Sony Quits Rear-Projection TVs

In an effort to ditch the money-losing production of rear-projection TVs, Sony is making the move toward more flat panel televisions, which happen to be more energy-efficient.

Flat panel displays can use as much as one-third the energy as a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. While the newer liquid crystal display (LCD) and the up and coming organic light emitting diode (OLED) TVs typically use less energy than other similar-sized cathode ray tube and plasma televisions, this does most likely mean that the selection of televisions available will all be more expensive. Rear-projection televisions were less expensive than their counterparts but times they are a changing, and consumers are increasingly purchasing more LCD TVs.

While this move is financially-driven, it is a good sign for the environmental friendliness of the consumer electronics market. If the only products available are more eco-friendly, consumers have no choice but to adhere. This announcement follows Sony's initiative to encourage customers to trade in and recycle their old televisions toward the purchase of a new high-definition TV.