Panasonic VIERA Launch - Stepping into the 3D World
Sony and Samsung have already entered the 3D fray in the local scene. Today, the spotlight falls on Panasonic. Their first salvo of VIERA flat-panels for 2010 includes a Full-HD 3D Plasma screen amongst a new suite of affordable LCD and PDP displays. Read on as we check out their latest displays.
Into The Third Dimension
As far as product launches go, they're being held at Sentosa so often lately that it's happening almost like clockwork. Today, we are here at the ritzy Resorts World (again) to witness Panasonic's preliminary blast of VIERA displays for 2010. Suffice to say, the 3D-ready VT20 is arguably the most exciting entry amongst the five new plasma displays. On top of that, the Japanese also introduced a collection of six LCD TV series, of which two models are powered by LED backlights. That's something new for Panasonic if we may add. Before we take a peek at the rest of the models and multimedia enhancements like VIERA Cast, let's dig in to see what the VT20 has to offer. The new range of VIERA flat-panel displays are expected to reach Singapore in the third quarter of the year. Tight-lipped as they are, we've yet to hear from Panasonic regarding their retail prices.
You can call this Panasonic's doorway to a rather glamorous media affair. Held here at the Resorts World Convention Center, we waited our turn before we beheld the new suite of VIERA flat-panel displays. There are 11 models in all.
An imposing billboard greeted us as we stepped into Panasonic's 3D world. Aside from the 3D-ready VT20 model, Panasonic is also introducing a new fleet of Plasma and LCD displays for 2010, including those with LED-backlights.
VT20 Plasma Display Panel - Panasonic's 3D Revelation
As with the rest of the major television vendors, a 1080p 3D-ready model is undeniably granted the flagship spot given the current rage over 3D sets these days. Panasonic is no different. The THX-certified VT20 will hit the stands in 50 and 58 inch sizes, and will feature the best that Panasonic has to offer. That includes a 600Hz sub-field drive, 1080 lines of moving picture resolution, dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, VIERA Cast and its slew of networking and multimedia functions.
As for its 3D technology, the VT20 is known to deploy the frame sequential method akin to Sony, Samsung and LG, where Full-HD images are flashed alternately for the left and right eye which runs in sync with a pair of active shutter glasses. Panasonic is also touting a reduction of crosstalk concerns, kudos to their NeoPDP panel which helps to minimize any overlapping of left and right eye images. Interestingly, the VT20 is dressed with a tinge of color this time, brown to be precise, which is quite a departure from Panasonic's typical arrangement of black or silver dress codes.
This shot in the dark might not do the VT20 justice, but we did like what we saw at Panasonic's 3D demonstration booth. The flagship VT20 will be cloaked in a radical brown hue, and will grace the shelves in 50 and 58 inch sizes.
Panasonic will be bundling a pair of active shutter glasses (TY-EW3D10) with the VT20 model. Here's one practical feature. The glasses turn off automatically once they are placed out of range for more than 5 minutes. Panasonic has collaborated with RealD, a prominent 3D innovator in the theatrical field, to make the VT20 model a 3D reality.
Finally, VIERA Cast On VIERAs
While foreign VIERA models in the States and Europe were already sanctified with VIERA Cast and networking perks, consumers here in Asia finally have a chance to own the same. Besides YouTube and Picasa widgets, VIERA Cast also gives users the opportunity to Skype with an optional camera on the big screen. Aside from that, online feeds such as stock market information, weather forecasts and global news are readily available on VIERA Cast as well. Additionally, the new displays are also decked with DLNA for wireless multimedia playback. Other notable new features include a USB port which allows you to hook up a USB keyboard or Flash-based devices. For wireless connectivity, you'll need to plug in a USB Wi-Fi dongle since this isn't an integrated feature.
Panasonic's VIERA Cast Internet element has been a long time coming. Having been introduced in the States previously, Asian consumers can finally access Internet content such as YouTube videos, Picasa web albums or twitter their time away on selected VIERA models.
Another attractive aspect of VIERA Cast is its Skype inclusion. You can now make Skype voice and video calls with any VIERA panel with the VIERA Cast perk. However, you'll need to connect a Skype Camera (TY-CC10) to its USB terminal if video calls are what you're after.
The PDP Faction
You've already met the VT20, now meet the rest of the plasma clan. But before you do, let us tell you a little more about Panasonic's newly refreshed NeoPDP panels. Panasonic is claiming a four-time improvement in luminance efficiency compared to their 2007 range. According to them, this is possible due to the use of new high density phosphors, cell structures and dynamic black layer. Additionally, VIERA plasma sets launched this year are also known to be more energy efficient. For example, a power reduction of 78 watts has been achieved with the new NeoPDPs compared to last year's models, which averaged at 217 watts. Rather pompously, Panasonic has dubbed the reworked panels as "the NeoPDP revolution".
