Coming in September is a new range of plasma HDTVs from Panasonic, namely the PZR900 Viera series. This new range will consist of three models, the 42 inch TH-42PZR900, 46-inch TH-45PZR900 and 50-inch TH-50PZR900. Each model also sports a 1TB HDD for recording up 86 hours worth of your favourite TV shows from the BS digital broadcasting system in Japan. Yes these suckers are currently only lined up for release in Japan, but they may well hit other shores later in the year. Each model sports the following specs

* 1920 x 1080 HD res
* 30,000:1 contrast ratio
* YouTube compatibility
* 3 HDMI inputs
* Optical digital output

Given a rough currency conversion, the 42 inch will set you back US$3,900, the 46 US$4,400 and US$5,000 will get you the 50 inch big boy. A lot of money for a HD screen, but Panasonic TVs usually match their specs in quality.

It’s also interesting to compare the PZR900 to the PZ850 range. The PZ850s are considerably cheaper yet do not sport the 1TB HDD. The PZR900 50 inch option adds US$1,500 for the extra functionality of the 1TD HDD recorder which seems a touch over the top. So may be a PZ850 unit with a standalone recording option may be a better choice than a similar PZR900 model.

Featured Tags hdtv, panasonic, plasma-tv, pzr900, viera


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We have been waiting almost half a year for the final details on Panasonic’s latest range of Viera plasma HDTVs, the PZ850 series, and here they are at last. The 46, 50, 58 and 65 inch units sport built-in internet access for Youtube video and Picasa pics plus other sites to be announced in the future. Here are a few more specs for you to drool over

* four HDMI ports
* PC input
* native contrast ratio of 30,000:1
* dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1
* H.264 decoding
* SD slots so camcorder video can be watched without conversion
* 24p native playback
* 1080p resolution

The 46 and 50 inch versions will be out this summer, whilst the big boys will appear in the autumn. Price tags are as follows, 46 - US$3100, 50 - US$3500, 58 - US$4300 and finally 65 - US$8000. These suckers, despite the cost, seem to have a nice number of bells and whistles and if their performance matches the outstanding specs, one of them should really be gracing your viewing room sooner rather than later.

As an aside, nice shot from the original version of The Thomas Crown Affair.

Source: Panasonic

Featured Tags hdtv, panasonic, plasma-tv, viera


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LG will soon be launching their latest HDTV ranges, the LG6000 and PG6000. These super sexy models were shown off at CES but will be available soon in the UK and hopefully elsewhere not long after. The LCD LG6000 range sports four models a 32, 37, 42 and 47 inch versions, whilst the Plasma PG6000 comes in two flavours, 42 and 50 inch. Here’s the shared features of the two ranges

* 15,000:1 contrast ratio (30,000:1 for plasma)
* 24p Tru Cinema
* Four HDMI 1.3 inputs
* USB 2.0 port for looking at photos or listening to mp3s

The LG6000 range also boast ‘invisible’ Mark Levinson speakers which provide a wider ‘sweet spot’ by creating a virtual wall of sound - hmmm - I’ll believe that when I, err, hear it. Despite the marketing hyperbole, I’m sure LG’s latest HDTV offerings will make the grade. Unfortunately we have no idea whether your bank manager will agree as price tags are not currently available.

Source: Pocket-Lint

Featured Tags hdtv, lcd-tv, lg, plasma-tv


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Another snippet from the FPD International 2007 showcase. LG are showing off their latest ‘G Platform’ plasma TVs that sport a staggering contrast ratio of 30,000:1. This is double the current 15,000:1 ratio of their existing HD plasma TVs and according to the blurb

G Platform panels are capable of reproducing exceptionally true colors across the entire spectrum, including even deep blacks with a 20 percent reduced reflection rate. In contrast to existing black panels, which are able to improve colors on the screen only by using clear black-colored panels, LG has improved color reproduction by optimizing the panels’ color phosphors and utilizing dielectrics.

The ‘G Platform’ will be available in 32, 42 and 50 inch 720 HD models plus 50 and 60 inch 1080 HD versions. No pricing on these suckers as yet, but I’m guessing you’d better start saving now!

Source: LG

Featured Tags hdtv, lg, plasma-tv


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