Though the first buyers will likely be rich dudes, the movie business is also going to be interested in it as a monitor, since it can handle 120% of the HDTV color gamut, enough to maybe get a good looking movie on a TV for one damn time. And let's not forget that Pioneer has shut down its own panel production lines and plans to go with Panasonic's. I asked if Pioneer would get a shot at the sweet new one—though there wasn't a straight answer, the sense I got was "probably not, at least not at first." Go Panasonic, kicking some TV ass!

Aside from housing the plasma screen, the walnut hardwood console even incorporates room for a built-in center speaker. Made from "Fender amp screen material," the front facing speaker grill is in a perfect location to complete the surround-sound speaker layout.

This design to house electronics in a clean modern look is a complete throwback to the entertainment consoles that emerged in the 1950s. Back then it was very common to find a TV housed completely in a wood console, or a record player hidden inside a teak credenza. With entertainment technology becoming such an integral part of every household, it's nice to know that there is someone out there trying to put it it all together again.

Since the console was only on display to "test the waters of public interest," there is no word on specific specs, pricing or availability. Apartment Therapy did get a few words from the designer, and found out that his furniture company, Wilkerson Furniture, is still unsure if they should offer the console and the screen as a package. I'm glad this is a concern, because with plasma TVs currently on the way out, it could mean this console is just old stuff. [Wilkerson Furniture via Apartment Therapy]

KURO Plasma TVs for absolute picture quality The new 2008 range of KURO plasma TVs exceeds the boundaries of what was thought possible in picture quality performance. The second generation KURO pushes closer to absolute black by further reducing the idling luminance and improving black levels five times over the previous 2007 KURO models. This has enabled Pioneer to accurately reproduce even higher contrast levels and deeper colours within the high-definition colour spectrum. The all-new 2008 KURO plasma TVs are available in 50 and 60-inch (availability depending on region).

Like I said, we can't figure out exactly what Pioneer's US division has done to get moved to the back of the line as far as SWEET NEW PLASMAS go, but we're looking into it now. [Pioneer EU]

