2010 the year of Panasonic????

It has been a busy month for Panasonic, they have released details of its 3D plasma and Blu-ray  line-up for the UK as well as announcing its first range of LED backlight LCD TVs, along with updated Freesat and/or Freeview HD Viera TVs. 

All the new plasma models utilise the brand’s proprietary NeoPDP technology, for lower power consumption and improved image quality.

The headline news is that two Active Shutter 3D plasmas will be available this summer, the TX-P50VT20B and larger TX-P65VT20B. However, all of the brand's 2010 plasma panels employ a new filter and discharge gas, improved phosphor, plus a redesigned cell structure. This, it claims, improves contrast and provides smoother motion.

The sets also reach peak brightness quicker than their predecessors, while the new phosphor shortens afterglow time by about one third. This makes the screens well-suited for fast-moving action, such as sports coverage, as well as 3D. 

Says Panasonic: ‘Because the new NeoPDP technology boosts  emission speed and reduces afterglow, overlapping of right-eye and left-eye images is minimised, so there is no after-imaging. This system far surpasses previous 3D technologies.’

Infinite black

Native contrast on the new plasma screens peaks at 5,000,000 to 1. Interestingly, the company is debuting what it calls Infinite Black Pro technology on its high-end plasmas, for ‘exceptionally deep, rich black levels that draw the viewer into the picture.’ This follows the acquisition by Panasonic of a raft of patented technology from Pioneer, originally developed for that brand’s Kuro range.

Panasonic has also enlisted a number of ex-Pioneer engineers.

Later on this year Panasonic are also going to enter the LED market. So it looks as if Panasonic are out to try and dominate the flat screen market. Good luck to them.....