Proton Unveils 'Premiere' 1,080p LCD TVs

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 1/8/2007

LAS VEGAS — Proton (booth 21926, South Hall 1) is unveiling here its Premiere line of 1,080p LCD TVs in the 47W-inch and 42W-inch screen sizes.

Proton was also expected to show a pair of flagship Premiere Series models with LED back-light technology that is designed to improve contrast and color performance. The feature is slated for models in the 32W-inch (P32L1) and 42W-inch (P42L1) screen sizes, but pricing was not available as of press time. Proton said the models are expected to ship in the second quarter of 2007.

Other Premier models, which are shipping this month, include the P47D5 ($2,999 suggested retail) and P42D5 ($1,999). Both offer full 1,920 by 1,080p resolution, HDMI inputs and the company's proprietary Puriti video processing technology.

Both models also include ATSC/NTSC tuning, aspect ratio modes including 4:3, 16:9 zoom and panoramic, and picture-in-picture and picture-on-picture functions. The P47D5 adds a high-contrast ratio of 1,200:1, a brightness level of 500 nits, and a pair of built-in 5-watt speakers.

Proton's Puriti processing technology offers sixth-generation picture enhancement using built-in artificial intelligence to analyze color frequencies and intensity to adjust for natural skin tones and add deep blacks that incorporate picture detail lost to poor contrast.

Premiere Series panels offer a 176-degree viewing angles, 3D de-interlacing and edge enhancement, and a fast refresh rate.

Cosmetics include a frame of extruded aluminum with a thin silver outer edge and a black inner frame.

The company will also show its updated core line of HD LCD TVs, carrying the 32W-inch, 37W-inch and 42W-inch screen sizes. Models include dual ATSC/NTSC tuners, HDMI inputs and Puriti video enhancements.

The new P42D4 ($1,599 suggested retail), P37D4 ($1,299) and P32D4 ($999) LCD TVs all offer 1,366 by 768p resolution and HDMI inputs.

Like the Premiere sets, the core models will include sixth-generation Puriti video processing, 176-degree viewing angles and 3D de-interlacing and edge enhancement.

The TVs feature a high-gloss, piano-black finish, and a pair of 30-watt/channel speakers enhanced by Proton's RealAcoustic audio technology.