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Panasonic's new LCD TVs record video to SDXC
Panasonic's plasma sets get most of the attention, and perhaps rightfully so, but it's actually the company's new LCD lineup for Japan that can help you make use of your woefully neglected SDXC cards. In addition to compiling terrestrial HDTV footage on a standard external hard drive, the Panasonic Viera G3 and X3 can record to a new SD card slot as well, archiving up to five hours of 1080p footage on a 'standard' 64GB SDXC card. We put 'standard' in quotes because while that's presently the typical capacity for that particular designation of flash, it'll still cost you upwards of $200 to get in on the ground floor, and that's a pittance compared to what Panasonic's charging for its own. Who said magnetic storage was dead? If Tokyo's where you hang your hat, expect both the G3 and X3 series to hit stores near you in February of next year.
Panasonic's Avatar 3D monopoly runs into 2012, no 3D Blu-ray release until Mayan calendar ends?
When Panasonic announced it was including copies of Avatar in 3D with its 3DTVs and Blu-ray players, it simply seemed like a great marketing move. Now it's looking like more of a coup, with Panasonic UK confirming that the company's bundle deal runs until February of 2012. That deal is said to be exclusive, likely meaning that will be the only 3D version of Avatar pressed to disc until it runs out, leaving you with two somewhat less than desirable choices for getting a copy: spring for Panasonic hardware or pay a hefty premium on eBay. How hefty? Copies of the 3D Blu-ray version look to be going for $150 and up, and we're guessing things won't be getting much better in the near future.
Panasonic to start Avatar 3D Blu-ray promotion December 1
Panasonic 3DTV owners and potential owners can expect a treat this December , when the company will exclusively distribute Avatar on 3D Blu-ray to its customers. While that doesn't help anyone who's purchased any other brand of 3DTV this year, these promotional flyers that spotted by a tipster at Best Buy reveal those who shell out for a VIERA brand 3D plasma this December will get a free pair of 3D glasses included, while all owners new and old are eligible to receive the disc through the "VIERA 3D TV Loyalty Program." Check out the full image after the break for all the details, and if you don't have a Panasonic set, set up your eBay watchlists now if you plan on getting Avatar in 3D before 2011. [Thanks, Mike]
Panasonic's DMR-BF200 stuffs hard drive and Blu-ray burner into one tiny, magical box
And this, friends, is why Japan is a marvelous place. Panasonic has just removed the wraps from its new DIGA DMR-BF200, which is being hailed as the planet's smallest Blu-ray recorder. For all intents and purposes, this is simply an external hard drive with a slot-loading Blu-ray burner baked in, but there's plenty more on the inside to pay attention to. It'll stream DLNA content, interface with your other VIERA Link equipment, output content via HDMI and even access acTVila (a Japanese video-on-demand service). Users can also toss in an SD card for watching flicks stored on more portable media, and most anything housed on the 320GB internal hard drive can be toasted on BD-R/RE for playback elsewhere. It should be noted, however, that neither BDXL nor Blu-ray 3D are supported, but those still keenly interested can find it on November 15th for ¥70,000 ($861) in black or white.
Panasonic debuts new line of Viera Pure TVs with color-changing finish
We can't say that a luminescent color-changing finish is among our top concerns when shopping for a new TV, but if it's high on your list (or is now), you might want to consider one of Panasonic's new Viera Pure LCDs, which promise to change color slightly depending on the lighting the room. In addition to that standout feature, you'll also get side LED backlighting on all four models (19, 22, 32, and 37-inch), plus an a built-in iPod dock on the two smaller TVs, and Panasonic's own Viera Cast service (complete with Skype) on the two larger models. Unfortunately, there's no word on a release over here just yet, but all four are apparently available in Europe immediately, and start at £400 (or just over $600). Head on past the break for the full press release.
