If you’re considering getting a plasma television the chances are that you’re going to be looking at a Panasonic and for good reason. They have a long track record of making plasma televisions which could turn anyone into a couch potato. When you decide to get a “Panny” as they are affectionately called you’re going to get a few things standard. First, you’re going to get at least a 30,000:1 native contrast ratio with the dynamic contrast ratio at 2,000,000:1. Also, the 2009 line of Viera television provide a 600Hz sub field drive and an SD card slot which will allow you to show your images directly on your television without needing to use any cables.
Below is a breakdown of all the different Viera televisions floating out there in the retail channel. You also check out our list of Panasonic 600Hz plasma TVs here.
The Panasonic Viera G10 Series makes use of the Neo PDP technology. This allows for deep blacks with lower power consumption. It also features a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a anti-reflective screen coating. The native contrast ratio is 40,000:1. Similar to Sony BRAVIAs, the G10 series has 24p playback which is great if you own a blu-ray player. The G10 Series also connects to the internet with the included LAN connection, 600Hz subfield drive and 3 HDMI inputs. Finally, it provides a 1080p picture.
Example: TC-P46G10
The Panasonic Viera C1 Series is the budget line in Panasonic’s line. Televisions in this line are only 720p/ 1080i which helps them come in cheaper. It also has 24p playback, and 2 HDMI inputs.
Example: TC-P42C1
The Panasonic Viera X14 Series isn’t widely available but the only difference between it and the C1 Series appears to be the presence of an additional HDMI input.
The Panasonic Viera X1 Series is a step up from the C1 series. It features 3 HDMI inputs similar to the X14 Series and also has an anti-reflective screen coating. It also has a 30,000:1 native contrast ratio.
Example: TC-P42X1
The Panasonic Viera S1 Series is a step below the G10 Series. One big difference is that it doesn’t allow you to connect to the internet.
Example: TC-P42S1
The Panasonic Viera U1 Series is very similar to the X1 Series. Instead of 720p, the U1 Series televisions are 1080p.
Example: TC-P42U1
The Panasonic Viera V10 Series packs a lot of punch. It has a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 40,000:1 native contrast ratio. It also have as Neo PDP screen and anti-reflective screen. It also has Digital Cinema Color to better reproduce colors shown on the screen. On top of providing 4 HDMI inputs, it also gives you the ability to stream videos from YouTube, Amazon as well as stocks, weather, and news.
Example: TC-P50V10
The Panasonic Z1 Series Viera televisions are the cream of the crop and top of the heap. You’re going to get all of the goodies you get with the V10 series a whole lot more. First, the Z1 is only 1” thin. If you like the Samsung Luxia line but wanted the picture quality of a plasma television the Z1 is what you’re left with. It also includes Wireless HD which will allow you to transmit a signal to the television without having to worry about running HDMI cables.
Example: TC-P54Z1
Don’t forget that you can check out our list of Panasonic 600Hz plasma TVs here.
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