NEWS: Panasonic's three new Freesat plasmas

Joe Cox 14 May 2008 11:21

Pana

We brought you news of Panasonic's plasma TVs complete with Freesat tuners way back in February, along with all the latest news from the AV company's HD Networking seminar.

We can now give you a little more information on these exciting sets. The TH-42PZ81 and TH-46PZ81 will be available from June, while the TH-50PZ81 will follow in July.

All three screens in the 'PZ81 range boast a 1920 x 1080, Full HD resolution as well as internal Freesat tuners. The plasmas also offer digital optical outputs ensuring you can send a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal when it's offered.

At the heart of the sets is the V-Real Pro 3 processor, which together with the Intelligent Frame Creation System and 24p Real Cinema technology should mean smooth 1080p/24fps images.

All the screens offer 100Hz Double Scan and support the x.v.Colour range – should we actually ever be treated to any sources and content that supports this.

If you're in to number-crunching Panasonic claims an eye-confusing 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and naturally promises 'none more black' black levels.

Panasonic states the Freesat sets are supplied with HD and SD digital satellite tuners, as well as standard digital and analogue tuners. That should cover all your bases then.

Elsewhere you have a LAN connection for connecting to a router/the Internet, an SD card slot, support for Viera Link and a Freesat EPG.

A quick 'google' shows prices at around £1650, £1800 and £2600, but we've yet to have confirmation from Panasonic.

Naturally, look out for reviews just as soon as we can get the screens...

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Comments

buzby22 May 16, 2008 09:11

A review soon?

Andrew Everard May 16, 2008 09:38

Nah, we thought we'd ignore these ones...

Seriously, yes - as soon as we can get hold of samples

liberato May 16, 2008 20:19

why not in a 37"

buzby22 May 18, 2008 17:59

panasonic aside, who else will provide tvs with inbuilt freesatHD in the near future? Are there any details known?

kmkhan May 19, 2008 11:15

Do Panasonic have any plans to launch 32" LCD TVs with inbuilt FreesatHD in the near future? I am planning to buy LZD85 soon but can wait a few months if they are likely to add FreesatHD to the set.

Quibble May 21, 2008 20:10

Will the tuner in the tv enable me to record HD transmissions while I watch another channel. If not, what should I be looking for?

frenchiefr May 28, 2008 11:37

To all

first price will be around for TH42PZ81 £1299.99 and TH46PZ81 £1499.99 50" not sure yet will be on sale during the first week of june for 42",46" and 50" in maybe in july but more on august side panasonic will get aslo  get a TX37LZD81 AND TX32LZD81 around september no price yet. Panasonic will be the only tv manufacturer for the next 6 month to get  inbuilt  freesatHD .You'll only enable to watch on the tv if you want to record you need to buy this summer the humax pvr freesatHD box  ps shop@panasonic cheltenham good deal give ring

Lewis P June 7, 2008 23:29

Great, I've been waiting for this to happen - hope the rest of the market catch up soon because I have no more inputs for one on my Samsung 40M87.  All we need now is a high def compliant HDD recorder.

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About Joe Cox

Joe Cox is News Editor of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision and WhatHiFi.com.