Panasonic Plasma TV: Guide to 2010 HDTV Models: BigPictureBigSound

Published: 2010-05-14 - 12:45:37

Panasonic Plasma TV: Guide to 2010 HDTV Models

By Rachel Cericola

Plasma TV is so incredibly pretty. The colors, the contrast, the giant screen sizes, the bragging rights; overall, the technology has certainly sustained its popularity over the years. Panasonic knows this, and has invested a lot of time (and money) into plasma technology.

A few months back, we took a look at all of the TVs that manufacturers were planning for 2010. Panasonic plasma TV models definitely stood out. The company is still putting a lot of stock into plasma -- as well as their very popular VIERA line.

By the time you're gathering in front of the fake fireplace DVD in December, Panasonic will have unleashed a total of 22 plasma HDTVs this year. That's just plasma models. Because the company is offering so many different series and models this year, we wanted to explain some of the differences and juicy details for each of those releases.

If you're working with a budget, you can't go wrong with the C2 Series. These are the least expensive plasmas that Panasonic will offer this year. Each of the three models offers a 720p image. The 600Hz technology promises a super-sharp picture with excellent motion performance, whether viewing action flicks or family photos.

Speaking of photos: These sets, like the others Panasonic has planned for 2010, feature VIERA Image Viewer, which makes it easy to turn that big screen into a photo display everyone can enjoy - just pop your SD card out of your camera and into the TV's SD slot and you're good to go. Another VIERA feature is VIERA Link, which puts compatible devices under one VIERA remote control. This is Panasonic's variation of HDMI CEC.

Now let's get geeky: For specs, all three models offer a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, Deep Color support and x.v.Color technology, and two HDMI inputs.

TC-P42C2 42-inch 720p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $649.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P46C2 46-inch 720p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $749.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P50C2 50-inch 720p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $849.95) - Buy it on Amazon

For under $1000, you can take a step up and still score something from the U2 Series -- at least one of the two models. The 42-inch TC-P42U2 is under the $1K mark, while the 50-inch TC-P50U2 just squeaks over the 4-digit line (although Amazon has it cheaper).

This step up has the 600Hz sub-field drive, the VIERA Image Viewer and the VIERA Link, but steps up the resolution to full 1080p HD goodness -- a perfect match for Blu-ray Disc. That's a big deal, especially at this price point.

Other features for both include a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a Game Mode, Deep Color and x.v.Color technology, as well as three HDMI inputs.

TC-P42U2 42-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $799.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P50U2 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1199.95) - Buy it on Amazon

The S2 Series has a lot to offer -- a lot of models, anyway. Six different sizes comprise this series, which ranges from 42 to 65 inches.

The 42-, 46-, 50-, and 54-inch units offer a 1080p image, as well as a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The contrast ratio is a step up from last year's model, thanks to a new pre-discharge filter. Another nifty new feature is the Clean Touch bezel, which means no matter how much you hug your TV, this design keeps it free from smudge prints. Other features include the 600Hz sub-field drive, Deep Color and x.v.Color technology, VIERA Image Viewer and VIERA Link features, and three HDMI inputs.

The 58-inch TC-P58S2 and 65-inch TC-P65S2 add in the NEO PDP moniker, which means each offers a lower power consumption than other models. Those two models also boast a 40,000:1 native contrast ratio. This may sound worse than the other models, but it actually isn't - it's better (there's a big difference between native and dynamic contrast ratios).

TC-P42S2 42-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $899.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P46S2 46-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1099.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P50S2 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1399.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P54S2 54-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1699.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P58S2 58-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1899.95) - Buy it from Vanns.com
TC-P65S2 65-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $2799.95) - Buy it on Amazon

The G20 Series adds a huge boost, via THX. The two models in this series both feature THX certification and a THX Movie Mode, in addition to the VIERA Image Viewer and VIERA Link.

Another huge feature is VIERA Cast, which is Panasonic's own on-screen, on-demand IPTV service. Some of the partners viewers can access from the VIERA remote include Netflix, YouTube, Picasa, Pandora, Twitter, and more. Also, Panasonic just added Skype capabilities, which means you can use your giant flat panel to make calls to grandma. The optional TY-CC10 camera is needed for that feature.

Speaking of getting connected, both of these models support Wi-Fi. However, you'll need to purchase an optional Wireless LAN Adapter, which plugs into one of the TV's two USB ports. Other features for each model include a 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, a Game Mode, a PC input and Infinite Black Panel features, including a new louvred filter that enhances ambient light rejection for better picture quality in bright viewing locations. There's also a Pro Setting and THX Mode.

To date, we haven't found any availability info on the 54-inch TC-P54G20, but the 50-inch TC-P50G20 can be found at Best Buy.

TC-P50G20 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1499.99) - Buy it from BestBuy.com
TC-P54G20 54-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (Price TBA, Coming in Spring 2010)

The VIERA G25 Series is very similar to the G20 Series. However, all four models are currently available on Amazon as well as from other online sellers. Each one offers the THX goodies, the Wi-Fi support (with optional USB adapter), the Skype option, and the 1080p resolution. It also has the 600Hz sub-field drive, the anti-reflective filter, Infinite Black Panel, and three HDMI inputs.

Other features include a 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a PC input and two USB ports.

TC-P42G25 42-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1199.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P46G25 46-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1399.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P50G25 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1499.95) - Buy it on Amazon
TC-P54G25 54-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1999.95) - Buy it on Amazon

All year, we've been hearing buzz about 3D. Panasonic has been creating some of that buzz, becoming one of the first manufacturers to release 3D TVs to the public. The VT20 Series was that release. For now, the "series" is actually just one model, the TC-P50VT20. This 50-inch plasma is a Best Buy exclusive, and it's currently available in stores only, not online.

When in 3D mode, this model delivers a full 1080p resolution to each eye via Frame Sequential technology. Also, new short stroke phosphors allow for better phosphor decay times for better motion resolution and less crosstalk between channels when in 3D mode.

Other features for the THX-certified unit include a 5,000,000:1 native contrast ratio with Infinite Black Pro technology, a 600Hz sub-field drive, Deep Color and x.v.Color technologies, and four HDMI inputs. There's also the full suite of VIERA Cast providers (Netflix, Pandora, Amazon VOD, YouTuibe, etc.), including Skype, if you want to add the camera. There's also Wi-Fi (via the optional adapter), the anti-reflective filter, and two USB ports.

If you have access to content, this unit offers 3D viewing for one right out of the box. Yes -- it comes with one pair of active-shutter 3D eyewear. Additional pairs are available for $150 each.

TC-P50VT20 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $2499.98, Available now at Best Buy/Magnolia stores only)

If you're looking for 3D outside of Best Buy, the VT25 Series offers four sets that should fit the bill. Each of these units is very similar to the VT20 Series, with the addition of ISFccc controls and an RS232C control port for integration with home automation systems. The VT25 also features a dark bronze metallic frame, as opposed to the VT20's silver metallic bezel. Each of the VT25 models comes with one pair of 3D eyewear. Other similar features include the VIERA Cast service, the Skype features (via the optional camera), VIERA Image Viewer and VIERA Link. Picture quality is the same as on the VT20 models as they feature the same plasma panels.

There's also the 600Hz sub-field drive, Infinite Black Pro display with 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, the anti-reflective filter, THX certification and THX Movie Mode. Each model also features four HDMI inputs.