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