Brillian Announces Its BR1080HC Gen II Liquid-Crystal-On-Silicon (LCoS(TM)) Microdisplay

Ideally Suited for High-Performance 1080p Rear-Projection HDTV Applications

SEATTLE, May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brillian Corporation (Nasdaq: BRLC) today announced its BR1080HC microdisplay. The 0.72 inch diagonal, 1920x1200 panel features Brillian's proprietary Gen II liquid crystal-on-silicon (LCoS(TM)) technology, which delivers industry-leading image quality and contrast ratios as high as 2000:1. Brillian will demonstrate the new microdisplays in a three-panel, 65-inch, 1080p rear-projection HDTV prototype at the Society for Information Display (SID) conference in Seattle, Washington, May 25-27, 2004.
In addition to the microdisplays, the prototype HDTV leverages a three-panel LCoS(TM) light engine, based on the JDS Uniphase LCOS light engine along with Brillian proprietary drive electronics.
Each Brillian BR1080HC microdisplay contains more than 2.3 million pixels for rear-projection HDTV applications that demand the highest broadcast resolution available. With a 0.72-inch diagonal array and a mere 8.1 micron square pixel, this panel fulfills the LCOS promise: densely packed pixels in a tiny microdisplay that allows delivery of high-definition content in a slim profile, lightweight TV product.
Even with the small pixel and panel size, the aperture ratio (fill factor) is still greater than 90%. Its reflectance is greater than 65% enabling the engine to deliver over 500 cd/m2 (nits) brightness and outstanding uniformity from edge to edge on the screen. In addition, although the interface to the system is fully digital, the gray scale and color rendition are analog. This ensures that the video performance can be optimized with great precision for the smoothest, highest-quality, artifact-free image.
Robert Melcher, chief technology officer, Brillian, said, "With its outstanding image quality and price/performance, the BR1080HC panel is an ideal component for the development of 1080p high-definition television products. Brillian plans to introduce these components in its own complete HDTV products. The components and/or light engines will also be made available to selected OEMs looking for the highest-performance and highest-quality panel and/or engine solution for their next-generation 1080p roducts."

About Gen II LCoS(TM) Technology
Brillian's reflective, active-matrix-driven BR1080HC liquid crystal displays feature more than 2.3 million, 8.1 micron square pixels, each of which is capable of displaying more than 256 gray levels. As a result, HDTVs ased on Brillian's technology will feature grayscale detail at all brightness evels, even in the darkest scenes -- matching the visual response of the eye.
The technology supports a high fill factor (greater than 90%) assuring a smooth, artifact-free image. Its three-panel optical architecture, along with fast response time (less than 10 milliseconds) enables exceptional video reproduction without color break-up or digital artifacts. Importantly, the Brillian Gen II LCoS(TM) architecture supports the ability to easily scale to ultra-high resolutions to meet the highest-definition broadcast and computing tandards.

Availability
BR1080HC samples and development kits will be available to selected customers in the third quarter of 2004. Production is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2004. Complete products will be introduced in the first quarter of 2005. Brillian is taking orders now.

Additional article:

New Display Techs Unveiled at SID
Online staff -- Electronic News, 5/27/2004

At a time when consumer electronics is booming and a big screen television seems to be on everyone's wish list, display and display component makers gathered in Seattle for the Society for Information Display Conference to show off their latest advances.

National Semiconductor, Kodak, and Brillian all rolled out new technologies during the event.

National Semiconductor announced its new point-to-point differential signaling architecture and chipset for LCD televisions. National Semi said the PPDS architecture enables cinema-quality display performance and smaller bezels and can support LCD televisions of up to 90 inches diagonal.

LCD TVs 23 inches and larger will increase in volume from 3.5 million units this year to more than 47 million units in 2008, according to Bert McComas, director of display electronics research at DisplaySearch, a market research firm.

The new National Semi architecture combines a physical layer interface with high-level protocol to create an interface that reduces the overall required printed circuit board size. The new chipset includes a new timing controller and column driver to support the PDDS architecture

Kodak introduced new materials for organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. The company has developed an OLED formulation that includes four colors – red, green, blue and for the first time, white, the company said in a statement. This lets manufacturers have the flexibility to choose panel architecture that best suits their device design and production needs, Kodak said.

The new materials are well suited for both passive matrix and active matrix displays. The company said the new OLED materials will allow delivery of displays with brilliant color, superior contrast ratio and a wide viewing angle.

Kodak also took the opportunity to demonstrate display panels at the conference, showing prototypes of a 3.5-inch AM OLED panel, a 2.5-inch panel and a 1.9-inch panel.

Kodak points out that research firms such as Stanford Resources and DisplaySearch have forecasted that the OLED display market could reach from $.15 billion to $3 billion by 2007. CE devices that are expected to incorporate OLED displays in the next five years include mobile phones, digital cameras, PDAs and DVD players.

Meanwhile, Brillian Corp. chose the conference to unveil its first television product, the BR6501m/I, a 65-inch rear-projection HDTV monitor based on the company's proprietary and patent-pending Gen II LCoS microdisplay technology.

The Brillian product offers three 1280x720-pixel microdisplays and the highest commercially available LCOS contrast ratios – up to 2000 to 1 – that is available in a projection television, the company said in a statement.

Wow, and I just bought my crummy 1380x766 Sony XBR... just kidding. I love my XBR but this is exciting news and I cant wait to see an HD DVD playing on it...

dave99

I wouldn't doubt that technology like this will drive the Sony GW V. That display coupled with the inclusion of Sony's cell processor would be one sweet setup.

Thx,
Vidkidd

I won't believe in Brillian until I can go into a store and actually buy one! If Rogo says it's too good to be true--it probably is!

If Brillian is taking orders, then Rogo's face must be red. He claimed Brillian was a fraud and ditto for another emerging technology. Rogo
needs to either keep it shut or put up some evidence for his lofty pronouncements. He's done neither so far, so I pay no attention to anything posted by him concerning future events/non-events

Stilll looks like vaporware to me. Until (IF) it actually ships and people can view it I'll reserve judgement.

Will it be reliable, long lasting, without weird artifacts, and at what cost? None of these questions can be answered now.

Display tech is still improving rapidly. Both 1080p DLPs and 1080p LCD (actually they'll be available this year) will be here by 2005. No new tech has a lock on the market. They must prove themselves and compete with better implementations of today's technologies (DLP, LCD, PDP, etc).

Originally posted by PaulGo
BR1080HC samples and development kits will be available to selected customers in the third quarter of 2004. Production is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Widespread availability of TVs based on this device then would still be ~2 years away, assuming they stick to this schedule.

"If Brillian is taking orders, then Rogo's face must be red. He claimed Brillian was a fraud and ditto for another emerging technology."

Ha ha ha. If my face is red, it's from my grinning.

A press release that says, "Brillian is taking orders" can be construed only one way:

We have no OEMs to announce and so far no one has really shown a commitment to buying anything from us.

And Jfischer is right on. It's possible that if someone does sign on, you'll see this TV within a couple of years.

This announcement is typical Brillian -- it sounds great on paper, but the important information (e.g. who will build one? what will it cost?) is absent.

Mark

Isn't Brillian the former 3-5, who built the (in)famous engine for the RCA Scenium debacle?

Yes.

Well even if everything you say is true. That TV looks absolutely amazing. LCOS is the future of projection TVs (hopefully, just need to get those yields up (Intel you better get your act in gear and start building these things)) especially for 1080p since the DLP xHD3 chip uses spatial dithering and a multi angle mirror and is not a true 1080p image. The other really nice looking LCOS is made by spatialight they also had a 1080p 10bit LCOS projector that looked great. Phillips also had a very nice 1080p LCOS using a spinning prisms to distribute the life (I gathered this was a slightly new approach to the light engine, but I'm not familiar enough with the tech to know for sure). They had DLP projectors at SID also but the LCOS, the Sony high contrast projection screen, and the 50+ inch LCDs I thought were the stars of the show

Originally posted by spikemike
Well even if everything you say is true. That TV looks absolutely amazing.


Since it doesn't exist yet, how do you know that it looks amazing? Anyone can throw out some impressive specifications on paper, but until you can see one on the sales floor it's pretty hard to tell how "amazing" the set actually looks..

I saw it at SID (Society for Information Display) on thursday. They had a whole working LCOS 1080p television. There were 3 or 4 from different companies all around the conference. And like I said, they all look amazing.

They all look amazing on a trade-show floor? Showing what material? In how bright a light?

And what's with bashing the TI 1080p?

I'm an LCOS fan -- and many hear believe I'm a DLP basher -- but it's totally obvious to me that performance-wise there is nothing coming anytime soon in LCOS that will outperform the xHD3 DLP sets. I'm rainbow sensitive, so I wouldn't own one, but PQ-wise, it ain't gonna be close.

When I say outperform, here are some metrics:

* C/R -- Likely to be 2x-3x better measured on/off in DLP's favor.
* Screendoor -- both quote a similar aperture ratio but the DLP will win here because the "spatial whateveryoucallit" actually mitigates screendoor
* Resolution -- both will be equivalent in pixel count
* Shadow detail -- could favor LCOS
* Absolute blacks -- huge edge to DLP


Mark

I'm not bashing TI DLP just wasn't sure if that resolution thing had been discussed (I'm new here). It was at a trade show so it was in rather bright light. Just sitting in a display but not in a room or anything and not recessed from any of the ambient light. I know brillian and i think spatialight were showing WMV9 HD source and spatialight was also showing mpeg2 sources from a hipix card.

Unless it makes it to market they will be hailed alongside bitboys!!

The resolution thing has been discussed all over AVS and more than a little ad nauseum.

The TI will fully resolve 1920 x 1080 pixel test patterns. It is -- therefore -- a 1920 x 1080 display.

I said in the other thread, so I'll say it here: If people are claiming the xHD3 is only a million pixels because it has only a million mirrors, than a CRT only hass one pixel.

Originally posted by rogo
The resolution thing has been discussed all over AVS and more than a little ad nauseum.

The TI will fully resolve 1920 x 1080 pixel test patterns. It is -- therefore -- a 1920 x 1080 display.


Rogo, are you sure about that? I remember reading on one of the image analysis threads in the front projector forum that a checkerboard pattern of alternating single black and white pixels would resolve to a completely gray image. In fact, I believe there would be artificats with any single pixel wide diagonal lines.

I doubt very much it would have much of a noticable affect on video quality, but I don't think that the TI can really resolve 1920 x 1080 test patterns.

"I don't think that the TI can really resolve 1920 x 1080 test patterns."

I do.

My sources told me it would.

I believe the Gary Merson report in the current issue of The Perfect Vision says the same thing -- perhaps someone can confirm?

Can you find the posts in question, by any chance?

Regardless, the TI will be a true 1920 x 1080 display. They are marketing it merely as 1080p to avoid constant haranguing about the mirror count.

I don't recall exactly where it is or how I might best search for it, but I am guessing padlock is talking about the "simulated images" (over in the high end FP forum?). IIRC, the fellow making these simulated images suggested that a checkerboard test pattern would fool the set.

Originally posted by rogo
"I don't think that the TI can really resolve 1920 x 1080 test patterns."

I do.

My sources told me it would.

I believe the Gary Merson report in the current issue of The Perfect Vision says the same thing -- perhaps someone can confirm?

Regardless, the TI will be a true 1920 x 1080 display. They are marketing it merely as 1080p to avoid constant haranguing about the mirror count.

OK,

I know I fell off the turnip wagon some time back, but how can a 1920X540 chip produce a 1080P image? Really, I am not bashing! My dozen remaining brain cells say that could only do a half screen progressive scan.

I think the post I was talking about (that *he* was talking about :) ) is here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=394763&highlight=xHD3+simulation

Barrybud: It "interlaces" at 120 half-frames per second to still give you the full 1080 pixels for 60 full frames per second.

Originally posted by profjoe
I think the post I was talking about (that *he* was talking about :) ) is here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=394763&highlight=xHD3+simulation



Yes that's the one. Thank you.

Well, I'm not going to quibble over exactly which test image it will fail or succeed on. Indeed, Wiggles notes there is just one he believes it won't succeed on.

I am pretty confident it will handle the one-pixel lines test in either direction. It might handle the grid as well. It >>might not<< handle the 1 x 1 checkerboard, but I'm not saying it won't.

It is, however, a 1920 x 1080 pixel display. And if it isn't because of the mirror count, then -- again -- every CRT is a one-pixel display. So the DMD is still kicking ass.

Originally posted by rogo
Well, I'm not going to quibble over exactly which test image it will fail or succeed on. Indeed, Wiggles notes there is just one he believes it won't succeed on.

I am pretty confident it will handle the one-pixel lines test in either direction. It might handle the grid as well. It >>might not<< handle the 1 x 1 checkerboard, but I'm not saying it won't.


yeah that could be, often those sort of tricks will get the resolution in one direction but not both at the same time. I know of a LCD tech that does similar stuff and for video or super high dpi it is totally unnoticeable so we'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully it will look great, cause i don't want to wait for LCOS, once I get my good job I'll want my nice big TV.

Brillian wins for its demonstration of two top-quality 1920 x 1080 resolution LCOS-RPTVs. CopyrightŠ 2004 Insight Media

Some interesting news located here.



Insight Media Announces “Best Buzz” Awards for SID (http://www.insightmedia.info/emailblasts/InsightMediaAnnouncesBestBuzzAwards.htm)

FYI, Insight Media's most important product is a report about the LCOS industry. They are big fans of the industry because without it, they sell no reports.

This link will work.

Click here. (http://www.insightmedia.info/emailblasts/InsightMediaAnnouncesBestBuzzAwards.htm)

Samsung's 5 color DLP? Whazup? R, G, B, Dark Green. That's 4. What is number 5?

I hope its a Neutral Density. I've always thought the best way out of rainbows would be to make the dominant DLP color on the color wheel Gray. Then the majority of the image would be properly (and simultaneously) mixed color. (But I have no idea about this report)

Anybody see it? Or have a link to more info?

Ken

Originally posted by KenLand
Samsung's 5 color DLP? Whazup? R, G, B, Dark Green. That's 4. What is number 5?

The demo was of a 5-primary color wheel (RGB plus Cyan and Yellow). Just a demo, nothing in their lineup. Not particularly earth-shattering...5-primary display systems have been bandied about for a while now, they are interesting but personally I think contrast, black level, shadow detail and resolution are more important than intensity/purity of cyans and yellows.

Sorry,

Last night was a bad link night for me!

Insight Media Announces “Best Buzz” Awards for SID (http://www.insightmedia.info/emailblasts/InsightMediaAnnouncesBestBuzzAwards.htm)

Press Release Source: Brillian Corporation
Brillian Announces Its BR1920HC Gen II Liquid-Crystal-on-Silicon (LCoS(TM)) Microdisplay
Tuesday June 8, 9:31 am ET
High-Resolution Microdisplay Offers Highest Image Quality for High-End HDTV and Specialty Projection Applications


TEMPE, Ariz., June 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brillian Corporation (Nasdaq: BRLC - News) today announced its BR1920HC microdisplay. The 0.85-inch diagonal 1920x1200 imager features Brillian's proprietary Gen II LCoS(TM) high-contrast technology, which delivers industry-leading performance in contrast ratio, brightness, fill factor and overall image quality.

Brillian held private demonstrations of the new microdisplay in a three- panel, 65-inch 1080p rear-projection HDTV prototype at the Society for Information Display (SID) conference in Seattle, Washington, May 25-27, 2004. In contrast to the 0.7" 1920x1200 microdisplay Brillian also announced at SID, which delivered a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and 500 cd/m2 (nits) brightness for mainstream HDTV applications, this 0.85-inch display showed brightness greater than 800 cd/m2 (nits), sequential contrast exceeding 2400:1, fill factor greater than 92%, along with reflectivity of greater than 65%, and is targeted at applications such as HDTV home theatre front projectors, greater than 75-inch large-screen HDTVs, and specialty projection applications like flight simulator monitors, photo printing imaging engines, and others.

With its exceptional contrast ratio, the BR1920HC panel, based on a 9.5-micron square pixel, delivers a virtually seamless, ultra-high-brightness image with outstanding grayscale performance. Brillian's proprietary integrated uniformity correction ensures that colors are accurately rendered throughout the entire display area. In addition, although the interface to the system is fully digital, the grayscale and color rendition are analog. This ensures that the video performance can be optimized with great precision for the smoothest, highest-quality, artifact-free image.

The BR1920HC is a progressive scan display and has a native 1920x1200 pixel format and supports 720p, 1080i and 1080p HDTV formats as well as WUXGA (1920x1200) and UXGA (1600x1200) computing resolution formats.

"Designed for the most demanding applications, which require greater than two mega-pixel resolution, combined with the highest brightness and contrast performance, the smoothest artifact-free image and accurate analog grayscale rendition, the BR1920HC is the ideal choice for both the very high-end rear- projection HDTV products and for the high-end home theatre front-projection market," said Robert Melcher, chief technology officer, Brillian. "This latest implementation of our proprietary and patent-pending Gen II LCoS(TM) microdisplay technology showcases the strength of this innovation to meet a broad cross-section of high-end projection and convergence product applications with a single, high-performance platform."

About Gen II LCoS(TM) Technology

Each of Brillian's reflective, active-matrix-driven BR1920HC liquid crystal displays feature over 2.3 million, 9.5 micron square picture elements, each of which is capable of displaying more than 256 gray levels. As a result, HDTVs and other high-end projection products based on Brillian's technology will feature optimal grayscale detail at all brightness levels, including dark scenes -- matching the visual response of the eye. The technology provides high brightness and supports a high fill factor (92%) providing smooth, eye-catching imagery. A three-panel light engine architecture, together with the fast panel response time (less than 10 milliseconds) enables exceptional video reproduction without color break-up or digital artifacts. Importantly, the Brillian Gen II LCoS(TM) technology supports the ability to easily scale to ultra-high resolutions to meet the highest-definition broadcast and computing standards.

