The world’s largest plasma TV was unveiled in Manhattan yesterday, with billionaire Mark Cuban making a play to be the first to buy one in America.
But the outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks may have to get in line with scores of other big names who want one of the 103-inch sets. About 5,000 TVs have been ordered, said James Reilly, director of Panasonic brand marketing.
The supersized TV, about as large as a queen-sized mattress, costs $70,000 installed and easily fits the household budget of Cuban.
Cuban has been calling top brass at Panasonic to get his exclusive first order before the units go on sale worldwide in October, said company sources.
Cuban has even told colleagues he may have to remove part of a bedroom wall in his Dallas mansion to get the monster TV installed.
However, the first set to be sold in the United States will probably be auctioned by Panasonic in a charity auction for celebrities and other rich folks scrambling for the status symbol.
Weighing in at a quarter-ton with its slim screen covering 40 square feet, the unit will be retailed only at exclusive electronics dealers, not the big-box stores, and only with a pricey installation package.
A buyer also gets concierge service with hotlines and technicians on call 24 hours a day to handle any questions or problems.