NEC, known for its plasma televisions, has announced a new range of LCD TVs with integrated digital tuners.

The new High Definition LCD TV Aura line-up includes models with screen sizes covering 32 to 42 inches, and offer a widescreen 1366 x 768 resolution, a contrast ratio of 1200:1, a fast response time of only 8 milliseconds, and HDMI input.

NEC’s Product Manager Home Entertainment, Paul Cunningham, said the 32in and 37in had already gone on sale, and that ‘the feedback has been exceptional’. He added that the 26in and 42in will be released shortly.

But Cunningham said the company wasn’t resting on its laurels: “We’re even planning a second generation integrated LCD with significant picture enhancements for release mid this year”

“In a flat year, integrated TV is a real bright spot for us”, Cunningham said

The NLT-32HD1 (81cm) has an RRP of $3499, NLT-37HD1 (94cm) RRP $4499 and the NLT-42HD1 (106cm) RRP $5,499.