Panasonic Viera 2013 LED/LCD HDTV Lineup

Panasonic unveiled its new 2013 lineup of Viera LED/LCD HDTVs at CES. For all 2013 models, all of the Panasonic Viera LCD models are now using LED backlight technology. Additionally, they feature "My Home Screen", a personalization function that allows multiple users in the home to create their own personal home screen giving them quick access to their favorite content. This is present in the 2013 Viera WT60, DT60, ET60, and E60 Series televisions.  

Swipe & Share 2.0 is a connectivity enhancement that turns the TV into a hub for streaming and sharing photo and video content with Smartphone and Tablet devices. With Panasonic's proprietary Viera Connect platform, you can transfer photos and videos from an Android or iOS devices directly to the screen with a simple finger swipe. This is present in the 2013 Viera WT60, DT60, ET60, and E60 Series televisions.

On the 2013 Viera WT60 and DT60 Series TVS, Voice Guidance uses text to speech functions to verbalize text content as it appears on the screen and is present in 2013 Viera WT60, DT60, ET60, and E60 Series televisions. Voice Interaction uses key words spoken into the Smart Viera Touch Pad Controller or Smartphone (the Viera Remote 2 App must be installed), then the search result is displayed on the Viera HDTV screen and also verbally read out.

The new TVs use 4200 Backlight Scanning technology, which Panasonic claims reduces motion blur and loss of detail in fast-moving images. If you're into energy savings, Panasonic’s new LED/LCD models are all Energy Star 6.0 certified with the exception of the Viera 50-inch class and 39-inch class B6 Series models. Here is a breakdown of some of the newest models:

WT60 Series

The WT60 series is the FULL HD 3D, IPS LED LCD flagship series and is available in two screen sizes - the TC-L47WT60, 47-inch class and the TC-L55WT60, 55-inch class.

The WT60 has 2D-3D conversion, which transforms 2D content to 3D Images in real-time, and local dimming and Clear Panel Pro further enhance picture quality.  The models feature three HDMI ports, allowing for 3D video and audio features.  In addition, the panel's backlight scanning utilizes 4200 BLS technology, which provides a clearer picture to enjoy fast-moving scenes.  The WT60 also features Panasonic’s first-ever built in camera for enhanced connectivity with Viera Connect apps and technologies.

The WT60 Series features a minimalist approach to aesthetics that is encompassed by a clear pedestal with an elegant metal bezel and is equipped with Viera Connect, My Home Screen, Swipe and Share 2.0, and Voice Interaction / Guidance. The WT60 Series also features ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with the calibration software (CALMAN) provided by SpectraCal Inc.

DT60 Series

The DT60 series includes two screen sizes – the TC-L55DT60, 55-inch class and TC-L60DT60, 60-inch class.

The series achieves the ultimate in advanced design with a stunning display.  The DT60 series produces a clear viewing experience at virtually any angle with 1080p FULL HD resolution and a 178 degree wide viewing angle.  The DT60 Series is equipped with enhanced connectivity features, including Viera Connect, My Home Screen, Swipe and Share 2.0, Voice Interaction /Recognition, with three HDMI and three USB ports, and a Dual Core with Hexa Processing Engine.  In addition, the 55-inch class model’s backlight scanning utilizes up to 1920 BLS technology while the 60-inch class model utilizes up to 1200 BLS.

ET60 Series

The TC-L50ET60, 50-inch class and TC-L55ET60, 55-inch class comprise the ET60 series of FULL HD 3D IPS LED LCD TVs.

The ET60 models include 1080p FULL HD resolution and 2D-3D conversion for pristine picture quality.  The ET60 series features Viera Connect, My Home Screen, built In Wireless LAN, Swipe and Share 2.0, and Voice Guidance.  The series includes 3 HDMI connections and 2 USB ports. In addition, ET60 Series’ backlight scanning utilizes up to 720 BLS.

E60 Series

The TC-L42E60, 42-inch class; TC-L50E60, 50-inch class; TC-L58E60, 58-inch class and the TC-L65E60, 65-inch class comprise the E60 series of FULL HD 3D LED LCD TVs.

The E60 models include 1080p FULL HD resolution and dot noise reduction for the ultimate viewing experience.  The E60 series features 3 HDMI and 2 USB ports.  With Viera Connect, My Home Screen, built in Wireless LAN, Voice Guidance and Swipe and Share 2.0, the new line makes it more convenient than ever for users to access and navigate content.  In addition, E60 Series’ backlight scanning utilizes up to 240 BLB.

EM60 Series

The EM60 series provides the consumer with 1080p resolution, slim LED and narrow bezel design. There are two screen sizes in the EM60 series – the TC-L39EM60, 39-inch class and TC-L50EM60, 50-inch class. All offer media player, with two HDMI connections and one USB port. Dot noise reduction technology enhances image quality of content.  In addition, EM60 Series’ backlight scanning utilizes up to 240 BLB.

XM6 Series

The TC-L32XM6, 32-inch class model features 720p resolution with two HDMI connections with one USB port.  The XM6 series reflect Panasonic's minimalistic design with a slim bezel.  Dot noise reduction technology enhances image quality of content.

B6 Series

The TC-L32B6, 32-inch class model features 720p resolution, and the TC-L39B6, 39-inch class model and TC-L50B6, 50-inch class model feature 1080p resolution.  The entire B6 series is equipped with two HDMI connections with one USB port. Dot noise reduction technology enhances image quality of content.

The Panasonic 2013 Viera LED LCD HDTVs will be available in the spring of 2013. For more information including technical specifications please visit www.Panasonic.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.