LG Debuts Plasma With Built-In HD Recorder

From the press release:

Available in 50- and 60-inch models, the PY2DR series features all the benefits of plasma HDTV combined with a powerful 160-gigabyte HD-DVR built into the ultra-thin cabinet.  The new Digital Cable Ready plasma HDTVs feature the capability of storing up to 13 hours of digital high-definition programming or 63 hours of digital standard-definition programming. 

The new widescreen plasma-DVRs incorporate an automatic time-shift feature, which continuously records in one-hour intervals.  Other features include slow motion rewind and forward capabilities and instant replay.  The user-friendly sets also enable viewers to easily organize recorded programs and set up repeat recordings of their favorite show.                                                                            

These sets feature LG’s fifth-generation ATSC VSB/QAM tuner, which receives terrestrial digital HDTV and unscrambled digital cable, as well as analog broadcast and cable tuners.  Designed to receive digital HDTV programming and premium cable services without the need for a set-top box, these Digital Cable Ready plasmas are built around industry-standard CableCARDs available from cable operators.

These units also integrate 9-in-2 multi memory card readers, allowing users to view still images and listen to digital music, such as MP3 files, through the display.  Combined with the DVR, users can store digital photos or music from their digital camera or MP3 player onto the hard drive via nine different formats of memory cards, files that can further be organized and saved for future viewing and listening.  The DVR also is capable of creating a music photo album, allowing for stored photos to be accompanied with music in a slide show. 

The PY2DR series is driven by LG’s proprietary XD Engine^T technology.  The second generation XD Engine chip built into the unit takes the low resolution of analog signals to near high-definition levels by improving brightness, contrast, detail and enhancing color as well as reducing signal noise.  This total solution results in cinema-like high-resolution images. 

Significantly, LG’s 50-inch plasma integrated HDTVs are built with the company’s 60,000-hour “DoubleLife”™ panels, extending PDP longevity. What’s more, LG is driving the industry performance standards with 5000:1 contrast ratios and 1000 candellas- per-square-meter (cd/m2) of brightness, providing consumers with the most vivid and realistic viewing experience. 

HDMI with HDCP, IEEE 1394 with DTV Link, flexible picture-in-picture (PIP), picture-outside-picture (POP) and split-screen options enhance the viewing experience.  The PY2DR models incorporate the latest Gemstar 2004 Digital TVGuide Onscreen interactive program guide and provide one of the most comprehensive image sticking prevention measures to minimize damage as a result of stationary images.

The PY2DR series, honored with the coveted IF Design, Reddot Design and CES Innovations awards, combine sleek industrial design with advanced features and comes complete with a built-in stand and speakers. The LG 60PY2DR and the LG 50PY2DR are available with an MSRP of $14,999 and $7,999, respectively.