At the International Meeting on Information Displays 2006 in Daegu, Korea later this week, Samsung Electronics will introduce the newest entry in the large-screen TV stakes, a massive 70-inch model that Samsung says is five inches bigger than the next largest model.
The new television, which will not be available until the first half of 2007, is a full high-definition television. According to Samsung, the TV will have a resolution of 1,920 pixels across by 1,080 rows high (a 16:9 aspect ratio), and will be capable of displaying over a billion different colors. In addition, the screen will be viewable from 180 degrees on any side.
Price Still TBD
With the consumer release of its new model nearly a year away, Samsung has not yet set a price for the 70-inch television. However, its existing 63-inch model retails for nearly $10,000. Panasonic has a 65-inch model that sells for approximately $8,500. A slightly smaller, but higher-resolution model from Chi Mei Optoelectronics (56 inches, 3,840 pixels by 2,160 pixels) is expected to retail this year for over $11,000.
The cost of the screen is not the only factor: some consumers may need home renovations if they want to hang Samsung's 70-inch screen on their wall. The massive flat panel models typically weigh in between 175 and 200 pounds, depending on their design, which is enough weight to put a strain on all but the sturdiest walls.
According a report issued in May 2006 by Forrester Research, most consumers are much more concerned about the display quality and durability of large screen TVs than their weight. Nonetheless, roughly 6 percent listed the ability to wall-mount their flat screen as the most important factor.
Aimed at Business Market
Given its likely steep price and massive size, it's not surprising that Samsung is aiming the 70-inch TV less at retail consumers and more at the business and convention market. The company expects its new model to compete with projection and plasma screen televisions.
The Forrester study suggested that only 7 percent or so of prospective flat-screen retail consumers are interested in spending $2,000 or more for a new TV. As new models come on the market, however, prices for existing mid-size models will continue to fall.
Despite cost and manufacturing difficulties, other far larger televisions are clearly on the horizon. At the same conference in Daegu this week, the manufacturer LG.Philips LCD is showing off its 100-inch LCD flat screen television.
The world's largest flat screen debuted in April, but LG.Philips has not announced any plans make the model available to either retail or business consumers.
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