Panasonic presents its latest digital AV products,
including 2012 Smart VIERA lineup with newly added 47-
and 55-inch LCD TVs as well as a prototype of the
newly developed 4K2K IPS Alpha LCD panel.
Panasonic has developed a 20-inch 4K2K (3,840 x 2,160
resolution, approx. 8.29million pixels) IPS Alpha LCD
panel, the smallest as a 4K2K-resolution display. The
new panel has the world's highest pixel density of 216
pixels per inch (ppi) and the thickness of only 3.5
mm.
According to Panasonic, IPS Alpha panels are suitable
for making ultra-high definition displays because of
their simple pixel structure - one of the
characteristics of the IPS panels- as well as their
high contrast ratio, excellent color reproducibility
with rich gradation and the industry's highest-level
light transmission rate that were implemented by
Panasonic's IPS-Pro technology.
The 4K2K IPS Alpha LCD panel employs two new
technologies, "Pixel structure with ultra-high
aperture ration structure" and "New liquid-crystal
molecular orientation process technology".
Pixel structure with ultra-high aperture ratio
Panasonic has developed a new pixel structure that
significantly reduces the effects of the electric
field that are generated due to the increase in pixel
density, and improves IPS Alpha panel's light
transmission rate approximately twice as much as the
panels having the conventional structures.
The orientation performance of the liquid crystals in
a plane parallel to the TFT (Thin Film Transistor)
substrate is further improved.
Specifications
Screen size: 20.4 inches
Number of pixels: 8.29 million (3,840 x 2,160)
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Brilliance: 450 cd/m2
Color reproducibility: 70%
Smart VIERA
Panasonic also introduced Smart VIERA, a new and
expanded application of VIERA Connect. The platform is
further enhanced with the implementation of a cloud
based service, providing online movies, sports and
new apps in categories such as games, kids and health
& fitness. The new Smart VIERA HDTVs also provide
access to the VIERA Connect Market. To promote further
growth in VIERA Connect apps, Panasonic established
the VIERA Connect Developers site.
Networking allows access to content both inside and
outside the house and to that end a new graphic user's
interface (GUI) was developed. The GUI and all the
apps in VIERA Connect are supported by a cloud based
service, ensuring that the user always has the most
up-to-date versions. A sidebar on the screen displays
the wall and timeline for these Social Media sites, so
viewers can directly write in SSN comments and tweets
while simultaneously watching TV. Smart VIERA's
networking function also makes it possible to freely
access content from virtually anywhere in the home. A
home network can be made with Smart VIERA and other
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant
devices.
Media Player lets one insert an SD Memory Card from a
digital camera directly into the TV's SD card slot for
playback. The Smart VIERA HDTVs feature built-in that
makes it easy to connect to the internet. In addition,
Panasonic developed a new VIERA Touch Pad Controller
(included with the VT50 and WT50 series) for easy web
browsing and a newly developed application called
VIERA remote App allows an iPhone, iPad or Android
Smartphone to be used as a remote control. Also,
select 2012 VIERA HDTVs (VT50, GT50, WT50) support
multitasking, which makes it possible to open several
web pages simultaneously and freely switch between
them.
2012 LED/LCD Model Line Up
Panasonic's 2012 Smart VIERA line-up of LED LCD HDTVs
focuses on larger screen sizes and LED based HDTVs,
with 14 of the 16 models incorporating LED
technology. Panasonic also added 47 inch and 55 inch
screen sizes to its LED/LCD family and its 3D line up.
The 2012 line-up is based on the company's IPS LED
LCD Panel (In Plane Switching) technology.
VIERA Connect, Panasonic?s proprietary internet
functionality is integrated into 12 of the new models
with a new platform that provides access to such
sits as Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Pandora ,
Facebook, CinemaNow, VUDU, Hulu Plus, Skype, Ustream,
sports sites ? MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS2, Fox Sports, gaming
and health and wellness sites.
