Skip to Content

Need a little good news today? We've got plenty!
Holidash Blog
AOL Tech

Panasonic TH-65VX100 and TH-50VX100 plasmas head to Europe

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 27th 2008 at 4:30PM


Panasonic's custom install-friendly TH-65VX100 got official back at CEDIA here in the States, but it -- along with the 50-inch TH-50VX100 -- are just now adjusting their maps for a European debut. Both sets boast 1080p panels, a Dynamic Black Layer for keeping things ultra dark and an 18-bit digital signal processor. The 65-inch TH-65VX100 (£7,999; $12,131) features a 60,000:1 contrast ratio, while the TH-50VX100 (price unknown) goes halves with a 30,000:1 CR; as for availability, you can find the big(ger) boy in January followed by the 50-incher in February.

Panasonic reopens VIERA HDTV Concierge Service to the public

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 26th 2008 at 8:52PM


It's official: Panasonic reopens its VIERA HDTV Concierge Service to the public at large every single holiday season. This year, however, is different. Rather than shutting down the lines to all but those who actually own a VIERA HDTV on December 31st, Panny will keep the cords of communication open through February 17, 2009. Yep, from now until the Digital TV Transition takes place in America, any human with access to a phone can call in to receive all sorts of buying advice and subliminal encouragement to choose a Panasonic set over any other. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, hit 'em with your best shot at 1-888-777-1170. Just mind the brainwashing and you'll be a-okay.

Global TV shipments up 6% year-over-year to 53 million units

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 26th 2008 at 8:46AM


Open wide -- it's time for your latest dose of DisplaySearch numbers! The latest figures from the research firm have found that global TV shipments are up (imagine that, right?) 6% year-over-year and 11% from Q2 to Q3 2008. In fact, over 53 million units were shipped, though it's hard to say how many are still collecting dust in warehouses given the downturn in consumer spending. As predicted, the research points out that Q4 isn't likely to be nearly as rosy, but if we're sticking to last quarter, you should know that China had the largest quarterly gain at 15%, while North American shipments rose 12% year-over-year. We've spoon fed you the highlights, and per usual, we'll leave the nitty-gritty to the number crunchers in attendance.

[Via Digital Home, image courtesy of ZoneaUnlimted]

Pioneer's limited edition white / beige KURO plasmas now available

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 24th 2008 at 11:38PM


Remember that pair of vivid KUROs we got wind of around a month ago? You know, that limited run set that would only be available to deep-pocketed souls in Europe? Yeah, well we've finally got an official release from Pioneer confirming their existence, not to mention a plethora of drool-worthy images. Both the beige KRP-500ABG and the white KRP-500AW are on sale across the pond for €4,499 ($5,741) apiece, though you'd better hurry -- with an economy like this, the affluent are apt to have these snapped up in no time flat just to rub it in the layman's face.

[Via Marcush]

Gallery: Pioneer's limited edition white / beige KURO plasmas now available

Pioneer rechristens Black Friday "KURO Friday," won't lower prices

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 20th 2008 at 9:17AM


Talk about a marketing catastrophe. Apparently no one told Pioneer's promotional firm what Black Friday is (hint: it's a day for unprecedented price cuts to get consumers to camp out in the cold for a deeply discounted blender), as it has inexplicably decided to re-coin the holiday "KURO Friday." Why do such a thing? To quote Pioneer, it's to "celebrate the creative visionaries" who helped bring KURO to life. In other words, KURO Friday is not being established to announce sweet, sweet price drops on all KURO wares. Two thumbs way down, Pioneer.

