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Panasonic brings two more choices to the theater rack market
Panasonic's new SC-HTR510-K (pictured) and SC-HTR10-K are a pieces of gear that, for lack of a better term, is called the theater rack -- that union of furniture, electronics and speakers that in an audio-only time would have been called a console system. We'd much prefer a HTIB (especially one of the Japan-only models) to these electrified pieces of furniture, but they are probably only meant for space-constrained Japanese market. The larger ¥200,000 ($1,800) SC-HTR510-K is a 3.1-channel system with 3x65-Watts of power and a 90-Watt subwoofer, while the ¥50,000 ($450) 2.1-channel SC-HTR10-K makes do with 2x25-Watts in the front and a 30-Watt sub. Simplicity is obviously the drive with these, so Viera Link shows up along with AAC, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding.
Panasonic extends Concierge service to plasma and LCD HDTV owners
Owners of Panasonic LCD HDTVs can finally enjoy the same luxuries afforded to the plasma owners, ending a two-year phase of panel discrimination. The outfit's "exclusive" service has been rechristened VIERA Concierge and is now available to both LCD and PDP owners. Per usual, callers will be connected with subject matter experts to answer any questions they have, and there's also an HDTV loaner program which "makes HDTV loaners available at no charge to customers who have a plasma or LCD undergoing repair." It's about time LCD users got some respect around here, yeah?
Panasonic rolls out waterproof, 1Seg-equipped Viera portable TVs
We don't see as many waterproof TVs as we do waterproof cameras and other gadgets, but Panasonic's just tossed a few more options into the fray, which is says are ideal for use in the kitchen or bathtub. Available in pink, white or black, its new SV-ME75 and SV-ME70 models each boast 5-inch, 480 x 272 displays and 1Seg mobile TV tuners, and are apparently identical in every respect except for some added video recording features on the SV-ME75 (which comes in the form of an SD card slot). Look for each of 'em to hit Japan on June 20th, with the SV-ME70 setting you back ¥38,000 (or about $362) and the SV-ME75 running ¥45,000 (or $429).[Via New Launches]
Panasonic's 50-inch VIERA TH-50PZ800U plasma gets reviewed
There's been quite a few VIERAs reviewed of late, but the latest one to capture an Editor's Choice award from the folks at CNET is Panasonic's TH-50PZ800U. The 50-inch plasma purportedly produced "highly accurate colors and deep black levels," and the "excellent uniformity, in-depth calibration, handsome styling," stellar port selection and effective anti-reflective screen didn't hurt matters. The only real digs came from the lofty price tag, less-than-perfect black levels and ho hum 24p mode -- all of which were apparently not enough to keep critics from falling at least mildly in love. Overall, the set was deemed "one of the best-performing HDTVs available," and that alone speaks volumes. Tap the read link for the full spill if you're still in disbelief.
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.
Panasonic's FreeSat-enabled VIERA TH42PZ81 gets inspected
In case you've haven't seen enough of Panny's VIERA side lately, here comes another fresh face: the FreeSat-enabled TH42PZ81 plasma. Particularly for those who call the UK home, you've likely heard that model number before, but according to Tech Radar, 46- and 50-inch versions are landing in July with FreeSat tuners built right in. Other specs include a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, V-Real Pro 3 Processor and an obligatory EPG that was said to get the job done without a lot of glitz. Based on early reports, we're hearing that BBC HD looked astounding on the set, while SD images seemed fairly ghastly after seeing content in glorious high-def. Sadly, mum's the word on pricing at the moment, but those with an aging HDTV may just want to hold off on picking up that standalone set-top-box -- if you catch our drift.
Panasonic's 42-inch TH-42PX80U VIERA plasma reviewed
If Panasonic's TH-46PZ85U was a bit too rich (or large) for your blood, the 42-inch TH-42PX80U could be the perfect compromise. Ringing up a fair bit cheaper and boasting a few less niceties, this plasma still managed to net a Very Good rating from the critics at CNET. Overall, the unit was said to be relatively inexpensive for what you get, and it managed to deliver deep blacks, a satisfactory port selection and a classic, attractive design. On the downside, the color accuracy seemed to be off, and the built-in noise reduction was fairly ineffective. Still, the unit was dubbed "a standout among HDTVs for the entry-level crowd," and so long as you don't go in expecting a Kuro, you're likely to walk away quite satisfied. Check out the full spill in the read link below.
