LG slashes price of 71-inch plasma by 80%

LG Electronics (LG) rolled out new 1080p “Full HD” displays at CES and it slashed the price of its flagship 71-inch plasma by 80% to $14,999.95 suggested retail.

The new plasma displays incorporate technologies – Clear Filter Pro, Simple Link and built-in high-definition digital video recorders – that LG says significantly improve contrast, reduce reflections and optimize playability. New connectivity technologies and stylish designs complement the LG plasmas’ crisp, clear and easy-to-use viewing experience for consumers.

LG’s 2007 plasma line features 10 models ranging from 42- to 71-inches, in four series of products:
• PC5D series features 42- and 50-inch panels which supplement two carryover models, the 60PC1D and 42PC3DV
• PB4D series includes 42-, 50- and 60-inch models with integrated HD DVR
• PY3D series features 50- and 60-inch models with Full HD 1080p resolution
• PY1M consists of the previously mentioned 71-inch 1080p panel, which is an HD monitor

LG’s premium plasma line-up includes 50-, 60- and 71-inch units with 1920 x 1080p “Full HD” display capability to meet the growing demand for the highest resolution display capability, complementing new 1080p pre-recorded high-definition optical media. These models all support 1080p via HDMI and component inputs at 24, 30 and 60 frame rates.

New 42- and 50-inch models in the PC5D and PB4D series include LG’s “Clear Filter Pro” technology. Clear Filter Pro technology replaces the front glass filter with a thin film filter which reduces reflection and double imaging, providing a haze-free, crisp viewing experience.

These models also incorporate Extreme Contour Compensation (XCC) which minimizes color contouring to display more natural color transitions. All plasma HDTVs include LG’s exclusive XD EngineTM technology that takes low-resolution analog signals to near high-definition levels and also improves digital signals, offering consumers with better overall picture quality and viewing experience.

LG also continues to be the only manufacturer offering plasma HDTV sets with integrated HD digital video recorder (DVR) capability. The 2007 lineup offers three plasma models – the PB4 Series – with built-in 160-gigabyte high-definition DVRs capable of storing up to 13 hours of digital high-definition programming or 63 hours of digital standard-definition programming.

The DVR incorporates an automatic time-shift feature, which continuously records in one-hour intervals. Other features include slow motion rewind and fast forward capabilities, as well as instant replay. These sets enable viewers to easily organize recorded programs and set up repeat recordings of their favorite show. To expand user options, the 2007 DVR can also record from an external high-definition source such as a cable box or satellite tuner in 480p resolution via component inputs.