Thin is In

At CES in Las Vegas this week, Panasonic introduced a new flagship model in their 1080p full high definition plasma HDTV line: the TC-P54Z1 plasma HDTV. The new set measures in at 54 inches diagonally but only one inch thick. To simplify the installation and eliminate the need to hide wires behind the TV, the set's high definition digital tuner and connectivity pack (HDMI inputs, network connection, etc.) are included on a separate tuner component that broadcasts the full HD 1080p picture to the set wirelessly without any loss of resolution.

The new set features Panasonic's NeoPDP plasma technology which makes the panel not only slimmer, lighter and higher in contrast (40,000:1 rated native contrast ratio), but it also allows the TV to be much more power efficient than earlier models.

In addition to the use of WirelessHD™ technology to clear up cable clutter, the set also features enhanced VIERA Cast™ functionality, Panasonic's IPTV feature which includes a variety of web-based content on the TV without the need for a PC. Big news at the show is that VIERA Cast will soon incorporate Amazon's Video-on-Demand service for instant access to popular movies and other video content. The TC-P54Z1 - the first model in the Z1 series - will be available in the summer of 2009. Pricing has not yet been announced.

An even thinner prototype plasma HDTV was also on display at the show, measuring in at an improbably thin 1/3 inch in total depth.  No specific plans were shared as to when and if this particular design feat would be accomplished in a production model.