Pioneer, Panasonic reach basic agreement on Kuro production, first new displays due fall '09
Pioneer and Matsushita (Panasonic) have finally hammered out the basics of a deal that will allow the latter to supply panels for future Kuro plasma displays, and plasma HDTV fans to breathe easy again. Pending a final agreement in May, dollars and cents remain undisclosed, but we can expect a fusion of Panasonic's current "Neo PDP" technology from its Viera line when they begin production May 2009 in Amagasaki before hitting shelves in the fall. Kuro will still be maintained as a premium brand (with a premium price) with different image processing, while both companies plan to keep working together on reducing power consumption and the infinite black level plasma. Pioneer still plans future Kuro LCD HDTVs based on panels from Sharp,but it'll also apparently have access to IPS technology from Panasonic's tie-up with Canon and Hitachi. See? We told you it'd be okay.[Via AV Watch]
Panasonic's 46-inch TH-46PZ85U VIERA plasma gets reviewed
Although Panasonic's TH-46PZ85U didn't strike CNET reviewers as being quite as sexy as the recently critiqued Samsung PN50A550, it managed to hold its own in the all-important area of image quality. For starters (because we know you're rummaging through looking for this very fact right now), critics found that this particular PDP "exhibited the deepest shade of black [they had] seen from any Panasonic plasma, deeper than any display [they had] reviewed except for the Pioneer and the OLED-based Sony XEL-1." As for color accuracy, it did seem to lag behind other rivals, but its anti-reflective screen was noticeably better than most. Overall, the panel managed to impress -- but not floor -- the eagle-eyed reviewers that were watching intently, but if you've been toying with the idea of ordering this very unit for your own living room, why not give the linked review a read through before pulling one trigger or the other?
Onkyo's TX-SA606X receiver handles AQUOS, Viera and REGZA HDMI control schemes
Here at Engadget HD, we have a special place in our hearts for HDMI-CEC, but things can get sticky when buying components from different manufacturers. Fret not, as Onkyo's latest AV receiver manages to play nice with Panasonic's Viera Link, Toshiba's REGZA Link and Sharp's AQUOS Link all the same. The TX-SA606X, which is available in silver or a Mr. T-approved gold finish, also boasts HDMI 1.3 connectors, Dolby TrueHD / DTS-MA decoders, a 185-watt x 7 internal amplifier, optical / coaxial audio inputs and a smorgasbord of other video ports. Unsurprisingly, such a multifaceted unit won't run you cheap, as interested consumers will be asked to hand over ¥84,000 ($839) when it lands on April 29th.[Via AkihabaraNews] %Gallery-19153%
Panasonic puts speakers in TV stand, calls it SC-HTR110
Having come to the land of HD from the audio world, it's ironic to see the return of essentially "console" systems that put speakers, amps and processing in a TV stand. But hey, fashion moves in cycles, right? Seriously, we'd recommend a HTIB system before one of these, but if you are really space- or fashion-constrained, or simply can't be bothered to think about both audio equipment and display furniture, then Panasonic's new SC-HTR110 might interest you. They've come up with a clever name, "rack theater," which will compliment your (naturally) Viera TV with basic surround decoding (including Dolby Virtual Speaker tech for surround-ish sound), amplification and four drivers spread across L/R channels. All of that, built into the TV stand! Up for grabs next month in Japan (where it makes more sense); let's hope this is one trend that doesn't catch on Stateside.
NTT DoCoMo rolls out high res Panasonic P905i Viera phone
Last we saw Panasonic's P905i handset it was bunched in between a slew of other phones NTT DoCoMo was touting, but now that the phone is finally on sale it's getting the spotlight to itself for a little while. In case you missed it, the real stand-out feature on this one is the phone's Viera image processing and 3.5 inch, 854 x 480 screen, which should get put to good use thanks to the ample supply of PMP features including, of course, a 1seg TV tuner. Otherwise you can expect the usual 3G capabilities, along with a 2 megapixel camera, 1GB of built-in memory, and support for the DCMX iD mobile banking service. No word on a price just yet, but you can probably guess if it's in your budget or not.
Panasonic goes wild, reveals loads of TVs in Japan
Every so often, we see a firm go out of its way to let loose not just one or two new products, but enough fresh kit to totally overwhelm anyone trying to digest it all. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on perspective) for us all, Panasonic has done just that with a smattering of televisions. Up first is the 17-inch TH-17LX8 LCD TV, which will be available in five different hues and offer up a 1,366 x 768 resolution, HDMI input, VIERA Link and built-in SD slot. Next in line, we've got a trio of new LCD TVs in the LX series ranging from 20- to 32-inches in size, all featuring a 1,366 x 768 resolution and an analog / digital tuner to boot. Lastly, we've got three new plasmas (37-, 42- and 50-inches) with lackluster resolutions, a 15,000:1 contrast ratio and a bevy of inputs (including an SD slot and Ethernet port). The whole lot is slated to land in mid-February, so be sure and tag the links below if any of these just happened to tickle your fancy. Read - 17-inch TH-17LX Read - Three new mid-sized LCD TVs Read - Three new plasmas
Video: Hands-on with Panasonic's VIERACast network HDTVs
Panasonic's new VIERACast HDTVs are just an Ethernet cable away from displaying YouTube and all your Picasa photos, and Mahalo Daily's Veronica Belmont got a chance to play with one on the CES show floor -- check out the video after the break!
