Panasonic`s full HD 3D Home Entertainment System

• Author: Gadget Mania
• Filed under: Announcements, Gadgets, HDTV, Home entertainment, News
• Date: Mar 15,2010

Best Buy’s Union Square, NYC Store Sells World’s First  Panasonic Full HD 3D System

DIRECTV Gives First Panasonic Full HD 3D System Customer One Year of Free Service

Panasonic and Best Buy continued their commitment to bringing 3D technology into American homes with the world’s first consumer purchase and retail availability of Panasonic’s Full HD 3D1 home entertainment system certified2 under the new Blu-ray DiscTM Association (BDA) 3D standard, sold exclusively at select Best Buy stores via Magnolia Home Theater.

The new range of Full HD 3D capable VIERA Plasma HDTVs and a fully-featured 3D Blu-ray Disc3 player will 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. By delivering a full 1080p-resolution image to each eye, Panasonic’s Full HD 3D technology offers consumers the highest possible visual experience. To enjoy Full HD 3D programming, users wear a stylish and lightweight pair of active-shutter eyewear.  The sets are also Full HD TVs that display pristine 1080p content in two dimensions (2D) for conventional HD viewing.

“Television has successfully moved from black and white, to color, to High Definition. But immersive, totally realistic 3D imagery has been the final frontier and beginning today, Panasonic has conquered that as well,” said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Best Buy has been a proactive and important partner in bringing 3D into the living rooms of America and we are happy to share this milestone with them.”

“The demand for 3D technology in the home is just beginning for consumers,” said Michael Vitelli, President, Americas, Best Buy, “and Best Buy is uniquely positioned to bring this experience to life for our customers through our Blue Shirts and Geek Squad Agents.  We are thrilled to partner with Panasonic as it allows us to be the first retailer to offer this complete 3D home theater solution and underscores our promise to always deliver on the latest and greatest technology.”

Beginning today, Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Home Theater System will be exclusively available at select Best Buy Stores via Magnolia Home Theater. The total combined SRP of the Panasonic Full HD 3D Plasma Home Theater System components is $2899.99.  The system consists of a 50-inch class (49.9” measured diagonally) Panasonic VIERA VT20 Plasma 3D HDTV (TC-P50VT20 – SRP $2,499.95) which includes one pair of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Lens Eyewear (TY-EW3D10U), and the Panasonic BDT300 3D Blu-ray Disc Player (DMP-BDT300 – SRP 399.95).   Additional pairs of 3D eyewear will be available with an SRP of $149.95. The individual components of the system will also be sold separately.

The VT20 is a Best Buy exclusive model and is equivalent to the VT25 series that was voted “Best of Show” at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.  The BDT300 is also a Best Buy exclusive model and is equivalent to the BDT350 which received the Consumer Electronics Association’s esteemed Innovations Award for its innovative 3D technology.

In addition to the 50-inch class size, the Panasonic Full HD 3D Home Theater System will also be available in a 54-inch class (54” measured diagonally), 58” class (58” measured diagonally) and 65” class (64.8” measured diagonally) screen sizes with suggested retail pricing and availability to be announced at a later date.

To create the best possible 3D picture, Panasonic has developed new, faster screen phosphors; coupled with its 600Hz sub-field drive, the new displays output alternating imagery at 60 frames per second to each eye. The brain then combines the images and interprets them as 3D.

The BDT300 outputs stunning, rock-solid, and immersive Full HD 3D imagery to compatible displays.  It also handles a wide variety of audio standards, and up converts all standard definition video formats. The BDT300 utilizes groundbreaking technologies incorporated in Panasonic’s proprietary UniPhier LSI chip, enabling the player to flawlessly process the large quantity of visual information necessary to create a Full HD 3D image in 1920 x 1080 resolution. Adaptive Chroma Upsampling insures that colors will be faithfully reproduced; and all native digital DVD formats are up scaled to 1080p resolution quality.

Panasonic’s Full HD 3D products meet the recently announced Blu-ray 3D™ specification standard.  This standard, which represents the work of leading Hollywood studios and consumer electronic and computer manufacturers, enables the home entertainment industry to bring the 3D experience into consumers’ living rooms on Blu-ray Disc, the most capable high definition home entertainment platform. Individual manufacturers and content providers will now be able to provide the technical information and guidelines necessary to develop and bring products to market.