I just wrote a nice post about this and somehow failed to post it. Suffice it to say:

* This engine is important if it ships. JVC owns the only 1920 x 1080 engine right now and it's sold in a super-pricey projector and RPTV only (the RPTV has a somewhat different engine than the projector).

* This engine has very solid specs.

* JVC has not marketed D-ILA all that well. If someone OEMed the Brillian who was a better marketer, that'd be a win for everyone. There are, alas, few if any tier one mfrs. that aren't deeply in bed with DLP and / or LCD, so I don't know who that would be. But Humax, for example, is coming to the U.S. in a big way and might be a nice fit.

Mark

And speaking of JVC, where is their 52" 3 chip 720p LCOS RPTV's due in June, my last hope for RPTV?

Originally posted by Brian Miller
The demo was of a 5-primary color wheel (RGB plus Cyan and Yellow). Just a demo, nothing in their lineup.
Correction: Just confirmed that Samsung is planning on shipping a 5-color DLP in 2005 as it's top-of-line RPTV.

This Gen II light engine from Brillian sounds great. But where are the OEMs? Have they ever actually shipped any product in any quantity?

No, Bob, not yet...

Brillian has announced that they have an order worth $6 million for their 720p TV set for OEMs. At the recently disclosed wholesale price of $4,000, that amounts to 1,500 sets for delivery in Q3. Now you know as much as I know.

"BR1920HC samples and development kits will be available to selected customers in Q3'04. Production is scheduled to begin in Q4'04. Complete products will be introduced in Q1'05. Brillian is taking orders now"

I guess we'll still be speculating about Brillian this time next year.

Nortex -- Do you have any links to that information?

BRLC links below.

$6 million contract for 720p TV,

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040414/law092_1.html

$4,000 wholesale cost,

http://finance.messages.yahoo.com/bbs?.mm=FN&action=m&board=1606643614&tid=brlc&sid=1606643614&mid=1141

which came from the following webcast,

http://www.wsw.com/webcast/fbr4/brlc

Thanks, Nortex.

Apparently, a lot of people share the skepticism I've had for these guys over the years.

I still have that skepticism and think it's nearly impossible to listen to the stock hypesters. But the 1920 x 1080 chips -- both of them -- sound interesting.

Mark

Originally posted by PaulGo
Brillian Announces Its BR1080HC Gen II Liquid-Crystal-On-Silicon (LCoS(TM)) Microdisplay
The 0.72 inch diagonal, 1920x1200 panel features Brillian's proprietary Gen II liquid crystal-on-silicon (LCoS(TM)) technology

Why is the chip 1920x1200? Why not 1920x1080, which would be the resolution of HD-DVD if I'm not mistaken?

1920x1200 is WUXGA computer resolution. It does accept 1920x1080 though. Also note that that chip is for HDTVs 75 inches and larger!

I listened to / watched the presentation (the watching was of the Powerpoint).

Why a U.S. retailer is creating an "own brand" escapes me. The fact they bought 1500 TVs that are supposed to sell for $7K each escapes me more. That, however, is no knock on Brillian, which got that contract -- apparently.

There is no market going forward for wholesaling 720p TVs at $4000. I presume they plan to drop in the smaller 1920 chip ASAP since they claim it costs them the same to make as the larger one.

The problem I see is that Samsung is entering the 1080p market at $6500. Yes, that's one chip and yes it uses pixel doubling, but so what? It's Samsung, perhaps the Number Two most respected brand in U.S. consumer electronics right now. [Did I really just right that? Is it true? Egad!]

No OEM will pay $4000 to Brillian and be able to sell the sets at a reasonable price. So they have to get the wholesale down to $3000 at most. That would leave them with a razor-thin margin, not the 35% they claim to be getting.

Can they cost reduce this? I have no idea. Not soon. Maybe never without volume.

I want the better chip for a 3-chip front projector. We could make some serious hay with that.

Mark

Brillian Launches 65-Inch HDTV Monitor Pilot Program in Arizona Market

Local Company Readies Innovative, Next-Generation HDTVs
for National Retail Roll Out Later This Summer

TEMPE, Ariz., July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a move to ensure early
market input is incorporated into its 720p HDTV product design, Brillian
Corporation (Nasdaq: BRLC) has signed on a limited number of high-end, Phoenix
Audio/Video (A/V) dealers to begin marketing its 65-inch Gen II liquid-
crystal-on-silicon (LCoS(TM)) HDTVs.
This program, which begins today, will serve two functions: first
Brillian is establishing a partnership with local A/V dealers as an extension
of its product marketing team, and secondly, it is giving the local Phoenix
community the opportunity to evaluate and order its locally developed and
manufactured product ahead of the national rollout.
Later this summer, the HDTVs will be marketed under private label by
Brillian's first national retail channel partner.
"We're delighted to be a part of this premier pilot program through
Brillian," said Jerry Kowitz, owner Jerry's Audio-Video, a retailer of high-
end entertainment systems that has served the Phoenix area for more than
35 years. Jerry's Audio-Video is the first of a number of high-end retailers
that will carry the product. "The Brillian HDTV's ultra-high contrast,
grayscale performance, brightness, clarity, dark state and color saturation
levels are quite extraordinary," Kowitz said. "With a history of introducing
the latest A/V technologies in our showrooms, customers in the Phoenix market
expect to find the latest technology at Jerry's. We believe that our
customers will be as impressed by this product as we have been."
Manufactured in the U.S., the sleek, Euro-design HDTV is based on
Brillian's patent-pending Gen II LCoS(TM) technology. Offering a 65-inch,
16:9 widescreen with artifact-free, full-motion video, the HDTV is the highest
contrast (up to 2000:1) LCOS rear-projection TV available today

Anyone have a picture of what the TV looks like?

I have been lurking on this forum for several months while I try to decide what to buy, and I have never posted before, because I never had anything to contribute to the discussion.

Today, since I live in the Phoenix area, I dropped by Jerry's to check out this set. They had one on display which they said was set up only last night. They were showing an HD feed through the component inputs with a speed boat competition. It was very impressive. Even with all of the high speed action, I couldn't detect any artifacts. The brightness and viewing angle were both very good, and the contrast looked good to my untrained eye. The colors looked a little unnatural, but I attribute that to it being out of adjustment. The picture was skewed (not level) as well; there was a black triangle across the top of the screen which was about an inch wide at the right side.

I picked up a glossy brochure which I will share in another post which contains all the specs and a picture. (I want to just scan it rather than re-key all the info. So, I need to figure out how to post an image).

Since PQ seems to be of the most interest, I will share those specs here:

500 cd/m (nits) typ. luminance (brightness)
2000:1 typical sequential contrast
200:1 ANSI contrast
6500K/8500K/10,000K adjustable white point

I went there hoping to be able to buy the set if I liked what I saw and it was reasonably priced. However, they were not able to sell it to me. They said that they could put my name on a list and then sell me one in several months when manufacturing got ramped up. Also, the price was a show stopper. They are asking big bucks. I told the salesman that JVC is only a few weeks away from shipping a machine with similar specs, only 3 inches smaller, with an MSRP of half what they are asking. He said that maybe when Brillian sees what the competition is doing, they will adjust their pricing. I'm sure that right now, they are trying to recover some of their development costs and so they are catering to a clientel that likes to brag about having the only TV of its kind (the salesman mentioned more than once that this was the only set anywhere) and doesn't mind paying what ever they ask. I don't have enough of an ego to put me in that class, and my pocketbook couldn't support that kind of ego anyway.

I'm now really anxious to see the JVC HD-ILA box.

Originally posted by DJ_V
Anyone have a picture of what the TV looks like?

http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressreleases/brillian65-inchLCOSHDTV.php

pardon with my very limited knowledge, i only heard a TW company, eLCOS, has debut 65" LCoS RPTV. so wonder if this Brillian is OEM by eLCOS?

Originally posted by PaulGo
Brillian will demonstrate the new microdisplays in a three-panel, 65-inch, 1080p rear-projection HDTV three-panel LCoS(TM) light engine

Originally posted by lienly
pardon with my very limited knowledge, i only heard a TW company, eLCOS, has debut 65" LCoS RPTV. so wonder if this Brillian is OEM by eLCOS?
Phloyd is an engineer with eLCOS and contributes to this thread. I don't think there is a connection.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3196266#post3196266

Brillian is a spinoff of U.S.-based Three Five Systems.

Brillian has nothing at all to do with eLCOS, an entirely different company.

Both are focused on commercializing LCOS technology.

Indeed we have nothing to do with Brillian, except that we compete in the same market segment.

Cheers!
DAve.

I think Brillain is the Enron of the Video Industry--all hype--suspicious product if any product at all--maybe they should team up with Intel and promise us the moon for the next fifty years!

I can't see where this product has any relevance in the market place unless it significantly out performs the JVC. The JVC is an impressive looking set and they have had more experience and success with the technology.

Take a look at this (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/search.do?cat=TVs+%26+TV+Stands&vertical=ELEC&Filter=Brand%7CVeos%5E&displayTarget=Subcategory&subcat=Projection+%26+High+Definition+TVs&BV_SessionID=@@@@1278873657.1092176324@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccjadcmfeefeikcehgcemgdffmdflf.0) set that Sears is selling. They are calling it the VEOS and it looks to be the Brillian engineered product. Interesting - but that $7999 price tag is going to make this one dead-in-the-water product. Why would anyone pay that much for a 65" set unless it was totally spectacular? I'm not saying that it isn't, but I'm curious if anyone has seen it yet?

$7999? At Sears?

This strains common sense.

People don't go to Sears to buy an EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLAR TV. Especially not from a brand they've never heard of.

This is the $6 million deal, I guess and Sears has a new house brand.

Remind me not to go long Sears stock anytime soon, ok?

I do want to see the TV though. Could still be a very nice set.

65 inches and only 112 pounds. Only 2 pounds heavier than JVC's 61 inch dila. But the depth is 4 1/2 inches deeper at 23.

$7999 and no HDMI? And only 720P?

Yeah, but will be interesting to see if there are any major convergence issues or chromatic abberations. I might take a look at one just to see the technology, but wouldn't buy one at that price and from a brand I am not familiar with.

I can see this table top $7,999 HD set at our Sears store. They will probably put it on the floor in a 4' aisle. :rolleyes:

Htwaits: Our Sears sucks even by the standards of Sears stores. Maybe Hillsdale or Vallco....

Man I love these forums. There are so many experts...
And from what I can see they have a lot of time on their hands to write opinions on a bunch of different forums (why not watching more of their beautiful HDTV's ??).
Anyway, the Brillian 65" does exist.
Brillian is located here in Phoenix (Tempe AZ actually I think), and Buzz Jensen's on Camelback Road ( a high end home theater store) has the 65" model on display and for sale. When I saw it I remembered reading something about Brillain on one of the forums. I don't know (and didn't ask) if you could get one tomorrow or if production was just ramping up. However, it was there, for sale, and displaying some really pretty pictures...

Opps sorry...
It is Jerry's Audio- Video on Camelback Road, not Buzz Jensen's.

This Sears TV is the same as the Brillian. I haven't seen the Sears box in person, but I have seen the Brillian box at Jerry's (see my earlier post in this thread). It does have a very impressive picture, and I probably would have bought it, except it cost twice as much as the JVC 61Z575 I just brought home last night.

While at Jerry's, I did make an interesting observation about Brillian - the company. When I first approached the salesman and asked if I could see the Brillian TV, he asked me if I was an investor. It would appear that the main reason they put the machine on display at Jerry's was so that they could woo investors. I noticed on the Brillian website that they have yet to make a profit. Someone on this thread compared them to Enron. Hmmm

wasn't it sears that also carried the rca lc50000 lcos set that originally sold for a similar price? I wonder who makes these decisions. I was never able to actually see the rca in any store but they did have them available to order in their system.

"Sears is creating its own line of consumer electronics in an effort to ride the digital wave"

"Veos is a trademark of Sears, according to the company's Web site. A Sears representative could not immediately comment on the company's overall strategy. "

"The first Veos TV isn't cheap, selling for $7,999, $4,000 more than a 60-inch Hitachi rear-projection TV that Sears also sells. Brillian currently sells its TVs to its industrial customers for about $4,000, but the price will drop as volume picks up, Sollitto said. "

"LCOS, he added, can provide better picture quality than projection TVs built around Digital Light Processors, a contention DLP supporters such as Texas Instruments and Samsung deny. LCOS adoption has been hampered in the past by some of the difficulties in making the chips. This week, Intel delayed its first LCOS. "

Full article at:

http://news.com.com/Sears+launches+consumer+electronics+line/2100-1041_3-5315119.html

Sears needs to back away from the crack pipe if they think people are going to pay $8,000 for a no name TV. LOL. This will be a miserable failure.

Don't laugh, if it wasn't for the price tag, folks like my dad would think its the best since Sears has. Maybe if they put a Sears Best Kenmore tag on it, it will sell fast.:D

Brillian Technology to Be Featured in Kenwood Booth at Upcoming CEDIA Expo 2004
Monday August 30, 7:30 am ET
Kenwood Sovereign(TM) Components to Be Showcased With Brillian's 720p Gen II LCoS(TM) Rear-Projection TV/HDTV Monitor in Booth #620


TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a move to highlight the advantages of integrating the industry's leading audio and video technologies into solutions for high-end home entertainment, a Brillian Corporation (Nasdaq: BRLC - News) 65-inch 720p HDTV will be featured in Kenwood USA Corporation's booth at the CEDIA Expo 2004. The show, hosted by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), runs September 8-12, 2004, in Indianapolis.
ADVERTISEMENT


The Brillian HDTV, which features the highest commercially available LCOS contrast ratios -- up to 2000:1 -- in a rear-projection HDTV, will be available for viewing alongside high-end Kenwood Sovereign components, including an A/V receiver, DVD mega-changer, and the unique Entre(TM) Entertainment Hub.

"We are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to showcase our technology alongside Kenwood Sovereign components," said Vincent F. Sollitto, Jr., Brillian President and CEO. "It gives both Brillian and Kenwood an opportunity to display the power of integrated home entertainment systems that leverage today's best and highest-quality audio and video technologies."

"We are looking forward to having all of our dealers review this technology demonstration and see the potential that a collaboration of this type has to offer for their customers," said Dan Petersen, Executive Vice President of the Consumer Electronics Sector, Kenwood USA.

Brillian Blows It

Mon Sep 13,11:29 AM ET


By Dave Marino-Nachison

We last looked closely at Brillian (Nasdaq: BRLC - News) back in April, when the company's shares got a boost on news of substantial orders for a new HDTV product it was developing using technology to bring extraordinarily high-quality images to viewer households. The company's shares held more or less steady since then -- until Friday, when they dropped more than 12% on news of downbeat third-quarter guidance.

Brillian said in a pair of Thursday night press releases that the aforementioned product wouldn't be able to ship in significant volumes until the third quarter because a key part wasn't available in the quantities needed. Interestingly, Brillian identified the company that failed it -- it was JDS Uniphase (Nasdaq: JDSU - News) -- but also took the unusual step of giving JDS the opportunity to make its case and defend itself, as it were, in its announcement.

The near-term hit to Brillian's business is substantial. Revenue guidance for the quarter was dropped to $800,000 at the most, down from initial estimates of between $2.8 million and $3.2 million. Net losses, meanwhile, are seen between $5.6 million and $6.1 million, up from an old worst-case estimate of $4.9 million. Fourth-quarter revenues, meanwhile, are up in the air as the company waits to see how the components come through.

All told, it's bad news for a company that should be in the right place at the right time with high-end TVs the "new black" in household electronics. That these TVs were intended for a new retail partner only adds to the sting: That retailer can't be happy that they weren't ready for the start of NFL football -- a time of year ready-made I can report, for the company of good friends, three steaming slow cookers, and Tanner's 60-inch TV set.

Brillian's hot new TVs, it appears, won't get to join the party until the season is well under way.

I wonder what that missing component is...

Usually when an LCOS system doesnt make it to production, it is the panels fault.

Everything else, dichroic mirrors, folding mirrors, x-cubes, lenses is all in volume production in other HTPS systems.... Should be no problem getting them.

Screen maybe?

This product is stillborn with or without the part.

The JVC undercuts it on the one hand, the new Sony will blow it away from above.

Brillian to Exhibit High-Definition Television (HDTV) Monitor at Electronic House Expo

TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brillian Corporation
(Nasdaq: BRLC), a pioneering developer of HDTVs based on the industry's first Gen II liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS(TM)) microdisplay technology, will showcase its BR6501m/i, 65-inch, rear-projection, 720p HDTV monitor at the
Electronic House Expo (EHX) in Long Beach, California. Demonstrations will be held November 16 to 18, 2004 in booth #B1508 at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Based on Brillian's proprietary Gen II LCoS(TM) microdisplay technology, the BR6501m/i features a three megapixel (1280x720-pixel per panel) engine and offers the highest commercially available LCOS contrast ratios --up to 2000:1 -- in a rear-projection HDTV. It features exceptional grayscale performance, deep black levels, high brightness, a 160-degree viewing angle, an ultra-fine-pitch 16:9 widescreen, artifact-free full-motion video through its three-panel architecture, outstanding audio performance with its high-end audio system, and an upgradeable hardware and software architecture, all in a sleek design that measures a mere 23-inches in depth.

So what is the difference between this unit and the new JVC Dila ???

Originally posted by fjerina
So what is the difference between this unit and the new JVC Dila ???

The Contrast Ratio (CR) if the above is true; JVC = 1000:1, Billian = 2000:1

Pat

They seem to be developing their own chips.

The first sets they introduced didn't seem to get any distribution. I don't know if they are announcing new chips, a new set with the current chips, or just the old set that Sears decided they couldn't sell for ~$7K.

The saga continues...

