The big buzz (literally) at CES 2008 last week was Panasonic's new prototype plasma HDTV, measuring in at a whopping 150 inches diagonally with four times the resolution of 1080p (4096x2160 pixels). The set produced a clear uniform image with bright colors and exquisite detail, not to mention being nine times the size of a standard 50-inch flat panel. An impressive technological achievement, to be sure, but most likely not anything that will see production any time soon.

Panasonic's other plasma exhibits and announcements were not so much revolutionary, but evolutionary, with thinner screen depths, enhanced contrast, improved anti-glare screen coatings and more power efficient plasma panels.  The new 2008 line of VIERA plasma panels was on display in Las Vegas with models that are sure to appeal to the home theater and HDTV buyer.

I love Panasonic plasma THIIIIIIIIS much!

Size Matters

For those limited by real world size constraints (not to mention real-world budgets), Panasonic introduced a new line of VIERA plasma HDTVs, including a new size: 46 inches. Sometimes 50 inches is just too large and 42 inches is just too small, and in these cases, the three new 46-inch models will make an excellent choice. A total of eleven new plasma models are being introduced in the 42-inch, 46-inch, 50-inch and 58-inch sizes, with LCD technology being used in VIERA models below 42 inches.

Panasonic ‘s new VIERA Plasma 1080p models feature a newly designed panel with increased contrast ratio and an improved anti-reflective screen, a game mode, VIERA Link™, increased luminous efficiency (for lower energy use), lead free panels and an increased usable lifespan - a rated 100,000 hours to half brightness. That adds up to 7 hours of TV per day for 39 years. If that's not long enough for you then get thee to a lifery!

Completing the 2008 Plasma HD line-up are two 720p Plasmas in 42-inch and 50-inch screen sizes. The entire VIERA line of HDTVs features a new aesthetic look, with a fully black frame and some silver/grey accents in the newly designed base. All models include an SD card slot for instant viewing of digital photos, and (in some models) full high definition video in AVC-HD format. All models also include a new "Game Mode" to accelerate the panel's response time for gaming.

Panasonic's TH-46PZ800 1080p plasma HDTV will be one of three models in the new 46-inch size.

The entry-level VIERA PX80 series features 720p resolution with a native contrast ratio of 15,000:1 and three HDMI inputs. The PZ80 models bump the resolution up to 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) and the native contrast ratio to 20,000:1. The PZ85 series offers even higher contrast at 30,000:1 and adds a PC input. In addition, the speakers are now hidden in the front.

At the top end of the line, the PZ800 series adds a fourth HDMI input, offers 30,000:1 contrast and meets the THX™ Certified Display specifications. The PZ800 series also features as an all-new one sheet of glass design concept.

In order to meet production demands, Panasonic is building a new plasma panel factory in Amagasaki, Japan. Expected to be completed in 2009, the new factory will have a production capacity of 1,000,000 sets a month.

Full model line-up appears below. Prices are all, as yet, to be determined (TBD).  Click links to view more details on Amazon.com (all TVs are currently available for delivery or for pre-order).

Note: See our March update with more details on Panasonic's 2008 Viera Plasma Line.

 

Panasonic's 2008 Line of VIERA Plasma HDTVs:

Model	Features	Availability	SRP*
TH-65PZ850	Pro Setting Menu, VIERA CAST IPTV; RS-232C; 1080p resolution, one sheet of glass design; native contrast ratio 30,000:1-dynamic ratio 1,000,000:1; Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; four HDMI connections; PC-Input; VIERA Link	Summer, 2008	TBD
TH-58PZ850	Pro Setting Menu, VIERA CAST IPTV; RS-232C; 1080p resolution, one sheet of glass design; native contrast ratio 30,000:1-dynamic ratio 1,000,000:1; Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; four HDMI connections; PC-Input; VIERA Link	Summer, 2008	TBD
TH-50PZ850	Pro Setting Menu, VIERA CAST IPTV; RS-232C 1080p resolution, one sheet of glass design; native contrast ratio 30,000:1- dynamic ratio 1,000,000:1; Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; four HDMI connections; PC-Input	Summer, 2008	TBD
TH-46PZ850U	Pro Setting Menu, VIERA CAST IPTV; RS-232C; 1080p resolution, one sheet of glass design; native contrast ratio 30,000:1- dynamic ratio 1,000,000:1; Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; four HDMI connections; PC-Input; VIERA Link	Summer, 2008	TBD
TH-58PZ800U	1080p resolution, one sheet of glass design; native contrast ratio  30,000:1; THX; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; four HDMI connections; PC-Input; VIERA Link	Spring, 2008	TBD
TH-50PZ800U	1080p resolution, one sheet of glass design; native contrast ratio  30,000:1; THX; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; four HDMI connections; PC-Input; VIERA Link	Spring, 2008	$3199.00
TH-46PZ800U	1080p resolution, one sheet of glass design; native contrast ratio  30,000:1; THX; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; four HDMI connections; PC-Input; VIERA Link	Spring, 2008	$2799.00
TH-42PZ800U	1080p resolution, one sheet of glass design; native contrast ratio  30,000:1; THX; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; four HDMI connections; PC-Input; VIERA Link	Spring 2008	$2299.00
TH-50PZ85U	1080p resolution; Native contrast ratio 30,000:1; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; PC Input; VIERA Link	Spring 2008	$2699.95
TH-46PZ85U	1080p resolution; Native contrast ratio 30,000:1; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; PC Input; VIERA Link	Spring 2008	$2199.95
TH-42PZ85U	1080p resolution; Native contrast ratio 30,000:1; one sheet of glass design; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; PC Input; VIERA Link	Spring 2008	$1799.95
TH-50PZ80U	1080p resolution; native contrast ratio 20,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections: VIERA Link	Spring 2008	$2499.99
TH-46PZ80U	1080p resolution; native contrast ratio 20,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; VIERA Link	Spring, 2008	$1999.99
TH-42PZ80U	1080p resolution; native contrast ratio 20,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; VIERA Link	Spring, 2008	$1599.95
TH-50PX80	720p resolution; native contrast ratio 15,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; VIERA Link	Spring, 2008	$1699.95
TH-42PX80	720p resolution; native contrast ratio 15,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; VIERA Link	Spring, 2008	$1199.95