LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic, the industry and technology leader in High Definition Plasma televisions, introduced seven new models as part of the 2011 line of VIERA HDTV Plasmas at the Consumer Electronics Show. Building upon its reputation for producing award-winning Plasma HDTVs, the 2011 VIERA Plasma lineup features expanded IPTV functionality, improved picture quality and superior motion picture resolution.

Year after year, Panasonic has been dedicated to bringing new picture improving technologies to HDTVs and the 2011 line-up continues that philosophy. The educated consumer now demands blacker blacks, faster response time and the billions of colors that Panasonic Plasmas deliver. Panasonic has been recognized for having the deepest blacks in the industry and the 2011 models feature the Neo Plasma technologies, providing a new Infinite Black Filter with a higher efficiency panel that generates the best balance of black and white under brighter environments. The new panel further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. In addition, a new panel structure and pre-discharge control technology contribute to realize an increased native contrast level. In addition, all the models include DLNA connections for easy link-up to other DLNA equipped products.

Panasonic's company wide commitment to sustainability and producing products that are ecologically sound is evidenced in the 100,000 hour life span of the Plasma HDTVs and the lack of lead or mercury in the panels. Improved power efficiency has been addressed with, among other technology advances, new and improved phosphor mixtures and more efficient electronics.

"Panasonic is fully committed to providing the ultimate entertainment experience for the consumer. Having said that, picture quality is one of, if not the most important attributes one looks for in a TV and Panasonic, according to the majority of critics, delivers superior quality and a terrific picture, regardless of one's choice of programming," said Henry Hauser, Vice President, Panasonic, Merchandising, Display Group. "Panasonic is continually striving to surpass the previous year's commercial and critical success, as well as listening to what consumers are saying. That is precisely why Panasonic's 2011 Plasma models will once again prove to be the industry leader."

Panasonic's proprietary IPTV functionality is expanded and enhanced for 2011, with a new identifying name, VIERA Connect™(1), reflecting the transition from the walled garden approach of VIERA Cast to the interactive and inter-connected philosophy behind the new connected TV service. VIERA Cast's popular sites, including Netflix™, Amazon VOD™, You Tube™, Pandora, Twitter, Bloomberg News, a weather channel and Skype™ continue on VIERA Connect and are joined by a host of exciting features and apps, all optimized for the best possible user experience. Incorporated in VIERA Connect are such apps as CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Napster, Facebook and sports sites including MLB.TV, MLS Matchday Live, NBA Game Time, and NHL Game Center(2).

Panasonic's 2011 HDTV line-up further expands its IPTV offerings with introduction of Easy IPTV, a service that provides Panasonic's IPTV functionality to select VIERA HDTVs by adding six of the most popular movie, music and social networking sites to the TV's feature sets. Netflix, Amazon VOD, CinemaNow , Napster, Pandora and Facebook will provide the consumer with additional viewing options.

With ease of use as a major focus, VIERA Connect's interface implements quick keyword input (like a cell phone) to help retrieve favorite content faster and easier. An optional Skype Communication camera allows the consumer to communicate with friends and family via a large TV, rather than on a small computer or smart phone screen.

Panasonic HDTVs also employ VIERA Link™ - a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link compatible A/V components using only the TV's remote control and helpful on-screen menus. In addition to operating a Viera HDTV, video source (Blu-ray and DVD player) and home theater receiver, Viera Link permits operation of a network camera, ideal for monitoring of a home/nursery. A Viera Link capable Network Camera can be connected to a VIERA HDTV and controlled via Viera Link remote. Users can then watch their child, pet and/or property by installing the camera and networking to the Viera HDTV via Ethernet cable.

The VIERA Plasma X3 series introduces three 720p models – TC-P50X3, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally); TC-P46X3, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally); TC-P42X3, a 42-inch class HDTV(41.6" measured diagonally). The X3 series offers a feature pack that includes Easy IPTV, VIERA Image Viewer™ for easy access to photos and movies recorded on an SD Memory Card; DLNA compatibility; Viera Link, a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to operate all VIERA Link compatible A/V components; two USB ports and two HDMI connections. The 2011 line continues the implementation of 600Hz Sub-field Drive, to insure more accurate color.

The VIERA Plasma S30 series introduces four VIERA 1080p models – TC-P60S30, a 60-inch class HDTV (60.1" measured diagonally); TC-P50S30, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9" measured diagonally); TC-P46S30, a 46-inch class HDTV (46" measured diagonally) and TC-P42S30, a 42-inch class (41.6" measured diagonally). The aforementioned VIERA HDTVs feature fast switching phosphors, for artifact-free motion resolution; 600Hz Sub-field drive; three HDMI connections; two USB ports; Easy IPTV; VIERA Image Viewer for easy access to photos and movies recorded on an SD Memory Card; DLNA; VIERA Link and a Game Mode.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

(1) Some 2011 VIERA Connect applications will only be compatible with 2011 VIERA Connect-enabled Panasonic VIERA HDTVs due to specific technology requirements required to activate certain applications.

(2) Available to subscribers of the individual sites.

SOURCE Panasonic