Panasonic unveils new VIERAs for region
Panasonic's flagship model, the Full HD TH-P54Z1 plasma TV, will be the only Z-series model launched here (54-inch), instead of two sizes launched elsewhere.
SHOWCASE: Panasonic unveiled 11 new Full-HD and 12 HD-Ready TVs for its VIERA plasma TV and LCD line-up in Kuala Lumpur last week. With an expected release date hovering around April 2009, the new series is a significant update to the seven major VIERA product lines, namely the Z, V, G, S, X, C and A series.
Screen sizes vary from 19 to 54 inches, with the TH-P54Z1 being the flagship model at 54 inches. All PDP and LCD models will support VIERA Link (Panasonic’s one-remote access feature which allows users to access other Panasonic HDMI-CEC compatible devices). The PDP Z and V series are both THX-certified displays, making HD movie/sound playback easier with just one HDMI connection.
The launch also saw Panasonic rebranding its SD-card reading function on its TVs as the VIERA Image Viewer (formerly known as the Photo Viewer). The Viewer now supports H.264/AVCHD video file playback (on specific models only, such as the X10 series) on top of the previous JPEG image viewing. Users can add in their own background music to accompany their slideshows as well.
One of the key messages from the launch is Panasonic’s efforts to incorporate the Eco mode feature in all its PDP and LCD panels. PDPs will also continue with their mercury- and lead-free legacy over an advertised 100,000-hour lifespan. For a detailed chart on what was launched at the show, click here. Meanwhile, here are some picture highlights of what was on display or captured during the launch.
- Mr. Hiroyoshi Suga, Director of Panasonic Marketing Asia, shares with the audience his optimism that Panasonic will remain as the dominant PDP leader in six Asian countries.
- One of Panasonic's marketing strategy is to replace 2.5 million CRT sets currently in use this year.
- Mr. Hirofumi Wada, General Manager for Panasonic AVC Japan, shares the company's focus to boost contrast ratio, reduce panel girth and energy consumption. He illustrates how the new NeoPDP panels can consume power equivalent to just two light bulbs annually.
- Mr. Motoki Nakahara, GM for Panasonic Marketing Asia (holding mic) shares with journalists that though it comes with Wireless HD features in the US, the Z-series will not have this feature in Singapore because it conflicts with military frequencies.
- As this diagram shows, the Panasonic Image Viewer will play AVCHD videos besides MPEG2 and JPEG for specific models, like the PDP X-series.
- Panasonic is bullish with the use of its NeoPDP process technologies and IPS Alpha panels to capture greater mindshare this year.
- The G and X-series VIERA LCD TVs on display after the launch. The G-series is a Full-HD selection while X-series is HD-Ready. Both series boast a 20,000:1 contrast ratio.
- Panasonic's X-series has two lines - the X10 and X15 lines. The X10 line-up comes in four sizes (19, 26, 32 and 37 inches). However, the X15 range sports Panasonic's 24p Smooth Film feature.
- Covered quite extensively by us, Panasonic's VIERA Link lets you control your various Panasonic HD devices all with just one remote, including LUMIX cameras and Blu-ray players.
- Panasonic's flagship model, the Full HD TH-P54Z1 plasma TV, will be the only Z-series model launched here at only one 54-inch size, instead of two.
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