New flat-panel LCDs from Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi rolled four new lines of flat-panel 1080p LCDs today, with a total of eight new LCDs.

We've got the full details below, but here's the short story. All of the LCDs have at least three HDMI 1.3 inputs, along with support for x.v.Color (also known as xvYCC)--a new color space that offers 80 percent more color than standard ATSC color space. These are some of the first displays we're aware of with x.v.Color support, but for right now it's more marketing hype than a useful feature. The problem is there are currently no Blu-ray or HD DVD discs or players that support x.v.Color space. The only source we know of are new camcorders such as the Sony Handycam HDR-HC7. So, unless you're planning on shooting your own movies with x.v.Color, the expanded color space probably won't improve your viewing experience.

Mitsubishi is also promising thinner frames on the new LCDs. For example, the frames on LCDs are shrinking down to 1 inch, which Mitsubishi claims is half of a typical LCD frame--which is accurate, based on a quick sampling of LCDs we currently have in our labs.

Here's the full lineup of LCDs that Mitsubishi released today. Mitsubishi also announced new several new lines of DLPs today.

1080p flat-panel LCD HDTVs

As mentioned before, all of these series have a thin frame, along with x.v.Color. They also have what Mitsubishi calls "Full Spectrum Color," which refers to the fact that they have a slightly larger color gamut than standard LCDs. All of these LCDs also come with Mitsubishi's PerfectColor calibration tools, which give you more ability to adjust the picture to your liking.

133 series

Models

• 40-inch LT-40133 ($2,700)
• 46-inch LT-46133 ($3,400)
• 52-inch LT-52133 ($4,500)

Features

• Three HDMI 1.3 inputs with Simplay HD certification
• Three component video inputs (two rear, one side)
• USB port for photo viewing

134 series

Models

• 40-inch LT-40134 ($2,900)

Features

• Same as the 133 series, plus:
• PerfectTint, for additional customization of display settings
• NetCommand, which is designed to let the TV control a rackful of A/V gear, much like a universal remote
• An additional side HDMI input

144 series

Models

• 46-inch LT-46144 ($3,900)
• 52-inch LT-52144 ($5,100)

Features

• Same as the 134 series, plus:
• Component side input
• Smooth120Hz, which appears to be Mitsubishi's name for 120Hz refresh rate. A 120Hz refresh rate supposedly creates a smoother image during fast motion scenes, although we have yet to test it with Mitsubishi or other manufacturers.

"Diamond" 244 series

Models

• 46-inch LT-46244 ($4,500)
• 52-inch LT-52244 ($5,700)

Features

• Same as the 144 series, plus:
• CableCard slot
• TV Guide Daily, which is most likely an electronic program guide
• RS-232 port

[pmignini]

Just a couple of missing pieces...

An owner of the 46131, my only hopes for these new TVs are three:
1) that they retain the good image characteristics of their current LCD lineup, except...

2) They did something to eliminate or at least reduce the black crush that is such a drag on an otherwise good TV, and...

3) that someone in their labs puts out a 60-70" LCD at something south of $10k (or even south of $5k!), thus completing the circle of life in HD.