Topic: Is it just me noticing newer entry level flatpanels have lesser connectors?

[Macmon]

I happen to notice that in comparison for the 2011 models of plasma TV (pana/samsung/LG) as compared to the newer models, the newer ones have lesser inputs such as hdmi and even the analog ports are either shared (composite/component) or removed (VGA).

I happen to compare this with Apple's computer line wherein the technology found on higher models by the time the next generation comes, the features go down the entry levels.

In the case for flat panels it is the reverse, they cut the inputs, etc instead of adding features.

[zechs]

not only the entry level ones. even the samsung series 5 led tvs have only 2 hdmi ports. and I have 3 hdmi devices to connect.

[Stagea]

I happen to compare this with Apple's computer line wherein the technology found on higher models by the time the next generation comes, the features go down the entry levels.

Sometimes companies need to streamline features for product viability. The value that the feature adds to the product is weighed in against the extra cost of having that feature.

Apple does this too. Otherwise, we'd still see firewire, scsi, optical drives, floppy drives, adb, serial ports, modems, 32-bit support, rosetta, etc. in current macs.

[ABCmotorparts]

Binabawasan talaga sir,...
Ang LED ko nga ay halos HDMI inputs na lang,
wala na halos RCA sa likod,...

[Macmon]

Sometimes companies need to streamline features for product viability. The value that the feature adds to the product is weighed in against the extra cost of having that feature.

Apple does this too. Otherwise, we'd still see firewire, scsi, optical drives, floppy drives, adb, serial ports, modems, 32-bit support, rosetta, etc. in current macs.

Ok so that means the composite/component and even VGA inputs are considered legacy connectors? So why even the HDMI inputs are reduced?
Personally, I think it is to cut costs of production rather than enhancing them. And if so, why do computers still use VGA for  companies that have also these products i.e. Samsung.

As for the Apple enhancement, if they remove something, they replace it with another one. i.e. firewire 400 to 800, Firewire/video out to thunderbolt.

[elim]

My sony bx311 only has 1 hdmi connection. I agree with you bro that they should just exclude those legacy connectors. Eventually I guess.

[Dan]

I have a mid-end (probably even entry level low-end) Samsung series 5 and it has four HDMI ports and a ton of others. Got this about two years ago. I see current high-end flat panels in hotel rooms that only have one HDMI, one USB, and just one component RCA connection.


So, yeah. There is some validity with the topic question.

[Macmon]

I guess sooner or later the legacy connectors will be removed but come on.. even the HDMI?

[Stagea]

Ok so that means the composite/component and even VGA inputs are considered legacy connectors? So why even the HDMI inputs are reduced?
Personally, I think it is to cut costs of production rather than enhancing them. And if so, why do computers still use VGA for  companies that have also these products i.e. Samsung.

As for the Apple enhancement, if they remove something, they replace it with another one. i.e. firewire 400 to 800, Firewire/video out to thunderbolt.

Cutting cost is a huge part of product viability. The manufacturer's greatest intention is likely to make money from the manufacture of these goods. They do find many ways to cut costs to make money while keeping up with pricing pressure. Streamlining the product would almost always leave out some customers who want the features that get deleted. The market research people do factor that in. I'm sure Apple people took that into consideration when they launched the Macbook Air with a single USB port in 2008.

When Apple deleted optical drives and wired lan connections for some models, what did they replace it with? Sure you can get external boxes to add them back (the same way you can put an external box to a TV to add legacy inputs back).

[oznola]

I have a mid-end (probably even entry level low-end) Samsung series 5 and it has four HDMI ports and a ton of others. Got this about two years ago. I see current high-end flat panels in hotel rooms that only have one HDMI, one USB, and just one component RCA connection.


So, yeah. There is some validity with the topic question.

we have the same model i think. and yeah,most of what is being released lately has less. was looking at a Smart TV from Samsung earlier and it had something like a future expansion slot. not sure what it was for....

[afra71]

malaking costdown talaga pag feature down ang isang modelo. kaya nila siguro ginawang isang HDMI lang is for the reason na isa lang ang pwede mo panoorin at a time.

kung marami HDMI inputs, you need select the other sources by pressing the AV button sa remote repeatedly. pag itong function na ito ang tinanggal ng tv manufacturer, laking kabawasan ito sa manufacturing cost nila.

besides, meron naman nabibili na murang input selector.

[the_w0rks]

I have a mid-end (probably even entry level low-end) Samsung series 5 and it has four HDMI ports and a ton of others. Got this about two years ago. I see current high-end flat panels in hotel rooms that only have one HDMI, one USB, and just one component RCA connection.


So, yeah. There is some validity with the topic question.

Can't expect the same thing from 2012 Samsung Series 5s

[Nikkie]

When I got my Toshiba 32PB200 last month, all the other TV's I checked at the same price range only has 1 HDMI while the Toshiba has 2. I still remember when my friend got his Toshiba entry-level 2 years ago it has 4 HDMI.