LG launches world's first 32-inch plasma TV

The new plasma TV will be released in 27 countries across the globe in November, including countries in the Middle East, Central/South and North America, Europe, CIS region, and North and Southwest Asia. LG's latest product is an affordable solution for buyers looking for plasma TVs in small size ranges where LCD TVs are dominant.

The 32-inch flat panel TV is the fastest growing segment in the industry, as the large-size market is becoming saturated. According to DisplaySearch, demand for 32-inch TVs has grown to comprise 24.9m units in 2007, and is expected to increase to 33.4m units in 2008.

'There is an overwhelming demand for this size of flat panel TV in emerging markets, in part due to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Until now, people had previously only been able to buy an LCD TV in this size range. So we are offering a plasma option, which is also easier on the eyes, to provide more choice to consumers,' explained Mr. K. W. Kim, President of LG Electronics - Middle East and Africa.

However, as recently as 2005, the demand for 32-inch LCD TVs was 5.8m units. Driving this remarkable change is the growing consumer preference for secondary or private TVs for the
home in the high-end market, and newly increasing demand for affordable flat panel TVs in emerging markets.

As the smallest and slimmest plasma TV available, LG's 32PC5RV will broaden the options for global customers. It is also an excellent choice for hotel rooms or retail settings where a small-size wall-mounted TV is preferred to maximize space.

'It's about carving out a new niche for a growing demand,' Kim added. 'When there is a large flat-panel TV in almost every living room in the high-end market, people start to want a more personal TV set for cosier settings, which has led to the 'second TV' trend.

The 32PC5RV's 16:9 aspect ratio screen makes it ideal for watching high-quality sources such as DVDs without eye fatigue. With a 0.001 ms response time, the 32PC5RV can keep up with the fastest moving action movies and sporting events. Once home, it is easy to connect devices such as DVD players and home theatre systems to the TV's HDMI or component ports, as LG's SIMPLINK technology makes it easy to control an array of compatible devices with a single remote control.

'Even though producing this smaller plasma TV was challenging both technologically and cost-wise, we were able to keep costs low and quality high by simplifying the manufacturing process,' added Kim. 'We trimmed costs further by reducing packaging to the point where we can ship two of these TVs in the same space it used to take to ship just one. We did all of this in order to provide better choice and value for consumers.'

As part of its strategy to drive technology forward and keep costs competitive, LG recently separated its plasma and LCD divisions. Together, the two divisions are completing LG's
optimum product portfolio.