LED LCD TVs: Toshiba says yes, Mitsubishi says no

Taking different approaches to LCD backlighting this week at the CEA's Digital Downtown trade event were Toshiba, which launched its first LED backlit LCDs, and Mitsubishi, which said it had no plans for LED LCDs in the foreseeable future.

Toshiba is offering two new LED-lit sets, 46- and 52-inch models in the Regza SV670 series. These models, priced at $2,300 and $3,000 respectively, use full-array backlights that can be locally dimmed.

At the event, Toshiba also showed 42-, 47- and 55-inch Regza ZV650-series sets, which include the company's ClearScan 240Hz technology, which uses 120Hz refresh rates in conjunction with a scanning backlight to create a 240Hz effect. Prices range from $1,300 to $2,400. The company also became the first company to roll out models with Dolby Volume, which keeps volume levels consistent when you change programs or inputs.

At Mitsubishi's press conference, the company said that no LED-lit LCDs were in its product plans, as it will continue to use Wide Color Gamut Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (WCG-CCFL) backlights. The company is adding 240Hz technology—like Toshiba, a 120Hz refresh rate combined with a scanning backlight) and Ethernet connectivity to its 249 Diamond Series line. The company said it would be announce Internet content partners in the near future.

Mitsubishi also said it had added two full-range drivers to improve the 5.1-channel, 16-speaker sound system—called Integrated Sound Projector—that's included in the company's new Unisen Diamond 46- and 52-inch 249-series LCD TVs. The sets also have energy-saving music-only operation, so music can play while the display itself is turned off. The company said it would offer a 40-inch model with the sound projector sound system this year.

Mitsubishi also renewed its commitment to its rear-projection DLP business, including LaserVue models that use a laser backlight.  Sizes range from 60 to 82 inches, and all sets are 3D-ready.--James K. Willcox