Sony's rear-projection 1080p SXRD sets really lit a fire under the HDTV market last year. Using Sony's dynamic iris system, these RPTVs produced deep blacks and stunning contrast like never before for a non-CRT "microdisplay". No other RPTV could match it, and of course, no flat panel plasma or LCD set could even approach it when it came to dark scene beauty and detail. These XBR1 series three-chip SXRD sets had nearly everything going for them and seemed to fly out of showrooms and into the homes of discerning videophiles. These sets truly put the last nail in the coffin of CRT-based RPTVs.

• $4,299
• 65" three-chip LCoS
• 1920x1080
• Key Connections: One HDMI and one DVI-HDCP input, two component, one VGA on 15-pin DSUB

• $3,099
• 61" single-chip DLP
• 1920x1080 (wobulated)
• Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, IEEE 1394, USB

• $3,099
• 62" single-chip DLP (wobulator)
• 1920x1080
• Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, one VGA computer input, G-LINK (for TV Guide On Screen), Ethernet THINC port connection

JVC developed LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology for television years ago so it should be no surprise that JVC's considerable experience with this technology, which they call D-ILA or Direct-drive Image Light Amplifier, has recently produced a product with few peers. Last year the first JVC 1080p LCoS RPTV came out, and JVC has since taken to calling these sets "HD-ILA." Whatever the name, last year's JVC 1080p set was widely considered one of the top two available. Sony's SXRD rear projectors (different name, same basic technology) probably offered the stiffest competition.

• $4,800
• 72" single-chip DLP (wobulator)
• 1920x1080
• Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, one VGA computer input, G-LINK (for TV Guide On Screen), Ethernet THINC port connection

• $2,799
• 52" single-chip DLP (wobulator)
• 1920x1080
• Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, IEEE 1394