[hugh]

Panasonic Canada has announced that its new 3D-capable plasma HDTVs, which were first announced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas are now available in stores.

The Viera VT25 series of plasma televisions starts at $3,000 and consists of four models ranging in size from 50 to 65-inches.

3DTV models announced include the: TC-P50VT20 - 50 inches; TC-P50VT25 - 50 inches; TC-P54VT25 - 54 inches; TC-P58VT25 - 58 inches; and the TC-P65VT25 - 65 inches which will sell in Canada for $3,000, $3,500, $4,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Each model will ship with one pair of 3D active shutter glasses. Each additional pair of 3D glasses will cost $150.

In addition to 3D capabilities, all four VT models will feature: Viera Cast, an Internet programming package which lets internet enabled users to access to information and communication capabilities such as Bloomberg News, Google’s YouTube, Picasa; Image Viewer, which lets users view still photos and videos from an SD flash memory card and Skype Video Calling when used with Panasonic’s Skype enabled cameras (sold separately).

To complement the VT series of plasma televisions, Panasonic also announced the arrival of the Panasonic BDT350, a fully featured Blu-ray Disc player which features DVD video upscaling to 1080p resolution, dual HDMI outputs, 7.1 channel analog outputs, Viera Cast and Wi-Fi capability. The DMP-BDT350 will sell for $600.

 

[Bowenjau]

Actually just saw this at BBuy and was really impressed with the PQ in 3D. Although I think that had a lot to do with the demo BD they were playing.

Now, like many other people wondering about the future of 3D, I have a difficult decision to make. Since I plan to upgrade the old CRT in the bedroom, do I go for the Pan VT or G and save a grand? Due to personal circumstances I can get the Pan VT25 for less than $2700 tax included, but the G would also be a grand less.

Either way I'm getting a new HDTV for the bedroom before the World Cup finals

 

[Danster]

If you get the 3D model, you'll be able to watch the final game in.....3D!!!!!

 

[Bowenjau]

I would really love that, my wife...not quite so enthusiastic.

Also heard a rumor that Panasonic 3D TV owners might get to own Avatar in 3D this fall.

 

[brownriggd]

Nice TVs but won't upconvert to 3D..

Saw them last weekend at my local Stereo Plus in Ottawa east. Better 3D image than the Samsungs. Noticed prominent ghosting on the Samsungs. The biggest factor holding me back is the fact that the pannys don't upconvert 2D to 3D. Bought all new HT equip over the last 2 years and can't afford to change everything now. Thought having the 2D upconvert to start would allow me gradually change things overtime while enyoying near 3D. Plus better blacks and extra features I want compared to my existing PZ800U panny...I think Panasonic made a mistake by not adding upconversion.

 

[kickstart]

I doubt upconversion is going to work well. Reports from trade shows on various upconverting implementations has not been good.

Think about this: people complained about the lousy 3D effects in Clash of the Titans. This was a big budget movie converted by animators to 3D frame by frame. Any real time upconversion algorithm in a consumer TV is not even going to be at that level.

 

[Danster]

To see what upconverted 3D would look like, try this: Get a pair of lightly greyed lenses sunglasses and remove one lens. Watch any program and you will see "some" depth to the picture. It actually works.

 

[brownriggd]

Upconversion on the samsungs actually worked rather well, except for the ghosting of course. I had the clerk at FS put in a regular 2D BD and it worked reasonably well...

 

[94blugt]

I saw the upconversion on the Samsung Plasma model and it suprisingly worked amazingly well. And I went into thinking it was going to be crap. Overall it did an admiral job, and there wasn't any noticable ghosting or other artifacts. I saw it on a live HD source (hockey game a few weeks ago, and world cup the other day) as well as a video game (PS3). It was cool.

 

[jnd53]

How are you getting the Final in 3D???

 

[i am canadian]

i been looking around and cannot see a 60 vt25 panny in any future shops around town... where are they ?? some sellers say that they don't have it in stock.. too bad i just want to get the WOW Factor and maybe i'll make the move to get it..