New Technology TV

In a world of million dollar Mercedes, and custom home theater installations costing even more, it’s good to know that some products at the very pinnacle of technology are actually within the budget of an upwardly mobile executive or even a lucky slacker with a hefty trust fund. In other words, a million dollar Aston Martin might be out of the price range of a good middle infielder or even a rising Hollywood supporting actor of a popular sitcom, but chances are that either of them, or the aforementioned executive could arguably buy the best—and the largest High Definition Television on the planet—the very pinnacle of HDTV: The Panasonic 103 inch Plasma HD Television.The Panasonic monster was first unveiled this past winter at the huge extravaganza in Las Vegas—the Consumer Electronics Show. While it was a working prototype, the set was certainly not ready for consumer consumption, but it is now, and can be had for about the same price as a top of the line SUV, the Range Rover, for example. For about 70,000 dollars, and the required professional installation, anyone with the purchase price (or perhaps a payment plan?) can have the same television as a Shaquille O’Neal or a Donald Trump!

The 50 inch Panasonic has a contrast ratio of ten thousand to one and can display 29 billion colors—expect even more from this leviathan! While I do realize that this does not exactly represent a price breakthrough or suddenly make it affordable to everyone, it is rather significant to realize a Wal-Mart manager could have a better television than Jerry Seinfeld—at least until he sends for one. And when one contemplates what weekend hobbyists often spend on a boat for the lake, or a couple of motorcycles, it suddenly does not sound so crazy for a true television aficionado to seriously look at having this Plasma HDTV installed. The actual set, this marvel of technology, measures about 90 inches wide by 50 inches high and has a pixel resolution of 1920 X 1080 and scans the picture up to the gold standard of HDTV: 1080p. So, you just have to add one of the new HD DVD players to see the best (and definitely the biggest) television in the consumer market. Panasonic is spending 15 million dollars to enhance the customer experience, with an improved call center and professional installation. This set will weigh in at a few hundred pounds, so secure and deep wall anchors, or a sturdy platform will be required to hold it. (The 50 inch Panasonic Plasma weighs nearly 120 pounds) It is going be a big Christmas this year in the world of HDTV.