Panasonic Canada today announced a new line of High Definition LCD Micro Display televisions featuring Luxim’s revolutionary long-life LIFI™, a first-of-its kind light fidelity projection display application that ensures image brightness over an extended period of time; as well as contributing to a greatly reduced start-up time.

The Panasonic LIFI High Definition line will be comprised of two series – the LCZ and LCX. Each will have a new floating panel design. The PT-61LCZ70 features 1080p resolution and an elegant glossy black finish. The PT-56LCX70 provides 720p resolution.

Pricing and Availability

PT-56LCX70 - April 2007 - MSRP TBA
PT-61LCZ70 - May 2007 - MSRP TBA

By converting HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps to LIFI, the models experience an especially long life span with brightness that will never fade, eliminating the need for lamp replacement. When the electrodes in HID lamps deteriorate and the tungsten evaporates, it causes diminished brightness and damages the lamp itself. The light source in the Panasonic LIFI HDTV does not use electrodes, resulting in more stable performance and a longer lifespan. Additionally, Panasonic’s LIFI technology projects a wider spectrum of light, allowing for the most radiant reds, greens and natural skin tones.

The start-up time for a Panasonic LIFI HDTV is a fraction of the time it takes for a traditional LCD projection set. This is because the light source does not use electrodes, and the LIFI bulb is 1/8 the size of that found in an HID lamp, so the temperature rises more rapidly, enabling a faster start-up. The actual time from the moment the set is turned on until there is a picture is now reduced from 60 seconds or more to approximately 10 seconds.

With a longer lifetime, the LIFI HDTV series offers the same performance as an LED model, but at a lower price point. The LIFI lamp generates less scintillation noise than traditional HID lamps, and the invisible speakers marry impeccable design with high-quality sound. Using the device’s remote control, users can easily enjoy EZ Sync™-enabled products, such as Blu-ray players.

Additional features of the LCX70 model include:

• LIFI Light Source
• New 0.69-inch 720p LCD Panel
• All Black Cosmetics
• 3,000:1 Contrast Ratio (Target)
• 400cd/m2 Brightness (50-inch Target)
• Full Range Speaker System (20W output)
• HDMI (Front 1, Rear 2)
• PC Input
• SD Card Slot
• EZ Sync™


Additional features of the LCZ70 model include:

• LIFI Light Source
• New 0.74-inch 1080p LCD Panel
• Piano Black Cosmetic
• 3,000:1 Contrast Ratio (Target)
• 400cd/m2 Brightness (50-inch Target)
• Full Range Speaker System (20W output)
• HDMI (Front 1, Rear 2)
• PC Input
• SD Card Slot
• EZ Sync™

I imagine these sets still generate a bunch of heat, requiring a cooling fan. That's still a drawback versus LED, but it's a huge step forward from regular lamps.

from the look of the bulb housing I'd say there's some heat. It looks like one big heatsink

Hi All!

Sunday morning, kids doing homework, which gives me time to google things on my laptop. As such, came across info. from some time back regarding the Panasonic LIFI RPTV's. I've put a link below. The interesting thing here by far is that, at least according to the article, and I quote "Panasonic back the long life claim with a 5-year warranty on the lamp."

A piece of mind issue for people. At least it seems that Panasonic is willing to back up their long life claim for their LIFI bulbs.

cicero

http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:3El6f1VEp3kJ:hdguru.com/%3Fp%3D60+panasonic+lifi&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=11&gl=ca

Hi All!

Panasonic USA has the PT-56LCX70 LiFi RPTV on their web site now. It doesn't have a complete list of specs and info yet. Interestingly, according to the info. at the bottom of the link, looks like they will be bundling the PT-56LCX70 with a stand.

cicero

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=113569&catGroupId=24976&modelNo=PT-56LCX70&surfModel=PT-56LCX70&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

I curious to see how much they'll charge for the TVs in Canada.

Hi All!

As we wait for Panasonic Canada to release concrete pricing and release date info on the upcoming LIFI models, I did come across an online canadian retailer that's listed the price for the upcoming PT-61LCZ70 at $2988.88. It seems as far as I can tell to be Canadian MSRP price so I don't think I'm violating any forum rules here in posting the info. Not bad if you consider that on the Panasonic USA website they are bundling their LIFI models with the TV stand as well in their MSRP price and with the lamp source coming with a 5 year warranty. No reason why they wouldn't do the same here I guess.



