NEWS: Panasonic's three new Freesat plasmas

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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...

Technorati Tags: digital, Freesat, HD, Panasonic, plasma, PZ81, TH-42PZ81, TH-46PZ81, TH-50PZ81

Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).