At the ExCel International Convention Centre (ICC) in London this afternoon, Panasonic showcased their new range of Viera HDTVs for the year ahead. Understandably its top-of-the-line VT30 series of 3D plasma TV – the first from the Japanese corporation to be 3D THX-certified – hogged most of the limelight, but there have been some improvements made to step-down models too. Here we highlight some of the new innovations spotted on Panasonic’s 2011 HDTV models at its annual convention today.
3D CMS (Colour Management System)
The term “3D CMS” has nothing to do with the extra-dimensional display technology TV manufacturers are counting on to drive HDTV sales, but refers to an array of picture-affecting controls on a television set that allows all three colour parameters of hue, saturation and intensity/ luminance/ brightness to be adjusted separately. Last year’s Viera TVs only offered control over hue and saturation, so imagine our delight when we found out that Panasonic has added [R-Luminance], [G-Luminance] and [B-Luminance] in the [Colour Management] submenu on selected 2011 sets:
The high-end models including the VT30 should be equipped with this calibration feature, in theory allowing near-perfect colours to be achieved on these Viera flat-panel TVs. However, whether or not Panasonic’s implementation permits truly independent calibration of the three colour values will only be known when we get our hands on a review sample.
Design
“Functional” is usually the word that springs to mind when describing the styling of Panasonic HDTVs in the past, but the company seems certain to shed this reputation with its latest offerings.
Single-sheet-of-glass design that gives a frameless appearance, slimmer chassis, rounded corners and brushed metallic edges are but some of the characteristics which bring Panasonic closer to its competitors (especially those from Korea) in aesthetics term.
Remote Control
The remote control (at least on higher-end 2011 models) has received a cosmetic update as well, although we’re not sure if this is a good thing. The glossy buttons and chrome number keys look classy especially when contrasted against the matt front surface, but they attract too many fingerprints for our liking.
3D Vertical Resolution
Last year, we discovered that Panasonic’s 3D TV displays that are smaller than 50 inches in screen size are not capable of displaying all 1080 vertical lines of the full HD resolution in 3D mode. The good news is that this issue has been resolved on all the new 2011 3DTV models except the entry-level ST30 range (which still uses last year’s technology), according to a reputable Panasonic source at the event. We will verify this information ourselves when we get the chance.
Looks like this could become the most successful range for Panasonic yet, though plenty more 2011 3D TV line ups to get released by other manufacturers.
This remote looks MUCH better than the last year model…
Panasonic has finally decided to make attractive tvs….. Picture quality is by far the most important thing, but design also has its place and this year their range of plasmas looks pretty nice (classier than the Samsungs).
Vincent/David, when do you think you’ll have a review sample (VT30)? In a couple of months I guess, but what’s your guesstimate?
@ Alexander: And it’s backlit with red LEDs
@ 3DTVGuide: Most definitely. Panasonic have listed and implemented functions and features based on feedback. I was very impressed (and so was David).
Film Cadence Detection is in there too now!
David,
Do you have any news also about PAL Cadence detection? I think it is more important during watch of DVB-T/C/S?
We’ll know if 2:2 detection for movies on PAL TV works when we test the new models. Fingers crossed!
David / Vincent,
Did you see the G30 in action? Any idea how the G30 will compare with the V20 of last year? In other words: what will be the score for this years Infinite Black 2 panel (G30) vs. last years Infinite Black PRO panel (V20)?
Does the G30 come included with the 3D CMS?
No Pokeman, the G30 doesn’t come included with the 3D CMS, but the 3D CMS comes included with the G30! ;)
@Dude: Oops, shuffled a few words… :)
The G30 does indeed has 3D CMS and it seems to have better anti-reflective filter.
Hopefully we get a sample to review when released.
David,
Do they add 10point greyscale as well? It was mentioned that it was possible as the literature for the US versions seemed to indicate it.
hello there, i work for dixons retail and was lucky enough to go to the show yesterday afternoon, ino this is off topic but i thought i would just mention the new bluray players that open using a touch free sensor. This is obviously quite gimmick and in a conventional home set up it would probably never be used but such a brilliant idea and a great selling point 4 people like me. Also just reading the comments the g30 will be the top of the range 2d model from panasonic but they will introducing a new gt30 which will be 3d, this will be replacing the gt20 from last year.
@ ollie: I couldn’t get the 4th player from the left to open LOL. I guess it didn’t like me.
G30 is indeed the high-end 2D mode and it features the fast phosphor coating found on the 3D models, which means motion is improved and phosphor lag is reduced (good news for people like me).
we believe the G30 will be a massive hit with the masses. The fact that it has the look of “LED-LCD” is a another major selling point.
@ Venkatesh: The majority of 2011 models do feature grayscale and the very-high-end also feature 10p gamma.
@Venkatesh:
my understanding is that Greyscale (and Gamma?) can be controlled on a 10-point basis, but only by Calman calibration software – not by the user in a menu. I’d like to be proven wrong though. We’ll see in the next few months.