LG Features New 47 inch 1080p LCD HDTV and 60 inch Plasma HDTV

Surrounded by some of history’s most celebrated innovators, from Albert Einstein to Bill Gates to Frank Sinatra, LG Electronics highlighted innovation and design in its broad line of flat-panel displays at an exclusive “celebrity” event at Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum in New York City.

As the world’s largest flat-panel manufacturer and a leader in consumer electronics, LG showcased a variety of technologies and products, including an all-new 47-inch LCD HDTV with 1080p resolution; a sleek new 60-inch plasma HDTV model; and LG’s exclusive LCD and plasma HDTVs with built in high-definition digital video recorders. Also on display were the latest digital audio-video technologies and innovations in computer monitors.

“Showcasing our broad array of digital display and digital media products in such a unique venue drives home the excitement surrounding the LG brand in consumer electronics,” said K.I. Kwon, president of the LG Electronics USA, Inc. Consumer Electronics division. “We are underscoring our commitment to provide consumers with premium products that blend design, technology and functionality. And, as we look forward to the remainder of 2006, we are confident our products will satisfy consumer needs and meet market demands.”

Among today’s biggest market trends in digital display is the dramatic growth of larger and higher-resolution flat-panel displays. Addressing these trends, LG is adding a new 47-inch LCD and 60-inch plasma display to its flat-panel lineup.

The new 47-inch Digital Cable Ready LCD HDTV (47LB1DA) features the progressive-scan, full high-definition 1920 x 1080p display format, providing consumers with the most lifelike images available. But the picture quality is about more than just resolution. The 47LB1DA also features a 14-bit color processor, 1,600:1 contrast ratio and the latest generation of LG’s XD Engine™ to ensure accurate color reproduction and the best possible picture, even from analog sources.

Featuring LG’s fifth-generation “VSB” chipset for optimal digital TV broadcast receptions, this 47-inch LCD HDTV is equipped with ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners and is CableCard compatible. Other convenience features include TV Guide On-Screen® electronic program guide, multiple HD inputs, including two HDMI inputs with HDCP, and a swivel stand. The unit is also VESA compatible for convenient installation. The 47LB1DA is planned for August introduction with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $3,999. Another new LCD HDTV – 26-inch model 26LC2D with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,049 – also features the fifth generation VSB circuitry and an HDMI/HDCP input.

Poised for explosive growth in the large-screen segment of the plasma market, LG is also introducing a new 60-inch Plasma HDTV (model 60PC1D). This large-screen beauty incorporates the same unique design as the previously released 50PC1DRA, which was the recipient of the renowned reddot international design award. But its beauty is not only skin deep. This model also uses the latest XD Engine and features a 7,000:1 contrast ratio. Built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners (with LG’s powerful fifth-generation VSB digital TV reception chipset) and two HDMI inputs as well as other connectivity options will make this set the ideal centerpiece for any home theater. The 60PC1D is expected to be available in September at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5,899.

Bringing a new level of form and function to computer monitors is LG’s new 19-inch FLATRON LCD Monitor (L1900R) with a breathtaking, red accented LED base. On display for the first time in the United States at the LG Summer Line Show, the L1900R incorporates LG’s proprietary f-ENGINE Plus picture quality enhancement technology, 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 4ms response time and 300cd/m2 brightness in order to provide brilliant and bright pictures.

Showcasing the latest in optical drives, LG unveiled a Blu-ray disc drive burner. Initially available in an internal drive configuration (model GBW-H10N), the new LG Blu-ray disc burner offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional optical storage formats, with one Blu-ray disc able to hold up to 25GB of data. The GBW-H10N is capable of burning at 4x speed for BD-R and 2x speed for BD-RE (rewritable disc). With a majority of the upcoming Blu-ray burners supporting only 2x recording, LG once again breaks new ground in this rapidly emerging category. This model also incorporates LG-pioneered “Super-Multi” compatibility, making it compatible with DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD+R Multi-layer and DVD-RAM. It is also capable of writing on DVD-RAM media at 5x speed. The GBW-H10N is expected to be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $899.

Additional products showcased at the event include:

PLASMA HDTVs

71-inch Plasma HDTV Monitor (Model MW-71PY10):

The MW-71PY10 boasts 1920x1080p display resolution, LG’s proprietary XD Engine technology, which takes the low resolution of analog signals to near high-definition levels, providing consumers with better overall picture quality and viewing experience. Advanced connectivity options include HDMI and DVI inputs, both with HDCP for digital connection. Multiple HD component inputs as well as composite and S-Video provide flexible options for a variety of source components. There is also an RGB input for PC connectivity. Flexible PIP, split-zoom and twin-picture features allows sub-windows to be moved, resized, swapped, and split into multiple windows (up to nine). With a 1,200:1 contrast ratio, the display offers a crisp, colorful viewing experience. The 71-inch plasma also boasts multiple LG technologies to minimize the likelihood of image retention. Available now, it has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $70,000.

50-inch Plasma Integrated HDTV with Built-In High-Definition DVR (Model 50PC1DRA):

Building off of the success of the world’s first plasma display with built-in HD-DVR, the 50PC1DRA features all the benefits of plasma HDTV combined with a powerful 160-gigabyte HD-DVR built into an ultra-thin cabinet. LG’s new plasma HDTV is capable of storing up to 15 hours of digital high-definition programming or more than 66 hours of digital standard-definition programming, is digital cable-ready (CableCard) and includes TV Guide on-screen® interactive program guide which displays eight days of program information. Similar to all other LG flat panel displays, the 50PC1DRA includes the next generation of LG’s exclusive XD Engine. Available now, it has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,449.

50-inch Plasma Integrated HDTV with Built-In High-Definition DVR (Model 50PY2DR):

The world’s first plasma HDTV with integrated HD-DVR features all the benefits of a plasma HDTV combined with a HD-DVR built into a premium, glossy, black cabinet. It can easily record, pause and playback live TV on its 160-gigabyte hard drive, which stores up to 13 hours of digital high-definition programming or 63 hours of standard-definition programming. The 50PY2DR also features the convenience of TV Guide on-screen interactive program guide which displays eight days of program information. The unit is also Digital Cable Ready, which eliminates the need for a separate cable set-top box. Combined with the built-in 9-in-2 multi memory card readers, users can store digital photos or music from their digital camera, or MP3 player onto the hard drive that can further be organized and saved for future viewing and listening. Available now, 50PY2DR has manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5,399.

LCD HDTVs

42-inch LCD Integrated HDTV with Built-In High-Definition DVR (Model 42LB1DRA):

LG’s 42-inch LCD integrated HDTVs (42LB1DRA) are the world’s first LCD TV to incorporate an HD-DVR. This easy to set-up and use HDTV stores up to 15 hours of digital high-definition programs or 66 hours of standard-definition programming. It is Digital Cable Ready (CableCard), with the ability to access cable channels, including HD channels, without a separate cable box. Users are able to control live TV, easily organize recorded programs and set up repeat recordings of their favorite show with the latest Gemstar Digital TV Guide on-screen interactive program guide. The combination of the built-in DVR with its CableCard compatibility eliminates the need for two additional set-top boxes and the associated issues of setup and wiring, and unnecessary hassle. The unit incorporates Super In-Plane-Switching (Super IPS) technology, allowing for 178-degree viewing angles without loss of color or image. Available now, it has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,799.