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Panasonic's 103-inch glasses-less 3D plasma panel arrives at IFA (eyes-on)
While it might not be as huge as the Super Hi Vision panel lingering in the same darkened theater, Panasonic's new 103-inch demonstration display has the ability to offer up a 3D view to five different viewers -- as long as they're in the right visual sweet spot. The effect is subtle, natural, although colors felt little bit muted compared to the 145-inch prototype, with the demo videos drawing us in to its demo reel, rather than pushing out an image. The plasma display panel prototype is also glasses-free, with the 4K2K screen able to push out enough pixels to offer these multiple viewing angles. But again, there's no substitute for being there yourself.%Gallery-163828% Follow all of our IFA 2012 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Panasonic's 103-inch 3D plasma hits for massive $100,000 price
Incredibly, Panasonic's been the proud parent of a 103-inch plasma since January 2006. Here we are almost five years later learning off a 3D variant, model TH-P103MT2. The Full HD 3D plasma with 5m:1 native contrast ratio is expected to cost about 8.5 million yen or a bit more than $100,000 when Panny begins taking orders tomorrow, November 18th -- and that still doesn't include the cost to ship, handle, and install the 439 pound TV onto the wall of your country estate. At least it ships with one pair of active shutter glasses.
Panasonic slashes price of 103-inch plasma
Finding itself in the odd position of selling a suddenly low-end 103-inch 1080p plasma, Panasonic has responded by cutting the price of the professional model TH-103PF10UK by $20,000 to a mere $50,000. Despite waiting over two years to move to a much more reasonable, mass market price the company has racked up over 6,000 installs of the model, with displays starring at the Democratic National Convention, as virtual air hockey tables, on NBC's Sunday Night Football and Beijing Olympics studio, TNT's NBA Playoffs set and more. This seems like a good time to mention the display is also capable of being matrixed in a 5 x 5 video wall -- and at these prices, we can't see why anyone wouldn't. Of course, they could just be clearing stock to bring out the 150-inch behemoth or a more home oriented TH-103PZ800 model Stateside, so weigh your options carefully.
Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 4 103-inch plasma on sale in USA: $93,050
So, there are two ways to look at this: the first is that this television set costs almost as much as many homes, while the second is that it's around $40,000 cheaper than the Euro-conversion price. Specially designed for plutocrats who need to brag that Mark Cuban has the bargain version of their HDTV, Bang & Olufsen's 103-inch BeoVision 4-103 plasma brings along a 1080p panel and plenty of wow. The unit has just been let loose here in America, going on a US press tour and becoming available for special order for those with loads of disposable income. It can be purchased in an array of color options including black, silver, red, blue, and dark grey, though there is a three to four month lead time for each set. The pain? $93,050 on wall mount, $111,805 on motorized floor stand -- though we hear that it's hand delivered by Dos Equis himself.
Bang & Olufsen's 103-inch BeoVision 4-103 plasma is gorgeous, pricey
Plasma's dying, huh? Go and tell that to Bang & Olufsen. Just in case the 50- and 65-inch versions of the BeoVision 4 HDTV weren't expansive enough, the high-end home cinema outfitter has just pushed out news of an all new addition: the 103-inch BeoVision 4-103. If that number immediately rings a bell, here's a cookie. The 103-inch Panasonic TH-103PF9 panel is indeed the exact one used here, but B&O has obviously spruced up the design, added an automatic rising stand and incorporated the BeoSystem 3 and the VisionClear technology that automatically adjusts colors and brightness. Oh, and it tossed in a B&O logo, which is darn near priceless. Speaking of stickers, the set should be available this July for around €100,000 ($136,220) pre-VAT. Check the demonstration vid after the break.[Thanks, John]
Panasonic's 103-inch plasma repurposed as multitouch air hockey table
With VIZIO and Pioneer jumping out of the plasma game, we can totally foresee sales of Panasonic's 103-inch PDP skyrocketing. All kidding aside, a startup arcade would be ludicrous to not shove one of these into the center of the action. What you're looking at above is a mutltitouch air hockey table, made possible by Panny's ginormous plasma and a U-Touch overlay from uicentric. The table was on display over in Amsterdam at ISE 2009, and quite frankly, we're intensely envious of the attendees who were able to blow off some steam by grabbing a game on this. Obligatory video is just past the break.
No new HDTV size record to be shattered at CES 2009
For awhile there, it seemed like companies were coming out of the woodwork to showcase the newest "world's largest HDTV" at CES. Now that we've hit the 150-inch point, though, analysts aren't expecting anything to one-up that at next year's show. In an interview with Panasonic Professional Display's Andrew Nelkin, he confessed that he saw 150-inches as a "natural stopping point." For starters, it's big enough for most commercial applications, and moreover, anything larger becomes nearly impossible to install in a single piece. He even felt that the 150-inch ceiling may remain intact for years to come, but maybe he's just masking the development work on a bigger set that's already on a boat headed for Vegas.
