We've seen both Samsung and Sharp out new HDTVs this month. Who's next? Panasonic, of course. The company has swooped in with news of its 2012 Smart VIERA HDTVs, and there are enough models to make your head spin.
Right now, there are several models from Panasonic's ST50, UT50, and XT50 Plasma series and the E50, ET5, E5 and X5 LED line, popping up both online and in stores. Also, more are coming soon. We'll cover the LED TVs in another article. On the plasma side, expect to see nice gains in power efficiency as well as improved phosphor designs that build on plasma's reputation for excellent black levels and top-notch moving image reproduction. These enhancements should keep Panasonic on the cutting edge of picture quality for plasma TVs in 2012.
Panasonic's 2012 Plasma Line
For the 2012 plasma TVs, there will be select models that have NeoPlasma Black 2500 and 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive) technology, for sharp, fast motion. This technology also allows viewers to see more details in darker scenes, promising 24,576-step super fine gradation. The highest end GT50 and VT50 models will be shipping later this year, so are not detailed below.
Now let's talk actual TVs coming now or in the next two months. The ST50 series is the first crop to ship. Replacing the popular ST30 series from 2011, the ST50 TVs offer enhancements to picture quality and networking. The 50-inch TC-P50ST50 and 55-inch TC-P55ST50 are actually available now, with the 60-inch TC-P60ST50 and 65-inch TC-P65ST50 coming sometime between this month and the next. All of these models will have full 1080p HD in both 2D and 3D, as well as the Infinite Black Pro Panel, the 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive), fast switching phosphors, and a 2D-to-3D conversion feature.
Each set in the ST50 series also includes built-in WiFi and VIERA Connect with a new built-in web browser, as well as Social Networking TV, a new feature that allows viewers to simultaneously watch TV and connect to Twitter and/or Facebook (or even MySpace) on the same screen.
Other features include 3D Real Sound with 8-train speakers, Bluetooth and DLNA support, a media player, VIERA Link, three HDMI inputs and two USB ports.
The more affordable UT50 series will have a total of four screen sizes. Expect to see the 42-inch TC-P42UT50 and the 50-inch TC-P50UT50 this month, with the 55-inch TC-P55UT50 and 60-inch TC-P60UT50 in April and May, respectively. All of these have all of the same features as the ST50 series as well as full HD 1080p resolution, except there's no built-in WiFi. That can be added with a WiFi adapter, though. Also, these models have two HDMI inputs and two USB ports on each.
Last in the plasma line (for now) is the XT50 series. The lone set is the 50-inch TC-P50XT50, which is being billed as Panasonic's affordable 3D option. It has a 720p image, an Online Movies feature and select Panasonic IPTV functionality. Other features include the 2D-to-3D conversion feature, the 600Hz subfield drive, Bluetooth support, two HDMI inputs and two USB ports.
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