In our last article, HD Guru leaked Panasonic’s pricing for its mid-end 2009 plasmas and all of its LCD flat panels. Below, HD Guru covers the rest of Panasonic’s 2009 HDTVs, including previously unreleased prices on its top of the line models.

Z1 Series

The Z1 (pictured above) is Panasonic’s most advanced HDTV. Available only in the 54” screen the Z1 packs every advanced feature into a 1” thick Full HD 1080p plasma panel. The Z1 has a native contrast ratio of 40,000:1, a low energy consuming Neo PDP panel technology, an included swivel table stand, Digital Cinema Color gamut, THX Certification, 1080 lines of motion resolution, 24 Hz Cinematic Playback and an HDMI wireless receiver. The companion wireless transmitter tuner/switcher box has VIERA Link Internet connectivity and VIERA Link SD card reader for viewing still photos or AVCHD video playback. Currently, the only thin competitor in this size range (an obese 2.25” at the thickest part) is the Sharp LC52XS1, an LCD HDTV with separate tuner box and speaker bar which retails for a whopping $12,000 plus the cost of the optional wireless box (when available).

The Z1’s wireless HDMI box allows purchasers to hang the panel on the wall with only an AC power cord connected. Speakers are built-in and the wireless tuner box is included with the Z1 plasma. It will ship in June at a retail of $5999.95

Model MAP

TC-P54Z1 $5999.95

HD Guru Verdict- The Z1 may be the hottest HDTV for 2009.

V10 Series

The Panasonic V10 series plasma models are (compared to the Z1) a beefy 2” thick. It is replacing the current (2008) top of the line 1080p PZ850 series plasmas. The V10s will be available in the 50” (May ship; it has a one sheet glass front) 54” (June), 58”(August) and 65” (Aug.) screen sizes.

All V10 models include: Neo PDP low energy consuming panel, 40,000:1 contrast ratio, Digital Cinema Color gamut, VIERA CAST Internet connectivity, VIERA Image Viewer SD card slot for still photos and AVCHD playback, 4 HDMI inputs, swivel table stand, THX Certification, Full 1080 line motion resolution, 24 Hz playback.

Model MAP

TC-P50V10 $2299.95
TC-P54V10 $2699.95
TC-P58V10 TBA
TC-P65V10 TBA

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