Panasonic 2013 plasma details

[bigboss]

ZT60 Series

The ZT60 series is Panasonic's Full HD 3D Plasma flagship series and is available in two screen sizes - the TC-P65ZT60, 65-inch class and the TC-P60ZT60, 60-inch class.

With 1080p resolution, the ZT60 series comes with advanced features for connectivity including My Home Screen, Swipe and Share 2.0, Touch Pad Controller, three HDMI and three USB connectors, along with VIERA ConnectTM, allowing consumers to connect to applications through the internet via built in Wireless LAN and Web Browser. 2D-3D conversion transforms 2D content to 3D images in real-time. The ZT Series also includes two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear.

The VIERA ZT60 Series offers a "Beyond the Reference" level of picture quality. Ultimate black color, contrast and crystal crisp picture are achieved thanks to the new Studio Master Panel with newly developed panel driving method and panel structure with direct glass layer. The front glass is directly attached to the Plasma panel itself by Panasonic's exclusive crafting methods. As a result of the improvement, dim and double images are cut off by eliminating the air gap layer between the front glass and Plasma panel. The ZT60 series enhances compatibility between ultimate picture quality and stylish design. The quality of the ZT60's 3D images is greatly enhanced, with clear, natural Full HD 3D images because of reduced crosstalk. 3000 Focused-field Drive also produces image resolution of 1080 lines for 2D images, to provide crisp, clear image motion. A wider color gamut (DCI 98% Color Space) is achieved thanks to a newly developed pure red phosphor. The ZT60 features THX in both 2D and 3D modes *1 as well as ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with calibration software (CALMAN™ ) provided by SpectraCal Inc.

In addition to picture quality, operation and usability of the VIERA® ZT60 Series is also refined with Voice control and easy web search are achieved based on voice recognition technology in combination with new touch pad remote controller with microphone. Also, text to speech function offers voice guidance for convenient usage of the web browser. In addition, the painting and retouching function based on Panasonic's newly developed Touch Pen technology offers a fun and new experience for using your TV. (Touch pen accessory is optional)

The ZT60 Series offers advanced network functions via VIERA ConnectTM -- Panasonic's exclusive cloud-based IPTV function. Multi-tasking allows simultaneous use of apps from seven categories, including YouTube, Skype and Facebook. Web browser capability makes it easy to use the Internet from the TV. DLNA, Wireless LAN and Bluetooth are also supported for a high level of convenience.

The ZT60 Series display panel is free of mercury and lead. A newly designed phosphor process and rear panel process give the Plasma panel longevity of up to 100,000 hours before the brightness of the panel decreases to half. This is more than 30 years of viewing when watched 8 hours a day. The stylish design of the ZT60 Series is based on the concept of "one sheet of glass", which accentuates the superiority of the panel's picture quality and the unique pedestal structure with a thin metal plate gives the TV an elegant glass and metal aesthetics.

 

[bigboss]

VT60 Series

The VT60 series includes three screen sizes – the TC-P55VT60, 55-inch class; TC-P60VT60, 60-inch class; and TC-P65VT60, 65-inch class.

The VT60 Series achieves the ultimate in advanced design combining built-in side speakers and a built-in camera with a Full HD 3D display delivering 1080p resolution via an Infinite Black Ultra Panel. Similar to the ZT60 series, the VT60 models are equipped with enhanced connectivity features including VIERA ConnectTM, My Home Screen, built-in Wireless LAN and Web Browser, Swipe and Share 2.0. The VT60 Series also includes a Touch Pad Controller and voice interaction with three HDMI and three USB connectors. The VT60 Series also includes two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear. 3000 Focused-field Drive technology produces image resolution of 1080 lines for 2D images, to provide crisp, clear image motion. The VT60 also features THX in both 2D and 3D modes *1 as well as ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with the calibration software (CALMAN™ )provided by SpectraCal Inc.

 

[bigboss]

ST60 Series

The TC-P50ST60, 50-inch class; TC-P55ST60, 55-inch class; TC-P60ST60, 60-inch class and TC-P65ST60, 65 inch class comprise the ST60 series of Full HD 3D VIERA® HDTVs.

