Panasonic made a number of HDTV plasma announcements at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month. Among the highlights: the expansion of its plasma HDTV line to 26 models; new Neo PDP (plasma) panels which consume only 50% of the power of their 2007 models; a new 54†screen size; higher contrast ratios up to 40,000:1 (this is real contrast not dynamic contrast) and deeper blacks (Panasonic calls it “Infinite Black Panelâ€Â).
Panasonic claims it has perfected motion resolution with all 1080 lines of HD resolution (per picture height) now visible on all many of its Neo PDP 1080p models. This was confirmed during a motion resolution demonstration using the same test material as the HD GURU®, a very impressive achievement and a plasma first. Panasonic has raised the firing rate of the sub-fields that make up each of the 60 frames per second. The rate is now 600 Hz up from 480. Panasonic claims this higher rate contributes to its full motion resolution. By comparison, 120 Hz LCD flat panels produce 120 frames per second and panels tested using standard CCFL backlights achieve only around 600 lines of motion resolution.
The new plasma’s black levels appeared outstanding and lower then the 2008 model series, though confirmation that its black level is lower than Pioneers KURO models will have to wait until a production sample becomes available.
In LCD Panasonic expanded the line with six new series with screen sizes from 19†to 37â€Â. New features included new 120 Hz Picture Pro3 coupled to its top rated IPS Alpha panel, and new narrower screen bezels. To date, Panasonic (like every other HDTV maker) has not released its 2009 pricing.
The plasma series from top to bottom are:
Z1 Series
Panasonic’s flagship plasma in 2009 is the single model Z1 series, which measures just an inch thick. It features Panasonic’s VIERA Cast Internet connectivity that enables the rental of streaming movies via Amazon’s video-on-demand as well as other services including photo uploads and downloads. The Z1 comes only as a 54†model. Key features include 40,000:1 contrast ratio with “infinite black panelâ€Â, a swivel table stand, 24p playback, 1080 lines motion resolution, wireless 1080p connectivity with included (separate) tuner/switcher, THX Certified, expanded color gamut via Digital Cinema Color (DCC) and full 1080 lines motion resolution. Available in June, the model number is TC-54Z1
V10 Series
It’s only 2 inches thick and has built-in HDTV tuner. Features include 40,000:1 contrast ratio, 1080p Neo PDP panel, 1080 lines of motion resolution, DCC, VIERA Cast, THX certified, 4 HDMI/24p compatible inputs, and a swivel Base. Available in 50â€Â, 54†sizes (June), 58†and 65†(August) the models numbers are TC-P50V10, TC-P54V10, TC-P58V10 and TV-P65V10
G15 Series
The G15 series is also 2†thick and features 1080p resolution with Neo PDP Infinite Black high efficiency plasma panel, 40,000:1 contrast ratio, 1080 lines motion resolution, DCC, VIERA Cast, THX certified, SD card slot for still photos and AVCHD motion playback and 3 HDMI inputs. Available in June in 42†46†and 50†screen sizes with respective model numbers TC-P42G15, TC-P46G15 and TC-50G15.
G10 Series
The G10 series is offered in 42â€Â, 46†50†and 54†screen sizes. Unlike the above series, the G10s are standard depth plasmas (around 3.5â€Â). The G10 uses Panasonics new “green†(low power) Neo PDP technology with Infinite Black and 40,000:1 contrast ratio and full 1080 lines of motion resolution. Features include VIERA Cast Internet connectivity, THX Certification, SD card slot for still photos & AVCHD home movies and 3 HDMI inputs. The 42â€Â, 46†and 50†models will be available in March with the 54†arriving in May. The model numbers are TC-42PG10, TC-46PG10, TC-50PG10 and the TC-54PG10.
S1 Series
This line has all screen sizes Panasonic offers (42â€Â, 46â€Â, 50â€Â, 54â€Â, 58†and 65â€Â). All are Full HD 1080p Neo PDP with full motion 1080 lines resolution, 40:000:1 contrast ratio, with 3 HDMI inputs, SD card slot for photo viewing and standard depth cabinet. The 42â€Â, 46†and 50†will arrive in April. The 54â€Â, 58†and 65†will ship in June. Model numbers are TC-P42S1, TC-P46S1, TC-P50S1, TC-P54S1, TC-P58S1 and TC-P65S1.
