This is the 103" (TH-103PF12E) version, and the largest of the Full HD professional Panasonic 12-series of 1080p High Definition Plasma Display panels. The TH-103PF12E incorporates a host of leading edge technologies to reproduce clear, brilliant images with exceptional detail, true Full HD resolution and outstanding depth perception. The 103" display gives an image four times the size of the 50" version.

The new PF12 models also provide smooth, sharp motion images, true to life colour and the equivalent of 6,144 graduation steps.

True Full HD images

The new Full HD plasma models feature about 2 millions pixels (1920x1080), about twice as many as the conventional HD models. Images are uniformly clear, sharp and super-detailed across the entire screen surface.

To deliver the full beauty of HD images, the display needs to render moving images in clear detail. The PF12 series use a self-illuminating system to boost resolution in images with fast motion.

Improvements over the previous model (including digital signage improved abilities)

• NeoPDP Technology - with twice the luminous efficiency, giving enhanced detail especially for moving images eg sports
• World's highest contrast ratio up to 40,000:1 from previous 5,000:1 for enhanced three dimensional effect in dark areas
• World's highest level of equivalent steps of gradation at 6,144, giving better textural reproductiion of the original video source
• Impact-resistant front glass panel
• Increased life at 100,000 hours (designed to work 24/7)
• Advanced Dual Picture Mode - which lets you overlay a video image onto a full-screen PC image. For example, you can combine a video clip with text information from a PC, giving you a more effective way to present information (more suited to digital signage applications)
• Weekly Command Timer which makes it easy to automate display operations including such as power on/off, image source selection, screen saver functions, etc (more suited to digital signage applications)
• New Screen Saver NANODRIFT SAVER which reduces image retention four times more effectively than previous systems using smooth, fine image movement to minimize the possibility of image retention without blocking the view, designed for situations where the screen is on 24/7 eg digital signage)

Superior colour reproduction

HD sources are based on the HDTV standard rather than conventional PAL standard. The Full HD PF10 series phosphor characteristics closely match the HDTV standard colour gamut, reproducing the entire colour range specified in the HDTV standard, so images are natural looking and faithful to the original HD source.

In Super Cinema mode, Digital Colour Reality boosts precision in the digital control of colour and brightness video data by a factor of four. By continually adjusting the white balance and gamma correction as the scene changes, the new Full HD PF10 series creates the kind of faithful ambience that was difficult for previous systems to deliver.

Black tones and brightness

Instead of using first stage, basic processing like other brands, Panasonic displays use maximum 16-bit processing, the highest level in the industry, to process video signals. The PF12 series bring 6,144 (up from previous 4,096) equivalent steps of graduation.

To ensure deeper, richer black tones, often a problem for plasmas, the Panasonic PF12-series uses a "New Real Black Creation" system that reduces the pre-discharge emission and achieves a contrast of 40,000:1 (previously 5,000:1) in dark images areas. Additionally, the front protective glass of the plasma dispay panel incorporates a "Deep Black Filter" that suppresses light transmittance ensuring the highest level of contrast when viewed in bright conditions. Brightness is further boosted by the Panasonic MACH (Multi-facet Asymmetrical Configuration Hyper-pixel) system of bonded cell structure.

Combine these with improved panel materials and the result is an increase of 20% compared to previous HD models, allowing better viewing in well lit areas.

Digital connectivity

A special feature of the whole Panasonic 12-series is the use of multi-function slots. These allow you to use a variety of Panasonic video boards, available as options, which means you can customise the unit to meet your specific needs. Three of the most important video cards for the best picture are the DVI-D, the HDMI and the SDI video cards because these allow you to input digital sources directly into the plasma display. By avoiding the conversion from digital to analogue and then back again on the plasma the image remains at its original crystal clear quality.

All of the 'Full HD' 12 series plasmas come complete with a DVI-D 24 pin DVI Dual Link video terminal board. This allows the screen to display video at HDMIv1.3 quality (see here: HDMI 1.3 for explanation.) A standard HDMI or DVI-D video board will still give up to 1080p resolution but not video at HDMI 1.3 colour depth, etc.

To ensure HDMI 1.3 quality is acheived using this DVI-D board you must use DVI-I Dual Link connecting leads, eg VDC or, if longer lengths are required, please ask for Gefen Dual Link DVI cables.

Examples of suitable video sources with HDMI digital outputs include the AV streaming devices such as the Sony PS3, Marantz Blu-ray players, the media center PCs and the Sky HD digibox shown right.

For inputting more than one DVI or HDMI source into the Panasonic TH-103PF12E, you can have two HDMI (or DVI) boards or use one of our Gefen DVI or HDMI switchers.

We offer a range of high quality HDMI solutions for digital video connectivity:

• Tech+Link HDMI cables for distances up to 15 metres
• Gefen HDMI boosters for distances up to 45 metres
• Gefen HDMI active video baluns for distances up to 60 metres

We also offer wall plates in stainless steel to keep your installation tidy. These are available in three styles, DVI, HDMI and DVI+HDMI combination.

Normal analogue output from a PC on the 15 pin VGA plug will be processed internally by the Panasonics own scaler. Component video or S-video output can be connected directly using one of the Panasonic video boards, or processed using an external video scaler and input through either the standard VGA input or a digital video board (eg DVI or HDMI)

Viewing features

All Panasonic 12-series models can be vertically or horizontally mounted (anchoring eyes screw into top and sides for this and for transport) and are ideal for multimedia and home cinema applications. These displays offer a wide viewing angle of more than 160 degrees and have a system that senses ambient lighting conditions and adjusts brightness and gradation accordingly. Dual Picture, Digital Zoom and multi-screen capability enhance the usability of the display.

Plasma or LCD?

NB: All of our Panasonic Professional plasma screens are supplied by Panasonic UK, carry a UK warranty and are supported by us from our UK office. (This is not the case with all suppliers of these screens on what appear to be UK based web sites. Buyer beware!)

Specification 103" Full HD TH-103PF12E

• Full Panasonic product code: TH-103PF12E (black)
• 103" screen size
• 16:9 wide screen aspect
• 4 x digital zoom
• Black bezel
• XGA resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels)
• Video signal compatibility: 720p/50Hz, 720p/60Hz, 1080i/50Hz, 1080i/60Hz 1080p/50Hz (for others see specification leaflet)
• Standard connections: RGB D-sub 15 pin, RS232C D-sub 9 pin
• Multiple video board option 3 slots, (comes with DVI-D and component video boards fitted)
• 100,000 hours PDP panel half-life
• 40,000:1 contrast ratio
• Auto power off
• Power consumption: 1500 Watts (including 11 cooling fans)
• Graduation: 6,144 steps equivalent
• 3 year on site collect, repair, return warranty
• Weight: 220kg screen only, packed weight 350kg
• Size: 2414 x 129 x 1421mm

Installation

Installation can only be done by Panasonic's offical installation team. The installation is a two part process, an initial site survey followed by delivery and installation on site. The cost of the inital site survey is £150 plus VAT, and is extra to the purchase price of the screen. Depending upon the outcome of the site survey, the installation service will cost between £2,000 and £3,000 plus VAT. This installation does not include the cost of the optional pedestal stand or wall mounting bracket, see below.

Optional Accessories (Contact us for accessories 0871 288 3353)

• Pedestal stand (weight 108 kg)
• Wall mounting bracket