TH-65PZ850
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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.
Panasonic's PZ850 VIERA plasma hands-on
Panasonic may be pretty proud of its PZ850 VIERA plasma, and while the internet-connected functionality is pretty nifty, this thing needs a serious refacing to be taken seriously. Sorry, but when we're looking at a 1.5-inch thin plasma just a hundred yards over, seeing this plain, bulky and relatively dated looking PDP just doesn't do much for us. Or who knows, maybe our eyes are just deceiving us -- judge for yourself below. %Gallery-31220%
Panasonic takes internet enabled PZ850 VIERA plasmas to 58- / 65-inches
It has taken a bit longer than expected, but Panasonic has finally got around to unveiling the 58- and 65-inch flavors of its VIERA CAST plasma lineup. The two new members of the PZ850 family are both internet enabled and can receive web streams (video, in particular) without a separate set-top-box. More specifically, users can see YouTube blown up to ungodly proportions and check out digital photos hosted up on Google's Picasa website. The pair will also boast a 30,000:1 contrast ratio (read: not dynamic), 24p native reproduction, Game Mode, an SD card slot, RS-232C port and four HDMI sockets. The pain? $3,999.95 for the TH-58PZ850, $6,999.95 for the TH-65PZ850 (i.e. the Grand Poobah).
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.
