Field Report: New Viera HDTV Lineup Seen At Panasonic Convention 2011

Another February, another Panasonic Convention. Each year, Panasonic Europe kits out a conference centre or hotel with its new lineup of Plasma, LCD/LED LCD, Blu-ray Disc, and digital photography products, and allows the invited journalists and dealers from across Europe to see what’s in store for the new year.

Panasonic 2011 Viera HDTVs

Unsurprisingly, 3D TV was still the main focus for the company. Panasonic has three new “Neo Plasma” (formerly “NeoPDP”) ranges for 2011: the entry-level ST30, the mid-range GT30, and the high-end VT30, all of which appear to include incremental improvements on the outgoing 2010 models. The improvements aren’t just technical, however: Panasonic has been listening to criticism surrounding the aesthetics of their HDTV ranges, and has given its 2011 products a sleek makeover.

From published specifications and discussions with Panasonic, we know that the GT30 and VT30 are THX Certified for both 2D and 3D content, and both include Imaging Science Foundation approved calibration controls. These two seals of approval mean that these Plasma displays are likely to, once again, prove popular with enthusiast users who want to see the most accurate images possible. The GT30 display features the “Infinite Black Pro” banding, as does the higher-end VT30 – however, the VT30 features a better ambient light rejecting screen coating.

The high-end VT30 model also goes one step further with picture setup options, the most useful of which will likely be the 10-point Greyscale calibration, which we understand is exclusive to the high-end model. This should result in marginally better quality pictures in 2D, and, assuming it works correctly, markedly superior quality in 3D (since all current 3D Plasma displays have a tough time maintaining consistent Grey shades when they are operating in 3D mode). However, it appears that these advanced features will not be part of the TV’s own user-accessible menus, and will instead require the TV to be interfaced with Spectracal’s CalMan calibration software, via an Ethernet connection, for users to reap the benefits.

Unusually, Spectracal were in attendance at the convention – a surprising move which again demonstrates Panasonic’s new-found commitment to the enthusiast market. Working with Panasonic, Spectracal have developed a new automatic calibration process, which requires absolutely minimal levels of user intervention in order to achieve visually flawless results. As previously noted, the convention is also open to dealers, who we understand are also being shown the “hands-free” calibration process. Will we see box-shifting high street stores begin to offer display calibration to the public, if it is made this easy to provide it as a service? Time will tell.

The entry-level ST30 model, on the other hand, appears to be a re-purposing of last year’s 3D panel technology. Like last year’s S20 Plasma (which, in the UK at least, was a re-purposing of the previous year’s mid-range technology), it doesn’t feature any picture calibration controls, but Panasonic’s own preset picture modes were excellent last year, meaning that this won’t necessarily be an issue. From what we gather, the performance of the ST30 should be comparable to the performance of 2010’s GT20 model, which we reviewed back in October.

Panasonic TX-P42S30

If you’re not sold on 3D, Panasonic still has three ranges of 2D Plasma displays: the entry-level C3, which is an “HD Ready” model, the mid-range S30, and the higher-end G30. The G30 is rated as featuring “Infinite Black” (compared to the 3D-capable GT30’s “Infinite Black Pro”), whereas the S30 does not. Based on our assessments of previous Panasonic Plasmas, we’d imagine this means that the S30 has both a slightly higher minimum luminance level (marginally poorer black level) and also a less capable reflection-killing screen filter, which affects contrast performance in bright rooms.

Based on the questions we put to our readers during the HDTVTest live text coverage of the product unveiling at the convention, we know that there have been many people disappointed with the lack of a 2011 update to the V-Series, indicating that a good number of readers still want a premium 2D-only display. These readers will likely take comfort in knowing that 2011’s G30 Plasma seems to be somewhere inbetween last year’s G20 and V20 in terms of performance. Despite being a 2D-only Plasma, the G30 now features the Short-Stroke Phosphor material, which has previously only been deployed on 3D displays, due to the fact that it helps alleviate 3D crosstalk. For 2D images, the knock-on effect here is reduced phosphor trailing, and generally sharper motion. However, it does appear that as time passes, users wanting a premium Panasonic display will need to buy into 3D, whether they like it or not. With falling prices, however, this hopefully won’t prove too unpopular.

