Panasonic preps TVs with 5,000,000:1 contrast ratios
updated 01:50 pm EST, Mon January 18, 2010
Panasonic intros plasma HDTVs with 5m:1 contrast
Panasonic in Japan introduced two new ranges of plasma HDTVs, with its VIERA G2 and S2 series. The G2s are said to have image quality that is nearly a third better than the outgoing G1 range, and offer a contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 thanks to Panasonic's new PDP Black panel.
They also have built-in sensors and automatic image adjustment feature that will change the display's brightness and temperature characteristics depending on the ambient light present in the room. The G2s have three HDMI inputs each, along with a D4 input, three composites, an S-video and four RCA audio pairs. A VGA input is also provided, as is Ethernet.
The S2 TVs lack the new panel and thus made do with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. A more efficient panel means they are 10 percent more efficient compared to predecessors, however. The S2s give up only the VGA input to the G2s in terms of connection options.
All have 1080p resolutions and SD memory card slots that lets users view AVCHD videos captured by their camcorders along with JPG photos. Ethernet ports on all also let users connect to the web-based acTVila video service.
Sets also vary in size. The G2 range involves three 42-inch sets with black, brown or silver bezels, along with black 46- and 50-inch sets. The S2 series includes two TVs, one at 42 inches and another at 46 inches.
The TVs will begin shipping in Japan on February 5th, with the 42-inch S2 priced at the equivalent of about $2,100 and the same size G2 costing $2,400. The 42-inch S2 is about $2,540, the 46-inch G2 $2,870 and the 50-inch G2 at $3,530. [via Impress]
G2 range
S2 range
