First freeview HD tvs out now

[scotty_dotty]

Just to let folks know we now have panasonics first freeview HD tvs in the company now. It's the panasonic g20 42 inch neo pdp plasma which also boasts 5 million to 1 contrast, dlna certified, USB, sd card reader, 1080p, viera 5 engine, 20w nicam and can only assume it's more than 100hz.

Priced at £1099 as I roughly predicted.

Don't physically have the unit in to see asthetics but specs are good IMO.

Sony should arrive over the next couple weeks and they will also be launching more rgb LEDs, tvs with bluray built in etc also but much more competitavely priced than current models as they have finally realised they are to expensive at the moment.

More info when I get to try them out!

[Yorks]

Thanks for the heads up.

I've had a V10 on my wish list for some time after reading reviews, but it looks like it has been surpassed in both specification and price by the G20.

It has the white balance/gamma user controls which were only available on the European version of the V10 and better upscaling which was a minor niggle of the V10. Also it has what is described to be an improved panel (Vreal Pro 5). Add to this wifi connection via optional dongle and an HD freeview tuner in addition to the V10's existing HD freesat tuner and it seems like a really versatile piece of kit.

Those in the know seemed to rave about the V10, so if this is what it's cracked up to be then I'd better get the tippex out.

Be nice to here your opinion when you get a gander at one.

On second thoughts , Nah!!............ I still think my Sony 32" CRT is a cracking telly.

[scotty_dotty]

Ok here goes, had a bit of time to have a gander at the g20 and tried out a few bits and bobs with it and compared it against a new Sony xe403 (bit of a mismatch spec wise to be fair)

Anyhow - for the £ it's a good buy against the v10.
Motion is slick and ultra smooth, fluidity is nice.
New thx viewing mode aswell as 2 profesional viewing modes.
Lots of extra tweeks to experiment with in the settings menu to enhance the viewing experiences.
The unit itself is relatively slim approx 3inch deep.
Connectivity is good with the addition of 2 USB ports which an external hdd or USB stick can be added for pvr facilities aswell as file play back.
Asthetics are as usual ok, just so frustrating panasonic can't come up with something that stands out like the z1 but for the average joes budget. It's still nice though. The cheap looking silver strips have gone and a bluey tinged strip runs through the caseing itself to break up the black.

Down points. I ran the tv on a panasonic bluray demo disc and I honestly can't say I see enough of a picture quality difference from the s11, g15 etc. The costings must be in the freeview HD tuner and connectivity.
The pedestal is to small and looks a tad odd IMO.
It actually swivels tho! Not the metal runners as they had on previous models. And the pedestal still comes free with the tv lol.

Good points. Connectivity, 2 HD tuners, slim, nicer frame, smooth as a babies, colour enhancements ok, build quality as always, nicer looking menu system but same user friendly lay out.

Versus the Sony it's a non contest spec wise and quality wise. £250 price gap as the Sony is only 50hz but if it was even say 100hz the colours and clarity are still woefully short against the g20 and with a freesat tuner less. The xe is a nice looking unit I have to say and the 32inch for an extra 50£ than the s series Sony £ for £ is IMO a really worth while investment.

More to come from both companies and I dare say prices will drop relatively quickly so looking forward to seeing their higher specd units.

Would I buy a g20, probably. In relation to the g15 it has the spec to justify the extra costs.

Whatever comes out this year I still hold the view that yes other tvs will no doubt produce a fantastic picture but generally the issue always will come back to build quality and reliability. Cheap wobbly plastic finishes may only be cosmetic but if your paying over a thou for a tv it doesn't give much confidence on the build quality of the internal components.

Any tv that can take a bluray player will look stunning on full HD or a good source. Don't be fooled though. And don't go by everythhing which say - they don't test reliability.

Just b4 I forget the g20 is dlna certified also.