We also spoke with Panasonic’s engineers and raised some of our own concerns, as well as those of our readers. Rest assured, Panasonic are aware of, and listening to the feedback from enthusiast users (the fact that ISF calibration controls were introduced into their 2010 range was prompted by enthusiasts, after the departure of Pioneer from the Plasma TV market). We spoke with their in-house experts about the motion quality produced by the VIERA Plasma displays when replaying 50hz (European TV standard) material, the “fuzzy double images” effect sometimes spotted on newer displays (which we learned is the result of motion-adaptive dithering, a side-effect of attempting to conceal posterization), black level/MLL rising, 3D vertical resolution, 3D Greyscale tracking quality, and video game input lag. Panasonic were less aware of the input lag issue, which is consistent with what we find from other manufacturers, but as always, they welcomed our findings and asked for more information to be sent back to the engineers in Japan.

Panasonic is traditionally known for its Plasma products, but they’re also catering to customers who prefer an LCD display. In fact, this year, Panasonic is introducing its first 3D-capable LED LCD display. Using new IPS Alpha panels produced by the company’s own facility (that is, not bought in from an outside vendor such as LG Display), Panasonic has reduced crosstalk to what it deems to be an acceptable level for its first LCD-based TVs. These are the Viera DT30 and DT35 series, the latter of which is exclusive to Europe. Unfortunately, there’s some bad news, too: according to a company source, the locally-dimmed NeoLCD technology, which was shown in an impressive prototype form two years ago at Panasonic’s 2009 convention in Amsterdam, is no longer being developed due to cost reasons.

All of the newly announced products for 2011 certainly looked impressive, and we look forward to seeing what other improvements Panasonic has made based on feedback. We eagerly await review samples to make their way to us over the coming months.

26 comments

  1. MLL=minimum luminance level
    MLL=maximum luminance level
    MLL=median luminance level and so on,

    black level sounds nicer to me.

  2. Regarding the so called LED! (LCD) – DT 30, – I’m not at all interested in the 3D aspect, but would this set (400 htz. etc.) give a better 2D picture performance than whichever model they say will be their top 2D LCD set?

  3. @Maurali

    Yes, DT30 will ive you a better picture than D30 because it has a better panel with local dimming backlit.

  4. thankyou Zeljko Kerum, so it will be down to how many extra £’s the DT will be over the D ! – decision will depend on the perceived difference once viewed I supposed

  5. Sorry, E30 is next best model after DT30. In Europe DT30 will be a 300 euros more expensive than E30 for 32” an 400 euros for 37”.

    http://www.panasonic.net/avc/viera/eu2011/product/dt_lcd_spec.html
    There is an evidence of Local Dimming in DT30, E-LED Local Dimming Backlight.

    Serie Panasonic NeoPlasma: GT30

    Disponibilità dal mese di Marzo

    * TX-P42GT30E (42″): 1399€
    * TX-P46GT30E (46″): 1599€
    * TX-P50GT30E (50″): 1799€

    Serie Panasonic NeoPlasma: G30

    Disponibilità dal mese di Aprile

    * TX-P42G30E (42″): 899€
    * TX-P46G30E (46″): 1099€
    * TX-P50G30E (50″): 1299€

    Serie Panasonic Plasma: U30

    Disponibilità dal mese di Marzo-Aprile

    * TX-P42U30E (42″): 599€
    * TX-P50U30E (50″): 999€
    Serie Panasonic NeoPlasma: VT30

