Panasonic Corporation of North America (NYSE: PC) recently introduced its expanded line of VIERA HDTVs at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show. Building upon its award winning portfolio of high definition televisions, Panasonic will broaden its offering in 2009 by introducing new screen sizes in Plasma with a new 54-inch class plasma.

In addition, VIERA will extend its unique technology features, such as the acclaimed VIERA CAST®™ web menu, to additional model lines.

VIERA CAST, originally launched in 2008, will broaden its entertainment offering with the addition of Amazon’s VOD streaming video service. Panasonic also extended the prestigious THX® Certified Display to three product lines. With a continuing emphasis on improving the television’s performance and reducing the impact on the planet’s carbon footprint, Panasonic’s 2009 line of VIERA HDTVs have improved their energy efficiency vs. last year’s models, while also improving the overall picture performance of the HDTVs.

VIERA HDTV

Year after year, Panasonic has been dedicated to bringing new picture improving technologies to HDTVs and 2009’s line-up continues that trend. With the digital transition on the horizon and an increased awareness among consumers of high definition, consumers now demand blacker blacks, faster response times and the billions of colors that Panasonic VIERA HDTVs deliver.

In 2008, Panasonic offered one VIERA HDTV series that had innovative internet enabled VIERA CAST feature. In 2009, it will be extended to three series – The Z1 series, the V10 series and the G10 series. In addition to the continuation of such favorite entertainment sites as Google’s YouTube™, Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg and weather service; a consumer will now have access to HD movie rentals via Amazon Video-on-Demand. Panasonic has also improved VIERA CAST interface by implementing quick keyword input (like a cell phone) to help retrieve favorite content faster and easier. Panasonic HDTVs VIERA Link – a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link™ compatible A/V components using only the TV’s remote control and helpful on-screen menus. In addition to operating a VIERA HDTV, video source (Blu-ray and DVD player) and home theater receiver; VIERA Link permits operation of a network camera, ideal for monitoring of a home/nursery*. A VIERA Link capable Network Camera BL-C210A can be connected to a VIERA HDTV and controlled via VIERA Link remote. Users can then watch their child, pet and/or property by installing the camera and networking to the VIERA HDTV via Ethernet cable. The BL-C210A will be available in the United States in the summer of 2009.

As in 2008, all Panasonic VIERA HDTVs feature VIERA Image Viewer™ a function for easy viewing of digital still photos and in some models, the ability to play back AVCHD video recorded on SD card.

For 2009, VIERA Plasma HDTVs are rated, as in 2008, to have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. This is more than 30 years of viewing when watched for 8 hours a day, before the TV reaches half brightness. To further improve picture quality, VIERA HDTVs feature some breakthrough innovations like 600Hz Sub-field Drive and Infinite Black panel with improved contrast ratios. In 2008, Panasonic offered VIERA HDTV models that were THX certified and in 2009, the prestigious certification will be extended to 8 VIERA models (The V10 series and the G10 series). THX Ltd. works closely with Panasonic from initial product design phase to the final product rollout in the market. THX certification ensures that each display can present all HD and standard definition content to the maximum resolution with accurate color and luminance levels.

Panasonic’s commitment to improving the environment was confirmed this year as all of its 2009 VIERA HDTVs qualified for Energy Star certification. As in the past, VIERA Plasma HDTVs are lead and mercury free.

“Panasonic’s superior quality, connectivity and service continues to distinguish the VIERA line,” said Bob Perry, Executive Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Not only have our VIERA HDTVs received critical acclaim from consumer and trade publications, but Panasonic has maintained the market lead for the majority of the last three years. Panasonic has never rested on its laurels and the 2009 VIERA line continues that thinking. This year Panasonic has created the ‘Neo-PDP’ line with a brighter panel, double luminance efficiency, deeper blacks with improved contrast ratio and 1080 TV lines of Moving Picture Resolution. Our corporate philosophy of Ideas for Life is borne out by our attention to the consumer- to provide the ultimate entertainment experience in an easy to use format. That is why we have expanded our VIERA CAST feature and continued to improve the functionality of VIERA Link.”

PANASONIC VIERA Plasma HDTV

Z1 Series
The flagship VIERA plasma in 2009 is the Z1 series; with a revolutionary one inch thin panel design and Wireless HD connectivity to deliver the ultimate sleek, uncluttered HDTV viewing experience. Also included on the VIERA Z1 is VIERA CAST web menu with the new streaming HD movie rental capability via Amazon Video-on-Demand. The Neo PDP design of the VIERA Z1 produces a brighter picture, deeper blacks, improved native contrast ratio (40,000:1) and Full-Time 1080 TV lines of motion resolution. Other Z1 model features include;1080p resolution, a THX Certified Display; an Infinite Black panel; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; and VIERA Linkä, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still images and AVCHD videos recorded on SD Memory Cards. The Z1 series will be available in the summer of 2009 in the new TC-54Z1, 54-inch class screen size (54” measured diagonally).

