Television Buying Guide .co.uk

Panasonic TH50PV500CAB Plasma TV

Panasonic takes a leap into the future with the new PV500, as it proudly launches a fusion of superb colour management technology and high definition broadcast capabilities - all encased within the stunning signature design of the classic VIERA.

For the very first time, Panasonic has twinned its award winning VIERA technology with the hugely desirable capabilities of high definition. The new G8 HD panel is capable of displaying high definition images which are impressively detailed and defined - they are sure to blow you away. With the easy to use HDMI connection, HD pictures can be displayed on the 50 inch screen, whether this be from a high definition DVD source or HD television broadcast, producing the most vivid colours ever experienced on a VIERA. With the announcement from BSkyB that they are planning to go live with HD broadcast in 2006, the PV500 series looks set to be the most rewarding purchase you can make this year.

In addition, to further enhance the picture quality, the new G8 HD panel uses a highly efficient discharge gas that lights at lower electric power levels. This technology allows the TH-50PV500 to produce even brighter pictures. Outstanding contrast is achieved, with the panel boasting a rise in brightness of up to 10% - helping to establish the new G8 HD panel as one of the most significant additions the Panasonic portfolio has seen.

Panasonic's new 3D Colour Management System changes the way colours are presented on screen. Not only does this technology alter the colour displayed by each pixel, but it can now vary the level of brightness each pixel holds. In effect, this allows a whole new array of colours to be displayed in a scene. This technology produces skin tones which are more "real" than ever before whilst simultaneously ensuring that background colours, such as fresh green grass and bright blue skies, maintain their vibrancy - pictures appear to come alive with the new high definition PV500 series.

The TH-50PV500 features SD Memory Card and PCMCIA card slots, enabling users to view still images from a digital camera or other portable device on the big screen. The pictures can be viewed as a slide show or in a photo album format for everyone to enjoy. Not only can this new panel playback MPEG4 for the first time, but you can now record MPEG4 footage onto the SD card. By simply inserting the SD card into a portable device such as a Panasonic D-Snap, programmes such as last nights match or gripping soap episode can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. To further the convenience offered by the new PV500 series, all three plasmas also allow the viewer to show images from two sources simultaneously, thanks to the Multi Window feature. This offers the ultimate in flexibility, providing the option to select Picture-and Picture, Picture-in-Picture, or Picture-out-Picture modes.