Not content with our excellent three-year-old, Panasonic 42 inch Plasma, we’ve just bought a Panasonic 46 inch Plasma. As they say, size matters!
…but in this case, it didn’t!
The reason? Well, this is the next step in TV evolution. Just as mobile phones evolved to perform lots of additional functions, TVs are going the same way.
The write-ups (like this one), have been fantastic and consequently, almost everywhere was out-of-stock for at least the next few weeks when I tried to order it last Friday. Locating one was a real challenge – but part of the fun too!
After some intensive trawling round the ‘net though, I found one at ‘Radiocraft‘ based in Cardiff. Their customer service was excellent and the TV even comes with free a five-year guarantee. What’s more, if England win the World Cup, they’ll refund the cost of the TV (Do they know something, I don’t?)
This latest model, (for the nerds, it’s the Viera TX-P46G20B) and about the only thing it ISN’T, is ‘3D’ – I’m not convinced that technology will catch-on… but I may end up eating-my-hat!
Tech Spec
Non-Nerdy Version
It’s got an ethernet port so you can connect it your PC router and stream movies from your PC network straight through to the TV
It’s has a wireless connection too, in case too many cables get on your nerves
It has Skype built-in, so plug in a web-cam and you can skype via the TV
USB ports, just like a PC, so you can plug in say, an external hard disk (or a stick), and record straight onto it – then play that recording back just like a Sky-Box
Freeview/Freeview HD built-in – so no need for an extra box
SD Card slot – just pop in your card from your digital camera (or video from a camcorder) for an instant replay
It consumes HALF the power of our current 42 inch TV
– Full HD as oppose to HD Ready – more pixels!
– In addition to Freeview, it’s got Freeview HD and FreeSat HD built in – that means HDTV for free!!!
– Access to YouTube, and other online services direct from the TV
Super-Nerdy Version
(translations available 9am-1pm)
BBC iPlayer – Currently in beta testing, this will make the iPlayer service available on the TV later this year
Neo PDP 600Hz Processing
No picture blur on fast-moving images
THX Certified
Allows the TV picture to ‘look’ more like the cinema
2000000:1 contrast Very black blacks!
VieraCast
Access to loads of internet based content
1080i and 1080p
The ultimate in picture quality
DVDs play at the correct speed
Viera Link
Controls your DVD player from the TV remote
dlna Certified – is a standard used by manufacturers of consumer electronics to allow entertainment devices within the home to share their content with each other across a home network.
Full Specification is HERE and Manual is HERE
Other Related Stuff
I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!
I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!
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