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Down the line: 2005 HDTVs

: CNET editors evaluate television lineups model-by-model

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Mitsubishi plasma TVs

Compare all models
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
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Quick stats:
Price range (MSRP):
$4,300 to $7,000
Initial release dates:
Aug. through Sept. 2005
Size range (inches):
42 to 50 (diagonal)
 
 
Highlights:
Two PC inputs on PD-65 series
Mitsubishi isn't a major player in plasma, but it offers a couple of new models for 2005. The company is marketing only HD monitors this year, so they lack both an ATSC tuner and a CableCard slot, standard features among other companies' plasma lineups. We don't expect these sets to be popular among comparison shoppers, but then again, there's probably someone out there who is totally psyched about a plasma with two PC inputs.

The Mitsubishi lineup

From entry level to top of the line, with the step-up features that distinguish each line from the previous ones highlighted.

The two-model PD-65 series is Mitsubishi's update to the current PD-50 series, and it's mostly similar with a few significant differences. Like most similarly sized examples of their kind, the 42-inch model has a native resolution of 1,024x768, and the larger, 50-inch set has a resolution of 1,365x768. Note that this series does not have an ATSC tuner or a CableCard slot, so you'll need extra equipment to receive over-the-air HDTV and digital cable. The lack of a CableCard slot might not be that much of a drawback, considering that current Digital Cable Ready TVs use the first-generation CableCard technology that cannot handle video-on-demand or electronic program guide services (read more about CableCard's drawbacks). Connectivity is highlighted with an HDMI port, two component-video inputs, and a pair of PC inputs. The 42-inch PD-4265 ($4,300) will be available in September, and the 50-inch PD-5065 ($7,000) will be available in August.

  • 1,024x768 or 1,365x768 native resolution
  • One HDMI port
  • Two component-video inputs
  • Two PC inputs