In January, DIRECTV and Panasonic announced a strategic relationship that will make it possible to bring 3D TV into the homes of millions for the first time. DIRECTV’s HD 3D channels, powered by Panasonic, will offer a 24/7 3D DIRECTV Cinema and pay per view event channel focused on movies, documentaries and other programming, a 24/7 3D DIRECTV on Demand channel and a free 3D entertainment channel featuring event programming such as sports, music and other content. In addition, to celebrate the launch of Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Home Theater System, DIRECTV is giving the first customer to purchase the system at today’s Best Buy launch event in New York one year of free programming, including its upcoming HD 3D service, which will be available this June.

“The superior quality of the HD 3D programming that DIRECTV will debut in June will be unlike anything that is available in the television market today,” said Eric Shanks, executive vice president of DIRECTV Entertainment.  “Being able to experience that quality through Panasonic’s Full HD 3D home theater system will make our customers feel like their living room is a 3D movie theater. We have had a long- time relationship with both Panasonic and Best Buy and we are proud to be partnering with these industry leaders to make the next frontier of television a reality.”

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has been the leader in the 3D revolution taking place in the entertainment industry.  The company has consistently supported efforts to bring consumers the benefits of 3D entertainment as quickly as possible.  In particular, Fox has distinguished itself by partnering with companies from other industries, including Panasonic, to make Full HD 3D TV a reality in the home.

“3D has invigorated the theater experience and it will be the same for the living room,” said Mary Daily, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  “Panasonic has announced amazing new products today and along with Best Buy’s commitment to the format, 3D will become a game changer for the home entertainment industry.  We are thrilled to have Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs as our debut title in the Blu-ray 3D format.  The Ice Age franchise has grossed nearly $2 billion in worldwide box office and sold more than 75 million units in home entertainment.  Blu-ray offers the premiere high definition viewing experience for the home, and Blu-ray 3D uses the advanced quality to bring the movie theater 3D experience to your home.”

In addition to its new 3D technologies, each Full HD 3D Plasma model incorporates a rich set of advanced features. VIERA CAST™, Panasonic’s innovative Internet programming package, gives viewers the ability to access  feature films plus information and communication offerings including Amazon Video on Demand™, Bloomberg News, Fox Sports, Netflix™, and Skype™ on Your VIERA TV, among others.

To bring the excitement of Full HD 3D and Panasonic’s range of home entertainment solutions to consumers, Panasonic will launch a 15-city, Panasonic Touch The Future nationwide tour next week.  The tour will kick off in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles beginning March 15 and then visit Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco, Phoenix, Seattle, Detroit, Minneapolis, Dallas and Houston in March and April.

For more information on Panasonic’s Full HD 3D technology as well as product images, visit www.panasonic.com/3D.

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Consumer Reports: Best TVs for the Buck

• Author: Gadget Mania
• Filed under: Announcements, Displays, Gadgets, HDTV, News
• Date: Jan 29,2010

March report includes ratings of over 130 TVs; Buying advice – features to consider and which to skip

Believe it or not, TV prices continue to fall, and special Super Bowl and Winter Olympics promotions are likely to result in even better deals. Consumers may find larger sets with screen sizes from 46- to 50-inches as low as $600. The March issue of Consumer Reports includes Ratings of over 130 LCD and plasma TVs and advice on what features are worth the price.

“Whether you’re a first time buyer or you want to upgrade your existing flat-panel, TV prices have never been better and they continue to fall,” says Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor of Consumer Reports. “It’s not always best to go for the least-expensive model; we’ve found that some features are worth the extra-cost.”

Things to Consider

• Resolution: 1080p vs. 720p. 1080p resolution, called full HD, is now very common, but some 50-inch and smaller TVs still have 720p resolution. Salespeople may suggest that 1080p sets have better picture quality overall, but it’s not always the case; however, a 1080p set does have the potential to display finer detail than a 720p TV because the screen has more pixels – the elements making up an image. The price premium for 1080p has shrunk but still runs $100 to $200. Consumer Reports recommends buying a 1080p set if the TV is 50 inches or larger, and price isn’t an issue.

