Westinghouse announces new slate of LED-backlit LCD HDTVs, including 42-inch set for just $799

Starting at $299 and available in the third quarter, the 24-inch LD-245 is a 1080p model that the company says consumes less energy than a 40-watt light bulb. Westinghouse also has a pair of 26-inchers—the 720p LD-265, due in June for $329, and the 1080p LD-268, available in July for $379. It has a similar double-shot of 32-inch sets, with the 720p LD-325 coming in June for $449 and the 1080p LD-328 shipping in the fourth quarter at a still-to-be-determined price.

There's only one 42-inch TV, the $799 LD-425, as well as a single 46-incher (LD-46F970Z) and one 55-inch set (LD-55F970Z), neither of which is priced yet but will be ready for the holiday shopping season. These trio of larger sets also possess 120Hz refresh rates.

While it's nice to see the smaller sets getting the LED treatment, the big story here is the enticing $799 price point for the 42-inch model (and the 46-inch one presumably to be priced under $1,000), which will put a lot of competitive pressure on other LED HDTV manufacturers. Westinghouse says its entire LCD line will be LED-backlit by the end of 2010. But don't be surprised if others join them by some point in 2011.