CES UPDATE: LG weds DVRs and plasma screens

LG Electronics came to the desert with nine new plasma HDTV sets. Topping the list? A 71-inch set that has full 1920x1080p resolution.
But it s four of the other models that were the most intriguing because they included built-in 160 GB digital video recorders. Two of the models, known as the PC1DR series, are 50-inch plasmas that can store up to 15 hours of HD programming or 66 hours of SD programming.

The other two, the PB2DR couple a 60-inch and 50-inch display with a DVR that has dual ATSC tuners. The result? The ability to record two sporting events or programs at once. The PC1DR line is set for delivery in the first quarter while the PB2DR will be available in the third quarter. The company also rolled out three 42-inch HD plasma screens none of which have tuners but will be available in the first quarter.
And portable media needs were also addressed. The PM70 Portable Media Center is the company s first, storing up to 50 hours of TV or video on a 30GB hard drive. It has a 4.3-inch screen and can even sync with Outlook to let users read email on the device.
In other set news LG Electronics came to the show with a pair of DLP HD sets available in 62-inch ($2,999) and 56-inch ($2,699) screen sizes. The 720p sets include an over-the-air digital tuner and also a slot for cable cards so that users don t need a cable set-top box.

LG Electronics also introduced two LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) rear-projection units using SpatiaLight microdisplays. The two units, available in 62- and 71-inches, feature 1920x1080p resolution and will ship in February with pricing of $8,499 and $4,999 respectively.

And not to be outdone, LG Electronics offered seven LCD panels that have 160 GB hard-drives into some of the units, obviating the need for an external digital video recorder. The top model is a 47-inch unit with 1920x1080p resolution, an integrated 160GB HD DVR, TV Guide On Screen and dual ATSC tuning. It is slated to ship in August at a price to be announced later.