Krunker » Plasma Televisions

Panasonic’s TC-P54Z1 Plasma HDTV measures 1 inch thick

flung — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:36:02 +0000

If you’re into plasma panels then you’ll want to check out the upcoming Panasonic TC-P54Z1 (otherwise known as the Z1) – the company’s most advanced plasma HDTV model to date. First off, the unit comes with a 54 inch panel, and features a form factor that measures a mere one inch thick. Other slick capabilities include:

40,000:1 contrast ratio
Neo PDP panel technology
Swivel table stand
Digital Cinema Color gamut
THX certification
1080 lines of horizontal resolution
24 Hz Cinematic Playback
Built-in speakers

The Z1 is also great for those of you into mounting displays on the wall. The system features a wireless HDMI solution thanks to a bundled transmitter/receiver system. The transmitter box has a built in SD card reader and supports VIERA Link Internet.

According to HD Guru, the TC-P54Z1 will be shipping in June for a price of $5999.95.

[Check it out via DVICE.com]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic Z1, Panasonic TC-P54Z1, Plasma TV

Samsung introduces Series 7 Plasma HDTV

flung — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:26:14 +0000

Missed this one last week – Samsung introduced its Series 7 Plasma HDTV sets featuring their popular Touch of Color (ToC) bezel design. The new Series 7 sets feature full 1080p picture, 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratios, and Samsung’s Ultra FilterBright technology. The Series 7 also allows users to calibrate the TV for both day-time and night-time viewing to ensure the best possible picture.

Here are the key features of the Series 7 Plasmas from Samsung:

Touch of Color bezel which infuses a red color into the piano black bezel
Full HD 1080p support
Ultra FilterBright anti-glare technology
DNIe Pro video processing technology
18 bit Natural True Color
One-button on-demand InfoLink RSS feed service with content from USA Today
Side mounted USB 2.0 port
WiseLink Pro
Supports MP3, JPG, XvID, MPEG4 files
Compatible with DLNA products
Four HDMI 1.3 inputs

The new Series 7 Plasmas will be available in August in three sizes – 50 inches (model PN50A760), 58 inches (model PN58A760), and 63 inches (model PN63A760).

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Series 7 Plasma, Touch of Color (ToC), HDTV

Panasonic extends Concierge program to all their HDTV customers

flung — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:58:55 +0000

Are you a Panasonic LCD HDTV owner who’s a bit jealous of fellow Panasonic HD plasma owners who have the Plasma Concierge free customer support program? Well there’s no longer a need to be jealous! Panasonic has announced that they’ve extended the free Concierge program to both Panasonic Plasma and LCD HDTV owners and have as such renamed the program the Panasonic VIERA Concierge program.

The VIERA program includes a toll-free customer support line, provides Panasonic HDTV owners with quick access to technical support via the web, phone, or in-home service as well as access to Panasonic’s HDTV loaner program. The HDTV loaner program provides HDTV loaners at no charge to customers who have their plasma or LCD in for repair (a bit like car loaners)

Once you become part of the VIERA Concierge program, you’ll receive a Concierge Benefits Card which provides a customer ID and a dedicated toll-free telephone number.

This move makes complete sense in the big picture as more and more Panasonic customers opt for LCD HDTV sets and not Plasma based sets.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic LCD, Plasma HDTV, VIERA Concierge Program

VIZIO announces new plasma TVs at low prices

flung — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:50:19 +0000

VIZIO also announced two new plasma display at incredible prices – the 32 inch model VP322 for $599 and the 42 inch model VP422 for a mere $799. Both models offer 720p resolutions, 30,000:1 contrast ratio, multiple color temperature settings, independent red/green/blue adjustments, component input, PC input, and three HDMI inputs. To top things off, both models also come with a built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner for over-the-air reception. The new models are available now in Wal-Mart locations nationwide.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: VIZIO, VP422, VP322, Plasma Display, HDTV

VIZIO introduces new XVT Series of HDTVs

flung — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:00:20 +0000

VIZIO updated their flat panel lineup yesterday with the introduction of a new product line called the XVT Series. Three new HDTV sets were introduced as part of this new series – two new LCD panels and one new Plasma panel. On the LCD front, there’s the new SV420XVT and the SV47XVT, both of which feature a new black/grey lava look as well as 120Hz processing. On the plasma front, there’s the new VP505XVT which comes with 1080p resolutions and HQV processing. Let’s get into some of the details.

