The catch of course is that these TVs don't have DVR capability, so you rely more heavily on video-on-demand to make up for it. Also, you'll notice that the cable company—in this case Comcast—will most likely still control the interface look-and-feel. Let's hope they at least take the damn time to update their stupid 10-year-old controls.

Panasonic's TV has been shown off before, but still isn't priced. Even though it will work with any cable provider running Tru2way, it still has to wait for the cable companies to get this stuff rolled out before it can sell the thing. Comcast and Time Warner are the ones in the lead.

Here's the Panasonic PZ80Q remote, with generic cable-control buttons:

Sony's demo Bravia with a generic interface:

Samsung's Tru2way demo using live Comcast (but without live full capabilities of Tru2way):

PANASONIC PREVIEWS LARGER SIZE INTERNET ENABLED VIERA PLASMAS AT 2008 CEDIA CONVENTION

Industry Leader Panasonic Premieres 58-inch And 65-inch VIERA Plasma Displays to Custom Installers

Denver, CO (September 3, 2008) – Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal U.S. subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC), the industry leader in high definition and Plasma televison, today introduced attendees to the 2008 CEDIA convention to the latest additions in the company’s already acclaimed internet enabled Plasma line, the PZ850 series. Joining the TH-50PZ850 and the TH-46PZ850, the industry’s first internet enabled TVs, are the 58-inch class (58-inches measured diagonally) and the TH-65PZ850 class (64.7-inches measured diagonally), giving Panasonic a wide breadth of screen sizes in the flagship series of high performance Plasma TVs. Building upon the market and critical success of Panasonic’s previous Plasma models, the 2008 PZ850 series includes a number of step-up features that will further strengthen Panasonic’s leadership position.

The introduction of the IP enabled televisions, a technology that provides access to on-line content directly from the televison with VIERA CAST™ technology, is one of many advances found in the PZ850 line. VIERA CAST is a revolutionary new feature that streams web content directly to your VIERA HDTV without the need for an external box or a PC. The consumer can access the unlimited YouTube™ library, share digital photos from Picasa™ Web Albums with friends and family, get local weather updates and gain access to financial data from Bloomberg. There is no fee for VIERA Cast and the feature automatically updates itself as new web content becomes available.

“We’re very excited about the technological advances that have been incorporated into VIERA’s PZ850 series and the bigger screen sizes should prove extremely beneficial to both Panasonic and the CEDIA membership.,” said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Display Products Company. “The 58-inch and 65-inch now stand beside their smaller brethren to provide the installer with a number of screen size options. IPTV in particular is a technology that by providing access to on-line content directly from the TV, allows the consumer to optimize his or her options and use the VIERA Plasma for more than entertainment. Now the consumer has a large screen TV that is also the source of an endless stream of internet information.”

The state-of-the-art technology that is inherent in the PZ850 series provides the consumer with detailed images, high moving-picture resolution, advanced networking and excellent compatibility with other AV devices. The PZ850 series features a Pro Setting Menu, allowing the user to access professional calibration software; an improved native resolution contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and a dynamic ratio of 1,000,000:1; Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; an SD memory Card slot; RS-232C connection; four HDMI connections; increased luminous efficiency; lead free panels; 100,000 hours to half brightness and a PC input. The 850 series further expands the capabilities of the SD Card feature by utilizing the H.264 codec to display high definition video recorded on a HD camcorder equipped with the H.264 codec.

Recognizing the growing use of Plasma HD televisions in the gaming world, Panasonic created the Game Mode, which minimizes the time lag when displaying game images on the Plasma screen. The Mode synchronizes the response of the game image to the player’s operation, thereby producing an extremely clear image with no motion artifacts.

Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering is a value added technology that creates a wide color gamut covering 120% of the conventional HDTV color standard , enabling VIERA displays to reproduce the essential colors for viewing movies. 24p native reproduction, which negates the need for 3:2 pulldown, resulting in a smoother picture, is another feature that provides the best possible viewing experience.

Also: The quick-glance spec sheet we ran in May still appears to be valid.

As is the case with most companies launching similar products, the system is easily expandable, and Pana promises more content partners in the future, though not imminently. I would like to have some kind of a la carte movies-on-demand option, to compete with the new Netflix box, along with Vudu and other options, but Pana isn't talking about that yet. They do say they are exploring options along these lines, and while they won't name names, I see MovieLink or CinemaNow as worthwhile addition, and maybe Rhapsody, too.

