Here at CES, consumer electronics juggernaut Panasonic is showing off its 2012 line of LED HDTVs. With screen sizes ranging from 24-55 inches, resolutions ranging from 720p-1080p, and a mixture of 2D and 3D models, there's something to be found for anyone looking for a moderately-sized LED TV.
As was the case last year, network capabilities and Panasonic's VIERA Connect platform is the prominent feature being talked about. And while you can't blame Panasonic for wanting to capitalize on the "Smart TV" craze, there is sure to be no small amount of confusion amongst consumers trying to understand the difference between "VIERA Cast" (Panasonic's old name for its network platform, no longer used), "VIERA Connect" (the current name, still in use), "IPTV" (still in use, a less glitzy subset of network features), and last but not least "Smart VIERA," a brand new moniker unveiled at CES this year. Confused yet? Good. Let's move on.
Also worth mentioning on many of these LED models is Panasonic's LCD panel featuring In Plane Switching (IPS) technology. IPS panels deliver a wider viewing angle with far less picture degradation as you move off axis. Panasonic is using the IPS panel on all but the C5 and U5 series displays.
Panasonic's 2012 LED line-up is comprised of no fewer than seven series. Let's take them in order, starting with the flagship WT50 Series. The bold numbers in the model names represent the diagonal screen size:
Panasonic WT50 Series LED 3D TVs - Full HD 3D, 1080p, IPS LCD panel, Built-in WiFi, VIERA Connect, 3D Real Sound, VIERA Touch Pad controller, Narrow Metal Frame with Crescent Stand, Super High Speed 1920 Backlight Scanning. Models: TC-L47WT50, TC-L50WT50, TC-L55WT50
Panasonic DT50 Series LED 3D TVs - Full HD 3D, 1080p, IPS LCD panel, Built-in WiFi, VIERA Connect, 3D Real Sound, Narrow Metal Frame, Super High Speed 1920 Backlight Scanning. Models: TC-L47DT50, TC-L50DT50, TC-L55DT50
Panasonic ET5 Series LED 3D TVs - Full HD 3D, 1080p, IPS LCD panel, Built-in WiFi, VIERA Connect, 360 Backlight Scanning. Models: TC-L42ET5, TC-L47ET5, TC-L55ET5
Panasonic E50 Series LED TVs - 1080p, IPS LCD panel, VIERA Connect, 360 Backlight Scanning. Models: TC-L42E50, TC-L47E50, TC-L55E50
Panasonic E5 Series LED TVs - 1080p, IPS LCD panel, IPTV. Models: TC-L32E5, TC-L37E5, TC-L42E5, TC-L47E5
Panasonic X5 Series LED TVs - Models: TC-L32X5 (720p), TC-L24X5 (1080p)
Panasonic U5 Series LCD TV - Model: TC-L42U5 (1080p, CCFL LCD)
Panasonic C5 Series LCD TV - Model: TC-L32C5 (720p, CCFL LCD)
Pricing and availability on these 2012 LED TVs has not yet been announced.
Where to Buy:
More News from CES
