Established in 1918, Panasonic is one of the top consmer electronics corporations in the world, as well as one of the leading manufacturers of HDTVs. Indeed, the Panasonic HDTV, known as the Panasonic Viera, is both award-winning and popular. It continues to improve with each year, too, as Panasonic develops more technologies and introduces innovative features that are evident in the 2009 Panasonic HDTV series.
Panasonic Viera S1 LCD Series
Panasonic is more popular for producing excellent Plasma TVs but it also delivers great LCD televisions. The Viera S1 Series is a good example. While there are currently only two Panasonic HDTV models in this series - the the 37-inch TC-L37S1 and the 32-inch TC-L32S1, they both come with an IPS Alpha Panel and Motion Focus Technology. These result in a wide viewing angle and a better motion resolution, respectively, which make them both fantastic choices for LCD HDTVs. They also have a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, a Game Mode, a PC input and three HDMI inputs, as well as the trademark Viera Image Viewer and Viera Link features.
Panasonic Viera S1 Plasma Series
Plasma televisions are known for consuming nearly two times the amount of energy consumed by LCD TVs. However, the Panasonic S1 Plasma HDTVs have changed that, particularly since they come with a Neo PDP Panel and other power-saving features. Aside from this, they also have a Full-Time 1080 TV Lines Moving Picture Resolution, which means it maintains its 1080p resolution even during fast moving scenes, unlike some HDTVs which reduce the number of lines in order to display clear moving images. Other features include the Viera Image Viewer and the Viera Link, as well as three HDMI inputs.
Panasonic Viera G1 Series
Like the Viera S1 LCD series, the LCD HDTVs in the Panasonic G1 series come in 32 and 37-inch sizes. They also have an IPS Alpha Panel, the Viera Image Viewer and the Viera Link. The connectivity options are similar, too. Instead of the Motion Focus Technology, though, the Viera G1 HDTVs come with the 120Hz Motion Picture Pro3 technology, which enables them to display as many as 120 frames per second for smooth transitions and clear moving images. They also have an improved design, with a narrow bezel and a swiveling stand.
Panasonic Viera U1 Series
There are currently three models in this series - a 42, 46 and 50-inch Plasma HDTV model. They are fairly basic, with a 1080p Full HD resolution, a 600Hz Sub-field Drive, three HDMI inputs and over 900 lines of Moving Picture resolution. They also have the Viera Image Viewer feature, which allows you to conveniently share your digital photos and videos straight from your SD card, along with the Viera Link feature which lets you control all your HDTV-compatible devices with the push of a single button.
Panasonic Viera G10 Series
The Panasonic HDTV Series shares a few similarities with the Viera S1 Plasma Series, such as the Full-Time 1080 TV Lines Moving Picture Resolution, the Viera Image Viewer, Viera Link and Anti-Reflective Filter. The Viera G10 Plasma HDTV models, however, have a THX mode wherein colors are more accurate. They also have a PC input and a LAN port for the Viera Cast feature - a new feature which allows you to access selected online content like YouTube videos, on your HDTV even if you don’t have a computer.
Panasonic Viera V10 Series
The Viera V10 Series has a few excellent additions which make it one of the best Panasonic HDTV series. These include an additional HDMI input, along with Digital Cinema Color and 24p Cinematic Playback, both of which combine to faithfully recreate the experience of watching in an actual movie theatre. The 50-inch TC-P50V10 is particularly commendable, since it comes with a cutting-edge two-inch one-pane-of-glass design and a swivel stand.
Panasonic Viera Z1 Series
This Panasonic HDTV series is the latest and most innovative, with the frame only measuring one inch in thickness. Because it is too thin, the inputs and outputs come in a separate box which streams the signals wirelessly to the HDTV. It also carries the same cutting-edge features as the other high-end models, along with a hefty price tag.
Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes television reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To read the latest Pioneer HDTV reviews visit HDTVreviewlab.com