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Panasonic 65-inch Smart VIERA WT600 Ultra HD TV (eyes-on)
Panasonic's 65-inch Smart VIERA WT600 UHD TV may have hit the market as a "me too" 4K TV, but it sure does look nice -- even when placed right next to some of the competition. Thanks to its embedded H.264 decoder, we saw it run 4K content straight off an SDXC card and streamed from the internet (after about 10-15 seconds of loading). Interestingly, while the TV supports the fresh and still-unfamiliar HDMI 2.0 spec, a good chunk our demo session was done over DisplayPort 1.2a to show the display's ability to pump out 60fps 4K content -- unlike existing competitors, which cap out at 30fps. Aside from faster frame rates, it was apparent in our viewing session that the out-of-box settings on a Sony XBR-65X900A ($5,499) had overly boosted reds, while both it and a Samsung F9000 ($5,000) dropped in for the demo showed pronounced haloing. Now we just want to see all of these TVs running 4K content fed from a player using HDMI 2.0 -- whenever that's fully standardized.
Panasonic confirms 65-inch Smart VIERA WT600 UHD TV with HDMI 2.0
The paint is still wet on the new HDMI 2.0 specification, and already it's getting some use. Panasonic's rumored new Smart VIERA WT600 TV with support for the new 4K / 60fps input, as well as DisplayPort 1.2a, has just been given the official nod. The 65-inch set also offers up a built-in H.264 decoder, so you'll be able to play all that 4K content direct from USB drives, SD cards and directly from the internet (thanks to the onboard WiFi). Other features include personalized home screens so users can pick up their favorite content quickly, and voice control via the touch pad remote. The WT600 is available to pre-order starting today, for an October ship date, costing a cent shy of $6,000.
Panasonic buries rumors of plasma TV's death
A certain demographic of home theater connoisseurs has fretted for a few weeks over talk that Panasonic might end plasma TV production and research -- would viewers have to resort to anything so vulgar as... an LCD? No, Panasonic says. Despite earlier claims of frozen development, the company's merchandising VP Henry Hauser is emphatic that there remains "room for further improvement" in the plasma realm, and that Panasonic fully intends to develop upgrades. The Viera ZT series we saw at CES will be a launchpad for future work, according to the executive. Hauser's full statement awaits after the break if there are any lingering doubts; for now, it appears that Panasonic values plasma's distinct qualities as much as the next basement movie maven.
Panasonic announces HSN Shop by Remote for Viera Connect
If you're the shop-till-you-drop type who can't stand to get off the couch, you'll soon be able to peruse over 40,000 HSN products directly from Panasonic's Viera Connect. The on demand channel will allow you to browse all that merchandise and see the corresponding videos, along with other info like customer reviews. Once you've selected a product you'll be able to purchase it with the remote, provided you have a TV or Blu-Ray model equipped with the service. That way, if your Snuggie is starting to get worn out, you won't have to but lift the remote to get a replacement.
