Panasonic introduces LIFI HDTV series
updated 11:00 am EST, Tue January 9, 2007
Panasonic LIFI HDTVs
The Panasonic entry into CES is the LIFI line of LCDs, named after a technology developed by Luxim. The companies claim that LIFI uses a new type of lamp, one-eighth the size of a conventional HID (High Intensity Discharge), allowing LIFI sets to power on in a fraction of the time. This is helped by the absence of electrodes in LIFI bulbs, which should also contribute to a longer lifespan, as electrode degradation can cause diminished brightness or even damage to the surrounding material. Two sub-lines of the LIFI will be coming in 2007: the LCX models will be limited to 720p, while the LCZ models will reach 1080p. Both ranges will have 50-, 56-, and 61-inch sizes, and be capable of 3,000:1 contrast, plus 20W of output from the built-in speakers. SD slots, PC input and three HDMI ports will come standard. The 56- and 61-inch LCXs are expected in April, with all three LCZs shipping in May. No prices have been published.