V10 Series
The VIERA V10 series are slim, 2-inch thin plasma HDTVs with built-in tuners. The V10 series offer such cutting edge innovations as Digital Cinema Color™ which helps to deliver all movie-essential colors, full THX Display certification, and the VIERA CAST web menu with Amazon Video on Demand services. The Neo PDP design of the V10 series features 1080p resolution; deeper blacks, improved native contrast ratio of 40,000:1; Full-Time 1080 TV lines of motion resolution; an Infinite Black panel; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; VIERA Link, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still images and AVCHD videos recorded on SD Memory Cards. The V10 series is available in a 65-inch class (64.8” measured diagonally), 58-inch class (58” measured diagonally), 54-inch class (54” measured diagonally), and a 50-inch class (49.9” measured diagonally) screen size. The 50-inch model with one-sheet-of-glass design will be available in May 2009 and the remaining models will be available in the summer of 2009.

G10 Series
The VIERA G10 Plasma series include features like the VIERA CAST web menu, a THX certified Display, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still images and AVCHD videos recorded on SD Memory Cards. The NEO PDP design of the G10 series also offers 1080p resolution, deeper blacks, improved native contrast ratio of 40,000:1, Full-Time 1080 TV lines of motion resolution, an Infinite Black panel, 600Hz Sub-field Drive, as well as Game Mode and VIERA Link. The G10 series will be available in a 54-inch class (54” measured diagonally), 50-inch class (49.9” measured diagonally), 46-inch class (46” measured diagonally), and 42-inch class (41.6” measured diagonally) screen size. The 42-inch, 46-inch and 50-inch HDTVs will be available in March 2009, while the 54-inch model will be available in May 2009.

S1 Series
The VIERA S1 Plasma series offers a broad range of HDTVs which also represent the first VIERA plasma series to feature the new NEO PDP designs. Key features of the S1 series include Full-Time 1080 TV lines of motion resolution, which eliminate traditional HDTV motion blur. The S1 series also feature THX certified displays together with VIERA Image Viewer. Other features include 1080p resolution; a native contrast ratio of 40,000:1; an Infinite Black panel; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; and a Game Mode. The S1 series will compliment the V10 65” screen size with its own 65-inch class (64.7” measured diagonally) product. Other S1 sizes include a 58-inch class (58” measured diagonally), a 54-inch class (54” measured diagonally), a 50-inch class (49.9” measured diagonally), a 46-inch class (46” measured diagonally), and a 42-inch class (41.6” measured diagonally). The 42-inch, 46-inch and 50-inch HDTVs will be available in March 2009 while the 54-inch will be available in the summer of 2009.

X1 Series
Panasonic’s focus in 2009 continues to be on high definition 1080p HDTVs but the VIERA X1 series represent a line of 720p plasma HDTVs which help Panasonic deliver on its promise to satisfy consumer demands for differing HDTV resolution options. The X1 VIERA HDTVs offer stunning picture performance with a 600Hz Sub-field Drive that delivers razor-sharp motion focus, VIERA Image Viewer for sharing digital photos with friends and family, and VIERA Link control of all compatible A/V home entertainment components via a single remote. The X1 series also feature improved native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, an Infinite Black panel, and a Game Mode. The VIERA X1 plasmas are available in a 50-inch class (49.9” measured diagonally) and 42-inch class (41.6” measured diagonally).

Panasonic VIERA LCD HDTV

In 2009, Panasonic will continue to demonstrate its strong and growing commitment to the LCD marketplace by increasing the number of its 2009 VIERA LCD model offerings (11 models, up from 5 in 2008), and launching an innovative, new iPod/HDTV entertainment solution.

G1 Series
Panasonic’s top-of-the-line LCD is the VIERA G1 series featuring the 1080p TC-L37G1, 37-inch class (37” measured diagonally) TV and the 720p TC-L32G1, 32-inch class (31.5” measured diagonally) model. Both TVs offer 120Hz Motion Picture Pro3 technology that ensures crisp, focused images for sports, dramatic action, and all other fast-moving scenes; an IPS Alpha Display Panel that deliver a 178º wide viewing angle and bright, clear images from any location in the room; and VIERA Image Viewer that provides the consumer with an easy way to view and share their digital photos via the TV’s built-in SD card reader. The G1 LCD’s also feature VIERA Link™; a PC input; Game mode, a 20:000:1 contrast ratio; 3 HDMI inputs, and a swivel base and narrow bezel design. The G1 series will be available in April 2009.

