While Panasonic's aim to make the TV an entertainment hub is not so surprising from one of the world's biggest TV manufacturers, they are already developing and implementing the technology to make the vision a reality.

A cornerstone of Panasonic's ambition is 'Viera Cast' which has seen the introduction of internet-enabled flat panel TV's in Japan and the US, enabling consumers, for example, using a dedicated cast interface, to easily browse and watch free videos from YouTube and view photos from Picasa Web Albums. These 'IPTV' enabled screens will eventually offer a whole host of streaming services over the internet and will arrive in Europe in Spring 2009.

Panasonic president, Fumio Ohtsubo, is actually predicting a future where a multi-tasking TV will become the focal point for home entertainment; for internet access, recording and playback of programmes. He also predicts greater interfacing of the TV with other household systems such as security cameras where for example, a picture-in-picture window will appear of the person who has just rang your front doorbell.

Although TV's from Panasonic with integrated Blu-ray players, for example, are not predicted to arrive anytime soon, TV's which will sport Wireless HD connectivity for remote connection to Blu-ray players etc, should arrive in UK stores late next year.

With the addition of free-to-view satellite (Freesat) functionality into a number of its LCD and Plasma offerings, Panasonic has already demonstrated its intention to integrate all types of services into its range of flat panel offerings.

Not everyone will have the space to make Panasonic's latest leviathan 150in plasma the centrepiece of their home entertainment experience but Panasonic are predicting the move towards larger screens as the TV consolidates its role as an entertainment hub.

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