Panasonic intros 42- and 50-inch 3D Viera GT25 plasma sets, its first with 2D-to-3D conversion
By Darren Murph 
posted August 16th 2010 11:04AM
posted August 16th 2010 11:04AM
If you thought you could crawl in a corner and wait for this 3D onslaught to pass, you may be camped out for some time to come. Panasonic is following up on its CES introductions with a new pair of 3D plasmas for the gaming set, the Viera 3D GT25 range. Said series is debuting with a pair to choose from, the 50-inch TC-P50GT25 and the 42-inch TC-P42G25. The latter is Panny's first-ever 42-inch Full HD 3D plasma, and as you'd expect, both of these guys will require active shutter glasses in order to operate. As for specs? You're looking at a 1080p panel, 600Hz sub-field drive, 24p playback and (a company first) 2D-to-3D conversion that may or may not be the answer to all of life's problems. Or maybe they'll just do what Sony and Samsung have already been doing. The duo should be on retail shelves by the end of this month, with the little guy going for $1,699.95 and the big(ger) guy for $2,099.95. Panasonic Expands its Line of Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma TVs
New VIERA GT25 Full HD 3D Plasma Series Introduces New 42-inch Class and 50-inch Class Screen Sizes
SECAUCUS, N.J., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic, a worldwide leader in Full HD 3D(1) technology, announced today the expansion of its award-winning line of Full HD 3D VIERA® Plasma TVs with the launch of the Panasonic VIERA GT25 Series of Full HD 3D Plasma TVs(2). The series will feature Panasonic's first 42-inch class (41.6" measured diagonally) Full HD 3D Plasma TV, broadening Panasonic's range of Full HD 3D TV offerings and addressing consumer requests for a smaller 3D set for video gaming.
The VIERA GT25 Series features 42-inch class (41.6" measured diagonally) and 50-inch class (49.9" measured diagonally) screen sizes. The TC-P42G25 will have an MSRP(3) of $1699.95 and the TC-P50GT25 will have an MSRP of $2099.95. Both models will be available in late August 2010. Active Shutter 3D Eyewear required for viewing 3D content is sold separately. Complete technical specifications for the GT25 Series are now available at www.panasonic.com.
The VIERA GT25 series augments Panasonic's VT25 series (named Best in Show at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show) of Full HD 3D Plasma TVs providing consumers with a broader product line which now ranges from 42-inch class through 65-inch class screen sizes. Panasonic also markets 85-inch class, 103-inch class and 152-inch class professional Full HD 3D Plasma models.
"From the beginning, Panasonic has led the charge into the immersive world of 3D home entertainment by offering end-to-end 3D home entertainment solutions including Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma TVs, 3D Blu-ray Disc Players, professional and consumer 3D camcorders, the nation's first suite of 3D TV channels with partner DIRECTV, and the authoring of 3D Blu-ray movies in cooperation with the Hollywood studios," said Henry Hauser, Panasonic Vice President, Merchandising, Display Group. "The debut of our VIERA GT25 Series of Full HD 3D TVs further expands our portfolio of 3D offerings and makes it even easier for consumers to join the immersive world of Full HD 3D for the home."
While the VIERA® GT25 Series represents a new price point, the models include many of the same innovative features found on the critically-acclaimed VIERA VT25 models including Panasonic's proprietary IPTV functionality, VIERA CAST™ which features USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory. VIERA CAST now includes such favorite entertainment sites as Amazon Video-on-Demand™, Netflix™, Google's YouTube™, Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg, Pandora, Twitter and a weather service, as well as Skype(4)™ on Your VIERA TV. With ease of use as a major focus, VIERA CAST's interface implements quick keyword input (like a cell phone) to help retrieve favorite content faster and easier.
Another prominent feature of the GT25 series that is also found in the VT25 series is VIERA Link™, which allows Panasonic owners to control their VIERA Link compatible audio and video products with just one remote. This feature also affords the consumer the opportunity to add a network camera to the mix. And THX® Certified Display certification insures that every Panasonic Full HD 3D TV displays motion pictures and television content with the quality and color palette that the director intended.
