14 DAY TRIAL // Since the Internet has become the world's largest content-delivery vehicle (whether we're talking about news, music, videos, etc.), it's no wonder that the most important manufacturers of various consumer electronics are trying their best in order to integrate online capabilities in just about every product they manufacture. And that's also the case with Panasonic, which has finally announced the pricing and availability details regarding its web-enabled PZ850 series of VIERA PDPs, a family of devices announced way back, at CES 2008.
The most important feature offered by the new HDTVs (which, by the way, are available in 46-inch, 50-inch, 58-inch and 65-inch versions) is VIERA CAST, which offers users access to some of the most popular content sites on the Internet today ? YouTube, Google?s Picasa Web Album and Bloomberg.
"Our VIERA PZ850 series really takes connectivity and home entertainment to a whole new level for consumers", said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, pointing out the most attractive features these devices have to offer. "In addition to delivering stunning, true-to-life High Definition movies and television programming that all of our VIERA HDTVs are famous for, our PZ850 series also allows you to seamlessly access an unending supply of content via the web via You Tube and Google?s Picasa Web Album websites. Another terrific enhancement for the consumer is that when new web sites become available they will be automatically available on the TV."
Additionally, the PZ850 also allows users to view their own HD digital still and video images in 16x9 widescreen format by inserting an SD Memory Card directly into the HDTV. While all of Panasonic?s VIERA HDTVs can display digital still images via SD card, the PZ850 also comes packed with the H.264 codec, making it possible for viewers to enjoy HD video content from their own HD camcorders.
Furthermore, the PZ850 series includes some other goodies, as for example a Pro Setting Menu, an enhanced native resolution contrast ratio of 30,000:1, a dynamic ratio of 1,000,000:1, 24p native reproduction, Digital Cinema Color Re-Mastering (a technology that allows for accurate color reproduction essential for movies) and Studio Reference Mode. Much in the same way as all of the other Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs, the PZ850 series panels contain no lead or mercury and deliver increased luminous efficiency and 100,000 hours of viewing time to half brightness (40+ years at 6+ hours viewing per day).
"Imagine being able to press a button and see a family member?s photos from their vacation right on your own large-screen Plasma or enjoy one of the many intriguing videos found on You Tube from the comfort of your easy chair", added Perry. "The VIERA PZ850 with VIERA CAST makes it all possible quickly and easily."
However, even though Mr. Perry does have a point (after all, the PZ850 series really is a piece of technological candy), the devices come at a pretty high price. Thus, the 65-inch and 58 inch versions are slated to arrive in fall, for 8,000 and 4,300 US dollars respectively, while the smaller, 50-inch and 46-inch models will hit the shelves this summer for $3,500 and $3,100, respectively.
We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is 
.