Hewlett-Packard's mastery of cutting-edge digital technology helped them become a fixture in offices everywhere. Now, they've set their sights on the living room, with their flagship 1080p HDTV, the 65" MD6580n. Sound & Vision reviewer David Katzmaier was thoroughly impressed with this innovative rear-projection TV: "Put simply, HP's MD6580n produced the best DLP-based RPTV image I've seen yet..."
Like all TVs based on DLP™ (Digital Light Processing) technology, the MD6580n's imaging "light engine" is built around a Texas Instruments DLP chip. HP's contribution to DLP's big-screen success was their invention of the "wobulation" resolution-enhancement technique that is used in most current high-definition DLP TVs (including all 1080p DLPs). Compared to 720p sets, 1080p puts twice as many pixels on the screen for improved clarity and dimensionality. A 1080p display is a pixel-perfect match for 1080i high-definition programs, so you'll see every detail.
All 1080p TVs are designed to display images at 1080p resolution, but the MD6580n is one of the very few 1080p models that also accepts 1080p signals. While 1080p signal sources are limited to high-performance PCs and video processors for now, 1080p-capable inputs will help ensure that your TV can make the most of future video gear, like high-definition disc players.
Other innovations guarantee great viewing, day or night. First, a circuit samples the brightness level of the video signal, and controls a "dynamic iris," opening and closing it instantaneously to achieve deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more realistic detail in dark images. The high-powered projection lamp generates plenty of brightness for enjoyable daytime viewing, too.
The MD6580n's connections panel is one of its most unique features. It's located behind a swing-down door on the front of the TV (click on "Photos" above). The lighted, color-coded panel puts an end to crawling around behind the TV with a flashlight, trying to connect your gear. Pretty smart.
Details:
- high-definition TV — receives and decodes digital standard-definition and HDTV signals from over-the-air broadcasts (antenna required) and cable TV service (CableCARD™ required)
- widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio
- Texas Instruments SmoothPicture™ DLP chip (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- Visual Fidelity 1080p light engine
- DynamicBlack™ dynamic iris for deeper blacks and better contrast
- 12,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- digital video processing (upconverts all video signals to 1080p)
- 150-watt DC lamp
- 1-tuner Picture-in-Picture (inset or split-screen)
- built-in stereo speakers + subwoofer (85 watts total power)
- multibrand remote control
- picture settings memory for each input
- 7 A/V inputs, including:
- 3 composite video
- 3 S-video
- 2 HD-compatible component video (accepts 1080p/1080i/720p/480p/480i signals)
- 2 HDMI digital audio/video inputs (1080p-compatible)
- PC input: analog RGB (D-sub 15-pin)
- 2 RF inputs (Antenna, Cable)
- coaxial digital audio output for Dolby® Digital
- 66-1/4"W x 41-5/8"H x 19-3/8"D
- weight: 133 lbs.
- warranty: 1 year parts & labor (90 days for lamp) — carry-in service
- Want more peace of mind? Extended Service Plans Available
- Contact your local cable provider for details regarding the availability and costs of CableCARD-related services
Tip: To find out if HDTV signals are available in your area, visit this helpful site and punch in your zip code.
Large Item Special Shipping: Because of its large size, this item will be delivered and placed in any accessible room in your home. Delivery is available to physical addresses in the lower 48 states. (Sorry, no P.O. Boxes or freight forwarders.) Transit time is 5-7 business days once your order has been processed. Extra charges may apply for delivery after business hours or on a weekend, or if the item must be carried up more than 5 flights of stairs.
Note: Free return shipping not available with this model.
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