Like its VT25 counterpart, the GT25 series also features 600Hz Sub-field Drive; 1080p Full HD resolution; 1080 lines of moving picture resolution; VIERA Image Viewer (for viewing of digital still images), 24p Cinematic Playback and new fast switching phosphors.
The GT25 Series also includes 2D to 3D conversion which can convert a 2D image or video to 3D.
Panasonic's range of Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma HDTVs, when coupled with Panasonic's 3D Blu-ray Disc players (DMP-BDT100, DMP- BDT300, DMP-BDT350) bring a new era of immersive visual entertainment into consumers' homes, by creating a 3D experience that easily rivals the best that can be seen in cinemas. In addition, Panasonic and DIRECTV recently ushered in a new age in the rapid growth of 3D entertainment for the home with the launch of n3D™ powered by Panasonic – a DIRECTV channel dedicated exclusively to 3D programming. n3D powered by Panasonic is now available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers and features a range of sports and entertainment programming exclusively in 3D. Panasonic is the exclusive presenting sponsor of DIRECTV's n3D channel, one of three 3D TV channels from DIRECTV that deliver movies, sports and entertainment content from some of the world's most renowned 3D producers.
All Panasonic VIERA® Full HD 3D TV models are also Full HD TVs that display pristine 1080p content in two dimensions (2D) for conventional HD viewing.
For more information on Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology, visit www.panasonic.com/3D.
Retro Fitted 3D has looked terrible in the Cinema (Clash of the Titans), I can't believe that a TV will be able to do it on the fly with any kind of decent results.
@d0mth0ma5
Completely agree with Clash of the titans being the least impressive 3D film to date.
I'm going to hold out until I can pick up a 3D LED 40" or more sans the dork specs with 2D to 3D conversion for about $1000. O and some content might be nice I'm so sick of seeing that Monsters vs Aliens demo on a constant loop at any electronics store sporting 3D TVs.
P.S And yes I know, by the time a TV like that drops to that price engadget will be reviewing the latest hologram projector with integrated Dolby 9.1. ;P
Still uses Glasses, Burn it.
@n0ne Seriously...This is ridiculous. Bring me 3d when you perfect it...or better yet, work on something I really want like 4k. In the mean time, I just got out of the tv market & i'll let the suckers pay $500 +$150 per set of glasses extra for this crap tech
@dswatson83
I have never heard me or anyone I know wishing they had a 3d tv. Even going to imax theaters aren't that all impressive. Sure it's fun to do every once in a while, but I have also never heard: if it's not in 3d I'm not watching it.
@rutter9
I killed some time a fortnight ago checking out a Sharp 3D TV. I was sceptical beforehand but I have to say the results were very impressive. It's a whole different experience. Not quite sure if I'm ready to put my hand in my pocket, though, for £££ it was priced at....
@dswatson83
You really want 4k? They have that.. on a variety of 30" monitors.. If you want 4k for video before 3D, well, you should have yourself committed.
My payment details are on www.idontgiveacrapyourediculousspambotpleasdrinkleadpaintanddie.com
@SuburMart
Did Mr. Blurrycam design your graphics? I'll email Target corporate to see how much you are paying them to steal one of their advertisement images.
Wow a 3D image that is not constrained by the borders of the T.V.
I don't know who supplied the image but I bet these tvs can't do it.
Hmm... my guess as to how it works... it stretches the original 2D input out from the center of the screen along a curve as it approaches the outer edges. It likely also uses some type of edge detection to find out where the image's horizon is relative to whatever shapes have the sharpest edges as those are likely to be foreground object where the center stretching stuff would need to start from.
Just a guess anyway...
@rutter9
Also, Sabur Iryanto... you may want to not reveal all of your data when spamming.
Would you like me to sign up your email for every spam site (sabur.iryanto@gmail.com) or sign your phone number up for ringtones? +62.622181317710359
2D to 3D conversion, is a good thing?
So this is a TV with an option to ruin a good movie? Let's make one thing clear: This TV doesn't convert 2D to 3D, it converts 2D to papercut layers of 2D on top of each other.
Unless something was shot from at least 2 different angles, there is absolutely no way to "convert it to 3D".
