The Panasonic Full HD 3D Home Theater System was on display at CES 2010.  In the video below, you can see a Panasonic rep giving a rundown of the features and capabilities of the Panasonic plasma 3D TV and accompanying components.  He explains a little of the basics about how 3D TVs work, and has a couple of asides where he takes a jab or two at other manufacturers by asserting that Panasonic’s TVs are better.  They are.

A couple of other highlights include a Panasonic 3D channel on DirecTV, which I got a chance to see first hand at CES 2010 via a live satellite feed from DirecTV, as well as 3D Blu-rays with the menus themselves that are actually in 3D.

I can say with confidence that the Panasonic plasma TVs are unmatched in the 3D picture quality they provide.  None of the other manufacturers have shown anything that rivals Panasonic yet.  If you are  first-gen 3D TV buyer, you would do well to go with a Panasonic plasma 3D TV over other brands.

At CES 2010, Panasonic introduced its new lineup of Full HD 3D plasma TVs for the coming year, along with all the 2D plasma sets. The Panasonic Full HD 3D series range in size from 50″ to 65″ which is good because 3D needs a big screen.

The Full HD 3D Viera TVs feature 4 HDMI ports, a full 1080p signal for each eye and a 100,000 hour expected life span.  Each Full HD 3D set will come packaged with one pair of active shutter 3D glasses, with additional pairs available for purchase separately.

More details in the press release below.

Panasonic Press Release

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2010) – Panasonic Corporation of North America (NYSE:PC), the industry and technology leader in High Definition Plasma televisions, introduced its 2010 line of VIERA® Plasma HDTVs at the Consumer Electronics Show, including the premiere of Full HD 3D1 television for the home environment. Building upon the award winning 2009 line of Plasma HDTVs, Panasonic showcased expanded internet functionality via the proprietary VIERA CAST IPTV functionality and NeoPDP technologies resulting in improved picture quality. Adhering to Panasonic’s commitment to the environment, all 2010 models have improved power consumption and meet the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements. The 2010 VIERA line of Plasma HDTVs now achieve four times luminous efficiency. The 2010 VIERA line also features VIERA Link™ for increased networking and VIERA Image Viewer™ to allow for watching digital still and HD video on the Plasma screen.

Year after year, Panasonic has been dedicated to bringing new picture improving technologies to HDTVs and the 2010 line-up continues that trend. The educated consumer now demands blacker blacks, faster response time and the billions of colors that Panasonic Plasmas deliver. Panasonic has been recognized for having the deepest blacks in the industry and the 2010 class takes that a step further by creating new NeoPDP technologies providing a new infinite black filter with a higher efficiency panel that generates the best balance of black and white under brighter environments. The new panel named “infinite black” further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. In addition, a new panel structure and pre-discharge control technology contribute to realize an increased native infinite contrast level. Panasonic also continues its relationship with THX® Ltd., with 10 VIERA HDTV models achieving THX certification by the prestigious company founded by filmmaker George Lucas.

Panasonic’s company wide commitment to sustainability and producing products that are ecologically sound is evidenced in the 100,000 hour life span of the Plasma HDTVs and the lack of lead or mercury in the panels. Improved power efficiency has been addressed with, among other technology advances, new and improved phosphor mixtures and more efficient electronics.

“When all is said and done, the consumer is most interested in great picture quality,” said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “There is no doubt that Panasonic Plasma HDTVs deliver tremendous picture quality. Our pledge to excellence and value have been affirmed by the critical acclaim our TVs have received from both the consumer and trade media, not to mention that Panasonic has been the market leader for the majority of the last three years. Panasonic continues to improve its technology, while providing such entertainment enhancements as an IPTV functionality, VIERA CAST and the VIERA Image Viewer that allows the consumer to view pictures on a large screen. Panasonic is totally committed to the success and growth of Plasma.

