HDTV Forum

Mitsubishi snobbish, high end marketing strikes again! After all the hype about offering this animal at prices comparable to flat panel TVs, Mits brings this to market at $7,000 for the 65" size (while offering DLP units in this size range for as low as $1200). Having targeted only the high income buyer, they have limited distribution of demo units to very few outlets in selected pockets of major markets.

Here, in Orlando, FL, they have a demo unit only in the South end of town close to Lake Nona, Bay Hill, Isleworth, etc. where guys like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Shaquile O'Neal and other sports stars, etc. make their homes.

I was interested in buying one, but, quite frankly, I don't have the extra pocket change to afford one. I guess, in order to avoid the annual lamp replacement routine, I'll switch to a Sammy LED unit.

Mitsubishi snobbish, high end marketing strikes again!

You must have really wanted one bad!

This first generation product has been put on a limited volume run. As you noted, availability is terrible and that has also led to much higher pricing than expected. That said I too was shocked to find pricing comparable to 65" flat panel rather than lower and somewhere in between. Mitsubishi thinks they will sell at this price though. If they are wrong we will see some heavy discounting likely in the first quarter 2009. I doubt they will be able to compete with the Samsung LED even in volume for the short term because there is way more expense involved using lasers just based on what I saw.

Sadly, there is little I can say at this time. I am under a non-disclosure agreement with Mits until they roll out their big marketing campaign and explanation of technology. Ultimately I can't talk until they do...

Thanks for your reply, Rich. I would have been interested at about half that price. Like you said, we'll see just how much interest there is in buying a brand new technology at that high a price; we're spoiled by the excellent picture quality available in much less expensive technologies.

I'm expecting the same kind of thing to happen with the Chevy Volt. I wonder if, in this day in age, most families find that $40K (plus the additional pop that the dealers are going to add) will find it affordable.

I have another 10-12 months to go before I order another new lamp. We'll see what pricing is then.