S14 Series
This 1080p line is intended for warehouse clubs like Costco and features the energy efficient Neo PDP Infinite Black panel with a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, VIERA Image photo SD card slot and over 900 lines of motion resolution. Available as the 54†TC-54PS14, the 50†TC-50PS14 and the 42†TC-42PS14
U1 Series
This 1080p line is in the 42â€Â, 46†and 50†sizes. Native contrast ratio is 30,000:1 but does not have the high-energy efficiency NEO PDP panel technology. It includes VIERA Image photo SD card slot, over 900 lines motion resolution and 3 HDMI inputs. The 50†TC-P50U1 ships in April, and the 42†TC-P42U1 and 46†TC-P 46U1 arrives in stores in May.
X1 Series
This series is the replacement for the 2008 PX80 series of 720p plasmas. None of the 2009 720p models have Neo PDP panels. The improvements over the 2008 models include: an increased contrast ratio to 30,000:1 and over 900 lines (per picture height) of motion resolution. All X1 models have 3 HDMI inputs and Viera image viewer. Available in March the series comes in 42†and 50†screen sizes. Model numbers are TC-P42X1 and TC-P50X1
C1 Series
720p HDTVs feature an Viera Image Viewer SD card slot for still photos, 15,000:1 contrast ratio with over 900 lines motion resolution and 3 HDMI inputs. Available in April as the 42†TC-42C1 and the 50†TC-50C1.
PX14 Series
This line is designed for the warehouse clubs and consists of a 42†and 50†720p models with 15,000: 1 contrast, over 900 lines of motion resolution and Viera Image Viewer SD slot. Models are the TC-42PX14 and the TC-50PX14.
Panasonic’s LCD Line
The 2009 Panasonic LCD HDTV expands to 5 model series as follows from top to bottom:
G1 Series
Two models with 1080p 120 Hz wide angle IPS Alpha LCD panels, 20,000:1 native contrast ratio, Viera Image Viewer SD Card slot for still photos, PC input, swivel Base, narrow screen bezel, 3 HDMI inputs and a PC input. They will ship in May as the 37†TC-L37G1 and the 32†TC-L32G1
S1 Series
Two models with 1080p resolution, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, IPS Alpha wide view panel, Motion Focus Technology for improved motion resolution, Viera Image Viewer, PC input and 3 HDMI inputs. The S1 line will ship in March as the 37†TC-L37S1 and the 32†TC-L32S1.
X1 Series
720p resolution panels with 12,000:1 contrast ratio, iPod connectivity and control with supplied kit, Viera image viewer and a PC input. The 32†and 37†X1 models have 3 HDMI inputs and ships in March as the TC-L32X1 and TC-L37X1. The 26†TC-L26X1 ships in May with 2 HDMI inputs and the 19†TC-L19X1 with 2 HDMI inputs will arrive in August.
LX14 Series
This series will be available only in warehouse clubs in the 32†and 26†size class. Features include 12,000:1 contrast ratio, Viera Image Viewer and 720p resolution. The 32†model uses an IPS wide-angle viewing LCD panel. The TC-32LX14 and TC-26LX14 shipping dates have not yet been announced.
C12 Series
Offered in the 32†screen size with 720p resolution, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, Viera Image viewer, PC input and 2 HDMI inputs. It will ship as the TC-L32C12 in April.
HD GURU|Email
Copyright 2009 HD GURU® Inc. All Rights Reserved. HD GURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. HD GURU® is not responsible for errors or omissions.
28 Comments
Leave a Reply
r4i
Reproduces deep black levels and excellent shadow detail; solid color saturation; adequate connectivity with three HDMI and two component-video inputs; relatively efficient for a big-screen plasma.
I thought to myself the other days, “gee that tv on that wall in the shop looks nice, whats it called?” and it was a viera and it was 50″ so i thought id buy one and now find out that theres different models and they do different thing. I just wanted a good 50″ full HD Viera and now i wouldnt have a clue which one is best! So ill just stick with the crappy chunky tv i already got i guess lol
Gerry or anyone else who owns this Model. Does it have PIP? This is a deal breaker for me.
