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Power-guzzling plasmas could be barred by EU
While most of the plasmas these days aren't exactly energy guzzlers, some of the earlier models were notorious for eating up power at an alarming rate. According to a writeup in The Daily Mail, legislation could be passed by the EU this Spring that would bar those panels from being sold. A spokesman of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has already affirmed that more "eco-friendly" PDPs will remain on store shelves, though it's still unclear what exactly the cutoff will be in terms of energy usage. Granted, none of this should take anyone by surprise -- after all, it'll soon be difficult to find any sets in the US that don't sport that oh-so-important Energy Star 3.0 logo.[Thanks, Isaac]
Panasonic talks up ultrathin NeoLCD / NeoPDP displays
Panasonic's NeoPDP plasma was lookin' mighty good on display today, and now we've got the nitty-gritty straight from the horse's mouth. The company's NeoPDP and NeoLCD technology showcases its latest advances in ultrathin, highly energy efficient displays. If you're looking for wow, the 37-inch NeoLCD has the lowest energy consumption of any LCD HDTV in the world, and the 0.33-inches thick 50-inch NeoPDP is really just 0.33-inches thick. 0.33-inches. Sadly, there's nary a mention of a productization date, so we suggest you just pretend that never heard of all of this awesomeness until that status changes.
Panasonic gets official with four PZ850 VIERA IPTV plasma HDTVs
We've long since known about the 50-, 58- and 65-inch versions of Panasonic's internet enabled PZ850 VIERA plasmas, but the company is finally getting official with the whole line today -- which, as it so happens, includes a 46-incher for those looking for a smaller big screen. Hailed as the industry's first IP-enabled televisions, the plasma foursome includes 1080p panels, a Pro Settings Menu, native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, SD card slot, RS-232C socket, four HDMI ports and a PC input. Sadly, no pricing or release information was given in the release hosted after the break, but Panny shouldn't be holding out on us too much longer.
Samsung's Series 6 / 8 plasma HDTVs are well connected
We knew CES would deliver internet-lovin' HDTVs, but we had no idea Samsung would be bringing along so many. In case LCDs aren't really your bag, the company has also managed to bring along the Series 6 and Series 8 plasma sets. Both lines are hailed as the "greenest plasmas yet" thanks to their Energy Star 3.0 ratings, and they're also among the first TVs to be wireless DLNA-compliant. Both lines are obviously compatible with the Yahoo!-powered Internet@TV functionality, and the Series 8 checks in at just over an inch thick with an inbuilt ATSC tuner. Comically enough, Sammy doesn't even bother mentioning what sizes these things will arrive in (and definitely no price / release date), but it sure does stop to gloat about all this newfangled technology.%Gallery-40659%
LG to trim plasma panel output, ditch 32-inch line altogether
Come one, come all to the flat-panel production cutting party. Just look at these spectacles on stage -- AU Optronics, Sharp, LG, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi, et al. We'd say that this is getting downright bizarre, but we suspect that's plainly obvious by now. As the output-cutting bandwagon continues to take on passengers, LG has too decided (purportedly, at least) to downsize its plasma panel output starting in 2009. Potentially more striking is the assertion that it may "completely halt production of its 32-inch panels," which are losing it money hand over fist. The interesting bit is that nearly half of LG's PDP output is at the 32-inch level, so unless it starts digging into another size, it'll have quite a bit of equipment (and employees, we imagine) sitting idle. And to think -- things looked so much brighter just three years back.
Panasonic's VIERA TH-50PZ850U plasma gets reviewed
We've seen a couple of Panasonic's plasmas reviewed in recent months, but the 50-inch TH-50PZ85OU has somehow eluded us thus far. The cats over at E-Gear just got ahold of this very unit and spent the bulk of its time testing things out over the Thanksgiving holiday. Right from the top, the HDTV was praised for its image quality, with critics noting that it "soared above most of the competition, both in feature offerings and in performance." Blacks were black, Blu-ray Discs were stunning and the colors were vivid. Sure, the bundled remote left a bit to be desired, but it's not like you don't have a universal remote to handle that "on / off stuff" anyway, right? We must say, we're a bit shocked that a Panny PDP was regarded this highly, but it's good to see the current king bringing out the best in all of the rivals.
Panasonic TH-65VX100 and TH-50VX100 plasmas head to Europe
Panasonic's custom install-friendly TH-65VX100 got official back at CEDIA here in the States, but it -- along with the 50-inch TH-50VX100 -- are just now adjusting their maps for a European debut. Both sets boast 1080p panels, a Dynamic Black Layer for keeping things ultra dark and an 18-bit digital signal processor. The 65-inch TH-65VX100 (£7,999; $12,131) features a 60,000:1 contrast ratio, while the TH-50VX100 (price unknown) goes halves with a 30,000:1 CR; as for availability, you can find the big(ger) boy in January followed by the 50-incher in February.
