LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Building on its position as the world's largest flat panel manufacturer(1), LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled its 2007 lineup of plasma display panel (PDP) innovations -- including new 1080p "Full HD" models and its flagship 71-inch plasma, which has been repositioned at an aggressive new suggested retail price.
On display publicly for the first time this week at the 2007 International CES(R) (Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center), the new plasma displays incorporate technologies -- Clear Filter Pro, Simple Link and built-in high-definition digital video recorders -- that 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.
Reflecting manufacturing efficiencies and marketplace realities, LG repositioned its flagship 71-inch Plasma Full HD Monitor (71PY1M), one of the largest plasmas available for consumer purchase. The new price of $14,999.95 is an amazing 80 percent decrease from the unit's introduction price in early 2006.
A founding member of the Plasma Display Coalition, LG is meeting the needs of retailers and consumers alike who demand the best of the best in plasma screens. With enhanced contrast and connectivity, the mammoth display literally shows life-like and life-size images. And, at full HD 1080p display resolution, the unit meets the growing demand for the highest resolution possible.
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
ENHANCED PICTURE QUALITY
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 Engine(TM) 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.
CONNECTIVITY, PLAYABILITY, FLEXIBLITY
To enhance ease-of-use, all new LG plasma TVs incorporate "LG Simple Link" connectivity, allowing control of other LG Simple Link compatible equipment, such as DVD players or home theater systems. The units are connected with a regular HDMI cable, and use the HDMI-CEC standard to enable the user to control other components via on-screen menus or directly from each component.
The PY3D series also features other enhanced connectivity including three HDMI inputs to allow for the growing number of source devices using this standard, and USB Media Host to allow for easy playback of digital music and photos on the plasma set.
LG 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.
INNOVATIVE STYLE AND DESIGN
Continuing its tradition of elegant, high-end design, and meeting the aesthetic demands of consumers today, all of LG's plasma displays incorporate a high-glossy black finish. The PC5 Series provides a slimmer width with a bottom-speaker design. The PC5 and PB4 Series incorporate a wave-design at the bottom of the panel, providing a premium high-end look and elegant design accent. The PY3 Full HD models utilize a dramatic, side-speaker design which features a unique reflecting digital index display and soft-touch controls. All models incorporate 0.3mm micro-perforated speaker grills for a maximum polished look while delivering robust, powerful sound.
GLOBAL PLASMA LEADERSHIP
LG's plasma HDTVs developed for the U.S. market, featuring integrated ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners and LG's proven fifth-generation "VSB" circuitry for optimal digital reception, build on LG global leadership in plasma development and production. One of a handful of plasma panel manufacturers in the world, LG established the first plasma module operation in North America in October 2006. Located in Reynosa, Mexico, the plasma module plant will further enhance LG's capabilities to serve its U.S. retailers with shorter lead times and improved logistics.
ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS USA, INC.
Based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., LG Electronics USA, Inc., (LGEUS) is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $43.4-billion global force in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LGEUS sells a wide range of digital display and digital media products, digital appliances and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit
http://www.LGusa.com
.
ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS, INC.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 06657.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 72,000 people working in over 120 operations including 80 subsidiaries around the world. Comprising four business units -- Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media with 2005 global consolidated sales of US $43.4 billion -- LG Electronics is the world's largest producer of CDMA handsets, residential air conditioners, plasma panels, optical storage products, DVD players and home theater systems. For more information please visit
http://www.lge.com
.
(1) According to research conducted by DisplaySearch, a flat panel
display market research and consulting firm.
CONTACT: John I. Taylor, +1-847-941-8181, jtaylor@lge.com, or Clara Chang,+1-201-816-4280, , both of LG Electronics, Inc.; BrentTongco, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, +1-773-454-2148,
Web site:
http://www.LGusa.com/ http://www.lge.com/
