Zenith Announces First HDTV Plasma Displays with Integrated HDTV Tuners

Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The first high-definition plasma display panels (PDPs) with integrated HDTV tuners were announced today by Zenith Electronics Corporation at the 2003 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The new 50- and 42-inch widescreen integrated HDTV PDPs headline the company's broadened family of plasma displays for 2003 - thin, flat displays that also include all-new 60-, 50- and 42-inch widescreen PDP HDTV monitors. All told, Zenith's 2003 PDP line comprises 10 models, representing an unprecedented array of choices in screen sizes and features.

The new widescreen integrated HDTV PDPs - the 50-inch model P50W38 and 42- inch model P42W38 - incorporate Zenith's latest-generation ATSC receivers that receive and decode terrestrial HDTV broadcasts without an external set-top box, as well as a built-in NTSC tuner for reception of high-quality standard- definition analog programs.

Perhaps even more significant, the models also showcase a new, more vibrant display panel boasting true XGA resolution, exceptional peak brightness of 1000 candelas/square meter and a minimum contrast ratio of 1000:1. Zenith's Intelligent Image Scaling, using Oplus Technologies' Rembrandt chip and Faroudja/Sage microprocessor technology, further enhances the picture quality. Additional features include DVI inputs and attractive new two-tone cabinets.

The 2003 PDP line includes two 60-inch widescreen HDTV monitors including a high-altitude model, two 50-inch widescreen models (the integrated HDTV and an HDTV monitor), five 42-inch widescreen models (the integrated HDTV, an HDTV monitor and three EDTV (enhanced-definition television) monitors including a high-altitude model) and a 40-inch 4:3 EDTV monitor.

The new 42-inch PDP HDTV monitor also features a true XGA panel with high- brightness and high-contrast capability. This model, as well as the integrated PDP HDTVs, are planned for second-half 2003 availability. A 37-inch EDTV PDP, which earned a 2003 CES Innovations award (see separate news release), also is being considered for introduction later in the year.

Zenith PDP models available now are the 60-inch P60W26P and P60W26H widescreen HDTV monitors at a suggested price of $14,999, the 50-inch P50W26B widescreen HDTV monitor at a suggested price of $9,499, the 42-inch P42W22B and P42W22H widescreen EDTV monitors at a suggested price of $4,499, and the 40-inch P40V22 and P40V24 EDTV monitors, both at a suggested price of $4,999.

Visit Zenith on the Web at www.zenith.com .

Source: Zenith Electronics Corporation

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