After another season of TV hunting, I still haven’t found the product I really want. Essentially, I want a huge TV designed for home theater use. What would be the difference between this “home theater display” and a standard HDTV? A HTD would be closer to a computer monitor than a TV, as it wouldn’t have speakers or a TV tuner at all. Most people watching on a flat screen aren’t using the built-in tuner, they’re using the settop box provided by their cable/satellite provider.
It wouldn’t have any “smart” features – no “apps” or potentially even network connectivity. The remote would be super simple, like the Roku remote, with just a D-pad, enter key, and power button. The included remote would use Bluetooth but the TV would also accept infrared for compatibility with existing set-top box remotes. The remote would be used primarily for calibrating the display itself.
The TV would have a single HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 input and, a USB 3.0 port for firmware updates and maybe a SPDIF out. Inputs and audio would be handled by the receiver or soundbar.
It would be available in all common sizes – 24, 32, 40, 49, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 inch – with sensible stand and standard mounting brackets. All models would support 3D, and maybe there would be some curved models if desired.
By omitting coax, component, extra HDMI inputs, speakers, network, “smart” OS and other unnecessary features, it should be possible to make the TV significantly thinner, cheaper and lighter. Samsung, Vizio, LG, are you listening? Someone want to start a Kickstarter?
Evan Hoffman's Blog 