Panasonic officially unveiled its plasma 3D TVs in the UK this week, choosing London's historic Air Studios to showcase the technology.
Speaking at the event, Keith Evans, Managing Director of Panasonic UK, explained how much the company was behind 3D in the home.
"In this industry, we get used to innovation. But sometimes new technology comes along which is epoch making – Full HD 3D is it."
Once again, Panasonic re-iterated why the company is best prepared for 3D, with Evans explaining: "We are the only brand that has expertise to be required for every part of the 3D chain.
"In terms of 3D we got the first award for any TV in the world at this year's CES. Not only was it the best 3D product, it was voted best product over all."
This view was backed up by Fabrice Estornel, Plasma Manufacturer for Panasonic:
"We truly believe that 3D is the natural step in the TV evolution.
"Not only is the VT20 series the best 3D TV you can buy in the market, it also the best 2D TV you can buy."
To promote the VT20 series and the company's 3D Blu-ray player, the BDT300, Panasonic has lined up a number of 3D Blu-rays which will only be available to those who have purchased a Panasonic 3D TV. These are: Ice Age 3 (exclusive until March 2011) and Coraline (September 2010).
This is a similar road most of the main 3D manufacturers are taking, with Samsung having exclusive rights to Monsters Vs Aliens and Sony nabbing Cloudy, With a Chance Of Meatballs.
To demonstrate its 3D production facility, Panasonic used Air Studios recording space to film singer/songwriter Paul Carrick in 3D live and pipe back the footage to the company's 103-inch 3D Ready plasma.
The demonstration wasn't without its faults. We were told that this was because the 3D cameras were set up on short notice and were not synched 100 per cent with the glasses. This caused some doubling in the images and some unnecessary shadowing. When we saw the same live feed on the plasmas which will be entering the market, this was thankfully significantly reduced.
It is in the live arena that 3D is set to explode. This weekend will see the launch of Sky 3D in pubs, with over 1,000 pubs kitted out with LG televisions.
These will showing the Premiership match between Manchester United and Chelsea in 3D.
Sky's Brian Lenz was also at the Panasonic event, explaining the importance of 3D to the broadcaster and that "it's important that there are TVs in the market compatible with its feed".
He also mentioned that its 3D channel is now live (channel 217), even though it is just showing a logo at the moment.
The channel will broadcast the Premiership clash in 3D to homes some time next week.
It seems that the scene is set for 3D to kick-off in the home. Panasonic will be hoping that the UK has the same sort of thirst for 3D as the US does, where it's plasma TVs sold out in their first week on sale.
Bob Johnston, who is a 3D content producer, isn't worried as he is confident that enough time has been spent making sure the technology is going to be a success.
"The trials and tribulations of generating 3D content have been going on for the last three-and-a-half years, now we can finally see it happening.
"And it's happening everywhere. Korea, Japan, Canada, Rio, Bejing, Paris, Mexico City, Germany – [like the UK these] there are now 3D broadcasting strategies in place.
"3D is coming and we are trying to make the content come as fast as possible."
Panasonic's VT20 series has a UK release date of late April (50 inch) and July (65 inch).
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Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
rimscar
April 1st 2010
3. Scary stuff! Hopefully you are correct when you say it will be bundles and not formats, the other option would really please consumers...
You can imagine the scene in a few years time when on forums people are asking:
"I wonder which manufacturer will be the first to release a single box solution that plays freesat hd, freeview hd, multiregion dvd/blu-ray, multi 3D format....."
I guess Amazon et al will have to get very, very specific when it comes to tech specs soon.
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ripsnorter
April 1st 2010
2. @ rimscar
I think it's more a case of film studios granting particular 3D films to certain manufacturers to be released bundled with TVs and/or 3D players for a limited period. CLOUDY WITH MEATBALLS was made by Sony so it's no surprise they're keeping that one for themselves. I believe Panasonic already has some deal in place with regard to AVATAR.
But having seen CLASH OF THE TITANS, at an official screening, I'm more convinced than ever 3D is a gimmick. After the first Ooh-Ahh effect it cannot overcome deficits such as poor script, bad camerawork, weak acting, shaky direction and so on.
Anyone remember the last best new thing; colourisation?
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rimscar
April 1st 2010
1. "Panasonic has lined up a number of 3D Blu-rays which will only be available to those who have purchased a Panasonic 3D TV"
Hang on, did i read that right? 3D films are going to be specific to certain 3D players?
They are joking surely? So we will have region coding AND exclusive content?
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