Panasonic's 2013 Viera Plasma HDTV line-up (CES 2013)

[dobyblue]

Panasonic 2013 plasma press release:

PANASONIC UNVEILS ENHANCED 2013 SMART VIERA PLASMA HDTV LINEUP

2013 Models Deliver Increased Connectivity and Personalization Options, Expanded VIERA Connect™, Superior Full HD 3D, "Beyond the Reference" Picture Quality and Pristine Design

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 7, 2013) – Panasonic, an industry and technology leader in High Definition and Smart TV technology, introduces its 2013 line of Smart VIERA® Plasma HDTVs. Continuing its tradition of developing award winning Plasma HDTVs, Panasonic has introduced an enhanced 2013 lineup built around user personalization and advanced networking features, increased connectivity, re-mastered picture quality, and stunning design elements. Ranging from 42-inch class to 65-inch class, the 16 new models provide the highest quality picture and breadth of viewing options directly to the consumer.

Building on its reputation for creating innovative products, Panasonic's 2013 VIERA televisions have become more than a screen, now functioning as an extension of all lifestyle and mobile devices.

The 2013 Smart VIERA Plasma line-up features:

My Home Screen – a personalization function that allows each user in the home to create their own personal home screen giving them quick access to their favorite content. (2013 VIERA ZT60, VT60, and ST60 Series)
Swipe & Share 2.0 – a connectivity enhancement that transforms the TV into a hub for streaming and sharing photo and video content seamlessly with Smartphone and Tablet devices. Through Panasonic's proprietary VIERA ConnectTM platform, users can transfer personal photos and videos from their Android or iOS devices directly to the large screen with a simple swipe of the finger and transfer them back to their smart devices the same way. Swipe & Share also enables sharing of user-generated photos and videos that are on the large screen with other Android or iOS devices. (2013 VIERA® ZT60, VT60, and ST60 Series)
Touch Pen – a design feature which allows users to add their own writing to their photos on screen and transfer them back to their smart devices using the optional Electronic Touch Pen (TY-TP10U) accessory. (2013 VIERA ZT60, VT60, ST60, and S60 Series)
Voice Guidance – an accessibility function that uses text to speech functions to verbalize text content as it appears on your TV. (2013 VIERA ZT60 and VT60)
Voice Interaction -- by simply saying a key word into the Smart VIERA Touch Pad Controller or Smartphone (VIERA Remote 2 App must be installed), the search result is displayed on the VIERA HDTV screen and also verbally read out. (2013 VIERA ZT60 and VT60 Series)

The Smart VIERA ZT60, VT60, ST60 Series models also include a web browser with built-in Wireless LAN and the VT60 will also feature Panasonic's first-ever built-in camera to enhance the home entertainment experience. In addition, each new Smart VIERA HDTV offers an enhanced VIERA ConnectTM platform including more options for streaming video content, unique social networking features, fully-integrated apps, and intuitive search features designed to make the user experience fast and easy.

"Panasonic continually strives to surpass the previous year's successes, and the new 2013 series of VIERA Plasma HDTVs does just that," said Henry Hauser, Vice President, Merchandising Group, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "The series' enhanced VIERA Connect IPTV functionality, superior picture and sound quality, and advanced connectivity capabilities have completely transformed the TV viewing experience. With the 16 new models, Panasonic has set the bar for years to come."

The new VIERA® ZT60 Plasma Series is equipped with a master studio panel, producing deep black levels for stunning picture quality. The new design maximizes the natural properties of glass and metal to visually express the superb performance of display and color. With the addition of a new Louver filter, the ZT Series line delivers improved external light shading, clarity and light transmittance. The new panel reduces reflections to create sharper pictures with higher contrast in bright environments.

Building on last year's "Glass and Metal" design concept, the 2013 VIERA models continue to focus on sleek designs while delivering pristine picture display and superior sound quality. The VT60 Series includes built-in side speakers, and a thin metal pedestal with one sheet of glass featured on the ZT and VT Series models delivers a minimalist aesthetics and design. The ZT60 and VT60 Series models are also equipped with a Dual Core with Hexa Processing Engine.