WT50 Series
WT50 LED series marks the debut of the two new, larger
screen sizes, the TC-L47WT50, 47 inch class (47 inches
measured diagonally) and the TC-L55WT50, 55 inch class
(54.5 inches measured diagonally). The WT50 HDTVs
feature the FULL HD 3D, IPS LED LCD Panel; Super High
Speed 1920 Backlight Scanning for higher moving
picture resolution during fast action scenes, and a
smoothimage; 1080p resolution; VIERA Connect with
built-in WiFi and Web Browser; a new Clear Panel Pro
and Super-Narrow Metal Frame with Crescent Stand; 2D →
3D conversion; Social Networking TV function to allow
users to access social network sites while
simultaneously watching TV; Multitasking feature to
switch between apps ; 3D Real Sound with 8-Train
Speakers; Media Player, allows one to view digital
images and HD video recorded on a SD Memory Card;
DLNA; VIERA Touch Pad Controller; four HDMI terminals
and three USB ports.
DT50 Series
The DT50 series, which provides Smart TV experience,
includes two models, the TC-L47DT50, 47 inch class (47
inches measured diagonally) and the TC-L55DT50, 55
inch class (54.5 inches measured diagonally).
Featuring the FULL HD 3D, IPS LED LCD Panel: Super
High Speed 1920 Backlight Scanning for higher moving
picture resolution during fast action scenes, the DT50
series includes VIERA Connect with built-in WiFi and
Web Browser; a new Narrow Metal Frame; 1080p
resolution; 2D → 3D conversion; Social Networking TV
function; 3D Real Sound with 8-Train Speakers; Media
Player; DLNA; four HDMI terminals; three USB ports.
ET5 Series
The three models that comprise the ET5 series feature
FULL HD polarized 3D, IPS LED LCD Panel. The
TC-L42ET5, 42 inch class (42 inches measured
diagonally), TC-L47ET5, 47 inch class (47 inches
measured diagonally); and TC-L55ET5, 55 inch class
(54.6 inches measured diagonally) incorporate the IPS
LED panel, 360 Backlight Scanning; VIERA Connect with
built-in WiFi and Web Browser; 2D → 3D conversion;
Social Networking TV function Media Player; DLNA; four
HDMI and two USB terminals; a PC input. Furthermore,
each of the ET5s comes with 4 pairs of polarized 3D
glasses.
E50 Series
The E50 series features the IPS LED LCD Panel, a slim
design and is available in three screen sizes,
TC-L42E50, 42 inch class (42 inches measured
diagonally); TC-L47E50, 47 inch class (47 inches
measured diagonally); TC-L55E50, 55 inch class (54.6
inches measured diagonally). Featuring 360 Backlight
Scanning; 1080p resolution; VIERA Connect; Social
Networking TV function; DLNA; a PC input; four HDMI
terminals; two USB ports.
E5 Series
The four LED HDTVs in the E5 series include the IPS
LED LCD Panel, feature 1080p resolution; Online Movies
a service that provides select Panasonic's IPTV
functionality by adding five of the most popular
movies to the TV's internet functionality; DLNA; four
HDMI terminals; two USB ports and a PC input. The
TC-L32E5, 32 inch class (31.5 inches measured
diagonally), TC-L37E5, 37 inch class (36.5 inches
measured diagonally), TC-L42E5 inches class (42 inches
measured diagonally) and TC-L47E5 inches class (47
inches measured diagonally) are ready and both are
Energy Star certified.
X5 Series
The TC-L32X5, 32 inch class (31.5 inches measured
diagonally) is a720p IPS LED LCD Panel. The TV
features Media Player; three HDMI terminals; one USB
port and a PC input. The X5 series also offers the
TC-L24X5, 1080p LED LCD Panel, 24 inch class (23.6
inches measured diagonally) featuring one HDMI
terminal; one USB, a PC input and Game Mode.
U5 Series
The TC-L42U5, 42 inch class (42 inches measured
diagonally) is one of two LCD HDTVs (cold cathode
backlighting) in the 2012 collection. The TV is a
1080p model with three HDMI terminals; one USB port, a
PC input and Game Mode.
C5 Series
The TC-L32C5, 32 inch class (31.5 inches measured
diagonally) is a 720p, LCD HDTV (cold cathode
backlighting) with two HDMI terminals; one USB port, a
PC Input and Game Mode.
2012 SMART VIERA PLASMA HDTV Line-up
Continuing its history and tradition of producing
Plasma HDTVs, Panasonic introduced the company's 2012
Smart VIERA line of HDTV Plasmas at the Consumer
Electronics Show. The company wil loffer 17 new
models, ranging in screen sizes from 42-inches to 65
inches.
New to select VIERA TVs is the inclusion of a browser
as well as the addition of "3D Real Sound" with
8-Train Speakers to further enhance sound quality.
