Seizing on excitement around the debut of its new HDMI 2.0 standard last month, Panasonic introduced its HDMI 2.0-compliant Smart VIERA WT600 smart television.
On the eve of the TV's U.S. debut, Panasonic gave us an early look at the device, and it did not fail to impress.
SEE ALSO: HDMI 2.0 Points the Way to True 4K TV
Priced at $5,999, the Smart VIERA WT600 is the first 4K TV to offer 60 frames per second input based on the new HDMI 2.0 standard; this represents a significant step up from the 4K 24 FPS and 30 FPS limitations of the HDMI 1.4 standard. But even with the new the technical underpinnings, it’s execution that counts, and Panasonic has done a pretty good job of making the upgrade readily discernible.
The company actually devised an on-site test that put the Smart VIERA WT600 up against two major 4K TV competitors: Sony's 65-inch Bravia X900 and Samsung's 65-inch 65F9000. In almost every respect, the Smart VIERA WT600 appeared to stand above the rest in terms of sheer image clarity and detail. However, the 65F9000 fared comparatively well during at least one Blu-ray disc playback demonstration.
The overall presentation of the 65-inch class TV (64.5 inches measured diagonally) was enhanced by its thin silvery bevel and display stand that seem to melt into the background.
Among the demonstrations we viewed, most impressive was the Smart VIERA WT600’s handling of 4K video streaming from YouTube. Aided by its built-in 4K H.264 decoder, the television is geared to take advantage of the emergence of high-definition Internet streaming video.
Equipped with a pop-up camera for video chats, the ability to play back 4K video files via an SD memory card or USB, and a 4K browser, Panasonic’s new 4K smart television is a worthy entry into the growing Ultra HD TV category.
What do you think of the Smart VIERA WT600? Tell us in the comments, below.
Image: Panasonic