ZT60 Series
The ZT60 series is Panasonic's Full HD 3D Plasma flagship series and is available in two screen sizes - the TC-P65ZT60, 65-inch class and the TC-P60ZT60, 60-inch class.
With 1080p resolution, the ZT60 series comes with advanced features for connectivity including My Home Screen, Swipe and Share 2.0, Touch Pad Controller, three HDMI and three USB connectors, along with VIERA ConnectTM, allowing consumers to connect to applications through the internet via built in Wireless LAN and Web Browser. 2D-3D conversion transforms 2D content to 3D images in real-time. The ZT Series also includes two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear.
The VIERA ZT60 Series offers a "Beyond the Reference" level of picture quality. Ultimate black color, contrast and crystal crisp picture are achieved thanks to the new Studio Master Panel with newly developed panel driving method and panel structure with direct glass layer. The front glass is directly attached to the Plasma panel itself by Panasonic's exclusive crafting methods. As a result of the improvement, dim and double images are cut off by eliminating the air gap layer between the front glass and Plasma panel. The ZT60 series enhances compatibility between ultimate picture quality and stylish design. The quality of the ZT60's 3D images is greatly enhanced, with clear, natural Full HD 3D images because of reduced crosstalk. 3000 Focused-field Drive also produces image resolution of 1080 lines for 2D images, to provide crisp, clear image motion. A wider color gamut (DCI 98% Color Space) is achieved thanks to a newly developed pure red phosphor. The ZT60 features THX in both 2D and 3D modes *1 as well as ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with calibration software (CALMAN™ ) provided by SpectraCal Inc.
In addition to picture quality, operation and usability of the VIERA® ZT60 Series is also refined with Voice control and easy web search are achieved based on voice recognition technology in combination with new touch pad remote controller with microphone. Also, text to speech function offers voice guidance for convenient usage of the web browser. In addition, the painting and retouching function based on Panasonic's newly developed Touch Pen technology offers a fun and new experience for using your TV. (Touch pen accessory is optional)
The ZT60 Series offers advanced network functions via VIERA ConnectTM -- Panasonic's exclusive cloud-based IPTV function. Multi-tasking allows simultaneous use of apps from seven categories, including YouTube, Skype and Facebook. Web browser capability makes it easy to use the Internet from the TV. DLNA, Wireless LAN and Bluetooth are also supported for a high level of convenience.
The ZT60 Series display panel is free of mercury and lead. A newly designed phosphor process and rear panel process give the Plasma panel longevity of up to 100,000 hours before the brightness of the panel decreases to half. This is more than 30 years of viewing when watched 8 hours a day. The stylish design of the ZT60 Series is based on the concept of "one sheet of glass", which accentuates the superiority of the panel's picture quality and the unique pedestal structure with a thin metal plate gives the TV an elegant glass and metal aesthetics.

VT60 Series
The VT60 series includes three screen sizes – the TC-P55VT60, 55-inch class; TC-P60VT60, 60-inch class; and TC-P65VT60, 65-inch class.
The VT60 Series achieves the ultimate in advanced design combining built-in side speakers and a built-in camera with a Full HD 3D display delivering 1080p resolution via an Infinite Black Ultra Panel. Similar to the ZT60 series, the VT60 models are equipped with enhanced connectivity features including VIERA ConnectTM, My Home Screen, built-in Wireless LAN and Web Browser, Swipe and Share 2.0. The VT60 Series also includes a Touch Pad Controller and voice interaction with three HDMI and three USB connectors. The VT60 Series also includes two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear. 3000 Focused-field Drive technology produces image resolution of 1080 lines for 2D images, to provide crisp, clear image motion. The VT60 also features THX in both 2D and 3D modes *1 as well as ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with the calibration software (CALMAN™ )provided by SpectraCal Inc.

ST60 Series
The TC-P50ST60, 50-inch class; TC-P55ST60, 55-inch class; TC-P60ST60, 60-inch class and TC-P65ST60, 65 inch class comprise the ST60 series of Full HD 3D VIERA® HDTVs.
The ST60 models include Infinite Black Pro Panel with 2500 Focused Field Drive and 1080p Full HD resolution for pristine picture quality. The ST60 Series features VIERA Connect, My Home Screen, a Web Browser, Swipe and Share 2.0, and voice guidance. The series includes three HDMI connections, two USB ports and two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear.

