CES: The laser cutting edge

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The best television picture I’ve ever seen was being shown in an out-of-the-way mini-ballroom at Mandalay Bay, far from the main action at CES. It was a previously unannounced laser TV, the first on view at the expo. The little company showing it – SpectronIQ of Ontario (the California one) – wasn’t even making a big deal of it. They were mainly showing off their 3D television technology, which was clever. But there have been 3D demos aplenty at CESes of the past and likely more to come in the future, completely with dorky glasses.

Almost as an afterthought, at one end of their rented room, was their rear-projection laser model, showing the Tim Burton version of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

In living color, as they used to say on TV, but this time it rang true.

The turquoise uniforms of the Oompa Loompas, as they rowed down a river of luscious-looking chocolate, were better than vibrant – they were deeply colored in a way that was electric. The seahorse boat they were rowing looked stunning, and the eyes of the actors were so sensual they could get Paul Newman out of retirement.

The TV was shown in isolation – the only other sets in the room were showing the 3D stuff - so there no chance for a true side-by-side comparison.

But it seemed that Johnny Depp never looked so dreamy, outside of a theater, and Burton’s fantasy world came more to life than any of the 3D images.

Still, there is absolutely no assurance that laser TV will be a hit. Or even a major contender.

The 72-inch model on display was about 20-inches deep, bucking the trend of super-thin televisions and likely unacceptable in many households. Indeed, SpectronIQ executives said they are not planning to bring their laser model out until 2009, giving them enough time to radically shrink the depth. Hopefully.

And then there is the price? The execs politely demurred. They wouldn’t even give an estimate.

It kind of felt like a “if you have to ask” situation.

There is another laser TV set to debut at the show. Mitsubishi will unveil its model Monday night. If it’s anything as good as this one – and if the price ends up being affordable for us mere mortals – laser might be a mighty contender.

And there might be side benefits. If the screen breaks, maybe you could use the set to remove unsightly tattoos.

That would make a heck-of-a CES demo. Maybe next year.

-- David Colker