Critics Cry Foul Over Samsung '4:3 HDTV'

Some tech Web sites such as ComputerWorld and HDTV UK in Britain are taking issue with some current online marketing by Samsung for one of its 27-inch CRT models. It seems the manufacturer is marketing its "TX-S2779H SlimFit HDTV" as an HD monitor, even though it has a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Mass production of a somewhat slimmer CRT (cathode-ray tube) TV set is somewhat interesting by itself, considering the rest of the manufacturing world seems to have abandoned CRT altogether. Yet, some industry observers note that simply marketing the 27-inch model as more compact and slimmer (hence the term "SlimFit") does not justify abandoning 16:9 and calling it HD--even if it boasts 1080p, 1080i or 720p.

By definition, all HD formats must use 16:9 aspect ratios in order to be considered bona fide high definition. (While the industry itself is well aware of this fact, chances are most consumers are not.) Meanwhile, according to the Samsung Web site, the company's slightly larger 30-inch SlimFit HDTV does offer the wider aspect ratio.