OLED, television was to succeed a three-millimeter-thick model released in late 2007, but will be held back until at least next year. At present Sony is on track for a sixth straight year in the red. More»

Likes of Hitachi, Pioneer don't have staying power of Sony and other giants

(NEWSER) - A steep decline in demand for flat-panel TVs could push smaller manufacturers out of the market, the Wall Street Journal reports. As the economy sours and larger makers achieve economies of scale, the price gap between top brands and cheaper rivals has shrunken dramatically. The top five makers accounted for 60% of sales in the third quarter of 2008, up from 53% year earlier. More»

Say buyers will continue snapping up flat panels; investors not so sure

(NEWSER) - Who cares if there’s a recession? The Super Bowl’s on! Even after the worst retailing Christmas in years, the makers of flat-panel, high-definition TVs are confident their trendy product will keep selling, spurred by falling prices and prime tube-watching events like the Olympics. One market-research firm is predicting LCD sales will jump 27% worldwide. More»