Clarity - 480 Hz sub-field drive
Panasonic VIERA plasma TVs use self-illuminating pixels and 480 Hz Sub-field Drive which react very quickly to changes on screen. This translates to a remarkably high-moving picture resolution of over 900 lines*1. That means no more frustrating afterimages in fast-action scenes. Now you can enjoy smooth, clear motion in sports and fast action movies.
What is 480 Hz sub-field drive?
A standard video signal is actually a series of still images, flashed on screen so quickly that we believe we are watching a moving image. The typical frame rate used in North America is 60 frames per second (60Hz) meaning that a TV would display 60 individual still images every second. Sub-field drive is the method used to flash the individual image elements (dots) on a plasma panel. For each frame displayed on the TV the Sub-field drive flashes the dots 8 times or more, meaning that the dots are flashing 480 times per second (480Hz) or more. (Example: 60 frames per second x 8 sub-fields = 480 flashes per second).
1 900 lines measured by APDC method with 5 second motion.
Contrast – Mega (1,000,000:1 contrast ratio)
Through the use of new materials and technology, Panasonic was able to reduce pre-discharge light emissions by 90% compared to conventional levels. This gives the panel the ability to produce deep, rich blacks providing enhanced image depth and realism.
* Mega Contrast applies to VIERA Plasma models. Native contrast ratio is 30,000:1 (PZ800/PZ850), 20,000:1 (PZ80) and 15,000:1 (PX80) (IEC 61988-2-1).
Contrast – New AR filter
While dramatically reducing reflections from external light, this filter helps to produce the clear, sharp images that Panasonic VIERA plasma TVs are known for. Combined with its wide colour gamut, the new Anti-reflective filter allows for rich, natural colour. Images are clear and sharp with minimal reflections.
Colour – Beautiful colour (PZ800/PZ850 series)
Full 5,120 equivalent step gradation smoothly expresses each image. Outstanding gradation performance accurately depicts even the most subtle shades of colour in a sunset. It also supports the HDMI (V.1.3 Deep Colour) standard, which is capable of expressing billions of colours, to maximize the beautiful images from high definition video sources.
Colour – Deep colour
Deep Colour (HDMI™ V.1.3) is an image enhancing technology supported by HDMI 1.3. Its outstanding colour gradation exceeds the capability of older versions and extends the colour system to 10-bit or higher.
* HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Full-time HD
Thanks to individually firing, self-illuminating pixels, VIERA® Plasma Full Time HD gives you a remarkably clear picture, even in the fastest of scenes. This technology helps to stabilize and control an image as it moves quickly across the screen so you see a crystal clear picture every time. That’s the difference VIERA Plasma Full Time HD makes. High adrenaline sports, fast-paced car chases, whatever you choose to watch, VIERA Plasma Full Time HD makes sure that absolutely nothing gets between you and the action on screen. VIERA Plasma Full Time HD is the ultimate flat panel for any home theatre.
Measuring motion picture resolution
A measuring technique has been developed to help identify resolution in a moving format. The process requires a typical HDTV test pattern be scrolled across the TV screen, taking 5 seconds to get from one side to the other. A camera then follows the pattern across the screen at exactly the same speed. To the camera, the image appears to be stationary. When we compare a Panasonic 1080p plasma panel and a typical 1080p LCD panel, using the measuring technique outlined above, the results are clear. The Panasonic plasma is able to maintain more than 900 lines of resolution while the 60Hz LCD panel drops to approximately 350 lines.
Picture quality
24p Cinematic playback (PZ800/PZ850 series)
In the motion picture industry, many movies are recorded to film at 24 frames per second (24 fps). To play back these movies on a typical TV, the video signal would need to be converted from 24 fps to 60 fps. The most common way to perform this conversion is using 2:3 processing. New for 2008, select Panasonic VIERA models will now use a different process known as 24p Cinematic playback, which will double the typical 24 fps to 48 fps. This achieves a more film-like reproduction than would typically be seen with conventional 2:3 processing.
Digital cinema colour (PZ850 series)
Digital cinema colour produces images that approach theatre quality. This is made possible through the use of a wider range of colours than was previously available. Yellow, gold and red hues, which are essential for movie reproduction, are richly expressed to give movies all the emotional impact that you feel at the theatre, right in your own living room.
Digital optimizer
The digital noise detection circuit recognizes the areas and amounts of noise in each scene, and then applies the optimal noise reduction to combat it. All types of images are displayed noise-free.
Motion pattern noise reduction
This function detects motion patterns that tend to generate noise, and makes adjustments to maximize image quality. Even scenes with a variety of moving elements are crystal-clear.
Studio reference mode (PZ850 series)
By working closely with movie studios for many years and applying research done by the Panasonic Hollywood Lab, this mode recreates the colours that were originally intended by the director. The picture created on screen has essentially the same picture quality as a reference studio monitor.
