Best TV 2011: how to choose the best TV to buy

All of Panasonic's 2011 plasma and LCD TVs detailed

Despite its 2011 collection being 85 per cent LED-backlit LCD TVs, make no mistake about it; Panasonic is all about plasma.

Its stable of plasmas tend to include not only the best around, but also the best 3DTVs – and note that although the brand now presents 3D LED TVs for the first time, they come only in sub-37-inch sizes, which plasma can't shrink to.

In general it's all about the third dimension, with a total of 12 new 3DTVs – all of them using Full HD Active Shutter technology.

It's a mixed story when it comes to hi-def tuners; all have Freeview HD, though models with additional Freesat HD tuners – as we saw on its 2010 line-up – are conspicuous by their absence. Freesat plans to release a 'second generation' specification later this year, so don't expect any doubly-capable Panasonic TVs until then.

Also new to most of the Panasonic TVs in 2011 is Viera Connect, which comprises a collection of apps such as social networking services Twitter,facebook and skype

video games, and more (BBC iPlayer should follow) – though its a 2011 invention, VIERA Cast, continues on some models – and of all its new Blu-ray players.

Skype video calling is an optional extra (via a webcam from Panasonic) on any screen with Viera Cast or Viera Connect.

Plasma...

In an effort to negate its 'power guzzling' reputation, Panasonic's NeoPlasma range looks to cut down on energy – though at its core this line-up is all about picture quality. As a rule of thumb, a 'T' in the model number indicates a 3D Ready screen, and in 2011 there are ten joining the VIERA fray.

VT30 Series

Panasonic's best plasma TVs

NeoPlasma 3D at its best – and most generous, with two pairs of 3D glasses in the box – with THX 2D & 3D certification, Infinite Black Pro panel (for high contrast ratio), WiFi (via a dongle) and DLNA, recordings to a SD Card or USB hard disk, VIERA Connect, and playback of 2D and 3D photos or camcorder footage. These screens also feature a 'one sheet' glass design.

65-inch: Panasonic TX-P65VT30B 55-inch:

Panasonic TX-P55VT30B

GT30 Series

Also NeoPlasma 3D, with a single pair of 3D glasses, Infinite Black Pro panel, THX certification for 2D and 3D, VIERA Connect, WiFi (via a dongle), DLNA certification, four HDMI and three USB.

50-inch: Panasonic TX-P50GT30B 46-inch: Panasonic TX-P46GT30B 42-inch: Panasonic TX-P42GT30B

ST30 Series

This is where to head for a bargain 3DTV. Likely to be relatively low-priced, these NeoPlasma 3D screens include one pair of 3D glasses, THX 2D/3D certification, that all-important Infinite Black Pro panel, VIERA Connect, WiFi (via a dongle), three HDMI and two USB.

50-inch: Panasonic TX-P50ST30B 46-inch: Panasonic TX-P46ST30B 42-inch: Panasonic TX-P42ST30B

G30 Series

Doing away with 3D, these screens are still high-end; Infinite Black (though not 'Pro' version) panel and Intelligent Frame Creation Pro are joined by DLNA, VIERA Connect and HDD recording.

50-inch: Panasonic TX-P50G30B 42-inch: Panasonic TX-P42G30B

S30 Series

Identical to the above save for the fact that HDD recording disappears along with networking, and the 46-inch model. Infinite Black is replaced by Real Black Drive (though it still claims two million-to-one contrast ratio). Two USB (can take a WiFi dongle) and three HDMI.

50-inch: Panasonic TX-P50S30B 42-inch: Panasonic TX-P42S30B

U30 Series

Intelligent Frame Creation Pro disappears, as does all USB slots. Two HDMI inputs adorn these mid-range NeoPlasmas.

50-inch: Panasonic TX-P50U30B 42-inch: Panasonic TX-P42U30B

C3 Series

This is the most basic Panasonic plasma. An HD Ready plasma panel replaces NeoPlasma, though Freeview HD is still built-in.

50-inch: Panasonic TX-P50C3B 42-inch: Panasonic TX-P50C3B

Panasonic LCD range...

DT30 Series

This high-end collection comprises not only Panasonic's very first 3D LED screens, but also its first 32-inch 3DTV. Using IPS panels for a wide viewing angle, these sets – out in May 2011 – also feature Intelligent Frame Creation Pro blur-free tech, 400Hz backlight scanning, the new VIERA Connect internet service, WiFi, DLNA networking, four HDMI and a trio of USB ports.

37-inch: Panasonic TX-L37DT30B 32-inch: Panasonic TX-L32DT30B

E30 Series

LED-backlit with Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, VIERA Connect and DLNA.

42-inch: Panasonic TX-L42E30B 37-inch: Panasonic TX-L37E30B 32-inch: Panasonic TX-L32E30B

E3 Series

LED-backlit, this range is all about smaller screen sizes. All include V-Audio Surround sound.

42-inch: Panasonic TX-L42E3E 37-inch: Panasonic TX-L37E3E 32-inch: Panasonic TX-L32E3E 24-inch: Panasonic TX-L24E3E 19-inch: Panasonic TX-L19E3E

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