Panasonic Australia has launched it’s 2010 VIERA Plasma lineup with improved networking functionality and advanced Neo Plasma technologies for enhanced picture quality.
Panasonic, the technology and industry lead in Full High Definition Plasma TVs, has launched 17 new VIERA Plasma models for 2010. The new range includes four Full-HD 3D Neo Plasma TV’s for a completely immersive home entertainment experience. The range offers stunning picture quality, improved networking capabilities and lower energy consumption, with 5 models boasting a five-star energy rating.
The new series in the 2010 VIERA Plasma line up are the VT20, V20, S20, U20 and X20 – with the VT20 Full-HD 3D Neo Plasma TVs as the flagship models.
Thanks to 600Hz Sub-field Drive technology consumers can enjoy the clearest and sharpest fast-moving images. The new VIERA VT20 Series and V20 Series Neo Plasma models also incorporate a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 5,000,000:1 that delivers rich, deep blacks to draw the viewer into the picture.
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Matt Pearce, Group Marketing Manager, VIERA, Panasonic Australia said the new 2010 VIERA range strengthened Panasonic’s big screen technology credentials:
People are going to be blown away by the richness of picture and connectivity options when they see the new VIERA Plasma range. We continue to develop innovative products such as Full-HD 3D technology and improved image quality and networking functions to deliver the best possible entertainment experience in the home.
The VT20 and V20 series
The flagship VT20 Series is available in four sizes – 65, 58, 54 and 50-inch. These Full-HD 3D Plasmas feature Panasonic’s Neo Plasma technology, allowing viewers to enjoy exquisitely beautiful images with an incredibly powerful 3D effect.
The VT20 and V20 TVs boast a range of features new to the VIERA family, including DLNA®-networking which lets the user stream content stored on other DLNA-enabled products in the home network. Combined with USB HDD playback and recording, and Skype™ voice and video calling capabilities, these models have the maximum connectivity and networking possibilities.
The VT20 and V20 Series also feature VIERA CAST™, a function that lets users view Internet content in their living rooms, and has been enhanced by the addition of new content. Services available through VIERA CAST include voice and video calling via Skype; and PLUS7 delivered by Yahoo!7 for VIERA CAST will be available later this year.
Mark Helvadjian, Yahoo!7 Director of Platform and Products said:
Viewers will be able to watch full-length episodes from Yahoo!7’s PLUS7 service, including some of Australia’s favourite Channel Seven shows, streamed over the Internet to selected VIERA Plasma, LED LCD and LCD televisions.
Panasonic also plans to introduce the popular micro-blogging service Twitter in the future. Panasonic Australia is already committed to the social network with its own established Twitter account and is proud to offer the micro-blogging service to its customers.
Prices and Release Dates
Click on individual models for product specifications.
VT20 Series
TH-P65VT20A – Available October 2010 RRP to be announced.
TH-P58VT20A – Available October 2010 RRP to be announced.
TH-P54VT20A – Available November 2010 RRP to be announced.
TH-P50VT20A – Available June 2010 RRP $3,299
V20 Series
TH-P54V20A – Available June 2010 RRP $2,999
TH-P50V20A – Available May 2010 RRP $2,499
TH-P42V20A – Available May 2010 RRP $1,999
S20 Series
TH-P65S20A – Available September 2010 RRP to be announced.
TH-P58S20A – Available September 2010 RRP to be announced.
TH-P54S20A – Available August 2010 RRP to be announced.
TH-P50S20A – Available July 2010 RRP to be announced.
TH-P42S20A – Available July 2010 RRP to be announced.
U20 Series
TH-P50U20A – Available May 2010 RRP $1,799
TH-P46U20A – Available May 2010 RRP $1,599
TH-P42U20A – Available May 2010 RRP $1,199
X20 Series
TH-P50X20A – Available May 2010 RRP $1,399
TH-P42X20A – Available May 2010 RRP $999
Skype Camera
Skype Camera avalable in July 2010 RRP $199
Eco-friendly products
Thanks to technology that greatly improves luminous efficiency, Panasonic’s 2010 VIERA Plasma TVs are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors with 5 models boasting a 5 star energy rating. For example, the TH-P42V20A uses 139 watts of power in Home Mode, 35% less than its predecessor, the TH-P42G10A.
