Mitsubishi has been showing off its new laser-based HDTV to members of the press, and the results so far have been stunning.

While the entire home entertainment retail market is still all about the latest 1080p LCD and plasma high-definition televisions, a new technology involving lasers could be the next big thing.

The very thought of lasers still conjures up images of something technically advanced, and the idea of laser televisions continues that line of belief. Laser televisions, however, aren’t completely new from the ground up.

Mitsubishi’s 65-inch LaserVue relies on concepts borrowed from projection televisions – namely, having a cabinet – and uses lasers to produce images that surpass anything on the market today. In fact, early prototypes of laser televisions used rear projection cabinets simply retrofitted with new laser parts, completely doing away the old color wheel technology.

Early impressions of the LaserVue confirm what the engineers have been saying all along – that laser gives exceptionally accurate color – up to twice the color gamut of today’s HDTVs.

Although laser TV doesn’t make any promises about improve picture clarity (though it doesn’t lag behind in that department), the technology is also more energy efficient. The LaserVue is said to consume one-third the power of a similar sized LCD, and one-quarter of a similar sized plasma.

As good as this may all sound, LCD and plasmas will still likely occupy the mass market thanks to the relatively affordable pricing of entry-level units on the market today. Mitsubishi’s 65-inch LaserVue will hit the market at $6,999, which makes it no more affordable than other high-end HDTVs of that size.

Due to its rear projection roots, laser TVs will likely only come in large sizes, making the LaserVue line exclusively for those serious about putting the cash towards home viewing. Mitsubishi already has plans to bring a 73-inch laser monolith sometime after the 65-inch hits.

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