First, let me say that this idea is indeed worth all the money and it needs to grow into a fully capable desktop product. I say that because HDTVs are here and they will stay here until a new evolutionary step will push them further. 1080p resolution is the way to go and no one can deny that. But as I've said, things are in a constant move and need to evolve. There are many reasons behind that need, but I won't comment them. What I can say about the evolution of HDTVs is that the next generation is already here.


Earlier in 2006, CMO announced that it will produce a new line of panels capable of outputting the image into an LCD which has a native resolution of 3840 x 2160. The output is progressive so you can call this new born standard 2160p. If you make a quick calculus, you will find out that the panel has about 4 times more pixels than the usual 1080p motive for which it is called a Quad HDTV.

Since CMO is a panel manufacturer and not an integrator, someone had to land in its yard sooner or later. And Westinghouse was the first to do that because they've just announced that they will showcase a 56" Quad HDTV at the CES. This is actually the first time such an LCD crosses the Atlantic because Quad HDTVs have already been showcased all over Asia during the second half of 2006. According to the producer, the panel can provide "stunning, never-before seen picture reproduction." The pricing and availability are unknown at the moment but the panel is expected to hit the retailers soon.