“And with our introduction of Full HD 3D in screen sizes ranging from 50 inches to 65 inches, Panasonic is bringing the last frontier of television into the home. We’ve gone from black & white to color to digital to high definition. Now with 3D, Panasonic is making television more realistic. 3D has proven quite successful in its theatrical form and we are confident that will successfully translate into the consumer electronics arena,” added Perry.

Panasonic’s proprietary IPTV functionality, VIERA CAST enhances the user experience by adding USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory. In addition to the continuation of such favorite entertainment sites as Amazon Video On Demand™. Google’s YouTube™, Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg and weather service; the 2010 VIERA CAST provides access to such targeted sites as Netflix™, Skype™3, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. With ease of use as a major focus, VIERA CAST’s interface implements quick keyword input (like a cell phone) to help retrieve favorite content faster and easier. Panasonic HDTVs employ VIERA Link – a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link compatible A/V components using only the TV’s remote control and helpful on-screen menus. In addition to operating a VIERA HDTV, video source (Blu-ray and DVD player) and home theater receiver; VIERA Link permits operation of a network camera, ideal for monitoring of a home/nursery. A VIERA Link capable Network Camera can be connected to select VIERA HDTVs and controlled via VIERA Link remote. Users can then watch their child, pet and/or property by installing the camera and networking to the VIERA HDTV via Ethernet cable.

As in 2009, all Panasonic VIERA HDTVs feature VIERA Image Viewer, a function for easy viewing of digital still photos and in some models, the ability to play back AVCHD video recorded on SD card.

For 2010, VIERA Plasma HDTVs are rated, as in 2009, to have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. This is more than 30 years of viewing when watched for 8 hours a day, before the TV reaches half brightness. To further improve picture quality, VIERA HDTVs feature some breakthrough consumer innovations like 600Hz Sub-field Drive and Infinite Black with improved contrast ratios. The prestigious THX certification is further proof of Panasonic’s dedication to producing the highest quality viewing experience possible. THX works closely with Panasonic from initial product design phase to the final product rollout in the market. THX certification ensures that each display can present all HD and standard definition content to the maximum resolution with clean signal processing and accurate color, contrast and luminance levels. All THX Certified VIERA HDTVs also feature THX Movie Mode, a picture setting that recreates vivid studio colors, deep blacks and detailed images right out of the box.

PANASONIC 2010 VIERA PLASMA HDTVS

Full HD 3D

Panasonic’s initial Full HD 3D televisions will ship in the Spring of 2010 with five models in the VT25 series. Panasonic’s Full HD 3D televisions provide full 1080p resolution to both the right and left eye, thereby giving the viewer the ultimate 3D entertainment experience.

The VT25 series includes four screen sizes ranging from 50-inches to 65-inches – the TC-P65VT25 class (64.8” measured diagonally), the TC-P58VT25 class (58” measured diagonally), the TC-P54VT25 class (54” measured diagonally) and the TC-P50VT25 class (49.9” measured diagonally). One pair of 3D Eyewear is included. In addition to providing 3D viewing, the VT25 series of VIERA HDTVs features the enhanced VIERA CAST service with Wireless LAN Adaptor ready on its USB port, video call capability2, VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG digital still images and HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; VIERA Link, a PC input, two USB Ports, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, 24p cinematic playback, 600Hz Sub-field Drive (produces 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution), Infinite Black Pro display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast, four HDMI connections a RS232C connection and ISFccc capability. In addition these TVs feature new phosphor science that allows the TV to switch quicker, providing a smooth 3D image. As with all the Panasonic Plasma HDTVs, the Full HD 3D models have a panel life of up to 100,000 hours and are mercury and lead free.

