Panasonic recently unveiled its latest models of 4K Pro UHD LED Viera TVs, and the brand new DX series packs Firefox OS.
The device relies on the proprietary Panasonic Studio Master HCX+ chipset to output HDR performance, and aims to use the resources behind Firefox OS for content and smooth visual experience.
Firefox OS had a rather short life on mobile gadgets, but Mozilla refocused its efforts into smart TVs. Panasonic saw the potential of the operating system and intends to bank on it.
TV tech enthusiasts might have noticed that in the past few months, more and more TV manufacturers placed their bets on High Dynamic Range (HDR) devices, which seems to be the next big thing in audio-video entertainment.
When looking at both smart TVs and basic TV sets we see that most of them already sport resolutions of 4K UHD. This simply means that OEMs need new, attractive and unique selling points in order to convince customers.
For example, Panasonic's existing DX line of 4K Pro TVs uses the Hollywood Cinema Experience (HCX) chipsets to provide viewers with the best HDR images.
Flagship DX902, on the other hand, takes a novel approach and uses the Studio Master HCX+, a technology that is newer and more apt for today's viewing needs. The rest of DX models still run their stunning HDR graphics on regular HCX chips.
However, smart TVs need to show extended functionality (which relies on apps) alongside sharp images.
This is where Firefox OS comes into play: Panasonic chose this solution instead of Android TV for a number of reasons.
Firefox OS comes packed with a myriad of available software solutions. All of them rely on Web apps, meaning that some users could miss one or two of the popular apps from Android TV.
It was also optimized to work with smart TVs, meaning that fast access to content is guaranteed. Regardless whether you want to tap into apps, TV channels, websites or games, Firefox OS has your back.
Firefox says that it plans to update the OS so it offers content discovery interface, alongside instant watching process. None of the two features require installation.
Panasonic says that its' Models DX700 and above will get access to Amazon's HDR selection. The new 4K UHD smart TVs will also tap into the HDR library offered by Netflix later on.
The flagship of the new DX line of 4K UHD TVs is the DX902, which packs the powerful Studio Master HCX+. The device comes in two sizes: a 58- and a 65-inch set.
There are other capable devices in the lineup, as well. For example, the DX802 also comes in two variants: a 50- and a 58-inch. The DX750 has three possible sizes: a 50-, a 58- and a 65-inch model. The DX700 goes even smaller, with a 40-, a 50- and a 58-inch variant. The smallest of the bunch are the DX650 and the DX600, both of which offer three variants: a 40-, a 49- and a 55-inch model.
Panasonic did not release any pricing information yet, but we know that the DX series lands in Europe before other markets.
