Panasonic DT30 series
Panasonic has revealed prices for its range of 2011 HDTVs and home theater systems. At the same time, it has added two LCD LED TVs with the 37-inch TC-L37DT30 and 32-inch TC-L32DT30. Both sport a 240Hz IPS AlphaLED panel and the VIERA Connect feature that brings with it access to Netflix, Amazon VOD, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Napster, Pandora, Facebook, Gameloft and access to sports sites MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS, among others. They are also DLNA compatible for local media sharing.
The larger set will cost $1,300 when it arrives in April, with the smaller set arriving at the same time and priced at $1,200.
The E3 series of TVs is made up of the 32-inch class TC-L32E3 that ships this month for $700, the already available $800 37-inch TC-L37E3, and the 42-inch TC-L42E3 due later in March for $950. All share a 60Hz IPS LED panel with 1080p resolution. The Easy IPTV feature allows access to CinemaNow, Netflix, Amazon, Pandora, Napster and Facebook.
The 42-inch TC-L42E30 is the sole E30 class offering, sporting an LED-backlit 120Hz IPS Alpha display. It is DLNA compatible and has the Easy IPTV feature. It is already shipping, priced at $1,100.
The range-topping 42-inch TC-L42D30 has a 1080p, 120Hz panel using color-rich IPS technology that’s covered by a flush glass design. It gets VIERA Connects and ships in April for $1,150.
A 19-inch TC-L19C30 has a 720p resolution from its IPS Alpha panel. It ships in May for $250.
HD LCD TV
As for HD LCD TVs, there is the 32-inch TC-L32C3 with a 720p IPS Alpha screen. It ships in March for $400. A smaller, 24-inch version arrives in June for $300.
A 37-inch TC-L37U3 that’s now shipping for $600 and the 32-inch TC-L32U3 coming this month for $500 make up the U3 series. Shared between them is a 1080p, 60Hz IPS Alpha Panel, three HDMI connectors, a PC Input, Viera Image Viewer and Viera Link.
The U30 family has just the 42-inch TC-L42U30 that gets a 1080p, 120Hz IPS panel. It can now be bought for $800.
The 32-inch TC-L32X30 has a 720p, 60Hz IPS Alpha screen and includes the Easy IPTV feature, DLNA compatibility and an iPod/iPhone docking station. It arrives this month for $500.
Blu-ray Players
Panasonic expanded Blu-ray disc player lineup with three new Full HD 3D models – the DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110 – and a new 2D model, the DMP-BD75.
The BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 come with 2D-to-3D up-conversion, which can convert 2D images from DVDs and Blu-ray discs into 3D with natural depth perception. With the 3D Enhancer and Depth Controller (allows user to adjust amount of depth when viewing 3D), these players produce movie theater-style 3D effects. Also contributing to higher picture quality is the new UniPhier chip, which simultaneously lowers power consumption. Vertical color data has also been increased by 1.5 times, to express fine details and nuances in movie scenes with the PHL Reference Chroma Processor 2. The new HDMI Jitter Purifier improves sound quality, delivering pure and robust bass sound reproduction with minimal noise compared to previous models.
The newest addition to VIERA Cast, Panasonic’s IPTV solution, on the BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 is Skype video and voice calling. Skype, along with the freetalk conference camera , lets users easily and affordably engage in long distance video conversations with family and friends by transforming their existing TV into a two-way communications device. The freetalk conference camera, with a wide-angle lens and beam-forming microphones, provides High Definition 720p resolution and will be available in March at major retailers and on-line at www.panasonic.com, with a SRP of $99.
Panasonic has made it even easier to access Skype through the Blu-ray Disc player with a devoted Skype button on the remote control. Other features of Skype include Standby Mode, which allows users to personalize ring tones, Answering Message, which allows users to create a personalized message when away, and SD Voice Mail which automatically records messages left onto an SD card. These three models are also DLNA-certified, allowing users to enjoy content on their Blu-ray player, from a computer or other DLNA compatible device.
3D Blu-ray Home Theater Systems
The electronics giant also revealed prices for its 3D Blu-ray home theater systems. All three have integrated Wi-Fi radios and otherwise differ slightly in specs. There is the SC-BTT770, SC-BTT370 and SC-BTT270.
Each has a 3D Effect Controller that lets users adjust the amount of the depth effect. The main component speakers are just 1.5 inches high. The SC-BTT770 alone gets wireless rear speakers while the SC-BTT370 is wireless-ready. It requires the SH-FX71 kit that costs $130. Both have VIERA Cast for streaming video content and Skype access to have video calls with contacts. They also have a down-firing subwoofer.
A Universal Dock for iPod/iPhone is included with each device.
The new Blu-ray 3D home theater systems arrive in April, with the SC-BTT770 priced at $600, the SC-BTT370 at $500, and the SC-BTT270 at $400.
