When I think of high-definition content, I generally don't think of YouTube, or Google's Picasa, or really much content on the Web. Sure, I've watched my share of videos on YouTube and caught up on shows on network Web sites, but none of it is of the quality I'd consider HDTV-worthy. But that hasn't stopped a few companies from introducing Web-enabled sets, and now we can add Panasonic to the list of manufacturers that see the Web as a future source for HD programming.

Panasonic's new PZ850 series for the Viera line of plasma HDTVs will be available in mid-June in four screen sizes, including 46-inch, 50-inch, 58-inch, and a whopping 65 inches. (EDIT 12:19 PM PDT:The sets use Panasonic's VIERA CAST technology; by connecting an Ethernet cable, the sets can access YouTube videos and photos from Picasa.)

This flagship series features plenty of bells and whistles for videophiles and serious TV viewers, including a Pro Setting Menu and a total of four HDMI audio/video inputs. So while home-theater buffs might not be looking to YouTube today, clearly the Web-enabled plasma TVs are the sets for tomorrow. If they build these sets, the HD Web content will come. Now if only we could agree on a HD standard for the Web.

Post by Peter Suciu