Panasonic TX-P42G20 Now In UK

The first batch of Panasonic TX-P42G20 (also known as the Panasonic TX-P42G20B which denotes the 3-pin-plug British version) plasma HDTVs has today arrived at the warehouses of UK electrical retailers such as Comet and John Lewis.

Update 9 March 2010: We have now completed and published a full review of the Panasonic TX-P42G20.

The G20 series is, of course, part of Panasonic’s exciting 2010 line-up of 2nd-generation (G2) NeoPDPs/ 13th-generation (13G) plasma televisions which are meant to inherit some excellent traits from the now-discontinued Pioneer Kuros as a result of a technology-sharing agreement between Panasonic and Pioneer.

Like the outgoing G10 series, the Panasonic TX-P42G20 sports a true HD native screen resolution of 1920×1080, NeoPDP plasma technology, a Freesat HD DVB-S tuner, and 600Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro. However, the Panasonic TX-P42G20B does offer the following improvements over the TX-P42G10:

• Built-in Freeview HD DVB-T2 tuner;
• THX Certified;
• User-accessible white balance and gamma controls with ISFccc;
• Expanded VIERA CAST functionalities, such as Skype and on-demand Blockbuster movie streaming;
• Wifi-ready via an optional dongle; and
• Two USB ports which allow you to playback music, pictures and video files, and also record HD or SD TV content to an external hard drive like a PVR. Unfortunately the recorded programmes are encrypted and cannot be viewed on other televisions or computers.

Specification-wise the Panasonic TXP42G20 is probably more a successor to the V10 series due to the THX certification which yielded impressively accurate primary colours and 2.2 gamma on the TX-P42V10B we reviewed last year. Perhaps most importantly, we expect to see Kuro-esque blacks on the Panasonic TX-P42G20B (Panasonic claims a dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1).

The Panasonic TX-P42G20B plasma HDTV can now be ordered online for free delivery in time for World Cup. For those wanting a larger screen, the Panasonic G20 plasma series will soon also be available in 46 inches (TX-P46G20 or TX-P46G20B) and 50 inches (TX-P50G20 or TX-P50G20B).

Sony KDL40EX503/KDL32EX403 Launched

Sony’s 2010 batch of Bravia HDTVs is due to hit UK stores anytime soon, starting with the Sony KDL40EX503 LCD television which spec-wise replaces the immensely popular KDL40W5500.

Update 4 June 2010: We have published a comprehensive review of the Sony KDL40EX503U HDTV.

The EX503 series is part of Sony’s new Bravia ESSENTIAL (read: affordable) range. Five screen sizes of these Sony TVs are available:

Size (inch)	Model Name	Alternative Name	RRP
32	Sony KDL32EX503	Sony KDL-32EX503, KDL32EX503U	£700
37	Sony KDL37EX503	Sony KDL-37EX503, KDL37EX503U	£800
40	Sony KDL40EX503	Sony KDL-40EX503, KDL40EX503U	£900
46	Sony KDL46EX503	Sony KDL-46EX503, KDL46EX503U	£1250
55	Sony KDL55EX503	Sony KDL-55EX503, KDL55EX503U	£1500

Note: Retailers like Dixons, Comet, John Lewis and Amazon may sell these Sony Bravia EX503 HDTVs under their respective alternative model names; the extra alphabet “U” appended to the end of the model number simply denotes the 3-pin-plug UK version.

Like the outgoing W5500 series, the Sony EX503 LCD TVs are blessed with full HD 1920×1080 native screen resolution, four HDMI inputs, Motionflow 100Hz motion-compensated frame interpolation (MCFI) technology, Bravia Engine 3 (BE3) video processing, and DLNA functionality. The Sony KDL40EX503 does offer the following improvements over the KDL40W5500:

• Integrated Freeview HD (DVB-T2) tuner;
• Wifi-ready for accessing selected online content via a wireless USB dongle; and
• Can now playback DivX/ XviD/ AVI/ AVC video files over DLNA and USB (previously only limited to MPEG1).

In Europe, the Sony KDL40EX503 is known as the Sony KDL40EX500 which lacks a Freeview HD tuner but makes up for it with a built-in MPEG-4 AVC HD tuner.

Sony KDL32EX403 / EX403 Series

Update 18 April 2010: We have completed and published a full review of the Sony KDL32EX403.

Lower down the Sony Bravia ESSENTIAL range is the EX403 series which does not feature 100Hz Motionflow technology. The Sony EX403 series comes in four screen sizes, of which we expect the 32-inch Sony KDL32EX403 to be the most popular:

Screen Size (inch)	Model Name	Alternative Name	RRP
32	Sony KDL32EX403	Sony KDL-32EX403, KDL32EX403U	£550
37	Sony KDL37EX403	Sony KDL-37EX403, KDL37EX403U	£650
40	Sony KDL40EX403	Sony KDL-40EX403, KDL40EX403U	£750
46	Sony KDL46EX403	Sony KDL-46EX503, KDL46EX403U	£999

The Sony KDL32EX403 is known as KDL32EX402 in European countries, with the corresponding absence of Freeview HD tuner but addition of MPEG4 AVC HD tuner.

