Audio Video News

The recent Consumer Electronics Show was a good one for Zenith Electronics Corporation. The company appears to have strong faith in the future of the flatscreen market, having debuted four new plasma display panels (PDPs) in Las Vegas, ranging from 40" to 60" diagonally. The flat, thin monitors can be hung on the wall for an elegant installation solution.

The new models include the 60" P60W26 Widescreen HDTV Monitor, the 50" P50W26 Widescreen HDTV Monitor, the 42" P42W26 Widescreen EDTV Monitor, and the 40" DPDP40V 4:3 EDTV Monitor. The P60W26 boasts 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, and input compatibility with a broad range of inputs: HD sources, NTSC, VGA, SVGA, XGA and SXGA. As large as four 30" TVs combined, the P60W26 has a contrast ratio of 330:1 and an internal Faroudja/Sage scan converter whose Intelligent Image Scaling technology insures maximum picture clarity. The monitor also includes an RS-232 port for computer input. Built-in aspect ratio correction allows the intelligent resizing of video and computer images to 16:9 widescreen or 4:3 conventional formats.

The 50" P50W26 HDTV monitor features 1366 x 768 resolution, and a high contrast ratio of 460:1. Like it larger sibling, the lightweight P50W26 has an internal Faroudja/Sage scan converter and built-in aspect ratio correction. HD, NTSC, VGA, SVGA, XGA and SXGA inputs and RS-232 controls and DVI inputs provide full compatibility with DVDs, computers, digital broadcasting, multimedia, and traditional video sources. The P50W26 features a unique display mode that changes the image from horizontal to vertical for maximum application flexibility.

Zenith's new enhanced-definition P42W26 EDTV Monitor is a 42" unit with 852 x 480P resolution, extraordinary contrast ratio of 500:1, an internal Faroudja/Sage scan converter for Intelligent Image Scaling, and built-in aspect ratio correction. Inputs and controls are provided for RS-232, DVI , SD, NTSC, VGA and SVGA, assuring compatibility with most digital and traditional video sources.

The 40" DPDP40V Widescreen EDTV monitor features 640 x 480P resolution and contrast ratio of 500:1. Like its larger siblings, the DPDP40V includes an internal Faroudja/Sage scan converter for Intelligent Image Scaling, built-in aspect ratio correction, and inputs for SD, NTSC, VGA and SVGA connections. All four monitors can be wall-mounted or used with an optional tabletop pedestal. Wall mounting hardware, speakers and speaker stands are available as optional accessories.

Prices: The P60W26 and P50W26 Widescreen HDTV Monitors have suggested prices of $19,999 and $11,999, respectively, and will be available from Zenith dealers in the second and third quarters of 2002, respectively. The P42W26 and DPDP40V Widescreen EDTV Monitors have suggested prices of $5,999 and $6,999, respectively. The P42W26 will be available in the second quarter of 2002. The DPDP40V is available now.