Engadget's back to school guide 2012: HDTV
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. Today, we're settling down in front of a few of our favorite HDTVs, but you can head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the series we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Students today can catch high-quality video on a variety of screens -- computers, phones and tablets are probably always within reach -- but nothing can truly replace a TV's role as the center of entertainment. Whether it's a quick Madden or Call of Duty session, inviting a friend over to catch a flick or just zoning out after class, having the proper setup makes all the difference, and there are plenty of options at every price point. Of course, walking into any big-box electronics store to peer down aisles of seemingly identical flat screens could drive anyone mad before they ever step on campus, so we've narrowed down the list for you, and even suggested a few other items to plug into those HDTVs. Expanding feature sets and universal pricing have raised average prices a bit over last year, but we can find something to fit whether your budget ranges from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
Panasonic details US availability for 25 of its 2012 HDTVs
Too busy multitasking to make any important decisions? You might want to bookmark this post, then, because Panasonic just spat out a wallop of a press release outlining US availability (but not pricing) details for 25 of its 2012 HDTVs. Starting with those Infinite Black Ultra plasmas we saw at CES, the 65-inch VT50 is coming later this month, but you'll have to wait until April for the 50-inch GT50. If you can settle for a set with an Infinite Black Pro panel, though, the ST50 series is available now in 50- and 55-inch sizes, with the 60- and 65-inchers coming this month and in April, respectively. Moving down the 3D Plasma totem pole, the UT50 series will start tricking out this month in 42- and 50-inch flavors, with 55- and 60-inch counterparts following in April and May. The most affordable of the models listed, the 50-inch XT50 series, will go on sale before the month's end. Had your heart set on an LED number? If you recall, Panasonic announced a boatload of those at CES, and this press release doesn't even mention all of them, but so far we know the E5 series (32 and 37 inches), the E50 series (42, 47 and 55 inches), the lower-end X5 series (32 inches) and the 47-inch TC-L47DT50 (part of the high-end DT50 series) will all be available this month. Want the best and the biggest? Panasonic is shipping its 3D-capable, 55-inch DT50- and WT50-series sets in May. Rounding out the list, there's Panasonic's first polarized 3D TVs, which will be available later this month in 47- and 55-inch flavors, with a 42-incher following in April. Got it? Good. You sure? In case you need a moment to digest all those dates and model numbers, tap the source link below to find detailed specs, along with confirmed pricing -- something you won't see anywhere in that extensive press release.
Panasonic prices 2012 Blu-ray lineup, high-end units due in May
Panasonic has officially priced-out its 2012 Blu-ray player lineup announced back at CES, and it includes no fewer than six boxes (and price-points) for you to choose from. Four of the new players -- ranging in price from $150 to $350 -- are capable of playing your favorite Blu-ray flicks in 3D and come with Panasonic's Viera Connect service, which provides access to online content from Amazon, Hulu and Netflix and a host of applications including Facebook, Skype and Twitter. The 2D models -- which range from $90 to $120 -- aren't left out in the cold when it comes to connectivity, and include IP VOD support for streaming web-content. What's more, the entire 2012 lineup is DLNA-enabled, can be controlled via a smartphone app and, with the exception of the DMP-BD77, has WiFi built-in. Four of the six units are available for purchase immediately, but you're going to have to wait until May if you're interested in the two higher-end models. Mosey on past the break to view the full press release.
Panasonic's new Social TV app puts Twitter and Facebook next to your TV shows
Panasonic's Viera TVs have included social apps for a while, but its latest upgrade brings an integrated Social TV app designed to let viewers access Twitter and Facebook streams without totally covering up the action. Also new? A gaming app from PlayJam and a Bollywood movie channel, BigFlix. If you still need a reason to log in, a tie-in with Gameloft will let users download three games including Asphalt5 for free. Check after the break for a couple more screens and the press release -- we'll be over here live tweeting the Kardashian divorce with E! on if you need us.
Panasonic's Viera Connect developer portal opens to eager TV app creators
Panasonic has already lured some big names to its Viera Connect platform, like MLB and Hulu, now the company is opening up to smaller devs who want to see their creations blown up for the big screen without the aid of additional hardware. The SDK went live back in January, but now the company is providing an easy path from creation to release for its smart TV ecosystem. Of course, Panasonic still maintains final control over what apps make it to the Viera market, but expect new games and streaming video sources to start popping up soon. Check out the PR after the break.
Panasonic's 1.4 GHz dual-core Smart TV chip is industry's fastest, should load Netflix quicker
The next step for Panasonic's UniPhier family of processors for HDTVs and Blu-ray players has been unveiled, taking form as a 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A9 based design that it claims is the industry's fastest for TVs. The MN2WS0220 will begin sample shipments this month and it can handle two HDTV streams, plus internet content and smart TV apps all at once while cutting power consumption from the previous generation by 40%. This follows in the footsteps of Toshiba's Cell-based CEVO TV processors that also bring multiple cores and high speed memory to bear. The other question of course is backwards compatibility, while some of the new Viera Connect apps for 2011 were also compatible with 2010 HDTVs, it'll be interesting to see if Panasonic's platform can take advantage of the new chip without making televisions that are currently on shelves obsolete, or if it considers joining forces with the Google TV cadre for apps like SlingPlayer and OnLive.