As you can see in the video below, it's got enough entertainment at the start to get customers comfortable with the format, and the architecture leaves room for all those other services.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF ITS FIRST VIERA® CAST WEB-ENABLED PLASMA HDTV

YouTube™, Google's Picasa™ Web Albums and Bloomberg Sites Accessible Directly On-Screen

Secaucus, NJ, (May 20, 2008) - Panasonic, the industry leader in High Definition Plasma TV, announced today that its much-anticipated web-enabled PZ850 series of VIERA Plasma HDTV's will be available at retail beginning in mid-June. The flagship line's wide range of cutting-edge features is highlighted by VIERA CAST which provides access to some of the most popular content sites on the Internet today - YouTube, Google's Picasa Web Album and Bloomberg. The VIERA line was initially previewed at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in January 2008.

Panasonic's VIERA 1080p PZ850 series offers features designed for the most demanding videophile - enhanced contrast ratio, deeper blacks, faster response time and outstanding picture quality in four screen sizes - the 46-inch class TH-46PZ850 (46.0" measured diagonally), the 50-inch class TH-50PZ850 (49.9" measured diagonally), the 58-inch class TH-58PZ850 (58.0" measured diagonally) and the 65-inch class TH-65PZ850 (64.8" measured diagonally). Coupled with Panasonic's new VIERA CAST technology, the PZ850 series will give consumers on-screen access to a far broader range of unique content than ever before.

"Our VIERA PZ850 series really takes connectivity and home entertainment to a whole new level for consumers," said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "In addition to delivering stunning, true-to-life High Definition movies and television programming that all of our VIERA HDTV's are famous for, our PZ850 series also allows you to seamlessly access an unending supply of content via the web via You Tube and Google's Picasa Web Album websites. Another terrific enhancement for the consumer is that when new web sites become available they will be automatically available on the TV.

"Imagine being able to press a button and see a family member's photos from their vacation right on your own large-screen Plasma or enjoy one of the many intriguing videos found on You Tube from the comfort of your easy chair," added Perry. "The VIERA PZ850 with VIERA CAST makes it all possible quickly and easily."

The PZ850 also makes it easy to enjoy your own High Definition digital still and video images in breathtaking 16x9 widescreen format by inserting an SD Memory Card into the HDTV. While all of Panasonic's VIERA HDTV's can display digital still images via SD card, the PZ850 features H.264 codec making it possible to enjoy HD video content from your HD camcorder by simply inserting an SD Memory Card into the TV.

In addition to the line's Internet and SD Memory Card capabilities, the PZ850 series delivers a number of other high-tech step-up features that will further benefit the consumer and strengthen Panasonic's Plasma leadership position.

The PZ850 series features a Pro Setting Menu, a must-have for videophiles who can benefit from access to professional calibration software. Images come to life like never before in crisp, true-to-life color, clarity and smoothness thanks to an enhanced native resolution contrast ratio of 30,000:1, a dynamic ratio of 1,000,000:1, 24p native reproduction, Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering (a technology that allows for accurate color reproduction essential for movies), and Studio Reference Mode (provides faithful reproduction of the subtle colors intended by film makers).

For the avid gamer, the PZ850 series also offers a Game Mode which minimizes the time lag when displaying game images on the Plasma screen. The addition of four HDMI connections and a PC input also gives users greater flexibility to connect peripheral components to the display.

Like all Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTV's, the PZ850 series panels contain no lead or mercury and deliver increased luminous efficiency and 100,000 hours of viewing time to half brightness (40+ years at 6+ hours viewing per day).

Additionally, the PZ850 series, as well as Panasonic's entire 2008 line of VIERA flat panels, features VIERA Link™, a means to control multiple AV devices with one remote.

Discussing the availability of YouTube content on the VIERA PZ850 series Plasmas at CES 2008 in January, Steve Chen, co-founder and CTO of YouTube, said, "We're dedicated to providing users around the world with a great YouTube experience, no matter where they are. Working with an industry leader like Panasonic will deliver the same terrific YouTube experience that users have come to expect from their computers; browsing, finding and watching millions of videos from the comfort of their living room."

