Sanyo launches new ‘slim’ CRT TV technology in Australia

By Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Tuesday, 29 May 2007 09:01

Opinion and Analysis

CRT TV technology is far from dead, having matured significantly over the last 50 years, offering the best picture quality at ultra low prices – but only in sizes of 20- and 26-inches.

A number of companies have tried rejuvenating the CRT TV market to some degree by offering super slim CRT screens that, while much ‘thicker’ than plasma or LCD TVs, are genuinely thinner than the regular boxy CRT TV.

Sanyo’s two new ‘slim-line’ CRT screens aren’t claiming to be the world’s thinnest or anything like that, but do say there’s a 20% “reduction in depth compared to standard CRT television models”, and are space saving, giving an ‘LCD-like option perfect for small living spaces at a fraction of the cost”.

Given that the 20-inch (51 cm) and the 26-inch (68cm) cost AUD $249 and AUD $399 respectively, they’re certainly cheaper than competing LCD models and will appeal, especially to those who want an additional TV in other rooms but want to save the extra cost of buying a LCD model and put the difference towards a brand new 50” flatscreen for the main living room instead.

Both models are updates over last year’s ‘launched’ versions, which Sanyo says sold out in the local market. Sanyo’s MD for Australia and NZ, Bill Crichton, said that: “The demand for our first range of slim-line CRT televisions was truly remarkable, with many stores selling out.  We were one of the first companies to offer this technology and have now updated these popular models, which will complement our other ranges of LCD and plasma televisions.”

Don’t expect to find DVI, VGA or HDMI sockets here – the best you’ll get is component input, although for many DVD players that’s more than good enough. The TVs are equipped with “AV stereo surround sound to produce high-quality three-dimensional sound effects for the best movie, television and gaming experience”, according to Sanyo’s release, while a “bassXpander” can be switched on, if desired, to “accentuate low tones to improve the sound in movies and music”.    

As you’d expect, front and rear AV inputs are standard, and there’s also a “rear monitor output to allow connection to another display device”.

On sale “in June” from Australian retailers Big W, Kmart and Target, they’re a simple way to get a slimmer than usual 20 or 26-inch CRT television, especially for places where you want a TV but don’t want to risk damage to what would be a more expensive LCD TV, or you don’t want the expense, which all in all, is a pretty simple proposition, and should see these models just as popular as the last.