It's CES time again and Panasonic has announced their upcoming plans to further their award-winning line of high-definition plasma televisions. The 2012 Smart Viera line of HDTV plasmas builds upon five key elements: Networking, Easy Operation, Picture Quality, Eco and Design, across the 17 new models with screen sizes ranging from 42 to 65 inches, with increased 3D and IPTV options.
New for 2012 is a cloud-based architecture, to increase the Viera Connect IPTV platform to an unlimited number of apps. New to select Viera TVs is the inclusion of a web browser, further enhancing the internet platform, in addition of "3D Real Sound" with 8-Train Speakers onboard to further enhance the audio performance.
In a boon to the environments, panel luminance efficiency is also improved, with new and improved phosphor mixtures while some panels will be lead- and mercury-free. To go with the 3D models, Panasonic has introduced a new generation of lightweight (27 grams!) Bluetooth, rechargeable 3D glasses. Weighing only 27grams, the latest generation 3D glasses utilize Bluetooth technology and feature a rechargeable battery.
The new plasmas produce black levels that should continue to rank among the best in the industry, with super-fast response time, intuitive controls, and a wide variety of internet apps. Even when powered off they're east on the eyes, with a clean yet elegant "Glass and Metal" redesign.
The NeoPlasma Black 2500 panel delivers a crisp image even with motion, going further to reduce reflections and render sharper pictures with higher contrast in bright environments. The new panel structure and pre-discharge control technology combine to bring an increased native contrast level. The lifespan is estimated at 100,000 hours. All the 3D models include DLNA connections for easy link-up to other DLNA-equipped products.
The six Viera Plasma series--VT50, GT50, ST50, UT50, XT50, U50--feature self illuminating panels with ultimate black levels, and NeoPlasma technologies on the VT/GT/ST series that provide a black filter with a higher efficiency panel that generates the best balance of black and white in bright conditions. The new Louver filter and high-performance panel result in improved external light shading, clarity and light transmittance. The 2012 models employ the NeoPlasma Black 2500 panel on the VT/GT/ST/UT series offers 6,220,800 pixel cells full local dimming, 24,576 steps of gradation technology on the VT/GT series (previously only available in professional monitors), a new custom driver LSI and a fast-switching phosphor panel on all of the 1080p 3D models. Six of the 3D models are THX-certified in both 2D and 3D modes.
The VT50 series is the Full HD 3D Plasma flagship, available in the TC-P65VT50 (64.7 inches measured diagonally) and the, 55-inch-class TC-P55VT50 (55.1 inches diagonally). They offer the Infinite Black Ultra Panel, Deep Black hues, Viera Connect with Web browser, built-in Wi-Fi, the 2500 Focused Field Drive, 2D-to-3D conversion, 24,576 steps of gradation technology, THX-certification, and ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with the calibration software (CALMAN) provided by SpectraCal Inc.
The GT50 series includes four screen sizes: the 50-inch-class TC-P50GT50 (49.9 inches diagonally), the 55-inch-class TC-P55GT50, the 60-inch-class TC-P60GT50 (60.1 inches diagonally) and the 65-inch-class TC-P65GT50. The series features Full HD 3D, the Infinite Black Pro Panel, VIERA Connect with Web browser and built-in Wi-Fi, the 2500 FFD, 2D-to-3D conversion, THX certification, Social Networking TV function and more, with VIERA Link, four HDMI ports and three USB ports.
In the Full HD 3D Viera ST50 Series we'll find the 50-inch-class TC-P50ST50, the 55-inc-class TC-P55ST50, the 60-inch-class TC-P60ST30 and the 65-inch-class TC-P65ST50. They include they Infinite Black Pro Panel, VIERA Connect with Web browser and built-in Wi-Fi, 2D-to-3D conversion, Social Networking TV, VIERA Link, three HDMI connections and two USB ports.
The four screen sizes in the UT50 series; the 42-inch-class TC-P42UT50 (41.6 inches diagonally), the 50-inch-class TC-P50UT50, 55-inch-class TC-P55UT50, and 60-inch-class TC-P60UT50; all offer Wi-Fi-ready Viera Connect, 2500 FFD, 2D-to-3D conversion, Social Networking, Viera Link, two HDMI connections and two USB ports.
The XT50 series offers a more affordable 3D alternative, with an Online Movies service that adds five of the most popular movies to the TV's internet functionality. The 42 inch class TC-P42XT50 and the 50-inch-class TC-P50XT50 are designed for 720p resolution, 2D-to-3D conversion, a 600Hz Sub-field Drive; Viera Link, two HDMI and two USB connections. And the 50-inch-class U50 Series TC-P50U50 is the lone non-3D model in this year's HDTV Plasma model line-up, with 1080p resolution, 600Hz Sub-Field Drive, Game Mode, two HDMI connections and one USB port.
Specific pricing and release dates will be announced in the coming months.
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