In-flight entertainment specialist Flight Display Systems (FDS) is preparing to take the wraps off a monster, 55-inch LCD monitor for the cabin in a formal announcement expected before year-end.

The Georgia company is currently awaiting FAA manufacturing approval for its 42-inch LCD monitor, which it expects to receive early next year. This display will weigh 29 pounds–about 50 pounds less than a comparable plasma unit sold today, the company said–and is priced at $17,000, some $23,000 less than the plasma alternative. The company said it has an order from a completion center to install the monitor in 16 MD-87s.

Meanwhile, Flight Display Systems last month introduced a line of low-profile cabin displays measuring 15 and 20 inches and selling for $5,350 and $8,200, respectively.