Brillian Corporation Announces Asset Sale and Light Engine License Agreement


Raises $5.1 Million in Cash and Provides for Interim Production of Light Engines

TEMPE, Ariz., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brillian Corporation
(Nasdaq: BRLC), a designer and developer of rear-projection, high-definition televisions based on its proprietary Gen II liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS(TM)) microdisplays, today announced that it had entered into a series of agreements under which it sold certain assets to JDS Uniphase Corporation for $5.1 million in cash and licensed JDS Uniphase's technology to commence pilot production of light engines at its Tempe manufacturing facility.
No gain or loss will be recorded from the sale of the assets to JDS Uniphase. Brillian also signed license and other agreements with JDS Uniphase providing for the transfer of the light engine pilot production line from JDS Uniphase to Brillian. JDS Uniphase also will provide assistance in setting up the production line and commencing limited production of light engines. JDS Uniphase and Brillian will continue to work together to improve performance and manufacturability of the light engine.
"By entering into these agreements, Brillian and JDS Uniphase have strengthened our relationship," said Vincent F. Sollitto, Jr., Brillian president and CEO. "This will provide a path for Brillian to begin limited production of our HDTVs, allowing us to pursue customer wins and revenue. We anticipate that we can commence limited production of light engines in January and have HDTV units available for sale in the first quarter of 2005. In the meantime both companies continue to work towards the goal of having the light engine released to volume manufacturing in the second quarter of 2005."

A move to avert bankruptcy... Not necessarily pending bankruptcy, but still....

Brillian takes another tack in LCOS HDTV market

By Spencer Chin
EE Times
February 24, 2005 (10:24 AM EST)

MANHASSET, N.Y. — After seeing its initial foray into the liquid crystal on silicon display market halted by production delays and supply disruptions, Brillian Corp. appears to be taking a more cautious approach to gain a foothold in the market.

Brillian Corp. (Tempe, Ariz.) has resumed shipments of high-definition digital televisions based on its Gen II LCOS technology, but only to high-end regional pilot program retailers and resellers.

In addition, the company has signed a distribution agreement with Chicago-based Starin Marketing Inc., a distributor of high-end electronics for the professional/consumer audio/video market.
Amidst mild fanfare, Brillian demonstrated a 65-inch LCOS TV last May at the Society for Information Display conference and was slated to begin mass production last August.

But production delays, attributed mostly to sourcing the microdisplay light engine, forced Brillian to reduce allocations to audio and video distributors and led retailer Sears to terminate an agreement to sell the TVs.

In resuming LCOS HDTV shipments, Brillian is focusing on high-end retailers with well-heeled clients. The company mentioned one retailer as being Phoenix-based AudioNut, whose customers invest as much as six figures in home theater systems.

Brillian Corporation Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year
Thursday March 3, 4:05 pm ET

TEMPE, Ariz., March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brillian Corporation (Nasdaq: BRLC - News), a designer and developer of rear-projection, high-definition televisions based on its proprietary liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS(TM)) microdisplays, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2004.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2004, Brillian reported revenue of $343,000, down 5% from the year-ago quarter. Full year revenue was $2.7 million, up 23% from 2003. Net loss for the quarter was $16.3 million compared with a net loss of $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. Net loss for the full year was $32.9 million compared with a net loss of $18.7 million for 2003. Net loss per share was $2.35 for the fourth quarter of 2004 compared with $0.92 for the fourth quarter of 2003. For the full year, net loss per share was $5.17 compared with $3.51 for 2003. Bookings for the fourth quarter of 2004 totaled $315,000.

Results for the fourth quarter of 2004 include an increase in the reserve for excess and obsolete inventory of $1.1 million and an impairment charge of $10.2 million. The impairment charge consists of $8.3 million related to the impairment of long-lived assets, a write-off of $1.4 million relating to the discontinuance of an expansion card and HDTV tuner project, and $500,000 relating to the write-off of costs incurred to file and process patent filings, which we have determined not to pursue further.

Brillian ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $8.2 million, working capital of $11.4 million, stockholders' equity of $18.6 million, and no debt.

"The fourth quarter was highlighted by the signing of an agreement with JDS Uniphase in December, which allows us to bring pilot production of the Ultrex III light engine in house," said Vincent F. Sollitto, Jr., Brillian's President and Chief Executive Officer. "In that regard, we built 200 light engine kernel subassemblies in the fourth quarter, and we began building full light engines in early January. This has allowed us to re-start our HDTV production, and in February, we shipped our first TV since the re-start. In addition to re-starting our TV production, we successfully demonstrated our 720p and our new six mega-pixel 1080p HDTVs in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. We had a great turnout in our suite and many positive comments on the quality of the TVs."

We recently received authorization from JDS Uniphase to have the Ultrex 3 light engine manufactured on our behalf by a contract manufacturer and have been granted a perpetual license to the light engine design. We are evaluating potential contract manufacturers for the purpose of making light engines and plan to exercise the option to manage the light engine volume manufacturing ourselves. We are endeavoring to have light engines supplied in volume, by a third party manufacturer in the second half of 2005. In the interim, we are currently manufacturing a limited quantity of light engines in-house and are taking steps to increase that capacity until we can have light engines manufactured in volume.

Business Outlook

Brillian's efforts in the first quarter are focused on producing a limited quantity of HDTVs and securing customers in the high-end OEM and Pro AV distribution channels. We anticipate that our revenues for the first quarter of 2005 will be in the range of $600,000 to $800,000 with a net loss in the range of $5.5 million to $6.5 million. Operating results beyond the first quarter depend significantly upon our ability to procure or produce completed light engines in significant volumes. Until the timing of this event is known with more certainty, we will not be able to provide guidance beyond the current quarter.

Electrograph to Distribute Brillian HDTVs to CEDIA Home Theater and Specialty A/V Retailers
Tuesday March 22, 8:45 am ET
- Brillian HDTVs Will Be the First Liquid-Crystal-on-Silicon (LCoS(TM))-based HDTVs Offered by Electrograph

TEMPE, Ariz., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In another move to build its base of distributors, Brillian Corporation (Nasdaq: BRLC - News) announced today that Electrograph Systems, Inc., a leading display technology distributor, will begin distributing Brillian's 720p and 1080p Gen II LCoS(TM)-based HDTVs to its base of more than 5,000 CEDIA home theater and specialty A/V resellers. Brillian's UltraContrast(TM) HDTVs will be the first LCOS-based HDTVs in Electrograph's extensive video product line up.

"We've evaluated LCOS-based HDTVs and have been very impressed with the picture quality and extensive high-performance features of Brillian's offering," said Sam Taylor, President, Electrograph Systems, Inc. "This is an ideal offering for our CEDIA home theater resellers. With customizable color temperature and gamma settings, precision grayscale, a solid-state, multi-megapixel light engine, artifact-free image delivery, plus RS232 control, Brillian offers a compelling HDTV solution for our discerning video consumers."

Beginning in March, Electrograph will leverage its eight regional sales offices and three regional warehouses to distribute the Brillian Gen II LCoS(TM)-based HDTVs to resellers in the United States and Canada.

Electrograph, which has more than 20 years of experience serving the audio/visual markets, offers a complete line of video products and display technology solutions. Electrograph is one of the world's leading distributors of plasma displays for the professional and commercial markets, including such brands as Pioneer, Hitachi, Panasonic, NEC and Samsung. The company also distributes a full line of audio products and other display technology solutions.

The HDTV monitors, based on Brillian's proprietary Gen II LCoS(TM) microdisplay technology, feature a three- or six-megapixel light engine and offer the highest commercially available LCOS contrast ratio -- up to 2000:1 -- in a rear-projection HDTV. The Brillian HDTVs feature exceptional grayscale performance, deep black levels, high brightness, a 170-degree viewing angle, an ultra-fine-pitch 16:9 widescreen, artifact-free full-motion video, and outstanding audio performance. Brillian HDTV products also provide software upgradeability.

The Electrograph agreement for CEDIA home theater distribution complements Brillian's recently announced relationship with Starin Marketing for the ProA/V market.

"Building our distribution channel is a critical next step and the agreement with Electrograph gives us tremendous coverage in North America as well as added momentum as we ramp production in-house and continue working to secure volume production of light engines in the second half of 2005," said Bill Fox, Brillian senior vice president of sales.

Greetings all ---

I thought you might want to know that TVAuthority is proud to announce we are the first online e-tailer authozied to sell the Brillian LCOS. We've got a few brand-new 6501mb units in the barn right now, and our demonstration model is on the way to us. List price is $7999, which we all know is a little steep for this 720p model, but there's some room for manueving there.

Is anyone in Southern CA or Seattle/Poulsbo WA interested in viewing this TV in person? If so, we can try to do a little showcase. Perhaps we can even get it set up next to a JVC HD-ILA for true comparisions.

What are your thoughts?

Hi Neil,

Long time no talk :)

That's excellent news! Do you have a link to the more mundane specs like dimensions, inputs, warranty, etc.?

$7999 is a bit steep for 720P, but if it beats the Qualia in PQ or they can do the 1080P near that price Brillian might do very well.

Thanks,
Ken

I see now that you have it on your site just like any old TV - cool!

http://www.tvauthority.com/DILA-and-LCOS-TVs/Brillian-6501mb.asp

Brillian should arrange to have a noteable AVS'er like umr review this set. If it performed well, the numbers generated would be huge for Brillian.

Just thinking out loud. I'd love to see this set.

Ken

Originally posted by KenLand
I see now that you have it on your site just like any old TV - cool!

http://www.tvauthority.com/DILA-and-LCOS-TVs/Brillian-6501mb.asp

Brillian should arrange to have a noteable AVS'er like umr review this set. If it performed well, the numbers generated would be huge for Brillian.

Just thinking out loud. I'd love to see this set.

Ken

I would like to see that as well.:D

Hey umr,

Hope it didn't look like I was speaking for you, but I thought you might be game :)

I'm thinking that at these numbers, if the PQ is there, this might be real winner.

I don't really see anybody laying down the money without a review from a qualified source, but with a trusted thumbs up I'm sure there are plenty of buyers. Just look at the Qualia Owners Thread. :)

Ken

How smart does one have to be to NOT consider buying this product?

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050412/125918.html?.v=1

Ken,

Long time no talk! Would you and UMR like to take a trip to Santa Monica to take a look at one? It's very nice here this time of year. : )

If not, I can ship one of you guys a demo unit to play with for a few days.

What are your thoughts?

Hey Neil,

That's a great offer. I'd much rather go to Santa Monica, but time is at a premium for me this time of year. :)

umr would be the best bet, but I could host the demo or find some other place. We're blessed here with a number of AVS bigwigs.

We all know Brillian has had a rocky start, but the best way out of a financial hole is a great product. If they have one we would like to find out and share the news.

umr is pretty seriously into this sort of thing so we'll have to wait for his reply. I'll share more ideas then :)

Ken

Does Santa Monica have a TV extradition treaty with Sugar Land?

Neil,

I would love to get a demo unit for review. PM me if you would like to pursue this further. I can give you my phone number. Ken and some others in Houston would be welcome to come to my house as well. Would it be possible to chat with some folks at Brillian if we find any issues with the set?

I might also be able to go to Santa Monica, but an extended home review would be better. Next week is out for me and the following week I will be with Sencore, but after that I should be able to work something out.

Neil/umr,

That will fit my schedule as well. As long as we get it done before June I should be ok.

I second the request for a Brillian contact. I'm sure they have some specific design goals and considerations they would like to bring to our attention.

Maybe rogo and some others who've seen some of these types of displays can give some specific pointers or sample scenes to test known weaknesses.

I'm specifically looking for black level, shadow detail, no crushing of black or white, punchy but realistic colors. I'll also be looking for any type of hash, dithering or blur during pans and fast motion.

One option would be to send me the demo unit first for a week of OOTB reactions then off to umr's for the full up laboratory testing.

Either way is fine for me. I'm just happy to see this display get a good chance to show what it can do.

Ken

Originally posted by mark_1080p
And speaking of JVC, where is their 52" 3 chip 720p LCOS RPTV's due in June, my last hope for RPTV? It's not June yet..........maybe they should team up with Intel and promise us the moon for the next fifty years!Forgot to mention M$! the rest of the Wintel machine. ;)Man I love these forums. There are so many experts... And from what I can see they have a lot of time on their hands to write opinions on a bunch of different forumsThen why are you here then?

One thing for sure, it's a nice cabinet and it isn't another chinsey silver eared wonder! Makes all the other sets that Sears sells look cheap; easier to sell.............

UMR

In the event that you do reveiw our 65" LCoS HDTV, feel free to contact me directly. Glad to support set up or provide additional information.

Kind regards,
Hope

hope.frank@brilliancorp.com

Hope Frank
Vice President Marketing
Brillian Corporation
1600 N. Desert Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281

Mobile: 602.380.2027
Direct: 602.389.8986
Main: 602.389.8888

Welcome Hope,

It's nice to have contact with the actual source!

I've been doing a little research. I'm interested in finding out as much about your sets as possible.

This 2003 Press release:

http://www.insightmedia.info/news/Brillian&3mTeamUpfor.htm

talks about the 3M Vikuiti Optical Core and the DNP RP screen. Are the models that you're making today using these components as well? I'm assuming not since Vikuiti and DNP are names you'd expect to read in the >25K forum.

What can you tell us about the "innards"? Can you share the deinterlacer and video processing chips with us?

We understand if your hands (er tongue) is tied.

Also, ultimately the buzz around here is focused on 1080P. Can you share any about what and when we can expect 1080P models?

Again, welcome! And I hope we won't scare you away with too many questions!

Thanks,
Ken

Will it accept a 1080p signal from a iscan HD?

Ken & Barry:

Thank you for the warm welcome!


The references to 3M and DNP that you pointed out were specifically related to a Technology Demonstration that we completed with 3M at SID-2004.

Our first product, the Brillian 6501mP 720p HDTV monitor, utilizes the JDSU Ultrex Light Engine and an ultra-fine pitch screen from Toppan. Additionally, we announced a partnership with Pixelworks in 2004 as our video processing solution and we have incorporated their technology into our set.

During our last Investors Conference call, we stated that Brillian would be launching its 1080p product in Q3, 2005. Given the product launch has not yet occurred, we have not made any announcements regarding the suppliers of key components of the 1080p product. When we do launch the product, rest assured we will share information on a few of our partnerships involved in bringing the product to market.


Our current 6501mB 720p HDTV monitor product will accept 720p output from the DVDO iScan HD unit. For our 1080p product, we recognize the importance of supporting both 1080i and 1080p inputs, yet are not able to comment on specific features of an as-yet unlaunched product.

Trust information is additive.

Kind regards,

Hope

VP Marketing, Brillian
hope.frank@brilliancorp.com

602.389.8986

Originally posted by reincarnate
How smart does one have to be to NOT consider buying this product?

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050412/125918.html?.v=1

How smart does one have to be to NOT consider taking you seriously on this forum at all? Ever?

Who has the better chance of success--one engaged in snipe hunting or one hunting Brillain?

Hope,

Thanks for getting back. I know a lot of people around here are anxious for a trusted review of your LCOS sets.

Obviously, there are skeptics; but a great product can change peoples opinions very quickly.

I'm looking forward to being involved with any evaluation done.

Umr and Neil! You two still talking? :)

Ken

Originally posted by Artwood
Who has the better chance of success--one engaged in snipe hunting or one hunting Brillain?

You obviously don't know his background. This was his magnum opus of infamy:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=471364&highlight=reincarnate

Read that nightmare and you'll understand perfectly why I know it's a kiss of death whenever he shows up anywhere, let alone, God forbid...if he authors a thread.

On topic: I'm intruiged by Brillian and I certainly root for more competition out there. I'll watching this devcelopment with great interest.

Originally posted by KenLand
Hope,

Thanks for getting back. I know a lot of people around here are anxious for a trusted review of your LCOS sets.

Obviously, there are skeptics; but a great product can change peoples opinions very quickly.

I'm looking forward to being involved with any evaluation done.

Umr and Neil! You two still talking? :)

Ken

I have not heard a peep from anyone about getting my hands and eyes on one of these puppies. I was sort of hoping to give the new guy a boost if they have a deserving product, but it may not come to pass.

Q of Banditz: That thread was worth a thousand words--I hope to get to see Brillain's products as well.

They want $8,000 for a 720p TV ?

720p TVs COMPROMISE the display of 1080 program material -

see http://www.guidetohometheater.com/news/042905hetjn/

The link says 720p fixed pixel TVs simply re-insert another 180 lines into 1080 540-line fields when displaying 1080 source.

This sucks and is only 540 line resolution - NOT EVEN "HDTV"!

Don't be Ripped Off, buy a full 2 megapixel 1080 TV

Of course, the article doesn't mention which TV's do this.

Originally posted by Artwood
Q of Banditz: That thread was worth a thousand words--I hope to get to see Brillain's products as well.

Frightening, wasn't it?





Originally posted by LCW
They want $8,000 for a 720p TV ?

720p TVs COMPROMISE the display of 1080 program material -

see http://www.guidetohometheater.com/news/042905hetjn/

The link says 720p fixed pixel TVs simply re-insert another 180 lines into 1080 540-line fields when displaying 1080 source.

This sucks and is only 540 line resolution - NOT EVEN "HDTV"!

Don't be Ripped Off, buy a full 2 megapixel 1080 TV

http://www.wackyweaselworld.com/flameINC/images/w12.jpg

Are you saying you disagree with Tom Norton's findings ?
If so, let's hear you argue where he is wrong

Originally posted by LCW
Are you saying you disagree with Tom Norton's findings ?
If so, let's hear you argue where he is wrong

No, not necessarily disagreeing. Just expresssing sheer shock and dismay if he's right. Hence the dramatic picture. ;)

UMR:

Just had a moment to log on and read your recent post.

You may wish to update group. As our interest is to support your efforts.

Kind regards,
Hope

Hope Frank
Vice President Marketing
Brillian Corporation
1600 N. Desert Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281

Direct: 602.389.8986
hope.frank@brilliancorp.com

Originally posted by hopefrank
UMR:

Just had a moment to log on and read your recent post.

You may wish to update group. As our interest is to support your efforts.

Kind regards,
Hope

Hope Frank
Vice President Marketing
Brillian Corporation
1600 N. Desert Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281

Direct: 602.389.8986
hope.frank@brilliancorp.com

Hope,

I was not sure it was OK to post so I just kept quite.

