THE FRONT LINE: APRIL 1, 2007
Panasonic 2007 Line Show
Panasonic is riding the plasma express big-time, and their 2007 HDTV line-up shows it.
The company’s 2007 line show took place in a historic, although rather odd location — the Gotham Building, at 36th and Broadway in New York City. Formerly the headquarters of the Greenwich Savings bank, this 1920s edifice with its circular center hall and soaring ceiling is now owned by Haier, a Chinese consumer electronics consortium.
Figure 1. Bill Schindler of Panasonic Plasma Display Laboratories
explains the new “waffle” pixel structure used in the 1080p TH-42PZ700.
For Panasonic, the big story was plasma and lots of it, starting with five new 1080p models — one of which will be the first commercially-available 42-inch 1080p plasma HDTV, assuming it gets to market on time this coming June. The TH-42PZ700 will offer two HDMI inputs, an SD memory card slot, NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, and a new anti-glare filter; all for $2,495 SRP.
There are two “limited distribution” models coming in June. The TH-58PZ750U ($5,499) will include a new Studio Reference picture/gamma mode (similar to Pioneer’s Pure Cinema mode), a Pro Setting mode, NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, AVC (H.264) playback direct from SD memory cards, 3 HDMI inputs, and the new anti-glare glass. The TH-50PZ750U ($3,995) brings all those same features to a 50-inch screen.
I’m not sure what “limited distribution” really means, particularly in light of two facts. (1) Both of the SRPs for these products are already too low for the Cedia dealer channel, and (2) Panasonic continues to expand its plasma manufacturing capacity to over 11 million units annually by 2008. Where’s all that glass gonna go?
The 42-inch 1080p product is joined by two other models. The TH-58PZ700U offers the same features as its smaller sibling for $4,799. Ditto the TH-50PZ700U, which will debut at $3,499. Both will make their appearances in April. Note that none of these products include CableCARD slots, a clear industry trend that reflects the general public disinterest in (or lack of knowledge about) CableCARD.
There are four new 768p models, starting with the TH-50PX77U ($2,799) and TH-42PX77U ($1,799) equipped with side-firing speakers, and continuing with the TH-50PX75U ($2,499) and TH-42PX75U ($1,599). All four models have NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, dual HDMI inputs, and an SDI memory card reader.
Note that the SRPs for the last two products are new industry lows for a Tier 1 plasma manufacturer. You’ll probably see the TH-42PX75U priced under $1,000 by the fall, with the TH-50PX75U right on its heels by the 2007 holiday season.
Figure 2. Panasonic had this plasma “living room” set up at the show,
complete with a virtual fireplace.
It wasn’t all about plasma. Panasonic also showed three new LCD rear-projection TVs using Lumix’ LiFi projection lamp, shown at CES 2007. This “jiffy pop” lamp has no electrodes, but is activated by high-energy RF similar to a microwave oven. It’s not as efficient as a conventional lamp but is said too last to at least 20,000 hours.
The PT-61LCZ70 ($2,399) offers 1920x1080 resolution, a 20-watt speaker system, three HDMI inputs (one front, two rear), an SD memory card slot, PC input, and a piano black finish. There’s also a 56-inch version (PT-56LCZ70, $1,999) and a 50-inch offering (PT-50LCZ70, $1,799).
Two 720p models are in the line as well – the PT-61LCX70 ($1,999) and PT-56LCX70 ($1,699). The 720p models will show up in April, with the 1080p boxes coming out in May.
For those needing smaller flat panel HDTVs, there are three new LCD sets in the mix for 2007. The 32-inch TC-32LX700 ($1,199) offers 1366x768 resolution and uses Alpha In Plane Switching (IPS) glass for improved viewing angles. It’s also got 120 Hz LC switching for improved motion sharpness and Intelligent Scene Controller, which adjusts backlight levels up and down with changes in scene luminance levels.
HDMI and SD memory card slots are standard, as they also are on the TC-32LX70 ($999) and TC-26LX70 ($799). These lower-price offerings also offer 1366x768 resolution, Intelligent Scene Controller, and HDMI and SD inputs. All three will be in stores shortly.