Panasonic also introduced its latest generation of
lightweight 3D glasses. Weighing only 27grams, the
latest generation 3D glasses utilize Bluetooth
technology and feature a rechargeable battery.
The 2012 VIERA HDTVs produce black levels that have
consistently been recognized as among the best in the
industry, super fast response time, internet apps, a
new VIERA?s, clean and simple design.
The 2012 models employ NeoPlasma Black 2500 provide a
crisp image even when the content shows very fast
motion. The 2012 panel further reduces reflections and
creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in
brighter environments. In addition, a new panel
structure and pre-discharge control technology
contribute to an increased native contrast level.
Additionally, all the 3D models include DLNA
connections.
Panasonic?s Plasma Display panel feature a 100,000
hour life span.
The six VIERA Plasma series, VT50, GT50, ST50, UT50,
XT50, U50, feature self illuminating panels with
ultimate black levels, NeoPlasma echnologies
(VT/GT/ST) providing a black filter with a higher
efficiency panel that generates the best balance of
black and white under brighter environments. The new
Louver filter and new high performance panel result in
improved external light shading, improved clarity and
improved light transmittance. The 2012 models employ
the NeoPlasma Black 2500 (VT/GT/ST/UT), a 6,220,800
pixel cells FULL local dimming, 24,576 steps of
gradation technology (VT/GT) (previously only
available in professional monitors), a new custom
driver LSI and a fast switching phosphor panel on all
of Panasonic?s 1080p 3D models.
Panasonic also continues its relationship with THX
with six Full HD 3D Plasma HDTVs, certified in both 2D
and 3D mode by the company founded by George Lucas.
VT50 Series
The VT50 series is the FULL HD 3D Plasma flagship
series and is available in two screen sizes- the
TC-P65VT50, 65-inch class (64.7 inches measured
diagonally) and the TC-P55VT50, 55-inch class (55.1
inches measured diagonally). These two top of the line
TVs offers FULL HD 3D; 1080p FULL HD resolution;
Infinite Black Ultra Panel, Deep Black hues are
achieved thanks to new and advanced pre-discharge
technology; VIERA Connect with Web browser, and
built-in Wi-Fi; 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive); Fast
Switching Phosphors; 2D → 3D conversion; 24,576 steps
of gradation technology ;THX in both 2D and 3D modes;
ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration.
Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with
the calibration software (CALMAN )provided by
SpectraCal Inc.
Social Networking TV function to allow users to access
social network sites while simultaneously watching TV;
Multitasking feature to switch between apps ; 3D Real
Sound with 8-Train Speakers; a new Louver Filter; a
VIERA Touch Pad Controller; Bluetooth; DLNA; VIERA
Link, a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer
Electronics Control) and allows a consumer to operate
all VIERA Link compatible A/V components using only
the TV?s remote control; Media Player, allows one to
view digital photos and HD video recorded on a SD
Memory Card and USB Memory Stick; four HDMI
connections and three USB ports.
GT50 Series
The GT50 series includes four screen sizes ? the
TC-P50GT50, 50-inch class (49.9 inches measured
diagonally); TC-P55GT50, 55-inch class (55.1 inches
measured diagonally); TC-P60GT50, 60-inch class (60.1
inches measured diagonally); TC-P65GT50, 65-inch class
(64.7 inches measured diagonally). The series features
FULL HD 3D; Infinite Black Pro Panel; VIERA Connect
with Web browser and built-in Wi-Fi; 1080p FULL HD
resolution; 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive); Fast
Switching Phosphors; 2D → 3D conversion; THX in both
the 2D and 3D modes; 24,576 steps of gradation
technology; Social Networking TV function;
Multitasking; 3D Real Sound with 8 train speakers;
Media Player; Bluetooth; DLNA; VIERA Link; four HDMI
connections and three USB ports.
ST50 Series
The TC-P50ST50, 50-inch class (49.9 inches measured
diagonally); the TC-P55ST50, 55-inch class (55.1
inches measured diagonally); the TC-P60ST30, 60-inch
class (60.1 inches measured diagonally) and the
TC-P65ST50, 65 inch class (64.7 inches measured
diagonally) comprise the ST 50 series of FULL HD 3D
VIERA HDTVs. The ST30 models include Infinite Black
Pro Panel; VIERA Connect with Web browser and built-in
Wi-Fi; 1080p FULL HD resolution; 2500 FFD (Focused
Field Drive); Fast Switching Phosphors; 2D → 3D
conversion; Social Networking TV function; 3D Real
Sound with 8-Train Speakers; Media Player; Bluetooth;
DLNA; VIERA Link, three HDMI connections and two USB
ports.