I will be receiving a 6501MB for review the week of May 25th from Brillian. I will have it for about ten days to get a good impression of it. I have been in contact with Hope and their Director of Engineering who have been very kind with their offer to assist in a review for our Internet crowd. I should have a very thorough review posted by mid June.

I can say I am very impressed with everything I have seen about this TV on paper. It appears to be a high end display.

Best Wishes,

Jeff

Hope Frank
Vice President Marketing
Brillian Corporation
1600 N. Desert Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281

Direct: 602.389.8986
hope.frank@brilliancorp.com

Avoid reduced resolution "HD"TVs such as the Brillian 720 x 1280 offering[/SIZE]

Ask Brillian why they don't do FULL 2meg HD LCOS like SONY

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
Just expresssing sheer shock and dismay (about how bad 720 x 1280 "HD"TVs are)

I'm a broadcast engineer and have always known that a 720 x 1280 TV is a RIP OFF

Originally posted by LCW

Ask Brillian why they don't do FULL 2meg HD LCOS like SONY

Because LCOS is a risky gamble that several companies have already walked away from. It may or may not be that sound of an investment.

And a lot of companies, as of now, know better than to follow Sony blindly on anything. The only profitable department in the Sony company right now is the videogame department. They've been losing their @$$ pretty much everywhere else. I wouldn't follow Sony across the street at this point.


And stop writing in such huge font. It makes you read like an obnoxious, loud mouth, jack@$$.


Originally posted by LCW
I'm a broadcast engineer and have always known that a 720 x 1280 TV is a RIP OFF

I thought 1280 X 720 = 720p = true HD, yes? That's the native resolution of MANY displays out there.

Could you please elaborate for me what you mean by this?

It's amazing to me how many troll posts and outright disrespect I've seen in this thread. No one has even SEEN a Brillian product yet to make ANY judgements one way or the other?

How about at least waiting until some concrete material comes through, or better yet, firsthand experience, before we start rendering judgements and/or throwing mud?

YOU SEE HOW RUDE AND SMART ALECKY THIS LOOKS WHEN SOMEONE WRITES IN A LARGE FONT ALL THE TIME? STOP!

I'm glad I don't have sense enough to use large fonts and be a jackass--I'll just have to settle with being a dumb jackass!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
"Because LCOS is a risky gamble that several companies have already walked away from."

I don't care less to hear about Brillian's daring risks or problems, I just want to judge a product by its value
and those buying sub-full-HD 720 x 1280 resolution TVs are getting ripped off IMO



"I thought 1280 X 720 = 720p = true HD, yes? That's the native resolution of MANY displays out there."


At the time the ATSC standards were being written they couldn't transmit 1080x1920 progressive in a 6mhz U.S.
television channel. Europe has vowed that they will not use interlaced scanning (they have 7mhz channels and
compression schemes are now better). To offer "HD" in progressive, the ATSC dropped the vert res to 720 - not much
better than the 625 line LOW RES most of the world has been watching for 50 years !

Originally posted by LCW
Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
"Because LCOS is a risky gamble that several companies have already walked away from."

I don't care less to hear about Brillian's daring risks or problems, I just want to judge a product by its value
and those buying sub-full-HD 720 x 1280 resolution TVs are getting ripped off IMO



"I thought 1280 X 720 = 720p = true HD, yes? That's the native resolution of MANY displays out there."


At the time the ATSC standards were being written they couldn't transmit 1080x1920 progressive in a 6mhz U.S.
television channel. Europe has vowed that they will not use interlaced scanning (they have 7mhz channels and
compression schemes are now better). To offer "HD" in progressive, the ATSC dropped the vert res to 720 - not much
better than the 625 line LOW RES most of the world has been watching for 50 years !

Question: For the last year or so, most DLP's and other displays have been 1280X720, 720p Native Resolution. Is that different than what you're talking about here?

If Brillian is following suit with ALL ther other companies products from at least the past year...how is it a rip-off for Brillian to do this but it's ok for every other company to have done this for at least the past year?

Or do you just think it's all a rip off? ;)

Or are we discussing two completely different things?

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ





Or do you just think it's all a rip off? ;)



They're all a rip off, I'm not just picking on Brillian - except Brillian claims to be 'HIGH END':
so why are they taking the 720 short cut like all those DLPs and 768 plasmas ?

Originally posted by LCW
They're all a rip off, I'm not just picking on Brillian - except Brillian claims to be 'HIGH END':
so why are they taking the 720 short cut like all those DLPs and 768 plasmas ?

This, I do not know.

So...what should we buy, then?

Shot in the dark at what is really going on here at this thread: Mighty Rogo the magnificent has always poo pooed Brillain. While I don't always agree with Rogo's opinions his statements of fact have never been way off the mark. His views seem to be at odds with some of the other grand old sages here at AVS. How could that be?

Well I do know that Brillain seems like one of those great ideas on paper that never comes to fruition in reality. Could it be remotely possible that some of the grand old sages here at AVS who are supporting Brillain and don't agree with Rogo believe in Brillain's ideas on paper and for financial reasons are shopping Brillain's ideas on this forum? Maybe all Brillain needs is financial backing to come to fruition and that is what they're trying to facilitate. If you look at some of the exchanges between Brillain and some of the other posters it is obvious that either that is taking place OR the sages who don't agree with Rogo are being duped!

Now I'm not even against posters shopping Brillain's ideas around here if they believe in Brillain--at least they'd be loyal plants with a purpose. I would be against Brillain if that was what they were trying to do. Maybe I'm wrong--maybe Brillain is for real--iI wish that were the case--if they are then my apologies--if they aren't for real remember you heard it here first--not from me, but from Rogo!

Originally posted by Artwood
Shot in the dark at what is really going on here at this thread: Mighty Rogo the magnificent has always poo pooed Brillain. While I don't always agree with Rogo's opinions his statements of fact have never been way off the mark. His views seem to be at odds with some of the other grand old sages here at AVS. How could that be?

Well I do know that Brillain seems like one of those great ideas on paper that never comes to fruition in reality. Could it be remotely possible that some of the grand old sages here at AVS who are supporting Brillain and don't agree with Rogo believe in Brillain's ideas on paper and for financial reasons are shopping Brillain's ideas on this forum?

So, you're rather unsubtly accusing AVS of being shills for Brillian. Great job.


Maybe all Brillain needs is financial backing to come to fruition and that is what they're trying to facilitate. If you look at some of the exchanges between Brillain and some of the other posters it is obvious that either that is taking place OR the sages who don't agree with Rogo are being duped!

Or some people want to actually see something with their own eyes before rendering a judgement.



Now I'm not even against posters shopping Brillain's ideas around here if they believe in Brillain--at least they'd be loyal plants with a purpose. I would be against Brillain if that was what they were trying to do. Maybe I'm wrong--maybe Brillain is for real--iI wish that were the case--if they are then my apologies--if they aren't for real remember you heard it here first--not from me, but from Rogo!

I guess we'll know when we all actually see something. Seeing is believing.

I've never heard of them before about a week ago when I first saw this thread. Some of the things, on paper, that I've seen argued back and forth leave me skeptical, but again: The more competition we get out there, the better.

They seem like they're always right on the verge of having product--I guess you could say the same for OLED and SED--I say the more the merrier--I'm skeptical with displays but a sucker in real life with dreamers. If the Brillain people didn't have product and told me in person they did--I would probably be duped, too. Something tells me this forum is more able to handle a real Brillain product than a sensitive, trusting, marshmellow pushover Artwood!

I'm not participating in this thread and haven't for awhile. Anything I said here was said a long time ago.

I'd rather not be spoken for by anyone. And I'd similarly urge people not to jump into the cesspool of the sufficiency of 720p.

It is a real shame that one manufacturer actually contributes to a thread and people then attack. That is a great way to encourage them to participate here. (sarcastic remark)

Hey this is great news!

Jeff, give me a call when you get the set. I'd like to take a look at it as well.

(if you can forgive me for the last two invites I missed :) )

Mark, if you have enough Miles you should come on down! Aren't I generous with Jeff's hospitality? :)

Cheers,
Ken

No problem Ken. It will probably be after Memorial Day.

Originally posted by umr
It is a real shame that one manufacturer actually contributes to a thread and people then attack. That is a great way to encourage them to participate here. (sarcastic remark)

This was directed at me?

I say that because you wrote "people" and not someone.

The explicit -- and I believe clear -- intent of my post was to avoid dignifying the previous one and, in fact, to discredit it a bit.

rogo,

My comment was not directed at you.

I don't know if Brillian will make it or not, but I have seen a Brillian TV as a nearby dealer has one on display. So there is some reality behaind this company.

I am no expert and did not closely examine the set, but it is not obviously bad. There were not green or purple patches on the screen or such. I don't know what model I saw as the size and price made it unsuitable for me.

While shopping last weekend, I talked to a man looking at the new JVC 61" LCoS. He said he worked for Brillian and that they were manufacturing sets now and that they knew that they had to provide a better picture than the JVC to penetrate the market.

I guess we will see soon enough.

Don

dbwhite,
We have a Brillian set here in our office, and I think the quality goes a bit beyond "not obviously bad", IMO. Although I haven't seen all, I would say it is one of the nicest digital rear projectors I have ever seen. We played with it with the light on, and off, with the blinds (which were perpendicular with the set, a normal high glare setup) open, and shut, with HD content and ED content. The changes in lighting had almost no negative effect. The ED content was reproduced very nicely. The menu is extensive, with pre-set and customization available.

I look forward to UMR's review of this set.

Oh yeah, while we were playing with it, we were sitting about 6 feet away from it. I was impressed.

Originally posted by kin@tvauthority
dbwhite,
We have a Brillian set here in our office, and I think the quality goes a bit beyond "not obviously bad", IMO. I would say it is one of the nicest, if not THE nicest digital rear projector I have ever seen. We played with it with the light on, and off, with the blinds (which were perpendicular with the set, a normal high glare setup) open, and shut, with HD content and ED content. The changes in lighting had almost no negative effect. The ED content was reproduced very nicely. The menu is extensive, with pre-set and customization available.

I look forward to UMR's review of this set.

Oh yeah, while we were playing with it, we were sitting about 6 feet away from it. I was impressed.

Uh-oh!

Now, I'm sure the trolls are going to hit you up as being in a shill conspiracy with AVS to put over Brillian! :rolleyes:

Since I do have one here in the office, if there is anything you want to know about the actual set, let me know. We don't have any test equipment, or anything like that, and we are limited to a DVD player right now, but I will certainly do my best for you guys.

And rest assured, there is no conspiracy ;).... unless you count the mind control device built into it... This is a real product.

Originally posted by kin@tvauthority
Since I do have one here in the office, if there is anything you want to know about the actual set, let me know. We don't have any test equipment, or anything like that, and we are limited to a DVD player right now, but I will certainly do my best for you guys.

And rest assured, there is no conspiracy ;).... unless you count the mind control device built into it... This is a real product.

I'd just like to know the real specs on the set.

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
I'd just like to know the real specs on the set.

http://www.brilliancorp.com/PDF/HDTV/HDTV_TechSpecs.pdf

Originally posted by umr
http://www.brilliancorp.com/PDF/HDTV/HDTV_TechSpecs.pdf

Well...alrighty then! That's fast service! :)

1.) I'm a little surprised that the contrast ratio couldn't have been made higher than 2000:1 (nit, nit, nit)

2.) Where will this product be available to purchase and when?

3.) Considering this is a new product for 2005, why not make it 1080p ready vs. sticking with 720p?

You can purchase it now from TV Authority.

Originally posted by umr
You can purchase it now from TV Authority.

Will this display being available for any broad retail purchase past that, or they going to trickle it out slowly?

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
Will this display being available for any broad retail purchase past that, or they going to trickle it out slowly?

This is all I have seen about distribution.

http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressreleases/brillian65-inchLCOSHDTV.php

Originally posted by umr
This is all I have seen about distribution.

http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressreleases/brillian65-inchLCOSHDTV.php

Thanks for all the info! :)

Q of BanditZ,
The contrast ratio they are giving you there of >2000:1 is the on-screen CR. Quite a few other companies have started using device CR instead. Just for comparison, the device CR of this was reported to us at 3000-10000:1.

To answer the 1080P question... I don't know. But after seeing what a bang up job they did on a 720 set, I can't really complain. Let them take their time on the 1080P and do it right. It worked out great with the 720 one :)

Originally posted by kin@tvauthority
Q of BanditZ,
The contrast ratio they are giving you there of >2000:1 is the on-screen CR. Quite a few other companies have started using device CR instead. Just for comparison, the device CR of this was reported to us at 3000-10000:1.

To answer the 1080P question... I don't know. But after seeing what a bang up job they did on a 720 set, I can't really complain. Let them take their time on the 1080P and do it right. It worked out great with the 720 one :)

Fair enough.

I look forward to reading more feedback as things unfold.

I plan on posting a very detailed analysis of this TV along with my general impressions of using it in my home. Hopefully, it will help some decide on whether this TV is for them or not.

Originally posted by umr
I plan on posting a very detailed analysis of this TV along with my general impressions of using it in my home. Hopefully, it will help some decide on whether this TV is for them or not.

Are you going to be comparing/contrasting that Brillian set against any other sets? (Probably a dumb question.)

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
Are you going to be comparing/contrasting that Brillian set against any other sets? (Probably a dumb question.)

I am not going to be doing a shootout in my house if that is what you are asking. Hopefully, you will be able to draw your own conclusion about whether this set is for you or not based on my review.

Originally posted by umr
I am not going to be doing a shootout in my house if that is what you are asking. Hopefully, you will be able to draw your own conclusion about whether this set is for you or not based on my review.

Sweet! Looking forward to it! :)

Kirk,

I was trying to neither put down the Brillian nor be a straight man for your sales pitch. I was addressing concerns that there really were Brillian TVs and that Brillian was not a vaporware operation. To this end I could say that I had seen a TV and met an employee, an accident of living in Tempe where Brillian claims to be located, a fact which I have NOT verified.

I said "not obviously bad" because I spent less than 2 minutes looking at the set and wanted no one to form an opinion of its picture quality based on my observations. If you wish to set other and higher expectations, then it will be your responsibility to meet them.

The same dealer also has a Q006 on display, so there is at least a chance that the Brillian is not the best rear projection TV that I have seen. I too await umr's report. Whether or not I ever buy a Brillian set, I think I will benefit if Brillian proves to be a provider of a competitive set so I hope they are successful.

Don

Troubled Brillian gets 'going concern' note

Ken Alltucker
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 13, 2005 12:00 AM

Facing mounting losses and a severe cash shortage, Brillian Corp. disclosed Tuesday that its independent auditors questioned whether the Tempe-based company has the financial ability to continue to operate.

The auditors' "going concern" statement stems from Brillian's struggles with losing money since spinning off from former parent company Three-Five Systems in 2003.

Brillian, which makes high-definition televisions, racked up losses of $32.9 million in 2004, $18.7 million in 2003 and $23.2 million in 2002.
advertisement


Wayne Pratt, Brillian's vice president and chief financial officer, said the company will attempt to raise money from institutional investors in order to ease the cash crunch. Brillian needs to raise the money by the end of the second quarter or resort to further cost-cutting measures, Pratt said.

"We are obviously watching every penny we spend," he said. "We believe we will be successful in raising money" before the end of June.

The auditors' findings were issued as part of Brillian's annual report filed at the end of March with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Nasdaq rules require a company publicly announce such an audit opinion.

Pratt said he doesn't believe the company will need to seek bankruptcy protection.

The firm has shaved some costs, but so far no jobs have been eliminated.

Brillian employs 100 engineers, scientists, and administrative and manufacturing positions in Tempe. An additional 20 sales and marketing employees are based in Boulder, Colo.

Pratt declined to say how much cash the company has at its disposal, but it will reveal that figure when it reports first-quarter financial figures by the end of the month.

The company says most financial woes stem from difficulties involving the manufacturing of light-engine components that help power a 65-inch, 720-line, progressive-scan television.

Weeks after Brillian disclosed production woes last fall, Sears Roebuck & Co. scrapped plans to purchase from Brillian $6 million in high-definition televisions.

The production problems still haven't been entirely ironed out. JDS Uniphase wasn't able to produce the quantity that Brillian required, so the Tempe company is seeking another partner to improve production. The company is talking with three firms with a goal of selecting a contract manufacturer and revving up production during the third quarter.

Pratt said that not all the news has been bad. The company announced last month that it reached a deal with Electrograph Systems Inc. to distribute its selection of HDTVs to as many as 5,000 home-theater and audio-visual resellers.

Representatives of San Jose-based JDS Uniphase didn't immediately return a call.

Brillian Announces $4.5 Million Institutional Financing

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2005--Brillian Corp. (NASDAQ: BRLC) today announced that it has issued $2.5 million of 7% Convertible Debentures and $2.0 million of 9% Senior Secured Debentures to a few select institutional investors.

The 7% Convertible Debentures mature on April 20, 2008 and are convertible into shares of Brillian's Common Stock at a conversion price of $1.57 per share, a premium to the closing price on the pricing date. Subject to shareholder approval, interest on the Convertible Debentures is payable, at Brillian's option in either stock or cash. The 9% Senior Secured Debentures are due April 20, 2008 and are secured by a first lien on Brillian's assets. The purchasers of the Convertible Debentures and Senior Secured Debentures have also been granted five-year warrants to purchase approximately 1.75 million shares of Brillian Common Stock beginning 181 days from the closing.

"Closing this financing round is another positive step in our progress," commented Vincent Sollitto, Brillian's president and CEO. "The proceeds from this transaction will provide financial support to the momentum we have built in recent weeks with the announcement of two distribution deals and our manufacturing partnership with Suntron."

Brillian has agreed to register the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the debentures and upon exercise of the warrants for resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The securities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under such act and applicable state securities laws or an applicable exemption from those registration requirements.