Panasonic finally adds Netflix streaming to VIERA Cast equipped 2010 HDTVs & Blu-ray players
To the last person on Earth (that reads this site) who can't already stream Netflix to their home theater in at least four different ways: if you have a 2010 Panasonic HDTV or Blu-ray player your sometime is now, as the video streaming widget originally promised way back during CES should have recently shown up in a software update. You'll find it in the VIERA Cast menu next to existing tools like Amazon VOD, Skype and Pandora (pictured above) unless of course you're sporting one of last year's models, which are sadly and inexplicably left wanting. If there's any confusion, peep the press release after the break to make sure your specific model made the cut, we'll be double checking for a 5.1 audio option on any of our Watch Instantly movies, again. [Thanks, Justin]
Panasonic intros 42- and 50-inch 3D Viera GT25 plasma sets, its first with 2D-to-3D conversion
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 announces 46-, 42-inch plasma 3DTVs for Japan
So far, Panasonic's well-reviewed (and naturally, 3D capable) 2010 V-series plasmas have been exclusively a 50-inch and above affair, but it's just announced 46- and 42-inch versions for Japan priced at ¥350,000 ($3,833) and ¥300,000 ($3,285), respectively. Due July 30, it's a fair bet they'll make their way over here in a similar time frame (and with predictably lower MSRPs) just like their larger brethren. Panasonic has reported brisk sales of its initial 3D televisions, but as production ramps up and supply expands, TVs like these are a better fit for many rooms -- and budgets -- so with 3D channels and gaming ready to appear, we'll be eyeing their reception by consumers especially closely.
Panasonic launches Skype for 2010 VIERA Cast TVs
We managed to get an early look at Panasonic's TV-friendly implementation of Skype back at CES in January, but the company has just now finally activated the app on all of its 2010 VIERA Cast-enabled TVs (including the VT25, VT20, G25, and G20 Series). To take advantage of it, however, you'll also have to shell out $170 for Panasonic's TY-CC10W webcam, which supports both VGA and 720p video, and packs four unidirectional microphones, an echo canceling system, and some beam-forming technology that promises to deliver clear audio over a typical TV viewing distance of three to four meters. Head on past the break for the complete press release, as well as Panasonic's requisite old-people-don't-get-technology ad for the TVs.
Panasonic's 50-inch TX-P50VT20 plasma reviewed: 'The best 3D TV to date'
We can see a time in the future, the very near future, where reviews of 3D HDTVs will lose their novelty. But, for now, they're still rare enough to warrant some attention, and so let's take a look at TechRadar's take on Panasonic's first 3D entry, the Viera TX-P50VT20. It's a 50-inch, 1080p plasma that excels as an HDTV, delivering great quality images -- even with SD content. When it comes to 3D the set similarly shines, supporting all of today's various modes of delivering multiple perspectives in a way those active-shutter glasses can decipher. Indeed, it was only those glasses themselves that really scored low marks, said to be uncomfortable to wear and, with their tinting, doing some unfortunate things to the color balance. Still, if you absolutely must have 3D right now, this looks like the best way to do it... for the moment.
Panasonic prices, dates full 3D plasma lineup -- 65-inches for $4,299
Panasonic kicked off its 2010 3DTV run with an extremely limited, Best Buy only launch of the 50-inch VT20 package, but for those looking to upgrade -- especially in size -- with a new TV this year finally have some info to work off of. This year's sets have more than just the extra dimension to offer, with improved black levels (especially over time), plus upgraded VIERA Cast networked features with Skype. The general launch kicks off the week of May 3 with the 50-inch TC-P50VT25 for $2,599, and closes with the largest TC-P65VT25 model in June for $4,299. Those MSRPs place them a couple of hundred bucks north of last year's models, but a rep for great 3D and 2D performance should help anyone struggling over the upgrade -- check for the rest of the prices in the press release after the break.
Panasonic's TY-CC10W webcam joins Skype, HDTVs mostly because it can
Panasonic is back with more information on its four-mic packing HDTV camera accessory, the TY-CC10W. Skype friends who would like to see your living room without actually visiting can take a peek in either 30fps VGA or 720p/22fps h.264 encoded streams, courtesy of any nearby video phone compatible VIERA Cast TVs this can mount on top of and plug into via USB. We're (probably the only ones) waiting for a Chatroulette couch surfing client, but if you prefer your internet face-to-face meetings without the PC then ¥18,000 ($193) on June 11 will make it yours in Japan, no word on U.S. availability.