Withings WiFi Body Scale enters the living room on Panasonic VIERA Connect TVs
Have you recently considered a Withings WiFi Body Scale only to be dismayed by its inability to display your weight on your living room TV? Well, today's your lucky day (for some of you, at least), as the company has just announced that a Withings app is now available for Panasonic VIERA Connect-enabled TVs, which will let you access your complete Health Dashboard from the comfort of your couch, or recliner as the case may be. Full press release is after the break.
Eyes on with the VT30, Panasonic's flagship 3D plasma
The latest and greatest (and largest) 3D plasmas from Panasonic are finally shipping, including the flagship, THX-certified Viera VT30 sets with their single sheet of glass panels and Infinite Black Pro2 filters. We first caught a glimpse of these bad boys back at CES and we've been impatiently waiting for a chance to blast our retinas with their PDP goodness in all three dimensions. The company was nice enough to invite us over recently to have a little TV powwow that featured an uncomfortable amount of Avatar on Bluray. Keep reading after the break for all the not-so-gory details. %Gallery-123262%
Logitech's 720p TV Cam lets you get your Skype on your 2011 Viera Connect HDTV
If you have yourself a Skype-compatible 2011 Viera Connect HDTV from Panasonic but still find your living room lacking the optics required to make high-latency VOIP calls that much more interesting, you now have yet another option courtesy of Logitech. The company has just announced its TV Cam for Skype, a 720p model that, if we didn't know better, we'd say was exactly the same as the camera you can get for the Revue -- which is also a dead ringer for the C910. Anyhow, it'll do 720p video, has cool blue lights, and is set to be available sometime this month for $149.99. More details in the PR after the break.
Panasonic Viera AR Setup Simulator app augments the reality of your TV dream (video)
A cardboard cut-out, really? You pasted a 50-inch rectangle of stiffened paper to the wall in order to preview the flatscreen of your dreams within your new Vitsoe shelving system? For shame. A true nerd, nay, a real man would have cast aside those arts and crafts for Panasonic's new Viera AR Setup Simulator app. Just grab the wall or pedestal AR marker from the printer and place it wherever you hope to showcase that new Panny. Then watch the app augment your reality through the iPhone's camera. Don't cost nothin' but your time, starting with the 60 second video embedded after the break.
Panasonic puts pricetags on 2011 Blu-ray players, HTIB & soundbars
Of course, it's not all about new TVs, as Panasonic also took the opportunity today to bust out MSRPs for a slew of other home theater products. As it mentioned at CES, the connected features of its 2011 Blu-ray players are taking center stage, with Skype access through Viera Cast, while they also claim to feature the industry's fastest playback, measuring at half the booting and loading time of the 2010 lineup. One other key feature is the ability to use an iPhone as a WiFi connected remote and load movies, music or pictures onto the phone then play them on the HDTV. The top of the line DMP-BDT310 should arrive in May while the rest are already making their way to store shelves, check the press releases after the break for full details on those, a soundbar and a few HTIB systems.
Panasonic celebrates higher plasma TV sales for 2010, sets prices for 2011
After setting its LED pricing for the year to come, Panasonic has finally set its plasma HDTV info in stone. Again matching the information leaked from retailers, the MSRPs (before any retailer discounts) range from the 65-inch TC-P65VT30 sticking at $4,299 down to the $599 720p TC-P42X3. Also of note is the inclusion of not only the previously announced S30 series without 3D technology or the new Infinite Black 2 panel (unlike the step-up ST30 models) but there will also apparently be a V30 line without the 3D fittings, although there's no specs, prices or ship dates mentioned. Last year the only top of the line model available was the VT25, although there was a 2D only V20-series plasma available in Australia and other regions. 3D or no, things appear to be looking up for plasma TVs, with shipments jumping nine percent last year. Check the press release after the break for all the details, but we'll have to wait until the TVs to arrive to find out if Panasonic is going to be able to hold onto its crown again.
