Panasonic 1080p Plasmas Ship July
Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 1080p plasma
Panasonic has already announced its new 1080p plasma display, however it now is official that they will release the first model, the 42-inch 1080p TH-42PZ700U in early July. The sets will sell at a $2,499 suggested retail price.
The 42-inch 1080p model is part of the company’s 700 Series line, which also includes 50-, 58-, 65-inch and the oft-seen-at-conventions-but-never-in-homes 103-inch models.
Dennis Eppel, Panasonic display VP was quoted at twice.com as saying “This year’s buzz word with consumers looking for flat-panel HDTVs is most definitely 1080p. We listened to our consumers and they want choices when it comes to 1080p. The arrival of our 42-inch 1080p model gives consumers what they want — the widest range of 1080p screen sizes combined with the undeniable power of Panasonic plasma.”
The displays are native 1920 by 1080p and include two HDMI inputs, plus Panasonic's EZ Sync home theater system control for linking compatible Panasonic products together. An SD/SDHC/miniSD card slot is also present to allow users to display digital photos on the screen.
We're requesting a review sample, so hopefully we'll be able to bring you a closer look very soon.
avaserfi, post: 277933
I think 42 inches was chosen because the average living room was probably found to have a couch around 10 feet or so back which puts it at just the right viewing distance.
Just about every recommendation I've ever seen for viewing distance would put a 60“ display at 10ft.
I view a 55” (720p display) at about 11' and I know I could sit a lot closer with the right HD material.
Mixing in a fair amount of SD programming I find it an acceptable compromise.
Hi Ho, post: 278027
We just received five TH-50PZ700U sets at the store where I work. I have already installed one in a home and hung one on the wall in the store for display. Haven't they already been released?
Anyway, they are beautifully designed sets and picture quality is excellent from what I have seen.
They've been out for a couple of weeks, at least.
50“ seems to be the magic number that most people consider ‘big screen’ but why do flat panel LCDs only come in 46”/47“ and 52” when plasma, dlp, and lcd rear projection hit the magic number of 50“ even?
This is a real dilemma for me. Due to my wall size constraints I'm having the wall unit built to perfectly hold the 46” LCD with a little bit of breathing room. I'd have to pull the 52“ out a few inches from the hutch for it to work but just about any 50” will fit (except Sony of course who still hasn't seen the memo that consumers don't want speakers on the sides of the TV).
Anyway, they are beautifully designed sets and picture quality is excellent from what I have seen.
Tomorrow, post: 277932
nd one final off-topic (sorry) thing…how in the world did 42“ become the industry standard for mid-sized plasma/lcd/rear proj. lcd/etc. screen size? Why not 44”? Or 41“? Or 40”!? Or…?
I think 42 inches was chosen because the average living room was probably found to have a couch around 10 feet or so back which puts it at just the right viewing distance. Also, they are larger than the average CRT so it gives that extra wow factor when you get one.
The alternative is that it was some random decision by the panel distribution companies that stuck.
Just a couple guesses but I couldn't really find much about it online.
Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, 2014. He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion.
View full profile
Subscribe to our newsletter