Shadow detail was not as good, however, appearing too bright, and the sets pushed reds a bit. The set scored below average in standard def upscaling, noise reduction and to top it off the power consumption was conspicuously high for its size. It does have 3 HDMI ports. This set, for all the reasons listed above, scored a 7.7. (That's low on CNet's relatively stubby scale.) UPDATE: David writes in to say he expected more from this set, but it is still fifth best, overall. [Panasonic, CNet]

Two-way CableCards basically mean that the cable box, with all its features including VOD and PPV, is built into the TV. Right now, the CableCard in a TiVo or Media Center PC will only get you video. Panasonic will integrate OCAP into its mid-level PZ80 line, in 50" and 42" models this summer. Though the list prices for the TVs without OCAP are $2499 and $1599 respectively, the price of OCAP itself will be quite noticeable. Though there are some shared-chip advantages to integrating the set-top box, Panasonic still says "it'll be the cost of a cable box built into a TV," so like, not cheap.

Panasonic is currently testing with Comcast in five markets, and are building this to spec with CableLabs and all of the cable companies, but that's no guarantee that any carrier will be ready to deploy when the TVs are, so get ready for cranky customer service operators and a lot of educational consumership. That is to say, you might have to teach your cable carrier about this new technology. [Panasonic 2008 Viera Lineup; CableLabs OpenCable]

PANASONIC PREVIEWS FIRST IPTV PLASMA DISPLAY

Panasonic's VIERA PZ850 Flagship Series Introduces Four New Full HD 1080p
Plasma Televisions

Las Vegas (January 7, 2008) - Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal U.S. subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC), the industry leader in high definition and Plasma televison, today, with the introduction of its flagship PZ850 series, previewed the industry's first IP enabled television. Building upon the market and critical success of Panasonic's previous Plasma models, the 2008 PZ850 series includes a number of step-up features that will further strengthen Panasonic's leadership position.

Panasonic's VIERA full HD 1080p PZ850 series features four models - the 46-inch class TH-46PZ850, the 50-inch class TH-50PZ850, the 58-inch class TH-58PZ850 and the 65-inch class TH-65PZ850. The introduction of the IP enabled televisions, a technology that provides access to on-line content directly from the televison with VIERA CAST™ technology, is one of many advances found in the PZ850 line. In addition, the PZ850 series features a Pro Setting Menu, allowing the consumer to access professional calibration software; an improved native resolution contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and a dynamic ratio of 1,000,000:1; Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering; 24p native reproduction; Game Mode; an SD memory Card slot; RS-232C connection; four HDMI connections; increased luminous efficiency; lead free panels; 100,000 hours to half brightness and a PC input. The 850 series further expands the capabilities of the SD Card feature by utilizing the H.264 codec to display high definition video recorded on a HD camcorder equipped with the H.264 codec.

Recognizing the growing use of Plasma HD televisions in the gaming world, Panasonic created the Game Mode, which minimizes the time lag when displaying game images on the Plasma screen. The Mode synchronizes the response of the game image to the player's operation, thereby producing an extremely clear image with no motion artifacts.
Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering is a value added technology that allows for color reproduction, enabling VIERA displays to reproduce the essential colors for viewing movies. 24p native reproduction, which negates the need for 3:2 pulldown, resulting in a smoother picture, is another feature that provides the best possible viewing experience.

"We're very excited about the technological advances that have been incorporated into VIERA's PZ850 series," said Dennis Eppel, Vice President, Panasonic Display Products Company. "IPTV in particular is a technology that by providing access to on-line content directly from the TV, allows the consumer to optimize his or her options and use the VIERA Plasma for more than entertainment. Now the consumer has a large screen TV that is also the source of an endless stream of internet information.

"As a result of listening to our customers, Panasonic's flagship VIERA line features a Pro Setting Mode that provides the consumer with access to calibration software. This is yet another example of Panasonic's philosophy of ideas for life from life."