About Brillian

Brillian Corp. designs and develops rear-projection HDTVs targeted at high-end video/audio OEMs, high-end video/audio retailers, ProAV/CEDIA distributors, and their base of dealers and custom installers looking for breakthrough performance and image quality. The company is the first and only provider of Gen II LCoS(TM) technology used in these products. In addition to its high-definition televisions, Brillian also offers a broad line of LCoS(TM) microdisplay products and subsystems that OEMs integrate into proprietary HDTV products, multimedia projectors, and near-to-eye products such as monocular and binocular headsets. Brillian's LCoS(TM) microdisplay technologies address the market demand for a high-performance display solution with high image fidelity, high-resolution scalability, and high contrast ratios. The company's Web site is http://www.brilliancorp.com.

Brillian, UltraContrast and LCoS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Brillian Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Brillian Corp. Reports First Quarter Results

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 2005--Brillian Corp. (Nasdaq: BRLC), a designer and developer of rear-projection, high-definition televisions based on its proprietary liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS(TM)) microdisplays, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2005.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Brillian reported revenue of $858,000, up 80% from the year-ago quarter. Net loss for the quarter was $5.3 million compared with a net loss of $5.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Net loss per share was $0.75 for the first quarter of 2005 compared with $1.00 for the first quarter of 2004.

Brillian ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $3.0 million, working capital of $6.9 million, stockholders' equity of $13.6 million, and no debt.

"This has been an outstanding few months at Brillian. We started the year at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas where our 720 HDTV and our prototype 1080 HDTV were well received," commented Vincent F. Sollitto Jr., Brillian's president and CEO. "We have continued our momentum by announcing a contract manufacturer to be our volume manufacturer of our HDTVs and light engines and manage our entire HDTV manufacturing supply chain. Additionally, the financing we closed last week provides us the financial resources to continue this momentum," he continued.

A strong turn-around all of a sudden. Very interesting. You read all this and you get the idea: They're working their way up.

I've got cousins who live in Arizona--I'll tell them to apply at Brillain--if they don't get hired I'd say BUY Brillain!

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
A strong turn-around all of a sudden. Very interesting. You read all this and you get the idea: They're working their way up.

That's why the stock is up over 100% in six weeks...

http://www.google.com/search?oi=stock&q=stocks:BRLC

Brillian issued a press release yesterday announcing their 1080p engine:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=146224&p=irol-newsArticle&t=Regular&id=710252&

Originally posted by docrings
That's why the stock is up over 100% in six weeks...

http://www.google.com/search?oi=stock&q=stocks:BRLC

Heh, I may just have to make a phone call and play with a couple of hundred bucks at that rate.

Great work Brillain! Don't make the same mistake that Sony did by not accepting 1080P.
I've been keeping an eye on LCoS. I still think its superior to LCD and DLP. It almost faded away because good chip yields were low and QC issues. I am glad to see that JVC and Sony are keeping it alive.

Originally posted by Barrybud
Great work Brillain! Don't make the same mistake that Sony did by not accpting 1080P.
I've been keeping an eye on LCoS. I still think its superior to LCD and DLP. It almost faded away because good chip yields were low and QC issues. I am glad to see that JVC and Sony are keeping it alive.

I like LCOS on paper a lot. I've liked what I've seen in the stores, at least with JVC so far. (I haven't been able to see the big Q yet.)

The thing that gets me is: No one else is touching LCOS and/or many have walked away because they couldn't make it work.

Jury is still out...

When Barrybud talks people listen--I know I do!

Q,

If you like JVC you will love the Qualia. It is a FAR superior TV.

The service mode in the Qualia is also much more useful than the JVC D-ILA.

Originally posted by umr
Q,

If you like JVC you will love the Qualia. It is a FAR superior TV.

I'm looking forward to finally seeing the big Q monster...this weekend!

The only downside will be: I'll probably be blown away by the PQ and just cry because I'll never be able to afford it.

Q,

The preformance of the Qualia is VERY source, setup and room dependent. Feed a great source over i.Link in controlled lighting with the right calibration and it is untouchable as far as I have seen in the RPTV world. Less than that and it looses some luster. Still a great TV, but not the show stopper it can be.

Originally posted by umr
Q,

The preformance of the Qualia is VERY source, setup and room dependent. Feed a great source over i.Link in controlled lighting with the right calibration and it is untouchable as far as I have seen in the RPTV world. Less than that and it looses some luster. Still a great TV, but not the show stopper it can be.

I'll keep that in mind, since it's either going to be Ovation or Tweeter in Ft. Wayne that I drive to this weekend. I suspect I'll see very bright lighting and some other issues that would effect PQ. It's just going to be interesting to finally see this with my own eyes and see what it looks like against some other sets in the place. (I know you can't make a real good judgement based on what the TV looks like in the store, but it's a place to start, at least.)

I sure hope it looks better than the Qualia in the Sugar Land Tweeter!

All the TV's were showing ESPNHD but only the Qualia had horrible scaling artifacts. I'm wondering if its not the 1080i to 540p to 1080p algo?

One other strange thing was that when you looked about 45 degrees from the side, the Qualia picture looked sharper than looking at it straight on.

Ken

Originally posted by KenLand
All the TV's were showing ESPNHD but only the Qualia had horrible scaling artifacts. I'm wondering if its not the 1080i to 540p to 1080p algo?

I wouldn't think so, since ESPN-HD is 720p.

Originally posted by Rack
I wouldn't think so, since ESPN-HD is 720p.
Except for the urban myth where the local source converts 720p to 1080i before passing the signal on.

Or, the majority of dealers (all of them in my area) who use one large component loop and convert their digital STB signal to analog 1080i for all sets in the loop.

:rolleyes:

I have a 65" 720p Brillian in the house. :)

Oh boy!

umr,
When you're done with it, shoot it over to my place ;)

Brillian Debuts New 65-Inch 720P HDTV Monitor Model Optimized for Home Theatre and Built-in Design Environments; Innovative in-Wall Design Delivers Both Flat-Screen Appearance and Outstanding Microdisplay Image Quality

InfoComm

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2005--At the 2005 International Communications Industries Association show (InfoComm) conference, Brillian Corporation (Nasdaq:BRLC) will unveil its latest Gen II Liquid-Crystal-On-Silicon (LCoS(TM)) television product: the BR6501mFB rear-projection HDTV monitor. The HDTV monitor is available to Home Theater Dealers/Retailers through Electrograph Systems Inc. and to ProAV Dealers through Starin Marketing. MSRP of the set is $7,999.

Designed specifically for built-in applications, (e.g. home theatre, conference rooms, etc.) the 65-inch diagonal, 21-inch deep HDTV monitor is the perfect fit for today's standard 60-inch-wide new HDTV bays and allows AV system designers to elegantly conceal the housing of the TV. A mere 2.5-inches of screen depth is visible when mounted in-wall providing the design aesthetics of a flat-screen monitor with the high-performance attributes of Brillian's Gen II LCoS(TM) microdisplay technology.

"Many high-end HDTVs are designed into wall-based entertainment bays," said Vincent Sollitto Jr., President and CEO Brillian Corp. "Our new 720p product configuration was designed specifically to meet this need. It offers outstanding picture quality in virtually any lighting, software flexibility, and interoperability with automation systems -- making it ideal for both home entertainment and commercial applications where superb picture quality is required."

The Brillian 6501mFB HDTV monitor offers intensely brilliant and sharp on-screen images. Featuring UltraContrast(TM) technology, the next-generation HDTV delivers the highest commercially available on-screen LCOS contrast ratios-up to 2000:1 in a rear-projection HDTV. With its ultra-fine-pitch 16:9 widescreen, 170-degree viewing angle, and three (1280x720) megapixel (720p) light engine, the Brillian HDTV offers true, artifact-free, full-motion video. What's more, it has integrated RS232 control and has an upgradeable software platform that enables new high-performance features to be added as they are developed for general consumer, home theatre, or commercial ProAV applications. The 122-pound, 21-inch-deep HDTV monitor also features a new backlit, programmable universal remote and is available with an over-the-air ATSC tuner (BR6501iFB model).

Any comments on the Brillian set?

I heard about the Qualia recently, and have seen the JVC although haven't been too impressed. Probably a bad store setup. I'm intereted in how this compares.

Ohhh! I wondered why it was shaped the way it was. It's made for building custom cabinets around it. Good idea!

Here is a photo of the 720p version in action.

http://accucal.org/Photos/Brillain/Brillian_Photo.jpg

Thanks UMR,

That looks good. What is the ETA on your report?

Very nice UMR. I wonder what the Brillian 1080 will look like:)

I am hoping to be done by the end of next week with my review, but I have a few conflicts with that at the moment.

Very nice UMR. I wonder what the Brillian 1080 will look like:)

My hopes are very high for that display.

Brillian fired an auditor that questioned finances

Ken Alltucker
The Arizona Republic
May. 24, 2005 12:00 AM

Brillian Corp. on Monday disclosed that it fired an independent auditor that earlier questioned whether the Tempe-based maker of high-definition televisions had the financial wherewithal to continue operations.

Brillian officials said the company had no disagreements with Deloitte & Touche and that the dismissal was a cost-cutting move designed to free up cash for the struggling operation.

The firing wasn't related to Deloitte's "going concern" opinion of Brillian disclosed in April, said Wayne Pratt, Brillian's vice president and chief financial officer.

A Valley-based accounting firm, Epstein Weber & Conover, has replaced Deloitte & Touche.

"This will save about 20 to 25 percent off our (accounting) costs," Pratt said.

Brillian, a former unit of Three-Five Systems, has recorded losses of $32.9 million in 2004, $18.7 million in 2003 and $23.2 million in 2002.

Deloitte issued an opinion March 31 that reflected substantial doubt on whether Brillian could continue operations as a going concern. Brillian has since announced a deal with a third-party manufacturer and an infusion of $4.5 million from investors.

Deloitte's dismissal was disclosed after the close of trading Monday.

Brillian Debuts New 65-inch HDTV Monitor Model Optimized for Home Theatre and Built-in Design Environments
Posted by Lisa Speck on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 03:44 pm:
Innovative in-wall design delivers both flat-screen appearance and
outstanding microdisplay image quality

TEMPE, AZ, May 31, 2005 - At the 2005 International Communications Industries Association show (InfoComm) conference, Brillian Corporation (NASDAQ: BRLC) will unveil its latest Gen II Liquid-Crystal-On-Silicon (LCoS™) television product: the BR6501mFB rear-projection HDTV monitor. The HDTV monitor is available to Home Theater Dealers/Retailers through Electrograph Systems Inc. and to ProAV Dealers through Starin Marketing. MSRP of the set is $7,999.

Designed specifically for built-in applications, (e.g. home theatre, conference rooms, etc.) the 65-inch diagonal, 21-inch deep HDTV monitor is the perfect fit for today's standard 60-inch-wide new HDTV bays and allows AV system designers to elegantly conceal the housing of the TV. A mere 2.5-inches of screen depth is visible when mounted in-wall providing the design aesthetics of a flat-screen monitor with the high-performance attributes of Brillian's Gen II LCoS™ microdisplay technology.

“Many high-end HDTVs are designed into wall-based entertainment bays,” said Vincent Sollitto Jr., President and CEO Brillian Corp. “Our new 720p product configuration was designed specifically to meet this need. It offers outstanding picture quality in virtually any lighting, software flexibility, and interoperability with automation systems — making it ideal for both home entertainment and commercial applications where superb picture quality is required.”

The Brillian 6501mFB HDTV monitor offers intensely brilliant and sharp on-screen images. Featuring UltraContrast™ technology, the next-generation HDTV delivers the highest commercially available on-screen LCOS contrast ratios-up to 2000:1 in a rear-projection HDTV. With its ultra-fine-pitch 16:9 widescreen, 170-degree viewing angle, and three (1280x720) megapixel (720p) light engine, the Brillian HDTV offers true, artifact-free, full-motion video. What's more, it has integrated RS232 control and has an upgradeable software platform that enables new high-performance features to be added as they are developed for general consumer, home theatre, or commercial ProAV applications. The 122-pound, 21-inch-deep HDTV monitor also features a new backlit, programmable universal remote and is available with an over-the-air ATSC tuner (BR6501iFB model).

Brillian Reduces MSRP On Its Gen II LCoS 720p HDTVs To $5,999:
Tuesday June 14, 8:45 am ET
Accelerated Volume Manufacturing Efficiencies Spur Early Price Reduction


TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 14, 2005--Brillian Corporation (NASDAQ:BRLC - News), a leading developer of 720p and 1080p Gen II liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS(TM)) HDTVs and microdisplay components, today announced a 25 percent price reduction on its 720p HDTVs, effective July 1, 2005.
"Our 2005 strategic plan outlined a price reduction and we're extremely pleased that recent developments, including our agreement with contract manufacturer Suntron Corp. for volume manufacturing and supply chain management, have enabled us to reduce our prices earlier than expected," said Vincent F. Sollitto, president and CEO, Brillian Corp. "The early price reduction is the most significant sign that we are making excellent progress in building a reliable and proven volume manufacturing infrastructure internally and with our partners."

Brillian's most recent in-depth product review was performed in AccuCal's June 10, 2005 issue. Jeff Meier of AVS Forum wrote about the Brillian 720p HDTV: "The Brillian 6501mB is the first rear projection television made by Brillian. It features LCoS(TM) (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology that is very similar to the highly acclaimed Sony Qualia 006. The biggest difference being this display is 720p (1280x720) instead of 1080p (1920xi1080) like the Qualia. However, don't let this stop you from considering this display. The difference in how this display will look compared to the Qualia in day to day use is very small and the Brillian may actually be better for some people." The review continued, "The Brillian 6501mB has the best overall HDTV picture of any 720p rear projection television that I have seen....The JVC D-ILA rear projection televisions I have calibrated do not hold a candle to this Brillian or the Qualia and they belong at a much lower price point."

Brillian Reduces MSRP On Its Gen II LCoS 720p HDTVs To $5,999



LOL, now if they cut again by another 25%, they might actually sell some sets, assuming they ever manage to produce them en masse before they go belly up, which remains debatable. I guess they got tired of the laughter they engendered with that 8K price tag!

"Accelerated Volume Manufacturing Efficiencies Spur Early Price Reduction "

Utter lack of any sales anywhere spurs early price reduction as we've already built TVs and really, really need to selll some given that we are agree with our fired auditor that we migght have trouble remaining a going concern.

Gazelle, I'm with you -- sorta. If the price dropped until $4,000, then maybe.

"Accelerated Volume Manufacturing Efficiencies Spur Early Price Reduction "

Utter lack of any sales anywhere spurs early price reduction as we've already built TVs and really, really need to sell some given that we are agree with our fired auditor that we might have trouble remaining a going concern.

Gazelle, I'm with you -- sorta. If the price dropped until $4,000, then maybe.

Sorry. Of course you are right to include the "maybe" for a 4K price tag. a failing upstart usually has to undercut the prices of their competitors first to gain some miniscule market share. They certainly have to get the price of these things down below $3,500 to get more than just the money-burning-a-hole-in-my-pocket, odd curiousity sale.

Rogo, et all --

Despite being a Brillian dealer, I was never a huge fan of the $7999 price tag. That being said, you really don't think they'll start to move at $5999? JVC's 70" is at $5999 MSRP, and so is Sony's 70" LCD RearPro. I certainly know that Brillian doesn't have the same brand name cache as JVC or Sony, but they aren't trying to be sold at big box either.

If someone was to walk into our store and saw the Brillian 65" next to the JVC 70" and Sony 70", I think they'd be perfectly comfortable in walking away with the Brillian based on PQ alone given the same MSRP.

Am I sniffing too many whiteboard markers? : )

I find it very sad that some appear to be rooting against an American HDTV manufacturer who is making a quality product.

I find it very sad that some appear to be rooting against an American HDTV manufacturer who is making a quality product.

I don't think anyone is rooting against Brillian. I for one am happy to see increased competition. But realistically a 720p set at that price is not competitive and spending that amount of money to buy a set from a company that might not be around (because of financial problems) is not the most prudent thing to do. It appears from your review that Brillian has an outstanding product that has overcome the problems with LCoS technology (yield excluded). Their best bet for survival is to licence this technology to other companies or produce these chips (like TI) for use. I doubt they will ever under their own name produce enough sets to be profitable.

I find it very sad that some appear to be rooting against an American HDTV manufacturer who is making a quality product.


No one here is "rooting against" them. We, as professionals are just stating the facts of life when it comes to marketing HDTV's. (Or anything, for that matter.) You can't try to charge super-premium prices for an unknown, untested and shaky brand that may not be here in a year or two. You have to be competitive (and probably offer sets BELOW where competitors are), to gain some market share, then if the public thinks you truly do have an outstanding product, and the demand has been generated, you can start raising prices with future generations.
They don't seem to have any good marketing people working for them or they would never have gone down this road of trying to produce and sell 720P sets so late to the party! These sets are in the process of being phased out. It makes no sense for them to even try to produce 720P sets now. They should have gone straight to 1080P sets.

I agree with the prior poster in stating that they will not make it if their only strategy is to produce sets to sell at these prices. If that's the best they can do on price point, they are barking up the wrong tree. Licensing their technology to others is the only way they'll have a chance to remain solvent.

To be fair, the A/V world is littered with small unknown names that have always charged a premium for their product even when they were virtually unknown. Again, these brands don't move volume like a Japanese/Korean manufacturer, but they aren't built for those purposes.... Runco and SIM2 come to mind on the video side, and there's only a billion Audio examples.

My point is I think you guys are being just a bit harsh given the new lower $5999 price point.

"My point is I think you guys are being just a bit harsh given the new lower $5999 price point."

I guess we will let the marketplace decide. It will be interesting to see how well these sets sell and if Brillian can achieve profitability.

You don't buy "American" because it is American, you buy because it is: a better product, a cheaper product, or the only product available to someone willing to buy it.

This "made in America" mantra is what killed the American auto industry. You just end up supporting poor workmanship and uncompetitive products.

If all things are equal, then yeah, support the home team. But is this truly the case?

I wish them the best of luck. But they have already lowered their price - and what was the reason for that, again?

I think Runco and SIM2 might be offended at your analogy - but Brillian would thank you. :)

Trancethereal,

Isn't it fairly aparant that we are dealing with a "better product" issue here? To compare UMRs point to the American auto industry is a little misguided in my opinion.

