CES 2008: New Panasonic plasma TVs announced

New models included a THX certified range

6 January 2008 21:43 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Panasonic has announced its new 2008 line of Plasma full HD televisions at CES in Las Vegas.

The new models, which will all go under the Viera brand will offer new screen sizes, improved picture quality and increased contrast ratio.

At the top of the range is the VIERA PZ800 series of 1080p Plasma televisions. Coming in four screen sizes, the 42-inch TH-42PZ800, the 46-inch TH-46PZ800, the 50-inch TH-50PZ800 and the 58-inch class TH-58PZ800 the screens will also be THX certified.

Other features include an improved native contrast ratio of 30,000:1; Game Mode; VIERA Link; a PC Input, four HDMI connections and a new one sheet of glass design concept.

The VIERA PZ85 series includes three screen sizes, all with 1080p resolution - the 42-inch TH-42PZ85, the 46-inch TH-46PZ85 and the 50-inch TH-50PZ85.

These full HD Plasma televisions feature an improved native contrast ratio of 30,000:1; Game Mode; VIERA Link; an SD memory Card slot and a PC input. In addition, the speakers are now hidden in the front.

The VIERA PZ80 series introduces the new 46-inch class display –the TH-46PZ80 - to the 2008 line, that includes three screen sizes, all with 1080p resolution.

The 42-inch TH-42PZ80 and the 50-inch TH-50PZ80 complete the PZ80 series and feature Game Mode, VIERA Link, an SD Memory Card slot, HDMI connections and an improved native contrast ratio of 20,000:1.

The Game Mode according to Panasonic minimizes the time lag when displaying game images on the Plasma screen.

While Panasonic’s focus for 2008 is on Full High Definition 1080p Plasma displays, there are two 720p High Definition Plasmas in the 2008 line-up. The VIERA 42-inch TH-42PX80 and VIERA 50-inch TH-50PX80 feature an improved Native contrast resolution of 15,000:1; Game Mode; an SD Memory Card Slot, VIERA Link, and three HDMI connections to insure the highest audio/video quality.