Consumer Reports just announced results of a recent study, stating that plasma is currently the best technology for 3D TV, besting both LCD and LED flat panels. Talk about perfect timing; Panasonic just started shipping its 50-inch TC-P50GT25 1080p plasma 3D-ready HDTV.
The TC-P50GT25 was first announced back in summer's sweatiest months. The big hook is the 3D, but also that it's pretty affordable 3D. And because it's a plasma, with deep blacks, excellent motion resolution and deep color saturation, it makes a fine 2D TV as well. The TC-P50GT25 has an MSRP of $2,099.95, but, because it's being sold online by authorized Panasonic dealers, you can actually score one for a few hundred less.
Panasonic has modeled the GT25 series after the G25 series. That extra "T" designate's the set's Three-Dimensional capability, which enables full HD 3D playback of Blu-ray 3Ds as well as supporting 3D channels from DIRECTV, FIOS and other providers. The GT25 series has that full 1080p image, with 24p (24 frames per second) support to keep things nice and stable, as well as Deep Color and x.v.Color features.
Also like the G25 models, the TC-P50GT25 is a THX-certified display. This is certainly a feature that could put this HDTV at the top of your "gimme" list. That thumbs-up from THX means that this model has gone through a variety of THX tests, to determine that this TV can produce images as the filmmaker intended. It even includes a THX picture mode which brings the set awfully close to a professionally calibrated image, without having to hire a calibrator.
Like all of Panasonic's current HDTV models, this one includes access to VIERA Cast, Panasonic's online content platform. This is another source of entertainment, which is accessible via your remote control. Panasonic's current VIERA Cast partners include Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Twitter, Pandora, YouTube, Fox Sports, Picasa and Bloomberg. Some of those services do require that you have an account and/or pay monthly service fees. However, it's a nice little perk, especially if you already take part in some of the services, such as music from Pandora or movies via Netflix.
To tap into VIERA Cast features, you will need some type of network connection. The TC-P50GT25 has a LAN port for hardwired connections. If you want to go wireless, you'll need to purchase the optional WiFi adapter. While you have your wallet out, you may want to buy the TY-CC10 Skype-enabled video camera. This allows you to use your massive HDTV to make video calls to other Skype users around the world right from your living room.
Of course, the major difference between the GT25 and G25 is the 3D. To take advantage of the 3D, you will need to spring for Panasonic's active-shutter glasses, which have an MSRP of $149.95 per pair. You'll also need a 3D source, such as Panasonic's own Blu-ray 3D player, the DMP-BDT100. Speaking of which, Panasonic offers a 3D starter kit, which comes with two pairs of active shutter glasses, as well as Blu-ray 3D versions of Coraline and Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs 3D. The MSRP on the kit is $349.99, although Amazon currently has it for less. Purchasers of the GT25 will also be eligible to receive a free copy of the highly anticipated Blu-ray 3D version of James Cameron's epic Avatar, which will be an exclusive bonus for Panasonic 3D TV owners for the foreseeable future.
Online Panasonic retailers such as Amazon are kicking off the GT25's availability with a bundle that containts everything you need to get started with Full HD 3D TV. For a limited time, buyers of the TC-P50GT25 will get the TV at a discounted price, with free shipping, a free BDT100 Blu-ray 3D player, and the 3D Starter Kit complete with two movies and two pairs of 3D glasses. Buyers are also be eligible to receive the Avatar Blu-ray 3D Disc via a mail-in rebate, beginning on 12/1. Details of the offer are described here:
When the bundle offer expires, if you're not ready to buy the kit or a Blu-ray 3D player, you could try out Panasonic's real-time 2D to 3D conversion option, but this really doesn't compare in quality to viewing native 3D content.
A few of this HDTV's other features often get blown over, because they are a standard on many of Panasonic's sets. That said, they are still worth a mention here. One is the VIERA Image Viewer. Using the SD card slot on the side of the TV, this feature allows you to view photos and HD videos on your big screen. However, it does go one step beyond, adding in options for five different display effects, as well as background music.
Another VIERA perk is VIERA Link, which allows users to control multiple A/V devices through one VIERA remote control. That way, if you have a VIERA Blu-ray player, home theater system, iPod kit, camera or other compatible product, you can control everything from one remote. This is based on the HDMI-CEC standard so it is compatible with other brands' components, but there are some proprietary extensions that make it work particularly well with other Panasonic components.
Aside from that SD card slot and the aforementioned LAN port, the TC-P50GT25 also features two USB ports, two inputs for composite video and two for component (with audio for each), a PC input, and three HDMI inputs. In short, it's a flexible, high performance TV with 3D capabilities available for a fairly affordable price.
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