"But they have already lowered their price - and what was the reason for that, again?"

You are familiar with testing the elasticity of a particular market for products, aren't you? This case is no different.

UMR has pointed out directly how the Brillian 720p is in some ways a better buy than the Qualia (1080p and about ~3 megapixles more). And at half the price (currently) buyers may be more interested.

I eagerly await the Brillian 1080p and UMRs possible review.

A good product is the point. Made in America is iceing on the eventual cake IMO.

Fairly apparent?

You make this statement because we *all* have had a chance to make that comparison - which would have resulted in a "fairly apparent" conclusion? (no offense to UMR)

When did it become fairly apparent? Furthermore, being "better" is not a sure path to success. Beta vs. VHS ?

Elasticity? Don't confuse the concept of "elasticity" with "price strategy" in the marketplace.

Did they use "elasticity" to figure out that when it comes to 720p Rear Projection TV's, high prices has a "positive" correlation to sales volume? E = 1, or E>1

.... and you want me to consider they figured out something Sony, Toshiba, Samsung, LG, JVC, SHARP, Panasonic, et. all don't know - because I am sure they would love to see a contradictory demonstration of the "elasticity" of 720p Rear Projection TV's and high prices.

Can we eliminate "elasticity" from the discussion - it seems to be a red herring. And a poor one at that.

Given that:

It might be a "superior" product - but it may not live long enough to become relevant. (see price vs. sales history on 720p. rear projections)

Have you considered what difference this discussion would take if the same product were an order of magnitude *cheaper* than it's marketplace competitors (currently it is nearly 2 x the marketplace competitors?)

Or - if it were a 1080p product at that price point ... available today, with no competition.

That is something to root for... icing and all.

In closing, I believe the substance of the discussion is that this product is priced outside any marketplace viability - factoring in its superior features.

Rogo, et all --

Despite being a Brillian dealer, I was never a huge fan of the $7999 price tag. That being said, you really don't think they'll start to move at $5999? JVC's 70" is at $5999 MSRP, and so is Sony's 70" LCD RearPro. I certainly know that Brillian doesn't have the same brand name cache as JVC or Sony, but they aren't trying to be sold at big box either.

If someone was to walk into our store and saw the Brillian 65" next to the JVC 70" and Sony 70", I think they'd be perfectly comfortable in walking away with the Brillian based on PQ alone given the same MSRP.

Am I sniffing too many whiteboard markers? : )

Neil, I don't see how they move at $5999. That's my objective industry perspective. It's a smaller TV than those branded products. It's a brand no one heard of. It doesn't have 1080p (which is coming in droves). The company might not even be around in a couple of years to support the product.

Neil, you can probably sell ice to eskimos :-) (I hope that's not too un-PC).... and I'm not even evaluating the TV, I'm just not clear on why someone would buy it.

I find it very sad that some appear to be rooting against an American HDTV manufacturer who is making a quality product.

I'm not doing that at all -- and you know it.

It's a totally different thing to say, "Be wary of this company that is going bankrupt -- according to its own auditors" than to say, "I hope Brillian goes bankrupt."

The former is a truism and is why I'm saying.

To be fair, the A/V world is littered with small unknown names that have always charged a premium for their product even when they were virtually unknown. Again, these brands don't move volume like a Japanese/Korean manufacturer, but they aren't built for those purposes.... Runco and SIM2 come to mind on the video side, and there's only a billion Audio examples.

My point is I think you guys are being just a bit harsh given the new lower $5999 price point.

Runco and SIM2 have unique stuff and lead a niche industry that caters to the wealthy.

Brillian is pushing a mass-market HDTV at a premium price without premium specs.

It's a strategy that makes no sense. Rich people don't buy that many RPTVs and when they do, the style of Sony, the brand of JVC or Samsung, or whatever is going to play better than Brillian. I mean if a would-be customer looks up Brillian on the net, they are going to find that it's a tiny company, spun off from its parent, that hasn't made a nickel or reliably shipped any products before this one.

Not good.

UMR has pointed out directly how the Brillian 720p is in some ways a better buy than the Qualia (1080p and about ~3 megapixles more). And at half the price (currently) buyers may be more interested.

I eagerly await the Brillian 1080p and UMRs possible review.

A good product is the point. Made in America is iceing on the eventual cake IMO.

A better buy than the Qualia? Maybe. But a better buy than other 720p microdisplay sets? Not a chance. And what do you get by paying more? An unproven company. An unproven reliablity record. A technology that has basically been a disaster for everyone that's touched it (until very, very recently with Sony and JVC).

There isn't a why here. Take away umr's evaluation unit and the fact that Neil is carrying the set, and no one here would even give it a moment's consideration. There are better choices and cheaper choices.

A better buy than the Qualia? Maybe. But a better buy than other 720p microdisplay sets? Not a chance.

And what do you get by paying more? An unproven company. An unproven reliablity record. A technology that has basically been a disaster for everyone that's touched it (until very, very recently with Sony and JVC).

There isn't a why here. Take away umr's evaluation unit and the fact that Neil is carrying the set, and no one here would even give it a moment's consideration. There are better choices and cheaper choices.



720P microdisplays are fast becoming yesterday's news. Prices are dropping rapidly and will soon be approaching the 2 1/2 - 3K mark for sets of this size.

This is a failing company that has yet to produce enough of anything to sell.

They are well behind the curve and easy to see why they have been failing by now coming out with a 720P set at a laughingly inflated price.

Far from being a better buy than anything, it appears to be a far worse buy than just about all others. The feature set on this model is very substandard compared to all other brands and so should be the price.

It's really a catch-22 situation. People are rightly concerned with buying a TV from a company that has such a troubling history and no clear future. But the only way to secure that future is if people buy the TV. I really think they would have been better off to forget about the 720p set and focus on getting the 1080p model out sooner, to beat the other 1080p fall models. Then they would have at least had something unique to offer, which might have given them a foothold to build upon.

It's really a catch-22 situation. People are rightly concerned with buying a TV from a company that has such a troubling history and no clear future. But the only way to secure that future is if people buy the TV. I really think they would have been better off to forget about the 720p set and focus on getting the 1080p model out sooner, to beat the other 1080p fall models. Then they would have at least had something unique to offer, which might have given them a foothold to build upon.


That's the point i was trying to make: They needed a different marketing strategy. Of course developing a 720P set at this point in time is a total joke! You are correct, they might have had a chance at solvency had they attempted to bring to market a 1080P set, even at a small premium, if they were among the 1st few to market. Bringing this set out with an awful, bare-bones feature set when 720P's are rapidly dropping both in demand and pricing, at that silly price just shows you why they have been a financial disaster.

For reference purposes this thread has the review of this set:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=548320

It's a self-inflicted catch 22 at best.

All the same variables were known at the time they *released* their 720p set.

1- Small company with no consumer branding recognition.
2- No distinctively compelling product (being slightly better is not sufficiently distinctive)
3- 3 times the current competitive market price for their product ($7,999)
4- Small distribuion network
5- Late market arrival - cusp of anounced and pending shipment of 1080p products from competitiors

I have the feeling that this was a case of too many "yes" men in markeing agreeing to unrealistic visions of grandeur by someone one higher up.

It's simply a "marketable" product too late into the game, with too few outlets, at too high a price.

Take the same product - but make it 1080p at the intro price of $7999 - then drop to $5999 at the launch of the competitors - then you have the makings of a nice first year start. Hopefully, that will be enough to make you survice into the next year.

OK, so it's a 720P set instead of a 1080P set at a time when 720Ps are on their way out, but don't be so harsh.

If you know anything about the history of Brillian (as is covered in this thread), this set was actually supposed to be released about 1 year ago, but JDSU royally screwed them over on production of the light engine. They have since brought production of the light engine in house, but obviously it takes time to ramp production up.

Is selling a 720P at $7995 (now $5995) their ideal strategy? No! They wanted to do that a year ago. As it is, they are selling this now they have some decent production capacity and readying their 1080P set for launch next quarter.

From umr's review, it would appear that they managed to create one of the best 720P TV's available, in terms of picture quality. If they do the same thing with the 1080P set, plus update some features, I suspect it will sell. There are a lot of people out there who want the ultimate in picture quality and don't really care about much else.

I am quite sure Brillian would not be releasing this TV now by choice, but they were pretty forced to because of JDSU. It's not a marketing or product development screw-up -- it's them making the best of a bad situation.

Perhaps people will be a bit more open-minded when the 1080P product is released.

Teeveedood - the question is would you think it is prudent to spend $6000 on this set? What you seem to be saying they had no choice but to put last years products on sale now because of financial constraints and they are hoping people will buy it at an inflated price to keep them in business. You stated they will produce a 1080p set, if they had this on the market now it might be worth the money.

No one is being negative - just realistic.

We all want them to succeed. It would be nice to hear of a small US company succeeding where others (Japanese) have failed. So, maybe you mis-interpret our sentiments.

Honestly, I doubt our comments are being "closed minded"... just holding them to task. Which an open-minded person should do, agree?

I wonder what their (Brillian) burn rate of cash is? And if manufacture cost of the sets would even be competitive? It might make sense to sell at an initial loss to build the fan base and consumer awareness... a loss leader to "prove themselves" to the marketplace.

Which is better: to initially loose money per unit establishing a brand, consumer acceptance, and critical excellence (at a super price), or not selling anything and establishing a brand that is too late, too costly, and too unknown?

Once you have the former, then, you follow up and "WOW" them with the 1080p - assuming price, market entry, and performance are competitive.

Choosing the later option may lead to bankruptcy.

:I am quite sure Brillian would not be releasing this TV now by choice, but they were pretty forced to because of JDSU. It's not a marketing or product development screw-up -- it's them making the best of a bad situation.:

No offense to Brillian, but who cares? They aren't forced to sell this set NOW, whatever the reason.

It's not a winning strategy, even if the TV is good.

When they got screwed and had to delay releasing the model a year, that's when they should have rethought their whole release plan. That would have been the time to drop the 720p and focus on the 1080p instead. Why waste time and money producing a light engine in-house that, by the time it's ready, will be virtually superceded by a new technological standard? Releasing a model a year late doesn't make sense at the rate the industry is moving right now.

From the Brillian SEC filing Form 10-Q on 16-May-2005.

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2005 compared to three months ended March 31, 2004

Net Sales. Net sales increased 79% to $858,000 in the first quarter of 2005 from $478,000 in the first quarter of 2004. Product sales increased to $858,000 in the first quarter of 2005 from $340,000 in the first quarter of 2004. There were no design and engineering services revenues recorded in the first quarter of 2005, compared with $138,000 recorded in the first quarter of 2004.

Projection device sales, which include HDTV sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2005, were $690,000, or 80% of net sales, while near-to-eye sales were $168,000, or 20% of net sales. During the same period in 2004, projection device sales were $298,000, or 62% of net sales, and near-to-eye sales were $180,000, or 38% of net sales.

Net sales in North America totaled $326,000, or 38% of total net sales, in the first quarter of 2005 compared with $314,000, or 66% of total net sales, in the first quarter of 2004. Net sales in Asia totaled $14,000, or 2% of total net sales, in the first quarter of 2005 compared with $107,000, or 22% of total net sales, in the first quarter of 2004. Net sales in Europe totaled $518,000, or 60% of total net sales, the first quarter of 2005 compared with $57,000, or 12% of total net sales, in the first quarter of 2004.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales was $3.2 million, or 367% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2005 compared with $2.4 million, or 499% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2004. The large negative gross margin in each period resulted primarily from the low volume of shipments and low manufacturing yields in the shipped products. To date, our manufacturing capacity has exceeded our manufacturing volume, resulting in the inability to fully absorb the cost of our manufacturing infrastructure.

As is typical in most segments of the high-technology industry, we anticipate downward pressure on the prices of our products. A significant portion of our manufacturing costs are fixed in nature and consist of items such as utilities, depreciation, and amortization. The amounts of these costs do not vary period to period based on the number of units produced nor can the amounts of these costs be adjusted in the short term. Therefore, in periods of lower production volume, these fixed costs are absorbed by a lower number of units, thus increasing the cost per unit. As a result, we expect it will be difficult to attain significant improvements in gross margins until we can operate at higher production volumes.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense. Selling, general, and administrative expense decreased 8% to $996,000 in the first quarter of 2005 from $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2004, primarily because of lower compensation costs. A savings of $160,000, resulting from not awarding bonuses in 2005, was partially offset by an $80,000 increase in 2005 salaries due to increased staffing.

Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense decreased 19% to $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2005 from $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2004. A current period $679,000 reduction in non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs was partially offset by a $100,000 increase in salaries and benefits. NRE in the prior year was especially high because of development of our first HDTV. Salaries increased in the current period because of increased staffing.

Net Loss. Net loss was $5.3 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared with a net loss of $5.4 million in the first quarter of 2004.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2005, we had cash and cash equivalents of $3.0 million, compared with $8.2 million at December 31, 2004.

In the first quarter of 2005, we had $5.3 million in net cash outflow from operating activities compared to $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2004. Most of the cash outflow in each period related to our losses. Our depreciation and amortization expense was $628,000 in the first quarter of 2005 and $865,000 in the first quarter of 2004.

In the first quarter of 2005, investing activities used $85,000; proceeds from the sale of investments provided $13,000, and purchases of property and equipment used $98,000. During the first quarter of 2004, investing activities provided $2.5 million; we received proceeds from the sale of short-term investments of $4.0 million, while purchases of property and equipment totaled $1.3 million and purchases of intangibles totaled $176,000.

We have incurred recurring operating losses and negative cash flows since our inception as a division of TFS. Our net losses were $32.9 million, $18.7 million, and $23.2 million in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. At March 31, 2005, we had $6.9 million of working capital, including cash and cash equivalents of $3.0 million.

The successful introduction of an HDTV product to market and securing volume orders from consumer electronics retailers for HTDVs represent a key ingredient in our success. In the second quarter of 2004, we signed a supply agreement to provide HDTVs to Sears Roebuck and Company. In the third quarter of 2004, we began shipping HDTVs to Sears. Also in the third quarter of 2004, our supplier of light engines, a major sub-assembly of the HDTV, informed us that they were unable to supply us with the volume of light engines necessary to satisfy our requirements and granted us a temporary license to build light engines. As a result of our not being able to supply the required number of HDTVs, Sears exercised their option to terminate the supply agreement. In the fourth quarter of 2004, our light engine supplier informed us that they would not be able to manufacture the light engine in volume until the second quarter of 2005, and granted us a temporary license to build light engines. In March 2005, we received authorization from our light engine supplier to have the light engine manufactured on our behalf by a third party manufacturer and granted us a perpetual license to the light engine technology. In April, 2005, we selected Suntron Corporation to manufacture light engines on our behalf. We currently believe that light engine availability will begin to increase in the third quarter of 2005 and that capacity will exceed 1,000 units per month in the fourth quarter of 2005.

We are currently manufacturing a limited quantity of light engines in our manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona. This will allow us to manufacture a limited number of HDTVs and support low volume customers until we can obtain a high volume supply of light engines. Until we obtain a high volume supply of light engines, we will not be able to manufacture and sell a sufficient number of HDTVs to achieve positive cash flow or profitability. As a result of this situation, we believe that our cash balances on March 31, 2005 will not be sufficient to finance our operations through 2005, and that we will need to obtain debt or additional equity financing. On April 20, 2005, we issued $2.5 million of convertible debentures and $2.0 million of senior secured debentures. However, we will still require additional debt or equity financing to finance our operations through 2005. We are actively pursuing additional capital, but we currently have no commitments or understandings regarding any additional funding with any person or firm. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to obtain any necessary financing on satisfactory terms, or at all. We believe that obtaining orders from customers and announcing progress towards obtaining a high volume supply of light engines will increase our ability to raise additional debt or equity financing.

Moore's Law meets HDTV

Liquid Crystal on Silicon has long been promoted as the one intersection of the display world and Moore's Law
David Mentley, Forbes.com 04 Jul 2005


COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. - Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) has long been promoted as the one intersection of the display world and Moore's Law. Most display technologies break Moore's Law because the goals are different for display makers than they are for chipmakers.

In the chip business, the idea is to squeeze more transistors into an increasingly small area so that performance goes up and cost goes down. The unit-area cost is also decreasing over time, but much more slowly. With a good design, the chipmaker can maintain high prices while costs (chip sizes) plummet, functionality goes up, and a fortune is made. With displays, the idea is usually to make them bigger, not smaller. People want to see big screens. The number and size of the transistors needed does not change when you move from a 15-inch display to a 37-inch display. So Moore's Law usually does not apply in the flat-panel-display world.

LCOS is a slightly different story. Since the backplane is actually a silicon chip, there is some benefit to using smaller geometry. It is possible to integrate all of the drive circuits and almost all of the circuitry needed to connect the chip to the outside world, including the decoders and interface, and still have plenty of room for the reflective imaging elements. An LCOS chip is essentially similar to a memory chip with the addition of a mirror layer. The mirror is also one of the electrodes connected to the output of a transistor so that when the video signal comes in, it gets translated to a voltage that is then used to rotate the liquid-crystal molecules. These molecules then block or transmit light that is bouncing off the mirror surface, depending upon the light polarization, and this forms the light modulator that is the heart of the light engine. Three such chips are usually deployed, one each for the red, green and blue light paths that combine to make full color.

The original promise of LCOS was that it would combine the advantages of very cheap silicon with an extremely large number of pixels, thereby making HDTV not only possible but cheap. The question before us now is: Does LCOS have a rightful place in the market, and can it compete in terms of performance, price and reliability in a brutally competitive space like consumer electronics?
Quite a few companies think the answer is yes. Most of them tend to be run by hard-charging chip guys who love a good fight and who have been raised not to doubt that better, cheaper and faster silicon will always win. But don't forget that these are electro-optical devices and that the silicon is less than half the solution here. The list of players involved in LCOS development or production spans a dozen-and-a-half companies; a handful of those which are publicly-traded are listed in the table below.

