Panasonic - 2009 HDTV series Comparison
Established in 1918, Panasonic is one of the top consmer electronics corporations in the world, as well as one of the leading manufacturers of HDTVs. Indeed, the Panasonic HDTV, known as the Panasonic Viera, is both award-winning and popular. It continues to improve with each year, too, as Panasonic develops more technologies and introduces innovative features that are evident in the 2009 Panasonic HDTV series.
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
Each Panasonic S1 Plasma HDTV comes with a Neo PDP panel, which allows it to consume less energy and qualify for an Energy Star 3.0 rating. They also have a Full-Time 1080 TV Lines Moving Picture Resolution. This means that they display all 1080 lines during fast moving scenes instead of reducing them like some HDTVs do, which, in turn, results in crisp and clear moving images. They also carry the Viera trademark features, such as the Viera Image Viewer and the Viera Link, along with an Anti-Reflective Filter, a dedicated Game Mode, and three HDMI inputs. They do not include a PC input, though.
Panasonic Viera G1 Series
The Panasonic Viera G1 Series is similar to the previous S1 Series of LCD HD televisions, particularly in terms of their panel and connectivity options. However, the G1 LCD HDTVs carry the 120Hz Motion Picture Pro3 technology, which is a step up from the Motion Focus technology. This means that they have an even better motion resolution and can facilitate smoother frame transitions. They have a higher contrast ratio, as well - 20,000:1, and even have a more impressive design because of their narrow bezel and swivel base.
Panasonic Viera U1 Series
This Panasonic HDTV series consists of three 1080p Plasma HDTV models - the 50-inch TC-P50U1, the 46-inch TC-P46U1 and the 42-inch TC-P42U1. Each of these come with a 600Hz Sub-field Drive and over 900 lines of moving picture resolution to deliver excellent images even in fast moving scenes, along with the Viera Image Viewer, Viera Link and three HDMI inputs. They have a 30,000:1 contrast ratio.
Panasonic Viera G10 Series
The Panasonic HDTV Series shares a few similarities with the Viera S1 Plasma Series, such as the Full-Time 1080 TV Lines Moving Picture Resolution, the Viera Image Viewer, Viera Link and Anti-Reflective Filter. The Viera G10 Plasma HDTV models, however, have a THX mode wherein colors are more accurate. They also have a PC input and a LAN port for the Viera Cast feature - a new feature which allows you to access selected online content like YouTube videos, on your HDTV even if you don’t have a computer.
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
This Panasonic HDTV series is the latest and most innovative, with the frame only measuring one inch in thickness. Because it is too thin, the inputs and outputs come in a separate box which streams the signals wirelessly to the HDTV. It also carries the same cutting-edge features as the other high-end models, along with a hefty price tag.
Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes lcd reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To read the latest Pioneer HDTV reviews visit HDTVreviewlab.com