The ST60 models include Infinite Black Pro Panel with 2500 Focused Field Drive and 1080p Full HD resolution for pristine picture quality. The ST60 Series features VIERA Connect, My Home Screen, a Web Browser, Swipe and Share 2.0, and voice guidance. The series includes three HDMI connections, two USB ports and two pairs of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear.

 

[bigboss]

S60 Series

The S60 Series is one of two non-3D models in this year's HDTV Plasma lineup.

There are five screen sizes in the S60 Series – the TC-P42S60, 42-inch class; TC-P50S60, 50-inch class; TC-P55S60, 55-inch class; TC-P60S60, 60-inch class; and TC-P65S60, 65-inch class.

The S60 Series includes an Online Movies feature -- a service that provides select IPTV functionality by offering access to popular applications for streaming movies and other videos. All S60 models offer 1080p Full HD resolution, built-in Wireless LAN, 600Hz Sub-field Drive, Media Player; DLNA, VIERA® Link, two HDMI connections and two USB ports.

 

[bigboss]

X60 Series

The X60 Series is one of two non-3D models in this year's HDTV Plasma lineup.

There are two screen sizes in the X60 Series -- the TC-P42X60, 42-inch class and TC-P50X60, 50-inch class. The X60 offers 720p HD resolution; Media Player; 600Hz Sub-Field Drive; Game Mode; two HDMI connections and one USB port.

 

[bigboss]

No GT series.

All available from February 2013 in the US.

 

[Oldboy]

Top man bigboss...that's superb work to get all that on the forum so quickly, thank you very much for the info :clap:

 

[bigboss]

The 2013 Smart VIERA Plasma line-up features:

My Home Screen – a personalization function that allows each user in the home to create their own personal home screen giving them quick access to their favorite content. (2013 VIERA ZT60, VT60, and ST60 Series)

Swipe & Share 2.0 – a connectivity enhancement that transforms the TV into a hub for streaming and sharing photo and video content seamlessly with Smartphone and Tablet devices. Through Panasonic's proprietary VIERA ConnectTM platform, users can transfer personal photos and videos from their Android or iOS devices directly to the large screen with a simple swipe of the finger and transfer them back to their smart devices the same way. Swipe & Share also enables sharing of user-generated photos and videos that are on the large screen with other Android or iOS devices. (2013 VIERA® ZT60, VT60, and ST60 Series)

Touch Pen – a design feature which allows users to add their own writing to their photos on screen and transfer them back to their smart devices using the optional Electronic Touch Pen (TY-TP10U) accessory. (2013 VIERA ZT60, VT60, ST60, and S60 Series)

Voice Guidance – an accessibility function that uses text to speech functions to verbalize text content as it appears on your TV. (2013 VIERA ZT60 and VT60)

Voice Interaction -- by simply saying a key word into the Smart VIERA Touch Pad Controller or Smartphone (VIERA Remote 2 App must be installed), the search result is displayed on the VIERA HDTV screen and also verbally read out. (2013 VIERA ZT60 and VT60 Series)

The Smart VIERA ZT60, VT60, ST60 Series models also include a web browser with built-in Wireless LAN and the VT60 will also feature Panasonic's first-ever built-in camera to enhance the home entertainment experience. In addition, each new Smart VIERA HDTV offers an enhanced VIERA ConnectTM platform including more options for streaming video content, unique social networking features, fully-integrated apps, and intuitive search features designed to make the user experience fast and easy.

"Panasonic continually strives to surpass the previous year's successes, and the new 2013 series of VIERA Plasma HDTVs does just that," said Henry Hauser, Vice President, Merchandising Group, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "The series' enhanced VIERA Connect IPTV functionality, superior picture and sound quality, and advanced connectivity capabilities have completely transformed the TV viewing experience. With the 16 new models, Panasonic has set the bar for years to come."

The new VIERA® ZT60 Plasma Series is equipped with a master studio panel, producing deep black levels for stunning picture quality. The new design maximizes the natural properties of glass and metal to visually express the superb performance of display and color. With the addition of a new Louver filter, the ZT Series line delivers improved external light shading, clarity and light transmittance. The new panel reduces reflections to create sharper pictures with higher contrast in bright environments.

Building on last year's "Glass and Metal" design concept, the 2013 VIERA models continue to focus on sleek designs while delivering pristine picture display and superior sound quality. The VT60 Series includes built-in side speakers, and a thin metal pedestal with one sheet of glass featured on the ZT and VT Series models delivers a minimalist aesthetics and design. The ZT60 and VT60 Series models are also equipped with a Dual Core with Hexa Processing Engine.