• Less Blur: 120Hz & 240Hz. Ads make a big deal of 120Hz and 240Hz technologies, which promise to reduce blurring and the loss of detail that can occur when LCD TVs display fast-moving images. 120Hz technology doubles an LCD TV’s usual 60Hz frame rate, and 240Hz quadruples it. (Some models combine a 120Hz frame rate with a scanning, or flashing, backlight, to create a 240Hz effect.) Purchasing a TV with anti-blur technology can cost an extra $200 or more, and results varied in Consumer Reports lab tests. A 60Hz set should satisfy most casual viewers, but it’s worth considering a 120Hz TV now that the feature is available on lower-priced sets.

• Screen Size. Consumers in the market for a TV may opt for a smaller screen size to keep costs down. Consumer Reports suggests that consumers purchase the biggest screen their budget and space allow, rather than a smaller model with extra features that will be rarely used.

• High-priced HDMI cables. Retailers will try to talk consumers into spending $50 or more for an HDMI cable to use with a new HDTV. Consumer Reports recommends buying decent-quality cables with sturdy connectors, but not expensive ones. A 6-foot HDMI cable should cost $10 or so. Even so-called high-speed cables designed for 1080p throughput shouldn’t cost more than $20 for a 3- to 6- foot cable. If low-priced HDMI cables aren’t available at the store, look online.

Consumer Reports Best Buys: HDTVs

Most of the TVs featured in Consumer Reports latest Ratings have excellent or very good picture quality, so there are many fine choices. Below is a list of CR Best Buys which are mainstream values. (Sets are listed from largest to smallest screen size).

LCD TVs
– Vizio VF550M, $1,400
– Toshiba Regza Cinema Series 52XV648U, $1,400
– Toshiba Regza 46XV645U, $1,000
– Insignia NS-L42Q-10A, $650
– LG 42LF11, $700
– Sanyo DP42849, $630
– Vizio VO320E (720p), $390
– Sanyo DP26649 (720p), $300

Plasma TVs
– LG 50PQ30, $800
– Insignia NS-P501Q-10A (720p), $650
– Panasonic Viera TC-42PX14 (720p), $550
– LG 42PQ30

The complete report, “Best TVs for the buck,” is available in the March 2010 issue of Consumer Reports available wherever magazines are sold. The report includes buying advice, Ratings of over 130 LCD and plasma TVs, best and worst brands, and 6 easy steps to get high-definition TV programming. Portions of the story are available for free online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

VIZIO launches arsenal of LED Backlit LCD HDTVs in 2010

• Author: Gadget Mania
• Filed under: Announcements, Displays, Gadgets, HDTV, News
• Date: Jan 7,2010

VIZIO, America’s #1 LCD HDTV Company, announced its most comprehensive lineup of LED LCD HDTVs yet, with 37 models in the XVT Pro Series, XVT Series and M Series, spanning screen sizes from 16″ to 72″.

Demonstrating VIZIO’s leadership ability at any price point, their XVT Pro series with TruLED(TM) incorporates VIZIO’s most advanced HDTV technologies, including 480Hz SPS with Smooth Motion(TM) and Smart Dimming(TM). In addition, most of their Razor LED(TM) sets combine Smart Dimming for precise black levels and optimized picture quality, and all sets are designed with slim, stylish features matched with high performance.

Many sets offer VIZIO Internet Apps(TM) (VIA), built-in high definition wireless (802.11n dual-band) or wired networking to enable on demand movies, TV episodes, music and other online content. VIZIO is also offering audio quality through SRS audio processing. VIZIO’s LED LCD HDTV designs ensure high-energy efficiency and Energy Star 4.0 qualification for all sets.

“We believe consumers deserve an opportunity to purchase the latest technology at an incredible value and LED backlit HDTVs are no exception,” said Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Co-Founder and VP Sales and Marketing Communications. “VIZIO customers will soon be able to choose their favorite LED backlit set in sizes ranging from 72″ with TruLED backlighting to as small as 16″ with Razor thin designs and enjoy excellent picture quality and function.”

“With their new product line, most of VIZIO’s new TVs will use roughly 50% less power than their prior models,” said Noah Horowitz, Senior Scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council. “Much of this remarkable progress is made through the use of state of the art light emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the TV screen. What’s particularly encouraging about their announcement is that VIZIO is making these energy saving improvements across the board. Whether it is simply a smaller 19″ TV for the kitchen or a 55″ big screen TV for the family room, their customers can be assured that they are buying an energy efficient one.”