Humax HD-FOX T2 and Panasonic TX-P42G20B become the first Freeview HD tuners on sale in the UK
Slowly but surely Freeview HD is making its entry into UK homes. The well-reviewed Humax HD-FOX T2 is living up to its promise of being the very first Freeview HD tuner around, and is now available to buy via the company's online store or at your local electronics outlet. Priced at £180 ($281), its listing on the Humax Direct Sales site has an amusing "this is NOT a recorder" blinking message to inform people that it lacks the PVR functionality that the forthcoming Toshiba HDR5010 will bring. If your disposable income stretches a bit further and you want your tuner integrated, Panasonic will happily exchange its 42-inch TX-P42G20 plasma for £1,100 ($1,717). It's the successor to the TX-P42G10 and boasts a 600Hz refresh rate along with a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio and the prerequisite 1080p resolution. There's nothing we can do about the dearth of Freeview HD programming for the moment, but at least the hardware is finally out there.
Panasonic TH-P54VT2 takes plasma HDTVs into 3D territory
Finally making the transition from the trade show floor to retail shelving are Panasonic's famed Viera 3D plasma HDTVs. The company has just announced it will be launching two 1080p panels on April 23 in Japan, priced at ¥530,000 ($5,932) for the 54-inch P54VT2 and ¥430,000 ($4,813) for its smaller sibling, the P50VT2 (pictured after the break). For your money, you'll be getting those deep, deep blacks that ensure a ridiculous 5,000,000:1 native contrast ratio, a plethora of inputs highlighted by four HDMI jacks, and of course a pair of those inescapable active shutter glasses. Don't worry though, the screens are capable of working at the necessary 120Hz to ensure smooth frame rates for each eye. Whether the premium paid for 3D is worth it, on the other hand, remains a question best left for each deep-pocketed consumer to make on his own.
Panasonic cops to rising black levels in its plasma HDTVs, but questions still remain
Over the last several months complaints that Panasonic's plasma HDTVs experience sudden adverse changes in their black levels after a certain number of viewing hours have been piling up in an AVSForum thread, and now that behavior has been confirmed, though not very well explained, in a response the company sent to CNET today: In order to achieve the optimal picture performance throughout the life of the set, Panasonic Viera plasma HDTVs incorporate an automatic control which adjusts an internal driving voltage at predetermined intervals of operational hours. As a result of this automatic voltage adjustment, background brightness will increase from its initial value ... The newest Viera plasma HDTVs incorporate an improved automatic control which applies the voltage adjustments in smaller increments. This results in a more gradual change in the Black Level over time. Especially considering many buyers purchased their televisions specifically for those deep black levels, you can see why a TV suddenly going Sammy Sosa overnight would be upsetting. One of the reigning theories in the thread indicated by poster & calibrator D-Nice has been that this is by design, but a flaw in the settings caused the large jumps (around double the brightness, as measured by several owners light meters) instead of a much more subtle change. So what now for owners or potential buyers? Without more details about what is going on and whether or not anything can be done about it, like CNET's David Katzmeier, it's hard to see how we can continue to recommend these HDTVs for purchase without knowing what they will do months or years down the line. The ball is in Panasonic's court now, a speedy response could do a lot to assuage the concerns of current and potential owners. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Panasonic Viera G2 HDTVs boast 5,000,000:1 native contrast ratio, coming soon
We told you Panny had some crazy low black levels in its 2010 plasmas, didn't we? Well, say hello to the retail products and their first price tags, both predictably found in Japan. The Viera G2 series is arriving within a few short weeks -- February 5 to be precise -- and will be headed by the 50-inch TH-P50G2, which is joined by 46- and 42-inch options. All panels boast Full HD resolution, have three ports each for HDMI and Composite cables, and are expected to cost ¥320,000, ¥260,000, and ¥220,000, respectively. That roughly equates to $3,500 for the whopper and $2,400 for the smallest family members, which when you think about that mercurial five million to one contrast ratio sounds almost like a bargain. If you can tolerate a measly 2,000,000:1 contrast, Panasonic is also announcing some more affordable S2 panels (pictured after the break), which you can have for as little as $2,100 in US money for the 42-inch variety. More machine translation-mangled information can be found in the links below.
