Panasonic, Google Team on Internet TVs

Google and Panasonic have teamed up on televisions that will directly access Internet content like YouTube and photo-sharing service Picasa.

Folks who want their Internet and their TV too may want to note a new partnership between Internet titan Google and Matsushita’s Panasonic business unit: the two companies plan to bring the Panasonic Viera PZ850 plasma television to market in the second quarter of 2008, with the capability to directly access YouTube and video-sharing site Picasa without an intervening PC or media server.

“We are thrilled to introduce Panasonic Viera PZ850 series Internet-Connected HDTV’s with virtual one-click access to YouTube and Picasa Web Albums from Google,” said Panasonic AVC president Toshihiro Sakamoto, in a statement. “This is the first time mainstream consumers will be able to easily enjoy YouTube videos from the living room with the enhanced quality of a fully integrated widescreen TV experience.”

Consumers will connect to YouTube and Picasa using Viera Cast, an “elegant” on-screen interface that enables users to browse, find, and display free online content.

Panasonic has provided no other technical or pricing details of the television, although since it’s a plasma set we’re going to bet it’s 50-inches or larger and at least 720p resolution, although the company also makes 1080p plasma units. Reports from CES have the units sporting a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, HDMI connectivity, and an integrated SD slot for displaying digital photos. Matsushita has invested heavily in plasma development for large-screen televisions, only recently investing in LCD technology intended for smaller displays.