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Panasonic has announced that it will expand its line of VIERA series of plasma and LCD TVs. The new line-up includes plasma and LCD models in eight series – Z1, V10, G15, G10, S10, X15/X10 and C1 with screen sizes ranging from 19 to 54 inches. In addition, VIERA will incorporate the VIERA CAST service for the first time in Europe when it introduces the Z1 series, the V10 series and the G15 series. 

In 2008, Panasonic announced the development of plasma display panels called NeoPDP which used technologies that offered better picture quality, higher efficiency and thinner dimensions than its predecessors. These new technologies will be introduced for the first time in its flagship Z1 series, V10 series, G15 and G10 series. 


Panasonic TC-54Z10

As a result, Panasonic has improved motion image performance, contrast and colour reproduction in its plasma displays. With these enhancements, the new models provide the kind of"infinite black".
To improve motion images, the Z1 series, V10 series, G15 and G10 series adopt Panasonic's 600Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, which helps achieve 1080 line motion picture resolution. 

The Z1 series, V10 series and G15 series will feature VIERA CAST, making them the first models in Europe to offer this service. With VIERA CAST, viewers can access certain Internet content by simply clicking a button while sitting in their living room. For example, users can view such familiar content as Eurosport, YouTube and Picasa directly on their VIERA TV. Viewers can access other information too, such as news, weather forecasts and stock market information. DLNA connection is also possible with these three series. 


Panasonic TC-54Z10

- “Panasonic’s superior quality, connectivity and service continues to distinguish the VIERA line,” said Fabien Roth, Senior Marketing Manager, Panasonic TV Group. 
“We will introduce our own next-generation plasma display panels (PDPs) in four series including our flagship Z1 Series resulting in brighter panels, deeper blacks and superior moving picture resolution. We will also introduce our VIERA CAST service for the first time and continue to improve the functionality of VIERA Link. With all the new expanded features and screens sizes in our new VIERA line-up, we will be providing the ultimate viewing experience.”

New VIERA Plasma Line-Up Overview
The new expanded European line-up centres around the Z1, V10, G15 and G10 series.

Z1 Series
The Z1 Series is the flagship model combining superb functionality with a slim, fully flat, one-inch design. Also featuring full-HD wireless transmission technology that makes flexible room layout possible, these models are perfect for users seeking the highest grade in both function and design.


Panasonic TC-54Z10

The Z1 Series deliver 1080 lines moving picture resolution and a dynamic contrast of over 2,000,000:1. The THX Certified Display they incorporate has passed stringent tests, ensuring that they are ideal for viewing films. Z models also feature home networking with DLNA, which allows playback of motion images with VIERA CAST, and the VIERA Image Viewer. They can play DivX format motion images as well. 

The Z1 plasma series will be available as 46” (TX-P46Z1) and 54” (TX-P54Z1) models.

V10 Series
In picture quality, the V Series stands at the top of the VIERA 2009 product line. Images are reproduced with 1080 lines moving picture resolution and dynamic contrast of over 2,000,000:1 (native 40,000:1). Digital Cinema Colour adds rich, vivid colour reproduction that approaches the level of a cinema. And the THX Certified Display further enhances the quality of film images. The V Series is especially recommended for film buffs and viewers who insist on the best in picture quality. It comes with a host of networking functions, including VIERA CAST, VIERA Image Viewer, VIERA Link, and DLNA, and the V Series' stunning"One Sheet of Glass" design places it alongside the Z Series as a high-end model. 


Panasonic V10

The V10 plasma series will be available in two sizes: 42” (TX-P42V10) and 50” (TX-P50V10). 

G15 Series
The G15 Series combines enhanced networking and image-quality functions with a narrow bezel and slim design. With VIERA CAST, users can view Internet content from sources such as Eurosport and YouTube. The VIERA Image Viewer makes it easy to play back still and motion images from a digital camera or camcorder, and DLNA makes it possible to play back still and motion images stored on devices connected over a network. This series is well suited to users who want both superb picture quality and a wide range of entertainment possibilities. 

The G15 plasma series will be available in two sizes: 42” (TX-P42G15), and 46” (TX-P46G15).

G10 Series
Incorporating a host of high-picture-quality functions, the G10 Series includes core VIERA models that offer 1080 lines moving picture resolution and contrast of over 2,000,000:1 (native 40,000:1). In terms of networking, G10 models offer VIERA Link and the VIERA Image Viewer, giving viewers easy new ways to enjoy beautiful pictures. 


Panasonic G10

Three plasma models will be available: 42” (TX-P42G10), 46” (TX-P46G10), and 50” (TX-P50G10).

S10 Series
The S Series offers entry-level models that offer images in full high-definition. All models feature a 400Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, VIERA Image Viewer (still images and AVCHD), and VIERA Link.


Panasonic S10

Three plasma models will be available: 42” (TX-P42S10), 46” (TX-P46S10), and 50” (TX-P50S10).

X10 Series
The X10 Series HD Ready plasmas offers motion picture with a 100HZ Double Scan, a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, V-Audio Surround technology and easy operation thanks to VIERA Link and VIERA Image Viewer. The X10 Series also excel in environmental performance with the use of lead-free, long-life panels. 


Panasonic X10

Three plasma models will be available: 37” (TX-P37X10), 42” (TX-P42X10), and 50” (TX-P50X10).

C10 Series
The C10 Series HD Ready plasmas models boast a HD Ready panel. Features include VIERA Image Viewer, VIERA Link, 2 HDMI inputs and a lead-free, long-life panel. 

Three plasma models will be available: 37” (TX-P37C10), 42” (TX-P42C10), and 50” (TX-P50C10).

Panasonic’s 2009 LCD models will be presented in a separate article soon.