Sony KDL40EX703 / EX703 Series

Given the runaway success of Samsung LED TVs in 2009, Sony must be kicking themselves for not selling more affordable edge-lit LED-based LCD televisions earlier. The EX700 series – which sits highest in the Bravia ESSENTIAL range hierarchy – is Sony’s slightly late attempt to join the party. Besides the 40-inch Sony KDL40EX703, these slim, full HD, 100Hz edge-LED LCDs are available in 32-inch (Sony KDL32EX703), 46-inch (Sony KDL46EX703), 52-inch (Sony KDL52EX703) and 60-inch (Sony KDL60EX703). Prices start from £900 for the 32-inch to £2800 for the 60-inch.

Those who do not need 100Hz Motionflow technology but still want a slim edge-LED screen can opt for the cheaper Sony EX603 series. It only comes in two sizes though: the 32-inch Sony KDL32EX603 and the 40-inch Sony KDL40EX603 which are priced at £800 and £950 respectively.

3D TV @ Panasonic Convention 2010

On the 16th of February 2010, Panasonic chose the beautiful city of Munich to launch and promote their 2010 line-up of products – ranging from home entertainment systems to portable devices – at their annual convention. However, the central theme of this year’s convention was primarily on 3D TV.

Financial Report

We were greeted with an intro video, which was followed swiftly by a presentation outlining Panasonic’s financial successes in 2009.

Display Devices Strategy

20 minutes later, the focus moved onto display strategy, which was primarily based on the core objectives that combined rich networking capabilities, eco-friendliness and superb picture quality delivered via Panasonic’s very own LCD and plasma technology.

Panasonic completed the construction of its 13th generation plasma panel factory, and is currently in the process of building its 8th generation LCD plant in Himeji. In other words, we may not see Panasonic NeoLCD HDTVs for some time yet.

The second generation NeoPDP plasma panels will feature approximately 4 times the luminance efficiency compared to the 2007 (10th generation) models thanks to the new Xenon discharge gas, high-density phosphors and cell structure.

In comparison to the 2009 models, Panasonic claimed that their 2010 line-up will boast a 36% reduction in power consumption. We’ll probably wait for the actual power consumption test results when we get our hands on review samples before drawing any conclusions.

Aside from 3D, black level was the subject of discussion among many of the attendees. So it was welcoming news to hear of Panasonic’s continuous stride towards perfect blacks.

However, we are a little sceptical of the “5 million to 1 contrast” quote, which ironically (in a small way) contradicts the “Infinite Black” slogan.

3D TV Revolution

2010 is the advent year of 3D designated for the living room, and it will come as no surprise that Panasonic is at the forefront of the 3D TV revolution.

In contrast to competing manufacturers, Panasonic is uniquely situated to fully utilise the 3D technology in conjunction with the newly developed second generation NeoPDP screens and RealD-powered Active Shutter Glasses, which together will provide full HD 1920 x 1080 Frame-Sequential 3D (FS3D) per eye as illustrated below:

Introducing 3D in a problem-free format to the masses is difficult to say the least, as both LCD televisions and plasma display panels suffer from several limitations which have to be tackled without significantly increasing production costs. The main problem is crosstalk. On LCD TVs, pixel latency and high hold-time lead to image overlap, which in the 2D world is perceived as motion blur. In the 3D world however, it manifests itself as double-image. The same is true of PDPs, but the culprit is prolonged phosphorus lag. As a result, Panasonic had to redesign their underlying plasma technology not only to drastically reduce phosphorus lag, but also to eliminate perceivable flicker, amplify luminance (with minimal power increase), and minimise uneven phosphorus aging.

Panasonic also eliminated the traditional dual-glass shield, and implemented single-glass technology to completely eradicate internal reflection while yielding superior ANSI contrast.

The end result: the Panasonic VT20 series of full HD 3D TV. Detailed information regarding the models will follow shortly, so stay tuned.

Samsung UE40C7000 Launched

Samsung will be launching their new 2010 range of HDTVs – first unveiled at CES Las Vegas back in January – in the United Kingdom next month. Scheduled to first hit the stores (and the review desks) is the Samsung UE40C7000, an edge-lit LED-based 3D TV which will also boast the following features:

• 200Hz motion technology;
• Freeview HD tuner;
• “Internet@TV” offering access to selected online content such as BBC iPlayer and Lovefilm on-demand movie streaming; and
• PVR functionality by plugging in a USB external hard drive or memory stick.

The 3D technology implemented on all Samsung 3D TVs including the UE40C7000 is the active shutter (also known as alternate-frame sequencing) variant powered by RealD. Requiring the use of shutter glasses dubbed “3D Active Glasses”, Samsung’s 3D technology works by first blocking the left and then the right lens to deliver alternating images to each eye to create the illusion of 3D depth.

Unfortunately these 3D glasses will have to be purchased separately as they are not included with the 3D TV, though some retailers may start selling various bundles at a discount. Two versions of these 3D active shutter glasses are available: a battery-powered one at £100, or a a rechargeable one at £150. The good news is that Samsung’s 3D glasses are designed according to the specifications set by the Glasses Standardization Working Group of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), and so can potentially be used on 3D TVs from other manufacturers.

The Samsung UE40C7000 is expected to go on sale in the United Kingdom from March 2010 with a RRP of £1800. The Samsung C7000 series of LED-based 3D TVs will also be available in larger sizes: a 46-inch Samsung UE46C7000, and a 55-inch Samsung UE55C7000. Samsung will also release a C7700 range (e.g. the Samsung UE40C7700) which will sport an extra DVB-S satellite tuner.