LG Unveils New PDP, LCD Products at CES 2005

[Gregg Lengling]

LG Electronics introduced a selection of plasma display panel (PDP) and liquid crystal display (LCD) flat-panel products at the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

 

LG unveiled a new series of flat-panel displays, led by the first plasma HDTVs with built-in digital video recorders (DVR). These plasmas also include high-definition television (HDTV) receivers, and digital-cable-ready CableCARD slots. Highlights include 60- and 50-inch plasma HDTVs with built-in DVR, a 23-inch LCD TV with built-in DVD player and the largest PDP on the market -- a massive 71-inch plasma HDTV monitor.

LG's new plasma integrated HDTVs are built with the company's 60,000-hour "DoubleLife" panels, extending PDP longevity. The company is said to be driving the industry performance standards with 5,000:1 contrast ratios and 1,000 candellas-per-square-meter (cd/m?) of brightness.

CES will be a launching pad for LG's newest PDPs. The first is the debut of the 71-inch plasma display panel, model MW-71PY10 -- the largest PDP on the market for consumer purchase. The first plasma to be measured in feet, not inches, the MW-71PY10 boasts 1,920 x 1,080p (progressive-scan) resolution -- the highest resolution currently available on any HDTV display -- to provide consumers with the most vivid and realistic viewing experience.

LG is also unleashing the 60PY2DR and 50PY2DR, 60- and 50-inch plasma HDTVs with an integrated 160-Gbyte DVR that can record up to 14 hours of digital high-definition programming or 62 hours of digital standard-definition programming. Driven by the new XD Engine technology -- which takes low resolution of analog signals to near high-definition levels -- these PDPs feature built-in CableCARD capabilities and come with a built-in stand and speakers.

Other new LG PDPs include 60-, 50- and 42-inch integrated digital cable ready HDTV models 60PY2D, 50PX5D and 42PX5D all planned for the second quarter. These sets feature LG's fifth-generation ATSC VSB/QAM tuner, which receives terrestrial digital HDTV and unscrambled digital cable, and a NTSC tuner for conventional analog TV broadcasts. Designed to receive digital HDTV programming and premium cable services without the need for a set-top box, these PDPs are built around industry-standard CableCARDs provided by cable operators, and can receive free over-the-air digital (ATSC) HDTV and analog (NTSC) programming. Flexible picture-in-picture (PIP), picture-outside-picture (POP) and split-screen options enhance the viewing experience.

Two of the new additions to the LCD line are the 23LX1RV, a 23-inch LCD TV with a DVD player built-into the table stand, and the 15LW1R, a wireless 15-inch LCD TV. The 23-inch LCD TV with a built-in DVD player provides consumers with the convenience of having two devices in one, making these ideal displays for small living spaces. The wireless 15-inch LCD TV allows consumers to move the display around the house anywhere up to 50 feet from the transmitter box, without the need for power cords.