NEC Redesigns Showcase Series Plasmas

NEC Visual Systems Division announced the addition of three Showcase Series home theater plasma displays. NEC's 42", 50" and 61" XGA plasma displays have been completely redesigned and have added features such as ISF day/night viewing settings, increased input connectivity and enhanced video processing.

The 42XR4, 50XR5 and 61XR4 residential plasma displays offer clear images specially designed to meet the changing and demanding needs of any household. This new line-up has a completely redesigned look highlighted by a sleek black bezel with silver outline and super slim profile that allows viewing from any angle and fits seamlessly into any home. Besides the stylish updated design, the new NEC plasma displays also offer advanced video and connectivity features, all at the same price points as the previous NEC residential plasma displays. Plus the 42XR4's peak brightness is increased 100%, while contrast increased 130%.

The three new NEC residential plasma displays are all HDTV-capable and come equipped with ISF C3 calibration settings for day and night viewing, which helps ensure that the image is setup properly for all viewing conditions. Best-in-class image quality is also achieved through Gamma 12 which provides high color processing in a plasma display at 68.7 billion colors (4096 steps) leading to increased details in dark areas.

The NEC 42XR4, 50XR5 and 61XR4 are designed specifically to meet the changing needs of a home, with a Complete Input Panel including 2 HDMI inputs with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which provides the latest in digital connectivity. Independent memory locations for each input keep the picture and image settings stored. Moreover, four additional memory locations are available to store multiple source settings connected to one input. Also, ease-of-use features have been added, like the discrete input select from IR remote so you do not have to toggle between input sources and complete RS-232 control, which provide easy setup to control systems from AMX and Crestron.

NEC's new plasma displays are resilient enough for a household full of activity. The NEC plasma displays stay brighter longer with a 60,000 hour phosphor half-life. The models are backed by NEC's product reliability and service for additional peace-of-mind. All of the new residential plasma displays come standard with a three-year limited parts and labor warranty (one year on the panel).

Pricing and Availability
Continuing in NEC's Showcase Series lineup is the popular entry-level 42VR5 residential plasma which is HD-capable, 16x9 and Wide VGA. The 42VR5 is available for $3,495*, while the 42XR4, 50XR5 and 61XR4 are available for $5,995, $7,995 and $13,995 respectively. The 42XR4 and 61XR4 will begin shipping in November 2005, while the 50XR5 will begin shipping in December 2005.

Introducing the NEC TheaterSync
For those users looking for the highest video quality possible, NEC will soon be offering the NEC TheaterSync video processor. This external video processing unit is powered by Silicon Optix's award-winning Realta chip which incorporates HQV processing. This will enable a plasma or projector from NEC, or any other brand, to achieve near HD quality out of non-HD sources (cable, DVD, VHS, etc.). The NEC TheaterSync will be available October 2005, for $3,595.

For more information, please visit www.necvisualsystems.com.