World's sexiest plasma gets ugly price tag: Panasonic Z1 will cost $6,000
The 1-inch thick Panasonic TC-P54Z1 will list for $5,999.95.
(Credit: Panasonic)Our friend Gary Merson, aka the HD Guru, got his hands on some early pricing for certain Panasonic HDTVs--and now he's got some numbers for Panasonic's 1-inch thick plasma, the 54-inch TC-P54Z1. Not surprisingly, the "Z1" will set you back a pretty penny when it comes out this summer. Six grand to be exact.
Now, we love Merson, but we're not so sure his statement declaring the Z1 potentially "the hottest HDTV for 2009" is all that accurate. Yes, Panasonic's loaded the Z1 with lots of features and high-end specs--and it should deliver a great picture. But the fact is not that many people care if their flat-panel TV is 1-inch thick since most people don't mount them on the wall anyway. It's really the size of the base that matters, and the overall size of the TV.
In this economy, the hottest TVs are going to be the ones that deliver the most bang for the buck. In his post, Merson also notes that the step-down 54-incher, the TC-P5410, will cost $2,699. Yes, it's twice as thick at a whopping 2 inches (note sarcasm), but it's got lots of nice features, too, and it's less than half the price. You'd think more people would buy that one instead, wouldn't you?
What do you guys think? Does shaving an extra inch of depth off the TV really matter much to you?
Note: for the complete skinny on Panasonic's 2009 HDTV lineup, check out David Katzmaier's previous post that rounds up all the new models.
Hunkered down in New York City, Executive Editor David Carnoy covers the gamut of gadgets and writes his Fully Equipped column, which carries the tag line "The electronics you lust for." He's also the author of "Knife Music," a novel. E-mail David. Follow David on Twitter. 
Seriously...give me the phone number and I'll call them 3 times a week for you
It's different strokes for different folks, even in a down economy. If someone wants that 1" Plasma screen they'll buy it.
Thanks
Panasonic knows how to profitably manufacture a plasma TV, and I suspect that they've built a high enough margin into this $6,000 Z1 model -- probably a lot more than Pioneer could at the same price point. The plasma panel Panasonic is using in the Z1 uses a lot less energy, while also boosting the maximum light output. I've also been reading that Panasonic is looking to move into the high-end installer market, where Pioneer was a favorite, by expanding on their professional model lineup (and further expanding the use of the new panel). The Z1 is a showcase, but the underlying components can be deployed across a fairly wide range.
Having a Panasonic 50PX600, there is room for a pair of solid bass speakers, thin panel will give thin sound.
In my opinion the "black race" is over, the "color race is over", both for plasma and LCD.
The most interesting is the antiglare - did they solve the reflektion problem or not ! Please make sure to make a solid test on reflektions, I would like to see a new spec soon as possible for TV sets - reflektion procentage !
If they didnt resolve the reflektion problem, means plasma is still left with its major problem even on a 6000 USD TV set, and my next 56" will be a LCD.
Right now, I watch TV during the day on the new Philips 32PFL9604 - and on the 50PX600 after sun down.
- by hellerup August 9, 2009 11:09 PM PDT
- Found this video clip of the new Z1, it looks like they didnt do anythink about the relective screen.
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(34 Comments)http://www.kokeytechnology.com/gadgets/plasma-tv/panasonic-tc-p54z1-review-and-features-panasonic-54-viera-z1-series-plasma-tv-71809/
I wouldnt even pay 2.000 $ for at 54" with reflective front screen - and surtenly not 6.000 for an evening-only TV.