XVT Pro Series TruLED 1080p FHD 480Hz SPS with Smooth Motion and Smart Dimming

Defining state of the art performance, VIZIO’s 72″, 55″ and 47″ Full HD3D(TM) TVs advance refresh rates to 480Hz SPS with VIZIO’s Smooth Motion technology. The TruLED Full HD3D HDTVs incorporate the very latest in advanced HDTV technology with 480Hz SPS, TruLED brilliant LEDs pervade the entire screen, Smart Dimming circuitry controls hundreds of zones of LEDs per screen to the precise light level per picture frame, Full HD3D delivers stunning 3D images in Full HD 1080P resolution, with advanced features like VIZIO INTERNET APPS(TM) (VIA) built-in high definition wireless (802.11n dual-band) and wired networking, a Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard, and Wireless HDMI which allows the TV to receive HD video and audio from sources without an HDMI cable.

XVT Series TruLED 1080p FHD 240Hz SPS with Smooth Motion and Smart Dimming

VIZIO XVT HDTVs offer 240Hz SPS (Scenes Per Second) refresh rates with Smooth Motion technology to enable extraordinary picture quality thanks to their TruLED backlighting technology (Direct Type LED) these sets are designed under 3″, with over 120 zones of Smart Dimming and deliver an incredible 10 million to 1 dynamic contrast ratio. Brightness is 500 nits, and each display is capable of displaying 1.06 billion colors through the use of 10-bit data input panels. Ambient light sensing technology also helps ensure colors stay true with deeper blacks even in brighter environments. VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA), with 802.11n dual-band wireless networking provides access to on demand movies, TV episodes, music and other online content — all controlled from the included Bluetooth universal remote control.

XVT Series Razor LED 1080p FHD Sets with 120Hz Smooth Motion and Smart Dimming

Featuring VIZIO’s first Razor LED edge-type 37″ and 32″ sets with 16 zones of Smart Dimming, these Full HD 120Hz sets with Smooth Motion technology have a less than two-inch (2″) thin profile and a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. Brightness is 450 nits, and 1.06 billion colors can be reproduced. Both sets include VIA with built-in wireless (802.11n dual-band) and wired networking and Bluetooth universal remote control. Ambient light sensing technology also helps ensure colors stay true with deeper blacks even in brighter environments. Both sets are Energy Star 4.0 rated.

XVT Series Razor LEDs in Small Screen Sizes

VIZIO’s Razor LED design makes these 23″ and 19″ HDTVs visually striking. Ultra thin design of 1.7 inches, an edge-to-edge glass screen and chrome edging, these sets have an appearance as appealing as their picture quality. Using Edge-type LED backlights, they achieve a brightness of 300 nits, with a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. An integrated USB port enables digital photo frame functionality. With ambient light sensing technology for additional energy efficiency, these eco-friendly sets are Energy Star 4.0 compliant.

M Series TruLED 1080p FHD 120Hz Sets with Smooth Motion

These M Series 120Hz LED sets are available in 55″, 47″ and 42″ sizes, using Edge-type LED backlighting that allows a two-inch (2″) profile with up to 16 zones of Smart Dimming, for dynamic contrast ratios of 1,000,000:1 in the 47″ and 55″ models and 100,000:1 in the 42″ models, with brightness of 450 nits. Reproducing 1.06 billion colors with 10-bit data input panels, they feature VIZIO’s Ambient Light Sensor for improved contrast and deeper blacks, especially in brighter environments. The 55″ and one 47″ set includes VIA with built-in wireless (802.11n dual-band) and wired networking and Bluetooth universal remote control. Each set is Energy Star 4.0 rated.

M Series Razor LED 1080p FHD Sets in 37″ and 32″ Screen Sizes

These slim design mid-size HDTVs offer either 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates, with dynamic contrast ratios of up to 100,000:1. All models are Energy Star 4.0 qualified.

M Series Razor LED LCD HDTVs in Small Screen Sizes

With screen sizes starting at 16″, up to 26″, these sleek and slim Razor design HDTVs have 60Hz refresh rates with either 1080p or 720p resolution. The M261VP and the M220NV are the smallest available screen sizes with VIA and wireless (802.11n) and wired networking. Each set has earned Energy Star 4.0 certification.

Source: VIZIO, Inc.