Print this article | E-mail this article | Comment on this article

Panasonic Debuts Longer-Lasting LCD HDTVs

By BetaNews Staff, BetaNews

August 22, 2007, 11:46 AM

Panasonic said Wednesday that it had begun shipping the first of its high definition televisions to include a proprietary technology called LIFI, which is said to both ensure image brightness for a longer period of time than the standard LCD HDTV, and have a quicker start up time. The first TVs will be available in 50, 56, and 61-inch models, and will be available in both 720p and 1080p versions, ranging in price from $1700 to $2200.

LIFI HDTVs do not use electrodes as the light source, Panasonic said, which results in longer life. Additionally, that same technology reduces the time that it takes for the television to start up from around a minute to 15 seconds. “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,” Panasonic vice president Dennis Eppel said in a statement.

Add a Comment (7 Comments)

BetaNews reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Foul language and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

By rsx508

posted Aug 24, 2007 - 10:05 AM

Sounds like Panasonic partnered with Enzyte. :)

Score: 0

By VinylPusher

edited Aug 23, 2007 - 7:38 AM

I'm guessing they've replaced the 'old' backlight system with LED's? There aren't too many options to choose from, after all. There's incandescant bulbs (unlikely), flourescent lighting (ie, the 'old' system), HID lamps (unlikely) or LED's.

Unless, of course, I'm missing soemthing obvious?

Score: 0

By AlphaBetaGamma

posted Aug 24, 2007 - 10:12 AM

LEDs have electrodes, so it can't be that. It is probably a blowtorch.

Score: 0

By lonechicken

posted Aug 22, 2007 - 4:33 PM

What about the front projector version for home theaters? When's that coming?

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Aug 22, 2007 - 3:02 PM

Saw a comparison against some other screens, and they sure are impressive. Next to the Sony screens they looked very good, so long as they don't explode they should be quite tempting. Awaiting the UK price.