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF ITS INDUSTRY LEADING 1080P PLASMA LINE

More Affordable 1080p Plasma TVs in 42", 50" Class Screen Sizes Now Shipping

DENVER, CO (September 6, 2007) - Panasonic, the market and technology leader in Plasma HDTVs, announced today at the opening of the 2007 CEDIA convention, that it has expanded its already industry leading line of 1080p High Definition Plasma TVs, to include two new, more affordable models - the TH-42PZ77 and the TH-50PZ77. Scheduled to ship this month, the new 42-inch and 50-inch class Plasmas have SRPs of $1799.95 and $2799.95 respectively.

The introduction of the PZ77 series increases Panasonic's already deep line of 1080p Plasmas to eight - the widest selection of Plasma TVs in the industry - and further demonstrates Panasonic's industry leadership and cutting edge technology in big screen Plasma entertainment. The two new 1080p TVs join the critically acclaimed 700 and 750 series providing consumers with a wide selection of Plasmas with the highest, to date, possible resolution. Panasonic's top rated Plasmas are available in 42-inch, 50-inch, 58-inch and 65-inch class models, all of which include the unique SD memory card slot, a feature that allows consumers to view images from an SD Memory Card on the big screen Panasonic Plasma, rather than the camera's small screen or a computer monitor.

"CEDIA is the perfect environment to introduce Panasonic's expanded line of 1080p Plasmas," stated Dennis Eppel, Vice President, Panasonic Display Company. "Custom installers are a very important part of our business and with this in mind we are confident that the depth and outstanding picture quality of Panasonic's Plasmas will meet and exceed the installer's requirements. In the end, Panasonic's commitment to providing the highest quality ensures that we will continue to meet consumer desire for a High-Definition lifestyle."

The TH-42PZ77 and TH-50PZ77 feature more than two million pixels and have a resolution of 1920 x 1080, with a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. The two latest additions to Panasonic's 1080p Plasma line also feature an anti-glare screen coating and a jack pack that includes two HDMI inputs, three S-video inputs, three composite video inputs and two component video inputs. The PZ77 series also incorporates an automatic pixel wobbling function - as does the entire 2007 Plasma line - for anti-image retention. The PZ77 series also features EZ-Sync™, a technology that links Panasonic consumer home entertainment and video products to allow seamless control of the entire system using only one remote and the unique SD Memory card slot.
"Panasonic's 2007 line of 1080p Plasmas produces crisp, clear images with a wide viewing angle so that the superb picture can be seen from any seat in the home environment," added Eppel. "We've been the market leader for the past three years and as the saying goes - the proof is in the pudding. Quite simply, Panasonic's Plasmas produce beautiful pictures and with our recent announcement of an extended life span of 100,000 hours to half brightness, these 1080p TVs are the perfect technology for a variety of entertainment options, from gaming to viewing sports and movies."

Its official name is TH-103PZ600U, and it's technically part of a plasma line that emerged last year. If you want to buy what could be more or less considered a 50-inch version of it—screen wise one quarter of the area—you'd pay just $2,100 at Amazon.

But as you have already seen, that extra 53 diagonal inches came straight from heaven, and with it came some burdens. It's the same 4,000:1 contrast ratio, nice and rich as plasma tends to be when compared to similar LCD technologies. Live action is great with no blur or jitters, as we had expected given what we've seen of Panasonic's smaller plasmas.

But those smaller plasmas didn't require 12 low-RPM fans running at all times, like this bad boy did. To be fair, I've had desktop computers with noisier fans, and the 8" wall mount didn't have any sort of special exhaust system to help the heat dissipate. In fact, as you can see in the gallery, Panasonic national product manager Karl DeManss had no problem standing up inside the wall mount:

Nevertheless, the TV does take a 220V wall socket, like a freakin' clothes dryer, so you gotta consider the impact to the electrical bill. (Then again, if you're in the market for a $70,000 TV, maybe you don't.)

Input-wise, the unit we got to play with had RGB, component video and DVI/HDMI, but picture only. There are no speakers, though it does have little 3-watt amps for BYO speakers. As I noted in the uncrating, it is a modular system, much like the commercial displays from Panasonic and Pioneer: you tell them which inputs you want, and they sock them in. I believe there were four proprietary slots in the strip, which you can see in the gallery. Each slot could take at least one input.