Vizio's 50-inch REON HQV-packin' VP505XVT now available

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 18th 2008 at 12:01AM


Vizio promised that this beast would be on store shelves in July, yet we've been forced to wait (and wait... and wait) until mid-November to finally see it ship. As disgruntled as we are by the delays, we can't help but think that Vizio has a winner on its hands with this 50-incher. The secret weapon here is the Silicon Optix REON HQV processing engine, not to mention the absurdly low $1,499.99 MSRP. For those keeping score, that's a full $200 less that what we were expecting, though shipping rates do range from patently rediculous to clinically insane when ordering direct from Vizio. Our suggestion? Phone up every Costco in your area 'til you land one.

[Thanks, Michael]

Read - On sale
Read - Review

Panasonic's 65-inch TH-65PZ800 plasma reviewed: stellar indeed

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 13th 2008 at 12:01PM


It's no 103-incher, but Panasonic's 65-inch TH-65PZ800 is rather imposing in its own right. The delighted critics over at Trusted Reviews were able to sit down with the monster recently, and needless to say, they fell in love with the gentle giant. Pretty much everything from top to bottom on this set was smiled upon, with the Wide Color Gamut technology in particular proving exceptionally praise-worthy. Incredibly enough, the set actually handled SD content just about as well as HD content, which is pretty remarkable for a panel of this stature. In the end, critics noted that it was "really tough to come up with anything seriously negative to say about the 65PZ800," and it was also stated that while it may not be quite as amazing as the Pioneer [KURO], it gets "startlingly close while costing less than [they] thought possible."

Vizio goes Energy Star 3.0 compliant, launches 32-inch EcoHD LCD TV

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 6th 2008 at 11:03AM

Following in the eco-friendly footsteps of Insignia, Vizio has announced that 100% of its HDTVs that are shipping now to US / Canadian retailers "meet or exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirements." The flat-panel maker claims that at least nine of its models actually exceed the specifications by as much as 25%, and every last one of its 22- / 19-inch sets use far less energy than a conventional 60-watt light bulb. In related news, the company is also taking this opportunity to officially launch its 32-inch EcoHD LCD HDTV, which slurps down 44% less energy than a typical 32-inch LCD TV. The set will pack a 12,500:1 dynamic contrast ratio, SRS TruSurround XT audio, multiple HDMI inputs and a stylish white piano colored bezel. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, you can latch on later this month for $499.99.

Panasonic unveils new 11 Series plasma displays in Germany

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 5th 2008 at 5:35PM


While not quite as brain-melting as Panasonic's 150-incher and not nearly as sophisticated as its tru2way-enabled VIERA TH-50PZ80Q, Panny's 11 Series is still worth a gander. Announced today over in Deutschland, the line gets going with the 42-inch TH-42PH11EK/ES and 50-inch TH-50PH11EK/ES, which check in with a 1,024 x 768 and 1,366 x 768 resolution, respectively. Moving on to bigger (or similarly sized) and (mostly) better things, we've got the TH-42PF11EK (42-inch), TH-50PF11EK (50-inch), TH-58PF11EK (58-inch) and the TH-65PF11EK (65-inch), all of which offer a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution and a 30,000:1 contrast ratio. As for pricing and availability, everything smaller than 58-inches can be acquired now for undisclosed amounts, while the big daddies should follow in December.

[Via Macrush]

Gallery: Panasonic unveils new 11 Series plasma displays in Germany

DisplaySearch reports rise in Q3 plasma shipments, but who's buying?

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 4th 2008 at 4:52PM


Generally speaking, a rise in flat-panel shipments is good news. But in these curious times, we're wondering if the customers are screaming for the suppliers to slam on the brakes before slapping another shipping label on an HDTV. DisplaySearch's latest look at plasma shipments shows a 37% rise year-over-year and an 18% increase quarter-over-quarter -- question is, who's buying? We've already learned that bulging inventories are leading to near-across the board price drops, and this economy isn't exactly fostering new waves of television purchasers. Whatever the case, Panasonic is holding down the top spot in Q3 2008 with a PDP market share of just under 40%, while Samsung SDI claims the silver with 29.4%. Here's hoping all these shipments lead to record low plasma prices in just a few Fridays.