For the VIZIO SV470XVT and SV420XVT LCDs:

VIZIO Smooth Motion technology (120Hz rates)
1080p resolution
6500:1 contrast ratio
SRS Labs TruSurround XT audio processing
Compatible with VIZIO SV5.1 Upgrade Kit
Brushed aluminum trimmed VUR8 Universal Learning Remote with PIP keys
Four HDMI inputs (2 on side and 2 in rear)
The SV420XVT has an MSRP of $1499.99 while the SV470XVT has an MSRP of $1899.99
Available in July

For the VIZIO VP505XVT:

Silicon Optix REON HQV
1080p support
Integrated HD/QAM tuner
30,000:1 contrast ratio
60,000 to 100,000 hours to half original brightness
SRS Labs TruSurround XT
Compatible with VIZIO SV5.1 Upgrade Kit
New Brandy Wine colored speaker grill
Four HDMI inputs (2 side and 2 rear)
Includes 6 foot HDMI cable
Available in July for $1699.99

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: VIZIO SV470XVT, SV420XVT, VP505XVT, HDTV, LCD TV, Plasma TV

Panasonic announces web-enabled VIERA PZ850 line to be available this summer

flung — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:09:05 +0000

Panasonic announced today that their web-enabled PZ850 series of VIERA plasma HDTVs would be available around mid-June. The PZ850 was introduced back at CES 2008 and features Panasonic’s new VIERA CAST functionality which brings popular web content to the television set. With a PZ850 HDTV set, you’ll be able to receiver online content from sources such as YouTube, Google’s Picasa Web Album, and Bloomberg. The PZ850 series will feature enhancements such as enhanced contrast ratios, deeper blacks, faster response times, and better overall picture qualities.

Four new models will initially be available for the PZ850 lineup – the 6-inch class TH-46PZ850, the 50-inch class TH-50PZ850 (pictured above) , the 58-inch class TH-58PZ850 and the 65-inch class TH-65PZ850.

Other features of the PZ850 lineup include:

SD memory card support
Display digital still images or H.264 encoded videos
Pro Setting Menu for videophiles
30,000:1 contrast ratio
Dynamic ratio of 1,000,000:1
24p native reproduction
Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering
Studio Reference Mode
Game Mode which minimizes the time lag for gaming sequences
Four HDMI connections and PC input
Support for Panasonic’s VIERA Link allowing you to control multiple AV devices with a single remote

Here’s the model breakdowns:

TH-65PZ850 will be available in the fall of 2008 for $7999.95

TH-58PZ850 will be available in the fall of 2008 for $4299.95

TH-50PZ850 will be available this summer for $3499.95

TH-46PZ850U will be available this summer for $3099.95

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, VIERA PZ850, VIERA CAST, TH-46PZ850, TH-50PZ850, TH-58PZ850, TH-65PZ850

Pioneer introduces new displays for the custom install market

flung — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:12:13 +0000

Looking to service the custom installation market, Pioneer is introducing the new Signature Series of Elite KURO monitors as well as new Elite KURO HDTV sets. These displays are designed to be flexible and extremely configurable – necessary features for the custom install market. Why build monitors tailored for this market? Money of course! According to Pioneer, the custom installation market is expected to grow to 226,000 installations in 2012 with more than $23,000 spent on average per installation!

Features of the Signature Series of Elite KURO monitors include:

Many parts and components are hand selected and hand assembled
Comes with certificate confirming the superior level of panel performance
Optimum Mode feature for the Elite KURO HD televisions – adjusts audio and video settings based on sound, picture, and room light conditions
Elite KURO HD TVs also feature six picture and sound pre-set modes and exclusive Home Media Gallery home networking functionality

The four new models are as follows:

Pioneer Elite KRUO HDTV:

PRO-111FD – 50 inch, 1080p panel coming out in June for $5000
PRO-151FD – 60 inch, 1080p panel coming out in June for $6500

Pioneer Elite Signature Series Monitor:

PRO-101FD – 50 inch 1080p panel coming out in October
PRO-141FD – 60 inch, 1080p panel coming out in August

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Pioneer, Custom Install, HDTV, Signature Seres Elite KURO, Elite KURO

Pioneer introduces two new KURO plasmas with black levels five times that of previous models

flung — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:57:04 +0000

Looking for the deepest blacks in flat panel television sets? You’ll probably want to check out the new additions that Pioneer made to their KURO lineup of plasma televisions. The new PDP-5020FD and PDP-6020FD feature black levels that are five times deeper than the previous KURO sets which were already amazing in rendering deep blacks. Other features found in the new KURO models include:

New automatic adjustment feature called Optimum Mode that simultaneously monitors video and room light conditions and then adjusts picture and sound settings
Six pre-set modes which include standard, movie, sports, performance, game, and dynamic
Each mode has unique sound settings associated to them
3.7 inches thick
New remote control
Redesigned graphic user interface
Networked Home Media Gallery for playback of digital content from a PC or via USB
DLNA compatible and Windows PlaysForSure compatible
1080p resolution

The Pioneer PDP-5020FD (50 inch model) will be coming out in June for a suggested price of $4000. The Pioneer PDP-6020FD will also be coming out in June for a suggested price of $5500.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Pioneer, PDP-5020FD, PDP-6020FD, KURO

Samsung #1 in LCD and overall flat panel shipments in North America during Q1

flung — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:24:01 +0000

Samsung edged out Sony for the lead in North American LCD shipments during Q1 of this year with 12.8 percent. However, the lead is precarious at best as Sony had 12.7 percent of LCD shipments and Vizio had 12.5 percent.

On the plasma front, Panasonic had the top spot at 33 percent which is down from 38 percent during Q4 of last year. Following Panasonic is LG with a little over 19.2 percent and Samsung with 18.4 percent.

Samsung continued to lead the overall flat panel market (plasma + LCD TVs) with 13.5 percent of the market. Vizio is the surprising runner up with 12.2 percent, edging out Sony who had 11.3 percent.

{Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio, DisplaySearch, Q1 2008

Pioneer restructures business – drops plasma panel development

flung — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 08:53:59 +0000

As expected by many, Pioneer announced last week that they would be ending their in-house production of plasma display panels as a way to streamline their business and shift focus from money-losing businesses to growth oriented business such as car electronics and Blu-ray products. Pioneer will continue to sell plasma displays but will now procure the panels from third party manufacturers. Pioneer is also looking into how it can procure panels that include some of their own plasma display technologies.

Pioneer also announced that they would be partnering with Sharp Corporation – with Sharp providing LCD panels for upcoming Pioneer LCD HDTV systems. The two companies would also be developing acoustic systems for ultra-thin flat panel TVs.

In the meantime, Pioneer will focus on internally developing Blu-ray disc players which it expects to grow as a business worldwide as more consumers adopt Blu-ray. On the Blu-ray recorder front, Pioneer will continue to use joint developing and outsourcing in creating new products (also working with Sharp on this front).

You can read more about the business restructuring at Pioneer here in their press release.

[Check it out via Digital Trends]

Technorati Tags: Pioneer, Sharp, LCD, Plasma, Blu-ray

PC Magazine’s list of HDTVs for Super Bowl Sunday

flung — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:08:53 +0000

With the Super Bowl less than a week away, it’s probably a good time to consider getting a new large screen HDTV set. However, if you’re not sure where to start, then you might be interested in checking out this list of HDTV sets over at PC Magazine.

Keep one thing in mind if you’re planning to get an HDTV this week for the Super Bowl. The HDTV might make it to your home before the game but will you have a high definition signal for the game itself? If you don’t already subscribe to HD over cable, you might want to see if you can schedule an appointment to get it hooked up now. The other option would be to see if you can access OTA (over-the-air) HD content but unless you live on the top floor of your building, chances are your reception might be a tad poor.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Super Bowl, HDTV, PC Magazine

103 inch Panasonic TH-103PF9UK being shown at Ken Cranes

flung — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:49:35 +0000

If you happen to be here in Southern California, make sure to drop on by the West Los Angeles location of Ken Crane’s where the new Panasonic 103 inch plasma TV is on display. The 103 inch Panasonic TH-103PF9UK has nearly 4500 square inches of display area, a 1080p full HD resolution screen, and smooth motion during high speed action.

Features of the 103 inch Panasonic plasma include:

Full HD pixel resolution of 1,920 horizontal x 1,080 vertical
Industry’s leading 16-bit processing to produces 4,096 steps of gradation
Contrast ratio of up to 4,000:1 to reproduce exceptionally deep, rich blacks
Effective display area is approximately 89″ wide by 50″ high
Supports 1080/60p/50p, 1080/60i/50i/24p/24sF/25p/30p, 1080/50i, 720/60p/50p, 480/60i/p, and 575/50i/p video signals
Advanced Dual Picture mode to overlay a video image onto a full-screen PC image
Expanded configurations for multi-screen displays and the ability to enlarge an image up to 4X vertically and horizontally
Three interchangeable slots and comes standard with the TY-FB9DD DVI board (compatible with UXGA input), TY-42TM6A analog component board, an integrated D-sub15 PC input, and an integrated D-sub9 RS-232C interface
Plug-in architecture allows the addition of multi-function terminal boards for added connectivity and functionality

The Panasonic TH-103PF9UK retails for $70,000 plus delivery and installation.

