Panasonic's 2011 TV lineup: First 3D LCD series, new entry-level 3D plasmas

As we reported during the Consumer Electronics Show, Panasonic's 3D TV lineup this year will include its first-ever 3D LCD TV we well as a new, lower-priced 3D plasma series. The company, which just announced pricing and availability for its new TV lineup, has also enhanced its Viera Cast online service, which has been re-branded as Viera Connect, with new content and an applications marketplace.

3D LCD TV
Given its strength in 3D plasma, Panasonic will have only two models in the new DT30-series 3D LCD series, the 32-inch TC-L32DT30 and the 37-inch TC-L37DT30—screen sizes that don't compete with plasma. Both models will arrive in stores next month, at suggested prices of $1,200 and $1,300, respectively. The sets have a lot of features, including edge LED backlights, 240Hz technology, and Wi-Fi (via an included adapter).

The TVs also include the new Viera Connect online service, which now includes access to streaming movies from Amazon, CinemaNow, and Netflix, plus Hulu Plus, Napster, Pandora, and Facebook. In addition, viewers can play games via the Gameloft website and access scores and games from major-league sports sites such as the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In addition, Panasonic now has an apps market, which has been opened to third-party developers.

Both LCD sets use IPS Alpha panels, which we've seen produce wider-than-average viewing angles on LCD sets. The TVs also use a new high-speed drive technology that the company claims can produce less ghosting than other 3D LCD sets. In a very brief demo comparing its new TVs with a 3D LCD TV from a competitor (which, based on the distinctive stand, appeared to be a Samsung), the Panasonic LCD did appear to have less ghosting, although we'll hold off making judgments until we can bring the TV into our labs for thorough testing.

3D plasma
The new plasma 3D TV lineup includes three series: ST30, GT30, and VT30. All the new 3D plasma sets have NeoPlasma panels with faster-switching phosphors for even better motion performance and less ghosting, plus a light-emitting process that purportedly improves contrast. The sets also have 2D-to-3D conversion (which will work with photos and videos as well as movies), plus a new louvre filter that the company says helps them do better in brighter environments.

The Panasonic TC-P50ST30 (click to enlarge)
Photo: Panasonic

The new entry-level 3D plasma series is the ST30, which started arriving in stores last month. All these sets, which range in size from 42 inches to 65 inches, are 1080p models with Viera Connect, Skype video calling (via an optional camera), and an included Wi-Fi adapter. They also have the Viera 3D Image Viewer, which allows you to view 3D digital photos and videos stored on an SD card.

Here's the ST30-series 3D plasma lineup with price and availability:

• TC-P65ST30, 65 inches, $3,300, available May
• TC-P60ST30, 60 inches, $2,400 available May
• TC-P55ST30, 55 inches, $1,800 available now
• TC-P50ST30, 50 inches, $1,500, available now
• TC-P46ST30, 46 inches, $1,300, available now
• TC-P42ST30, 42 inches, $1,100, available now

The step-up GT30 3D plasma series, which replaces last year's GT25 models, will be available in screen sizes ranging from 50 to 65 inches. There are two new models in the new flagship VT30 series, which replaces last year's VT25 models. The VT30 sets have a one-sheet-of-glass design and come with one set of newly designed 3D glasses that are smaller and lighter. Both the GT30 and VT30 sets have 2D and 3D THX certification, 3D 24p Cinema Smoother, and more USB ports and HDMI inputs than the ST30-series models.

Here are the additional 3D plasma sets for 2011:

• TC-P65GT30 65 inches, $3,700, available May
• TC-P60GT30 60 inches, $2,800, available May
• TC-P55GT30 55 inches, $2,200, available March
• TC-P50GT30 50 inches, $1,900, available March
• TC-P65VT30 65 inches, $4,300, available May
• TC-P55VT30 55 inches, $2,800, available April

Stay tuned for our follow-up report once some of the TVs are fully tested in our labs. Many new 3D TVs from other brands will be introduced in the next few weeks, so be sure to check back here regularly.

—James K. Willcox