In addition to its Viera Plasma TVs, Panasonic has showcased its first LED LCD VIERA TVs that will be launched as part of its new LCD lineup.According to Panasonic, five LED LCD models and nine LCD models are set to be launched in sizes ranging from 22 inches to 42 inches.  

The key features on the flagship D25 LED LCD Series in this new VIERA range include In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels, which deliver an ultra-wide viewing angle, plus 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast and high moving-picture resolution for crisp, clear motion images.

Connectivity features include VIERA CAST with Skype functionality and Wi-Fi and DLNA capability, plus new USB HDD recording and playback.

Glenn Zanoni, Product Marketing Manager – LCD TV, Panasonic Australia, said the launch of the LED LCD range marked an exciting new stage in the evolution of VIERA technology.

“Panasonic’s corporate philosophy is driven by listening to consumers and developing innovative products that meet their needs. As a result, Panasonic has an extremely strong LCD line-up in both breadth of range and technology for 2010,” Zanoni said.   

“VIERA’s new D Series LED LCD TVs combine the viewing-angle and image quality benefits of IPS with the improved brightness, energy efficiency and slim design offered by edge-LED backlight technology.”

To accommodate the expanded LCD product range and to increase the company’s presence in the LCD market, Panasonic this month commenced operation of a new LCD factory in Himeji, Japan.

Panasonic has also expanded networking functionality on selected models across the 2010 range.

The VIERA D25 Series LED LCD TVs and S25 Series LCD TVs are Wi-Fi capable and feature VIERA CAST online entertainment in the loungeroom that includes Skype voice and video calling capability from July 2010.

VIERA CAST functionality continues to evolve. Panasonic today announced an agreement with Yahoo!7 to deliver a selection of its content via VIERA CAST. Viewers will be able to watch full-length episodes from Yahoo!7’s PLUS7 service, including some of Australia’s favourite Channel Seven shows, streamed over the Internet to selected VIERA Plasma, LED LCD and LCD televisions. PLUS7 delivered by Yahoo!7 will be available for VIERA CAST later this year. Panasonic also plans to introduce the Twitter micro-blogging service to VIERA CAST in the future.

DLNA-networking lets you stream content to your VIERA TV that is stored on other DLNA-enabled products in your home network, such as Panasonic’s 2010 Blu-ray Recorders and DVD Recorders. These Series also offer USB HDD recording and playback.

The X25 LCD Series boasts a Universal Dock for iPod that is also compatible with iPhone, enabling playback of audio and video files via your TV using your VIERA remote control.

All models offer VIERA Image Viewer- with an SD Card slot for viewing your favourite AVCHD videos and JPEG images, and VIERA Link allows users to operate all compatible Panasonic A/V components using only the TV’s remote control.

The D25 and D20 Series also offer a sleek, slim design at just 1.5-inches in depth, ideal for wall-mounting. The D25 bezel is finished in lilac, while the D20 is midnight blue.

Pricing and availability are as follows:
TH-L42D25A : $2499 (June)
TH-L37D25A: $1999 (June)
TH-L32D25A: $1699 (June)
TH-L42D20A: TBA (Sept)
TH-L32D20A: TBA (Sept)
TH-L37S25A: $1399 (July)
TH-L32S25A: $1199 (May)
TH-L42U20A: $1299 (June)
TH-L37U20A: $1099 (May)
TH-L32U20A: $899 (April)
TH-L32X25A: TBC (July)
TH-L22X25A: TBC (August)
TH-L32X20A: $799 (April)
TH-L22X20A: TBC (July)