Panasonic introduces three series of VIERA Full HD 3D plasma HDTVs in 2011: the VT series,  the GT series and the ST series. Panasonic also offers two series of budget plasma HDTVs without 3D.

The  VIERA VT30 series

The VIERA VT30 series has a unique one sheet glass sleek design.   In addition to 3D viewing, the VIERA VT30 series features VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready, 3D VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG 2D digital still images, 3D digital still images and both 2D & 3D HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card, VIERA Link that utilizes HDMI- CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to operate all VIERA Link compatible A/V components, DLNA technology to provide interconnectivity with other DLNA equipped components,  fast switching phosphors,  a RS232C/ISF connection and an Infinite Black Pro 2 panel.  Connectivity includes a PC input, three USB Ports and  four HDMI inputs. One pair of 3D glasses was included in the VT30 series.

The VT30 series, along with the GT30 and ST30 series below has  VIERA Connect service, featuring Skype video/voice calling. VIERA Connect also provides USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory. VIERA Connect offers an extensive list of Internet services including:  Amazon Video-on-Demand,  Netflix, Skype, Pandora, Twitter, Fox Sports, Google’s YouTube, Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg and a weather service, along with a number of new interactive and entertainment sites, including Napster, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, Facebook and access to such sport sites as NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS2.

The  TC-PVT30 series are the successor of the last year popular TC-PVT25 series 3D plasma TV. The major improvement of the VT30 series over the VT25 series is the addition of the ”Infinite Black Pro 2 Panel.” Panasonic claimed  the panel “raises the luminous efficiency while minimizing pre-discharge, resulting in even more subtle, delicate blacks, in both dark and bright environments than last year’s Infinite Black Pro Panel provided.”

The Panasonic TC-PVT30 series includes two models:

• TC-P55VT30  55-inch, available April, $2799
• TC-P65VT30  65 inch, available May, $4299

The VIERA GT30 series

The GT30 series features an Infinite Black 2 Panel, VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready with included LAN (through USB port), Skype Video/Voice calling, 3D VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG 2D digital still images, 3D digital still images and both 2D & 3D HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card, DLNA compatibility, VIERA Link,THX certification3,  fast switching phosphors and a 600Hz Sub-field Drive.  Connectivity includes four HDMI inputs, three USB ports and a PC input.

The GT30 series is Panasonic middle range plasma 3D TV.  This series includes four models:

• 65-inch TC-P65GT30, available May ca $3699.95
• 60-inch TC-P60GT30, available May, ca $2799.95
• 55-inch TC-P55GT30, available March, ca $2199.95
• 50-inch TC-P50GT30, available March, ca $1899.95

Comparing with top of the line VT30 series, the GT30 series does not have the infinite Black Pro2 panel, 24p playback and the included one pair of 3D glasses.

The GT30 series is very similar with the step down ST30 series, except the GT30 series is THX certificated.

The VIERA ST30 series

The ST30 Full HD 3D HDTVs feature Infinite Black 2 Panel, VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi Ready with LAN (through USB port); Skype Video/Voice calling, 3D VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG 2D digital still images, 3D digital still images and both 2D & 3D HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card,  DLNA compatibility, VIERA Link,  fast switching phosphors and 600Hz Sub-field Drive.  Connectivity includes three HDMI inputs and  two USB ports.

The VIERA ST30 series has six screen sizes:

• TC-P65ST30, 65-inch,  available May, $3299
• TC-P60ST30, 60-inch, available May, $2399
• TC-P55ST30, 55-inch,  available February, $1799
• TC-P50ST30, 50-inch, available February, $1499
• TC-P46ST30, 46-inch, available February,  $1299
• TC-P42ST30, 42-inch, available February,  $1099

Source:

Engadget