Panasonic Reveals Details on 2011 Plasma HDTV line: X3, S30, ST30, VT30: BigPictureBigSound

Published: 2011-03-02 - 12:43:48

Panasonic Reveals Details on 2011 Plasma HDTV line: X3, S30, ST30, VT30

By Rachel Cericola

We are two full months into 2011. So where are all of the TVs at? Thankfully, Panasonic will deliver, announcing details, prices and availability for the company's 2011 plasma line.

The timing of Panasonic's announcement could not be more perfect. Display Research just announced a report that found plasma sales went up in 2010, with Panasonic taking the top spot for plasma HDTV sales.

It looks like Panasonic may see repeat success, thanks to another plasma push. The 2011 line will include a total of 19 different plasma HDTVs, in sizes ranging from 42 to 65 inches.

Those new models will include three new 3D lines. The top of the heap is the VT30 Series, which includes the 55-inch TC-P55VT30 and the 65-inch TC-P65VT30. Each of these THX-certified displays features a "one-sheet glass design," with Infinite Black Pro 2 technology, the 600Hz Sub-field Drive, and ISFccc calibration. New features include 3D Image Viewer and the improved VIERA Connect service, which includes Skype, Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, Twitter, and more. If you don't want to hardwire your TV, these services are easy to access via the included Wi-Fi adapter. Also, each of these new sets will come packing one pair of Full HD 3D glasses for fun right out of the box.

TC-P55VT30 55-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $2799.95) - Coming in April 2011
TC-P65VT30 65-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $4299.95) - Coming in May 2011

Panasonic has 12 3D plasmas coming for 2011. Two of those, under the VT30 Series, will include 3D glasses.

Another four 3D TV models can be found under the GT30 Series. These also include the THX certification, the Infinite Black 2 panel, and the 600Hz Sub-field Drive, as well as the 3D VIERA Image Viewer, VIERA Connect, Skype video and voice calling, DLNA support, and four HDMI ports.

TC-P50GT30 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1899.95) - Coming in March 2011
TC-P55GT30 55-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $2199.95) - Coming in March 2011
TC-P60GT30 60-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $2799.95) - Coming in May 2011
TC-P65GT30 65-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $3699.95) - Coming in May 2011

A total of six models comprise the ST30 Series. The most noticable difference with these additional models is the lack of THX certification. However, all six do have the Infinite Black 2 Panel, the 600Hz Sub-field Drive, VIERA Connect, Skype features, the 3D VIERA Image Viewer, and three HDMI inputs.

TC-P42ST30 42-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1099.95) - Buy it now on Amazon
TC-P46ST30 46-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1299.95) - Buy it now on Amazon
TC-P50ST30 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1499.95) - Buy it now on Amazon
TC-P55ST30 55-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $1799.95) - Pre-order it on Amazon
TC-P60ST30 60-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $2399.95) - Coming in May 2011
TC-P65ST30 65-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (MSRP: $3299.95) - Coming in May 2011

If you're not ready to do 3D, Panasonic will also offer new 2D plasma offerings, through the S30 and X3 Series. The S30 Series includes four models with a 1080p image, the 600Hz Sub-field Drive, DLNA support, and VIERA Image Viewer and VIERA Link features. These models are also Wi-Fi ready, with the help of an optional adapter.