05.16.2007 — Of all the specs and figures flying around at Mitsubishi's 2007 "Get the Big Picture" line show in New York Monday, one designation stands out: 1080p.

Every TV announced by Mitsubishi is 1080p, including eight LCD flat panels and nine DLP microdisplay rear-projection TVs (RPTVs).

Among the features Mitsubishi touted was "thin frame." The idea is that the picture will extend closer to the edges of the TV than on previous models. A larger TV, therefore, can take up the same amount of wall space as a smaller, older model. "A Mitsubishi 40-inch LCD will fit into the space of other 37-inch LCD displays," said David Naranjo, director of product development.

The company also hyped the following features:

Easy Connect This is intended to make connecting components easier because it recognizes inputs as they are plugged in and calls them up on a device menu.

x.v.Color The company calls this the new standard in high-definition color, enabling up to 80 percent more color than standard HDTV.

Smooth 120 hz This makes for smoother, more fluid display of fast-moving images, according to Mitsubishi.

The two LCDs in the Diamond Series unveiled boast these features, plus a CableCard slot, three rear HDMI 1.3 inputs, a side HDMI 1.3 input and NetCommand, which Mitsubishi says "enables true one-remote control" of home theater by combing control of conventional IR-products and adding HDMI with consumer device control.

The Diamond Series includes the 46-inch LT-46-46244 with a suggested retail price of $4,499 and the 52-inch LT-52244 with a suggested retail price of $5,699.

The other six LCD TVs announced also range from 46-inch to 52-inch and carry suggested retail prices from $2,699 to $5,099.

The nine DLP-based TVs that round out the line reflect Mitsubishi's assertion that RPTV is still a marketable category. As popular as flat-panel TVs are right now, contended Frank DeMartin, vice president of marketing, audio/video products division, price and size are still major decision-making factors. "Consumers are printing out prices online and going into retail outlets and demanding that lowest price," he said.

RPTVs, said DeMartin, allow retailers to offer more size for the customer's buck and "larger pictures will equal larger profits." Meanwhile, the "ultra-compact" microdisplay nature mitigates the floorspace issue for consumers.

The nine DLP-based RPTVs range from 55-inch to 73-inch and carry suggested retail prices ranging from $2,499 to $5,899.

Mitsubishi, it appears, will continue to develop RPTV technology. Asked about when consumers will see a laser-based DLP TV from Mitsubishi, DeMartin said, "You will hear more about laser in the coming year and in a big way at CES [the International Consumer Electronics Show]."

View the Spec Sheet provided by Mitsubishi. (pdf)