Sony to stop making SXRD TV's

[UltimateFighter]

I'm really bummed about this. I was gonna get the 70 XBR5

It's unconfirmed at the moment, but we're hearing that Sony is planning to discontinue sales of all rear-projection HDTVs, including its 3LCD and SXRD lines, after current inventories are exhausted to focus on the hot-selling Bravia LCD line. We've been tipped on it twice today and now This Week In Consumer Electronics is reporting that a Sony spokesperson has told them that "We are moving our resources more toward LCD TV, because that's what people really want." It looks like all backorders for the KDSZ70XBR5 are being canceled, as the unit will never be manufactured, and Sony's making a "no promises" effort to fill backorders for the KDF46E3000 and KDS60A3000. The move isn't exactly unprecedented or even all that surprising -- Toshiba, Philips and Hitachi have all stopped producing rear-projection sets, but Sony's SXRDs were still extremely popular and it's strange to see them get dropped just like that. Check the full leaked email we got after the break.

From: [redacted]
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:01 PM
To: [redacted]
Subject: FW: Sony #-LCD and SXRD Announcment

To All-
I've spoken to some of you regarding Sony's announcement yesterday re: the discontinuation of all MDPJ sets including E-series 3-LCD, A and XBR-series SXRD. Here's an unofficial statement from our internal news:

Sony to Stop MDPJ Production
Dec. 17 - Due to the high consumer demand for BRAVIA flat-panel LCD televisions combined with the accelerating industry trend toward flat-panel displays, Sony Electronics will discontinue producing rear-projection televisions based on 3LCD and Silicon X-tal Reflective Display technologies.
- All backorders for KDSZ70XBR5 are now cancelled as this set will not be produced.
- We do expect to fill existing backorders for KDF46E3000 and KDS60A3000 – if you need either of these models, LAST CHANCE, ORDER NOW and we will do our best to fill your orders – no promises!!

http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/19/s...focus-on-lcds/

[daisuke149]

while it sucks cus the a3000 is a awesome freaking tv.
I hope sony plans to lower their prices via this move especially in the 52" and up categories

[Blu As Hell]

Well damn!!!! Ah well I was wanting the 70" SXRD but I'll keep the Mitsubishi. I Hope they lower the prices on those flat-panel Bravias.

[mrtaber]

Man, I just bought my KDS60A3000...awesome television. I'll be sorry to see them go. Picture is gorgeous.

Mark

[Mr. Joshua]

After purchasing a new LCD flatscreen I think LCD flatscreen is the way to go. I like Sony but I hate the cabinet on the XBR4 and XBR5. Loose the glass around the screen and the tv will look so much better. I went with the new Samsung 71 series the cabinet is much nicer than the Sony and the picture is as good or better... Of course that messes things up for me because I have a PS3 and I like my electronics to match as far as brands... At least both have the black glossy look.

[daisuke149]

Originally Posted by wsciv123

After purchasing a new LCD flatscreen I think LCD flatscreen is the way to go. I like Sony but I hate the cabinet on the XBR4 and XBR5. Loose the glass around the screen and the tv will look so much better. I went with the new Samsung 71 series the cabinet is much nicer than the Sony and the picture is as good or better... Of course that messes things up for me because I have a PS3 and I like my electronics to match as far as brands... At least both have the black glossy look.

personally hate the glossy black cabinets. have any kinda light in the room and it reflects off there. great for when the tv is off and i wanna stare at the tv then.. but.. when the tv's on.. yeah no thanks reflective black. also the glossy screen itself i dont quite like.

[moviefan]

The bad thing here is that the RPTVs made the really large screens affordable. They should have waited until the larger flat panels come down in price.

[airwedge1]

The SXRD in my opinion, has the best picture of any tv on the market, including the most expensive plasma, and lcd tvs. I don't think this is a good move by Sony.