Interview with Mitsubishi about LaserTV

Mitsubishi introduced the first LaserTV at the CES 2008. We got the chance to conduct an email interview with Frank DeMartin, General Manager for Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America to try to find out more about the upcoming Mitsubishi LaserTV.

At the CES, Mitsubishi showed a 65 inch LaserTV that is supposed to go on sale this fall. Pricing is supposed to be in the range of premium flat-panel TVs in the same size category. There seems to be still a lot of undetermined aspects that Mitsubishi has to hammer out before the market entry of the first Laser TV.

Still, the interview below gives a bit more insight on how Mitsubishi sees their LaserTV product.

1) How will you position the first Laser TV to compete on the market with LCD and Plasma?
Mitsubishi LaserTV provides a true dimension experience with brighter, richer colors, wider gamut, more detail, richer blacks….PLUS, when combined with 3D capability provides the ultimate, most advanced 3D experience available.

2) What sizes will be initially available?
Mitsubishi showcased a 65" at CES. Other available sizes are still being reviewed and have not yet been announced.

3) How many will you produce in 2008?
This information is not yet available.

4) Will you target initially Enthusiasts that want an image with the most colors or a broader customer segment?
A final determination on customer segment targets has not been announced.

5) Is the initial price-tag going to be competitive with existing display technologies or will it be much higher?
Mitsubishi LaserTV will be competitive with similar size, premium flat panel technology

6) You showed the 3D capabilities at the CES, Will that be anything that consumers will be able to enjoy at home any time soon?
This is an industry introduction involving many players. Mitsubishi TV is ahead of the curve and on leading edge of high quality display technology that is 3D compatible today.

7) What are the areas of improvements for the next generation of Laser TVs?
As the technology advances, form factor will continue to evolve to meet changing lifestyles and consumer demand.

8) How much is Novalux involved in the development of your Laser TV technology?
Due to the proprietary nature of Laser technology, we are not free to disclose this information.

9) Are you aware of other companies working on Laser TVs?
At this point, we have no substantial information regarding competitive products.

10) What should our readers be excited about when the Laser TV hits the market?
Mitsubishi is revolutionizing big screen television with groundbreaking Laser Technology. Precise and focused, the purity of laser light surpasses high definition standards. Today's hi-def televisions display only 40 percent of the color spectrum the eye can see. Now, for the first time ever, consumers can experience twice the color. Laser beams give the widest range of rich, complex colors and the most distinct clarity and depth of field. Breakthrough laser technology creates a portal to an intensely real and vivid world. LaserTV is 3D capability and offers the ultimate 3D experience. Beyond flat tv, LaserTV is a true dimension television.  

-Luigi Lugmayr, i4unews

Mitsubishi Laser TV - what we know so far

The last press information from Mitsubishi about the Laser TV got published along with new images of the 65" Laser TV prototype in Japan in Mid-February. The announcement is just a repeat of what has been announced at the CES 2008. It looks like Japan is not the first release target for the Mitsubishi Laser TV, the U.S. home theaters will have the honor of adopting a Laser TV first this fall. Mitsubishi also manufactures HDTVs in the North America.

We don't currently know that much about the upcoming Mitsubishi Laser TVs and many questions are still open.
The first Mitsubishi Laser TV will have a size of 65 inches, possible a depth of 10 inches. Laser TVs can display twice the colors compared to current flatpanel displays. Mitsubishi enabled 3D viewing with glasses similar to what Samsung is doing with their latest ultra-high contrast Plasma HDTV.

The biggest open question is price followed by the final design of the Laser TV. I am still very excited about the Laser TV concept and hope Mitsubishi delivers on its promises this fall.

 -Luigi Lugmayr, i4unews

Mitsubishi intros slew of HDTVs, says LaseVue is coming in Q3

Mitsubishi and the onset of Spring can only mean one thing: an onslaught of HDTVs. Just as it did last year, the aforementioned outfit is busting out a plethora of high-definition sets to whet your appetite. As for the new line of April-bound DLPs ($1,799 to $4,699), you can expect the entire lot -- which ranges from 60- to 73-inches in size -- to sport 1080p panels, thinner frames than those on prior models, increased brightness, Mitsu's own 6-Color Processor and 3D-readiness.

Moving on, we've got the new family of Ultra Thin Frame 1080p LCD HDTVs ($2,499 to $4,499; shipping in May), which span between 40- and 52-inches and feature low-profile speakers, Smooth 120Hz Film Motion / GalleryPlayer technology, 10-bit panels, 6-Color Processor, x.v.Color and Deep Color. For these and the DLPs, those who opt for the Diamond series will be treated to Variable Smooth 120Hz Film Motion technology, a DeepField Imager and an oh-so-desirable blue light accent.

Lastly, the Laser TV which made its debut at CES 2008 is on track for a Q3 release, and just as predicted, it'll be going by the name LaserVue and sporting a currently undisclosed price tag. Hit the read link for the full breakdown.

-engadget