Mitsubishi sets laser TV launch, intros DLPs and LCDs

Mitsubishi on Monday took advantage of the gap between electronics shows to firm up its HDTV lineup, including the first-ever laser TVs. Originally shown at CES, the laser-based range is now to be called LaserVue and should be available sometime during the summer. While most details of sets themselves are unknown, the news makes laser TV only the second next-generation HDTV technology after OLED to ship and will reportedly eliminate most of the problems of both LCDs and plasma: the screen jumps from showing just 40 percent of the visible color range to 200 percent and consumes half the power of an LCD. It can also display 3D imagery with the right support.

The company has also upgraded conventional HDTVs, headlined by its DLP sets. Five regular sets in the 735 and 736 series at 60, 65, and 73 inches will all have thinner shells as well as brighter images and 3D support; two premium Diamond 835-series sets at 65 and 73 inches add 120Hz panels to improve response times to fast motion. Both will also have glossy black designs, improved contrast ratio, and a black glossy face. Prices range from $1,799 for the base 60-inch model (WD-60735) to $4,699 for the flagship Diamond WD-73835.

The LCD line has also improved, Mitsubishi notes. The whole Ultra Thin Frame range now makes a 120Hz panel standard and is thinner still with a one-inch bezel that still provides improved speakers. Every set also supports HDMI 1.3's Deep Color spec as well as loading GalleryPlayer photo viewing from software loaded on to a USB stick. Five regular models at 40, 46, and 52 inches in the 148 and 149 series serve as the baseline; two 246-series Diamond models at 46 and 52 inches add a more movie-oriented 120Hz technique as well as newer speakers and the glossy design. Systems cost $2,499 for the 40-inch LT-40148 and scale up to $4,499 for the Diamond LT-52246 52-inch display.

All non-laser sets should be available from May.

Filed under: industry, gadgets
Other story tags: Diamond, Mitsubishi, LaserVue, laser TV