The demise of EDTV
By Matt Burns 
posted Apr 24th 2006 7:42AM
posted Apr 24th 2006 7:42AM
EDTV: we hardly knew you and truthfully, we won't miss ya. Enhanced definition plasmas was a great alternative to what was then a high priced item. There was a time not long ago when high definition flat panels were more of a Luxist item but there was enhanced definition that offered most of what high-def had to offer at a fraction of the cost. But alas, you are leaving us soon.The average price of plasmas has nearly been cut in half each of the past years. Enhanced definition has always been there a cool thousand under the price of its big brother, but with HD plasmas easily reaching 2K, EDTVs are no longer needed.
Later!
There is still room for EDTV. I need a 40" plasma for my pool room, but it will only be used 4 or 5 times a year. Viewed from 10 feet or more, you cannot tell the difference. In this application, I would gladly pay $1,000 for EDTV rather than $2,000 for HDTV.
But would you pay $700 for an EDTV vs $900 for an HDTV. That's much more where things are going. And even then, you can buy the cheaper unit by shopping around at walmart, or waiting for the sales.
IMO there is still room for ED in smaller sizes. Take for example my retired parents I don't see them replacing all 4 current tv's with a HDTV( for example the tiny kitchen tv).