Although Panasonic is better known for their plasma TVs than LED and LCD, the Japanese TV manufacturer is branching out in 2012 with several new LED TV models, in screen sizes all the way up to 55 inches diagonal.
Panasonic's 2012 LED HDTV lineup is sure to turn a few heads, thanks to the inclusion of passive 3D technology (it's true!) on select models as well as new 47- and 55-inch screen sizes and advancements to their IPS Alpha panel technology, which improves color saturation and off-axis viewing. Panasonic has typically reserved the largest screen sizes for plasma, but this year they're crossing over to LED to give consumers more choices.
Overall, Panasonic says it's increasing the number of LED models for 2012, from seven in 2011 to 16 models expected for 2012. Panasonic also plans to expand the number of 3D-capable models and TVs with the VIERA Connect platform. Speaking of which, the 2012 version of VIERA Connect is "a cloud-based architecture," which should ultimately increase the number of apps that the service offers as well as the speed of delivery for new apps.
Another new feature is the newly enhanced LED IPS (In Plane Switching) LCD panels, to enhance black levels as well as improve off-axis viewing.
Kicking off the LED line is the E50 series. Available in the 42-inch TC-L42E50, the 47-inch TC-L47E50, and the 55-inch TC-L55E50, this line has the IPS LED-lit LCD panel, 360 backlight scanning, and a slim design. Other features include the VIERA Connect suite of Internet apps, Social Networking TV, DLNA support, four HDMI inputs and two USB ports. None of these models have built-in WiFi, but that's easy enough to fix with an optional network adapter from Panasonic, or a third-party wireless bridge or powerline networking adapter.
The ET5 series offers something completely new for Panasonic. This is where you'll find the first of the company's polarized 3D TVs. In other words, these are sets that use passive 3D technology -- and come with four pairs of 3D glasses so you can start enjoying that third dimension right out of the box. The 42-inch TC-L42ET5, the 47-inch TC-L47ET5, and the 55-inch TC-L55ET5 will all have the IPS LED/LCD panel, 360 backlight scanning, the 2D-to-3D conversion feature, built-in WiFi, VIERA Connect and Social Networking TV. Other features include DLNA support, four HDMI inputs, two USB ports, and a PC input.
The four models in the E5 series don't have 3D, but they do have a full 1080p HD image, the IPS LED/LCD panel, Online Movies, DLNA support, four HDMI inputs, two USB ports and a PC input. Look for the 32-inch TC-L32E5, the 42-inch TC-L42E5 and the 47-inch TC-L47E5.
Panasonic is also planning the 32-inch TC-L32X5, a smaller LED (X5 series) that offers the IPS LED panel, three HDMI inputs and one USB port. This model also doesn't have 3D support, but does have an SD Memory card.
If you're wanting something with all of the bells and whistles, Panasonic will unleash the DT50 Series later this month, starting with the 47-inch TC-L47DT50 with the 55-inch TC-L55DT50 hot on its heels in April. The DT50 series TVs will include active 3D support, a full 1080p image in 2D and 3D modes, the improved IPS LED/LCD Panel, 1920 backlight scanning, 3D real sound with eight-train speakers, VIERA remote app support, built-in WiFi with the full VIERA Connect app suite along with a built-in web browser.
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