S60 Series
The S60 Series is one of two non-3D models in this year's HDTV Plasma lineup.
There are five screen sizes in the S60 Series – the TC-P42S60, 42-inch class; TC-P50S60, 50-inch class; TC-P55S60, 55-inch class; TC-P60S60, 60-inch class; and TC-P65S60, 65-inch class.
The S60 Series includes an Online Movies feature -- a service that provides select IPTV functionality by offering access to popular applications for streaming movies and other videos. All S60 models offer 1080p Full HD resolution, built-in Wireless LAN, 600Hz Sub-field Drive, Media Player; DLNA, VIERA® Link, two HDMI connections and two USB ports.

X60 Series
The X60 Series is one of two non-3D models in this year's HDTV Plasma lineup.
There are two screen sizes in the X60 Series -- the TC-P42X60, 42-inch class and TC-P50X60, 50-inch class. The X60 offers 720p HD resolution; Media Player; 600Hz Sub-Field Drive; Game Mode; two HDMI connections and one USB port.

Panasonic's line of 2013 VIERA Plasma HDTVs will be available starting in February 2013. They will be on display at the Panasonic booth #9406 at the 2013 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 8, 2013 through January 11, 2013. For more information including technical specifications please visit http://www.Panasonic.com.

Link - http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs...72013040339024

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

thought hte conference started the 8th? today is the 7th

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by ImStylinOnYaBro

thought hte conference started the 8th? today is the 7th

Sharp, Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic are all today. CES are live-blogging from the Panasonic event right now - http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/l...ss-conference/

32 new TV's for 2013, 16 plasmas and 16 LCDs, details will probably be released to the global press site as soon as the conference is over. New for 2013 is the ZT series which will take over the top of the line role from the VT series, not really "new" though as they had the Z1 series the year they had the V10. Largest LED will be 55", plasma will still be 65".

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Sharp, Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic are all today. CES are live-blogging from the Panasonic event right now - http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/l...ss-conference/

32 new TV's for 2013, 16 plasmas and 16 LCDs, details will probably be released to the global press site as soon as the conference is over. New for 2013 is the ZT series which will take over the top of the line role from the VT series, not really "new" though as they had the Z1 series the year they had the V10. Largest LED will be 55", plasma will still be 65".

will that link you gave me show hte samsung conference as well? yeah, i saw ZT, VT, ST, and 2 other plasmas in the mid-high end range. i just caught a glimpse a few minutes ago...

[dobyblue]

First post updated with press conference.
If you go to CES' website they should link to each press conference as it happens.

The schedule is here - http://www.cesweb.org/For-The-Press/...-Schedule.aspx

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

sweet, i'll prolly still stick w/ the st50 since it appears to offer essentially the same things in terms of picture quality. can't wait to see samsungs conference at 5pm today

[nolfoc]

i hope now the 2012 VT series drops in price just a tad! how much better in terms of PQ is the ZT to the VT

[Kirk Out]

Thanks for posting dobyblue , the zt series looks interesting have to keep my eyes and ears open for more info and pics.

[RISE23_BLU]

I was hoping to get at least a 70+" ZT. I guess I will have to look at another TV. I wanted a 75" but, would have settled for a 70" plasma. Too Bad for me.....

[agoofykindasuperman]

No 4k? Seems a step backward no?

Guess I'll be keeping my Elite another year

[dobyblue]

They have a 4K 152" plasma that retails for US$500,000, they've already had their "hey check out our ridiculously over-priced stuff you can't afford" moment in the CES spotlight, lol.

I think the only step backward is not bringing a larger size this year, something between 65~80". If their 2013 line of sets is as big of a jump as the 50-series were over the 30-series then there will be a lot of happy videophiles out there.

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

Originally Posted by agoofykindasuperman

No 4k? Seems a step backward no?

Guess I'll be keeping my Elite another year

i think toshiba, westinghouse, lg? and sony - maybe 1 or 2 more, are the only ones reported to be bringing 4k this year. that was according to hd-nation.

