Here's an email exchange I had today with AJ Abrams @ optoma.
===============================================
Luis,
Thanks for the thoughtful response.
1. HDCP is not supported on the DVI. I'm hoping that it can be an
upgrade for those that want it if it becomes a reality. Later versions
will most likely have it.
2. I am working on getting the discrete input commands for power and
inputs. I understand fully why it is important. Just trying to get
Taiwan to understand. At this point I can say...I will have them.
AJ
Luis P Caamano wrote:
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From:
[email protected] [mailto:
[email protected]]
> > Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 1:45 PM
> > To: Luis P Caamano
> > Subject: Re: RD-50
> >
> >
> > Luis,
> >
> > Thanks for your interest. Can I ask how you got my name? You went a bit
> > high in the company for such an easy answer.
>
> Oops! I'd have to say. I called your main office
> number and asked the same question. She said,
> "uhmm, AJ should know, let me transfer you. Oh
> wait! you have to send him email." I said, "Good
> enough, thank you." And that's how I got that
> high.
> >
> > MSRP is $4995.
> >
> > Hoping for March as shipping date.
> >
> > Hope that helps.
> >
> > AJ Abrams
> > Head of Product Management and Product Development
> > Optoma Technology.
>
> I agree that was too easy an answer for you. How
> about these two?
>
> Does the RD-50 support HDCP on the DVI input? That's
> the reason I might not buy the Panasonic PT-52DL52.
>
> Does the RD-50 support discrete remote codes
> power and input selection? I hope it does because
> that's the main reason I'm not buying the Samsung
> 507.
>
> I appreciate your quick response AJ and I hope I
> didn't bother you too much. However, I'd like to
> take this opportunity (just in case is the last
> one

to underscore the importance of usability
> on these sets.
>
> You see, these devices are not TVs anymore. They are the
> main display device of a home theater. As such, they
> have multiple source inputs from many devices, e.g.,
> laser disc, DVDs, VCRs, ReplayTVs, separate Audio/Video
> receiver, HDTV set top box, cable set top box, etc.
> That's about 9 different remotes. There's no way my
> mother or my 6 y/o will be able to operate all that
> using that many remotes, and though my wife could, she
> doesn't want to. That's where the programmable remotes
> come in.
>
> We have an MX500 remote at home, which is the only one
> we need to operate everything. The main task the remote
> accomplishes is switching the A/V receiver to the appropriate
> sound source, and the TV to appropriate video source, all
> with one single macro in one single button. In order to
> switch inputs, we need one of two things: either discrete
> input select remote codes or a way to get a base line input
> to switch from (usually accomplished with a CH+ code that
> switches to ANT1 input). So far so good.
>
> Unfortunately, the Samsung DLP TVs have neither
> discrete remote codes for input selection nor a way to
> to get a base line input to switch from. It's pretty
> silly. I can give you more details about how they
> screwed it up so well if you're interested.
>
> The Panasonic doesn't have discrete codes for input
> selection either but it does switch to the next active
> input. Something can be done with this one but it's
> not optimal.
>
> If you're still with me, I'm thrilled. I hope the
> RD-50 includes discrete codes. If it does, then I
> could go and buy a cheaper 34" CRT wide screen TV
> now, wait until March, and then get the RD-50.
>
> Thanks again for your time.
>
> Regards,
>
> Luis P Caamano
> Atlanta, GA USA
--
AJ Abrams
Manager, Product Management
Optoma Technology
Phone: 813/792-0184
Fax: 813/792-0385