G25 Series

The VIERA G25 series includes the TC-P54G25, a 54-inch class HDTV (54” measured diagonally), the TC-P50G25, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9” measured diagonally), the TC-P46G25, a 46-inch class HDTV (46” measured diagonally) and the TC-P42G25, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6” measured diagonally). The G25 series features improved VIERA CAST functionality, video call capability2, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still JPEG images and AVCHD videos recorded on an SD Memory Card and VIERA Link for improved networking. In addition to allowing the user to utilize all VIERA Link capable components with a single remote, the G25 line features a PC input and two USB ports, allowing for Wireless LAN Adaptor connectivity and the addition of a keyboard. The NeoPDP design of the G25 series provides 1080p resolution, Infinite Black display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast ratio, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and like all Panasonic 2010 VIERA HDTVs, contains no lead or mercury and has a long panel life – up to 100,000 hours before achieving half brightness.

G20 Series

The VIERA G20 series includes the TC-P54G20, a 54-inch class HDTV (54” measured diagonally) and the TC-P50G20, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9” measured diagonally). Like the G25, the G20 series features improved VIERA CAST functionality, video call capability2, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, and VIERA Image Viewer for playing back digital still JPEG images and AVCHD videos recorded on an SD Memory Card and VIERA Link for improved networking. In addition to allowing the user to utilize all VIERA Link capable components with a single remote, the G20 HDTVs feature a PC input and two USB ports, allowing for Wireless LAN Adaptor connectivity and the addition of a keyboard. The NeoPDP design of the G20 series provides 1080p resolution, Infinite Black display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and like all Panasonic 2010 VIERA HDTVs, contains no lead or mercury and has a long panel life – up to 100,000 hours before achieving half brightness.

S2 Series

The VIERA S2 series introduces two larger screen sizes to the Panasonic family of Plasma HDTVs, a 58-inch class model (58” measured diagonally) – TC-P58S2 and a 65-inch class model (64.8” measured diagonally) -TC-P65S2. The S2 series is completed with the introduction of four additional screen sizes – the TC-P54S2, a 54-inch class HDTV (54” measured diagonally), TC-P50S2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9” measured diagonally), TC-P46S2, a 46-inch class HDTV (46” measured diagonally) and the TC-P42S2, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6” measured diagonally). Key features of the S2 series include 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, which eliminate traditional HDTV motion blur. The S2 series also includes VIERA Link and the VIERA Image Viewer. Other features include 1080p Full HD resolution, 2,000,000:1 native contrast, 600Hz Sub-field Drive and an anti-reflective filter. The S2 series contains no lead or mercury in the panel and the TVs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. The S2 series feature Clean Touch bezel,*designed to keep the TV bezel looking its best with less fingerprints.

* except for 58 and 65 inch class.

U2 Series

Panasonic’s VIERA U2 series will be available in two screen sizes – the TC-P50U2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9” measured diagonally) and the TC-P42U2, a 42-inch class HDTV (41.6” measured diagonally). The U2 line of VIERA Plasma HDTVs feature 600 Hz Sub-field Drive, VIERA Image Viewer to watch digital still JPEG images, three HDMI connections, VIERA Link and 1080p Full HD resolution. The panels are lead and mercury free and are rated up to 100,000 hours, at which time they will achieve half brightness.

C2 Series

While Panasonic’s focus in 2010 continues to be on High Definition 1080p HDTVs, the C2 series presents a line of 720- Plasma HDTVs which help Panasonic deliver on its promise to satisfy consumer demands for differing HDTV resolution options. The TC-P50C2, a 50-inch class HDTV (49.9” measured diagonally), TC-P46C2, a 46-inch class HDTV (46” measured diagonally) and the TC-P42C2, a 42-inch HDTV (41.6” measured diagonally) offer spectacular picture performance with a 600Hz Sub-field Drive that delivers razor-sharp resolution, VIERA Image Viewer for viewing and sharing digital photos with friends and family, music slideshow functionality, and VIERA Link. Like the other members of the 2010 Panasonic VIERA HDTV line the C2 series contains no lead or mercury in the panel and the TVs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours.

Availability and pricing will be announced 30 days prior to shipping.

At CES 2010, Panasonic unveiled a wireless speaker system specifically designed for its Full HD 3D Home Theater System.  As you can see the speakers are very slim, pole-like designs.  The wireless system allows you to place speakers in any location in your room without worrying about tripping over speaker wires.

