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Posts with tag Plasma

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.

Vizio hacks prices on select HDTVs prior to Black Friday

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 26th 2008 at 7:03PM


We've already seen that a number of retailers will be offering Vizio HDTVs on the cheap this Friday (or Black Friday, as the in-crowd calls it these days), but the company is stealing a bit of their thunder by announcing cuts from the top a few days early. Vizio's 19-inch VA19 LCD will be offered for just $199.99 at Costco through December 7th, while the 32-inch VP322 plasma (pictured) will go for $437 at Walmart starting today. There's also the 37-inch VW37 LCD HDTV for $499.99 at Costco, the 32-inch 1080p VOJ32LF LCD for $559.99 at Sears and the 42-inch 1080p VS420 for $698 at Sam's Club. If none of these sets float your boat, check out our condensed guide to Black Friday: HD style for something more to your liking.

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

Panasonic to move all plasma panel production to two facilities

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 21st 2008 at 1:19PM


And just like that, another mainstay in the flat-panel world is forced to make significant business changes to deal with drooping demand and a bizarre economy. Shortly after Sharp announced that it would likely be cutting LCD panel production by around 10%, in flies word that Panasonic is making an even more drastic move. Currently, the outfit produces 65-inch plasma panels at a plant in Ibaraki, while all other sizes are concocted at two factories in Amagasaki. Starting soon, all sizes will be made at the pair of plants in Amagasaki, a move that will supposedly cut production costs by up to ¥4 billion ($41.92 million) per year. Panny is hoping to use the Ibaraki venue to "concentrate [on] development and testing of flat-panels," which follows logic given its intentions to spark up a "development segment for LCD panels there next fiscal year."

Pioneer opens second US retail store in Phoenix, Arizona

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 15th 2008 at 3:06PM


For those ensconced in the Arizona desert and looking for a new KURO, you're in luck. Pioneer has just swung the doors open on its second US retail store, a 3,200 square-foot facility situated in the Northeast Valley of Phoenix, Arizona. The outfit opened its first US store in Orange County, California in August of 2006, and both stores will be responsible for selling a wide variety of Pioneer gear, most notably KURO flat-panels, Blu-ray decks and speakers / headphones typically reserved for the Japanese market. Now, if it manages to notch anything close to an impressive amount of sales (without vast, deep discounts) in this economy, you can color us floored.

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.

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.

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]

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.

Shinoda's 125-inch curved plasma to hit assembly lines by May, all 7.9-pounds of it

by Thomas Ricker, posted Oct 30th 2008 at 4:32AM


As showcase displays push to 150-inches and beyond, we won't blame you if you missed Shinoda's surprisingly lightweight (7.9-pounds) 125-inch curved plasma when it was first unveiled back in May. Especially since it manages a rather paltry 960 x 360 pixels from that trio of joined, 1-meter wide (1-mm thin!) flexible plasma panels. The fact that it's going production in April/May of next year is certainly notable, even if the first applications will be limited to digital signage. Baby steps, right?

Panasonic's tru2way-enabled TH-50PZ80Q plasma lands in Chicago retailer

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 17th 2008 at 11:52AM


We were told yesterday that Panasonic's 50-inch VIERA TH-50PZ80Q plasma had made landfall in Chicago at Abt Electronics, and here we have the images to prove it. America's first live commercial tru2way deployment is underway, and this is the spot if you're looking to be among the first to indulge. All yours for $2,299 (the HDTV, that is) -- enjoy the pics below if you're far, far away from the Windy City.

Gallery: Panasonic's tru2way-enabled TH-50PZ80Q plasma lands in Chicago retailer



[Thanks, Mark]

Panasonic reveals first tru2way HDTVs in Chicago and Denver

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 15th 2008 at 4:58PM Breaking News


We already saw Panasonic's 50-inch TH-50PZ80Q plasma doing the tru2way thing at CEDIA 2008, but the official lever has just been pulled in Denver and Chicago. As of today, Comcast's tru2way platform is active in the aforesaid cities, and the very first tru2way-capable HDTVs are arriving to retail. Eager consumers in the Windy or Mile High City who are ready to ditch the set-top-box altogether without sacrificing VOD and such can polish off their wounded credit cards, as both a 42-inch (TH-42PZ80Q; $1,599.95) and 50-inch (TH-50PZ80Q; $2,299.95) VIERA plasma will be on sale by "late October." As for the rest of the US anxious to dip in the cool, cool waters of tru2way? A few undisclosed locales should be going live with the service "in the coming months," though your guess is as good as ours as to what exactly that means.




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