Panasonic is one of the most enduring names in the consumer electronics business. They’ve built a reputation for producing high-quality products which are always at the cutting edge of technology and design innovation.
Even with emerging contenders like LG and Samsung knocking on the door, Panasonic remains a sure bet. Although perhaps now better known for their flashy, super-sized Plasma models, Panasonic nonetheless has some very compelling LCD televisions as well. Their latest LCD TV offerings, sold under the VIERA brand, represent an approach that places a great emphasis on attention to detail, with innovative features that help differentiate the viewing experience in perhaps unexpected ways, including their glare-reducing Fine Black Panel screens, and backlight setups that maintain optimal contrast at all times. They also focus on providing the widest possible range of viewing angles without negatively affecting image quality.
VIERA G1 Series
The Panasonic VIERA G1 Series LCD television, available in 1080p at 37 inches, boasts high image quality along with several unique user-focused features. The G1 has a 120Hz refresh rate with Panasonic’s Motion Picture Pro 3 technology, which can effectively double frame rates for a smoother picture. This enhancement is particularly noticeable with fast-moving and highly detailed images, such as sports, and reduces blurring.
The G1 also features Motion Focus, which involves the use of a targeted backlight; the backlight activates in areas of the screen where motion is taking place, which further reduces blurring and results in a more natural, better-looking picture. The G1’s contrast ratio clocks in at 20,000:1, with particularly deep blacks. Like Panasonic’s other LCD units, it also has a 178-degree viewing angle, meaning that you can still see the on-screen image in full quality even if you aren’t sitting directly in front of the TV. The G1’s SD memory card slot with built-in photo viewing application is another nice touch which should appeal to families.
VIERA S1 Series
The next model down, the S1 is a 1080p full-HD LCD TV available in 32-inch and 37-inch units. The S1 offers many of the same features as the G1 including Motion Focus, 178-degree viewing, the SD memory card slot, glare-reducing screen, and more. It has a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and 3 HDMI inputs for your PC, Blu-ray player, or game console. The S1 is a very capable LCD TV at an attractive price point.
VIERA X1 Series
Available in 720p at 32” and 37”, the X1 is well worth considering if you’re interested in a more total media solution. It retains the 178-degree viewing angle and Fine Black Panel screen, with a 12,000:1 contrast ratio. What sets the X1 apart is the built-in iPod dock, which allows you to access the music and videos stored on your iPod.