On the technology side, the good news is that after over 15 years of development and countless dead ends, LCOS technology is now stable and ready for commercialization. The pioneers in this field focused their energy on getting the chip design right and twisting the arms of the chip makers to tweak their process just a bit to make it work in an optical system.

While the technology risk looks to be under control, the business risk is still high. Not only is the list of LCOS competitors long, there are other technologies that serve the same basic function. In the consumer electronics business, customers are ultimately technology independent (except for a few zealots who simply must have the newest thing).

If one accepts that LCOS is in a good position to deliver high performance, what are the prospects for a low price? The silicon costs for the backplane of the display continue to decline, and the assembly costs for the finished LCOS cells are also declining with volume. This is where the business risk comes in. Prices for the three-chip set needed to build a TV will eventually fall below $150. It will be many years before LCOS is able to build up to 1 million TVs (3 million chips) with all of the pressure from digital-light processing and liquid-crystal displays, not to mention the large flat-panel displays. So this part of the market looks extremely crowded for its size, indicating that a shakeout or consolidation is in the future.

What is clear is that the LCOS products on the market currently show extremely high-quality images and are getting great reviews, and this is just the beginning. The 1080 line HDTVs are coming to the market, and LCOS will be leading the charge.

After a pretty thorough review of the opportunities in the LCOS space, it is best to watch from a distance. We still like Brillian (nasdaq: BRLC - news - people ) simply because it is so undervalued and the technology is so advanced, but again, it is a risky venture and their business model is likely to change several times before it stabilizes. The next checkpoint will likely be their announcement of retail or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) deals, but there is no indication of when that will happen.

HDTV companies Brillian, Syntax to merge

Spencer Chin
EE Times
(07/12/2005 4:59 PM EDT)

MANHASSET, N.Y. — Struggling Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) microdisplay supplier Brillian Corp. has agreed to acquire Syntax Groups Corp., a privately-held supplier of liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs, in a stock transaction.

Brillian (Tempe, Ariz.) will acquire all outstanding shares of Syntax (City of Industry, Calif.), with each share of Syntax to be exchanged at an initial exchange rate of 1.6195 shares of Brillian. Shareholders of Syntax will own about 70 percent of the fully diluted shares of the combined company with Brillian's shareholders holding the remaining 30 percent.

The combined company is expected to leverage Brillian's strength in LCoS high-definition TVs and components with Syntax's strength in LCD TVs. Syntax is ranked as the third largest supplier of LCD TVs in North America with a 7 percent market share, according to DisplaySearch Inc., and is considered one of the top ten suppliers of LCD TVs worldwide.

At first glance, the merger appears to be a curious combination as LCDs and microdisplays are often viewing as competing technologies for large TVs. But given Brillian's difficulties in establishing itself as a microdisplay-only supplier, to move is necessary for the company's survival.

Brillian has struggled financially since being spun off from Three-Five Corp. as a separate company two years ago. The company has been unable to get second-generation LCoS technology developed for a 65-in. HDTV into volume production.
Production delays have caused cancellations of supply agreements. In its most recently completed quarter, Brillian saw its losses widen.

Brillian hopes to gain firmer financial footing by expanding its product scope and leveraging the channel strength, global supply chain capabilities and services of Syntax. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, Syntax had revenue of approximately $90 million, three times that of the previous fiscal year.

Vincent Sollitto, president and chief executive officer of Brillian, will serve as chairman and CEO of Syntax-Brillian. James Li, Syntax's current CEO, will be the company's president and chief operating officer. The board of directors of the combined company will include four members of Brillian and Syntax management.

"The proposed merger with Syntax Groups will strengthen our offering substantially by marrying our technology strength with Syntax Groups' outstanding channel strength and global supply chain infrastructure," said Soliito in a statement. "Together, we offer both our partners and customers an even more compelling solution for HDTV and digital consumer electronics products. We believe TFT-LCD will dominate the sub-50-inch screen size arena and LCoS will dominate the 50-inch-plus, rear-projection TV arena."

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2005.

The only thing in the world that has more press releases than the Qualia is Brillian!

Is China the target market for Syntax-Brillian?

Carrie Yu and Michael McManus, DigiTimes.com, Taipei [Thursday 14 July 2005]

Although most market observers have been looking at the possible effects the recent merger between Syntax Groups and Brillian may have on TV sales in the North America market, perhaps the focus should be on the China market.

Syntax announced on July 12 that it will merge with LCOS (liquid-crystal-on-silicon) TV maker Brillian, with Syntax owning 70% of the newly established company (Syntax-Brillian).

Although Syntax currently markets LCOS TVs in the US, the company has had much more success with its Olevia-branded LCD TVs, manufactured by Kolin, a Taiwan-based home appliance maker. According to Display Search, Syntax is now the third largest provider of TFT-LCD TVs in North America with a 7% market share.

Syntax has also been partnering with Kolin for production of its LCOS TVs and the company had plans to introduce 61- or 71-inch models to the North America market later this year, according to Syntax Groups CEO James Li.

However, in a February interview with DigiTimes, Li did not seem overly optimistic about the outlook for LCOS TVs in the US market. Li admitted that DLP technology currently dominates the market in North America due to the successful strategies of Texas Instruments (TI). However, he stated the company was very positive about the potential of LCOS in China, where the government has several plans to promote the technology.

Syntax is already working with several China-based display vendors, supplying them with SKD (semi-knocked down) units, and the company believes demand will pick up significantly in the next two years. Li expects LCOS shipments to rise to 150,000-200,000 units next year, up from no more than 50,000 sets this year.

Syntax-Brillian has not yet announced its LCOS strategy, and the company was not available for comment at the time of publication.

In related news, another question that may need answering by the new company is under what brand will Syntax-Brillian LCOS TVs be sold. With the new company having LCOS TV expertise, perhaps Syntax-Brillian does not need to continue its LCOS partnership with Kolin. But then again, Syntax currently sells its LCOS TVs under the Olevia brand, which belongs to Kolin.


Olevia-brand Kolin 50-inch LCOS RPTV (LCT50HV)

[QUOTE=PaulGo]Is China the target market for Syntax-Brillian?

[snip]

So we should wait to take the Brillian LCoS plunge until we see what will happen?

Out of curiosity - Does anybody know if any Brillian TV's have actually been sold? If so, about how many? Note: from my simple minded perspective, "sold" means that someone has actually bought and taken home a Brillian TV, as opposed to a Brillian TV being "sold" to a distributor or provided to a reviewer.

It's against the law to talk about Brillian TVs that have actually been sold!

Another take on the acquisition:

Syntax To Acquire LCOS Maker Brillian
By Mark Hachman
July 13, 2005

Liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) display provider Brillian said Wednesday that it agreed to be acquired by another proponent, Syntax Groups Corp.

Under the terms of the deal, Syntax shareholders will own about 70 percent of the combined company, to be known as Syntax-Brillian. However, the combined company will be led by Brillian chief executive Vincent F. Solitto Jr., who will serve as chairman and chief executive of the merged company. The merger was accounted for as a stock swap, with each share of Syntax agreed to be exchanged at an initial exchange rate of 1.6195 shares of Brillian stock.

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Executives positioned the deal as a way to expand the market scope of the combined company, although the merger serves as a backdrop for an unsettled LCoS market. Both Intel and Philips Electronics discontinued their LCoS efforts last year, although JVC, Sony, Daewoo, and LG showed off LCoS models at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this past January. United Microdisplay Optronics Corp., a spinoff of foundry United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) has also quietly entered the market with its own LCoS engines.

Syntax ranks in the top five LCD television manufacturers in North America, where its Olevia line of TVs holds about a 7 percent market share, according to research firm DisplaySearch. While Syntax has produced an LCOS-based television, it has mainly focused on LCD displays.

Brillian, meanwhile, has struggled to keep afloat. A recent round of funding through debentures and other means has raised $10 million for the company, enough to fund it through the merger, Solitto said in a conference call Wednesday. Brillian reported an operating loss of $5 million for its most recent quarter.

Privately held Syntax reported revenues of $90 million for its most fiscal year ending in June, and was profitable, according to Wayne Pratt, who will serve as the chief financial officer of Brillian and the merged company.

Solitto said the two companies' product lines would produce synergies that would help Brillian bring its LCoS products to market. Syntax will serve as an internal customer for Brillian's LCoS "light engines," helping to keep Brillian's 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility up at running. The Syntax line should require about 3,000 light engines a month; the manufacturing plant, based at Brillian's headquarters in Tempe, Ariz., can produce 100,000 light engines per month, Solitto said.

"We think we've got a real killer product line across both the low side and high side applications as well as price-performance and high value [products]," Solitto said in a conference call Wednesday.

From an organizational standpoint, Brillian will create a wholly-owned subsidiary, then merge it with Syntax, Pratt said. Television assembly for both companies will be consolidated in Tijuana, Mexico, at contract manufacturer Suntron.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2005 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder approval, the companies said. Separately, Syntax also agreed to purchase $3.0 million worth of secured debenture notes from Brillian for a three-month period, beginning in July.

It's against the law to talk about Brillian TVs that have actually been sold!

Certainly looks like the answer to my question is that ZERO Brillian TV's have been sold. At $6K for a Brillian TV vs. less than $4K for everybody else - somehow I'm not surprised.

I believe that some Industry Plants here think they really could sell vapor ware!

I've been trying for a month to audition the Brillian at the TVA showroom in Santa Monica... sometimes I'll get a reply to email, but I've never had a return phone call from the store manager in SM.

This could be one of the major reasons no one owns or knows of anyone who owns one of these American made sets.

Much as I hate to say it, if Ken Crane's in West LA gets in the 73" 1080p Mits before I see the B, my money goes for the Mits.

Brillian Corp. Reports Second-Quarter Results

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 2005--Brillian Corp. (Nasdaq: BRLC), a designer and developer of rear-projection, high-definition televisions based on its proprietary liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS(TM)) microdisplays, today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Brillian reported revenue of $1.0 million, down 11% from the year-ago quarter. Year-to-date revenue was $1.9 million, up 16% from the first half of 2004. Net loss for the quarter was $7.2 million, compared with a net loss of $4.8 million in the second quarter of 2004. Net loss for the first six months of 2005 was $12.5 million, compared with a net loss of $10.2 million for the first half of 2004. Net loss per share was $1.03 for the second quarter of 2005, compared with $0.78 for the second quarter of 2004. For the first six months of 2005, net loss per share was $1.78 compared with $1.77 for the first half of 2004.

Results for the second quarter of 2005 include inventory write-offs of approximately $1.25 million in order to reduce inventory carrying amounts to the lower of cost or market. Also, Brillian implemented the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123(r) "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" on April 1, 2005. The provisions of SFAS No. 123(r) require companies to measure the fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation on the grant date and recognize this value as an expense over the requisite service period. The incremental expense recorded in the second quarter of 2005 as a result of implementing SFAS No. 123(r) was $288,000.

Brillian ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.2 million, working capital of $5.1 million, stockholders' equity of $9.7 million, and $2.0 million of debt. Subsequent to June 30, 2005, Brillian issued $5.0 million face value of convertible debentures and $2.075 million of senior secured debentures for total proceeds of $7.0 million. After considering placement agent commissions and offering expenses, net proceeds to Brillian totaled approximately $6.3 million. Had this transaction been completed on June 30, 2005, Brillian would have ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $7.5 million, working capital of $11.4 million, stockholders' equity of $15.8 million, and $2.9 million of debt.

"This is a very significant period in Brillian's history," said Vincent F. Sollitto Jr., Brillian's president and chief executive officer. "While we are preparing our new light engine for volume production, preparing our 1080p television for introduction, and building our distribution channel nationwide, we are also preparing for our merger with Syntax Groups Corp. We are currently preparing a joint proxy statement/prospectus with Syntax. This document, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will contain a description of Syntax's business and include their financial statements. At the same time, integration plans are under way between the two companies to prepare for the merger. With our financing activities successfully behind us, we can concentrate on getting back to building some of the best HDTV products and technology in the industry."

Business Outlook

Brillian's efforts in the third quarter are focused on supplying our announced distribution partners with sufficient quantities of HDTVs to support their product roll-out schedule and simultaneously working with our contract manufacturer to ramp production of the Brillian light engine. We anticipate that our revenues for the third quarter will be in the range of $600,000 to $1.0 million with a net loss in the range of $6.5 million to $7.0 million.

Our current outlook for the full year of 2005 is based on preliminary forecasts from current customers and anticipated production capacity. We currently anticipate full-year revenue in the range of $4.5 million to $5.5 million with a full-year net loss in the range of $24.5 million to $25.0 million.

LCOS TV maker gears for comeback

By Michael Kanellos
http://news.com.com/LCOS+TV+maker+gears+for+comeback/2100-1041_3-5827696.html

Story last modified Wed Aug 10 17:35:00 PDT 2005

Giant televisions with imaging systems based on liquid crystal on silicon, or LCOS, got a black eye in 2004. First, Intel canceled its LCOS project, and then start-up Brillian lost a contract to provide LCOS televisions to Sears.

Although the image of the technology still needs to be burnished, it's far from vanquished, said Vince Sollitto, the CEO of Syntax-Brillian, the result of a merger between Tempe, Ariz.-based Brillian and the fast-growing, low-cost LCD television maker Syntax.

"We were going to call it Brillian-Syntax, but that spells BS," he said.

Brillian has fixed the problems--caused by technology provided by one of Brillian's partners--found in the imaging systems of its first generation of television sets, he said. New televisions based on the company's technology will come out around the first part of next year.

"The winner in technology up to 50 inches is LCD. The winner above 50 inches is LCOS," he said. "Plasma gets squeezed out."

Brillian is also looking at ways to license its LCOS technology to other television manufacturers. Currently, JVC and Sony produce LCOS televisions. Other manufacturers, such as Samsung, produce projection televisions based on Digital Light Processing (DLP).

One problem facing projection televisions, whether powered by LCOS or DLP, is the size. These fairly large television sets are sold mostly in the United States, which tends to have larger living rooms. Sollitto, however, said that sales may rise in other nations where projection televisions could be used for viewing in public places. Before the merger, Syntax's CEO James Li said that projection televisions could be a big hit in China, particularly with the Olympics coming.

The Syntax-Brillian merger recently closed, but there was little overlap between the two companies, Sollitto said. Syntax produced only LCD televisions and relied heavily on Asian contract manufacturers and designers. Brillian, meanwhile, sold only LCOS sets and developed a lot of its technology in-house.

The two companies started talking when Syntax looked at creating its own line of LCOS televisions, Sollitto said.

It's like looking for the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It's always further down the road. ;)

I really don't mean to kick someone when they're down, but in general, the notion of discussing a public company with $1 million in revenues would be absurd. It's a grain of sand on the Pacific Rim.

I presume Syntax made this deal for nearly nothing to acquire what MBA's call "option value". I guess we'll see what happens, but no-name RPTVs are already shipping from Vizio and others, Syntax won't be able to sell at premium-brand prices, and I'm just not clear on what the niche is. I'm also not clear on how this fits with Syntax trying to go from zero to hero in LCDs and stay there against the massive onslaught to come.

Certainly looks like the answer to my question is that ZERO Brillian TV's have been sold. At $6K for a Brillian TV vs. less than $4K for everybody else - somehow I'm not surprised.


Almost another month has gone by and still no reports of a Brillian TV actually being purchased by a real person. Any updates - anyone?

Almost another month has gone by and still no reports of a Brillian TV actually being purchased by a real person. Any updates - anyone?

They would need to kidnap someone with a fat walllet on some real good drugs to make a sale. 720P for 6K as opposed to 2 or 3K?? Are you kidding me:))

Brillain is beyond ri!diciulous! Look people if Artwood, gazelle, rogo, and htwaits all agree on anything--you can take it to the bank! I once really did see an Ivory billed woodpecker--that is true even if you don't believe me--but if anyone tells you they bought a Brillian and you believe it then you're a DODO Bird!

LCOS specialist Brillian claims its different from Intel and Philips
Carrie Yu, DigiTimes.com, Taipei [Thursday 1 September 2005]

Following a series of losses since it was established in the 1980s, Brillian recently announced it will be acquiring Syntax Groups, with a subsidiary called Syntax-Brillian being formed. Brillian will continue developing LCOS optical engines, while the new subsidiary will manufacture and market LCOS and LCD TVs. DigiTimes had the opportunity to talk with Brillian CEO and soon-to-be CEO of Syntax-Brillian Vincent F. Sollitto to discuss the merger and the future of LCOS technology.

Q: Brillian and Syntax announced this July that they will form a new company called Syntax-Brillian. Could you explain how will the merger affect both companies?

A: We have decided to partner with Syntax and establish a new company, with 30% of the stake belonging to us (Syntax has 70%) mainly because we compliment one another in our business models. Syntax is known for its ability to reduce costs and it has strong relations with regional retailers in the US. Brillian, on the other hand, holds 68 LCOS (liquid-crystal-on-silicon)-related patents and is known for our high-end LCOS R&D. With the merger taking effect this November, we believe the new company can make full use of the resources that both Brillian and Syntax provide.

Q: Since DigiMedia, a subsidiary of Taiwan-based Kolin, which supplies Syntax with its LCD TVs, is also involved in LCOS light engine R&D, how will the merger affect DigiMedia’s operation and your partnership with Syntax?

A: In fact, we don’t think the merger will have a significant impact on the relations between DigiMedia, Kolin and Syntax, as Brillian and DigiMedia are developing various kinds of light engines and we will find ways to blend our product mix. Also, through working with Syntax, Brillian will be able to leverage the relationship with Kolin, which has a strong presence in Asia. Strategic partnerships are a key to success nowadays and at Brillian, we work with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) for wafer manufacturing, with Pixelworks for image processing electronics and with Taiwan’s MediaTek for semiconductor electronics solution.

Q: In your financial report for the second quarter of this year, Brillian had losses of around US$7 million. The company said that it will still have around the same amount of losses this quarter. What is the cause for the continued losses and when do you expect to break even?

