New Panasonic VIERA LED LCD TVs boast HD Skype

24 Feb 2011

Electronics giant Panasonic has revealed an expanded range of VIERA series plasma and LCD TVs for 2011, including full HD 3D TVs. The TVs include active shutter technology and high-definition Skype calling capabilities.

In 2011, Panasonic will be expanding its range of 3D and LED LCD televisions to include 12 different 3D and 10 LED LCD models for discerning UK and Ireland consumers.

These new models include Panasonic’s VT30, GT30 and ST30 NeoPlasma 3D TVs, but also the new DT30 series 3D LED LCD TVs. All UK 2011 models benefit from a built-in Freeview HD tuner.

The New NeoPlasma 3D Models

Panasonic’s NeoPlasma models feature 600Hz sub-field drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro for excellent motion, excellent contrast ratios with Infinite Black Pro (VT30, GT30, ST30) and Infinite Black (G30) in combination with High Contrast Filter Pro (VT30) and High Contrast Filter (GT30, ST30, G30).

They are especially suited for 3D thanks to a 600Hz, fast response time (0.001ms) and newly developed fast switching phosphor that reduces crosstalk. Furthermore, Active Shutter technology delivers the best possible picture quality, thanks to full HD resolution and clear separation of the two images (one for each eye).

The top-of-the-line VIERA VT30 series consists of four models, the 65-inch TX-P65VT30, the 55-inch TX-P55VT30, the 50-inch TX-P50VT30 and the 42-inch TX-P42VT30. All four VT30 models come in the new High Line Design and feature a one-sheet glass design that gives the TVs a beautiful, sleek new design.

Having passed more than 30 rigorous tests, the VT30 series received the THX 2D and 3D Display certification and delivers movies in an excellent picture quality – just as the film director had intended.

In addition to offering 3D viewing, the VT30 series comes with the internet service VIERA Connect; Skype video calling; Wi-Fi ready (one USB wireless LAN adaptor is included with VT30 series); VIERA Image Viewer for viewing 2D and 3D digital still images and both 2D and 3D HD video recorded on an SD memory card; USB HDD recording, as well as SD card recording. Two pairs of full HD 3D eyewear are included with the VT30 series.

The VIERA GT30 3D series features three models, the 50-inch TX-P50GT30; the 46-inch TX-P46GT30 and the 42-inch TX-P42GT30. The series stands out through its slim and distinctive Highline design, features an Infinite Black Pro Panel; THX certification for 2D and 3D Display; VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready (through USB port); Skype video calling; VIERA Image Viewer; DLNA certification; four HDMI connections and three USB ports.

The VIERA ST30 series, on the other hand, adds three screen sizes from 42 inches to 50 inches to the Panasonic family of full HD 3D TVs. This series includes the 50-inch TX-P50ST30; the 46-inch TX-P46ST30 and the 42-inch TX-P42ST30. The new ST30 full HD 3D HDTVs present a feature package that includes the Infinite Black Pro Panel; VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready (through USB port); Skype video calling; VIERA Image Viewer three HDMI connections and two USB ports.

LED LCD 3D models with IPS Alpha Panel Technology

Panasonic will soon be launching 3D LED LCD TVs that feature its new IPS Alpha panels. IPS Alpha panels are recognised worldwide for the industry’s top-level response time and energy efficiency.

To maximise the advantages of IPS Alpha panels, Panasonic has made major changes to the whole process of panel production, from the structure to the key materials used. Thanks to newly developed Advanced Pre-Charged Driving technology that achieves the fastest scanning rate in the industry of 2 ms, display speed that is twice that of previous models has now been achieved.

Panasonic has developed LCD panels with crosstalk that has been reduced almost completely and allows for a solid black picture that maintains a broad gradation display. The LCD panels also feature full moving picture resolution, which enhances moving picture reproduction even in 2D display mode. The combination of reduced crosstalk and black reproducibility enables Panasonic to deliver LCD panels with clear, superior contrast, high-quality full HD 3D pictures, almost comparable to PDPs.

New LED LCD TVs

Other exciting new LED LCD TVs from Panasonic that will be hitting the market in 2011 include the Panasonic E30 and E3. Panasonic’s new E30 LED LCD product line includes 42, 37 and 32-inch screen sizes and offers many popular features, like 200blb Intelligent Frame Creation Pro for advanced motion reproduction, VIERA Connect and other networking functions. The Panasonic E3 LED LCD TVS, on the other hand, include five screen sizes: 42, 37, 32, 24 and 19-inch. All come with V-Audio surround-sound technology.

The G30 NeoPlasma range includes 50, 46 and 42-inch screen sizes that offer many key features like 600Hz IFC Pro, THX Certified Display, Infinite Black Panel and various networking functions, including VIERA Connect and HDD recording.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com