Panasonic demos Skype on VieraCast at CES (video)
We've just dropped by Panasonic's CES booth to watch several actors spokespersons showcasing Skype on a couple of VIERA Cast-enabled HDTVs, which will be available in March. Unlike what Skype previously told us, the webcams involved were only capturing average-quality VGA video at 22fps instead of 720p, and they'll cost you a hefty $200 each if you happen to be a lucky owner of a VIERA Cast TV. Let's hope those four built-in mics (to increase gain for the distant couch) are worth it. Video after the break. %Gallery-82025%
Panasonic packs a punch with portable Blu-ray player at CES (hands-on)
Panasonic was showing off its new lineup of cameras and camcorders at its display table at Digital Experience, but that wasn't what really caught our eyes. Nope, that honor went to the DMP-B500, a portable Blu-ray player that had both a killer screen and a (fairly) slim profile. Better yet, it doubles as a standalone Blu-ray player when you connect it to your TV, and it links up nicely with other VIERA products. Also on display was a WiFi photo frame with a built in CD player and a hidden iPod dock. Calendar and photo widgets looked nice on the crisp display, and let's just put it this way, we don't know how much we'd mind waking up to that in the morning. You don't have to take our word for it though, check our the goods in our hands-on gallery. %Gallery-81846%
Panasonic blows it out with 3D Blu-ray deck, HDTVs, channels and $21k camcorder
Had enough of the CES barrage? Nah. Panasonic just cut loose a few new releases of its own, with the highlight of the bunch being the planet's first integrated Full HD 3D camcorder. Dubbed a "professional" device, the camcorder won't be available to order until April, and it's expected to make the filming of 3D content easier due to having the camcorder itself, the lenses, camera head and a twin memory card recorder smashed together in a single body. Users will also find stereoscopic adjustment controls on the twin-lens, solid state-based system, and we're told that it'll automatically recalibrate itself sans the need for any external equipment. 'Course, the $21,000 MSRP is apt to turn away most everyone not being financed by a movie house, but hey, at least we're fairly certain it'll be reduced to a few bills by 2012. In related news, Panny is also partnering with DirecTV to launch a trio of dedicated 3D channels starting in June, and the two are already in talked with AEG, CBS, Fox Sports, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and TBS to develop additional 3D programming that'll debut between 2010 to 2011. Oh, and you'll obviously need a new setup to view said content, and that's where Panny comes in (again). The outfit unleashed a new range of 3D-capable (thanks, RealD!) Viera plasma HDTVs and Blu-ray 3D players, and all it takes to enjoy mind-melting 3D content in the comfort of your abode is "a stylish and lightweight pair of active-shutter glasses." Oh, joy. The complete line will be fleshed out later this Spring, with screen sizes ranging from 50- to 65-inches. In one of the most brilliant moves of the show, Panny's also including just a single set of 3D glasses with its multi-thousand dollar televisions, which is sure to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of Sir Buyer who has to plop down an extra hundie or two to get specs for the whole family. At any rate, the DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray player will handle 1080p content in both the second and third dimension. The last bit is new partnerships with Netflix, Skype, Twitter and Pandora (among other outlets), all of which are being added to the Viera Cast library that's accessible on select Blu-ray players and HDTVs. Catch the full rundown after the break... if you dare. %Gallery-81797%
Panasonic's Blu-ray burning FreeSat+ DVRs due in June
Blu-ray archiving DVRs have been a staple in Japan since the format was still in protective cartridges, and now we have more details on the new Panasonic HD Everything lineup launching in the UK. All three boxes can convert recorded programs into h.264 to save disc space, and beyond their FreeSat+ twin tuner DVR capability, support Panasonic's VIERA Cast internet hookups to pull in video and pictures from YouTube and Picasa. The DMR-BS850 and DMR-BS750 support BD-Live enabled Blu-ray playback and recording in HD, while the DMR-XS350 serves as an HD DVR on its hard drive, but falls back to SD for disc archiving on old school DVDs. No word on a price, but while the British ponder Panasonic vs. Humax we're already willing to trade in proposed tru2way boxes to have a shot at these.[Via TechDigest.tv]Update: TrustedReviews came through with some better pics, specs, and most importantly, prices for these joints - The DMR-BS850 has a 500GB HDD for £999, the DMR-BS750 has a 250GB HDD for £899 and the DMR-XS350 clocks in with a 200GB HDD for £699.