A: It is true that we’ve had losses since the inception of the company. The major reason is that a major OEM supplier of our light engine had yields issues, which caused a delay in our shipments. In fact, last year, Sears cancelled orders for LCOS TVs with us, as we had to wait for the supplier to improve its yields. Nevertheless, we have retrieved most of the orders placed with the suppliers and have become fairly independent for our light engine production. With production costs lowered and new light engines to be rolled out this October, we expect to break even in terms of cash flow in the first quarter of 2006. Our monthly capacity has now reached 1,200 light engines.

Q: Various major IT companies such as Intel and Royal Philips Electronics have made their try on the LCOS technology but have called it quits soon afterwards. What is your competitive edge compared to these companies?

A: In our viewpoint, the companies had to quit the market mainly because they opted for single-panel LCOS technology and their LCOS chips are too large. For one thing, since they use single-panel instead of three-panel technology to develop LCOS TVs, the light efficiency is not adequate. Also, the LCOS chips from the makers are about 1.1-inch in size, whereas Sony’s is as small as 0.6 inches. Our 1,280×720 and 1,920×1,020 chips are 0.7-inch in size and we can make the chips as small as 0.6-inches. Our XGA chips are only 0.5-inches.

Q: It seems that you are optimistic about LCOS technology. How do you compare it to DLP (digital light processing) technology, which is very much dominating the North America market in the larger-than 50-inch TV segment?

A: It is true that DLP technology is overwhelming the North America market for the larger-size TV market; however, I believe that LCOS technology, with its higher performance and lower costs, can overtake the competing technology as soon as LCOS makers ramp up capacity and close the price gap. We expect the price gap to reach only US$50 when LCOS enters full production. Also, DLP chips cannot be made smaller while LCOS chips can still be made smaller.

Q: Can you talk about your current factory? Do you plan to set up plants in China?

A: We currently have a plant in Phoenix, allowing us to save 5.3% on duties imposed on imported TVs to the US, while also saving the three-week time period it takes to ship products from Asia to the US, thereby reducing our inventory levels. Nevertheless, we may also set up a production facility in China if demand for LCOS TVs picks up there.

Prior to joining Brillian, Vincent F. Sollitto was president and CEO of Photon Dynamics, a manufacturer of FPD (flat-panel display) inspection, test and repair equipment. He was instrumental in growing the company’s revenues from US$12 million to US$94 million. He previously worked at Fujitsu Microelectronics as general manager of the Logic Products unit, after heading all technical operations for an IBM-funded start-up, Supercomputer Systems. He also worked at IBM for more than 21 years in a range of increasingly responsible positions, with a final assignment as director, Technology and Process, for the Enterprise Systems headquarters.

They are different. Intel and Philips are giant companies. When they wasted all that money on LCOS, they wrote it off (ask Kramer) and moved on.

When Brillian -- an LCOS company spun off from Three Five Systems -- started to go bankrupt from LCOS failures, they had to do something to avoid disappearing. The foolish venture into branded TVs notwithstanding, at least Syntax is a "comer" with retail presence.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1855300,00.asp

Extreme Tech has reviewed the Brillian 6501mPB Rear-Projection LCoS HDTV.

The complete review can be found in the above link.

Final Thoughts/Should You Buy One?

The 6501mPB has the potential to be a perfect home theater centerpiece, but you should definitely have it properly adjusted to suit the viewing environment by a professional installer. The installer should also correct any alignment flaws that may result from shipping and handling. Every good television deserves professional calibration, but in the case of the 6501mPB, it's practically a necessity for achieving high-definition nirvana.


For the typical HDTV owner, the 6501mPB provides an overwhelming number of display adjustment options. The TV's configurable day and night viewing presets are perfectly matched to the services provided by a professional calibrator, and once set, they can be locked down to simplify (hide) the arcane settings. Once tamed, the cinema-like image quality of the 6501mPB captivated our eyes as no other RPTV to enter our lab has. While far from being a plug-and-play TV, the Brillian 6501mPB earns our ExtremeTech Approved designation.


Product: Brillian 6501mPB
Company: Brillian
Price: $5,999 (MSRP)
Pros: Natural image quality with quality sources; illuminated universal remote; best-in-class contrast ratio.
Cons: Lacks an integrated HD tuner; best suited for professional installation; mediocre composite video quality; 720p technology soon to be eclipsed by 1080p designs.
Summary: The Brillian 6501mPB ranks as the best RPTV we have seen to date. But achieving optimal image quality and simplifying its use is something best left to a calibration/installation professional.
Rating:
Rating 8
ExtremeTech Approved

This sounds interesting:

Brillian Launches 6580iFB 65-Inch 1080p HDTV/Media Server Video Platform


TEMPE, Ariz., Sep 08, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Brillian Corp. (BRLC) today launched the 6580iFB six-megapixel 1080p HDTV and Media Server video platform, the third in its family of UltraContrast(TM) Gen II LCoS(TM)-based HDTVs. The 65-inch diagonal 1080p HDTV/Media Server display provides the highest contrast -- up to 4000:1 -- and highest fidelity images available today in an LCoS rear-projection TV.

"The 6580iFB was engineered specifically for custom home theater and ProAV applications," said Rainer Kuhn, Brillian vice president of sales and product marketing. "Its combination of a true six-megapixel light engine, 12-bit grayscale per color channel performance, professional-grade video processing, custom calibration software, and support for home automation/corporate AV control systems make it unlike any other HDTV in the market."

"We conducted a detailed review of the Brillian 6580iFB set and, to state it simply, it performed outstandingly. The best 1080p HDTVs at its price point that we've ever seen," said Dr. Raymond Soneira, president, DisplayMate Technologies Corp. "The combination of image quality, video processing, software control, and overall system design delivered truly exceptional performance in every metric we evaluated."

The Brillian 1080p HDTV light engine uses three two-megapixel UltraContrast(TM) Gen II LCoS(TM) microdisplays that meet the highest (1920 x 1080) HDTV format. Each of the 1920 x 1080-pixel microdisplays in the three-panel light engine is dedicated to a single color -- red, green, or blue -- resulting in a true six-megapixel projected image. The red, green, and blue light is channeled, integrated, and then projected, creating a totally rainbow- and artifact-free image. The light engine is solid-state, eliminating the need for motorized color wheels or spinning prisms. The 12-bit grayscale rendering delivers unprecedented precision of imaging accuracy. With an exceedingly fast response time of 7ms, even the fastest sequences are projected without blurring or tearing artifacts. Additionally, with its tightly packed 8.1 x 8.1 micron pixels, the 90% fill factor eliminates the "screen door" effect that characterizes plasma, direct-view LCD, and projection LCD TVs. This combination of image delivery performance provides the ultimate in superb, high-resolution image quality and performance.

Brillian's professional-grade video-processing and progressive-scan drive electronics provide support for the full complement of video and Media Center/PC resolutions -- from 480i to 1080p. Advanced motion-adaptive de-interlacing/scaling, 3:2 pull-down detection, and digital noise reduction are provided to ensure that legacy analog content is delivered on screen in a stunning fashion. The high-quality, built-in digital SPDIF-based audio system provides excellent stand-alone performance plus flexible audio connections for professional home-theater or ProAV installations.

A comprehensive set of calibration features (e.g., gamma, color temperature control, RGB gain/offset) are modifiable on a per-input basis with password-protected access. The 6580iFB also has been certified for integration with the leading home automation and corporate A/V control systems.

The Brillian 6580iFB HDTV/Media Center video platform has a flush front industrial design and uses an innovative optical path that minimizes the cabinet's depth. It is 21 inches deep and weighs 122 pounds. Pre-orders are being accepted and product shipments will begin early in Q4, 2005. MSRP is $7,999.

Paul,

Interesting announcement, but I am afraid that at that price point they will have a difficult time selling it when faced with Sony's SXRD offerings.

A lot of people won't even consider Sony's SXRD because of the dumbo ears. But yes, the price point doesn't seem very competitive with that of others like Sony and JVC.

My first impression is that I like the concept of this unit. It appears to be made with the calibrationist in mind. The 7ms response time is very good, although not in the Qualia, let alone the XBR1 SXRD category. But two things about the press release did pique my curiosity:

1 - The 12 bit grayscale rendering. UMR, do you (or any other calibrationist reading this forum) think that this (along with the other PQ friendly adjustment features) appears to impact positively on the ultimate tweakability of this set (on paper for now, of course)?

2 - "Brillian's professional-grade video-processing and progressive-scan drive electronics provide support for the full complement of video and Media Center/PC resolutions -- from 480i to 1080p." Does this mean that it will accept a 1080p(/60?) input signal? I may be reading too much into this, but it makes me want to know more.

The price is a bit off-putting, but unless Sony has an "earless" 70XBR1 in the wings (heh), let's just say that this is one of those things that make you go "Hmm" ! Throw in an "early Q4 release", and ... :cool:

Based on my experience with Brillian, they are likely to be using very high quality electronics. I would not be surprised if they surpassed all other RPTVs in this respect, but I am unsure whether they would equal something like the Algolith Dragonfly in these new sets. The 12 bit processing can improve image quality. I really like their 720p LCoS set, but I have not seen the 1080p version.

umr: If I bought a Brillian 1080p LCoS set would you calibrate it?

No offense intended -- again -- but $8,000? Four words: Cuckoo for cocoa puffs.

There is zero market at that price for a TV from a company no one has heard of when a JVC or Samsung 1080p will set you back thousands less and a Sony that's a bit smaller is also in the $5K band.

The product -- merits aside -- will fail.

With all due respect, I'm not about to dismiss the Brillian unit so quickly.

"The 6580iFB was engineered specifically for custom home theater and ProAV applications,"

This doesn't sound like a mass market item to me. Buyers in the above categories tend to be a bit freer (?) when buying a display device such as this. I am reminded of the reaction of some of my circle when they found out what I spent on my Sony Professional Video Monitor (XBR Pro) in the late '80s. I endured their skimble skamble obloquies - until they saw the goodness with their own eyes. Then, I never saw so many bug eyes and dropped jaws in my life! My point is this -

"We conducted a detailed review of the Brillian 6580iFB set and, to state it simply, it performed outstandingly. The best 1080p HDTVs at its price point that we've ever seen," said Dr. Raymond Soneira, president, DisplayMate Technologies Corp. "The combination of image quality, video processing, software control, and overall system design delivered truly exceptional performance in every metric we evaluated."

If Brillian can live up to their own press (hype?), (there is no reason to believe they can't or won't - their 720p sets have drawn raves) they may have something. The Q6 is our current benchmark against which all comers are measured. The XBR1-SXRD may even raise that bar. We'll have to see where the 6580iFB fits on that scale. If they can walk the walk like they talk the talk...We have seen other items of which some have said "No one will pay that much!", but people did. I'm just not ready to put this set into the zero market category just yet. I want to see this puppy, not to mention hear the opinions of some of our esteemed calibrators, before I rule it out completely.

By the way, granted, a lot of people are not familiar with the Brillian name, but - isn't that what we early adopters are for - to spread the word about the goodness? And don't worry, the price will come down...it always does!

umr: If I bought a Brillian 1080p LCoS set would you calibrate it?

Sure.

It looks like Brillain is trying to position itself as a boutique manufacturer for RPTVs, sort of like the Fujitsu of RPTVs, a company that caters to high-end buyers seeking the very best quality and performance. There are plenty of people in the plasma forums who were willing to pony up a couple thousand extra for a Fuji, even though they use the same plasma glass as much cheaper Panasonic and Hitachi models. The difference is the Fuji electronics, which are supposed to enhance the PQ. Few people find the subtle PQ enhancements of a Fujitsu worth the price premium, but obviously enough do to have made them fairly successful. Brillain certainly doesn't have the history or reputation of a Fujitsu yet, but it takes time to build that and it looks like that's what they're trying to do.

The problem I think is that RPTVs don't lend themselves to being boutique products like plasmas or front projectors do. People who buy a boutique item are buying at least partially for the impress-your-friends factor, and plasmas or dedicated home theater rooms with an FP will always be more impressive than a run-of-the-mill RPTV. There have been several successful elite plasma manufacturers like Fujitsu and Runco, but the closest thing to that in the RPTV world is the Qualia, which Sony can support because they're a huge company and make plenty of money with their standard products. And now that Panasonic will soon be releasing a 65" 1080p plasma that is only $1-2K more, it will be even harder to sell this as an elite unit. I can't imagine anyone with $8K to spend on a TV, not being willing to dig around for an extra $1-2K to get a same-size, same-resolution plasma.

Many people are not plamsa fans and would not pony up for one no matter the price.

Thank you! :rolleyes:

Nobody is going to pony up eight grand for this no matter what it looks like. Get real, dude!

"Nobody is going to pony up eight grand for this no matter what it looks like. Get real, dude!"

SammiK,

I will.

Plus, I know of quite a few people that paid ~13k for a Qualia.

I'm hoping the price might drop to around $6500 near Christmas due to all the competition out there. If so, I would be willing to give this TV a shot.

Certainly looks like the answer to my question is that ZERO Brillian TV's have been sold. At $6K for a Brillian TV vs. less than $4K for everybody else - somehow I'm not surprised.

Looks like another month has gone by and still no evidence of a single Brillian TV actually being sold. Any updates? Anyone?

Actually instead of bashing Brillian, I wonder what the future holds for any of the projection-based technology (DLP, poly panel, or even LCOS) now that spectacular HDTV plasma sets are available in the $4K range for 50" - as well as the slightly smaller sets for $3K? Plus with the Gen 7 LCD fabs coming on line - large screen TFT-LCDs may even not be too far off. Possibly I'm in the minority, but I've never liked the softer picture on the projection-technology TV's when compared to flat panel (i.e., un-magnified) TVs. Granted the optics will likely improve - But the HDTV plasmas sure look great.

"I wonder what the future holds for any of the projection-based technology (DLP, poly panel, or even LCOS) now that spectacular HDTV plasma sets are available in the $4K range for 50" - as well as the slightly smaller sets for $3K? Plus with the Gen 7 LCD fabs coming on line - large screen TFT-LCDs may even not be too far off."

There is no foture in projection TVs, except at the very low end / big model realm.

But that future is not around the corner. Next year, records will be set in projection TV sales, I believe. But by 2007, the tide might begin to turn... Eventually, the technology will be considered a dinosaur. Right now, it offers the best size / price equation from 50 inches on up.

Reviews of the Brillian 1080p amd 720p.

http://www.forbes.com/investmentnewsletters/2005/09/21/spatialight-sony-brillian-cz_dm_0922soapbox_inl.html?partner=yahootix

Looks like yet another month has gone by with still zero evidence of a single Brillian LCOS HDTV being sold! Please correct me if I'm wrong.

From Forbes:

A Brilliant Spot In A Dim Market
David Mentley, 10.20.05, 10:30 AM ET

Shares of Brillian closed Wednesday at $5.71, up almost 18% as investors took notice of the revenue and earnings potential of the recent combination of Syntax and Brillian.

Brillian (nasdaq: BRLC - news - people ) was an undercapitalized, undervalued LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) TV-maker based in Tempe, Ariz. that languished around $1.50 a share six months ago. I added it to the "Core Display" portfolio in Mentley’s Display Technology Investor at $1.55 in the May 2005 inaugural issue--and I’m certainly glad I did.

Two months ago, Brillian merged with Syntax, a Taiwan-based maker and seller of flat-panel and digital TVs with about $57 million in calendar-year 2004 revenue, growing to $167 million in 2005 with net profits of $7 million, according to C.E. Unterberg Towbin in a recent S-4 filing. These numbers are without Brillian’s LCOS TV and light engine sales added in.

Brillian has been running at a rate of about $3.5 million in revenue for the year, without a full blown marketing effort as of yet. This will start to change in early 2006. Brillian’s products have been on display at trade shows for the past 18 months and have received top marks from videophiles and casual observers alike. With limited funds, Brillian chose to market to the high-end of the market, but with the Syntax merger, we have already seen price drops and can expect more in the future. They will need to keep moving and move fast.

To be sure, Brillian’s LCOS offering is one of the more promising offerings in display technology today, but they do have competition. Sony (nyse: SNE - news - people ) has its premium-priced LCOS Qualia line squared off against Brillian. JVC’s LCOS products rate right up there with Brillian. And of course, the DLP rear-projection digital TVs from companies like Samsung and Mitsubishi (other-otc: MSBHF - news - people ) look especially good, now that they have full 1080-line resolution. Brillian, however, is up to the challenge. The company has spent tens of millions of dollars on product development over the past five years or so and finally has all the pieces in place to go to market.

The Syntax merger is expected to be finalized in late November 2005, at which time Syntax shareholders will receive 1.55 shares of BRLC and Brillian shareholders will maintain their shares. One possible reason for the flurry of recent interest in the Brillian story is that last week’s S-4 amendment made investors suddenly realize several things: that the merger is really going to happen; the company is undervalued compared to competitors in the market; the merger may well provide benefits to the new entity in terms of manufacturing and capital; and the rise is squeezing some short sellers into rustling up some shares.

So far, it appears that the activity is mostly retail trading and few, if any, institutional buyers have bought in yet. If and when that happens there will be another bump up in value.

I can't speak for the Brillian market in general, but for what it's worth, we've sold a handful of Brillian 720p units, and every customer has been very satisfied with their purchase.

I'm also very excited for their new 1080p model, and it's capability of accepting a true 1080p input.

As for price points, I totally understand the general frustration with their higher MSRP pricing compared to the competition. As a retailer, we've voiced similiar concerns. We've tried to address the MSRP issue by putting together a bundle that includes the Brillian TV, stand, 4-year extended warranty, and a good HTIB and have seen some good results.

Hope that helps.

. . .
Brillian has been running at a rate of about $3.5 million in revenue for the year, without a full blown marketing effort as of yet. This will start to change in early 2006. . . .

I wonder what exactly constitutes $3.5 million in revenue (for Brillian) since it appears that only a few Brillian TV's have actually been sold? By my math - that's about $100K in revenue - not millions. Possibly Brillians near-to-the-eye business is doing better that we realize - but you would think that there would be corresponding press releases bragging about how great the near to the eye business is. However, nobody's ever accused Brillian of also not "producing" great looking press releases.