Clearly, they are just using 3D as a crutch to prop up prices. Those are some pretty expensive Plasmas by today's standards. I might pay a small premium like $100 - $150 for a 3D capable TV, even though I really don't care much about the feature in anything less than a front projector. But that looks like a good 30% price premium. NO WAY would I pay that.
3-D TV's are so over-rated!
@rutter9
But they are my Most Favorite Affiliate Store!
I recently had the rare opportunity to demo both the Panasonic and Samsung 3-D sets at Best Buy (because the glasses are always missing, broken, uncharged, etc.), and the Panny's 3-D was much more immersive and convincing. If they're conversion at least approaches what you get with a true 3-D source, I'd definitely pick one up.
I've also heard that while glasses come with the Panny, they're not as comfortable as Samsung's. It would be great to hear opinions from owners of both sets, because that could be a potential deal breaker.
How about this... why don't consumers/companies push for getting all content into true HD and not just up-scaled garbage?
Then we can argue about 3D or not.
Because overly compressed, low definition content in pseudo 3D isn't all that appealing.
I meant to write "If their conversion..."
@TheRealCJ ridiculous*
I can't wait for the nose plugs I'll have to wear for Smellivision.
@HikiKao
No, that site was already taken.
2D -> 3D upconversion? LOL this is the latest marketing gimmick since the "upscaling" scam of the previous 5 years. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? Nope.
I'm moving in a few months and am planning on buying a new setup anyway so this is actually a decent deal $2k for a 50 inch plasma TV. I won't pay a premium for 3D as I think it mostly sucks but if it's only another $200 on what I would spend on a high-end set, then sure, why not.
@malexandria1 The best way to look at the new sets on the market is that they are really upper end 2D sets that also have 3D AS A FEATURE. Even if you are very much a 3D enthusiast, you are not going to be watching more than a few hours a week in 3D, the majority of your viewing will still be in 2D. As such, it is important to base your purchasing decision on how well your new set will perform both in 2D and 3D. It is also important to note that these sets COST THE SAME as a 2D only set (of comparible quality) did last year (or less)! The only added expense would be for the 3D glasses, which will run you about $150 per pair.
Some people have pointed out that the 2D only sets run much cheaper than the entry level 3D sets, but keep in mind that this is not a true "Apples to Apples" comparison. When you look closely, you will see that the price you pay for the better sets reflects in OVERALL picture quality, so you are really paying for a better set OVERALL, not just the 3D feature. Hope this helps!
@SuburMart Panasonic "VT" series and "G" series televisions are sold only through authorized dealers. SuburMart is NOT an authorized dealer, and Panasonic is NOT OBLIGATED to provide support on items purchased through these "gray market" dealers. (no warranty!)
Also note that some of these dealers will SAY they have a particular item in stock, "pre-order" it for you, CHARGE your credit card, and then, being unable to legitimately obtain the model you are looking for, call you up and try to get you to switch your order to a "better" model. If you are in doubt as to whether a particular website is authorized to sell a particular model, contact the manufacturer and ask! Internet buyer beware...especially when it comes to limited distribution products like the Panasonic "VT" or "G" series plasmas!
tell me when 3D TV doesn't require glasses to watch.
@tooler01 This is one of the most common comments I see regarding 3D tech. However, I would point out that if James Cameron's Avatar showed us anything, it is that not only are people willing to wear the goofy glasses (IN PUBLIC!!!), but they are willing to pay a PREMIUM to wear them, and in RECORD NUMBERS!
3D is a cool feature, but I'm not wearing glasses. I'll hold off for 3-5 years when it is estimated that you will be able to buy a glasses-free 3D set.
so these are step-down models from VT25 series that cost less but give you more? is there any "official" information about 2010 black level increase with these Panny PDPs?
Crawl into a corner and wait for 3D to pass??? Absolutely! I'll just make my corner very comfortable. What's next? Hopefully it will be modern technology instead of some rehashed post-WWII junk generating income from non-enthusiast. I hope they sell tons of this garbage. That way, companies will have enough operating revenue for R/D of new technology audio-videophiles can get excited about. These guys are just like the auto industry trying to re-event the car! This is the time of The Jetson's--Not The Flintstones. Screw the car----Where's my jet pack!