The performance and feature packed "Full HD" (1920×1080p resolution) TCP50G10 is the least expensive 2009 Panasonic plasma set to include THX certification. What does that mean to consumers? THX originally created audio standards for movie theaters and later for home theater sound systems. In 2008 THX issued a set of home video display standards for its certification.

In a nutshell, the G10 scored super high marks in categories like HD color accuracy, image brightness, energy efficiency and full 1080 line motion resolution. Plus, it's a pretty good deal at $1800. If that hasn't already convinced you, it's probably a good idea to check out HD Guru's full review if you are in the market for a new HDTV. [HD Guru]

Note that these are the same TVs rolled out at CES—nothing new has been announced, save for pricing and availability (although some remain TBD). So while the super-thin Z1 got all the CES attention, the line as a whole has some great value points scattered through its bafflingly stupid kudzu forrest of model designations. Here, the knife to get through it.

• X1 Series
The X1 are the barest bones 720p sets, and are divided between LCDs for the 26, 32 and 37-inch sizes and plasma for the 42 and 50-inchers. To sweeten the deal (a little), the LCDs come with an iPod dock that lets you play music and video via the remote on an interface on the screen. But as Wilson has said, you don't go to Per Se for McNuggets (or maybe you do)—but in any case, for a low-end LCD, you may be better served by Samsung or Sony. And you'll want to stay away from the X1 plasmas—they're the old panels from last year's line.

LCDs: TC-L26X1 - $600, TC-L32X1 - $650, TC-L37X1 - $800; all coming this month
Plasmas: TC-P42X1 - $900, TC-P50X1 - $1100; all coming Febrary 2009

• S1 Series
This is the step up into 1080p/120Hz (for LCD) land, and is a series still split into LCDs and plasmas, indicating that the distinction between flat-TV types is something people care less and less about at the store. On the plasmas, this will be the lowest you can go to still get the new 2009 panel glass, which has increased motion resolution and contrast. Motion resolution is essentially the same stat touted as 120/240Hz refresh rate in LCDs; Panasonic has starting referring to the "sub-field drive" (motion resolution refresh rate) in the same terms, here as "600Hz". Also new here is 54-inch plasma, a size Panasonic hasn't done before.

LCDs: TC-L32S1 - $850, TC-L37S1 - $900; all coming this month
Plasmas: TC-P42S1 - $1200, TC-P46S1 - $1500, TC-P50S1 - $1800 (this month for these three), TC-P54S1- $2200 (May 2009), TC-P58S1 - TC-P65S1 (no price on the biggies, coming in August).

• G1 Series
These are the highest-end LCDs at the 32 and 37-inch sizes, but with not much to differentiate from the S1 series besides an extra HDMI port, a nicer bezel and an increased contrast ratio. Again, if you're going LCD, might want to check around elsewhere.

LCDs: TC-L32G1 - $800, TC-L37G1 - $1100 (coming this month)

• G10 Series
Throwing the rest of the naming convention to the wind is the G10 series, which is the earliest point in the line where Viera Cast, Panasonic's built-in streaming software service, comes in (it's in all the series moving on up the line from here). The biggest fish offered through Viera Cast is Amazon VOD; there's no Netflix to be found. With others like LG offering both, it's kind of baffling why Netflix is missing here, but if a deal comes to fruition later, your TV will be compatible, as the whole thing lives server side. These sets are also THX-certified with a special THX preset for optimized picture settings, with sizes going up to the new 54-incher.

Plasmas: TC-P42G10 - $1400, TC-P46G10 - $1700, TC-P50G10 - $2000, TC-P54G10 - $2400, (this month for all but the 54-incher, which is coming in May).

V10 Series
The V10s are the top-of-the line, big-screen plasmas, going all the way up to 65 inches. They have everything found on the G10s, adding 24p cinema framerate playback and the bigger-sized panels. The 40,000:1 contrast ratio won't beat the custom-install only 65VX100U's 60,000:1 blacks we saw at CEDIA, but you won't have to drop 10 grand either. In fact you won't have to drop a lot of money at all, as the value quotient here is pretty hot—at least where pricing is confirmed.

Plasmas: TC-P50V10 - $2300, TC-P54V10 - $2700, TC-P58V10 - TBD, TC-P65V10 - TBD (all available in the summer: June for the smaller ones, and August for the two biggies with TBD prices).

• Z1
And of course, let's not forget the crazy showpiece Z1, the one-inch thick stunner with Wireless HDMI on top of all of the high end specs you've seen before. The pre-production model we saw today looks just as fine as it did at CES. Pricing is now set at $6000, with a non-commital 2009 release.

CANON U.S.A. COMBINES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WITH A PROFESSIONAL STYLE DESIGN IN ITS LATEST ADDITION OF HIGH-END G-SERIES CAMERAS
Canon PowerShot G10 Digital Camera, the Flagship of the PowerShot line, Boasts Uncompromising Specs and High-Quality, Making It a Must-Have for the Advanced Amateurs

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the newest addition to its top-of-the line PowerShot G-series digital cameras. The PowerShot G10 digital camera offers serious amateur shooters and professional photographers several essential ingredients for a flagship model, including Canon's new DIGIC 4 image processor, 28mm Optical Image Stabilized lens and RAW mode. This trilogy of style, performance and image quality is an ideal professional complement for anyone seeking the photo quality of a DSLR, combined with the convenient size of a point-and-shoot.

As the successor model to the popular PowerShot G9 digital camera, the PowerShot G10 digital camera is loaded with Canon's latest technologies, including a long-anticipated 28 mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom, 14.7 megapixels and 3.0-inch Pure Color LCD II screen.

"With exquisite image quality, the latest image processor and advanced functionality, the Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera brings an elevated level of performance and usability to the PowerShot line," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "By enhancing key technologies in this camera, including our proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor, Canon has merged the functions typically found in a DSLR with a smaller body form to provide affordable and portable options to photo enthusiasts of all types."

Control Options
The controller wheel is equipped with a dedicated Exposure Compensation Dial, which allows quick and intuitive adjustment of exposure compensation and the "My Menu" function for registering five user-selected options from the shooting menu, as well as 26 shooting modes. Additionally, the Custom Mode better allows the user to record two types of shooting parameter settings, thus offering the ability to arrange their most often used settings on their LCD display. A host of accessory options are offered, including the remote switch, Macro Ring Lite and Macro Twin Lite (when used with an additional attachment, available in January 2009). Now consumers can utilize similar accessories found in the Canon EOS line, therefore expanding a user's ability to customize.

Canon DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, a proprietary technology, accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality.

One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs. Additionally, the processor's high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash. The new Intelligent Contrast Correction function automatically improves image quality in high-contrast shooting situations.

The Genuine Canon Face Detection technology has evolved even further, thanks to DIGIC 4. Improved features include the ability to recognize human faces at most angles. Another innovation is the Face Detection Self-Timer, which automatically takes a photo two seconds after a new face enters the scene.

Availability and Pricing
Scheduled to be available in October, the PowerShot G10 digital camera will have an estimated selling price of $499.99*. Kit contents will include a battery, charger, neck strap, USB and A/V interface cables, Canon Digital Solutions Software CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty.

Iwod G10 [IT168]
Iwod G10 [Beareyes]
[Thanks Tan!]