Panasonic Unveils 2013 Viera HDTV Lineup

We love audio as much as..no, no, MUCH more than the next guy, but we always listen when Panasonic unveils their new TV lineup. How are the speakers? Probably awful. How is the picture? Probably amazing! At CES this year Panasonic unveiled their 2013 lineup with a few picture quality improvements and a number of additional features. Read on for a quick run through of every TV in their lineup.

2013 Panasonic Viera Plasma HDTV Lineup

Panasonic has been the leader in Plasma TVs ever since Pioneer quit making the Kuro. Although there were rumors that Panasonic was exiting the plasma game, those were destroyed with the announcement of 16 new Plasma TVs for 2013.  Below is a breakdown of each series, followed by a table listing all of the new sizes and model numbers.

ZT60 Series

The ZT60 is Panasonic’s flagship series, and is available in 60” and 65” versions. It now comes with two pairs of 3D glasses and features a new Studio Master Panel for overall improved picture quality. The front of the TV is one solid piece of glass, which we loved from previous models. The color gamut is wider than previous models thanks to a newly developed pure red phosphor and the set is THX certified in both 2D and 3D modes. Beyond picture quality, the ZT60 series features WiFi, voice control, text to speech functionality, and multi-tasking.

VT60 Series

The VT60 series slides in right below the ZT60 line with most of the same features. However, it uses an Infinite Black Ultra Panel instead of the new Studio Master Panel. On the plus side, it does include a built-in camera for video services like Skype. You still keep the 3D, WiFi, THX certification and two pairs of 3D glasses featured in the ZT60 series.

ST60 Series

The ST60 series steps down form the VT60 series by dropping to an Infinite Black Pro Panel, losing the built-in camera and THX certification. It still features WiFi, 3D, and two pairs of 3D glasses.

S60 Series

Fitting in where I believe is the best value in the lineup is the S60 series. You lose 3D and the Infinite Black Pro Panel, but the price comes down as well. It still retains WiFi, two HDMI ports and two USB ports. For people looking for a solid set, but on a budget, the S60 series is a great option.

X60 Series

Rounding out the bottom of Panasonic’s 2013 Plasma lineup is the X60 series. It is the only Plasma TV series they offer with 720p resolution and without any internet connectivity. It has two HDMI inputs and one USB port. For people who want a Panasonic plasma but want to spend as little as possible, this is the right TV. 

	2013 Panasonic Plasma Lineup
Series	Model#	Screen Size
ZT60	TC-P60ZT60	60”
	TC-P65ZT60	65”
VT60
	TC-P55VT60	55”
	TC-P60VT60	60”
	TC-P65VT60	65”
ST60
	TC-P50ST60	50”
	TC-P55ST60	55”
	TC-P60ST60	60”
	TC-P65ST60	65”
S60
	TC-P42S60	42”
	TC-P50S60	50”
	TC-P55S60	55”
	TC-P60S60	60”
	TC-P65S60	65”
X60
	TC-P42X60	42”
	TC-P50X60	50”

  

2013 Panasonic Viera LED/LCD HDTV Lineup

It looks like Panasonic isn’t content with just the Plasma TV market because their new LCD TVs look to be a huge jump over what we have seen from them in the past. All of their new LCD TVs are LED backlit, something we haven’t seen any of manufacturer do yet. Like with the Plasma lineup, below is a description of each series followed by a table showing the available models and sizes.

WT60 Series

The WT60 series in Panasonic’s flagship LED line. It features 3D,  built-in camera, WiFi, and voice/gesture control. It also features local dimming for improved contrast and 4200 BLS backlight scanning technology for improved motion performance.

DT60 Series

The DT60 series drops the built-in camera featured in the WT60 series and drops to a lower class backlight scanning technology. It is unclear from the press release if the DT60 series still features local dimming.

ET60 Series

One more step down puts you at the ET60 series. It keeps the 3D, WiFi, voice control, and smart features of the two upper series. However, you lose local dimming (as far as we can tell) and backlight scanning technology takes downgrade as well.

E60 Series

Right in the middle of Panasonic's LED lineup is the E60 series. It appears to retain everything from the ET60 series but downgrades the backlight scanning to 240 BLS.

EM60 Series

The EM60 series loses quite a few features from the E60 series. You miss out on 3D, WiFi, voice control, and all smart features. It retains the same 240 BLS backlight scanning technology.

XM6

The XM6 series finally drops down to 720p resolution but still features a minimalistic design and slim bezel. Don’t look for any extra features here, like internet apps or 3D. It is only available in a 32” size.

B6 Series

Rounding out the bottom of Panasonic’s 2013 LED/LCD lineup is the B6 series. The 32” model is 720P but both the 39” and 50” versions are 1080p. Again, don’t look for any features like internet apps or 3D in this series.

 

	2013 Panasonic LED/LCD Lineup
Series	Model#	Screen Size
WT60	TC-L47WT60	47”
	TC-L55WT60	55”
DT60
	TC-L55DT60	55”
	TC-L60DT60	60”
ET60
	TC-L55DT60	55”
	TC-L60DT60	60”
E60
	TC-L42E60	42”
	TC-L50E60	50”
	TC-L58E60	58”
	TC-L65E60	65”
EM60
	TC-L39EM60	39”
	TC-L50EM60	50”
XM6
	TC-L32XM6	32”
B6
	TC-L32B6	32”
	TC-L39B6	39”
	TC-L50B6	50”

For more information visit Panasonic

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.