Pioneer's limited edition white / beige KURO plasmas now available
Remember that pair of vivid KUROs we got wind of around a month ago? You know, that limited run set that would only be available to deep-pocketed souls in Europe? Yeah, well we've finally got an official release from Pioneer confirming their existence, not to mention a plethora of drool-worthy images. Both the beige KRP-500ABG and the white KRP-500AW are on sale across the pond for €4,499 ($5,741) apiece, though you'd better hurry -- with an economy like this, the affluent are apt to have these snapped up in no time flat just to rub it in the layman's face.[Via Marcush]%Gallery-37843%
Panasonic to move all plasma panel production to two facilities
And just like that, another mainstay in the flat-panel world is forced to make significant business changes to deal with drooping demand and a bizarre economy. Shortly after Sharp announced that it would likely be cutting LCD panel production by around 10%, in flies word that Panasonic is making an even more drastic move. Currently, the outfit produces 65-inch plasma panels at a plant in Ibaraki, while all other sizes are concocted at two factories in Amagasaki. Starting soon, all sizes will be made at the pair of plants in Amagasaki, a move that will supposedly cut production costs by up to ¥4 billion ($41.92 million) per year. Panny is hoping to use the Ibaraki venue to "concentrate [on] development and testing of flat-panels," which follows logic given its intentions to spark up a "development segment for LCD panels there next fiscal year."
Pioneer opens second US retail store in Phoenix, Arizona
For those ensconced in the Arizona desert and looking for a new KURO, you're in luck. Pioneer has just swung the doors open on its second US retail store, a 3,200 square-foot facility situated in the Northeast Valley of Phoenix, Arizona. The outfit opened its first US store in Orange County, California in August of 2006, and both stores will be responsible for selling a wide variety of Pioneer gear, most notably KURO flat-panels, Blu-ray decks and speakers / headphones typically reserved for the Japanese market. Now, if it manages to notch anything close to an impressive amount of sales (without vast, deep discounts) in this economy, you can color us floored.
Panasonic's 65-inch TH-65PZ800 plasma reviewed: stellar indeed
It's no 103-incher, but Panasonic's 65-inch TH-65PZ800 is rather imposing in its own right. The delighted critics over at Trusted Reviews were able to sit down with the monster recently, and needless to say, they fell in love with the gentle giant. Pretty much everything from top to bottom on this set was smiled upon, with the Wide Color Gamut technology in particular proving exceptionally praise-worthy. Incredibly enough, the set actually handled SD content just about as well as HD content, which is pretty remarkable for a panel of this stature. In the end, critics noted that it was "really tough to come up with anything seriously negative to say about the 65PZ800," and it was also stated that while it may not be quite as amazing as the Pioneer [KURO], it gets "startlingly close while costing less than [they] thought possible."
DisplaySearch reports rise in Q3 plasma shipments, but who's buying?
Generally speaking, a rise in flat-panel shipments is good news. But in these curious times, we're wondering if the customers are screaming for the suppliers to slam on the brakes before slapping another shipping label on an HDTV. DisplaySearch's latest look at plasma shipments shows a 37% rise year-over-year and an 18% increase quarter-over-quarter -- question is, who's buying? We've already learned that bulging inventories are leading to near-across the board price drops, and this economy isn't exactly fostering new waves of television purchasers. Whatever the case, Panasonic is holding down the top spot in Q3 2008 with a PDP market share of just under 40%, while Samsung SDI claims the silver with 29.4%. Here's hoping all these shipments lead to record low plasma prices in just a few Fridays.
Pioneer wins plasma patent case over Samsung, awarded $59.3 million
Pioneer may be licking its wounds, but at least there's one bright spot on an otherwise dark end-of-year. The US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Marshall (read: patent troll heaven) recently found that "Samsung willfully infringed two Pioneer patents covering plasma display technology," leading to a settlement which involves Samsung handing Pioneer a check for $59,351,480. Samsung has yet to comment on the ruling, but it's pretty easy to imagine what it's probably thinking, wouldn't you say?[Via SmartHouse, thanks Anthony]
Samsung's 63-inch PN63A760 fares alright in recent review
Yet again, we're facing just another "pretty good" plasma in the highly competitive realm of flat-panels. Samsung's largest 7 Series PDP (PN63A760) was recently reviewed over at CNET, and while the accurate primary colors, effective anti-reflective screen, smooth dejudder mode and built-in interactive content were fine and dandy, critics couldn't help but ding it for reproducing "relatively light black levels" and "tacking on" the aforementioned interactive services. Additionally, the streaming functions didn't support third-part DLNA servers, the "Smooth mode" didn't work with 1080p sources and the red color design didn't do much for some eyes. The bottom line? It packs a bountiful feature set and a unique look, but the lackluster picture quality just seemed to overshadow those other positives.
