It looks like consumers in Chicago and Denver will have the privilege of being the first to get their hands on Panasonic's new tru2way-enabled VIERA HDTVs. Basically, true2way is a new type of CableCARD that will deliver interactive features to cable subscribers without the need for a cable box.

AU: While this is very US only, there may be a chance, one day (but not any time soon) that this tech will feed over to Australia so we can get Foxtel on our TVs without the extra box.

Read More »

We've covered Panasonic's flagship connected plasmas from the beginning, first at CES and then later when pricing was announced. Today at CEDIA they've bumped pricing down, and confirmed availability for this month. The 65-inch TH-65PZ850 will sell for US$7,000 (we reported it earlier at US$8000), while the 58-incher will sell for an even US$4,000, down US$300 from the May pricing. Additional info on them below.

Read More »

After months of reigning as the best TVs on the planet, Pioneer's Kuro is finally challenged for the throne by Panasonic's THX Display-certified Viera TH-50PZ800U. It's the THX mode that gives it the edge, with its superior colour accuracy and uniformity making it "one of the best-performing plasmas" Cnet has tested, even though the blacks (while very good) still aren't at Kuro level. And of course, this isn't compared to the new super-thin, super-black Kuros rolling out later this year. So enjoy the crown while you've got it, Panny. [Cnet]

Read More »

Read More »

We first took notice at CES, and today Panasonic has refreshed their excellent Viera LCD range. The new flagship model goes by the sexy moniker, TX-37LZ800. The other new entrants include the LZ80 Series, TX-37LZ85 and TX-32LZ85, which will all be full HD (1080p) capable, have three HDMI inputs and boast 10,000:1 contrast ratios. Available this month, the new sets will also pack in Real Pro 3 picture technology, which is coined as a new image optimisation enhancement, allowing for "images of mesmerising beauty." Obviously, it's all very technical. Panasonic, not content with dropping all those goodies for the full HD display searching hordes, also plans an April launch of even better TV sets.

Read More »

The P950iTV mobile phone, which will be a Japan-only release, is the first Panasonic handset to carry the Viera branding. The TV-centric features will include a 3.5-inch 262k colour display (854 x 480!); video playback at 30 fps, a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, TV and audio out ports, as well as more traditional features, including HSDPA connectivity, 2MP camera and SDHC memory slot. We sure would like to tune into Futurama on the P50iTV, but as ever, the Japanese have all the great gadget fun. [Trusted Reviews via Ubergizmo]

Read More »