In recent times LCD panel makers have been investing a lot of time in LED backlit displays to help improve contrast which was always one of the downsides of LCD televisions, and we are continuously seeing thinner and thinner displays.

As a personal preference I do prefer the picture that plasma television screens give off, they have deeper blacks and better viewing angles and all up I feel they have a superior picture. Whereas LCD has always battled (although they are almost on par now) problems with contrast, ghosting and the ability to view on wide angles.

Panasonic has just released their next generation of Plasma television panels to be included in certain models, this technology has been named NeoPDP. One of the big selling points of this new technology is that the new panels consume less power than previous plasma’s – another reason for people choosing to purchase LCD instead. However the NeoPDP also boasts full 1080 HD resolution with improved analysis of the picture data to supposedly improve the image quality in fast moving images on the screen.

The contrast on the panels have also been improved and they are now boasting 2,000,000+:1 Dynamic Contrast. This is intended to produce blacker blacks while maintaining the proper balance of darks and lights to help reproduce the picture the way it was intended. This is combined with richer graduation technology to help ensure colours are reproduced and even the delicate shades of colours in an image are reproduced accurately.

I’m happy to see that at least one television manufacturer is putting effort into ensuring there is a future for the plasma television so that we can continue to enjoy the benefits that this type of display provides. Below is Panasonic’s latest commercial advertising the new technology.

Major television manufacturers are beginning to put a great deal of effort into developing 3 dimensional television sets of late, so much so that major brands Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic all have these in development. This however isn’t the beginning of the 3D craze, more and more I’m noticing movies at cinema’s advertising their availability in 3D. I understand that movie studios and cinema companies need to offer something that we can’t have at home in order to continue to entice us into their seats. This is probably becoming increasingly true as consumers are able to experience such high quality theatre experiences in the comfort of their own living room.

The thing however that I don’t understand is the appeal of 3D television, now if executed properly this is something that I might be willing to pay for at the cinemas. However I have very very little desire to experience this at home, to be really honest why would I want to spend another $1000-$5000 (upwards) on another T.V just for 3D technology.

At this point in time television sets that are 3D capable must be viewed at precisely the right angle otherwise you lose the 3D effect, not to mention the glasses that you need to wear. Of course this technology as any other will be developed over time and probably become a much better experience, but I just can’t help but feel that this whole idea seems like a fad and another way to attempt to draw people into the increasingly expensive movie theatres. I know for myself I’m in no hurry to run out and watch a 3D movie, let alone purchase all the equipment at home just to get a 3D movie. At this point in time I’m happy with the good old 2D television, and I think I will probably feel that way for some time to come