When it comes to enjoyable TV pictures, it's all about the blacks. Black level reproduction that is (otherwise known as "contrast ratio"), and Panasonic's new VIERA plasma HDTV models have that in spades (no pun intended). Some of the new plasma models feature a native contrast ratio as high as 30,000:1 and a rated dynamic contrast ratio of a whopping 1,000,000:1. Yes that's one milllllllion to one!
At a press event in New York this week, Panasonic executives showed off models in their new 2008 VIERA line (short for "VIsual ERA"). Some of the models are already shipping and others will follow over the next few weeks and months. The VIERA line now includes both LCD and plasma HDTVs, with LCD technology used in the 26-inch, 32-inch and 37-inch models, and plasma providing the technology for 42-inch sizes and above. 2008 sees the introduction of a new size from Panasonic (46 inches) to compete directly with that popular size already available in the LCD HDTV market.
 |
| The VIERA "80" series plasma TVs feature a black bezel with gray accent at the bottom. Pictured is the 50-inch TH-50PZ80U. |
With side-by-side comparisons to 2007 models, the new 2008 plasma sets exhibited clearly superior contrast levels and a visibly improved anti-glare screen coating that minimizes reflections of ambient light off the screen. Even the lowly 720p models ("PX" series) feature significant contrast improvements over their 2007 predecessors, from 10,000:1 to 15,000:1 native contrast.
Panasonic's 2008 VIERA Plasma 1080p models feature a newly designed panel with increased contrast ratio and an improved anti-reflective screen (44% less reflective than 2007 models), 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 about 8 hours of TV per day for over 30 years. And even then the set is still watchable, just less bright.
The entire VIERA line features a new look, with a black frame and chrome or grey accents in the base. The 850 models feature a black frame with matte black base. Both the 800 and 850 models feature a new single pane of glass front, which provides the set with a smooth unbreakable facade. The 800 and 850 models also feature a swiveling base that allows you to easily re-direct the TV to your chosen viewing angle.
 |
| Panasonic's new VIERA "800" series features a black bezel with subtle chrome accent at the bottom. Pictured is the 46-inch TH-46PZ800U. |
All 2008 VIERA models include an SD card slot for instant viewing of digital photos, and (in the 850 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.
The entry-level VIERA PX80 series features 720p resolution (technically "768p") 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.
Higher up the line, the PZ800 series adds a fourth HDMI input, offers 30,000:1 contrast and meets THX™ Certified Display specifications. Also, the PZ800 models (and PZ850) feature a new native 24p cinematic mode for watching 1080p/24 content from Blu-ray Discs and other 24 fps (frames per second) content. In this mode the TV flashes each film frame twice (48 Hz) to eliminate judder and provide smoother motion from film-based content.
The flagship of the line, the 850 models, which will be the last to become available in the Summer, feature an all-new Digital Cinema Color mode which offers up to 20% greater color saturation than earlier models. The 850 series will also include "VieraCast," Panasonic's IPTV feature which allows viewers to connect to popular internet sites such as YouTube to view video content without a computer.
Panasonic also revealed plans to include support for the new "Tru2way" Cable Card. Unlike first generation CableCard, Tru2way will include video-on-demand capabilities. Exact model and release dates for this feature were not yet available.
 |
| The top of the line "850" series is pure black and features an extended color gamut capable of reproducing up to 20% more color than standard televisions. Pictured is the 50-inch TH-50PZ850U. |
Full model line-up appears below along with links to view more details, purchase or pre-order these models on Amazon.
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
|
April, 2008
(pre-order) |
$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
|
April, 2008
(pre-order)
|
$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
|
April, 2008
(pre-order)
|
$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
|
available now |
$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
|
available now
|
$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
|
available now
|
$1799.95
|
|
TH-50PZ80U
|
1080p resolution; native contrast ratio 20,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections: VIERA Link
|
April, 2008
(pre-order)
|
$2499.99
|
|
TH-46PZ80U
|
1080p resolution; native contrast ratio 20,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; VIERA Link
|
April, 2008
(pre-order)
|
$1999.99
|
|
TH-42PZ80U
|
1080p resolution; native contrast ratio 20,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; VIERA Link
|
April, 2008 (pre-order)
|
$1599.95
|
|
TH-50PX80
|
720p resolution; native contrast ratio 15,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; VIERA Link
|
available now
|
$1699.95
|
|
TH-42PX80
|
720p resolution; native contrast ratio 15,000:1; Game Mode; SD Memory Card slot; three HDMI connections; VIERA Link
|
available now
|
$1199.95
|