S1 Series
The VIERA LCD S1 series, available in March 2009, features two screen sizes with 1080p resolution – the 32-inch class (31.5” measured diagonally) and 37-inch class (37” measured diagonally) models. These two televisions feature Motion Focus technology; IPS Alpha Panel with 178% viewing angle; the VIERA Image Viewer function; VIERA Link; 15,000:1 native contrast ratio; PC Input, 3 HDMI inputs and Game mode.

X1 Series
Panasonic’s 720p VIERA X1 LCD series introduces an iPod entertainment. There are three more screen sizes in this line – 26-inch class (26” measured diagonally), 32-inch class (31.5” measured diagonally) and 37-inch class (37” measured diagonally). The iPod® entertainment kit allows consumer to enjoy their iPod music and videos on the X1 series’ high definition screen and provides the unique convenience of controlling the playback of iPod content using only the VIERA’s remote control. Other X1 features includes VIERA Image Viewer; VIERA Link™; a PC input; a Game mode; a 12000:1 contrast ratio, and 3 HDMI inputs on the 32” and 37” screen sizes. The 37-inch and 32-inch will be available in March 2009, 26-inch in April.

Source: Panasonic USA

Sony have announced three new home audio systems, with two soundbars for the cable-phobic and a 5.1 surround setup for those slightly more ambitious.

The Sony HT-SF470 is a 3D-capable 1000 watt (157W x 5 +167W sub) system with three HDMI inputs and an HDMI pass-through port, together with BRAVIA Sync, a Digital Media Port for use with an optional iPod cradle, two digital audio inputs (coax and optical) and digital cinema auto calibration for straightforward setup.

As for the HT-CT350, that has 400W (100 watts x 3 channels + 100 watts subwoofer) while the HT-CT150 has 340W (85 watts x 3 channels + 85 watts sub). Both have three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, and support LPCM Blu-ray Disc audio together with 3D pass-through. They too have dual digital audio inputs, as well as BRAVIA Sync and iPod cradle compatibility.

The CT350 comes with a bracket for attaching it to Sony’s 40-inch and larger HDTVs, while the CT150 has the same for 32-inch sets. Both sound bars will go on sale in May, priced at $400 for the CT350 and $300 for the C150. Meanwhile the HT-SF470 will arrive in June, priced at $550.

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Samsung have unveiled their latest HDTV range, the 8500-series, complete with local dimming for the LED backlighting and Yahoo!’s widget engine. Available in 46- and 55-inch sizes, the 8500-series supports 1080p High Definition playback, with a 7,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 2ms response time and 1.6-inch thick chassis.

There’s also various in-house tweaking systems, designed to fight ambient lighting, together with Energy Star v3.0 compliance thanks to an energy-savings mode that dims the backlight without, so Samsung claim, changing the picture quality. You’ll also find the usual 240Hz refresh rate, frame interpolation and more.

As for the Yahoo! engine, that uses a wired ethernet connection to bring widgets for photos, music, video and internet connect direct to the screen. There are also two USB 2.0 ports, for loading up local content. Both the models will be available in September this year, priced at $3,599.99 for the 46-incher and $4,499.99 for the 55-incher.

It’s kinda cool, not just even for the kitchen. Toshiba announced a brand new LCD HDTV today called the 19LV612U, which is a part of their new Stainless Steel series, which is a new line meant to stand up to the tough conditions a kitchen environment can impose.

This new model measures in at 18.5-inches and sports a 720p resolution with a built-in DVD player. Also included is a TV tuner that supports ATSC, NTSC and QAM. Likewise, the DVD player supports numerous formats including MP3, WMA and DiVX.

Inputs include VGA and HDMI. Other specs are a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a 5ms response time, a 170-degree horizontal and 160-degree vertical viewing angle and 300cd/m2 brightness. You can get the 19LV612U starting in September for about $350.

If Onei Solutions’ speaker-infused TV stand was a bit too extravagant for your den, why not consider Sony’s completely classy alternatives? The new RHT-G series follows up on last year’s model by including three new HDTV stands that include multi-channel audio systems.

The RHT-G950 is designed to hold sets from 40- to 46-inches, while the RHT-G1550 handles big screens in the 46- to 55-inch range and the RHT-G550 holds those 32- to 40-inch models. The G950 and G1550 each host a 5.1-channel array of speakers with 470- and 550-watts of power, respectively; the smaller G550 does 3.1 with 330-watts. There’s also a dozen selectable sound modes, a trio of HDMI inputs, BRAVIA Sync support and a Digital Media Port for connecting one’s Walkman, PC, phone or iPod. There’s no mention of pricing just yet, but these should hit shelves in the May to July time frame.