LG Launches Plasma HDTV With Built-In DVR

Today LG introduced the first plasma HDTV televisions which include a built in DVR system. Here is an overview of the specs for the LG 60PY2DR and the LG 50PY2DR televisions:

• 50 or 60 inch display
• 160 GB hard drive (13 hours of HDTV programming, 63 hours of standard programming)
• Built-in ATSC tuner
• 9-in-2 multi memory card readers
• HDMI with HDCP, IEEE 1394 with DTV Link
• Flexible Picture-in-Picture (PIP), Picture-outside-Picture (POP) and split-screen options

The cost? 60 inches will set you back $14,999, or you can opt for the less expensive 50 inch model for $7,999. Or you can buy a car. Full press release after the jump.

LG ELECTRONICS INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST PLASMA HDTVs WITH INTEGRATED HIGH-DEFINITION DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER

Now at Select Consumer Electronics Stores Nationwide, LG’s New Integrated HDTV Family Combines Style and Functionality, Creating a Unique Viewing Experience

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., May 3, 2005—Consistent with its growing reputation as an industry leader and innovator in home entertainment products, LG Electronics today introduced the world’s first plasma integrated high-definition televisions (HDTVs) with a built-in high-definition digital video recorder (HD-DVR).

Available in 50- and 60-inch models, the PY2DR series features all the benefits of plasma HDTV combined with a powerful 160-gigabyte HD-DVR built into the ultra-thin cabinet. The new Digital Cable Ready plasma HDTVs feature the capability of storing up to 13 hours of digital high-definition programming or 63 hours of digital standard-definition programming.

“We are excited to bring the next generation of HDTV innovation to consumer entertainment enthusiasts, who are increasingly passionate about controlling all aspects of their viewing experience, from when and what they watch, to the styling and functionality of their equipment,” said JM Lee, president, consumer electronics, LG Electronics USA, Inc.

“Combining HDTV recording capability with the latest-generation of HDTV reception and display technology takes the high-definition experience to a new level,” Lee said. “This new line reaffirms LG’s commitment to providing high-quality, innovative and industry-changing products to the consumer electronics marketplace.”

The new widescreen plasma-DVRs incorporate an automatic time-shift feature, which continuously records in one-hour intervals. Other features include slow motion rewind and forward capabilities and instant replay. The user-friendly sets also enable viewers to easily organize recorded programs and set up repeat recordings of their favorite show.

These sets feature LG’s fifth-generation ATSC VSB/QAM tuner, which receives terrestrial digital HDTV and unscrambled digital cable, as well as analog broadcast and cable tuners. Designed to receive digital HDTV programming and premium cable services without the need for a set-top box, these Digital Cable Ready plasmas are built around industry-standard CableCARDs available from cable operators.

These units also integrate 9-in-2 multi memory card readers, allowing users to view still images and listen to digital music, such as MP3 files, through the display. Combined with the DVR, users can store digital photos or music from their digital camera or MP3 player onto the hard drive via nine different formats of memory cards, files that can further be organized and saved for future viewing and listening. The DVR also is capable of creating a music photo album, allowing for stored photos to be accompanied with music in a slide show.

The PY2DR series is driven by LG’s proprietary XD EngineTM technology. The second generation XD Engine chip built into the unit takes the low resolution of analog signals to near high-definition levels by improving brightness, contrast, detail and enhancing color as well as reducing signal noise. This total solution results in cinema-like high-resolution images.

“The addition of the 50PY2DR and 60PY2DR to LG’s line of digital displays is key to our strategy to become the leader in the high-end digital display market in the U.S. and achieving global leadership by 2010,” according to Robert A. Perry, vice president, consumer electronics sales and channel marketing, LG Electronics USA, Inc. “The PY2DR HDTVs have captured the attention of retail partners and enthusiasts with their incredible features that further digital convergence.”

Significantly, LG’s 50-inch plasma integrated HDTVs are built with the company’s 60,000-hour “DoubleLife"TM panels, extending PDP longevity. What’s more, LG is driving the industry performance standards with 5000:1 contrast ratios and 1000 candellas- per-square-meter (cd/m2) of brightness, providing consumers with the most vivid and realistic viewing experience.

HDMI with HDCP, IEEE 1394 with DTV Link, flexible picture-in-picture (PIP), picture-outside-picture (POP) and split-screen options enhance the viewing experience. The PY2DR models incorporate the latest Gemstar 2004 Digital TVGuide Onscreen interactive program guide and provide one of the most comprehensive image sticking prevention measures to minimize damage as a result of stationary images.

The PY2DR series, honored with the coveted IF Design, Reddot Design and CES Innovations awards, combine sleek industrial design with advanced features and comes complete with a built-in stand and speakers. The LG 60PY2DR and the LG 50PY2DR are available with an MSRP of $14,999 and $7,999, respectively.