Panasonic reveals five new LCD HDTVs at CES
Panasonic's already dished out a few new offerings for fans of PDP, but you better believe it's watching out for the LCD crowd, too. Starting things up is the 26-inch TC-26LX85 and 32-inch TC-32LX85, both of which rock a 720p resolution, 10,000:1 native contrast, a dedicated gaming mode, SD expansion slot, three HDMI connections and VIERA Link. Upping the ante to 1080p is the 37-inch TC-37LZ85 -- the firm's first VIERA of that size. Moving on up, we've got two new models in the Premium VIERA family: the 32-inch TC-32LZ800 and the 37-inch TC-37LZ800 (pictured above). Both of these bad boys feature Motion Focus Technology, four HDMI sockets, VIERA Link, a PC input and BBE VIVA surround sound. Unfortunately, mum's the word in regard to pricing / availability, but you can catch two more models after the jump.
Panasonic, Hitachi and Canon make billion-dollar LCD deal official
No longer a rumor, Hitachi, Matsushita (Panasonic) and Canon are joining forces to shake up the LCD biz. Panasonic and Canon have each agreed to take 24.9% ownership of Hitachi Displays, which will use the investment to continue its advancement in LCD technology. Canon gets access to Hitachi's small- to medium-sized LCDs and, OLEDs for its cameras and other products, while Panasonic looks to "enhance the competitive edge in-step with PDP models" of its Viera line of HDTVs with Hitachi's IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology and future OLED production. Don't think Panasonic and Hitachi are giving up on the Plasma Coalition, but they aren't afraid to hedge their bets in reaction to the market's demand for cheap LCDs and similar partnerships among competitors.
NTT DoCoMo's FOMA 905i handsets on the loose in Japan
It's just not fair. While we're lucky to bear witness to a single hot handset release per month, our Japanese brethren just received a batch of 10 new handsets to swoon over courtesy of NTT DoCoMo. The very best of the best from the new FOMA 905i series includes the Panasonic Viera P905iTV and 5 megapixel Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot SO905iCS. As you'd expect from a handset sporting the Viera branding, the P905iTV is all about the mobile TV with a feature that smooths-out 1Seg's 15fps mobile broadcast rate to display it at 30fps on that 3.5-inch 480 x 854 pixel display. The 17.7-mm (0.7-inch) slab also packs HSDPA and a battery capable of a 1-month standby. Otherwise, it'll pump that TV-to-vein fix for 6-hours straight or up to 80 hours of SD-Audio or 65 hours of WMA if that's your preference. Meanwhile, the Cyber-shot SO905iCS brings a 5 megapixel CMOS camera with 3x optical zoom and 2.7-inch, 480 x 864 pixel display to the Japanese market. It features an LED flash, face recognition and anti-shake stabilization while busting a 24-mm (nearly 1-inch) girth. Plenty more of these two in the gallery below.%Gallery-9589%[Via The Unwired and Impress]
Panasonic debuts new Viera HDTVs and DSLR hotness at IFA
We've just gotten back from the Panasonic press conference at IFA, where the electronics giant unveiled a couple of interesting new products, including a new lineup of HDTVs, and the brand-spanking-new Lumix DMC-L10 DSLR camera. Here's a brief rundown of all the hot action that you missed, including an Olympics-esque runner dashing across the stage (all for show, folks).
Opening FFTA2's Sealed Grimoire
Jeux France has the goods on the races (as well as new images and scans) in the upcoming Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2: The Sealed Grimoire: Human, Viera, Moogle, Bangaa, and Nu Moh. Sound familiar? They should, if you played Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Hey, it's a sequel -- did you expect other furry animal-based races?We know some of you are looking forward to the title (and others, not so much), and though the details are starting to shape up, we're as yet undecided on how we feel about this game. In the end, since it's Final Fantasy, and we're shameless addicts, we'll probably give it a go, despite the question of Tactics vs. Tactics Advance being just as polarizing, if not more so, than the idea of Tingle starring in his own games.
Panasonic's "world's smallest" 42-inch 1080p plasma now in production
Panasonic just went live with their 2007 plasma lineup in Japan. While missing the big 58-incher prepped for big-azz US living rooms, they've notably taken the "world's smallest" 42-inch 1080p plasma from prototype to full-blown production status. The TH-42PZ700 1920 x 1080 panel ships on April 27th for ¥430,000 (about $3,602) with side-mounted speakers or ¥20,000 (about $168) less if opting for the single, under-panel speaker. The Japanese models also feature new AVCHD playback direct off SD (and SDHC too, we presume) cards in support of Panny's lineup of 3CCD HD camcorders. Rounding things out are the US-bound, 50-inch 1080p TH-50PZ700 and three lesser PDPs from the PX70 series ranging in size from 37- to 50-inches.
