Plasma
by Serkan Toto on August 25, 2009

There is a clear trend in Japan, where all the relevant new TVs come from, and that’s building devices to store programs into the hardware itself, i.e. HDDs or Blu-ray recorders. Mitsubishi appears to be especially radical in this respect, announcing a TV with both a built-in Blu-ray recorder and HDD just last week. And today Hitachi followed up by adding a total of two new LCDs and three plasmas [JP] to their Wooo TV series, with all models featuring a built-in 500GB HDD.

by Serkan Toto on June 18, 2009

Even though LCD is clearly the dominant technology in the TV market, Panasonic still believes in the merits of plasma displays. The company currently showcases a new 85-inch monster plasma TV [JP] at the InfoComm in Orlando, Florida (the screen size is equal to that of four 42-inchers combined).

by Serkan Toto on June 2, 2009

Panasonic launched the VIERA R Series today in Japan [JP], consisting of a total of seven new plasma and LCD TVs. The first TVs of the series will be available over here starting July 1, with Panasonic not yet saying anything about sales in overseas markets.

by Serkan Toto on May 12, 2009

Japan-based Shinoda Plasma [JP] has developed a plasma TV that’s 2 meters tall and 3 meters wide (145 inches), which is quite obviously able to show life-size images of (most) people. The spectacular display will be sold as part of digital signage or teleconference systems.

by Doug Aamoth on April 10, 2009

Yama hama, here’s a pretty sweet deal on a gigantic plasma TV. Vizio is selling its 50-inch P50 model for $799 with free shipping until April 15th (or until they sell out).

by Doug Aamoth on March 20, 2009

If you have a lot of disposable income or you work for AIG and need a way to spend that sweet, sweet bonus check for all your hard work, might I suggest the 103-inch BeoVision 4-103 plasma TV from Bang & Olufsen at just under $140,000?

by Matt Burns on March 6, 2009

Shocker of the day, folks: modern A/V technology is selling well in Japan. DfK Marketing Services Japan just announced the results of a 2008 study which concluded that the Blu-ray format and flat-panel TVs are seeing sales numbers increasing. Actually, it’s impressive as the country is experience an economic slow down similar to ours here in the States.

Panasonic’s sexy Z1 plasma gets a price
8 Comments
by Matt Burns on March 5, 2009

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Love ‘em or hate ‘em, thin TVs are hot and Panasonic’s flagship plasma finally got a price and it’s ’bout right.
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by Matt Burns on February 27, 2009

News broke yesterday that LG was investigating quitting the plasma biz, but now George Mead, the Marketing Manager for Digital Displays at LG Electronics UK, is denying these claims. He told T3 that “LG Electronics UK has no intention to withdraw from the Plasma TV market.” Oh, see what he did there? LG Electronics UK. Nice, but what ’bout us Americans?

by Matt Burns on February 26, 2009

When can we call plasma officially dead cause the flat screen tech doesn’t have much going for it anymore? Pioneer and VIZIO just announced they are getting out of the market and now LG is contemplating the same thing.

by Matt Burns on February 24, 2009

Plasma TVs are quickly becoming an extinct breed. There was once a time when plasma was the only large flat screen option available but not anymore. LCD has seemingly taken over most of plasma’s territory and currently there are only three plasma manufacturers still out there. It’s sad cause plasma TVs can and do produce a better picture than LCDs. (flame away in the comments, I ) The death of plasmas date back to when they first were produced. Why? Well, if you don’t mind the shameless plug, I go into in this Sound and Vision article that’s worth your time.

by Matt Burns on February 11, 2009

Vizio, a long time favorite brand of bargain hunters and geeks alike, has stopped slapping their logo on plasma TVs. Plus, there is no plan to order more once the current inventory runs outs. The cut is, of course, due to plamsa’s poor sales in comparison to the companies LCD sales. Which is, of course, due to poor consumer information and as bright as the sun’s surface showrooms.

by Scott Merrill on February 5, 2009

Nothing says “I love you” like a USB powered heart! Your sweetheart is sure to swoon when you reveal the depths of your passion with this lovely, thoughtful gift. Hurry, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

by Matt Burns on January 26, 2009

Buying a plasma TV can be so frustrating. First, you as the informed consumer, know that plamsa TVs generally produce a superior picture verse LCDs but sometimes TV salesmen don’t agree. That being said, this guy managed to buy a plasma from Sears and turned down the $300 three-year service plan only to have the company call him a few days later to pitch the plan again. This time though, the rep ‘informed’ the buyer that plasma TV’s suck (or something like that) and need to be ‘recharged’ every five years at a cost of $500 so the $300 service plan is well justified. Thankfully, the customer turned down the service plan ’cause plasma TVs do not need recharging.

by Peter Ha on January 26, 2009

We all know the benefits of OLED and seen the figures on how much energy it saves and all that jazz, but do you know how it actually works? Well, you’re in for a treat, friend. Sit back, relax and enjoy this 4.5 minute video. The next time anyone asks what OLED is just direct them to this video. It breaks it down pretty well. It’s a shame they aren’t ready for the masses, though.

by Nicholas Deleon on January 11, 2009

Ha! The green-crazy European Union is looking to ban energy inefficient TVs, including large plasmas, in the interest of saving Mother Earth. Nope, not joking.

by Nicholas Deleon on January 5, 2009

Looks like California is doing everything in its power to destroy the consumer electronics industry. That is to say a batch of newly proposed regulations would bar retailers from stocking energy inefficient TVs. The worst offenders? Plasma TVs, the kind popularized by very talented singers and athletes on shows like MTV Cribs.

Pioneer, Hitachi and Panasonic Plasmas are now Energy Star Certified
by Matt Burns on December 15, 2008

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There was a time when the term plasma TVs meant expensive and power hungry electronic, but those days are fading. Three of the largest players in the plasma world now have Energy Star Certified models which is a big feat. This means that a 42-inch PDP cannot consume more than 208 watts while on and less than a watt in standby mode. LCD were once the champion of tree-hugging hippies, but they shouldn’t have to  suffer with the lower quality picture now that plasmas have the Energy Star Certification.

Review: Hitachi P50X902 Director Series 50-inch Plasma
6 Comments
by Matt Burns on December 9, 2008

To the point: A nice plasma that offers a quality image, good colors, and a great scaler. Too bad it’s overpriced.

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Jury: Samsung violated Pioneer’s plasma TV patents, has to pay $59 million
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by Nicholas Deleon on November 4, 2008

hyperchicken

A federal jury found yesterday that Samsung willfully infringed two of Pioneer’s patents covering plasma televisions. As such, the Korean electronics giant will have to cough up (“cough up” is the technical term, mind you) some $59 million, payable to Pioneer.

As you might expect, Samsung plans to appeal the ruling forever and ever.

Sorta interesting: a Japanese corporation taking a Korean corporation to an American court for redress. We’re so globalized!

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