Contrary to our own concerns, the warm-up time was imperceptible—the screen went on straight away. Also, the pixels themselves were not as visible as we had feared. I was anticipating "screen door" like crazy, but for most of us, the pixels disappeared at about 70 inches of distance (for me, they disappeared around 80 inches). And you're definitely not going to want to stand as close as Adam was during his Bioshock frenzy. After a while, he had to sit down to keep from falling over.

Have a look at the gallery to see some of the specifics of our hands-on. Note the hallowed "dime test" to gauge pixel size, and the tape measure—held by Panasonic displays president Andrew Nelkin and me—to guarantee that it was in fact 103", when we had heard through the grapevine that it may, in reality, be a 102-incher. (The overall dimensions are 56" high by 95" across by 5" deep.)

Bottom line: Would I want one? Nope. WHAAA?? Okay, so yeah, I would love one. But Sharp told me that its goal is to have wall-sized LCDs in the coming years. And if Panasonic is as competitive as I think, it will start pushing the limits too. Bottom line is either bigger sets or cheaper 103s. Either way, we win. Hang on tight, cuz it's going to be a wild ride.

In case you missed the "uncrating" feature over the weekend, check it out.

They're water resistant. Why is that, because these might be used around a swimming pool? Or maybe some users in Japan have spilt coffee or tea on the remote-control one too many times.

Sony says the remotes have a special wide-angle infrared LED that makes it so you don't have to point the remote directly at the TV set for it to work, a big plus. But we don't see any backlighting on those buttons, which would be a major disadvantage.

These remotes will first be seen on the Japanese market, selling for ¥2468, which would be a bargain-priced $22 if they ever make it Stateside. [AVing, via OhGizmo]

That's what Gizmodo friend Gary Merson of HD Guru says. The colors were the most accurate, the 1080p signals were processed at full bandwidth with no loss of data, the black levels so deep as to be untestable, and the contrast ratio amazing.

In conclusion, the Panasonic TH-50PZ750 is simply the best high definition display I have ever reviewed.

The price? A MSRP of $3999, which is maybe why the just trounced Pioneer PRO-FHD1's MSRP was dropped from $8000 to $5000 (without speakers BTW.) (Pioneer's new sets, based on all new tech will debut this Summer, so look for a good fight then.) – Brian Lam

Exclusive- First Review of the Amazing Panasonic TH-50PZ750U Plasma [HD Guru, thanks Gary]
[Photo is of the 700 series Panasonic, but they should look similar.]

The TH-42PZ700 is a big deal because it's got the highest resolution of any 42-inch plasma screen on the market (1920x1080p).

It's controversial because if you set up a 42-inch screen at the recommended viewing distance, about 7 feet, then your eye won't be able to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p. Panasonic's top tech guy agreed with me on this point. He said that you might get a slight boost from connecting the screen to an HD source, but you'll have to look really carefully to notice a difference. His honesty would not dissuade me from buying this TV at all.

First off, Panasonic finally ditched the silver bezel in favor of a much nicer gloss black frame. They've improved the anti-glare qualities of the topmost layer of the screen. Side-firing speakers—not sure how good these sound since everything in the room was wired to bigger and better speakers. It's got two HDMI ports, as is to be expected. And they threw in an SD Memory Card slot, which is also becoming standard in high-end plasmas. And through an exclusive deal with GalleryPlayer, Panasonic is going to be selling SD cards full of famous paintings that you can show off to pretend like you know something about art. There is a prestige factor to having 1080p too.

It's available in June for $2,499.95.

The question is, what's a better deal: Panasonic's 42-inch 1080p or Pioneer's 42-inch 1080i? The Pioneer TV can be bought for $2,000 right now, and since the resolution is basically indistinguishable at this screen size, it's a pretty tough choice. Which would you pick?

–Noah Robischon

Oh, the 103-incher got named, too: TH-103PZ600U. The "TH" and the "PZ" actually stand for the noises the sales people will make at people who ask how much the $51,000 set costs. If you have to ask, you're obviously not Mark Cuban, and you can't afford it.

The Post notes the 103-inch TV is the size of a queen sized mattress, weighs a quarter of a ton, and has over 40-square feet of screen. Really puts things in perspective, doesn't it? Question: What native resolution is that screen?– Brian Lam
MAVERICK WANTS TO BE FIRST TO
BUY MONSTER TV [NY Post]
Panasonic 103-inch Plasma [Panasonic]