With Panasonic’s demonstrated “eco ideas” commitment to minimise the impact of its products on the environment, all Plasma TVs are manufactured without using mercury or lead to reduce the environmental impact at end of life. VIERA TVs also feature an Eco Control function that uses VIERA Link. This function automatically turns off connected devices when the TV is switched off. The function can also automatically set inactive devices to standby mode to further conserve energy.
Visit our brand new VIErA website and product selector!
To help showcase Panasonic’s extensive range of 2010 TV models we’ve created a new VIErA website. View the products in details and use our dedicated product selector to find the right TV suited for your needs.
Good picture quality on the TH-P42V20A I bought last week. Wanted to view manual before purchasing but it was not available on the support website for that model. Was keen to use Skype with the TV but the feature does not seem to be available and there is little information about connectivity, type of camera needed etc in the manual.
Same goes for PC connectivity – the manual talks about a media server but does not explain what it is.
Panasonic (and all the other manufacturers) must realise that since they are no longer producing simple TV devices, and now boast of the connectivity features of their products that they also now have a responsibility to produce manuals that deal more extensively with computer related aspects of connectivity – not just the functions of the TV itself. If the user experience withe TV includes computer aspects then those must be explained in full. Customer service was polite but useless in terms of providing advice, noting that I need to contact my computer manufacturer about such things. A TV is no longer a TV; it is one of several devices interconnected and with my model, that includes a computer. Saying that I need a ‘media server’ and leaving it at that is not good enough.
Does Panasonic know anything about a loud buzzing/humming noise that occurs on the new V series plasmas? I am aware that some people are of the opinion that all plasma TVs make a buzzing noise, however I do not entirely agree, as I have friends with plasmas which appear to emit no noise. The noise I am talking about is a somewhat loud buzzing sound that is emitted from the TV, even when the audio is on mute.
I should mention that I do not yet own one of these televisions, though I am very interested in getting the the new 54V20A Neo Plasma. However, if you Google “buzzing sound Panasonic plasmas” (or similar words) you will find many online forums where people are reporting this problem. Some have even gone to the extent of returning their Panasonic TV in exchange for another brand.
I would like to know if there is an inherent fault with the V series plasmas, or whether a recall has been issued. I like Panasonic as a company, and furthermore think that they are making the best TVs on the market today. However I will probably not purchase a new Viera TV if there is some kind of problem with it, or if I find I have to return it shortly after buying one. Please address this issue of a buzzing noise so that you can restore customer confidence in your brand and products.
Thankyou.
Hi Marty,
In a small number of initial production V20 Series PDP TV sets, some customers reported an abnormal buzz sound that, on investigation, our factory engineers identified as being caused by a particular transformer. In these small number of cases, the affected transformer would begin to emit a buzz sound during the first 50 hours of operation; if buzz did not occur during this time, the transformer is not affected. The transformer assembly method was modified to ensure that this no longer occurs. Should you experience this issue, please call Panasonic Customer Care on Ph: 132600 who will arrange for a Panasonic Authorised Service Centre to replace the transformer at no charge to you. Panasonic Australia apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
Many Thanks,
Team Panasonic
Hi panasonicau,
I recently purchased a P54V20A and within 2 days noticed an annoying buzzing sound whilst watching TV. I rang Panasonic who gave me the number of my nearest authorised service centre. I contacted the service centre and 2 weeks later a technician attended and replaced the power supply PCB.
This did not fix the problem and if anything, the buzzing was louder. I called Panasonic again and was advised that that no fault was found with the original transformer from my TV and that the buzzing sound I can hear is normal.
Could you please advise what constitutes a “normal” buzzing sound? Should I be able to hear a buzzing noise whilst sitting 5 metres away and with the volume at a normal level? Is this expected behaviour from a Panasonic Plasma TV?
Thanks
Hi Gerard,
This is not normal. Please call our customer care centre on 13 2600 and explain you have previously had your TV repaired.
Many Thanks,
Team Panasonic
Hi I purchased my 55inch Panasonic plasma tv in dec 2011 and for the last few months the tv has had a very loud buzzing noise. It is extremely annoying. What can I do about this?
I know I will be told that it will not be a warranty issue as the tv is nearly 2 yrs old but I purchased a Panasonic because I always found their products to be of high quality and would expect that I would get more than 2 years out of my tv before I experienced any problems. After reading forums and blogs about this buzzing problem I think I would have to think twice whether to purchase another Panasonic plasma tv.
Can you help?
Hi Mary, your TV will need to be inspected to determine if there is a fault present. Please call 132 600 to have one of our staff book a Service call for you. Thanks