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Zenith Electronics Corporation is serious about pushing plasma displays (PDPs). The company's forthcoming flagship 60" high-definition model was announced June 20 at a price of $14,999, half the original suggested retail price of Zenith's DPDP60W, the first 60" plasma screen to hit the market, in August 2001.

The new 60" model, the P60W26, is said to be a true high-definition display, with higher brightness and contrast than its predecessor. It's also said to be the first 60" PDP with a suggested price under $15,000. The ultra-thin P60W26 HDTV monitor features a high-resolution 1280 x 720p image capability, with a 550:1 contrast ratio. An internal Faroudja/Sage scaler provides "Intelligent Image Scaling" for maximum picture clarity.

The P60W26 sports a broad range of inputs including component, composite, S-video and RGB. Static graphics may be displayed on the big screen at VGA, SVGA, XGA, and SXGA levels of resolution. When used with a computer, a picture-in-picture mode keeps the TV image available in an inset box. An aspect ratio correction feature allows the re-sizing of images to 16:9 widescreen or 4:3 as desired. The P60W26 will be available in August.

Zenith has reduced prices on its other large plasma displays. The 50" P50W26 16:9 HDTV monitor has been cut from $12,000 to $10,999 and the 42" P42W22B 16:9 EDTV (enhanced definition television) monitor has gone down more than a thousand dollars, from $6000 to $4999. Zenith's 40" P40V22, an EDTV monitor with a 4:3 aspect ratio, also carries a $4999 price tag.

Also available in August, the P50W26 offers even better specifications than its larger sibling: 1366 x 768p resolution and a high contrast ratio of 600:1. Interfaces include "control/RGB," "Hi-Res" component and composite inputs, S-video input, and RS-232C computer connection. The P42W22B EDTV monitor features a fan-free 42" display with an 852 x 480p resolution picture with a 650:1 contrast ratio. Images are improved by an internal Faroudja/Sage scaler. The P42W22B also has built-in aspect ratio correction and RS-232 controls.

The 40" P40V22 4:3 EDTV monitor offers 640 x 480p resolution with an exceptional contrast ratio of 700:1. Zenith claims that its 42" and 40" models are ideal for situations calling for a "big picture in a small room." All the company's new plasma displays can be mounted on optional tabletop pedestals. Wall mounting hardware is also available for each model. Zenith, which is based in Lincolnshire, IL, is a division of LG Electronics.