Slideshow

Up close: Panasonic's 2010 3D TVs

12 Photos Campbell Simpson (Good Gear Guide)

Our snaps of Panasonic's new 3D TVs and Blu-ray players

  • The flagship product at the launch was the [[artnid:337517| Panasonic VIERA TH-P50VT20A]] plasma television. The 3D-enabled set boasts a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a new plasma panel design with advanced phosphors to reduce plasma cell 'afterglow'.

  • The new Panasonic televisions will be able to stream content off a network-connected media centre PC or other DLNA-certified device. Models from Panasonic's television range can be used with an optional 802.11n wireless network adapter to reduce cable clutter.

  • The Skype video-conferencing feature was on display at Panasonic's launch event, with two televisions set up to communicate to each other via the popular video-chat program.

  • Panasonic also announced a range of LED edge-lit LCD televisions. Five models make up the D25 and D20 series, ranging in size from 32in to 42in. The TVs have 2,000,000:1 contrast ratios and IPS panels for better viewing angles and motion reproduction.

  • The cheapest model in Panasonic's plasma television range is its 42in TH-P42X20A from the X20 series. It will cost $999 when it is released in May.

  • Panasonic's VT20 and V20 plasma televisions will feature VIERA Cast online services, including a Skype video-conferencing feature (when a $199 Panasonic-branded web camera is attached) and, farther down the road, Twitter access and video streaming through Yahoo!7's PLUS7 online content library.

  • Panasonic yesterday launched its 2010 home entertainment line-up in Melbourne. Australian Managing Director, Steve Rust, opened the event by discussing the company's aims for the year ahead. He said that Panasonic was "committed to the 3D format" — referring to its new [[artnid:343869|3D plasma televisions]] that are expected to be released in June — and that social media formed a large part of the company's interaction with consumers.

  • Another look at Panasonic's 3D-ready [[artnid:337517|VIERA TH-P50VT20A]] plasma television. The 50in model will be available to purchase in June with a suggested retail price of $3299, while larger models will follow in October and November.

  • A compatible 3D-ready Blu-ray disc player will be required to view 3D content. The Panasonic DMP-BDT300 pictured here will cost $599 when it is launched in May. Pricing for 3D Blu-ray movies is expected to be slightly higher than for standard Blu-ray discs.

  • Panasonic's 3D plasma televisions require a pair of active shutter glasses to be worn to view stereoscopic 3D video. These active shutter glasses have a battery life of 100 hours, using a replaceable, non-rechargeable CR2032 lithium watch battery. At a recommended retail price of $199 each they are more expensive than glasses from [[artnid:342691|Samsung]] and [[artnid:340879|LG]].

  • Director of Consumer Electronics for Panasonic, Paul Reid, said that the company would sell its one millionth plasma television panel this year. He also extolled the virtues of Panasonic's plasma 3D TV solutions, claiming they had better viewing angles and contrast than competitors' LED televisions.

  • Panasonic's plasma panels are significantly more energy-efficient than last year's models. Several models from the 2010 plasma television line-up have five-star power ratings — a large jump from the mediocre two-star stickers on last year's premium sets.

    Campbell Simpson flew to Melbourne as a guest of Panasonic.

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