Panasonic to Launch 12 LCD/PDP TVs

Matsushita unveiled a total of 12 new PDP and LCD TV models. The new PDP TVs have a contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and adjust the grayscale with 18-bit processing. In addition, they have a color gamut enhanced to 130% of the HDTV standard.

The LCD TVs have a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 by controlling the light intensity of the entire backlight and the cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) on a tube-by-tube basis (press release). Panasonic improved the picture quality and operability of these new models for the Olympic Games in Beijing.

"TVs always sold well in the Olympic years," said Shiro Nishiguchi, Director of Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic Brand.

New PDPs featuring tripled contrast ratio

To enhance the picture quality of the new PDP TVs, the company employed four technologies for the panels. (1) The "Dynamic Black Layer" formed on the dielectric layer of the front panel allows a contrast ratio of 30,000:1 by reducing the pre-discharge to approximately 1/3. (2) The thinner ribs on the back panel increase the aperture ratio.

(3) The phosphors and the optical filter were improved. (4) The "Clear Picture Panel" is treated with AR (anti-reflection) processing, which is composed of multilayered films placed at the forefront, reducing the reflection of external light on the display.

In particular, the Dynamic Black Layer reduces the pre-discharge by reducing the initial electron emission time at the beginning of discharge, while at the same time reducing the voltage required to maintain the electric charge.

The PDP TVs are also equipped with "Color Remaster System" to enhance the color gamut to 130% of the HDTV standard on the drive circuit side. Furthermore, they deliver 18-bit DSP performance, which improves the grayscale characteristics.

Controlling the entire light intensity and partial blinking of CCFL

The LCD TVs appropriately control the backlight to improve the contrast ratio and the video display performance. (1) The TVs provide the contrast ratio of 10,000:1 by reducing the intensity of backlight to up to 1/9 (1/7 in the existing models) after analyzing the image in each field as well as by controlling the gamma curve, etc.

(2) Image blur due to the horizontal movement of images and tickers is reduced by blinking the CCFLs on a tube-by-tube basis in accordance with the analysis of image movements in different areas on the screen. These TVs use the IPS¦Á panel whose picture quality is less affected by the viewing angle.

Link functionality with the Olympics in mind

To offer a superior Olympic viewing experience, new features were added to the Viera Link function, which enables the TV to be connected to a Panasonic HDD recorder, etc. "Bangumi (program) Keep" function automatically turns on the recorder by a touch of a button on the remote controller to record the program so that the users can enjoy watching it later.

"Bangumi Pittari (program-oriented) Sound" function automatically changes over the audio modes on a compatible rack theater based on the categories in EPG. Also, "Gamen de rimokon (remote control on screen)" function enables the operation of devices linked with the TV by using the TV remote controller while checking the operation on the TV screen.

Moreover, the TVs can work in cooperation with door phones and security cameras to display images of visitors, etc on the TV screen.

From high-end to standard

The latest TVs will be available one after the other from April 10, 2008. There are no manufacturer's suggested retail prices.

The following are the expected market prices. The 50-inch model in the PZ800 series, which is a line of high-end PDP TVs, will be available at about ¥500,000, and 46- and 42-inch models are about ¥430,000 and about ¥370,000, respectively.

The PZ85 series, a stylish line of wall-mounted models, offers a 46-inch product priced at about ¥380,000 and a 42-inch product at about ¥320,000. For the PZ80 series, a line of standard PDP TVs, a 50-inch model will be sold at about ¥430,000, a 46-inch model at about ¥360,000, and a 42-inch model at about ¥300,000.

The LCD TVs come in two lines. The LZ85 series, a line of stylish LCD models, includes a 37-inch product that will be available for roughly ¥260,000 and a 32-inch product for approximately ¥220,000. The LZ80 series is a line of standard models, featuring a 37-inch product selling for approximately ¥240,000 and a 32-inch product going for an estimated ¥220,000.

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