Irvine, CA. - January 6, 2008 - VIZIO, America's Fastest Growing Flat Panel HDTV Company, today
introduced seven new plasma High-Definition Televisions with advanced processing power and the
latest technological advancements. Offerings will include the feature rich VP504F-50" Full High
Definition, 1080p Plasma Display featuring Silicon Optix HQV Processing and the all new VP605F-60"
Full high-Definition 10800p display. In addition, VIZIO will release the all new VIZIO VP series of
products including the VP322-32" Plasma ($689), VP422-42" Plasma ($999), VP423-42" Plasma
($999), and VP503-50" Plasma ($1399) all with High Definition 720p technology. VIZIO also
reintroduces the VIZIO Jive VP500 and new VP501 All-in-One home theatre solution which include 50"
Plasma technology alongside a full Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound system, now also featuring a
move to1080p resolution.
VIZIO VP605F 60" 1080P and VP504F 1080p with SILICON OPTIX HQV (Hollywood Quality Video)
Processing
VIZIO jumps into Full High-Definition 1080p performance with a bang in 2008, launching an all new
series of ultra high-performance Plasma technology displays. While the new VIZIO VP605F boasts 60"
of large screen high definition 1080p performance to capture the imagination of even the most
discerning of consumers, the 50" VIZIO VP504F packs an enhanced punch with integrated Silicon
Optix's REON HQV chip, ensuring the sharpest and most detailed image possible. Silicon Optix HQV's
advanced noise reduction removes noise and artifacts caused by signal compression from cable and
satellite providers. Since the HQV's REON chip can process two full channels of HD or SD channels,
this allows users to achieve full resolution with picture-in-picture images.
With advanced technology built into both models, both Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition
(HD) sources will bring out even the finest details. VIZIO's new 1080p plasma HDTV's, the VP504F and
VP605F are compatible with all of today's popular input resolutions [1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i]
and use an integrated, DTV-compliant HD/QAM tuner so users can enjoy high definition and regular
television programs with or without paid high definition service.
Both models are significantly brighter than previous VIZIO plasma models boasting an amazing
contrast ratio up to 30,000:1 and include four HDMI v1.3 inputs, two of which are available as a side
access HD Game port. Independent RGB adjustments allow users to fine-tune the sets' color settings
plus a new remote control makes it even easier to operate TV and other system component functions.
Additional feature sets include true four-field motion adaptive de-interlace, 10-bit diagonal interpolator
which removes jagged or stair step artifacts from de-interlaced video sources and true 10-bit
processing which output 4:4:4 color processing which renders more than one billion colors.
VIZIO sets itself apart from the crowd in 2008 by being the first manufacturer to include a 6' HDMI cable
within the carton in lieu of commonly inserted composite video and audio cables. HDMI allows the
highest level of High Definition television video and audio to be transmitted through a single cable.
VIZIO wants customers to experience the truest HD quality experience with their new VIZIO plasma
display as well as a new side access HD Game port including 2 HDMI v1.3 inputs.
The new VIZIO VP504F and VIZIO VP605F are expected to launch in June 2008 with estimated selling
prices of $1699 and $2899.
VIZIO VP500 and VP501
In 2007, VIZIO introduced the VIZIO Jive JV50P All-in-One home theatre solution which included a 50"
Plasma High-Definition display and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. VIZIO was the first TV
manufacturer to offer this complete Home Theater solution and has improved its performance and
capability.
For 2008, the VIZIO VP500 and new VIZIO VP501 will share honors in the growing popularity of home
theatre enthusiast market in the All-in-One solution category. While the VP500 will retain its 50" Plasma
technology and 720p resolution, its newest sibling will step it up a notch with Full High Definition 1080p
performance. Each model will offer Picture-in-Picture, Picture-on-Picture, three HDMI, two component
video, two composite and one RF input.
What makes the VIZIO VP500 system so unique however is the Dolby Digital 5.1 surround-sound
system. Working in concert with integrated front, left /right speakers and center channel are two rear
channel (left and right) speakers attached to a subwoofer. The subwoofer attaches wirelessly through
2.4GHz transmission to the VP500 system, completing the home theatre experience and eliminating
wire clutter commonly experienced with other home theatre systems. The VIZIO Jive generates more
than ample sound, even for the discerning listener pumping 560-watts total peak power (70-watts RMS)
of high quality digital sound to maximize your VIZIO High Definition television experience.
In 2008, VIZIO will now include its all new, prized brushed aluminum-trimmed Learning remote control
(VUR8). This remote control compliments the elegance of the VP500 and VP501 design with full-
featured functionality including Picture-in-Picture controls.
The new VIZIO VP500 is expected to arrive in stores June 2008 with an estimated selling price of
$1799. Pricing and availability on the new VP501 has not been set.
VIZIO VP322, VIZIO VP422, VIZIO VP423, VIZIO VP503
Rounding out VIZIO's family of plasma displays are the VP322, VP422, and VP423 all offering stunning
720p performance, rich deep black levels, outstanding color rendering and the latest connectivity
options including HDMI version 1.3 inputs. All of VIZIO's high performance plasma's offer extremely
fluid and uninterrupted motion, a significant advantage over LCD flat panels. Plasma TVs continue to
be a leading choice for watching sporting events and action-packed movies.
The VP324 is a 32-inch set with 1024 X 720 resolution for consumers that would like the picture
qualities of plasma but in a small cabinet size. The set's exceptional 15,000:1 contrast ratio ensures
images have rich, deep blacks and brilliant colors providing a cost effective solution for displaying HD
broadcast content and playing HD-DVD and Blu-Ray discs, which can be connected to one of the three
HDMI video inputs.
The VP422/VP423 are VIZIO's 42-inch Plasma models with 1024 x 768 resolution, 20:000:1 contrast
ratio and two HDMI inputs. Two 42" models, the VP422 will sell in discount retailers such as Wal-Mart
and K-Mart and the VP423 will head for the shelves at club retailers such as Costco and Sam's Club,
as well as traditional consumer electronics retailers like Circuit City and Sears. Also providing two HDMI
inputs, the VP503 is a 50-inch plasma set that delivers a native resolution of 1365 x 768, is compatible
with 1080p content, and displays a bright, rich image due to its 30,000:1 contrast ratio.
"Great looking plasma HDTVs including Full 1080p HD models are now attainable for everyone with our
newest plasma line," says Laynie Newsome vice president sales for VIZIO, Inc. "We have successfully
brought the best plasma technologies such as Silicon Optix's REON HQV video processing and
features to high value flat panel TVs. We continue to find new ways to integrate the most-desired
features and technologies, while keeping our products at the most reasonable prices in the industry."
The new VIZIO VP324, VP422, VP423, and VP503 are expected in May or June 2008 with estimated
selling prices of $689, $999, $999 and $1399 respectively.
fluid and uninterrupted motion, a significant advantage over LCD flat panels. Plasma TVs continue to
be a leading choice for watching sporting events and action-packed movies.
The VP324 is a 32-inch set with 1024 X 720 resolution for consumers that would like the picture
qualities of plasma but in a small cabinet size. The set's exceptional 15,000:1 contrast ratio ensures
images have rich, deep blacks and brilliant colors providing a cost effective solution for displaying HD
broadcast content and playing HD-DVD and Blu-Ray discs, which can be connected to one of the three
HDMI video inputs.
The VP422/VP423 are VIZIO's 42-inch Plasma models with 1024 x 768 resolution, 20:000:1 contrast
ratio and two HDMI inputs. Two 42" models, the VP422 will sell in discount retailers such as Wal-Mart
and K-Mart and the VP423 will head for the shelves at club retailers such as Costco and Sam's Club,
as well as traditional consumer electronics retailers like Circuit City and Sears. Also providing two HDMI
inputs, the VP503 is a 50-inch plasma set that delivers a native resolution of 1365 x 768, is compatible
with 1080p content, and displays a bright, rich image due to its 30,000:1 contrast ratio.
"Great looking plasma HDTVs including Full 1080p HD models are now attainable for everyone with our
newest plasma line," says Laynie Newsome vice president sales for VIZIO, Inc. "We have successfully
brought the best plasma technologies such as Silicon Optix's REON HQV video processing and
features to high value flat panel TVs. We continue to find new ways to integrate the most-desired
features and technologies, while keeping our products at the most reasonable prices in the industry."
The new VIZIO VP324, VP422, VP423, and VP503 are expected in May or June 2008 with estimated
selling prices of $689, $999, $999 and $1399 respectively.
VIZIO will be displaying many of these models along with several other 2008 product introductions at
their suite in the Wynn Hotel during CES.

Go on, Addy, they exhorted, pretend you're a booth babe. It didn't work, though, because I still look like a tool. Next time, I suggest we take along a Real Doll for the size tests... See you next week, lots of love, Addy.

It's the "my TV is bigger than yours" wars and though Samsung seems to have won the LCD part of it, Matsushita (maker of Panasonic products) is pulling a ridiculous 103-inch plasma out of its ass to take the cake at this year's CES. In Korea, Samsung has the largest plasma on the market at 80-inches and $130,200 and Matsushita started selling a 65-inch plasma for about $8600 in Japan. So, this is the biggest. Nah, nah, nah, nah nah. Only a prototype, specs are for full high def, meaning 1,920 by 1,080 pixels of resolution.

Matsushita unveils record 103-inch plasma TV [Reuters]

LG plasma TV comes with Seagate hard drive [Inquirer]