CES 2011: Panasonic focused on 3D TV, expanding Web-based content

Not surprisingly, 3D and Web-connected TVs were Panasonic's primary focus at CES, as the company says it has improved 3D performance on its plasma TVs, added 3D to some LCD models, and rebranded its Viera Cast online service as Viera Connect.

Unlike Vizio, LG, and Toshiba, which announced their first passive 3D models, Panasonic remains firmly in the active 3D camp. The company, in fact, is introducing new lighter-weight, more comfortable active-shutter 3D glasses.

In the area of online content, Panasonic broadened the types of offerings in its Viera Connect network with a new apps market for third-party developers, and some new types of content, such as health and fitness programs, social media, and games. Viera Connect now offers streaming movies and TV shows from Amazon, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Netflix, plus Skype video chat.

In LCD TVs, Panasonic is expanding is lineup from one series and two models in 2010 to five series and eight sets in 2011, including the DT30 series, its first 3D LCD TVs. These models, offered in 32- and 37-inch screen sizes, have edge LED backlights, 240Hz technology, and the Viera Connect service.

Panasonic VIERA Connect Market
Image: Panasonic

There are three new 3D plasma lines in 2011. The flagship Viera VT30-series sets, offered in in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes, have a one-sheet-of-glass design, Viera Connect, and a 3D Viera image viewer that will play 2D and 3D photos and videos stored on an SD card.

The TVs come with one pair of 3D glasses and are Wi-Fi ready for use with an optional adapter. Panasonic says the sets have faster switching phosphors and improved panels for better 3D performance with crisper images and less crosstalk, greater greater overall brightness, and better black-level performance in both dark and bright environments. 

New Viera GT30 models will be available in 50-, 55-, 60-, and 65-inch screen sizes, They have many of the same features at the VT30 sets but use a different panel. Like those TVs, GT30 sets have THX certification for 2D. A new entry-level ST30 series, available in screen sizes ranging from 42 inches to 65 inches, have many similar features but include fewer HDMI and USB connections, and they lack THX certification.

During press day at CES, it's more about product announcements than it is about getting hands-on time with these new products. But over the course of the next several days, we'll be visiting company booths for some demos and the chance to take a few devices for a test drive, so keep checking back for our regular updates from the show.

—James K. Willcox