Digital Trends

RCA Scenium HD61THW263 April 7th, 2005 | by Dennis Barker

Features and Design

Scenium is RCA's upscale brand including many technologies and features on the cutting edge of electronics development.  The RCA Scenium Profiles HD61THW263 is a 61-in. widescreen integrated HDTV featuring DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology.  Basically, DLP is a special type of micro-display device that has been developed by Texas Instruments (TI).  RCA, however, uses a special optical display engine designed by InFocus, which clearly helps separate RCA from the pack of companies offering DLP display devices (it should be noted that InFocus also markets this set as ScreenPlay 61rp10 under their brand name.)  DLP technology is used in front and rear projection television sets instead of traditional CRTs (cathode ray tubes). 

The HD61THW263 includes four television tuners: dual NTSC (for regular TV broadcasts), ATSC (for over-the-air HD broadcasts), and QAM (for “in-the-clear” cable HD broadcasts).  It is also Digital Cable Ready and accepts CableCARD.  What really separates this display from other DLP displays (and other rear projection micro-display TVs) is the fact that it is only 6.85-in. deep, and can be hung on the wall like a plasma or LCD flat-panel display.  Can you imagine?  Truly amazing!

Consumer DLP presently uses a single-chip design, which means no convergence problems (like CRT Television) or phosphor burn-in problems (like plasma displays).  Current DLP projectors have the capability of displaying images up to HD quality of 1,280 x 720 pixels for true 720p (p = progressive) native HD resolution.  RCA's model HD61THW263 uses Texas Instruments' HD2+ chip, which offers an HD resolution of 1280x720 or 720p.  TI's HD2+ optical semiconductor 16:9 chips use in excess of 1,300,000 digital microscopic mirrors (DMDs), which build a digital image by switching on/off more than 50,000 times a second via a digitally controlled light beam source. 

Unlike many rear projection televisions today, the HD61THW263 is a tabletop model with a depth of only 6.85-in., and weighs about 135 lbs.  It consequently can easily fit into many living/family rooms.  It can sit upon an optional base that features storage for up to four components, or it can be placed on the wall and secured to the studs using its specialized hanging bracket for a true theatrical experience. 

The HD61THW263 has a brightness level of 550 cd/m2, and a contrast ratio of over 2000:1.  As previously noted, its DLP light engine was designed by InFocus, and it uses a superior 25-element lens system along with a 6-segment color wheel.  To help display HD images, the set employs RCA's proprietary Digital Hi-Pix Picture Systems with TruScan Digital Reality Intelligent Signal Processing, which optimizes picture performance.  It also uses progressive scan circuitry with 3/2 pull-down for the best images possible from HD signals and all video sources, such as satellite systems and DVD players.  The set is housed in a sleekly styled light silver/gray cabinet, featuring a gloss black picture frame.  While other micro-displays place the light engine, RCA places it beneath the screen

The HD61THW263 includes numerous convenience features including twin-tuner PIP.  If you attach a DVD Recorder, DVHS VCR or HD DVR, it can be controlled via the TV by simply clicking on the ‘Guide' key centrally located on the remote, to access the recorder's on-screen program guide to find program info, or to set up a recording so you don't miss Desperate Housewives.   If you've attached either of RCA's HD DVRs—DVR2080 (80GB) or DVR2160 (160GB)—it will automatically record HD programs in HD as well by using the TV's remote.  Of course, any of these digital sources need to be tethered to the television via its 2-way 1394 port, and may also require the included signal blaster to change channels (for products other than RCA HD DVRs.)

Sound quality is rated at 60-watts total or 15-watts per channel (4 speakers) plus an additional 30-watt subwoofer for improved bass sounds.  Sound quality was pretty good from the set's internal speakers, which was helped tremendously by SRS TruSurround XT.  These sound-altering schemes certainly helped the set's overall aural quality.  Dolby Digital sound, on the other hand, can be piped via its digital audio optical output to a separate A/V Receiver or Processor (which is recommended by this reviewer) for a true home theater experience.