Panasonic Japan has announced two new plasma HDTVs, the 65-inch TH-P65V1 and the 58-inch TH-P58V1. Both feature Panasonic’s latest neoPDP panel technology with a contrast ratio of 40,000:1, along with the usual VIERACast streaming media and internet widgets. Both also feature an SD/SDHC card slot so you can play back video, pictures and music, even AVCHD footage directly from an HD camcorder.

There’s also 1080/24p Full HD support, plus a virtual 5.1 surround sound system. It also sports a cool CCTV feature that integrates with up to four different wireless security cameras.

Bang & Olufsen has introduced the massive BeoVision 4 103-inch plasma display, which they are claiming is the ultimate flat screen TV on the market today. The plasma screen comes with its own stand that can lift the screen, turn and tilt it to the optimal viewing position at the touch of a button.

It’s available in black, silver, red, blue, and dark grey. The BeoVision 4 can be custom ordered from any Bang & Olufsen showroom. Give it about three to four months since each product is custom built-to-order and requires a special “white-glove” delivery and installation process.

The nationwide switch from analog to digital broadcasts will be here before you know it. While the switch won’t affect most TV watchers in the U.S., there are some who are still not ready. As a result of old analog TVs not functioning after the switch, many have been upgrading to digital flat panel TVs. This has been one of the major factors pushing growth in the TV market.

DisplaySearch has released its quarterly reports on the number of TVs shipped worldwide for Q3 2008. Despite the poor economy, TV shipments grew by 11% quarter-over-quarter and 6% year-over-year. Over 53 million TVs were shipped worldwide in the quarter. Shipments in North America grew more than expected with a 12% increase compared to last quarter to 10 million units.

Not too long ago my dad had his old TV go out after a lightning strike, so he asked me to head to the local Best Buy with him to get a new TV. I realized two things straight away. First, the vast majority of employees at Best Buy are morons. Then I realized most Best Buy TV salesman use the lower lifespan of plasma TVs compared LCD TVs to talk shoppers out of going plasma. Personally, I prefer plasma to LCD because you usually get more contrast and a brighter picture.

Panasonic has announced new plasma TVs in its VIERA 1080p line that will make the lifespan argument against plasma TVs a moot point. Panasonic says its new 1080p plasma HDTVs are rated to last for up to 100,000 viewing hours before they dim to half brightness.

Samsung launched some new plasma TV’s in Korea build in collaboration with Electronic Arts to provide a superior “3D” gaming experience. The company released two new PAVV HDTV’s, one measuring 42 inches and the other 50 inches, equipped with USB 2.0, HDMI, HD resolution, the Samsung DNIe+ (Digital Natural Image engine+) anda 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio.