Televisions are fast becoming smart these days with a host of interesting features on the display and connectivity front. Some of the biggest players in the television business are fighting for supremacy in today?s world of fast gadgets and fickle consumers. While the South Korean players like Samsung and LG are shifting to newer organic light-emitting diode (OLED) flat-screen display currently used mainly in high-end smartphones, reckoning that this technology will replace LCD in larger-sized panels such as TV screens, the Japanese TV makers?dominant players in the past?are fighting to retain their market share.
Recently, the Japanese TV maker Panasonic introduced its VIERA TC-L55 WT50 3D TV here, with a hefty price tag of R2,73,000. Tech speak, it is a great 3D LED hardware-software combo with active shutter progressive 3D, which can be viewed with battery powered 3D glasses. Confused on the active shutter progressive 3D method, let me explain further. The display alternately shows images for the left and right eyes. The left and right lenses of the eye wear open and close in sync with this display timing to show separate images to the left and right eyes. By repeating this action at high speed, the brain perceives 3D images. And because this method displays full high definition 3D images just as they are, both eyes receive 3D images in high, full-high definition quality.
The 55-inch TV supports full high definition with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080p. Frames per second can be altered from 60 to 240fps. This makes fast motion scenes look clear and stable. You can convert 2D images and videos into 3D in real time. Often simulated 3D is found to be inferior but not here. The rich 3D graphics support not just 2D images and videos but also files via card, YouTube, or SD cards. Essentially, unique Panasonic technology converts 2D images into high-quality 3D images in real-time. The image depth is analysed from the compositional, colour and brightness data of each scene, to convert 2D images into naturally beautiful 3D images.
In addition to ordinary TV programmes, this method can be used to convert a variety of 2D images ? such as Web content, Blu-ray Disc media, and photos and movies saved onto SD memory cards ? into 3D images with a high level of precision. The TV’s backlight control has evolved through area splitting. The backlight’s fine blinking reduces afterimages, to produce smooth, fast movements without blurring. Sports scenes, action scenes and other fast-motion images are crisp and clear. With VIERA?s wide 178 degree viewing angle, you see clear, vibrant images from every seat in the room. The backlight features a wide transmission aperture that enhances contrast between light and dark and improves response to provide smoother motion images.
This Panasonic innovation has excellent and clear speakers with 3D real sound. Eight dome-type micro speakers with reflectors deliver wide-ranging, high-quality sound. Only about 8 mm thick, these compact units also contribute to the beauty of the narrow-edge design. The sub-woofer, which is mounted to the rear surface of the panel, delivers robust bass sounds. Its super slim design, with a thickness of only 11 mm, helps to keep the entire display attractively thin.
The TV is very easy to operate with a remote control. VIERA remote App lets you use a smartphone or tablet device as a remote control. Tap and flick-based commands are intuitive. Text input is easy, too, with familiar keyboard operation. These handy devices also make great game pads. There is a hand-held touch pad controller especially designed for Web browsing. Simply scroll it with your thumb for easy, PC-like operation!
A viewer can also switch between several pages freely through multitasking that has been made possible via VIERA Connect. There is no need to open and close applications every time. The browser supports HTML5 pages, so you can browse the internet much like you do with a personal computer. VIERA Tools offer a range of apps that make for a holistic internet TV experience.
Overall, the Panasonic TV delivers superb image quality and is a powerful piece of hardware.
SPECS
Dimensions: 804 x 1,236 x 335 mm (H x W x D)
Screen size: 54.6 inches
Viewing angle: 178 degree
Display panel: IPS LED LCD
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Native resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Audio: 3D real sound with 8 speakers
Connectivity: VIERA connect with built in Wi-Fi and Web browser
Estimated street price Rs 2,73,000