UT50 Series
There are four screen sizes in the UT50 series ? the
TC-P42UT50, 42 inch class (41.6 inches measured
diagonally); TC-P50UT50, 50 inch class (49.9 inches
measured diagonally); TC-P55UT50, 55 inch class (55.1
inches measured diagonally); TC-P60UT50, 60 inch class
(60.1 inches measured diagonally). All offer FULL HD
3D; 1080p FULL HD resolution; VIERA Connect (Wi-Fi
ready); 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive); Fast Switching
Phosphors; 2D → 3D conversion; Social Networking TV
function; Media Player; Bluetooth; DLNA; VIERA Link;
two HDMI connections and two USB ports.
XT50 Series
The XT50 series is an affordable 3D solution with
Online Movies feature, a service that provides select
Panasonic's IPTV functionality by adding five of the
most popular movies to the TV's internet
functionality. The TC-P42XT50, 42 inch class (41.6
inches measured diagonally) and the TC-P50XT50, 50
inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally) produce
720p resolution and features Online Movies, a service
that provides select Panasonic's IPTV functionality by
adding five of the most popular movies to the TV's
internet functionality; 2D → 3D conversion; 600Hz
Sub-field Drive; Bluetooth; Media Player; DLNA; VIERA
Link; two HDMI and two USB connections.
U50 Series
The TC-P50U50, 50 inch class (49.9 inches measured
diagonally) is the lone non-3D in this year's HDTV
Plasma model line-up. The model features 1080p FULL HD
resolution; Fast Switching Phosphors, Media Player;
600Hz Sub-Field Drive ;Game Mode ;two HDMI connections
and one USB port.
2012 Blu-ray Disc Player Line-up
Panasonic expanded its Blu-ray Disc player lineup with
four new Full HD 3D models ? the DMP-BBT01,
DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320, DMP-BDT220, and two 2D Blu-ray
Disc players ? DMP-BD87 and the DMP-BD77. All four of
the 3D models include Panasonic's proprietary IPTV
platform, VIERA Connect, while the 2D models feature
IP VOD, a service that offers a selection of such
sites as Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube.
The Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players ? BBT01; BDT500,
BDT320 and BDT 220 feature an improved UniPhier chip
processor, 24p output for VOD, an expanded VIERA
Connect functionality, and FLAC (Free Lossless Audio
Codec),192kHz/32bit Audio DAC (not available on the
DMP-BBT01), Smartphone remote control capability, a
new touchpad remote control - available on DMP-BBT01,
DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320 - 2D-to-3D up-conversion, which
can convert 2D images from VIERA Connect, DVDs and
Blu-ray discs into 3D with natural depth perception, a
new slim design and a unique slot-in drive that is
found in two of the models- the DMP-BBT01 and the
DMP-BDT320. In addition, the DMP-BBT01 introduces a
new design concept - the player comes with a stand and
can be operated either vertically, or horizontally.
The DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320 and the DMP-BDT220 utilize
a 192kHz/32bit audio DAC, while the BDT500 includes
high grade audio parts ? gold plated terminals, high
grade electric capacitor, insulator - to reproduce
audio content that is faithful to the original. The
BDT500 provides for 7.1 channel output and includes
twin HDMI outputs, allowing one to be dedicated for
audio output. Audio is further improved via
Panasonic?s clock control technology that reduces
jitter during HDMI transmission, thereby lessening
noise and delivering pure sound. Furthermore, the 2012
players are compatible with a variety of formats such
as the lossless audio codec FLAC, an audio format
similar to MP3, but lossless, meaning that audio is
compressed in FLAC without any loss in quality. In
addition, the Blu-ray Disc players simulate the warm,
comforting sound of tube amplifiers with six distinct
sound environments.
The entire 2012 line features DLNA for easy connection
to other DLNA equipped products, VIERA Link - provides
connectivity to other VIERA Link compatible products
and NAS compatibility. This year's players are also
compatible with the NTFS format HDD. Five of the six
Blu-ray Disc players provide built-in WiFi, while the
DMP-BD77 is wireless ready. Also new this year is the
ability to use any Smartphone as the remote control.