Digital Trends

Projection's not dead yet. Panasonic's new LIFI technology extends bulb life, cuts warm-up time and enhances colors at prices less than plasma.

Just when it seemed LCD and plasma television sets were set to replace bulky CRT and projection sets forever, Panasonictwo new HD rear-projection TV lines that breathe new life into the old technology. The new TVs in the LCZ and LCX lines use a  long-life LIFI projection system that significantly extends the projector bulb life, which has traditionally been one of the major pitfalls of projection TVs. has launched

Panasonic’s LCZ line will have 61-inch, 56-inch and 50-inch sets with full 1080p resolution, priced at $2199.95, $1899.95 and $1699.95, respectively. The less expensive LCX line will offer a 61-inch set for $1999.95 and a 56-inch set for $1699.95, both with 720p resolution.

Unlike the traditional high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps used in rear-projection TVs, Panasonic’s new lamps have no electrodes to deteriorate and dim the bulb, warranting replacement. As an added benefit, Panasonic claims the bulbs have a better spectrum that brings out more radiant reds, greens and skin tones, and that they cut warm-up time from 60 seconds to only 15.

“The unique LIFI technology provides the consumer with a viable, affordable option for big screen, 1080p High Definition entertainment,” said Dennis Eppel, vice president of Panasonic Display Company, in a statement. “The fact that the bulb will virtually never need to be replaced is a great benefit to the consumer and one of the reasons we strongly believe that LIFI will be successful.”