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By: Richard Del Cazzo
Web site: http://www.hdtv-hdtv.com
With the launch of its VIERAä series, Panasonic a leader
in digital television continues to advance Panasonic flat
panel display technology to new levels of performance. In
its strongest flat-panel display line ever, the company is
introducing ten High Definition and Enhanced Definition flat
panel display models, in screen sizes ranging from 14 inches
to 50 inches (diagonal screen measurement). The VIERA plasma
line features new designer cosmetics, a fully integrated ATSC
tuner for high definition reception, built-in CableCARDÔ
slot – Panasonic was the first manufacturer to receive
certification from CableLabsÒ for an integrated digital
television set (DTV) that connects directly to cable television
systems and receives digital services without requiring a
set-top box - and HDMI (High Definition and Multimedia Interface)
input. The three high definition flat panel display plasmas
feature a 3000:1 contrast ratio for a brilliant, razor-sharp
picture, while the two enhanced definition displays provide
a 4000:1 contrast ratio.
The VIERA LCD flat panel display line includes three 4:3
displays and two High Definition models with 16:9 widescreen
displays. The creation of this special collection, and the
broad range of technologies it incorporates, confirms Panasonic’s
strong commitment to the fast-growing flat-panel market.
The worldwide flat panel display TV market reached 4.3 million
units in 2003 and is expected to reach 13.8 million units
in 2005. Recognizing this growth potential and in order to
meet the rapid increase in market demand, Panasonic is strengthening
its product line-up and production capacity for flat panel
displays.
“We are committed to continually creating breakthrough
technology in flat panel displays,” said Ed Wolff, Vice
President, Panasonic Display Group. “One of the reasons
Panasonic developed the VIERA series was to affirm this commitment
to the flat-panel market and to build upon the superior quality
and reputation we have established in the flat panel display
arena. The concept behind VIERA can be summed up by the phrase
‘beyond borders’ the borders of conventional television.
That is the philosophy that motivated Panasonic’s thinking
in developing the VIERA name and line — pushing the
borders of technology and design.”
Among the new digital flat-panel displays being introduced
at the 2004 International CES are three High Definition plasma
models, TH-50PX25U/P (50-inch diagonal screen measurement),
TH-42PX25U/P (42-inch diagonal) and TH-37PX25U/P (37-inch
diagonal), all featuring an ATSC integrated tuner, 3000:1
contrast ratio, Picture-in-Picture, SD Memory Card slots and
HDMI input. With the use of an authorized CableCARD, these
models are also able to receive digital cable television systems
services directly from the cable operator1 without requiring
a separate cable box.
Models TH-50PX25U/P and TH-42PX25U/P offer both SD Memory
Card and PCMCIA slots, while the 37PX25U/P features an SD
Memory Card slot.
Two Enhanced Definition sets, TH-37PD25U/P (37-inch diagonal)
and TH-42PD25U/P (42-inch diagonal) complete the plasma line-up.
They feature an integrated ATSC tuner, 4000:1 contrast ratio,
HDMI input, 3/2 pulldown, two-tuner Picture-in-Picture and
SD Memory Card slots.
The VIERA LCD line includes three 4:3 sets: models TC-14LA2,
TC-17LA2, and TC-20LA2, and two HD 16:9 displays: models TC-26LX20
and TC-32LX20.
All new LCD models feature a three-line digital comb filter.
HD models TC-26LX20 and TC-32LX20 deliver a resolution of
1280x 768, and include an HDMI input, and PCMCIA and SD Memory
Card slots to aid in network connectivity. All of the LCD
flat panel models have a brightness of 450cd/m2 and a 170-degree
viewing angle. The TC-17LA2, TC-20LA2, TC-26LX20 and TC-32LX20
feature a 500:1 contrast ratio, while the TC-14LA2 delivers
a 450:1 contrast ratio.
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