What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision News TVs US NEWS: Panasonic develops plasma TVs with 2D-3D conversion

US NEWS: Panasonic develops plasma TVs with 2D-3D conversion

23 Aug 2010

Panasonic TX-P50VT20
New Viera plasmas get 2D-3D
Panasonic has developed two new 3D TVs for the US market with an in-built 2D-3D conversion function, something previously absent from its 3D Viera range.

The new TVs are the 42in TC-P42G25 ($1,700) and the 50in TC-P50GT25 ($2,100). Both models will hit US retailers around the end of this month.

2D-3D conversion for both still images and video is a function that has been embraced by rival 3D manufacturers Samsung and Sony, but which Panasonic has until now refused to implement.

Indeed, Panasonic's senior vice president, Bob Perry, once said there'd be no conversion in Panasonic's 3D screens, so this appears to be a change of heart by the Japanese brand.

It may also anger early adopters of Panasonic's V Series 3D plasmas, as these models now miss a feature that may still become key in the future.

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Comments

Clare Newsome Thu, Aug 26 2010, 3:07PM

esleens - there's a European announcment due next Wednesday; we'll be there and reporting back on Panasnoic's plans for UK

esieens Thu, Aug 26 2010, 9:44AM

So are these sets definitely coming to the UK?

themadpanner Tue, Aug 24 2010, 11:59AM

Pany have scored a bit of an own goal then.

Panasonic Store Mon, Aug 23 2010, 8:40PM

The new 42" and 46" 3D plasma tv's that are due out from Panasonic this year will have the 2D to 3D conversion as i am told by a Panasonic UK rep but the 50" will not be able to do this even with a firmware update as the conversion is made possible by a chipset that is not included in the 50" VT20.

Russell22 Mon, Aug 23 2010, 7:19PM

Not really sold on 3-D for tv's..the majority of releases at the cinema are post conversion rubbish. Just saw Piranha 3D which was useless but not quite as bad as clash of the titans. Unless people like james camaeron employ proper 3D cameras it will look rubbish.

themadpanner Mon, Aug 23 2010, 4:01PM

This could probably be included in a firmware upgrade for the VT20s if Panasonic really think it is any good. We get regular updates, the last being last Friday 20th August together with an update for the BD300 3D BD player. Watching "Ice Age 3" in 3D is stunning, roll on Panys more comfortable glasses that have been promised.