 

[strapped for cash]

So VT and ZT models allow full ISF calibration in THX picture presets? If so, this is good news, since it's impossible to adjust white and colour balance on GT50 and VT50 plasmas in their optimum picture mode.

To be honest, the language Panasonic used is rather equivocal, so THX presets might also be locked on the VT60 & ZT60 series. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

As for smart features, voice control, face recognition, and virtual pens, meh....

 

[bigboss]

ZT60

 

[bigboss]

VT60

 

[bigboss]

X60

 

[bigboss]

ST60

 

[Son_of_SJ]

This is very detailed and comprehensive information, bigboss, much more than even your usual standard. Are you on commission from Panasonic?

What would be really useful, when all these new series are reviewed, is for them to be compared with the existing ST50. GT50 and VT50 machines. I say this because approaching two years ago I can remember that the ST30, GT30 and VT30 got glowing reviews. Then in 2012 they were all eclipsed by their replacements in the 50 series, indeed Trusted Reviews' John Archer said that the 65ST50 was as good (for black level) as the 65VT30 from 2011, and let's not forget that the 55VT30 and 65VT30 both got Reference Status in mid-2011. So let's see how the ZT60, VT60, and ST60 displays of 2013 compare with the VT50, GT50 and ST50 TVs from 2012.

I'm just very glad indeed that Panasonic are still making plasma TVs! That means that I don't have to remortgage my flat or sell several body parts in order to get my hands quickly on an outgoing 65ST50.

 

[bigboss]

I was watching Panasonic event live (thanks to gel). As soon as they announced the ZT60 & VT60, I googled for the details. Finally found the details after 10 mins or so.

 

[bigboss]

Bear in mind that US & UK sizes differ, so we may have some 42-inch models for UK.

 

[Son_of_SJ]

I'm not surprised at there being no GT series - like many other folk, I thought that there wasn't enough difference between the GT50 and VT50 to make a successor to the GT50 viable. But by the same token, I'm surprised at a new flagship ZT60 series, above the VT60, which is the successor to the previous flagship VT50 series .... I wonder how much difference there'll be between the two new top series?

All the series (except the lowest X60 series) are available in 60" and 65" sizes. BUT, all this information is correct for the North American market. I wonder how many of the European equivalents of the series will have the 60" and 65" sizes? Or indeed if at least some representatives of all these new series will be available in Europe?

 

[Son_of_SJ]

Bear in mind that US & UK sizes differ, so we may have some 42-inch models for UK.

This post hadn't appeared on the forum when I started writing my immediately previous post, which appeared at 8:50pm!

 

[Deleted member 2457]

I like the design of them, and they look like they could definitely be lighter again - which is good.

 

[micks_address]

Yes, i really hope they release the ZT60 series in as low as 50 inches.. any word on black level?

 

[bigboss]

Yes, i really hope they release the ZT60 series in as low as 50 inches.. any word on black level?

According to press release, Panasonic is claiming the black levels on ZT60 are deeper than any it's ever offered, the result of fusing the display's glass layer directly to the plasma panel.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Yes, i really hope they release the ZT60 series in as low as 50 inches.. any word on black level?

According to press release, Panasonic is claiming the black levels on ZT60 are deeper than any it's ever offered, the result of fusing the display's glass layer directly to the plasma panel.

I would expect them to be the best ever, unless they have had to cut corners due to crippling debts.

 

[bigboss]

Yes, i really hope they release the ZT60 series in as low as 50 inches.. any word on black level?

According to press release, Panasonic is claiming the black levels on ZT60 are deeper than any it's ever offered, the result of fusing the display's glass layer directly to the plasma panel.

I would expect them to be the best ever, unless they have had to cut corners due to crippling debts.

Look what happened to Kuro when it became the best ever!

 

[Son_of_SJ]

Look what happened to Kuro when it became the best ever!

Yep! You and I have had to consider buying Panasonic plasmas!

 

[simonlewis]

Look what happened to Kuro when it became the best ever!

Yep! You and I have had to consider buying Panasonic plasmas!

I still think samsung will rule the world one day.