Cicero

I'm trying to decide between the Panasonic LI-FI and the new Samsung LEDs. I'm hoping that reviews of both sets will become available soon to help me decide.

It's strange that only the 61" LI-FIs are listed in Canada so far. I'm more interested in the 56" model.

Interestingly, the US site of Sears has the 1080p 56" LIFI model listed as available while here in Canada, it's the 720p model.

I would like to bring this review (from the Sears US site) to your attention:
FEATURED REVIEW


Overall Rating: 5/5

Quality, June 12, 2007
By navycarl from Atlanta, Georgia

Performance: 5/5
Image Quality: 5/5
Audio Quality: 5/5
Features: 5/5


"The Panasonic 56 inch flat screen is the best television I have ever owned. This was my first flat screen tv and was apprehensive about quality and performance. I've owned this tv for over a year and it has not lost it's quality and I have not had any maintenance issues. The high definition is clear and the picture is sharp. I recommended this televison to my friends and family."


Either Navycarl is a time traveler or he's a fake customer.

Hi All!

Panasonic USA has the PT-56LCX70 LiFi RPTV on their web site now. It doesn't have a complete list of specs and info yet. Interestingly, according to the info. at the bottom of the link, looks like they will be bundling the PT-56LCX70 with a stand.

cicero

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=113569&catGroupId=24976&modelNo=PT-56LCX70&surfModel=PT-56LCX70&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702
Where do you see that it comes with a stand??

Hi number3

Way back in April when I originally posted the info., the Panasonic USA site had indicated that it would come bundled with a stand. There was an extra bullit, just below the "5 year warranty on the light source" bit. Looks like when they updated the info. they removed the bullit and bundled stand portion.

cicero

Panasonic finally is delivering these sets.

the following is from a U.S Press release issued today so these Dollar amounts and availability dates are for the United States

Panasonic LIFI HD MD-PTV 2007 Models

Model Description SRP Availability

PT-56LCX70 720p LIFI HD-TV $1699.95 August, 2007
PT-61LCX70 720p LIFI HD-TV $1999.95 August, 2007
PT-50LCZ70 1080p LIFI HD-TV $1699.95 August, 2007
PT-56LCZ70 1080p LIFI HD-TV $1899.95 August, 2007
PT-61LCZ70 1080p LIFI HD-TV $2199.95 August, 2007

The Canadian Panasonic site has finally been updated with the LIFI models. There are only two models available:
56” 3-LCD 720p HD Projection Television
MSP: $1,999.99
PT-56LCX70
61” 3-LCD 1080p HD Projection Television
MSP: $2,999.99
PT-61LCZ70


Two observations:
1. What genius thought it would be a good idea to offer the 56" 720p model instead of the 1080p?
2. We're getting really sc****ed with the PT-61 pricing.

Hi guys!

FYI, Saw the 50' 720p version of the LiFi model, the PT-50LCX70, at the Costco in Downsview Toronto on sale for $1699 with the stand included last weekend. No comment on the picture quality, picture signal rarely ever looks good at Costco. But was disappointed at how plain and pedestrian the cabinet looked.

cicero

Panasonic confirmed prices with me yesterday:

PT-56LCX70 - $1,799.99
PT-61LCZ70 - $2,499.99.

That's $100 and $300 respectively over the U.S. MSRP.

just saw the 56 at our local Audiotronic. All I have to say is , WOW.

Can't wait to see the 61" and compare it to the 60"sxrd we have.

Is projection dead? maybe, but it looks more impressive than the Samsung LED backlit

But it still runs hot and requires a colour wheel. I'd take the Samsung which, in my opinion, has a wonderfully natural looking image.

Panasonic confirmed prices with me yesterday:

PT-56LCX70 - $1,799.99
PT-61LCZ70 - $2,499.99.

That's $100 and $300 respectively over the U.S. MSRP.

They really should update their website...

But it still runs hot and requires a colour wheel.

Correct on the first one but wrong on the second one. It's a 3 chip LCD and only single chip DLPs have colour wheels.

Duh! Of course there is no colour wheel...I can't believe I made that mistake! Label me embarrassed!