Panasonic Unveils THX-Certified TX-P42VT30B & TX-P50VT30B 3D Plasma TV

Panasonic TX-P42VT30B

Japanese TV manufacturer Panasonic has launched its 2011 range of Viera HDTV displays at its annual convention held in London today. Sitting at the top of the crop, and boasting 3D THX certification is the company’s VT30 series of 3D plasma televisions, which is available in screen sizes of 42, 50, 55 and 65 inches. The Panasonic TX-P42VT30B and TX-P50VT30B are expected to be the most popular models – in its opening presentation a company executive revealed that half of the flat-panel HDTVs it sells in Europe are 42″ and 50″.

Screen Size UK Model Number European Model Number
42-inch Panasonic TX-P42VT30 or TX-P42VT30B Panasonic TX-P42VT30E
50-inch Panasonic TX-P50VT30 or TX-P50VT30B Panasonic TX-P50VT30E
55-inch Panasonic TX-P55VT30 or TX-P55VT30B Panasonic TX-P55VT30E
65-inch Panasonic TX-P65VT30 or TX-P65VT30B Panasonic TX-P65VT30E

This year, Panasonic’s NeoPDP moniker has been replaced by “NeoPlasma”, heralding the deployment of newly developed fast-switching phosphors in the company’s plasma panels. The Panasonic VT30 NeoPlasma models will feature 600Hz subfield drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro MCFI (motion-compensated frame interpolation) technology, plus Infinite Black Pro and High Contrast Filter Pro which together deliver deeper blacks and high contrast ratios even in brighter rooms.

There is no sign of the Osaka-headquartered conglomerate shying away from 3D technology anytime soon. The Panasonic VT30 is of course 3D-capable, and is the first flat-screen HDTV range from Panasonic to be both 2D and 3D THX-certified. The company claims that its flagship 3D TV model will offer the most satisfying three-dimensional viewing experience, owing to a combination of minimal crosstalk (made possible by 600Hz motion, fast 0.001ms response time, and the new plasma phosphors) and active-shutter 3D technology (which allows for full HD resolution in 3D mode). Two pairs of active-shutter 3D glasses are included with each VT30 model purchased.

Aesthetically, the Panasonic TX-P42VT30B, TX-P50VT30B, TX-P55VT30B and TX-P65VT30B are no slouches either: all four 3D plasma TV sets boast a super-slim and one-sheet-of-glass design. Other features include the company’s new Viera Connect internet-enabled service providing access to interactive online content such as Facebook and Skype, wifi connectivity (each VT30 ships with a USB wireless dongle), and USB-to-HDD as well as SD card recording.

The VT30 is scheduled to hit UK shops in May and June this year, starting with the 42-inch Panasonic TX-P42VT30B. We will provide an update on the prices as soon as we get them from company officials.

15 comments

  1. damn…..no 46″ screen….42″ is too small for me and 50″ just too big to fit in my gap in the room……no new plasma for me then

  2. Agree with comment above. I am wanting a 46″ plasma as well. Have had the Panasonix 42px80B (think this is the correct model off the top of my head) for the last 3 years and want to upgrade as well as have a bigger screen six.

    46″ wiould be perfect but 50 just to big. Shame that

  3. Good…Good… (Evil laughter!)

  4. Hi,
    Have you seen the prices at flatpanels web site?
    The 50vt30 model 2750€ :(
    Is that possible? It doubles the american price.

    Best,
    O.

  5. Ogimme, the P50VT20 is around £1800 (€2100) considering the new models are only 4 months or so away so it wouldn’t surprise me too much if the launch price was around that mark. There’ll be a reduction in the months after that though. I mean my TX-P42G20 was £1100 at launch and I bought mine for £520 in November (6 months after launch) with a five year guarantee. Just a part of the market trying to get the most out of early adopters

  6. @ Rob Baker:

    The P50VT20 is alot cheaper. You can get it for 1530€ (1288£) here:
    http://www.discountonline.be/txp50vt20-tx-p50vt20-full-hd-600hz-3d-plasma-tv-50-p-13732.html

  7. @PearlChoco,
    Same price in Spain.

    @ Rob Baker
    Yes, you are right but much more expensive than 2010 models launch price (look at 42ST30), is that a clever marketing decision ?
    Perhaps euro-yen conversion has something to do….
    best
    O.

  8. @PearlChoco Very good point but was that a launch price though?

    @Ogimme Yeah the launch prices are higher than their 2010 counter parts, but with the introduction of the ST series, it’s probably made the VT line an even higher end – especially when you factor in new gimmicks such as “automatic isf calibration”/

    But both of you are right. In the UK we normally get ripped more than others for launch prices anyway

  9. i have it on good authority that Panasonic have sold off all VT20 stock at big discount to Large independents. so whats the hold-up, Panasonic will loose out to other Manufactures if people have to wait till May/June they will go elsewere

  10. is the VT30 REALLY that much better than the VT20 that it’s worth waiting (a) for it to come out, and (b) for the mth price drop ? VT20 (with 3D bluray surround sound package) now £1700 – ??

  11. I went to the gadget show to buy a Samsung TV but was so impressed with the TX55-VT30 that I bought it along with the matching bluray player, hinged wall mount and 4 pairs of glasses, cost £4000, money well spent. this crucifies the VT20, any cheap skate who wants to save himself a few quid by buying last years models will forever be chasing rainbows! No doubt you will see how good the VT30 is and decide to wait until next years model to get this one cheaper. grow some and buy the VT30!!

  12. If you check the dimensions I bet there would not be a great difference between the older 46 inch and new 50, have a look you might be surprised.

  13. Adam from Stafford

    Had a TX-P50VT30B On order since 12/04/2011 and today 31st May 2011 still no TV, Panasonic have given 3 delivery dates and each time the TV does not turn up !!. Customer service emails take over 1 week to reply and i dont want to call the premium rate number for hours i think £2200 pounds is enough to spend. Looking back i would not have purchased this TV as other manufacturers are perhaps better at customer expectations.

  14. As an owner of the 50″ VT20 I can say that they are amazing, lucky enough the store is changing it due to it arriving with a dent on the back of the set and they are offering me a straight exchange for the new VT30, my VT20 is scheduled for collection this week and my new set should arrive soon after.

    @proflactic – There is no need to be like that at all. Not everyone can afford £4000 for a TV when the last years model goes just over 1/4 of that price. FYI… If you really spent £4000 on the 55″ VT30 and with four pairs of glasses along with a BD player then… well you have really been ripped off!! You get two in the box, each additional one is £85, a high-end Panasonic BD player retails at £499 and the 55″ VT30 at just £2700, everything should have cost no more than £3000…. “Grow some….” use Google Shopping :-)

  15. Down to £1049 in Argos already.

    Imagine how much of a sucker you would feel if you had splashed out £4000 for this a bluray player and an extra couple of pair of 3D glasses just three months ago? :D

    http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4980920/Trail/searchtext%3ETX-P55VT30B.htm