Panasonic Expands Viera Class HDTV Lineup

Panasonic has reached new heights with its Viera Class lineup of HDTVs and it seems that they are building on that niche. In fact, they have added new models in that class, as it broadened its HDTV offering by introducing new screen sizes in Plasma with a new 54-inch class plasma.

VIERA CAST, originally launched in 2008, will broaden its entertainment offering with the addition of Amazon’s VOD streaming video service. Panasonic also extended the prestigious THX(R) Certified Display to three product lines.

With a continuing emphasis on improving the television’s performance and reducing the impact on the planet’s carbon footprint, Panasonic’s 2009 line of VIERA HDTVs have improved their energy efficiency vs. last year’s models, while also improving the overall picture performance of the HDTVs.

Their new Panasonic Viera Plasma HDTV lineup includes:

  • Z1 Series
    The flagship VIERA plasma in 2009 is the Z1 series; with a revolutionary one inch thin panel design and Wireless HD connectivity to deliver the ultimate sleek, uncluttered HDTV viewing experience. Also included on the VIERA Z1 is VIERA CAST web menu with the new streaming HD movie rental capability via Amazon Video-on-Demand. The Neo PDP design of the VIERA Z1 produces a brighter picture, deeper blacks, improved native contrast ratio (40,000:1) and Full-Time 1080 TV lines of motion resolution. Other Z1 model features include; 1080p resolution, a THX Certified Display; an Infinite Black panel; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; and VIERA Link(TM), and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still images and AVCHD videos recorded on SD Memory Cards. The Z1 series will be available in the summer of 2009 in the new TC-54Z1, 54-inch class screen size (54″ measured diagonally).
  • V10 Series
    The VIERA V10 series are slim, 2-inch thin plasma HDTVs with built-in tuners. The V10 series offer such cutting edge innovations as Digital Cinema Color(TM) which helps to deliver all movie-essential colors, full THX Display certification, and the VIERA CAST web menu with Amazon Video on Demand services. The Neo PDP design of the V10 series features 1080p resolution; deeper blacks, improved native contrast ratio of 40,000:1; Full-Time 1080 TV lines of motion resolution; an Infinite Black panel; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; VIERA Link, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still images and AVCHD videos recorded on SD Memory Cards. The V10 series is available in a 65-inch class (64.8″ measured diagonally), 58-inch class (58″ measured diagonally), 54-inch class (54″ measured diagonally), and a 50-inch class (49.9″ measured diagonally) screen size. The 50-inch model with one-sheet-of-glass design will be available in May 2009 and the remaining models will be available in the summer of 2009.
  • G10 Series
    The VIERA G10 Plasma series include features like the VIERA CAST web menu, a THX certified Display, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still images and AVCHD videos recorded on SD Memory Cards. The NEO PDP design of the G10 series also offers 1080p resolution, deeper blacks, improved native contrast ratio of 40,000:1, Full-Time 1080 TV lines of motion resolution, an Infinite Black panel, 600Hz Sub-field Drive, as well as Game Mode and VIERA Link. The G10 series will be available in a 54-inch class (54″ measured diagonally), 50-inch class (49.9″ measured diagonally), 46-inch class (46″ measured diagonally), and 42-inch class (41.6″ measured diagonally) screen size. The 42-inch, 46-inch and 50-inch HDTVs will be available in March 2009, while the 54-inch model will be available in May 2009.
  • S1 Series
    The VIERA S1 Plasma series offers a broad range of HDTVs which also represent the first VIERA plasma series to feature the new NEO PDP designs. Key features of the S1 series include Full-Time 1080 TV lines of motion resolution, which eliminate traditional HDTV motion blur. The S1 series also feature THX certified displays together with VIERA Image Viewer. Other features include 1080p resolution; a native contrast ratio of 40,000:1; an Infinite Black panel; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; and a Game Mode. The S1 series will compliment the V10 65″ screen size with its own 65-inch class (64.7″ measured diagonally) product. Other S1 sizes include a 58-inch class (58″ measured diagonally), a 54-inch class (54″ measured diagonally), a 50-inch class (49.9″ measured diagonally), a 46-inch class (46″ measured diagonally), and a 42-inch class (41.6″ measured diagonally). The 42-inch, 46-inch and 50-inch HDTVs will be available in March 2009 while the 54-inch will be available in the summer of 2009.
  • X1 Series
    Panasonic’s focus in 2009 continues to be on high definition 1080p HDTVs but the VIERA X1 series represent a line of 720p plasma HDTVs which help Panasonic deliver on its promise to satisfy consumer demands for differing HDTV resolution options. The X1 VIERA HDTVs offer stunning picture performance with a 600Hz Sub-field Drive that delivers razor-sharp motion focus, VIERA Image Viewer for sharing digital photos with friends and family, and VIERA Link control of all compatible A/V home entertainment components via a single remote. The X1 series also feature improved native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, an Infinite Black panel, and a Game Mode. The VIERA X1 plasmas are available in a 50-inch class (49.9″ measured diagonally) and 42-inch class (41.6″ measured diagonally).
  • Panasonic VIERA LCD HDTV
    In 2009, Panasonic will continue to demonstrate its strong and growing commitment to the LCD marketplace by increasing the number of its 2009 VIERA LCD model offerings (11 models, up from 5 in 2008), and launching an innovative, new iPod/HDTV entertainment solution.
  • G1 Series
    Panasonic’s top-of-the-line LCD is the VIERA G1 series featuring the 1080p TC-L37G1, 37-inch class (37″ measured diagonally) TV and the 720p TC-L32G1, 32-inch class (31.5″ measured diagonally) model. Both TVs offer 120Hz Motion Picture Pro3 technology that ensures crisp, focused images for sports, dramatic action, and all other fast-moving scenes; an IPS Alpha Display Panel that deliver a 178? wide viewing angle and bright, clear images from any location in the room; and VIERA Image Viewer that provides the consumer with an easy way to view and share their digital photos via the TV’s built-in SD card reader. The G1 LCD’s also feature VIERA Link(TM); a PC input; Game mode, a 20:000:1 contrast ratio; 3 HDMI inputs, and a swivel base and narrow bezel design. The G1 series will be available in April 2009.
  • S1 Series
    The VIERA LCD S1 series, available in March 2009, features two screen sizes with 1080p resolution – the 32-inch class (31.5″ measured diagonally) and 37-inch class (37″ measured diagonally) models. These two televisions feature Motion Focus technology; IPS Alpha Panel with 178% viewing angle; the VIERA Image Viewer function; VIERA Link; 15,000:1 native contrast ratio; PC Input, 3 HDMI inputs and Game mode.
  • X1 Series
    Panasonic’s 720p VIERA X1 LCD series introduces an iPod entertainment. There are three more screen sizes in this line – 26-inch class (26″ measured diagonally), 32-inch class (31.5″ measured diagonally) and 37-inch class (37″ measured diagonally). The iPod(R) entertainment kit allows consumer to enjoy their iPod music and videos on the X1 series’ high definition screen and provides the unique convenience of controlling the playback of iPod content using only the VIERA’s remote control. Other X1 features includes VIERA Image Viewer; VIERA Link(TM); a PC input; a Game mode; a 12000:1 contrast ratio, and 3 HDMI inputs on the 32″ and 37″ screen sizes. The 37-inch and 32-inch will be available in March 2009, 26-inch in April.

(Source) Press