LG Electronics today unveiled the industry's broadest selection of flat-panel displays, highlighted by a series of integrated digital high-definition television (HDTV) receivers, including its first digital-cable-ready plasma HDTVs. Led by the world's first 76-inch plasma display (see separate news release), the two dozen new digital displays are key to LG's strategy to establish a beachhead in the high-end digital video market with its premium global brand.
Ranging from 15- to 76-inch screen sizes, the LG-brand plasma display panel (PDP) and liquid crystal display (LCD) product introductions at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show exemplify the company's commitment to significantly expanding its focus and footprint in the U.S. market, backed by a $100 million dollar 2004 U.S. marketing campaign to build the LG brand across all product lines.
The 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show is the launch pad for a dozen LG PDPs, based on three categories of widescreen models: digital-cable- ready HDTVs, integrated HDTVs and HDTV monitors. These 60-, 50- and 42-inch models are in addition to LG's world-leading 76- and 71-inch widescreen HDTV monitors shown in the United States for the first time at CES 2004.
LG's digital-cable-ready HDTV PDPs are designed to receive digital HDTV programming and premium cable services without the need for a set-top box. Built around industry-standard CableCARDs provided by cable operators, these 60-, 50- and 42-inch models planned for the third quarter also incorporate tuners to receive free over-the-air digital (ATSC) HDTV and analog (NTSC) programming.
Three integrated HDTVs, 60-, 50- and 42-inch models planned for first- quarter 2004, feature LG's fifth-generation ATSC VSB/QAM tuner, which receives terrestrial digital HDTV and unscrambled digital cable broadcasts, and an NTSC tuner for conventional analog TV broadcasts. Flexible picture-in-picture (PIP), picture-outside-picture (POP) and split-screen options enhance the viewing experience.
Three new PDP HDTV monitors (60-, 50- and 42-inch models) and one EDTV (enhanced-definition, 480P) 42-inch model also are on tap for first-quarter 2004.
The core technology behind LG's HDTV plasma displays is the X1 panel that provides 1000:1 high contrast ratio and 1000 cd/m2 high brightness. Connections include HD component inputs, Digital Visual Interface with High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (DVI + HDCP), along with conventional AV inputs and a 15-pin RGB PC input.
LG's broad new line of LCD TVs for 2004 comprises three series of products: integrated HDTVs, HDTV monitors and NTSC TVs. High-definition models feature LG's Super In-Plane-Switching (Super IPS) technology, which provides the industry's fastest response time and a 176-degree viewing angle -- the widest available on the market today.
The flagship of LG's LCD integrated HDTV line is a dramatic 55-inch direct-view LCD model, planned for third-quarter 2004. This model, plus new sleek and slender 42-, 37- and 30-inch widescreen direct-view LCD HDTVs, receive free over-the-air digital broadcasts without the need for a separate set-top box. These integrated HDTVs feature LG's fifth-generation ATSC VSB/QAM tuner, which receives terrestrial digital HDTV and unscrambled digital cable broadcasts, and an NTSC tuner for conventional analog TV broadcasts.
LG's four widescreen LCD HDTV monitors, all housed in sleek, gloss-black cabinets, are: a 26-inch, a 23-inch and two 17-inch models, which boast 1280 x 768 resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio, peak brightness of 450 cd/m2, Super IPS technology and Faroudja DCDi processing. One of the 17-inch models comes with a built-in DVD Player. While offering dual-purpose computer and TV display capability, LG LCD HDTV monitor connections include HD component inputs and DVI + HDCP, along with PC and conventional AV inputs. Rounding out LG's 2004 LCD lineup are 20- and 15-inch NTSC TVs.
LG Electronics enables the intelligent networking of digital products that will make consumers' lives easier than ever.