Samsung SDI shows off 63-inch 4k x 2k plasma
There's a slight possibility that you haven't noticed, but Samsung SDI is on fire. Like, seriously burning down FPD International 2008. After treating onlookers to a flexible OLED, a 40-inch Full HD OLED display and an assortment of other eye-enticing panels, the outfit has one-upped itself once more with a 63-inch 4k x 2k plasma. Sure, actually finding 4k x 2k content will be a challenge, but who wouldn't want to be ready for the inevitable worldwide domination of Super Hi-Vision? Most of the other specs (contrast ratio, luminance, where it's being stored with loose security, etc.) were sadly absent, but with a native resolution like this, the rest takes a back seat anyway.
Global TV pricing sinks 22% year-over-year in September
Those price drops you've been noticing are more than a figment of your imagination. In fact, they're very, very real. According to hot-off-the-press research from DisplaySearch, global TV internet pricing for TVs declined 22% on average this September compared to a year ago. More specifically, plasma prices sank (on average) 27%, while CRT stickers actually rose 4%. When looking at the all-important LCD TV category, we're told that prices in Europe declined the most at 30%, while China, North America and Japan were down 20 percent, 16 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Also of note, it was the big screen sets plummeting the most, as 52-inch LCD TVs sank nearly 30% year-over-year while 20-inch LCD TVs dropped just 4%. Oh, and we'd totally expect to see things head further south exactly one month from today -- at least in America.[Via CNET, image courtesy of DayLife]
Rage Wireless guitar will rock your face off -- literally
Uh, if you play with your face, that is. Just go with it.The Rage Wireless Wii guitar from Performance Design Products has been recalled due to its tendency to burn human flesh if not handled correctly. Well, it burned one set of flesh, at least, and that was enough. According to the official recall, if the batteries are installed incorrectly, something with the circuit board will cause those batteries to leak. That can't possibly enhance your fake-music-playing experience. If you happen to have one of these, check the manufacturer's website for more recall information.Do not buy (or keep) guitars that have the potential to hurt you worse than you have ever been burned. Buy a safe guitar instead. Y'know, like one of these.[Via GoNintendo]
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best plasma to pick up?
With plasma sets apparently gaining back some of that ground it has been losing to LCD for, like, ever now, this question from Raul seemed like the perfect fit for this week's edition of Ask Engadget HD. "I've got my heart set on getting a new plasma on Black Friday or as the holiday sales get going, but I'm running into too many options that I think will work. Obviously, I want deep blacks and the ability to hang it on my wall, but I'm trying to keep the cost down. Are these Vizio PDPs even worth looking at? Is the KURO really the end-all answer? Help!" Surely more than a few of you out there have plasmas -- KURO or otherwise -- and are willing to throw this guy a bone. No size was mentioned, but we're guessing he's looking in the 42- to 50-inch range. Have at it in comments below!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
NEC intros three plasmas, 1080p PXT-50FHDP1 included
Not quite sure if NEC's three latest will ever be revealed outside of Australia, but we'll take a look if for no other reason than to appease those in Perth, Sydney and Darwin. Starting things off is the PXT-50FHDP1, a 50-inch 1080p plasma that packs a 100Hz refresh rate, a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, multiple HDMI inputs, a built-in EPG and an integrated TV tuner. As for the other guys, we've got the 42-inch PXT42XD3 and 50-inch PXT50XD3, both of which arrive with their own HD tuner, three HDMI ports, a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, RS-232 control ports and a 1,024 x 768 / 1,365 x 768 resolution, respectively. As for pricing? Try $3,499 for the Full HD fellow, $1,599 for the PXT4 and $2,199 for the PXT5.[Via ARN]
Panasonic's 58-inch VIERA TH-58PZ800U gets reviewed
Panasonic's 58-inch TH-58PZ800U probably isn't the first bigger-than-big plasma that comes to mind when shopping for the best, and even though Pioneer's KURO line is currently basking in the limelight, this bugger is still probably worth a look. The PDP was recently reviewed over at CNET, and somewhat surprisingly, the set was found to be a solid performer -- if not an outright star. Critics found that it reproduced deep black levels / highly accurate colors, had excellent uniformity compared with RPTVs and featured a very satisfactory assortment of ports. The only rubs were the lofty price tag and somewhat lackluster picture controls, but we're just thrilled to see some real competition in this space.