The SC-ZT2 speakers should be available in June 2010.  More details in the Panasonic press release below.

Panasonic Press Room

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2010) – Panasonic today announced the launch of its first fully wireless home theater audio system made for Full HD 3D. The new SC-ZT2 can transmit Full HD 3D signals from the Full HD 3D Blu-ray DiscTM Player to the Full HD 3D TV, without the need for speaker cables. With the SC-ZT2, home theater enthusiasts, including those with 3D theater systems, can do away with speaker cables and arrange speakers throughout the room without worrying about tripping hazards or unsightly cables crossing the floor.

The SC-ZT2 is compatible with Audio Return Channel (ARC), which allows receiving audio signal from the TV through a single HDMI cable. This new feature simplifies the set-up by eliminating the need for a separate optical audio connection. It also supports 3D images and Full HD video.

Panasonic’s advanced proprietary virtual technology lets users enjoy Dolby® TrueHD and DTS™-HD 7.1-channel surround sound with only two speakers. Each speaker houses four one-inch tweeters. These tweeters are vertically aligned and emit sounds parallel to the floor enabling one to listen from anywhere in the room, regardless of lying down or sitting on a sofa. Also with the ultra-slim pole design for minimal unwanted sound reflections, the SC-ZT2 delivers crisp, clear sounds directly to the listeners.

The speakers also boast an integrated long-stroke woofer, with a diameter of approximately five inches, which generates sounds from the low-frequency range to deep bass that is typically produced by subwoofers. It uses a Down-Fire structure which uses the floor as an acoustical reflector to produce dynamic bass sounds that are extremely robust for the size of the speakers. With woofers in both speaker stands, listeners experience rich bass sounds from the front, back, left and right sides of the system.

Elegant and space-saving, the Panasonic SC-ZT2 wireless audio system includes two ultra slim pole speakers and a wireless receiver. It is an ideal complement to a flat-panel TV and Blu-ray player. The SC-ZT2 will be available in June 2010.

Panasonic will be filming US Speedskating competitions and practices in Full HD 3D this year as part of their push toward the release of the Panasonic Full HD 3D Home Theater system later in 2010.

Panasonic’s 3D TVs are top tier based on what I saw at CES 2010.  I expect their content to be solid once it hits living rooms and I’m sure Speedskating will be some great content to see in Full HD 3D.

More details on the US Speedskating coverage can be found in the press release below.

Panasonic Press Release

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2010) – Panasonic, a worldwide leader in the development of High Definition and Full HD 3D TV technologies, announced today that it has become the Official Audio & Video Equipment partner for US Speedskating through the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

As part of the sponsorship, Panasonic will capture US Speedskating competitions and practices in the coming months in Full HD 3D to create the first living 3D chronicle of an Olympic sport. Panasonic is leading the development of Full HD 3D TV for the home and worked closely with Hollywood studios to develop a 3D HD home entertainment standard. The company’s first Full HD 3D Home Theater system will debut in 2010. More information on Panasonic’s Full HD 3D technology for the home is available at www.panasonic.com/3D/.

“As a worldwide Olympic sponsor, we are proud to support US Speedskating as the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver approach,” said Bob Greenberg, Vice President of Corporate Brand Marketing for Panasonic Corporation of North America. “Speedskating is a fast, highly visual, and exciting sport that takes center stage in the world of sports during the Olympics. Panasonic is also on the verge of taking center stage in the next generation of home entertainment with the debut of our Full HD 3D Home Theater system. We are looking forward to capturing the high speed action of Speedskating in Full HD 3D video and showcasing the truly immersive, blur-free images that consumers will be able to enjoy when this amazing technology makes its debut next year.”