Panasonic's 2011 HDTVs shown off in Japan with prices, March release dates
Panasonic's found time to show off its latest series of HDTVs in Japan, including the new top 3D-capable VT3, GT3 and ST3 generation plasmas, and DT3 LCDs, . As one might expect, the feature list is predictably similar to the US models with the next iteration of 3D panel technology, including a few Japan-specific features like VOD services and recording TV to USB drives. According to AV watch it looks like the starting prices have gone down slightly YoY as well, with the new 50-inch VT3 predicted to arrive March 18 for 380,000 yen ($4,654) down from 430,000 yen ($5,267) last year. The lower end GT3 series and new DT3 3D LCDs should arrive a week earlier on March 11, though we'll probably have to wait until much closer to launch again to find out precisely what the predictably lower US pricing will be this time around. Click on through for all the details you can stand in the meantime.
Panasonic's CES 2011 HD lineup: Blu-ray players, 3D video conferencing, HDTVs, audio gear
Panasonic's blowing it out here at CES, partciularly on the HD front. There's a boatload of new content to disgest, so we'll take you through it all step-by-step below: For starters, Panasonic is dishing out seven new plasma HDTVs, six new LED LCDs and five new standard LCD HDTVs. For the 2011 model year, Panny's introducing the VT30 series, GT30 and ST30 lines, and two of the LED LCDs are joining its array of Full HD 3D TVs. Naturally, the biggest addition to the new sets is the Viera Connect system, but the Easy IPTV functionality is another boon. For those who've got a Viera Cast-enabled BD deck, Panny's adding Skype voice and video calling. The addition of Skype to Panasonic's new DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, and DMP-BDT110 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players allows consumers to make Skype voice and video calls on virtually any HDTV using a Skype-compatible camera. As for new Blu-ray and DVD players? There's a near-limitless flow of them, with the DMP-B200 (8.9-inch display) and DVD-LS92 (9-inch) portable players serving the road warriors. The DMP-BDT210 3D Blu-ray deck is now holding down the top spot in the company's at-home range, and if you're still down with DVD, you'll find a load of new options with USB ports for loading up additional media. The company is also debuting the April-bound SC-HTB520 soundbar, meant to match up with flat-panels that are 42-inches or larger, and it's also throwing in a wireless, down-firing subwoofer. Finally, Panny's introducing 3D video conferencing (HDVC), which may or may not make your weekly boardroom meetings entirely more tolerable. Head on down to the source for more, but don't expect to find much in the way of price and availability. %Gallery-112812%
Panasonic opens up Viera Connect apps to other manufacturers, SDK to devs & gets Hulu Plus
As the connected TV battle continues to heat up, Panasonic is arming its Viera platform by bringing in allies. Dubbed Viera Connect, it builds on the old Viera Cast system by opening up the SDK to developers, and increasing the audience by opening up access to its middleware and market for other device manufacturers. Falling somewhere between Samsung's more closed Samsung Apps experience and the Google TV approach, Panasonic's 2011 TVs and Blu-ray players will come out of the gate with apps like MLB.tv., Hulu Plus, NBA Gametime, Asphalt 5, Tetris and more. Even videogame peripheral manufacturer Thrustmaster is getting in the mix with two wireless gamepads. Check the press release for all the details and new apps for this year.
Panasonic's Android-based Viera Tablet unveiled at CES 2011
Panasonic has just revealed the Viera tablet at its CES 2011 press conference. What we know so far is that it's Android based and will be available in 4, 7, and 10-inch sizes. Besides the difference in screen size, each of the tablets will feature identical hardware. Panasonic is positioning the device mainly as a TV companion. Using a feature called Viera Connect, tablet owners will have the flexibility to transfer content between the tablet and TV -- or even view the same content simultaneously from different angles. The tablet will also function as a remote for controlling home theater components and content. Pricing in the US is unlikely to be announced in the near term, but further details related to its Japan launch will be revealed later today. Check out more images of the device in the gallery below. %Gallery-112792% %Gallery-112790%
