This is the Modern World

….or the ‘down low’ should you be so inclined. Or perhaps even ‘the skinny’ for those of you in a Queen Latifah based urban comedy.

So, the latest technology to hit the high street is a HD ready, flat screen plasma TV with inbuilt Freesat. That’s a lot to take in isn’t it?

If, like me, you’re thinking ‘I want that so badly, but I don’t really know what it is’, then you had better read on. There’s a very important requirement that needs to be met.

Freesat is a free to air digital satellite television service launched but six weeks ago. Essentially a step up from existing Freeview technologies, Freesat receivers (be they separates or TV implants) make use of the additional capacity available on digital satellite broadcasting to offer high-definition channels.

Most free to air channels have been made available on Freesat, but due to contractual complications, the Freeview EPG cannot yet be duplicated on Freesat. Effectively, as Freesat evolves, more and more channels will become available.

As of this month however, Freesat viewers get an added bonus not available to Freeview customers, in that the BBC and ITV HD channels will appear exclusively on the service. That’s why Gary Lineker has been getting so revved up about the possibilities of watching Euro 2008 in HD before kick-off in each game, just in case you were wondering where his sudden enthusiasm for digital broadcast systems had come from.

So where do the new plasmas fit in?

Well, the Panasonic PZ81 plasma series is the first in the UK to offer built-in Freesat HD compatible tuners. The PZ81 range is available in 50in, 46in and 42in sizes, and boasts a full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution.

Now, here’s the important bit. Although the plasma comes replete with Freesat tuner, you still need a satellite dish to access the service. This is an issue that still seems lost on most potential Freesat customers.

Before you dive in, consider the full cost and implications. If it helps, production of the PZ81 series is lead-free, and each plasma houses an ‘Eco’ function which moderates power consumption.