Panasonic announced 17 new models to its 2012 Smart VIERA line of HDTV Plasmas ranging in screen sizes from 42-inches to 65 inches. The six VIERA Plasma series, VT50, GT50, ST50, UT50, XT50, U50, feature self illuminating panels with ultimate black levels, NeoPlasma technologies (VT/GT/ST) providing a black filter with a higher efficiency panel that generates the best balance of black and white under brighter environments. The new Louver filter and new high performance panel result in improved external light shading, improved clarity and improved light transmittance. The 2012 models employ the NeoPlasma Black 2500 (VT/GT/ST/UT), a 6,220,800 pixel cells FULL local dimming, 24,576 steps of gradation technology (VT/GT) (previously only available in professional monitors), a new custom driver LSI and a fast switching phosphor panel on all of Panasonic’s 1080p 3D models.
Also new for 2012 is a cloud-based architecture to increase the VIERA Connect IPTV platform to an unlimited number of apps. Select new VIERA TVs include 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.
The 2012 panel further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. In addition, a new panel structure and pre-discharge control technology contribute to an increased native contrast level. Additionally, all the 3D models include DLNA connections for easy link-up to other DLNA equipped products.
Panasonic also continues its relationship with THX with six Full HD 3D Plasma HDTVs, submitted for certification to the prestigious company founded by George Lucas. THX certification indicates to the consumer that the picture quality has been certified to meet the stringent standards of Hollywood’s top film makers.
VT50 Series
The VT50 series is the FULL HD 3D Plasma flagship series, replacing last year’s VT30.
- TC-P65VT50, 65-inch class (64.7 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P55VT50, 55-inch class (55.1 inches measured diagonally)
- FULL HD 3D
- 1080p FULL HD resolution
- Infinite Black Ultra Panel, Deep Black hues are achieved thanks to new and advanced pre-discharge technology
- VIERA Connect with Web browser and built-in Wi-Fi
- 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive)
- Fast Switching Phosphors
- 2D → 3D conversion
- 24,576 steps of gradation technology
- ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with the calibration software (CALMAN) provided by SpectraCal Inc.
- Social Networking TV function to allow users to access social network sites while simultaneously watching TV
- Multitasking feature to switch between apps
- 3D Real Sound with 8-Train Speakers
- New Louver Filter
- VIERA Touch Pad Controller
- Bluetooth
- DLNA
- 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
- Media Player, allows one to view digital photos and HD video recorded on a SD Memory Card and USB Memory Stick
- 4 x HDMI connections
- 3 x USB ports
GT50 Series
- TC-P50GT50, 50-inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P55GT50, 55-inch class (55.1 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P60GT50, 60-inch class (60.1 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P65GT50, 65-inch class (64.7 inches measured diagonally)
- FULL HD 3D
- Infinite Black Pro Panel
- VIERA Connect with Web browser and built-in Wi-Fi
- 1080p FULL HD resolution
- 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive)
- Fast Switching Phosphors; 2D → 3D conversion
- 24,576 steps of gradation technology
- Social Networking TV function
- Multitasking
- 3D Real Sound with 8 train speakers
- Media Player
- Bluetooth
- DLNA
- VIERA Link
- 4 x HDMI connections
- 3 x USB ports
- Glass and metal design
- Stylish Metal Frame
ST50 Series
- TC-P50ST50, 50-inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P55ST50, 55-inch class (55.1 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P60ST30, 60-inch class (60.1 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P65ST50, 65 inch class (64.7 inches measured diagonally)
- FULL HD 3D VIERA HDTVs
- Infinite Black Pro Panel
- VIERA Connect with Web browser and built-in Wi-Fi
- 1080p FULL HD resolution
- 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive)
- Fast Switching Phosphors
- 2D → 3D conversion
- Social Networking TV function
- 3D Real Sound with 8-Train Speakers
- Media Player
- Bluetooth
- DLNA
- VIERA Link
- 3 x HDMI connections
- 2 x USB ports
UT50 Series
There are four screen sizes in the UT50 series:
- TC-P42UT50, 42 inch class (41.6 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P50UT50, 50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P55UT50, 55 inch class (55.1 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P60UT50, 60 inch class (60.1 inches measured diagonally)
- FULL HD 3D
- 1080p FULL HD resolution
- VIERA Connect (Wi-Fi ready)
- 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive)
- Fast Switching Phosphors
- 2D → 3D conversion
- Social Networking TV function
- Media Player
- Bluetooth
- DLNA
- VIERA Link
- 2 x HDMI connections
- 2 x USB ports
XT50 Series
The XT50 series provides the consumer with an affordable 3D solution with Online Movies feature, a service that provides select Panasonic’s IPTV functionality by adding five of the most popular movies to the TV’s internet functionality.
- TC-P42XT50, 42 inch class (41.6 inches measured diagonally)
- TC-P50XT50, 50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
- 2D → 3D conversion
- 600Hz Sub-field Drive
- Bluetooth
- Media Player
- DLNA
- VIERA Link
- 2 x HDMI
- 2 x USB ports
U50 Series
The only non-3D in Panasonic’s 2012 HDTV Plasma model line-up
- TC-P50U50, 50-inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
- 1080p FULL HD resolution
- Fast Switching Phosphors
- Media Player
- 600Hz Sub-Field Drive
- Game Mode
- 2 x HDMI connections
- 1 x USB port
