Plasma

Since the Super Bowl is upon us, and we recently viewed a parade of new HDTVs at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), we decided it was a good time to take a look at what kind of deals a tech enthusiast/sports fan can expect to find on modern-day HDTVs.

With a focus on screen sizes, the editors over at dealnews have combed through every HDTV deal posted in the past year to find the best discounts. Here is what they found:

42-inch 1080p LCD
Although we saw a 42" set go for as low as $189 over the holidays, it's still not common to find a 42" HDTV set that cheap. Instead, we recommend keeping your eyes peeled for models at $349 or lower, which is still an unbelievably low price for these TVs.

46-inch 1080p LCD
Third-tier 46" LCD HDTVs have been hovering in the $400 price range since May 2011. If you see a deal at $450 or below, we suggest going for it. As far as brand name TVs, anything below $575 would offer the most savings.Read more

2012 Models Focus on Enhancing the User's TV Experience With Expanded VIERA Connect™ Internet Accessibility, Targeted Web Browser Support, Superior FULL HD 3D, Pristine Picture Quality and Eco Advances

January 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its history and tradition of producing award winning Plasma HDTVs, Panasonic introduced the company's 2012 Smart VIERA line of HDTV Plasmas defining the core of a new IPTV lifestyle at the Consumer Electronics Show. The advent of Smart VIERA HDTV centers on five main points: Networking, Easy Operation, Picture Quality, Eco and Design elements. With 17 new models, ranging in screen sizes from 42-inches to 65 inches, Panasonic expanded its 3D line-up for 2012.

Also new for 2012 is a cloud-based architecture to increase the VIERA Connect IPTV platform to an unlimited number of apps, thereby cementing its reputation for creating innovative and cutting edge products and focusing on providing the consumer with the ultimate in home entertainment. New to select VIERA TVs is the inclusion of a browser, further enhancing the internet platform, as well as the addition of "3D Real Sound" with 8-Train Speakers to further enhance sound quality. In addition, Panasonic continues its commitment to the environment by improving the panel luminance efficiency, as well as producing mercury and lead free panels. To further improve the in-home 3D viewing experience, Panasonic introduced its latest generation of lightweight 3D glasses. Weighing only 27 grams, the latest generation 3D glasses utilize Bluetooth technology and feature a rechargeable battery. Read more

New 3D-Ready Display is an Ideal Solution for Post-Production Editing and Home Theater

September 2011--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced the TH-65VX300U – the newest addition to Panasonic’s family of HD Professional Plasma Displays. The 65" display’s color reproduction approaches digital cinema standards making it ideal for both the home theater and post-production markets.

The display’s ultra high-speed drive technology achieves clear and extremely detailed 3D video and also enhances 2D content. The advanced drive provides smoother gradation, which is double the smoothness of conventional models, resulting in richer gradation expression in a dark area of the screen allowing the viewer to see what is happening in extremely low-lit areas. Read more

March Madness is in full swing. College hoops fans shopping for an HDTV should check out the new line of smart LED and plasma TVs from Samsung. But if a new TV isn't in the budget (or you already own a Samsung TV) and you want to get the most out of watching your favorite teams in action, Samsung provided us with five important coaching tips to calibrate your set for the best experience.

For the best, most realistic image:

• Switch a Samsung TV to Movie mode. In Samsung TVs, the Movie picture mode is pre-calibrated at the factory to match the Broadcast Industry’s standards for HDTV. This means that the color, tint, brightness, color temperature and other settings are pre-adjusted to match with the settings that the network uses.

March 2011--Samsung Electronics America just announced the U.S. availability, pricing and additional product details for its new plasma TV portfolio. The 2011 line represents the company’s broadest range of plasma TVs, with 15 new models across six product series. Its new Plasma+1 narrow bezel design delivers even larger screen sizes than previously available so consumers can enjoy an outstanding immersive experience.

With sharp 2D and 3D images, virtually no motion blur, deep blacks and vivid colors, the new line offers jaw-dropping picture quality uncompromised by its sleek, elegant design. New Samsung Smart TV™ features usher in a new world of open and personalized web-connected experiences.

"Picture quality and screen size remain two of the key factors for consumers looking to purchase a new TV," said John Revie, senior vice president of Home Entertainment, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "By broadening our 2011 plasma TV line up, Samsung is able to deliver products with smart technology, stylish design and features that allow people to create the home entertainment experience they desire." Read more

Plasma Sales Show Growth, Pointing To Bright Future

March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Driving the resurgence of Plasma HDTVs, Panasonic Corporation of North America, the industry and technology leader in High Definition and Full HD 3D televisions, recently announced pricing and availability for its award winning 2011 Viera Plasma line-up. This announcement coincides with Display Search's recent analysis and conclusion that 2010 was a great year for Plasma TV panels, with shipments growing on a Year/Year basis every quarter since Q4 '09. NPD also produced data showing a growth in Plasma sales.

In a February 3, 2011 report – Quarterly Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report, Display Search reported:

• Q4 '10 Plasma TV panel shipments grew 1% Q/Q (Quarter-Quarter) and 9% Y/Y
• After falling from 15.1 million in 2008 to 14.8 million in 2009, Plasma TV panel shipments jumped to 19.1 million in 2010
• Panasonic was a top panel supplier in 2010, with a 22% Y/Y (Year-Year) growth on a unit basis