Panasonic bundles 103-inch plasma, Blu-ray player in 3D home theater package
Didn't see anything that particularly suited your fancy at CEDIA? Then feast your eyes on CEATEC. As the Japan-based trade show hastily approaches, out pops a mind-boggling new home theater package from Panasonic. The system will include one of its marvelous 103-inch plasma HDTVs, a Blu-ray player and at least one set of fancy 3D goggles. Hailed as a world's first in some form or fashion, the Full HD 3D package utilizes an undisclosed format "employed by major Hollywood film studios" to "distribute full HD images of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels to each eye via synchronized shutter glasses." Panny is hoping to promote the technology and possibly get a leg up on Samsung (our assumption) by impressing wealthy homeowners and members of the Blu-ray Disc Association. As expected, there's no mention of a price, but rest assured -- you'll be stuck choosing between this and a new BMW.[Via Impress]
Panasonic's new 103-inch plasma found hidden in display jungle
While Panny's 150-inch plasma from CES gets its very own room at the Panasonic booth, the new "budget-friendly" TH-103PZ800 103-inch plasma was relegated to a bit part in the back row of an artsy, rock garden-planted collection of displays. We don't have much to say about the actual display, and we're sure that anyone planning to drop $50k on one will be doing a bit more than taking our word for it anyways, but trust us when we tell you that the 150-incher makes the 103 look like a tiny pretend television for tiny pretend people.Update: According to the card identifying all these displays, we were looking at the TH-103PF10, not the new 103PZ800, contrary to what we were told. Maybe Panny got the card wrong, but we're gonna have a long talk with some Panasonic reps if we every make it back by the booth.%Gallery-30747%
Panasonic's biggest plasma HDTVs get a fall makeover
Panasonic's finally shipping the larger editions of its latest plasmas, from the updated and suddenly more famous 103-inch model to the 65- and 58-inch PZ800 series that have been leaking into U.S. stores recently. Japan also gets the top of the line PZR900 series that takes the YouTube access available in the latest PZ850 series and throws in a 1 TB DVR to go along with the 30,000:1 contrast ratio and acTVila HD video on-demand support, packed into 42-, 50-, and 58-inch panels. Of course, for those with 5.1 million yen ($48,314 U.S.) laying around and a large amount of wall space, the king sized TH-103PZ800 is nearly entry-level priced compared to its $70,000 predecessor, so why not treat yourself? You deserve it.Read - TH-103PZ800Read - TH-65PZ800, TH-58PZ800Read - TH-50PZR900, TH-46PZR900, TH-42PZR900
Panasonic's latest 103-inch 1080p plasma: step aside oil barons, this one's headed home
Hard to believe but Panasonic just introduced its third generation 103-inch plasma just in time for IFA. Model TH-103PZ800 adds a few more HDMI (4x 1080/24p) jacks with Deep Color and x.v.Color support, a smattering of tuners, a 10,000:1 contrast, and VIERA Link compatibility to ease the connectivity of all your like-minded, Panny gear. In fact, this set looks primed for home-use, not just the businesses and trust-funders targeted by Panny's previous monster sets. Ready for order on August 26th (shipping in September for Japan) for ¥5.6 million or a bit more than $50k -- a steep, $20k price drop since February. But at 7-feet wide and nearly 6-feet tall you'll be paying a bit extra for professional installation to keep this 756-pound (343-kg) beast off your toes and out of your milkshake.[Via Impress]
Panasonic HDTVs take center stage at Democratic National Convention
Besides being covered in high definition for the first time, tonight when the Democratic National Convention kicks off, while comparing HD feeds, we'll be looking out for the three 103-inch Panasonic plasmas conveniently located behind the podium. As the "official" HDTV and High Definition Equipment provider it's also dropping 200 Viera Plasmas, 52 HD camcorders and DSLR cameras, 40 HD production monitors, two HD projectors and 100 laptops on the Obama/Biden camp. Of course we wonder where the 150-inch plasma is, but since appearing "elite" has already been a problem, we can see why they'd select a 103-inch model that's owned by at least one friend of ours. We wonder if anyone's vote will hinge on the all important issue of LCD vs. plasma.Update: You can check 'em out now on the live HD Silverlight / Move Networks powered stream at the Democratic National Convention website, along with hilariously out of sync and delirious dancing courtesy of convention attendees.
Panasonic manages to move 3,000 103-inch plasmas
We're thinking a round or two of golf claps are in order here, no? Since going on sale (in Japan) in July of 2006, Panasonic's gigantic 103-inch plasma has been purchased 3,000 times. If our math is even close to correct, that means that Panny has managed to move around 130 of these bad boys each month, which isn't too shabby given the original $70,000 sticker. If you're curious as to where these things actually go, you'll probably be disappointed to hear some rather expected answers: nightclubs, sports arena, resorts, universities, casinos and high-brow offices in big name cities. Looking for the most in one place? Head on down to Las Vegas' own Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, where 15 of these beasts were placed in its newly remodeled $20-million Race and Sports Book room.
