Sony to exit rear projection TV market

Sony has decided to cease the manufacture of rear projection TVs (RPTV). Once its current inventory is gone it will redistribute resources to the production of LDCs and plasma displays.

Rear projection HDTVs can provide a better image quality than an equivalent priced flat panel TV, but Sony believes that the flat panel technology is now what customers really want.

Although rear projection TVs are still popular, Sony follows Philips, Toshiba and Hitachi in removing the technology from its line-up.

The decision will allow the company to focus on newer technologies such as OLED. The current range of Sony RPTVs will remain on sale until back orders are fulfilled with distributors, after which production will cease.

It could be worth keeping an eye out for a bargain as some good deals are likely to be available as the remaining RPTV stock is sold off.