Since its debut in late 2008, Mitsubishi’s Laservue laser television has been met with three universal comments: stunning, expensive and reclusive; the respective third keeping this a still relatively unknown technology.  Will laser display technology ever meet the demanding expectations of the TV mainstream?

Stunning is for the picture quality.  Gushing reviews followed the Laservue immediately after debuting at the 2008 CES.  Engadget called the colors sensational and the contrast extremely intense.  Powered by three lasers projecting a seamless array of pure color, the Laservue is capable of projecting hues and life-like colors normally viewed from your living room window.  When the laser engine is switched off, true black levels are achieved, creating an insane contrast ratio previously unseen in video displays. In this day and age people can watch films online if they have a fast speed internet connection, such as Broadband. However we all agree that watching a film or TV on a big proper TV screen is a really great experience and one that is hard to be beaten. It is no wonder that it has been described by critics as stunning be because it truly is. You are likely to be taken a back by the unique colour experience you get, it is visual treat.

Expensive is for the price.  Early proponents predicted a laser television would be far less expensive to produce than plasma and LCD, because of less “internal parts” and cheaper substrate materials.  As with most new emerging technologies, the Laservue primarily caters to the luxury end of the market.  Currently selling for $6,999 at commercial sites, some fans were left feeling jilted and betrayed as the entry prices were actually two the three times early predictions.  The whole economy thing didn’t help either.

Reclusive is for the availability.  Mitsubishi is the only tv manufacturer actively manufacturing laser displays and curious onlookers have to travel to a limited number of high-end retailers to view or review one in person.  The Laservue is also packaged in what is quickly becoming a display antiquity – a rear projection box.  Mitsubishi has been overly protective and stingy with information concerning the availability and details on the Laservue (including a recent manufacturing glitch), with apparently only one demo model making the review rounds.  (Ed. note: We have been trying for over a year to obtain one for a detailed review).