Philips Electronics has announced that it will cease development and production of LCOS (Liquid-Crystal-on-Silicon) rear-projection TVs beginning November 19. Philips will instead be intensifying its focus on the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and CRT (Cathode-Ray-Tube) TV markets.

 

Philips experienced disappointing yield rates on its 1.18-inch microdisplay, as well as lackluster set performance and image quality issues. A spokesperson said that the Dutch company felt its share of the market was insufficiently large to justify further investment, especially in light of the swift commodification of microdisplays.

 

Philips will continue with production of 720p rear-projection TVs until its supply inventory is depleted, and will also maintain support and spare parts for the sets still being sold. The company emphasized that its exit from the LCOS TV market did not signal a departure from the rear-projection TV market as a whole. Philips plans to consider various other microdisplay solutions for the future.