New Model RPTV (1 Viewer)

[Darrin_R]

How do I find out when the new models will be released? My hitachi was returned this past saturday and I think I am suffering from depression. However I thought I would wait for the new models to arrive before I made another purchase.

 

[Jack Briggs]

Depends on the manufacturer, Darrin. But, generally, the new models are paraded out at the Chicago CES in late summer, and wend their way to the dealerships in the fall and early winter. Generally.

Why, may I ask, are you depressed?

 

[Darrin_R]

Jack
I purchased the 53uwx. I wasnt satisfied with NTSC but it wasnt so bad that I was going to return it. Then after considering the implications of DVI/HDCP, I decided to send it back. I didnt think it was going to be a big deal. All I have to do is wait till this fall. Well I was wrong, I WANT MY WIDESCREEN DAMN IT!
And besides that, it was my wifes idea to buy the tv.

What are the odds of that happening again. She doesnt even watch TV.

 

[Kelley_B]

Get a Mits.

 

[JohnnyG]

I hate to break this to you Jack, but there hasn't been a summer CES for 6 or so years now!

Panasonic made their 2002 lineup known to dealers last week, with most of the new TV products scheduled for June and beyond. Toshiba makes their intros in July, with availability in the September to Novemeber timeframe.

There wasn't much info on the new Panasonic's though. They are changing the bezel from black to silver on the widescreen models and adding a 53" widescreen.

 

[Steve Schaffer]

Sony has announced their next series of widescreens will be dvi/hdcp compliant, should come out in Sept/oct.

I swapped a 53UWX10B for the current Sony KP57HW40, couldn't be happier. I'll worry about the dvi mess when/if it happens. Meantime I'm enjoying great hd and dvd.

 

[Darrin_R]

Where can I find info on the new panasonic. I didnt see anything on the web site

 

[Jack Briggs]

I stand humbly correct re the summer CES! *blushes*

 

[JohnnyG]

Darrin, you probably won't see the models appear on the Panasonic web site for a few months yet. Probably just after they hit the stores. As far as I know, they're still cranking out the current models as fast as they can (got a few sets with a March build date on March 8th!)

IIRC, the PT-47WX52 is scheduled for June availabilty and the PT-53 for July.

 

[RussellC]

Do you have any info on the differences in the PT-47WX49 and the PT-47WX52? Thanks,

-Russell

 

[JohnnyG]

Aside from the bezel colour, there was precious little info. If you look at the press release for the updated direct-view sets (http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_el...=12&cont_id=63), you may get an idea, but I really don't know if the electronics in the direct-view sets is equivalent to that in the projection sets.
Read the description of the line doubler. Sure sounds like DCDi to me! And there's precedence too as Panasonic has been using the Sage DCDi chip in their RP56 DVD player without specifically stating it. This is purely speculation on my part though.