Panasonic was demonstrating the power-reduction prowess of their improved NeoPDP panels. Most of them managed to clock an average power rating of less than 200 watts based on what's shown here.
V20 Series
Retailing in 42, 46 and 50 inch sizes, the V20 series offers full-bodied features as the flagship VT20 but minus the 3D option. It carries a Full-HD screen and dazzling dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 as well. The V20 suite also presents a host of functions for entertainment purposes, like VIERA CAST, VIERA Image Viewer (motion picture and music playback) and the HDMI CEC-enabled VIERA Link perk. The only other dissimilarity is that the V20 displays don't speak of any THX certification.
The V-series is capable of what the VT20 can do, but minus the 3D capability. It will feature four HDMI ports, a 1080p panel, and more importantly, VIERA Cast to keep you (and maybe your kids) entertained.
U20 Series
The Full-HD U20 stomps in as Panasonic's mid-range model, framed in 46 and 50 inch dimensions. One caveat, however, is that it offers only 900 lines of moving picture resolution instead of 1080. While it offers the same 600Hz sub-field drive, the U20 has a lower dynamic contrast of 2,000,000:1, and comes without the benefit of VIERA Cast. Also lacking is the USB port feature found in the V20 and VT20 models.
The mid-range U-series does not pack a NeoPDP panel, though it has a fixed native resolution of 1080p. But take note though, for it only has a moving picture resolution of 900 lines.
A Series
This HD-Ready model is almost like a mirror image of the X20 series (see below) in the hardware department. The same specs apply, like three HDMI ports, 600Hz sub-field drive and VIERA Image Viewer. Instead of a NeoPDP panel found in the V and U series, it will carry a G13 Progressive HD panel instead.
The A-series offers the bare basics, which includes three HDMI ports, a HD-Ready panel, and VIERA Image Viewer to access your multimedia files via its SD slot.
X20 Series
Like the A-series, the budget X20 entry offers the same HD-Ready display, 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 600Hz sub-field drive, but will not offer VIERA Cast and USB ports. However, you might want to note that the X20 model is only available in the 42-inch iteration.
The LCD Division
Panasonic's new range of LCD displays will wear a new mix of LED and CCFL backlights. Boasting of IPS panels with a larger aperture ratio, the LED models are a new addition to the VIERA family which promises enhanced visual depths and a reduction in power consumption. Instead of using direct backlights, Panasonic has also gone the way of Edge LEDs, meaning that a slimmer design is achieved since there isn't a need to fill the entire rear surface with a direct light source. The D25 and D20 range will offer LED backlights, whilst the rest of the LCD suite will continue to be powered by traditional CCFL tubes.
Combining the use of IPS panels and LED backlights, Panasonic is hoping to achieve higher contrast levels and improved viewing angles with their latest entries in the LCD line-up.
D25 Series
The Full-HD D25 series will occupy the apex of Panasonic's LCD line-up. Featuring an IPS Alpha panel and LED backlights, the D25 models are slated to hit the ground in 32 and 42 inch variations. All models will feature extended features such as VIERA Cast, USB terminals, 100Hz Motion Picture Pro and 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast with Intelligent Scene Controller.
D20 Series
Next in line under the D-series is the D20 suite. It is similarly powered by LED backlights with an IPS Alpha panel. However, only a single 42-inch model is available. Don't expect to find VIERA Cast on this one, although you still get to plug your Flash-based devices into its USB port.
Think LED backlights when you see the D-series. Being the creme de la creme of Panasonic's LCD category, D25 models will carry full functionalities such as VIERA Cast, USB playback and a Full-HD display.
It appears that Panasonic is eager to inject some colors into their line-up. The D-series will be dressed in a purplish hue, strangely dubbed as "Frozen". Madonna, anyone?
S25 Series
Like the D20, the VIERA S25 series is only offered as a 42-inch set. The S25 features 100Hz Motion Picture Pro, an IPS Alpha Panel, dynamic contrast of 20,000:1 with Intelligent Scene Controller and VIERA Image Viewer for picture and music playback. However, this model does incorporate VIERA Cast.
X20 and X25 Series
Apple fanboys would relish the HD-Ready X25 model since it boasts of a universal iPod and iPhone dock. In addition, they can conveniently manage the mobile device via the TV's clean and trendy GUI (Graphical User Interface). The VIERA X20 and X25 LCD series will be engineered as 32-inch and 22-inch alternatives. The 32-inch range will feature IPS Alpha Panels with a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000:1.
It's odd that Panasonic didn't install this option with the rest of the models, but the X25 is lucky enough to be endowed with an universal iPod dock. Seems like a TV is able to do almost anything these days, isn't it?
C Series
The C-series is found right at the bottom of the LCD chain. It will come with basic features such as a HD-Ready panel, 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a single HDMI port. Only a 32-inch panel is catered for this series.
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