Amongst the plethora of displays out to tempt our eyeballs at IFA 2010 in Berlin were some nice looking new release plasmas from Panasonic. There was the 42-inch TX-P42GT20 that marks the addition of yet another series to the company’s 3D VIERA line-up, along with two new 3D plasmas to join its high-end VT20 series. The new 42-inch and 46-inch models, the TX-P46VT20 and TX-P42VT20, sees the VT20 line-up expand to cover the gamut of 42- to 65-inch screen sizes. The new 42-inch models also mark a world first for 3D plasmas.
The two new VT20 models and 42-inch TX-P42GT20 on show include the latest version of Panasonic’s NeoPDP technology that improves the image quality and power consumption in comparison to previous NeoPDP models thanks to a new filter, new discharge gas, improved phosphor, and redesigned cell structure. It also provides a 0.001 ms response time. Panasonic says this latest version of its panels will also be included in the existing VT20 series models as well as its G20 and GW20 series.
The new models all feature Full HD 3D and 600Hz Sub-field Drive technology, which displays the original 50 images per second using 12 sub-fields per frame adding up to 600 sub-fields per second, while Intelligent Frame Creation Pro detects motion and optimizes its reproduction in every one of the 600 sub-fields.
Additionally, they include a 24p Smooth Film for 3D feature Panasonic claims eliminates typical cinema judder by increasing the number of the original 24 frames to provide smooth motion images, while THX Certified Display certification ensure movies are displayed as the director intended. There’s also a 2D-3D Conversion function that uses a special processor to convert 2D content into 3D.
One point of difference between the two VT20 VIERA models and the TX-P42GT20 is the contrast ratio. While the VT20 models boast a native contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, the TX-P42GT20 can only manage a ratio of 2,000,000:1.and come with two pairs of Panasonic’s new lighter active shutter 3D glasses. Another difference is that the VT20 models come with two pairs of Panasonic’s new lighter 3D glasses, while the TX-P42GT20 comes with none.
Panasonic’s VIERA CAST is onboard to provide access to selected Internet content, while DLNA-networking enables access to content stored on compatible devices on a home network.
Panasonic hasn’t announced a concrete release date or pricing info yet but Amazon UK has the TX-P42GT20 listed for UKP1,557.39 (approx. US$2,400) on preorder. This makes it one of the cheaper 3D plasmas on offer – although the lack of 3D glasses with the TV will mean that price will increase if you actually want to watch 3D content on it.