    Disponibilità dal mese di Aprile

    * TX-P42VT30E (42″): 1699€
    * TX-P50VT30E (50″): 2099€
    * TX-P55VT30E (55″): 2799€
    * TX-P65VT30E (65″): 3999€

    Serie Panasonic Neoplasma: ST30

    Disponibilità dal mese di Marzo

    * TX-P42ST30E (42″): 1099€
    * TX-P46ST30E (46″): 1299€
    * TX-P50ST30E (50″): 1499€

    Serie Panasonic Plasma: S30

    Disponibilità dal mese di Marzo-Aprile

    * TX-P42S30E (42″): 699€

    Serie Panasonic IPS-Alpha LED LCD: DT30

    * TX-L32DT30E (32″): 999€
    * TX-L37DT30E (37″): 1199€

    Serie Panasonic IPS-Alpha LED LCD: E30

    * TX-L32E30E (32″): 699€
    * TX-L37E30E (37″): 799€
    * TX-L42E30E (42″): 899€

    Serie Panasonic IPS-Alpha LED /LED LCD: E3

    * TX-L32E3E (32″): 599€
    * TX-L37E3E (37″): 699€
    * TX-L42E3E (42″): 799€

    Manca il prezzo per i tagli da 19″ e 24″.

    Serie Panasonic IPS-Alpha / WXGA LCD: C3

    * TX-L32C3E (32″): 399€

  6. Thank you for those figures, IF it is safe to apply current conversion rates, that makes the DT30 £850ish and the E30 £600ish, as I said , for me it depends on the 2D performance of each – there will have to be a noticable difference to justify £250!, but thanks anyway.

  7. I think that better moving picture resolutin, better contrast(due to local dimming backlight) and ISFccc are enough to justify price difference.

  8. Panasonic LED-LED are Edge based (as far as I’m aware).

    Only LG has Locally Dimming IPS panel.

  9. They said on Pansonic site that DT30 have a Local Dimming Backlight.
    http://www.panasonic.net/avc/viera/eu2011/product/dt_lcd_spec.html
    Panel IPS-alpha LED LCD Panel (E-LED Local Dimming Backlight)
    If I’m lying Panasonic lies to.

  10. It is Edge-LED with Local Dimming Capability (E-LED), which is significantly inferior to Direct LED with Local Dimming (especially on a IPS panel).

    Panasonic have abandoned IPS-Pro panel with Locally Dimming Direct-LED (D-LED) known as NeoLCD due to excessive cost.

    So ATM, only Sony with Sharp panel and LG have Locally Dimming Direct-LED.

  11. What are advantages Local Dimming Direct-LED to Local Dimming Edge-LED?

    Was a LG LE8500 Local Dimming Edge-LED(IOP)?

  12. Local Dimming Direct-LED has much greater zones (128 to 512) resulting in prise dimming of a small area. Therefore, it can render complex dark scenes while maintaining very deep blacks. Also, since the LED array is located behind the screen, backlight scanning can be effectively implemented to increase motion resolution.

    Local Dimming Edge-LED has very limited number of zones (usually 8 to 16). So it can’t render complex dark scenes with deep blacks, but it is better than standard (Globally Dimming) Edge-LED. Also, since the LEDs are mounted on the edge, backlight scanning cannot be efficiently implemented.

    The LG LE8500 features Local Dimming Direct-LED. The number of zones is governed by the size.

    The LG5900 (Reviewed by David) features Local Dimming Edge-LED.

    http://techielobang.com/blog/2010/09/11/lg-roadmap-and-lex8-nano-full-led-technology-explained-video-within/

  13. I was under the impression that the ST30 will have the same neo plasma panel as the GT30, even the same filter. The only different is supposed to b THX and some calibration controls.

    Is it possible that blacks will be the same on the ST and GT sets?

    I thought Panasonic was using two panel designs this year: one for the 2D only plasmas and one for the 3D plasmas. At least that’s what it seems like in the US- I don’t know if the G30 is a neo plasma, as well.

    The VT30 has a better filter, so perhaps that will allow the top of the range to have deeper blacks.

  14. @ Nielo TM

    the Philips 9000 series (PFL9705 in the 2010 range) also has locally dimmed direct LED backlighting. As far as I can recall I’ve never seen a Philips reviewed on this site though for some reason?

