Digital Trends

Mitsubishi has not overlooked flat panel displays either, as it will be offering a total of seven high-definition seven models (3 LCD and 4 plasma TVs).  The LCD line is comprised of three 2-piece design models in 32-in., 37-in. and 42-in. screen sizes.  Both the LT-3280 (32-in. at $4,299) and the LT-3780 (37-in. at $5,299) are Digital Cable Ready, featuring CableCARD HDTVs that feature screen resolutions of 1366x768 with "Plush Imaging," or 720p and 1920x1080 or 1080i with "Plush1080p," respectively.  Both models include Mitsubishi's new "SuperBright" technology, which features a continuous backlighting system, reportedly providing highly uniform corner-to-corner to clarity, and "QuickMotion," which improves response time to 8 milliseconds.  All LCD models include TV Guide Onscreen, a 9-format Memory Card Reader, 2 HDMI inputs, IEEE1394, and a swivel stand.  The final LCD display is the LT-4260 ($8,499), which was originally introduced last year, but will finally ship in May.  Pixel resolution of this DCR-ready model is 1366x768, and it includes both HDMI and IEEE1394 inputs.  The LT-4260 features a separate media box, which fits into a special slot located on the back of the display.  This model also includes an integrated 120GB HD PVR.

Mitsubishi LT-4260

Mitsubishi is also offering four HD-Upgradeable Plasma monitors for 2005.  Models PD-5050 (50-in. at $6,499) and PD-6150 (61-in. at $11,999), which feature a silver bezel, are currently available.  Both models feature a screen resolution of 1366x768, and include Mitsubishi's "BrightCell" technology, which delivers a sharp, detailed picture along with bright vivid colors, and its "MicroFilter" technology, which optimizes color accuracy.  Reportedly, the line doubler and pixel scaler have been improved for better image clarity.  All plasma monitors include "Plush" imaging technology.  Models PD-4265 (42-in. at $4,299) and model PD-5065 (50-in. at $6,499), which feature a black bezel, will be available in September.  Besides including all of the features of the -50 Series, both -65 Series models will also include a detachable speaker stand.  The PD-4265 offers a screen resolution of 1024x768, and the PD-5065 has a screen resolution of 1365x768. 

Mitsubishi PD-5065

Rounding out the Mitsubishi line are three carryover integrated rear projection CRT digital cable ready HDTVs, the 517 Series.  It is comprised of three models:  WS-55517 (55-in.), WS-65517 (65-in.), and the WS-73-517 (73-in.).  All models feature Mitsubishi's "Plush Imaging" technology along with a 3D-Y/C comb filter, 480-line motion adaptive, progressive scan with 3/2 pull-down, HDMI input and IEEE1394.  The 73-in. model uses 9-in. CRTs and lenses instead of the standard 7-in. CRTs found on most rear projection CRT HDTVs.  Pricing was unavailable at presstime.

Mitsubishi WS-73517

In other Mitsubishi news, the company will no longer be offering separate line DVD players or VCRs.  Besides the stand-alone HD-6000 HDTV Receiver ($2,199), which can be matched up with the their Plasma TV monitor, the only other source component that Mitsubishi will carry over is its HS-HD2000U DVHS VCR ($549), as the company focuses on what it knows best—TV Displays.   Since the company is in the blu-ray DVD camp, we can expect to see a blu-ray high definition DVD recorder in 2006.