Technorati Tags: Panasonic TH-103PF9UK, Ken Cranes

Pioneer to launch their first 1080p plasma television sets in October

flung — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:04:28 +0000

Pioneer Japan announced on Thursday that it would be launching its first full high definition plasma television sets this coming October. The company is playing catch-up with other rivals including Matsushita Electric Industrial which has already released their own lineup of full HD plasma displays.

Pioneer will be releasing a new 50 inch and 60 inch 1080p displays capable of reproducing deeper blacks than ever before. The new 50 inch 1080p plasma display is expected to sell for 720,000 yen or $6,060 dollars while the 60 inch 1080p plasma is expected to go for 990,000 yen or $8,340 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Pioneer, 1080p Plasma TV

Panasonic launches "Living in High Definition" event and program

flung — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 06:02:08 +0000

Hoping to spur interest in high definition equipment and content, Panasonic held their first ever “Living in High Definition” initiative event today. The event was held today at 11:45 am EST and lasted till 12:45pm EST and included speakers such as a Hollywood producer and director, academic experts, and Panasonic executives. Luckily, it was a web cast, which means you can still catch it by going to this link here:

http://4.78.165.100/PanaSonic_HD_Event/default2.asp

More importantly, this event was designed to launch Panasonic’s Living in High Definition program. The program will select families from across America and provide them with Panasonic’s high end HD products including a 50 inch 1080p plasma TV, an HD camcorder, digital cameras, a Blu-ray DVD player, and much much more.

So how do you enter to get this equipment? Starting on August 1st, Panasonic will be posting up challenges for families to compete in. What you’ll need to do is tell Panasonic how your family would complete the challenge and why your family would be the best spokes-family for the company. If Panasonic chooses your family, then you will receive Panasonic’s entire HD product suite and then asked to bring your ideas to light. Your final video might be shown online or become part of a documentary film that the company is making with Brett Ratner.

The folks judging the entries will include Brett Ratner, Justine Shapiro, Kevin Smith, and Robert Wilson. The selection panel will review the submissions, and then judge them based on several criteria. However, creativity will be the most important aspect to the submissions.

If you’re interested in the program, make sure to check out the new website – http://www.livinginhd.com and also make sure to check out the web cast for additional information into the program.

[Check out the web cast]

[Check out Living in HD]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, Living in High Definition, High Definition

Panasonic gets their 103 inch plasma into NYC’s City Hall

flung — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 23:23:28 +0000

Panasonic is making their presence felt in NYC’s newly renovated City Hall building in a big way. How big you might ask? How about in the form of their flagship 103 inch 1080p plasma television set? The company has donated both a massive TH-103PH9UK 103 inch plasma television set and a Panasonic BD-10A Blu-ray standalone player to New York City. The 103 inch display (model TH-103PH9UK) will help Mayor Bloomberg monitor news and playback other video content in high definition. The HDTV will also display real time 311 call statistics and live video feeds from NYC-TV’s City Drive Live traffic cameras.

Mayor Bloomberg is quoted as saying “Panasonic has been a great corporate citizen, and I would like to thank them for their generous donation”.

In case you’re curious about the 103 inch 1080p plasma television set, it’s the Panasonic TH-103PH9UK. Specs include:

1920 x 1080 support
16 bit processing to produce 4096 steps of gradation
4000:1 contrast ratio
Display area measures 80 inches wide by 50 inches high
Supports 1080/60p/50p, 1080/60i/50i/24p/24sF/25p/30p, 1080/50i, 720/60p/50p, 480/60i/p, and 575/50i/p video signals
Advanced Dual Picture mode to overlay a video image onto a full-screen PC image
Expanded configurations for multi-screen displays and the ability to enlarge an image up to 4X vertically and horizontally
Three interchangeable slots and comes standard with the TY-FB9DD DVI board (compatible with UXGA input), TY-42TM6A analog component board, an integrated D-sub15 PC input, and an integrated D-sub9 RS-232C interface
Plug-in architecture allows the addition of multi-function terminal boards for added connectivity and functionality

The TH-103PF9UK has an MSRP of $69,995 – definitely a nice donation from Panasonic!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, TH-103PH9UK, New York City City Hall, Mayor Bloomberg