Vizio bucks the trend with Q3 growth, positive expectations for Q4

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 4th 2008 at 12:31PM


In case it's not glaringly apparent to you: price matters. And it matters a lot. While most other HDTV manufacturers are sobbing at sales figures (or the lack thereof) right now, Vizio is grinning from ear-to-ear. The outfit's low-cost flat-panels have evidently struck a chord with bargain-minded consumers, as the privately-held company has confessed to having a profitable Q3. Of course, it won't be releasing actual numbers due to its private status, but according to business operations and marketing VP Jeff Schindler, the firm has "never had an unprofitable quarter." Furthermore, the company is expecting even more growth in Q4 as consumers look to get the most bang for their buck when buying new sets. Can't say we doubt its optimism.

Pioneer wins plasma patent case over Samsung, awarded $59.3 million

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 4th 2008 at 2:32AM


Pioneer may be licking its wounds, but at least there's one bright spot on an otherwise dark end-of-year. The US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Marshall (read: patent troll heaven) recently found that "Samsung willfully infringed two Pioneer patents covering plasma display technology," leading to a settlement which involves Samsung handing Pioneer a check for $59,351,480. Samsung has yet to comment on the ruling, but it's pretty easy to imagine what it's probably thinking, wouldn't you say?

[Via SmartHouse, thanks Anthony]

Pioneer forecasts even wider net loss, names new president

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 3rd 2008 at 4:35PM


As the flagging economy wreaks havoc on just about every mega-corp out there, the latest to publicly admit to being affected is Pioneer. After posting a rather significant loss earlier this year, the company is now guiding to a wider-than-forecast net loss of ¥78 billion ($789.9 million) for the year to March 31, blaming the surging yen and the slowing economy. The company is scheduled to nix its unprofitable plasma-panel operations by February and slash 2,000 jobs this fiscal year in order to counter the bleeding, and it looks as if former president Tamihiko Sudo is one of the first bigwigs to fall. As of November 16th, Susumu Kotani (pictured right) will take over that role, though we can't imagine he's looking forward to grabbing the captain's chair in such a turbulent environment.

[Via PC World, image courtesy of DayLife]

Samsung's 63-inch PN63A760 fares alright in recent review

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 2nd 2008 at 4:13AM


Yet again, we're facing just another "pretty good" plasma in the highly competitive realm of flat-panels. Samsung's largest 7 Series PDP (PN63A760) was recently reviewed over at CNET, and while the accurate primary colors, effective anti-reflective screen, smooth dejudder mode and built-in interactive content were fine and dandy, critics couldn't help but ding it for reproducing "relatively light black levels" and "tacking on" the aforementioned interactive services. Additionally, the streaming functions didn't support third-part DLNA servers, the "Smooth mode" didn't work with 1080p sources and the red color design didn't do much for some eyes. The bottom line? It packs a bountiful feature set and a unique look, but the lackluster picture quality just seemed to overshadow those other positives.

Samsung SDI shows off 63-inch 4k x 2k plasma

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 30th 2008 at 11:47PM


There's a slight possibility that you haven't noticed, but Samsung SDI is on fire. Like, seriously burning down FPD International 2008. After treating onlookers to a flexible OLED, a 40-inch Full HD OLED display and an assortment of other eye-enticing panels, the outfit has one-upped itself once more with a 63-inch 4k x 2k plasma. Sure, actually finding 4k x 2k content will be a challenge, but who wouldn't want to be ready for the inevitable worldwide domination of Super Hi-Vision? Most of the other specs (contrast ratio, luminance, where it's being stored with loose security, etc.) were sadly absent, but with a native resolution like this, the rest takes a back seat anyway.




Weblogs, Inc. Network

AOL News

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in:

Joystiq
Download Squad
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
BloggingStocks
Xbox 360 Fanboy
Autoblog
Big Download Blog
Fanhouse NFL Blog