Panasonic upgrades its 103-inch plasma: sorry, early adopters
Well, don't you feel silly. After springing for that 103-incher last year, Panasonic has made a mockery of your spendy home theater with a 150-inch display at CES, and now an upgraded version of the original 103-inch behemoth. The new TH-103PF10UK upgrades the video processing, anti-reflective coating, "wireless presentation capabilities," media card reader and adds dual HDMI, but the actual display seems to be the same as last time around. There's also a 100,000 hour warranty included, which is only fitting since we're guessing this new 103-inch won't be selling for much less than $70 grand. [Via Crave]
Runco's 103-inch XP-103DHD plasma gets price, ship date
Nary a month after Hitachi unveiled a 103-inch plasma of its own to take on Panasonic's beast, Runco is getting even more official about its own iteration that first surfaced at CEDIA. The CinemaWall XP-103DHD features a native 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, a 5,000:1 contrast ratio, provides ISF calibration modes and includes an HDCP-compliant DVI port. Additionally, its next-generation DHD Digital controller incorporates the firm's ViVix II digital video processing technology, which is said to provide "premium aspect ratio control" and prevent "double scaling." Of course, most of us will be lusting after this from afar -- unless you've no qualms with coughing up the $99,995 required to toss this under the tree when it lands in December, that is.
Hitachi unveils 103-inch 1080p plasma display of its own
While Panasonic's 103-inch plasma has had the spotlight for quite some time, Hitachi is hoping to steal some of that oh-so-lucrative high-end market share with one of its own. Matching the Panny inch-for-inch is the CMP1030FWJ, which sports a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, VGA / component / S-Video / composite inputs, a 5,000:1 contrast ratio, and audio out as well. Additionally, this behemoth weighs in at a whopping 485 pounds, and while we'd love to know the (presumably sky-high) price, those details have yet to be divulged. Notably, users not equipped with a den large enough to hold a 103-inch PDP can opt for Hitachi's also-new (and also unpriced) CMP650FWJ, which touts 65 expansive inches of Full HD goodness and features a 10,000:1 contrast ratio.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Panasonic's 103-inch plasma reviewed
Panasonic's TH-103FP9 103-inch plasma may have been dethroned at CES this year by Sharp, but it is still the king in our hearts, at least untill Sharp starts shipping its 108-inch LCD, that is. TrustedReviews had a chance to review the massive TV, and after the three-hour install by the crack specialty team -- including the use of an interior crane that we'd also like to get a look at -- they were very impressed with the picture quality. They were amazed that a TV this large didn't sacrifice contrast or color, and in fact, the only thing they could complain about was how bad it made some content look after enjoying 1080p in all its glory. Of course, they didn't like the $70,000 MSRP, but we suppose that is the price you have pay to watch a 103-inch screen in a well lit room. [Via Digital Media Thoughts]
Panasonic's TH-103PF9UK 103-inch plasma now shipping
As if the massive billboard just before the Lincoln Tunnel wasn't drool-worthy enough, and if you've been pinching those pennies ever since this beauty became available for pre-order, your wait is at long last over. Panny's mighty expansive 103-inch plasma is ready to go, and can be shipped out to your domicile right now for the not-exactly-convenient price of $69,999.95. While none of the specs have changed, at least this thing can start finding its way onto delivery trucks after all the gazing that's been done, but you might want to rent a forklift to hoist this monster up your stairs when it arrives. Oh, and if the 70 large is a bit too steep for you at the moment, Panasonic's being all generous and offering "special finance rates" if you prefer to make payments on this thing until kingdom come.
Follow-up: Panasonic 103-inch pricing
Following up on a story we wrote about earlier and got some estimates on this week, Panasonic has announced US pricing and availability for their massive 103-inch plasma that will be released later this year. The TH-103PZ600U has 1080p capability, a 4000:1 contrast ratio, and 4,096 steps of gradation, and will be yours for a mere seven hundred Benjamins -- US$ 70,000 -- and is expected to be available for delivery in time for Christmas 2006. Considering you may have to hold off on the payment for your new BMW 750 in order to pick one of these up, you can feel safe knowing that Panasonic has thrown in a three-year in-home warranty. Because each of these plasmas is built to order, and in no small part because of their size, they will have to be professionally installed, so be sure to save a couple of bottles of Dom Perignon for the unveiling ceremony. For those of us with normal budgets, the press release recommends we simply buy four 50-inch plasmas and duct-tape them together (okay, not exactly, but it would be cool to see! New addition to the Flickr pool anyone?)[ via TVPredictions and Electronic House ]
Matsushita's biggest eva
It took a while for them to get all 103 of those inches in order -- we first saw this display in January at CES, and were promised a 2006 release in April -- but Matsushita is finally ready to sell their "world's biggest plasma" to well-heeled customers with large empty spaces on their walls. At 473 pounds, you'd better hope that's an incredibly strong wall, but as for price we're still in the dark. With a 1080p resolution, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, the only display that comes close to this is Samsung's 102-incher, but not only does it miss a whole inch of real estate, Samsung still hasn't offered theirs up for sale yet. Around 5,000 of these will be made each year, so if you want to nab one by the holidays we recommend you pull out an indescribably large wad of cash and head on over to Japan before we beat you to it.