US Speedskating is honored to add Panasonic to our list of sponsors as we head toward the 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said Bob Crowley, US Speedskating Executive Director. “The ability to bring Panasonic technology to our team as they prepare for these Games can only add to their potential for competitive success. Featuring the high speed, the power and grace, and the athleticism of speedskating will provide a terrific platform for the Full HD 3D technology that Panasonic has developed. Our Olympic Team is very appreciative of this support.”

The sponsorship also includes a range of print and online branding initiatives as well as promotional elements including the appearance of Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Truck Tour at select US Speedskating events across the US and the use of Panasonic products in an upcoming US Speedskating sweepstakes details of which will be announced at a later date.

Panasonic is in the process of developing a twin-lens camcorder that is intended to capture Full HD 1080p video as 3D footage.  This is part of its professional 3D Full HD production system.

Panasonic is really pushing the 3D tech hard.  It’s good for them to get out in front of the curve with R&D because as consumer demand grows, studios and filmakers are going to be looking for the easiest manner in which to churn out 3D content.  So, kudos to Panasonic for getting our 3D TV here faster.

More details in the press release below.

LAS VEGAS, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Panasonic Corporation, a world leader in High Definition technology, today announced it will start developing a professional 3D Full HD production system. The system, which is expected to be the first of its kind in the industry, consists of a twin-lens P2 professional camera recorder and a 3D-compatible High Definition Plasma display. Panasonic will exhibit concept models of the 3D system at its booth (Central Hall #3712) at NAB 2009 to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 20, 2009.

With Hollywood studios moving towards creation of more 3D entertainment content, Panasonic successfully debuted the world’s first 3D Full HD Plasma Home Theater System based on Plasma display and Blu-ray Disc technologies at the CEATEC trade show in Japan in September 2008. More recently, the company also established the Advanced Authoring Center within Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory in February 2009 to support Hollywood studios in developing 3D Full HD Blu-ray Disc titles.

Production of 3D movies requires a great deal of time and effort. With the new 3D production system, which can enable an easier and more efficient 3D production process and environment, Panasonic will contribute to accelerating the realization of easier high-quality 3D content production.

At present, 3D content producers have to hand-build their own 3D production systems by physically connecting multiple 2D production devices. Panasonic is now starting to work on developing a twin-lens, 3D camera system. Also, Panasonic’s Plasma displays have been used in many post-production facilities in Hollywood, thanks to their high-quality imaging performance, which has been endorsed by leading Hollywood professionals. Technologies and expertise obtained from their use in post-production has enabled Panasonic to further develop high-quality 3D viewing performance in its Plasma technologies. As a result of this process, Panasonic’s 3D Plasma display system will help 3D content producers to quickly and easily evaluate the image quality of 3D content.

Each component of Panasonic’s innovative 3D Full HD production system has unique features. The twin-lens P2 camera recorder enables the capturing of natural and high-quality live 3D images. Thanks to the non-mechanical solid-state construction of the P2 system, the camera recorder will be compact enough to allow more flexible 3D shooting, thereby maximizing the creativity of the filmmakers by eliminating the stress factor from the use of the equipment.

3D Full HD recording using Panasonic’s proprietary P2 system also enables recording of two channels of Full HD images on the P2 card. P2′s non-mechanical construction and compactness will also be incorporated into the company’s 3D image recording and editing equipment to make production in the field highly flexible and efficient.

Panasonic’s 3D Drive System enables the display of Full HD moving pictures for the left and the right eyes, so large screen 3D viewing will become possible. The excellent moving picture performance and accurate color reproduction characteristics achieved by Plasma’s self-illuminating technology enables the realization of high-quality 3D image evaluation capabilities required in the professional content production field.

“Panasonic is continuing its efforts to enable consumers to enjoy 3D movies in the comfort of their own living rooms with its 3D Full HD Plasma Home Theater System, which incorporates a Plasma HDTV and a Blu-ray Disc player,” said Dr. Paul Liao, Chief Technology Officer of Panasonic Corporation of North America. “The professional 3D Full HD image production system we are going to develop will improve the 3D production environment and accelerate creation of 3D titles.”