2009 Panasonic HDTV Series Comparison
Brand is one of the top considerations of consumers when shopping for an HDTV. After all, there is no denying that some brands are simply better than others. If you’re looking to buy a Panasonic HDTV, here are the various Viera series that Panasonic has released in the past few months, as well as those it has in store for 2009.
Panasonic Viera S1 LCD Series
The Panasonic S1 LCD series has two distinctive features. First, it sports an IPS Alpha Panel, which provides a 178 degree viewing angle – wider than most LCD televisions. Second, it carries the Panasonic Motion Focus Technology, which results in clear images even during fast motion sequences. Like many other series, it also has the Viera Image Viewer and Viera Link features, and also comes with a Game Mode and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio. In terms of connectivity, this Panasonic HDTV series offers three HDMI inputs, a PC input and several others. As of now, it only consists of two models, though – the 37-inch TC-L37S1 and the 32-inch TC-L32S1.
Panasonic Viera S1 Plasma Series
The Panasonic Viera S1 Plasma Series is most known for its relatively low energy consumption – a result of its Neo PDP panel and the low light output of its default picture setting. It also has a 600Hz Sub-field Drive and a Full-Time 1080 TV Lines Moving Picture Resolution, which combine to create crisp and clear images during very fast sequences. It even has an Anti-Reflective Filter to reduce distractions. Like its LCD counterparts, the Viera S1 Plasma HDTVs have the Viera Image Viewer, Viera Link, a dedicated Game Mode and three HDMI inputs, although they lack a PC input.
Panasonic Viera G1 Series
The Panasonic Viera G1 Series is a step up from the Viera S1 LCD Series. While it carries the same IPS Alpha Panel with a 178 degree viewing angle, the same number of HDMI inputs and the same features such as the Viera Image Viewer and the Viera Link, it has a 120Hz Motion Picture Pro3 technology, which is better than the Motion Focus Technology in delivering excellent pictures during fast moving sequences. It also has a better contrast ratio of 20,000:1 and comes with a stand that swivels so you can easily rotate your HDTV.
Panasonic Viera U1 Series
There are currently three models in this series – a 42, 46 and 50-inch Plasma HDTV model. They are fairly basic, with a 1080p Full HD resolution, a 600Hz Sub-field Drive, three HDMI inputs and over 900 lines of Moving Picture resolution. They also have the Viera Image Viewer feature, which allows you to conveniently share your digital photos and videos straight from your SD card, along with the Viera Link feature which lets you control all your HDTV-compatible devices with the push of a single button.
Panasonic Viera G10 Series
The Viera G10 Series is clearly one of the best 2009 Plasma HDTV series produced by Panasonic. In terms of design, it has a silver wash at the bottom of its glossy black frame and a unique round stand. In terms of features, it has the Viera Cast to add to the Viera Image Viewer and the Viera Link. This feature allows you to enjoy streaming online content from sites such as YouTube, Amazon and Picasa. It has a THX mode, as well, which creates more accurate primary colors. In terms of connectivity, it has a PC input, a LAN input and an analog audio output in addition to the three HDMI inputs and other ports.
Panasonic Viera V10 Series
The Viera V10 Series has a few excellent additions which make it one of the best Panasonic HDTV series. These include an additional HDMI input, along with Digital Cinema Color and 24p Cinematic Playback, both of which combine to faithfully recreate the experience of watching in an actual movie theatre. The 50-inch TC-P50V10 is particularly commendable, since it comes with a cutting-edge two-inch one-pane-of-glass design and a swivel stand.
Panasonic Viera Z1 Series
Even before its release, this Panasonic HDTV series is already creating a lot of clamor. After all, it is unbelievably slim, measuring only one inch thick. Because of this, the inputs and outputs are on a separate box which conveys the signals to the HDTV wirelessly. Only time will tell what else this series can offer, though one thing is sure – the Panasonic HDTVs in this series won’t come cheap.
Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes plasma tv reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To read the latest Panasonic HDTV reviews visit HDTVreviewlab.com