I just purchased Panasonic Viera TC-P54S1. Very pleased except for ImageViewer that displays SD card pictures. Puts them on screen in somewhat random order even though when viewing on the Canon camera or computer it displays them in order taken. Anyone else have this problem?
Do you have any information on the quality of the 24p playback of the Panasonic TC-42PX14?
Can someone please post if any of these new Panasonic Plasma’s have Picture-in-Picture? The Samsungs Plasma’s have them and I think that is a major feature to have. An example you can use it is: You are waiting for your online video game to start, but it is taking a long time to start. So you got PIP and watch TV while it finds an online match. Once the Match is about to start you hit the “swap” button and play your game. No more pressing “Tv/video/input” and cyclyling through.
[email protected]
I just saw a Viera L42C10 LCD TV here in Manila, Philippines & the store said it’s one of the latest Panasonics. Problem now is I can’t seem to find any literature on the net even from the Panasonic website. I’m sure it’s a C10 & not a C1.
Anyone who can help me?
BTW, picture looks great IMO. Screen is glossy too with great contrast.
Panasonic is a solid brand. Been hoping they would manufacture a 46″ or larger LCD for years. When they do, I’ll buy it. I know all the hype about Plasma, but with burn-in potential, lack of dejudder and with plasma basically being primitive tech on its death bed–no thanks.
Give it to me straight 46″ Samsung LCD vs. 50″ Panasonic Plasma – Exact same price – which is better? i need to know now.
In response to “jdh”, really sorry to hear that! I was thinking that the new Panny V10 would be great on all levels and then the neo pdp less energy use would tip it for me, as it seems no one else has this technology. Does anyone know differently?
I have seen this years Panasonics and they are not all that. I wanted to believe in them because it seems that everyone thinks they are the best. When put them beside the new Samsung PN50B650 the Panasonics looked like very old technology. The screen was gray between scenes and not black and the picture looked washed out and not very sharp in comparison to the Samsung plasma. I did change the settings at the store and stared at them for over an hour and a half and it was very hard to find anything that the Pansasonic had on the Samsung.
I’m stunned at “rathernotsay’s” comment. Since when does LCD have or will ever have a far deeper Black Level than ever imagined. Dude, you need to seriously do better research. There is no LCD on the market now or expected within 2 years to even come CLOSE to competing with either the Panny or Kuro Elite in Black level. Backlighting adds richness but it still is eons away from competing in Black levels. I also seriously question many of the comments. The new Pannys won’t don’t come close to the black levels of the last Kuro? Um, I saw the tested results of the Panny 800u and the kuro Elite..The Kuro had better black yes but not by MUCH. The two sets were nearly identical in several areas. So if as stated, the New Pannys have lower black levels then they should be as low as the Kuro certainly if not lower. You guys really need to do your research.
On the US Panasonic site it lists the specs of the TC-L37G1.They just can not seem to get it right,they make good quality products,but they keep messing with the design. Last year they put a clear panel on their top of the line LCD 1080P set,so of course I could not buy that one because that defeated the reason to go LCD in the first place …Reflection on the Clear Panel.
Now this year according to the specs they only offer 1 Component Video Input, so again it will not meet my needs.
Were do they hire their design teams??? Dah.Cheaping out on the inputs is no way to go.
These plasma tv would have looked nicer if only they get rid of that lip at the bottom. It detracts from the slickness of the design…making it out of place and distracting. The Z1 would hve looked slicker. Too bad it doesn’t come smaller :( Oh well, we just hope that Panasonic buys Pioneer’s Kuro technology and take over the 10G panel collaboration.
Is there going to be a 42″ version of the V10 plasma?
Hopefully panny will improve video processing… what they have now isn’t going to impress anybody. Hopefully they will license and use Pio’s design.
Also, despite being a plasma, they *NEED* to implement motion smoothing because 1) it can be cool and people are impressed by the effect and 2) film rate is still distracting, you need to slightly soften that motion.
Third, they need to get rid of that extra sheet of glass and apply a good AG/AR directly to the glass. The reflections and optical inefficiency created by the extra layer are a problem. Follow Pio’s example on this.
Hi,
Don’t expect too much – it’s the usual incremental improvements from Panasonic all within bodged ranges around the world – the blacks will be ever so very slightly better than last year but do not expect anything extraordinary or G9 Kuro busting – they will be a million miles away from that. Also, let’s see id the SD performance improves this year – I doubt it as Panny’s have just average processing.
