Panasonic promises no cross-talk for new 3D TVs
Also gets 3D THX certification
Panasonic has unveiled its 2011 line-up of televisions, which all feature faster panels to cut out cross-talk.
A big problem with many 3D sets, cross-talk is where one eye sees the image meant for the other eye, creating a ghosting effect. The way around this is to create faster panels that can switch between images quicker.
While the previous generation of Plasma 3D TVs, such as the excellent Viera TX-P50VT20B, hardly suffered from cross-talk, Panasonic is promising that the new screens are even quicker.
This is thanks to the NeoPlasma panel, which has a 600Hz sub-field drive, Infinite Black Pro filters for even deeper blacks, and a new fast-switching phosphor that reduces crosstalk. In demonstrations it certainly had a better image than competing LCD models.
At the top of the range is the VT30 series (65in, 55in, 50in and 42in). These are the first TVs to be THX certified for 3D. They can also be automatically ISFccc calibrated by a connected laptop running the correct software. In theory, this should mean that a dealer can offer to sell you the TV correctly colour calibrated without having to get a professional around to do it.
Next is the GT30 series (50in, 46in, and 42in), which has THX certification for 2D and 3D display. It too can be ISFccc colour calibrated, although this has to be done manually. Finally, the ST30 (50in, 42in and 30in) is the entry-level model. Aside from the VT30 series, the other two ranges are also available in the G30 and S30 models, which are basically the same only without 3D.
For LCD, cross-talk is a bigger issue. Panasonic thinks that it has solved this with its new IPS Alpha Panel Technology. These have a response time of just 2ms, making them faster to respond than regular sets. The panels are all 400Hz with Backlight Scanning, which means that they’re 200Hz panels and get to 400Hz by scanning the backlight on and off behind the picture.
The DT30 series will be the first to have this technology. In side-by-side comparisons with a Sony TV, Panasonic’s IPS Alpha TVs were streets ahead; against a Samsung TV, the differences were harder to spot and we’ll pass final judgement when we can get a review sample in.
The majority of TVs on display will come with the new Viera Connect online portal and app store. These TVs will also be able to be controlled via an iPhone and iPad app, although the version we saw wasn’t quite finished.
There was a whole host of other 2D TVs on display, too, including a few interesting models with a built-in iPod dock. We’re eager to get as many in for a review as possible and will bring you those as soon as samples are available.
