Panasonic VIERACast internet-enabled plasmas due this summer

by Richard Lawler, posted May 20th 2008 at 1:54PM

After slipping past their original spring release date, Panasonic's PZ850 series of plasmas are no longer the only ones with YouTube support, but those desiring internet features, high contrast ratios and easy-access calibration settings can expect them on shelves this summer. The 46-, 50- and 58-inch versions should all be available in mid-June, with the 65-incher rolling out in August. Other than the IP features (Picasa access is also part of the package) the THX-certified PZ850s support h.264 playback from the SD card slot, RS-232C, 24p native playback, and a variety of display modes and settings to get the picture just the way the director intended, the way you like it, or anywhere in between. Check after the break for a list of prices, and our video hands on from CES 2008.

TH-65PZ850 - $7,999
TH-58PZ850 - $4,299
TH-50PZ850 - $3,499
TH-46PZ850 - $3,099

Filed under: Displays, Panasonic, Plasma

Tags: 1080p, 24p, h.264, iptv, picasa, pz850, th-46pz850, th-50pz850, th-58pz850, th-65pz850, thx, viera, viera cast, VieraCast, youtbe

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Fargus @ May 20th 2008 3:12PM

Let me get this straight...to go up 4 inches from the 46 inch to the 50 inch is 400 bucks. To go up 8 inches from the 50 inch to the 58 inch is 800 bucks and to go up 7 inches from the 58 inch to the 65 inch is 4300 dollars?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Neutral

Cole Mitguard @ May 21st 2008 7:02AM

What you are not taking into consideration is the mass production process. 65" Plasmas are massive, and they are simply just not produced at the same capacity as the 50" plasmas are. The 50" Plasma is the price point, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the 50" at much better prices once it hits the stores, making it even closer in price to the 46". Just the basic principal of Supply and Demand.

Neutral

Fargus @ May 20th 2008 3:13PM

I meant 3700...

Neutral

jkluzi @ May 20th 2008 5:05PM

According to Home Theater Magazine, the pz850s are NOT THX certified:
"Note that THX Certified Display and Digital Cinema Color are mutually exclusive. You can't buy them both in the same product."
from http://www.hometheatermag.com/news/031208panasonic/

Neutral

Darksyde78 @ May 21st 2008 10:46AM

jkluzi is right..

The PZ800 series is THX certified, not the 850. The 850 has a "studio reference" mode and allows more precise control of colors. please update your blog and stop confusing potential buyers

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