THX mode (PZ800 series)
THX mode reproduces movie images exactly as they were intended by the movie’s creator. Having realized George Lucas‘ vision to “deliver the exact sound and images that were intended by the moviemakers” and having optimized the settings for brightness, colour, contrast and other parameters, VIERA meets the high standards set by the THX Certified Display program.
* THX and the THX logo are trademarks of THX Ltd. which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.
x.v. Colour*
x.v.Colour standard enables faithful recording and reproduction of the colours seen in nature, something that was simply not possible with previous systems. It expresses the spatial depth and texture of natural materials with a high level of accuracy.
* x.v.Colour is a designation for products that are compatible with “xvYcc,” an international standard for a wide colour space range. x.v.Colour is a registered trademark.
Networking
AVCHD (PZ850 series)
What is AVCHD?
AVCHD is a standard developed jointly by Panasonic and Sony for HD camcorders. Using highly efficient codec technologies, it records 1080i high-definition signals onto media such as 8-cm DVD discs and SD/SDHC memory cards. AVCHD allows an HD camcorder to make long-time recordings of high-density video information onto a DVD disc or SD/SDHC memory card.
Playback
VIERA lets you enjoy high-resolution, HD video with superb motion-image expression and vivid colours. By simply inserting an SDHC memory card into the SD slot of a VIERA TV, video clips recorded with an HD camcorder will be displayed on the TV screen.
Game mode
A quicker response time improves accuracy and the enjoyment of video games. Game mode minimizes the time delay between the controller and the TV screen. Picture quality is also optimized for use with video game content, particularly for games with dark scenes.
HD photo viewer
The HD Photo Viewer provides a new photo viewing experience. Simply insert an SD Memory Card to display photos on the TV screen. Photos are much more fun when you can view them on a large-screen HDTV with family and friends.
HDMI input
For future expandability and ease of use, select VIERA models are equipped with up to four HDMI slots,
one on the front and two or three on the rear.
PC input (PZ800/PZ850 series)
VIERA can connect with a personal computer and serve as a large-screen monitor for surfing the Internet, gaming or your next business meeting. The D-sub 15-pin RGB terminal is available for easy connection of a laptop or desktop PC.
VIERA Link™*
VIERA Link™ allows intelligent operation of various AV devices using only the VIERA remote Control. Simply connect the devices together using HDMI cables and you’re ready to go.
Blu-ray player
The GUI (graphical user interface) makes it easy to operate a Blu-ray player or home theatre system that uses a Blu-ray player.
DIGA DVD recorder
You can immediately start recording a program that you are watching on TV with a DIGA DVD recorder using the VIERA remote. The TV channel information is linked to the DIGA DVD recorder, so there is no need for any initial settings.
- Record now: Records TV programs easily and quickly.
- Auto preset download: Automatically sends channel and EPG setting information from the VIERA TV to the DIGA DVD recorder.
HD Camcorder
The VIERA remote control can operate an HD camcorder through the use of an on screen GUI. Play, stop, rewind and other operations are possible without touching the camcorder.
Home theatre system
The entire home theatre system can be turned on with a single press of the remote control button for immediate viewing enjoyment.
- Easy home theatre system settings are possible with the on-screen GUI.
* VIERA Link™ is the new name for EZ Sync®. Not all 2008 VIERA Link™ features are compatible with all 2006/2007 EZ Sync® products.
VIERA CAST™ (PZ850 series)
VIERA CAST™ is a form of IPTV. It lets you enjoy pictures, video and other Internet content without the use of a computer. With VIERA CAST™, you can view services, such as news, weather, Picasa and YouTube, through an IP (Internet Protocol) network. All this can be done on your living room TV.
What is 480 Hz sub-field drive?
Thanks to individually firing, self-illuminating pixels, VIERA® Plasma Full Time HD gives you a remarkably clear picture, even in the fastest of scenes. This technology helps to stabilize and control an image as it moves quickly across the screen so you see a crystal clear picture every time. That’s the difference VIERA Plasma Full Time HD makes. High adrenaline sports, fast-paced car chases, whatever you choose to watch, VIERA Plasma Full Time HD makes sure that absolutely nothing gets between you and the action on screen. VIERA Plasma Full Time HD is the ultimate flat panel for any home theatre.
24p Cinematic playback (PZ800/PZ850 series)
Digital cinema colour (PZ850 series)
Digital optimizer
Motion pattern noise reduction
Studio reference mode (PZ850 series)
THX mode reproduces movie images exactly as they were intended by the movie’s creator. Having realized George Lucas‘ vision to “deliver the exact sound and images that were intended by the moviemakers” and having optimized the settings for brightness, colour, contrast and other parameters, VIERA meets the high standards set by the THX Certified Display program.
x.v.Colour standard enables faithful recording and reproduction of the colours seen in nature, something that was simply not possible with previous systems. It expresses the spatial depth and texture of natural materials with a high level of accuracy.
AVCHD (PZ850 series)
HDMI input
VIERA can connect with a personal computer and serve as a large-screen monitor for surfing the Internet, gaming or your next business meeting. The D-sub 15-pin RGB terminal is available for easy connection of a laptop or desktop PC.
