Panasonic VIERACast internet-enabled plasmas due this summer

After slipping past their original spring release date, Panasonic's PZ850 series of plasmas are no longer the only ones with YouTube support, but those desiring internet features, high contrast ratios and easy-access calibration settings can expect them on shelves this summer. The 46-, 50- and 58-inch versions should all be available in mid-June, with the 65-incher rolling out in August. Other than the IP features (Picasa access is also part of the package) the THX-certified PZ850s support h.264 playback from the SD card slot, RS-232C, 24p native playback, and a variety of display modes and settings to get the picture just the way the director intended, the way you like it, or anywhere in between. Check after the break for a list of prices, and our video hands on from CES 2008.

TH-65PZ850 - $7,999
TH-58PZ850 - $4,299
TH-50PZ850 - $3,499
TH-46PZ850 - $3,099

[OneLove @ May 20th 2008 2:00PM]

First! lol.

[OneLove @ May 20th 2008 2:01PM]

veronica!!!!!

[Blaine Oliver @ May 20th 2008 2:35PM]

First to post, last to get a girlfriend...

[OneLove @ May 20th 2008 2:08PM]

This shows no vision at all. Why would anyone want a locked down web interface? why not let people surf anywhere they want, like a real browser should.

[Colin Potter @ May 20th 2008 6:05PM]

as a matter of fact, why not install windows, add a tower and allow use of any applications.... oh... wait...

[phanbouy @ May 20th 2008 2:26PM]

TEH TV CAN HAZ TEH INTERNETZ!

[Colin Potter @ May 20th 2008 6:06PM]

i think this is very cool, i especially like the AVC playback on SD, its something I've wanted on the pannys for a while now

[boe @ May 21st 2008 10:12AM]

I LOVE the picture quality of the Pioneer sets. Let's hope Samsung and Sharp's larger sets encourage Pioneer to make a reasonably priced 80" screen as well.

[boe @ May 21st 2008 10:16AM]

Whoops - forgot to mention - Panasonics 150" was very impressive at CES - not because of the size but because they made the resolution so high that even at 150" it looked really good. Of course their 150" was out of most mortal's price range, it helps get the ball rolling. Even a 20" OLED set is obscenely expensive compared to any other technology, it is the beginning. I'm sure the first DVD player wasn't as good as a $50 one today but probably cost 20 times that.