The reasons for buying a new HDTV seem pretty obvious. First and foremost, you want a better (and possibly bigger) picture. Maybe you even want an HDTV that can deliver 3D or has added entertainment through included web services, such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, and much more.
Recently, Panasonic added a new item to its list of standard services: Skype. Having Skype included in Panasonic's VIERA Connect application platform means you can make some pretty big video phone calls -- up to 55 inches wide -- to anyone with a Skype account and a webcam from any of Panasonic's TVs that feature VIERA Connect. But even those who have purchased a Skype-ready HDTV from Panasonic may not have activated the service, because it doesn't really work without a camera and (you guessed it), that camera is not included with purchase. Well, until now, that is.
For a limited time, Amazon is offering a free Skype camera with the purchase of select Panasonic HDTVs. Seven of the eight different models that are eligible for this deal also include 3D features. Just choose between sizes ranging from 32 to 55 inches. Take a peek at this offer on Amazon's main promotion page:
The largest of the lot is Panasonic's TC-P55ST30 55-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV. Aside from the 3D, this model offers a full 1080p HD image, Panasonic's Infinite Black 2 panel, a 600Hz Sub-field Drive, and 3D 24p Cinema Smoother technology. Also, because this is a 2011 model, it has the upgraded 3D Image Viewer as well as Panasonic's new VIERA Connect service, which adds in services like Napster, Hulu Plus, Facebook, and much more. Find out more about this model on Amazon's product page:
The smallest 3D TV being offered is the 32-inch TC-L32DT30 1080p 3D LED HDTV. This unit is small in size, but big on features, offering LED backlighting on both the top and bottom of the panel. It has VIERA Image Viewer, VIERA Link support, and the new VIERA Connect service. Also, plan to hook up plenty of other components, via the HDTV's four HDMI ports. Find out more about the TC-L32DT30 here:
If you aren't interested in having 3D in your home, well then just don't put these TVs in 3D mode - did we mention they also make excellent 2D TVs? But if you're looking to pick up a TV without any 3D capabilities at all, there is one non-3D model that you can buy and still snag the free Skype camera. That model is the 42-inch VIERA TC-L42D30 1080p LED HDTV. This 42-incher packs in the top and bottom LED backlighting, a full 1080p HD image, 120Hz Motion Picture Pro 4 technology, and the IPS Alpha panel. Also, because it's a new VIERA, it also has the VIERA Image Viewer, VIERA Link support, and VIERA Connect web services. Click for more info about this HDTV:
Just a note about the Skype camera: You don't need to worry about adding the camera into your shopping cart -- or that it doesn't come packaged with your new HDTV. The camera is actually being offered as a mail-in rebate, which means that you need to send in the completed form, a copy of your sales receipt, and UPC codes from the TV carton.
The Skype camera offer is good on select Panasonic HDTV purchases made between April 3 and April 16, 2011. Rebate forms must be postmarked by May 16, 2011, so you'd better start shopping!
