Mitsubishi drops LCD HDTVs to focus on 73-inch and above sized displays

Richard Lawler
R. Lawler|03.19.11
@Rjcc

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In this article: dlp, downsizing, hdtv, laservue, lcd, mitsubishi, rear projection, RearProjection, unisen
That we didn't spot a successor to Mitsubishi's well-received line of Unisen LCD HDTVs at CES 2011 should have been a signal, but now the company has made it official -- it is downsizing TV operations, closing some offices and leaving the LCD TV business entirely. As the only company still selling rear projection sets to consumers, a letter from senior VP Cayce Blanchard (included after the break) indicates the plan is to focus on selling DLP and Laservue TVs in sizes above 73-inches where its flat panel competitors rarely reach. It will also keep selling projectors, display walls, printers and large public display screens up to 140-inches in size -- the Cowboys Stadium set was manufactured by sister company Mitsubishi Electric Power Product -- to other companies. Of course, as sad as everyone is to see the LCDs go, that just means there's even more time to focus on the 92-inch DLP that should hit shelves later this year. Time well spent, we'd say.

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CAYCE BLANCHARD
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
AMERICAS CORPORATE OFFICE
March 18, 2011
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. is restructuring the company and refocusing its business
strategy to offer a wide range of visual solutions for large-screen devices.

The goal is to reclaim our position as the "large screen" company. To that end, on the Audio Visual (AV) side of our business, we will manufacture and sell micro-display projection televisions (MDPTVs) and Laservue televisions in sizes 73" and above. On the Professional Visual Systems (PVS) side, the company will concentrate on projector sales, display wall, printers and large public display screens. It also plans to expand its PVS business to Central and South America.

MDEA plans to exit the LCD-TV market entirely. Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America will reduce its workforce accordingly. Its offices in Ontario and Braselton will close. All services will relocate to Irvine, CA. Its factory in Mexicali, Mexico will reduce its workforce as well. The factory will continue to manufacture and assemble large-screen televisions.

The company is evaluating its dealer network to match its new product offerings to appropriate distribution channels.
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