    Disappointed there’s no V30 series, I’d held off buying a P42V20 to see what the 2011 range would include. Going by the G/GT figures above, for a 42″ model the price difference for including 3D tech is €500, so roughly speaking a difference of £400. I guess I’ll have to wait and see how the G30 performs, I’d have paid for a V30 at the £1200 mark but have zero interest in 3D – looks like the VT30 is going to retail for around the £1500 mark and the G30 will likely be available for £750-£800 (the V20 can currently be had for £789).

    Boo to you Panasonic! Someone really needs to tell them that some people want a premium screen without the gimmicky 3D stuff. Although at least they’ve improved the styling.

  15. Yes, Philips uses the Sharp panel similar to Sony.

    There’s no need for V30 as G30 has taken its place as the top-end 2D model. Also, the G30 has the fast-phosphor identical to the 3D models.

    TBH I don’t see what the problem is. Panasonic has an excellent line-up and their 3DTVs also produce the best 2D image. And Panasonic isn’t charging extra for 3D.

    PS: I personally don’t believe the current 3D is a gimmick as it has great potential (especially in the gaming sector). But it will take time for it to be properly implemented. But thankfully 3D had a profound knock-on effect on 2D.

  16. I just hope that knock-on effect doesn’t include input lag, like it has for the GT20 and smaller VT20s.

  17. I’m actually worried about the new processors. They may add more lag.

  18. Regarding UK prices of above sets, I note Gavin M understandably says €500 will be £400, but after the post from Zeljko Kerum giving € prices I called in a local panasonic dealer to check the expected UK price of 32″lcd DT30 (€999) only to be told the RRP would be £999 – ie £1 = €1 as far as panansonic is concerned! Is this an established fact? do we pay more for the same set in the uk?

  19. @ Nielo TM

    I see what you’re saying about the G30 vs V30, sounds like the G30 will be a step up from the V20, but don’t quite see what you mean about Panasonic not charging for 3D. From the post above listing the price for the 42GT30 is €1399 vs €899 for the 42G30 – what other improvements & features does the GT30 have over the G30 other than 3D to justify the €500 price difference? I’m not a TV tech insider so I’m all for finding out why the price difference! I guess I’ll have to hit the Panasonic site and compare all the specs of the GT30 vs the G30…because if not 3D there must be quite a few differences for the extra money.

    Clearly as the article aboves says though – a lot of this site’s readers are disappointed at the lack of a V30, so it’s not just me!

    When I called 3D gimmicky I didn’t mean the tech itself, just that not everybody wants 3D. If it drives improvements in other areas and isn’t too expensive then it’s all good – obviously prices will drop pretty quickly as the tech evolves. I personally find 3D movies less immersive because I’m looking out for ‘clever’ effects instead of following the story – but that’s just an individual thing, everyone has different requirements.

    We’ll just have to wait and see what kind of prices the etailers are doing when these sets are released, hopefully there will be some good deals. :o)

  20. Very True

    GT30 has different (more advanced) panel but we’ll have too see how those improvements impact 2D performance. But if we compare the current line-up with Panasonic’s previous offerings, they are in-line (more or less).

    I am glad to see companies such as Samsung, Panasonic etc. aren’t charging premium for 3D. Last year we saw 3D exclusively on high-end and this year, it will be featured on mid-range models. Next year, low-end sets will get the 3D treatment just in time for the 2012 Olympics. So expect jaw-dropping deals in spring/summer 2012.

  21. Watching the discus or javelin in 3D could be a little bit scary! ;-)

    It’ll be interesting to see what prices are like at release. I guess until that happens and there are some reviews, we don’t know what they’ll be like!

  22. LOL yes.

    And we will do everything in our power to obtain samples to be reviewed ASAP.

  23. Dont think much of the new styling from what i’ve seen so far – I actually like the 2010 Panny’s style.

  24. Interesting article about 3D and why it won’t work: http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/01/post_4.html

    I almost fully agree with it.

  25. On the other hand, what about the 50hz “bug”? They are aware but do we know if it will be corrected in these year plasmas?
    Also, having just heard of it, for those who have actually experienced it, how annoying really is this issue?

  26. Why is never mention TIME RESPONSE ?????????
    WHY IS HIDDING ???????