I am very disappointed with Panny’s plasma range – there is going to be an onslaught of LED Backlit LCD’s which promise blacks never dreamed of before on an LCD and with so many LCD brand advertising them to the max and shoving them the markets throat, Panny needed to make a quantam leap in performance – This range is hardly it.
Thanks for the info. To me it’s not that complicated. I’ll likely buy the bottom (cheapest) model that has the new NEO PDP panel, which seems to be the S1 or S14 line (depending on where I buy it). Not sure what size yet but whichever I can get for as close to $1000 as possible. Yes, I could spend more, but why? It’s still just a TV. It’s not like there’s ever anything on, even with my DVR. Get one 42-46″ for near $1k and I’ll be happy I’m not one of those who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. I just don’t see spending thousands on a giant sized idiot box. A 42″ Panasonic idiot box will be plenty for me.
Carl Taylor cannot give away Panasonic Plasma?
who do you work for Carl, SONY? any so called
customer when told what to look for, will ditch
LCD immediately, LCD has to many shotcomings,
the biggest is BLUR!! no amount of frame generation
can overcome the problem, its inherent in the technology, why do you think Sony are spending big
on OLED! Samsung are also spending huge amounts
on alternative display methods, YOU all have forgotten about SED which Canon will launch as soon
as the current crisis subsides,
As much as I love Panasonic plasma tv, I cannot give them away at work. The consumer will buy a Sony XBR6 at twice the price. The 120 hz coupled with the Blue Ray player displays a picture that simply “sells em”.
We hooked up a BDP to the 1080p Panasonic and it just did not look as good.
Any comments?
With today’s Panasonic announcement regarding cutbacks and 6 month delayed investment in new manufacturing facilities do you think the production of the V series models will be delayed? I think the 54″ model has my name on it!
I don’t get it u’re saying the black levels are lower than the 2008 levels and probably lower than the kuros 2008 , is that supossed to be good? I thought higher black levels meant better contrast :/
These new Panels seem stellar. No wonder Pioneer is outsourcing them(or is it insourcing). I am on the fence myself between the Th-pz800 and PDP-5020FD. I have been leaning towards the Panny but haven’t pulled the trigger. I am waiting to see if they got the 24p jitter bug worked out yet. I can’t believe they would sell a TV with that big of a “deffect”. Yes I said defect!!
Wondering if you could compare specs with the whole Pioneer line of plasmas. Does Pioneer have 1080 lines of motion resolution on any set? Does anyone know what Pioneer’s requirements for the 10G panel Panasonic is making for them are? I wonder how they spell that out (if they say we want contrast ration greater than or equal to x or absoulte black level to be y and max output to be z, or do they spec in terms of engineering – what materials and what tolerances – I guess I’m asking who will do the engineering requirements on the new line – Panasonic or Pioneer).
The Z1 looks great.
Are your release more accurate than the Panasonic CES press release? It said the 50″ V10 will be out in May but you are saying it will be out June. Not a huge difference but just curious if that is correct.
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=322752&modelNo=Content01072009012646554&surfModel=Content01072009012646554
Yes. The product release schedule is based upon the latest updated information supplied by Panasonic .
HD GURU
I’m looking forward to some accurate pricing info and your reviews. Especially if you compare these new Panasonic models to the Kuro. I know many people that are waiting to buy a 50″+ set and are really hoping that these outperform the Kuro and are priced much less, including myself.
Gary,
Thanks for breaking down Panasonic’s 2009 models. I think all the different plasma model lines will be confusing to the consumer. Excluding the warehouse club models, there are 8 plasma model lines, the Z1, V10, G15, G10, S1, U1, X1 and C1. In my opinion, Panasonic should have one 720p model line and 3 or 4 1080p models like they did in 2008. In 2008 they had the PX80, PZ80, PZ85, PZ800 and PZ850 model lines. If I was on the market for a 50″ Panasonic plasma in 2009 I’d have 6 models to choose from (exluding the warehouse models), the TC-P50V10, TC-50G15, TC-50PG10, TC-P50S1, TC-P50U1, TC-P50X1 and the TC-50C1. I think that’s just too confusing to the average consumer.