Panasonic ships LCZ / LCX LIFI rear-projection HDTVs

Remember that LIFI RPTV that Panasonic introduced way back in January? Welp, it's finally shipping to anxious consumers. Reportedly, Panny has just loosed the LCZ and LCX line of rear-projection HDTVs into the world, both of which include the nearly-everlasting LIFI bulb. The LCZ series brings a trio of 1080p-capable displays that check in at 50-, 56-, and 61-inches, while the LCX delivers a 56- and 61-incher that offer up 720p. In case you weren't aware, the LIFI bulb is said to "virtually never need to be replaced," which means that you could potentially be watching these very sets long after SED units actually go mainstream (ahem). Nevertheless, both lineups are heading out the door as we speak, and prices will range from $1,699.95 for the 720p PT-56LCX70 to $2,199.95 for the 1080p PT-61LCZ70.

[franzbonus @ Aug 22nd 2007 11:14AM]

Anyone reading SED news knows that it'll never see the light. The most obvious reason is not only Canon didn't found yet any factory to produce them, but by the time they SED *may* come out, plasma and LCD TVs will overcome their weaknesses - therefore reducing the reason to shell out greens for a SED box.

So really, SED is nothing to clap about.

[shelterpaw @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:11PM]

I'm looking forward to the first reviews. Has anyone spotted a review?

[James @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:42PM]

Erm... WHY rear projection - thats kinda a thing of the past seeing that they have rubbish viewing angles, screen burn and bulb failure. Bizzare.

[paccoast2010 @ Aug 23rd 2007 4:15AM]

Try less energy use for a start, according to the graph at the bottom of the BBC article.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6266082.stm

Also, it would be great if they can get the price down like they have with CRTs. I don't mind having a bulky television as the centre-piece of my living room. Bring on sub-$1000 large screens!

[mcrexx @ Aug 22nd 2007 3:11PM]

Gotta love rear-proj. You can get a huge size for a cheaper price. Full 1080p and everything. Now with no more bulb replacements, it only makes them better.

@ James: Screen burn? Are you confusing plasma with rear-proj.? Bulb failure, no anymore thanks to Panasonic.
I agree with the lame viewing angles though.

[Perrey Z. @ Aug 24th 2007 1:58PM]

LIFI, I love that name. "Let's play WII on my new LIFI"