Panasonic is one of the leading TV producers on the market. One type that is only replicated by another manufacturer, Samsung, is the 58-inch Panasonic plasma TV. Only two manufacturers actually produce the 58-inch models. This article takes a look at the newer models of plasma TVs, specifically the 58-inch Panasonic Plasma models. I will also review an older model.
Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P58S1 58-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Highlights: Perfect for sports and movies, the Panasonic Viera S1 also comes with a game mode that enhances the picture when connected to a gaming system such as a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. Panasonic introduced a new technology called Neo PDP that allows 1080 lines of resolution even during fast motion footage. There is an SD card slot for viewing photos directly on the plasma TV. 1080p Full HD video, 40,000: 1 contrast ratio, 16: 9 display and weighs 112 pounds. It has a digital audio output and also comes with Viera Link which allows you to easily connect your devices like camcorders and other peripherals directly to your Panasonic plasma TV.
Panasonic TC P58V10 – 58 “plasma TV – widescreen – 1080p (FullHD)
Highlights: The Panasonic TC P58V10 is a 58 inch Panasonic model plasma TV that comes with full hd 1080p video playback. One of the best features is that the plasma TV comes ready for the Internet. So that you can access Internet media through a feature called Viera Cast. You can play videos of services such as videos, photos, weather information, and stock information through the built-in Internet web interface of the TV. Now enjoy services like YouTube, Amazon Video, and Picasa without having to access or log in to your home computer. 40,000: 1 native contrast ratio, this is a THX certified TV so it will reproduce cinematic images exactly as the film was originally produced. It will also display cinematic images at 24 frames per second and has a filter to eliminate the flicker effect.
58-inch Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ800U 1080p Plasma HDTV
The Panasonic TH-58PZ800U Viera is one of the earlier Viera models and it has really become affordable in the last year. This particular model of Panasonic plasma TV is highly rated as it won an editor’s choice award from CNET in October 2008 for one of the best plasma TVs on the market. Normally I would focus on the newer models, but this plasma deserves a mention. Great features at a great price. Originally, this TV would have cost around $ 3,800, and only after a year on the market is it available for half that price, sometimes even lower. I found several new ones in the box on Amazon for around $ 1500.
Highlights: 30,000: 1 native contrast ratio and up to 1,000,000: 1 dynamic contrast ratio. Anti-glare filter for a wider viewing angle in different lighting conditions. This plasma also has the built-in SD card slot for viewing photos and more, just like the newer models from Panasonic. HDMI 1.3 and 24p reduction of flicker effect when playing cinematic functions. This TV is also THX certified, like the latest high-end Panasonic, and it also comes with game mode. You are really getting a lot for your money right now, without sacrificing too much.
Accessory – Digital Media Player
As a side note, one of the most exciting accessory groups to come out this year and a great addition to any home theater or plasma TV is digital media players. These devices allow you to connect or stream wirelessly from your home computer to your high definition television. This gives you access to your entire media collection right in your living room or media room. For example, there is a digital media player called the Patriot Media Player, which comes with a wireless connection and allows you to install an internal hard drive to digitally store your home DVD collection, giving you access wherever you go. You can also stream services like YouTube and other online content.