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

They have a 4K 152" plasma that retails for US$500,000, they've already had their "hey check out our ridiculously over-priced stuff you can't afford" moment in the CES spotlight, lol.

I think the only step backward is not bringing a larger size this year, something between 65~80". If their 2013 line of sets is as big of a jump as the 50-series were over the 30-series then there will be a lot of happy videophiles out there.

i checked out your home theater pics..looks rocking, especially since you like f1. im gonna have my new setup by the time melbourne rolls around

[dobyblue]

Thanks man, was pleased with the way that Schumi pic turned out. When you zoom on it the detail on the tyre is fantastic - shot taken from the Blu-ray of the 2011 season...what a PITA that was to be able to watch thanks to B-locked region code and 1080i50 encoding.

Been to Montreal 11 races in a row, so glad we can finally watch F1 in HD now!

Hope we get a Blu-ray in North America this year but I pre-ordered the UK release just in case, and it's currently listed as both A and B coded. Fingers crossed. Great season.

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Thanks man, was pleased with the way that Schumi pic turned out. When you zoom on it the detail on the tyre is fantastic - shot taken from the Blu-ray of the 2011 season...what a PITA that was to be able to watch thanks to B-locked region code and 1080i50 encoding.

Been to Montreal 11 races in a row, so glad we can finally watch F1 in HD now!

Hope we get a Blu-ray in North America this year but I pre-ordered the UK release just in case, and it's currently listed as both A and B coded. Fingers crossed. Great season.

Im really looking forward to racing on a plasma display, especially the super fast paced f1 racing. 1080i at 50fps? u shitting me?!?! that is horrendous , i'll pass on that release you should pick up a Orei BDP-M2 player, its region free and picture quality, from what i can tell, is the same as a ps3! a plus side is that the orei is DIRT cheap at like 139 bucks.

[master_8ball]

Interested in how much better this Studio Master Panel will be than their Infinite Black Ultra Panel. The ZT description makes mention of how the glass is attached to the plasma panel and that reduces cross talk in 3D viewing, guess that is that to say the VT model will not feature this crafting method.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by ImStylinOnYaBro

Im really looking forward to racing on a plasma display, especially the super fast paced f1 racing. 1080i at 50fps? u shitting me?!?! that is horrendous , i'll pass on that release you should pick up a Orei BDP-M2 player, its region free and picture quality, from what i can tell, is the same as a ps3! a plus side is that the orei is DIRT cheap at like 139 bucks.

It might be region free, but does it convert 1080i50 > 1080i60 on the fly, which I'd need as my Panasonic TC-P50GT50 will not handshake with a 1080i50 signal. (And if it does list that it does, has someone you know confirmed it? Some players are dodgy with this conversion, I tried a BD-P1500 and BD-P2550 from Samsung both of which introduced strobing in the conversion until I finally found a BD-D5700 that did the conversion beautifully)

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by master_8ball

Interested in how much better this Studio Master Panel will be than their Infinite Black Ultra Panel. The ZT description makes mention of how the glass is attached to the plasma panel and that reduces cross talk in 3D viewing, guess that is that to say the VT model will not feature this crafting method.

Really looking forward to seeing this in the flesh to see the difference, hope someone at CES with a good camera will be taking some close-up pics. Panny's press kit pics, which don't appear to be out yet for these sets, never really shows you the actual sets close-up, more model-type pics.

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

It might be region free, but does it convert 1080i50 > 1080i60 on the fly, which I'd need as my Panasonic TC-P50GT50 will not handshake with a 1080i50 signal. (And if it does list that it does, has someone you know confirmed it? Some players are dodgy with this conversion, I tried a BD-P1500 and BD-P2550 from Samsung both of which introduced strobing in the conversion until I finally found a BD-D5700 that did the conversion beautifully)

that i don't know i'll have to do some digging if i have time after Samsung's conference in the next few minutes. Kinda stinks its still in 1080i, that interlaced frame looks so much worse than progressive :/

[ZoetMB]

There's really no reason why these software enhancements can't work with older sets. All of these sets have software updates, no? I realize that the manufacturers try to use these enhancements to get people to upgrade, but they'd have more loyalty if they would enhance hardware to get people to buy new and enhance software for everyone, or at least the last several years.